Lake Martin Living April 2024

The County's First Bank Eagle Award for BRHS senior Dr. Phillips' A Spot of Tea

Waterscape inspired design with a fresh & salty point of view.

Jes & Gray

Sometimes, on a drive to work, I look around. Not at the road, but at the scenery in front of me: the old houses with porches full of chairs and grills; the old, painted bricks that make up downtown Alexander City; the people walking along the sidewalks near Stephen’s Elementary School.

The scene is largely the same each morning. But it’s not about whether there’s anything new, necessarily. It’s about what I am noticing. Sometimes, I make a decision to look around me, to try and notice something new on the drive I’ve taken hundreds of times before. And I always can. And it makes my day a little better.

I think that same philosophy applies to many of the stories in this issue of Lake Martin Living. These pages contain stories of people and places you might overlook, but who, upon closer inspection, prove compelling.

On page 24, read about Jackson Colley, a senior at Benjamin Russell High School who built a seemingly innocuous structure for his Eagle Scout Project. His time and effort were recognized, and he won a statewide award for it.

Flip to page 12 to learn about the history of the Tallapoosa County Bank, the county’s first bank and a source of great history. This building has passed through many hands of ownership throughout the years and was recently restored to a style similar to that of its original glory in the late 19th century.

Read about Russell Medical’s beloved Dr. Regina Phillips on page 26, and discover some insight into serving the perfect tea, as well as the process of writing her new book, A Spot of Tea: Effortless Elegance Hosting Your Perfect British Afternoon Tea Party

Until next time,

Ben Smith, Editor

After enjoying afternoon tea as part of her annual travel to Great Britain, Wound Care and Hyberbaric Medicine’s Dr. Regina Phillips authored a guide for local hostesses. A Spot of Tea: Effortless Elegance Hosting Your Perfect British Afternoon Tea Party is available at amazon.com.

IN EVERY ISSUE

FEATURES

12 THE PAST REVEALED A renovation project in Dadeville uncovered the history of the county's first bank.

22. JACKSON COLLEY Alabama State Parks' most prestigious Eagle Award goes to an unassuming BRHS student.

26. A SPOT OF TEA A Russell Medical physician segues her passion for afternoon tea into a bucket list book to guide hostesses.

AROUND THE AREA

HSB FFA excels at county and state levels

Last February, Future Farmers of America chapters across Tallapoosa County faced off in the Ag Olympics, a series of challenges and games designed to connect FFA chapters across the county and celebrate the conclusion of FFA Week. The event took place at Horseshoe Bend High School and featured former Alabama State Senator Tom Whatley as a guest speaker. Horseshoe Bend won this year’s contest.

Later in February, Horseshoe Bend FFA sent four students to compete in a seperate competition, the Alabama Envirothon, a statewide threeday contest testing knowledge in soil, aquatics, forestry and wildlife. It was the school’s first time at the competition.

The Ag Olympics have teams of FFA members compete in a handful of activities, such as the stick rodeo, milk bottle flip, egg race, pie eating contest, hay bale bench press, tire flip, cornhole tournament, sponge race and farm chore relay.

“We get really serious about dumb games,” FFA member Harper Hunter said.

BRHS Junior joins state leadership team

Ashton Lamberth was named Vice President of Chapter Relations for Alabama Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA). HOSA is an organization that prepares its members to become leaders within the healthcare industry through networking, competition and community. High school students can be members from their freshman to junior years. Lamberth is now in his third year as a HOSA member.

“I feel like the most important duty is to serve the organization with unequivocal compassion, be a constant source of inspiration and empower the next generation of young professionals,” Lamberth said. “I want to use those three key points to catalyze what I want to do for our state association.”

~ Melody Rathel

Ninth graders Dale Smith, Brandon Green, River Clowdus and Brayden Mann created a 20-minute presentation on clean energy. The only information the team had to use was prior knowledge alongside information presented in classes over the course of the three-day event. The team placed 12th statewide.

President answers local seventh grader's letter

Malorie Shores, a seventh grade English and journalism teacher at Alexander City Middle School, gave her students an assignment to write a letter to an accomplished figure of their choice. Students were tasked with asking their chosen figure for advice, questions about their career or anything else they were curious about.

Brooklyn Goolsby, a student in Shores’ journalism class, chose to write a letter to President Joe Biden for the assignment. In her letter, she included questions about his life and what he did to achieve his position.

Goolsby did not expect a response; however, a notable delivery arrived at ACMS Tuesday morning: a letter,

postmarked by the White House.

“She was very excited,” Shores said, “She said, ‘I never really thought I would get a response,’ and she did. Now it’s something she can keep forever.”

In his letter, Biden described what it’s like to live in the White House alongside First Lady of the U.S. Jill Biden and their tabby cat named Willow. Biden said in his letter that Goolsby herself could live in the White House one day if she maintains her hard work.

“I was so impressed that he actually answered her questions,” Shores said. “Versus something like a standard blanket letter.”

~ Melody Rathel

Placing Well on First Trip to State Competition

Brandon Green, Dale Smith, River Clowdus and Brayden Mann represented Horseshoe Bend at the Alabama Envirothon.

Ashton Lamberth

Cornerstone Coffee

STORY BY ERIN CHESTNUTT PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER

Gina Sanders always wanted a way to help people connect with one another. She opened Cornerstone Coffee Company in Eclectic almost eight years ago, and since then, her vision has flourished.

“Coffee connects people,” said Sanders. “We wanted a place where people could gather and enjoy each other’s company.”

Cornerstone Coffee Company serves common ground coffee from a roaster out of Montgomery Sanders serves homemade cinnamon rolls and sausage biscuits each morning until they are gone. She makes 1 pan of each item, and they usually sell out quickly.

Sanders enjoys serving local regulars and meeting people passing through from different states, but her store has a deeper purpose. To her, it is also a

ministry. The store’s name was inspired by a bible verse: 1 Corinthians 9:12. Sanders uses her shop to help others, part of her goal to promote kindness and compassion. She runs one promotion called Pastor Perks, which provides free coffee for ministers. She also helps raise awareness and funds for Hope Hearts, a local ministry that helps feed children in Uganda.

“A friend, Wanda Fontaine, brings in items that we sell,” said Sanders. “She is committed to helping feed 10 children each month. $30 will feed one child for a month, so we are happy to help her by displaying her items.”

In addition, Sanders tries to bring people together in creative ways. On May 11, she plans on hosting local artists and authors at Cornerstone Coffee in an event called Maykers Market. It will be a pop-up shop where people can put their creativity on display.

“I believe everyone has a gift they can share with others,” said Sanders. “Sometimes, they just need a place so show what their gift is. I want to offer our shop as a special place to display those talents.”

Sanders’ love of literature is evident in the store. Each quarter, she chooses a classic work of literature and creates specialty coffee and tea drinks, with names and flavors referencing characters and themes from the book. The theme for spring is Secret Garden and specialty lattes, espressos, coffee and tea concoctions are all featured at the counter. Sanders also is planning a special book event she hopes will further her ministry.

“It will be a kind of a blind-date book club” said Sanders.

Books will be covered in brown paper, with only the theme of the book written on the front. Patrons

will select a book, and then are given a date to return to the shop, where they will have the opportunity to purchase a delicious coffee and meet others who read the same book.

Cornerstone Cozy Clockwise from Facing Page: Gina Sanders created a relaxing, light-filled atmosphere in the coffee shop; Customers are invited to make themselves at home: A vine shades an outdoor seating area; Guests write prayer requests on cards.

“It’s just another way to bring people together. Many of the books are from local authors, and it helps them as well,” said Sanders.

Cornerstone Coffee Company is located at 12 Kowaliga Road in Eclectic and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Past Revealed

STORY BY BEN SMITH PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA HIMES

At 121 N. Tallassee Street stands an old building. Its rainwaterstained red and black bricks have been there for over 120 years. Its architecture is reminiscent of a time before telephones and automobiles.

This building was the Tallapoosa County Bank. It was built in 1894, the first bank in the entire county. The building was constructed by William Gray, a prominent Dadeville businessman who was said to have been the wealthiest man in the county at the time.

The bank was a blessing to an area that had previously been without one. It would have provided Tallapoosa County residents with far more options for saving, storing, lending and transferring money, allowing the area more opportunities to grow economically. With a bank, loans could be made for people to buy land, buildings or livestock without having to have the entirety of the money upfront or being in dept to a personal lender. Some in Tallapoosa County even paid the bank in alternative ways, such as one man who paid in installments of hay.

However, around the 1930s, banks across the United States failed, leading to a total economic collapse that would eventually be known as the Great Depression. The Tallapoosa County bank closed in 1931, along with over 9,000 other banks across the United States.

The building sat dormant until the 1950s, when it was purchased by Marian Tucker and converted into the Tucker Insurance Agency. Doing so required plenty of renovations. So, drywall was put up over old fireplaces, and the walk-in bank vault was made less visible. What was once a staple of history from half a century prior had been transformed into a simple office space. It remained that way for some time.

“I only went in there a few times, and I never even realized the vault was there. I would just go in to say hello or visit with them,” said Sharon Gaither, secretary of the Tallapoosa Historical Society.

Gaither has been with the historical society since 1970. Her organization’s museum was located in a loft just above the bank. She and others remember the old building as an insurance office, owned by Marian Tucker. In 2003, Tucker passed away, leaving Banking on Dadeville

A renovation at the former Tallapoosa County Bank in Dadeville uncovered original fireplaces, ceilings and floors.

ownership of the building to change until arriving in the hands of two business partners in July of 2023. One of those partners was Anne Marie Jones.

To Jones, it was important that the history of the building be made apparent. She and her partner bought the building with the hopes of restoring as much Dadeville history as possible while keeping the space commercially viable.

“The truth is, I bought it because I love the local history,” said Jones. “My co-owner and I are very interested in the revitalization of the town. But also, very interested in all of the history. And so, when I found out that the building was going to be coming up for sale, I wanted to do some restoration, so it could be part of the community and able to bring a business into it. And make it so people who had never even seen the inside of the building could see the inside of the building.”

The original building, built in the late 19th century, was constructed by first placing the walk-in iron vault. The rest of the building was constructed around that vault, and double-layered bricks were put up to create the walls and roof of the bank. The wooden plank floorboards were added last.

Renovations to the building began with the removal of three layers of dropped ceiling tiles. Underneath was the original pinewood ceiling, which also comprised the upstairs sub floor. The sheetrock wall partitions, the staple of any stereotypical office space, were removed as well, which uncovered two fireplaces originally built while the bank was operational. It unveiled original wainscoting from the early 20th century, as well as trim bearing the same green paint that would have been seen by cashiers and bank patrons over a hundred years prior. Jones and her business partner remarked on how much they enjoyed sharing this recently uncovered history with the previous owners of the building.

“For decades, nobody even ever had walked inside this building,” said Jones. “And also, since 1950, nobody knew that that original wainscotting and those fireplaces even existed. The people we bought it from didn’t even know that existed. When I called them and started sending them pictures of it all, they were just blown away and so excited to see it.”

Discovery Top:

An old photograph of bank officers and employees has been framed and hangs in the building today; Center: Two bells in the vault will be hung to the right and left of the outer vault door; Left: These antique dimes were found in the vault during the remodel.

Much of the bank was either missing or past repair, so Jones sourced periodappropriate materials from around the area to fill out the early 20th century look. Jones added mantels to the fireplaces, sourced from an old home in Columbus, Georgia, that was built during the same time period as the bank. In addition, Jones found old-fashioned bank teller

windows from the Tennessee Valley Bank in North Alabama.

A Silent Past

When it was built in 1894, the county's first bank transformed economics for everyone who lived here in one way or another.

The restoration of the bank is something local historian Sharon Gaither can get behind. As someone who has borne witness to so much Dadeville history, and someone who has served as a repository for all that history, she is glad to see other means of passing down the stories of Dadeville. The bank is not only part of Dadeville’s history; it’s also part of the city’s identity.

“It is so important we remember our past. Because it affects our futures,” she said. “There are so many important things that people need to know about their little hometown. I think it gives them more pride in taking care of it and remembering this is what we used to be.”

The Tallapoosa County Bank Building is currently offered for sale, with the intent of finding a new owner who will not only honor the history of the building, but also bring a vision to contribute to the revitalization of the Dadeville town square.

GARDEN Companions

Plants that help each other grow

Companion planting involves carefully selecting different varieties of plants to grow in the same space, a garden practice that has been used for hundreds of years to reduce pests, attract pollinating insects and increase the overall growth of plants. At the same time, companion planting can fill a garden with a variety of colors and smells that will add to its overall look.

Growing Together

Previous Pages: Marigolds help to deter pests on other garden plants; Above Left: Red clover adds nutrients to the soil for use by broccoli and other vegetables; Early radishes prevent erosion and increase soil health for late season vegetables.

GARDEN TALK

Companion planting makes efficient use of space in both small and large gardens. The radish is a good example. It grows best in the cooler weather before the summer heat sets in. It is low growing and does not take up too much vertical space, meaning it can be planted in rows between warm season veggies like tomatoes and eggplants. The radishes will be ready to harvest in three to four weeks, before the tomatoes and eggplants grow tall and shade the areas underneath them. The radish serves as a ground cover, increasing soil health, preventing erosion and acting as a barrier for weeds. In this way, the tomatoes and radishes will benefit one another.

Space can also be saved by using certain plants as trellises to support the growth and display of climbing plants. Corn and vining beans are prime examples. Corn is planted earlier in the year than pole beans. Once it is harvested, the stalks provide a natural trellis for the beans to climb. And in turn, the beans will fix the nitrogen in the soil. The nitrogen may not be available immediately, but nitrogenloving plants will reap the benefit later in the season.

Companions can help out with the control of insects.

The chemicals exuded by the roots of marigolds help control nematode population in a garden; however, this works only if marigolds are grown as a cover crop. Research suggests that basil will deter thrips on tomatoes, and from my own experiences, I’ve found that basil deters tomato-horned worms. Scented herbs and flowering plants (garlic, onions, thyme, mints) have been used for years as pest deterrents.

Companion plants can attract beneficial insects as well as deter harmful ones. Some insects act as a miniature army, pollinating flowers, eating pests and enriching the soil. Green lacewings devour aphids, thrips, mealy bugs and insect eggs around nectar-producing plants such as sunflowers, tansy, and buckwheat. Other insects such as parasitic wasps parasitize the eggs and larvae of tomato hornworms, cabbage loopers, aphids and whiteflies.

Companion plants can be planted strategically to attract insect pests. Trap crops can act as bait, reducing overall insect numbers and drawing insects away from plants intended for harvest. Sunflowers can be planted in a border around tomatoes (as well as sorghum) and will lure in stink bugs, leaffooted bugs and other pests. Once a large amount has been attracted to the trap crop, a pesticide can be sprayed in a single area to prevent insects from migrating over to the tomatoes once the trap crop is spent.

Other benefits of companion plantings include the protection of soil health and reduction of erosion. Companion planting between rows of later-maturing crops protects soil that would otherwise be bare. This helps prevent erosion and reduces weed growth. Plants

Dani Carroll

with different root structures also protect soil health by keeping living roots in the soil. Roots help aerate the soil and allow plants to pull nutrients from different parts of the soil profile. Root vegetables like carrots or potatoes have tap roots or tubers that can help break up compaction in the soil, while crops that draw water and nutrients from further down in the soil act as great companions for short-rooted crops, as the two will not compete much for nutrients and water.

Growing plants that put nutrients back into the soil is another great way to maximize soil health. Legumes (peas, beans and clover) fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and can reduce total fertilizer needs. Legumes such as snap peas or green beans can be planted as other crops begin to increase in size.

The benefits of companion planting are endless. Start with a well-researched plan. Draw your veggie gardens out on paper and decide what to grow for the next couple of seasons. Then, fill in the gaps with companion plants and covers to bring the garden to life.

~Dani Carroll is a regional Extension agent for home horticulture serving East Central Alabama.

Focaccia Bread

Since ancient Rome, one bread has stood the test of time, captivating others with its rustic charm. Focaccia Bread has been a favorite for centuries and continues as a staple in kitchens around the world due to its appeal and versatility.

This Easy Focaccia Bread recipe is simple and has lots of flavor, but it takes time and some planning. It is one of the most satisfying kinds of bread to make and eat, with its golden crust and airy texture. It tastes just as delicious as bread from a bakery, but it’s made at home.

Focaccia bread is an interesting bread that is different from traditional breadmaking. The dough can be a bit gloopy, which is normal, and it does not require kneading. As long as your water temperature is correct, this is a fail-proof recipe, making it great for beginner bakers.

The secret to this focaccia lies in the overnight process of allowing the dough to rest, develop its flavor, and give the yeast plenty of time to work its magic. Despite the wait, the process is one of the most satisfying experiences in breadmaking. It’s a labor of love that rewards with each delicious bite.

Whether served warm from the oven, dipped in olive oil or made into a sandwich, this easy overnight recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Savor the moments and find joy in the simple pleasures

Versatile and Delicious

Clockwise from Above: Focaccia bread makes a great sandwich; cheesy garlic bread as a side dish; or an artisan appetizer with herbed olive oil.

that unfold when you create something extraordinary. Happy Baking!

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

Focaccia Bread Recipe

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons salt

2-1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) Rapid Rise Instant Yeast

2 cups warm water

1 teaspoon soft butter (for greasing pan)

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided Italian seasoning or finely chopped fresh herbs

Prepare the Dough

In a medium-large bowl, combine flour, salt and yeast. Stir well. Add the warm water (about 120 degrees F), which you can measure with a kitchen thermometer to be sure it’s the right temperature. Mix with a wooden spoon or a rubber spatula until all the flour is well incorporated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least eight hours and up to 24 hours.

Second Rise

After eight to 24 hours, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Lightly butter the bottom and sides of two 9-inch cake pans. Line the pans with parchment paper. Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into each pan and spread to cover the bottom. Divide the dough in half with a large spoon or rubber spatula and place one piece in the center of each pan.

Cover each pan tightly with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for two to three hours. After resting, the dough should cover most of the pan. If not, use your finger and guide the dough to the edges.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees with a rack positioned in the center.

Drizzle another tablespoon of oil over each round of dough. With oiled fingertips, press straight down to create deep dimples that go through the dough (you’ll be making deep indentions). If necessary, gently stretch the dough as you go to allow it to fill the pan.

Sprinkle dough tops with Italian seasoning, fresh herbs, black pepper and sea salt. (See notes for more options.)

Transfer the pans to the oven and bake for 22 to 28 minutes until the tops are golden and the undersides are crisp. Remove the pans from the oven. Remove bread rounds from the pans with a spatula and transfer to a cooling rack.

Serve warm. Store leftovers in an airtight bag or container.

Suggested Toppings

• Minced garlic and cheese

• Fresh herbs and Italian seasoning

• Caramelized onions, tomatoes and cheese

Jackson Colley: Eagle Award

Wind Creek State Park has gone through some changes in the last few years. But much of it is still the same: still ripe with tall, handsome trees, still home to quiet lake shores, and in the summertime, its campgrounds are still filled with kids laughing and playing and the smell of coalpowered grills heating up.

You may not notice amidst many of the more prominent upgrades, but there are three new structures at the park. They are wooden kiosks, shaped like outdoor bulletin boards, covered by metal awnings. Two are located near the beaches, containing life preservers and emergency contact numbers for swimmers. The other is located near the trailhead and provides a map of the park and its trails, as well as any other notices the park authorities believe may be important information for attendees.

thought. But thought went into their designs and locations. Money was spent on the materials, and sweat was spent putting them together.

Jackson Colley, a senior at Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City, is to credit for these small but important improvements to the park.

Colley is a Scout, and the idea for these park improvements was first broached when he began looking for ways to complete his Eagle Scout Service Project. The Eagle Project is a culmination of all the skills, leadership and service a scout has attained up until that point, and it is a necessary requirement to attain the penultimate rank of Eagle Scout. Colley had attended Wind Creek State Park since he was a child. He cares about the park, and as such, was happy to spend his time making it a little safer. Plus, he knows the dangers inherent to any body of water that is without a lifeguard.

It’s easy to pass by these structures without a second

“I have a friend whose brother passed away from

STORY BY BEN SMITH

Jackson Colley

drowning at the lake,” said Colley. “There have been drownings at Wind Creek. It’s a swim-at-your-ownrisk area down there. So, I wanted something where, even if it was only going to save one life, it’d be worth all the work.”

Highest Honors Facing Page: Colley (second from right) received his award alongside seven other Alabama State Parks winners; Right: His project could save lives.

The first part of the project involved fundraising. Colley canvassed members of his church and neighborhood, eventually raising around $2,000. This money provided lumber for the project, which, in June of 2022, was relatively high on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Colley drew up blueprints for the kiosks, and then he, his father and mother and a handful of fellow scouts worked together building the structure. In all, the project took around 50 hours from start to finish, an amount of time Colley said was “not too long.”

His actions did not go unrecognized, however. In January, he was presented with the Eagle Award by the Alabama State Parks Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The award recognizes people and organizations that have contributed greatly to Alabama State Parks. Colley’s company includes seven others from across Alabama, including a state representative, a longtime conservationist and the creator of the Alabama State Parks Foundation.

“I didn’t even know I was nominated,” Colley said. “But we got a call saying that I’d been nominated by several people for the award. So, I thought it was a fantastic thing to get that opportunity. Because you know, whenever you set out to do something like that, the goal should never really be to get an award. But I just think it’s a great opportunity to be able to share some of the great things about our state parks.”

To Colley, service is an everyday thing. He believes he owes it to his community to give back to it, because he himself has been given so much by the same people and organizations he hopes to serve.

“I do it because a lot of people in the community have helped me out,” said Colley. “Like with my dad, you know, he’s helped me through all this process. And especially my church, and the church members who have always supported me. Or my FFA advisor, Josh Williams, who’s taught me how to do things. And just knowing that this community has always helped me with sponsorships and stuff. Or, if I ever need to learn something, I know that I can go to them. I want to do the same thing and help other people the way that I’ve been helped.”

A Spot of Tea

STORY BY BETSY ILER

BY KENNETH BOONE

PHOTOS

Dr. Regina Phillips balances a busy medical career with another delicate endeavor that demands precision, adherence to protocols and undivided attention: She serves afternoon tea in the British tradition. And though she never meant it for public perusal, she recently wrote a book to guide others in the practice that has provided her much delight and many hours of relaxation.

“I just wondered if I could actually write a book. It has been a bucket list item of mine. So, I was taking a writing class, to challenge my left brain with a right brain activity,” said Phillips, a physician for 32 years, who since 2016, has served the Lake Martin community as medical director at Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Russell Medical. “The class assignment was to write a 5,000 word book. Most people in the class were writing travel logs, but I didn’t want to write about travel.”

Still, it was travel that lead Phillips to research the history and tradition of enjoying afternoon tea with friends old and new.

“My mother and I take a trip every year. We usually go somewhere in Great Britain, and one year, we went to London,” Phillips said. “We’d been shopping, and we stopped in at a place that served afternoon tea. I’ve love it ever since.”

Scotland and England.

Over the years, Phillips has collected accoutrements of the centuries-old tradition, from the diminutive silver tea strainer to the caddy, sugar bowl and creamer from Buckingham Palace, emblazoned with Queen Victoria’s crest. Phillips delights in bringing home the savory and sweet treats that are offered in the salons of Europe and enjoys them with a cup of tea when she comes home from work. She saves them for those times when she sits in the living room with her mother or when entertaining friends on a spring afternoon.

Time, Travel, Togetherness and Tea

Previous Pages: Author and Physician Regina Phillips (foreground) discusses the fine points of afternoon tea with Carol Griffin, medical student Brooke Pileggi, Karen Treadwell and Betsy Iler: Above: As hostess, Phillips pours a Queen Anne blend for her guests.

Phillip’s mother, Carol Griffin, sowed the seeds of her daughter’s tea adventures early in Phillip’s life.

“We lived 7 miles out of town at Old Spring Hill between Demopolis and Linden, and she was a country girl. Such a tomboy,” Griffin said. “If I could ever get her to put up her guns and her boots, we played house with a small china tea set. It’s the only girly thing I could get her to do, so I played it up big.”

The memories of those tea parties with her mother sprang to life again in the quaint British tea room where the two enjoyed an afternoon’s respite. Conversing, sipping tea from delicate cups and nibbling at delicious savories and pastries on elegant china plates was a delightful way to pass the time from mid to late afternoon. After that first charming and very proper afternoon tea experience, Phillips and her mother partook of the tradition every afternoon of their visit. Now, tea is an integral part of their annual travels. They have shared afternoon tea in Ireland,

“It’s fun to make it fancy,” she said. “It’s an excuse to unpack the china, which we never use. We don’t do enough to enjoy living, to gather for fellowship, celebrate friendships and hear everyone’s stories.”

The lack of such social opportunities became evident during the pandemic when most gatherings were ill advised.

“We haven’t really gotten over that yet. Today, we can be so isolated, and very quickly, that leads to loneliness, anxiety and depression. I see that in my work every day,” Phillips said. “As a physician, I see the importance of making eye contact, touching appropriately. Those things are part of healing.

“Tea is an extension of what I do all the time. It’s engaging in social time with people, truly enjoying being with them, making new friends, learning things about them I didn’t know.”

A Spot of Tea: Effortless Elegance Hosting Your Perfect British Afternoon Tea Party, published last month and now available at amazon.com, is 9,000 words – 56 pages – of everything a hostess might need to know to launch an elegant affair. Phillips includes everything from dos and don’ts of preparing an event to the correct seating of guests, pouring techniques and traditional menu items. She explains the arduous process of creating traditional clotted cream but also notes it’s perfectly acceptable to take shortcuts.

Phillips assists hostesses with suggestions for the table setting, lighting, music and flowers. She reviews the history of the afternoon tea, the many varieties of tea available and offers cultural insights into the partaking of tea around the world. Her book includes lists of the essential serving components and traditional menus for a casual but

elegant afternoon tea and refers to websites where recipes for finger sandwiches, scones and sweet treats can be found.

She researched the legacy of afternoon tea, adding to the knowledge she has gleaned through years of enjoying the tradition at home and abroad – all to further a seldom-observed art of socializing.

Most importantly, Phillips invites her readers to the joy of sharing afternoon tea, letting the conversations wander from books to childhood stories, life lessons, hopes, dreams and bucket lists. The art, she said, is in setting aside time to honor her guests, making the event fun and fancy with whatever finery is available and suits the occasion, as afternoon tea is the art of elevating the import and simplicity of human interaction with grace, style and sincere appreciation.

Afternoon Delights

Right: Sandwiches are eaten first, then scones and finally, the sweets; Below: A Spot of Tea book; Bottom: Phillips (right) explains the proper table arrangements for afternoon tea.

AWatch Your Mouth

nyone who has ever been to the dentist remembers the part where the dentist grabs your tongue with a piece of gauze and sees how far he can stretch it out of your mouth, toward each eye and each shoulder. You may not believe it, but he’s not trying to torture you. He’s looking under your tongue and in the corners of your mouth for precancerous lesions.

April is Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer Month. In English, it’s the month where we educate about cancers of the mouth, tongue, gums, lips and the back of the throat. They are areas of the body we don’t usually think about when it comes to cancer, as they’re less prevalent than breast, lung, prostate or colon cancer. But even so, the American Cancer Society estimates that over 58,000 individuals will contract this form of cancer in 2024. And because our region of the country has a higher-than-average rate of tobacco consumption, we see more of these cancers in East Central Alabama than we should. In fact, the Alabama Department of Public Health indicates that Alabama is 12th in the nation in the incidence of oral cancers.

While anyone can develop oral cancer, there are two distinct highrisk groups. Historically, the majority of head-and-neck cancers were associated with tobacco use or heavy drinking, and when the two are combined, the risk is even higher. Cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco products can all increase your risk of oral cancers.

Recently, the incidence rate of head-and-neck cancer has been growing fast, caused in part by the human papilloma virus, specifically HPV 16. This is the same virus

that causes most cervical cancer, and it occurs more frequently in males, at a 4-1 ratio.

If you are 50 or older, and you have a history of heavy drinking (defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as eight or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more drinks per week for men) or tobacco use, look for these signs and symptoms of oral cancer:

• Any sore or ulceration that does not heal within 14 days

• A red, white or black discoloration of the soft tissues

ORAL CAVITY CANCER FORMS IN ANY OF THESE TISSUES OF THE ORAL CAVITY:

1. The lips. 2. The front two thirds of the tongue.

3. The gingiva (gums). 4. The buccal mucosa (the lining of the inside of the cheeks). 5. The floor (bottom) of the mouth under the tongue. 6. The hard palate (the front of the roof of the mouth). 7. The retromolar trigone (the small area behind the wisdom teeth).

YOU SHOULD PERFORM AN ORAL CANCER SELF-EXAM EACH MONTH. HERE’S HOW:

• Immediately after a dental exam, do a thorough self-exam to see what is “normal” for you.

• Feel your neck for any lumps.

• Examine your lips, cheeks, and gums.

• Use a flashlight to examine the top, sides, and underneath your tongue, the back of your throat and roof of your mouth.

* Be aware of changes in color, texture, or lumps.

* Be aware of changes in color, texture, or lumps.

of the mouth

• Any abnormality that bleeds easily when touched

• A lump or hard spot in the oral tissue, usually on the border of the tongue

• A raised growth of tissue

• A lump or thickening that develops in the mouth

• A painless, firm, fixated lump on the outside of the neck, present for at least two weeks

HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers can exhibit the following symptoms:

• Hoarseness or a sore throat that does not resolve within a few weeks

• A swollen tonsil on just one side, usually painless.

• A painless, firm, fixated lump on the outside of the neck, present for at least two weeks

• A persistent cough that does not resolve after many days

• Difficulty swallowing; a sensation that food is getting caught in your throat

• An earache on one side that persists for more than a few days

Regular screening is important, because head-andneck cancers caught early have an 86 percent fiveyear survival rate. That rate drops to 69 percent if the cancer spreads beyond the mouth and neck. So see your dentist twice a year, and in between your dental visits, perform a monthly seven-step self-exam. You can find the instructions at the Alabama Department of Public Health oral cancer web page at alabamapublichealth.gov/ oralhealth.

If you think you might have a symptom of oral or oropharyngeal cancer, call your dentist or your primary care physician and schedule a visit as soon as possible.

MEDICAL NEWS

George Miranda

It’s not too late to reduce your risk for alcohol and tobaccorelated oral cancer, by reducing your consumption of alcohol and quitting tobacco. For the prevention of HPV-related cancers, you have until age 45 to be vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is indicated for males and females aged 9 to 45. It is most effective when administered before a person is sexually active, and it protects against HPV-induced cervical, anal and oropharyngeal cancers.

I strongly encourage you to have your children vaccinated against HPV.

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

Markets at All Time Highs! Now What?

Since the thirdd quarter of 2022, markets have been steadily rising. The trend begs two questions: “Should I sell? Stop adding additional money, and wait for a correction?”

These are fair questions, but to answer them, you’d need a crystal ball. I’m constantly hearing and reading about people who speak intelligently, well-enough to sound like they have some unique sight into the future; however, the insights of these people are, at best, less accurate than the predictions of a weatherman.

The odds of getting the timing perfectly right are low. If you are selling because of an all-time high, you are essentially declaring corporate earnings to have already hit their peak. Market history and market trends say that there are likely to be new all-time highs. This is supported by the fact that, as a society, we tend to get more efficient and more productive, living better lives today than in years past. This societal growth boosts earnings.

MONEY MATTERS

Lee Williams

Consider the potential taxes that may be incurred at sale if the money is not inside a tax-sheltered vehicle like an IRA, Roth or workplace plan. Your investment needs to be that much more successful if you hope to profit from a sale. Paying taxes could make it difficult to have constantly successful investments over a long period of time.

I’ve written many times about Warren Buffett. Buffett has owned Berkshire Hathaway stock since the ’70s, and he continued to hold it through the stock’s all-time highs and lows. He did not move in and out of the stock and, therefore, was able to avoid paying capital gains taxes, allowing his shares to compound efficiently.

In my opinion, this all goes back to your personal needs, goals and objectives. If you have a plan, why alter the program? If you are worried about all-time highs and have spare cash, dollar cost average the money for a year or two.

A lot of people today have 401k plans, where they have deferred money from their paychecks for many years, buying both the highs and the lows. When the market hit an all-time high, they didn’t immediately switch their deferral to zero percent, sell all their investments, go to cash and wait on a correction that may or may not come.

There are areas of the markets where highs are a good thing, such as in bonds. In this case, I’m referring to yields.

For someone who needs yield and wants to allocate money into an asset class that isn’t as volatile as stocks, bonds may be a good choice, as long as they’re generating yields at or above the inflation rate. For the first time in many years, you could go buy US Treasury Bonds today and get plus or minus 5-percent in yield. Or, you could buy investment-grade corporate/muni bonds (on an after-tax basis) that yield slightly more. This could be an effective way of locking in yield for a period of time that may help with certain near-term expenses.

Keep in mind that investing is a long-term process that requires patience, discipline and a good temperament. Having a plan and understanding what your long-term needs and objectives are is crucial to maintaining a sound investment plan.

Investing in markets requires some degree of optimism, too. I’ll close with a quote from successful investor Bill Miller, ever the optimist: “The path of least resistance is up.”

~ Lee Williams

Important Information

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.

210th Anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Horseshoe Bend Military Park

1. Ben Stipanov and Tod Jordan

2. Shawn Baker

3. Debbie Thompson

4. Grace and Rodney Robinson

5. Danny, Hunter and Jess Dandridge

6. Judah and Charles Chambers and Judy Hughes

7. Wade Chadwick, Michael Brauner, Skyler and Keegan Miller

Alex City Parks and Rec

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Charles E. Bailey Sportplex

1. The Easter Bunny and Bryan Edwards

2. Gionna, Aviona and Chrissy Cole, Laylay and Ky’Miya Hales and London Carpenter

3. Mia Mann, Alex Lara and Salena Mann

4. Paige Welcher, Bryce Mullens and Journey Swiney

5. Jaxson, Kameryn and Melissa Mayton

6. Karman Gaddis, Kaydan Stewart, Jre Garrid and Defomri Walton

Fools for Love with Delores Hydock

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Adelia M. Russell Public Library

1. Cay Weaver, Elaine Toney, Kathy Loftus and Sue Paggen

2. Alesia Boddie

3. Delores Hydock

4. Debbie Yeagan and Nancy Wheeler

5. Amy Huff and Martha Harrellson

Kiddos and Cops

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Pennington Park

1. Genmani Crayton, Emma Sherum, London Thomas, BreAsia

Burns, Paris Crayton, Kayleigh Simpson and Sam Himes.

2. Felicia and, Savannah Walker and Cassady Lernord

3. Jason McCullars and Chief Scott Atkins

4. Ben Hayes, Officer Franklin Keel, Officer Anthony Hart, Lt.

Eric Kelly and Chief Jonathan Floyd

5. Ronnie and Willow Rose Jones

6. Asia Carr, Shere Goggans, Alana Tolbert and Kahlia Wilson

Kiwanis Steak Dinner

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Russell Marine & Outdoors

1. Amber Kellum and Christi Richardson

2. Scott Blake

3. Elouise and Donnie Pritchard and Melvin Luke

4. Cindy Blake, Carol and Randy Lee

5. Terion Harris, Demetria Trimple and Monica and Michael

Leonard

6. Terry Martin and Mike McCaleb

7. Jamie Dark and Joe and Mary Harrison

8. Scotty Gordon, Hallie Craft, Jackson Craft and Twila Gordon

Martin

St. Patrick's Day Poker Walk

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Main Street Alexander City

1. Leeanne George and Michelle West

2. April Gamble

3. Dawn and Raven Thornton

4. Jake and Trissie Mixon, Rusty and Judy Towns, Debbie and Danny Gilliland, Lesile and Chris Parks and Amy Landers

5. Laurel Scales

6.

Samantha Himes and Ellen Gregg

THE LAKE REGION

Calendar

FEATURED EVENT

Strand Sessions return for a 9th season in the park

Strand Sessions is a summertime fixture from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the first Thursday night of each month from May to August. Hosted by Lake Martin Young Professionals under the umbrella of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, this live music series at Strand Park is free to attend. The community is invited to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets, dinner, kids and the pup on a leash to socialize in the shade and enjoy the music as it wafts through Alexander City’s downtown entertainment district.

“There is a community atmosphere and great crowds when the weather permits,” said Jacob Meacham, president and CEO at the chamber. “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 eighth year at the park, weather permitting. But when inclement weather moves in, look for these lively community concerts at a participating indoor venue downtown.

These nights are filled with

ambiance, laughter and great music. Strand Sessions is a family-friendly outing with an electric atmosphere. It’s a great way to spend the evening with family, with a group of friends or with someone special date night of all ages. Alexander City native Heyden McDaniel will kick off this year's Strand Session season on May 2. In June, Alexander City Parks and Recreation Director Kasey Kaschak will perform. Visit the LMYP Facebook page for more on this event.

Music in the Park

Clockwise from Top Left: Strand Park is the place to be for music and community the first Thursday of every month from May to August; Susanne Scholz plays a soulful tune while locals gather; The park fills with residents and visitors from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; The event moves inside for inclement weather.

April 16

Women’s Entrepreneur Alliance

Women entrepreneurs, business owners, side hustlers and dreamers are invited to join this monthly meet-up from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Lake Martin Innovation Center to focus on creating a supportive community for women in business. Cost of lunch is $10. For more information, call 256-234-3461.

April 18 & 25

Music in the Air

Meet your friends in the Listening Room at Zazu’s Verandah in Dadeville at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays for music and merriment. Admission is free, and patrons over 21 are welcome. Beverages for sale. A food truck will be available. Doors open at 6 p.m. Webster’s Wheel on April 18; and The Secret Sounds April 25. Please tip the musicians.

April 18

Tommy G. Saxophone

Join celebrated local musician Tommy G. in a curated review of 20th century songs and styles at Dadeville Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 in advance at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

April 19 - 21

Russell Marine In-Water Boat Show

Make plans to attend the Russell Marine In-Water Boat Show at The Ridge Marina on Lake Martin April 19-21. See and demo 2024 boat models from Godfrey Pontoon boats, Nautique ski and wake boats, Sea Ray, Key West, Chris-Craft, Bass Cat and Sea Ark. Shop the pro shop for gear from Hyperlite, Billabong, Life is Good, Costa sunglassses, Yeti, Hook & Tackle, Huk and more. For more information, call 256-397-1300.

April 19 & 20

23rd Annual Old 280 Boogie

This year’s annual festival of music, art, food and Southern culture on the outdoor stage at Standard Deluxe in Waverly will feature Billy Allen & The Pollies, Wanda Band, SUSU, 79ers Gang, Kym Register & Meltdown Rodeo, The Pine Hill Haints, Chatham Rabbits and Peter One. Tickets for Friday night are $25. Tickets for Saturday’s lineup are

$50. Kids 12 and under are admitted free. Veterans and student discounts are available. Bring chairs, blankets, empty water bottles. No outside alcohol allowed. Visit standarddeluxe.com for more details and ticket purchase.

April 20

Boating Safety Course

This course, taught by the ALEA Marine Patrol and sponsored by Lake Martin Home Owners and Boat Owners Association, will be held at First Baptist Church in Dadeville from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Anyone 16 years of age or younger must be accompanied by an adult. The class is free to HOBO members; $10 for non-members. Register online at lakemartinhobos.com. Registration and payment will be accepted on the day of the class if openings still exist. The class is limited to 100. A test will be given at the conclusion of the course, and certificates will be mailed to those who pass within about six weeks of the course. Take the certificate to the Alabama Driver’s License Division to have the vessel certification added to your driver’s license. For questions, email info@lakemartinhobos.com.

April 20

Author Kathy McCoy

Dadeville Public Library will host author Kathy McCoy at 10 a.m. at Dadeville Performing Arts Center. McCoy has written numerous books, including Monroeville: The Search for Harper Lee’s Maycomb. Visit dadevilleperformingartscenter.com for details.

April 26

Disney: The Movies, The Music

Local children will perform this Disney review at 6 p.m. at Dadeville Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 in advance and are available at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

April 13-14

Dixie Sailing Club

Punchbowl Open Regatta

This annual two-day regatta has been held at Lake Martin for 59 years and is open to sailors across the Southeast. Spectators are welcome. For more information, visit dixiesailingclub.com.

April 13

Open Jam Session

Dadeville Performing Arts Center will host a morning jam of acoustic string instruments. Come to play, sing or listen. Email office@ dadevilleperformingartscenter.com for details.

May 2

Job Fair

Loving the lake life so much you want to stay? Lake Martin-Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a job fair from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Dadeville Elementary School gym. No reservation needed to attend. Interested employers can contact the chamber at 256-825-4019 for more information.

May 3

Horsing Around

Get ready for Derby Day by learning about horses with Russell Lands’ Naturalist Marianne at this free event from 6 p.m. to 8 pm. at the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads. Children will learn about safety around horses and can even pet, brush and groom a gentle, live horse. Brushes and supplies will be provided. Visitors are invited to bring apples, carrots or sugary treats for the horse. Stale cereals and bread are a favorite treat. Parents are asked to assist in supervising their children for this event. Call 256-496-2710 with any questions.

May 3

Friday on the Green

Jonathan Bloom will kick off this annual summer music series at 6:30 p.m. on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, family, friends and the pup on a leash to start your Lake Martin weekend. Russell Lands will set up the lawn games and break out the insect repellant. Fanny Goldmine Diner will be on site for dinner options. This is a free event every Friday night all summer long - except for Memorial Day weekend (see RXR Fest on May 24 and 25) and Jazz Fest weekend in June..

May 4

Derby Day at The Stables

The Stables at Russell Crossroads is the place to watch the annual Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs. This

LAKE REGION EVENTS

Kentucky Derby party from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. is complete with loud hats, seersucker suits, live music, finger food, mint juleps and more. There are prizes for the best dressed guests and the luck of the draw. Free admission. Donations assist Children’s Harbor.

May 4

AWF Wild Game Cook-Off

Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors in Alexander City will host the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Lake Martin Chapter cook-off at 5 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person for an evening of live music, a silent auction, great food, fun and fellowship. Got a cook team and a delicious recipe? Email heather@alabamawildlife.org for entry information.

May 18

Dixie Sailing Club Fleet Open House

Sailors and non-sailors from the lake community can register to become familiar with the Lake Martin club’s two primary fleet boats – the Catalina 22 and the MC Scow. For details, visit dixiesailingclub.com.

May 18

2024 Everything’s Art! in the Park

Everything’s Art! and Pennington Park will host Dadeville’s 5th Annual Everything’s Art in the Park on Saturday, May 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pennington Park. The event will feature quality and original handmade crafts, jewelry, food, art work and more, all created by local and regional artists. Friendly, leashed pets are welcome. Vendor applications must be completed by May 3, and can be obtained by sending an email to everythingsartguild14@gmail.com or calling 770-328-2094. Visit the Everything’s Art and Pennington Park Facebook pages.

May 18

Blues in the Park

Pack lawn chairs, coolers and lots of sunscreen for a full day of fun at Strand Park in Alexander City. The 8th Annual Blues in the Park starts at 10 a.m. and winds down at 9 p.m. There will be vendor booths, specials from local restaurants within walking distance and

a variety of soulful artists from across the Southeast at this free downtown music festival.

May 21

Broadway, Pop and Patriotic

Join the Dadeville Community Chorus in concert at 7 p.m. for a musical Memorial Day celebration. Tickets are $10 in advance at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

May 20-27

Pennington Park Memorial Day Observance

Pennington Park will observe Memorial Day from May 20 through May 27. Over 2,000 American flags will be displayed in the park to honor deceased members of the military. Markers will be placed to recognize veterans by name, rank and service component. If you would like a marker placed in Pennington Park to honor your loved one at no cost to you, message “Pennington Park” on Facebook with the individual’s name(s), rank and branch of service, or call/text Kurt Pfitzner at 334-233-9852. Only 300 markers are available.

May 22

AACA

with Raymond VanTilburg

Opelika artist Raymond VanTilburg will be the guest speaker for the May meeting of the Artists Association of Central Alabama at 9:30 a.m. in the Senior Center at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City. VanTilburg is a successful, self-taught fantasy and surrealist artist who will share his approach to color, tools and the progression from original concept to finished piece. AACA membership is $20 per year and entitles artists and art lovers to attendance at workshops, demonstrations in a variety of genres, museum display, field trips and more. For more information, call June Dean at 334-313-7533.

May 24 & 25

RXR Fest

Kick off the official start of summer at Lake Martin at the 11th Annual RXR Fest. This year’s lineup includes Harvey Street at 6:30 p.m. on Friday night, followed by Easy Honey at 8 p.m. Saturday’s music will start with

The Bank Walkers; then, Hotel Fiction returns to the lake area to close out Memorial Day weekend. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and the pup on a leash for this free annual summer opener.

May 25

Friends of Tuckabatchee

The first storytelling festival session begins at 2 p.m. Four storytellers with dinner. Second session starts at 7 p.m. with an additional four storytellers. $25. Pure entertainment. Sponsored by the Tallassee Historical Preservation Society and the Friends of Tuckabatchee.

May 25

Cornhole Tournament

Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters hosts this ninth annual tournament series with music by Blackberry Breeze. The first contest is a blind draw partner tournament with cash prizes for multiple placements. In the second tournament, bring your own partner, and the winner takes all. The fun begins at 9 a.m., and everyone goes home at 2 p.m. Call Lake Martin-Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce at 256-825-4019 for registration information.

May 25 & 26

Art on the Lake

Explore a variety of handmade goods crafted by artists from the Lake Martin area and across the Southeast. This annual art show at Russell Crossroads will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. For more information, contact Sydnee Riley at 256-212-1431.

Season-long Events

Casino Night at the Brewery

Enjoy Casino Night at Lake Martin Brewing on the square in Alexander City. Every Thursday, the brewery will be filled with casino games such as blackjack, roulette and craps. All proceeds will benefit Main Street Alexander City. The first round begins at 5:30 p.m., the second at 6:30 p.m. and the third at 7:30 p.m. Rules will be posted in the brewery.

Driving & Docking

Sign up for free driving and docking classes from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Singleton’s Blue Creek Marina. Learn the

ins and outs of safely navigating under the guidance of seasoned instructors. Gain confidence in maneuvering safely, so your time on the water this summer is filled with stress-free adventures. Call 256-825-8888 to reserve a spot in the class of your choice.

n Pontoons: May 2, June 6, July 11 & Aug. 1

n Sterndrives: May 9, June 13, July 18 & Aug. 8

n Towboats: May 16, June 20, July 25 & Aug. 15.

LMYP Game Night

Every third Thursday of the month, grab your crew and meet at The Local at 41 Main in downtown Alexander City from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for games, laughs and exclusive LMYP drink specials. It’s free to play the games, like trivia and bingo and more, and the grand prize is always $50. Visit the Lake Martin Young Professionals Facebook page for more information.

Painting Class

Join local painter Kay Fincher for a painting class from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at The Grand Bakery on Broadnax Street in Dadeville. All materials will be provided to complete a canvas picture. No previous painting experience in necessary; however, reservations are required. The class is $30 for each person and is limited to 10 participants. Make a reservation by calling Pam at The Grand Bakery at 256-307-1332 or Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.

Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature. Check the calendar at RussellLands.com/blog/events for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.

Surf Rise to Surf Set

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, sign up for an exhilarating day of water sports at Singleton’s Blue Creek Marina to master surfing, wakeboarding and foiling from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A lunch from Lake Martin Pizza Company will be provided from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Three epic weekends are planned: May 10-11; June 14 & 15; and July 19 & 20. Call 256-330-2188 to reserve your spot.

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

Come see naturalist Marianne and her lively nature presentations at the

2024 Music Series

Now through August, head to the Destination Glamping Resort to see different musicians perform on the Southwind Stage. See Dakota Danielle on May 4, Chasing Shadows on June 8 and Trailer Flowers on Aug. 17. General admission tickets can be purchased for $10 at thedestinationglampingresort. com. VIP tickets, which include table seating on the viewing deck, are $15. Bring your lawn chairs and coolers. The Sum'in Dif'rent Food Truck will be on site offering food for purchase. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Call 615-477-9813 for more information.

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ALEXANDER CITY

Robinson Iron

Carlos Mexican Grill

The Body Shop

Walgreens

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

Jake's

Carlisle's

Emporium Wine

Cloud Nine Downtown Girl

Jackson's Drugs

Selling Lake Martin - Amy Clark

Sure Shot Outdoors

Big B Bar-B-Que

Russell Do It Center

Russell Home Decor

Satterfield Inc.

Wind Creek Gate

Wind Creek Store

Willow Point Office

Willow Point Country Club

DADEVILLE

Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery

Alabama Power

Siggers

Fusion Grill

Dadeville Library

Dadeville Courthouse

Dadeville City Hall

Payne's Furniture

McKelvey Chevrolet

Renfroe's Market

NolaBama

Holiday Shores Grocery

EQUALITY

Equality Food Mart

Real Island Marina

ECLECTIC

Nail's

Lake Martin Mini Mall

Corner Stone Coffee Co.

Dear Lake Martin Community,

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with you! Momentum Marine has joined your neighborhood with the recent acquisition of LakeSide Marina. Last fall, Andrew Campbell and Josh Russom, renowned for their successful boat dealerships in Georgia and Florida, chose to bring their expertise to our beautiful Lake Martin.

What’s New at Momentum’s LakeSide Marina?

. Les Webb, a familiar face and long-time Lake Martin resident, is leading our operations. Known for his deep community ties and exceptional service, Les is ready to bring his expertise to our marina.

. Upholding Momentum Marine’s legacy of transparency and unparalleled customer service, our Lake Martin team is committed to providing you with the best boating experience.

. We’ve spent the winter rejuvenating the marina! Enjoy our 25 new rental boats, enhanced facilities, and a diverse range of new manufacturer lines.

. We believe in strong community bonds. Stop by, say hello to Les and the team, and see the new face of Momentum’s Marine Lake Martin!

Join us for our Full Pool Party Saturday, April 20th to celebrate Lake Martin’s Seasonal filling! We will have Live music, BBQ, craft beer, acoustic music, boat demonstrations, and chance to meet Les and the team!

Come experience the new LakeSide Marina by Momentum Marine. Your friends at Momentum Marine Lake Martin.

Adoption is the best option

Mid-March was the one-year anniversary of our Shih Tzu, Iris, crossing the river, as my family used to say. She was my best friend, and I miss her every day. I am not sure she was our dog Helga’s best friend, but the two were undeniably fine roommates. Helga was lonely in the months after.

John and I were driving one morning last month when an alert popped up on the dashboard screen. “Iris Air Tag has been left behind,” it read. We put an Apple Air Tag on Iris last year, and since her passing, I had not seen the device. It was strange. I had a feeling my old dog was reaching out to us from the other side, just saying ‘hey,’ and that she was okay. It made me feel okay, too.

As it always goes, John and I eventually began to catch puppy fever. Luckily, never on the same day. One night, he came home with a photo of a poodle/Bernese Mountain Dog cross, which was a cute idea, but one I quickly vetoed. I did not want another dog that required regular haircuts. Then, there was the night at the Waverly Local, where I fell in love with a lady’s big, fuzzy, Great Pyrenees-mix puppy. John said we do not need two huge dogs. One spouse was always just tired enough to talk the other one out of whatever puppy had seen that day. We would get home and look over at our lazy, been well behaved Great Dane fast asleep and tell ourselves we didn’t have the energy for a puppy.

On days when Helga looked extra sad and bored, we kicked around the idea of getting a grown dog. That sounded easy enough. I looked at local rescue pages on Facebook. Several of our friends had adopted dogs and had great experiences, but you could not read personality from a photo.

One rainy afternoon, we both came home from work early. I was scrolling on Facebook and Lake Martin Animal Shelter had posted photos of about 10 dogs.

“There’s a few cute big dogs at the shelter,” I began, casually waving the carrot.

I declared. “On the one condition that we don’t make an impulse decision. We are not walking out with one today.”

John agreed. Finally, we were on the same page.

The Lake Martin Animal Shelter is a gray concrete building behind the airport. Helga came with us, sitting in the back seat. The director instructed us to walk to the back, where the kennels were. We were greeted immediately with the loud barks of excited dogs.

Culture Shock

I walked past the cute puppies. I didn’t need to huff puppy breath, because I knew they would not have any problems finding great homes. They didn’t even have to try. I was looking for the veteran black dog.

I finally saw her on the right. She was one of the very few dogs not barking. I squatted down to look into her eyes. Whether it’s a person, horse or a dog, the eyes tell you everything. Her eyes were bright and friendly. Being at the shelter so long had not broken her spirit. She wagged her tail and leaned into the scratches and playfully started swatting my hand.

“She’s really working it,” John said.

I am a sucker and teared up. I knew she was our dog.

Thankfully, it was the end of the day, and John and I stayed true to our word. We got back into the car without a dog. We slept on it, and I woke up at peace with the idea. We agreed to go back and see how Helga did with Stella. There was no aggression between the two, and the rest is history. We took Stella home that day.

“Let’s ride up there,” John

“Nah,” I replied. “I would come home with three.”

I clicked on one photo of a black dog with a lengthy description. The dog had been there since August and was supposedly super sweet. She always got passed over. Like the Grinch, I felt my heart grow a few sizes. It was late afternoon now, and the shelter was closing in an hour.

“Let’s ride up there,”

With a coat like a German Shepherd but short bodied, I could not put my finger on Stella’s breed. Our friend, Will, pegged her as part Blue Heeler after watching her walk around and do a funny slide-sit. Yes! That was it. Ever since Will made that comment, I could see it in the ears.

Smart as a whip, Stella has been an easy dog to take care of. It was as if she walked into our house and said, “What’s the program here, because I am getting with it!”

She acts as Helga’s little shadow and backs her up on whatever they need to bark at. She loves swimming in the lake and rolling in the sand. She is just a happy dog, and she makes John and I happy as well. Helga is 8 years old, and Stella is around 7, so their daily nap schedules are right on pace with one another other.

Everyone has different needs when it comes to choosing a dog companion, but I urge you to keep the grown-up dogs in mind. One thing I know for sure: My shoe collection will survive the summer.

~ 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 her Facebook page.

Lacey Howell

*Standard maximum of 10 acres; however parcels not exceeding 20 acres may be considered if typical for the area and supported by acceptable appraisal valuation. Lot loans are not intended for investment or speculation purposes. Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loans amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products

From vacant lot to your future home, find help along the way.

You’ve found the perfect lot to build your next home. We’ll help you explore financing options that may fit your needs. Enjoy competitive rates, experienced support and step-by-step guidance that may make your dream of homeownership a reality.

Loan options for those approved:

Lot loans*

Purchase a lot to build now or in the near future and get financing with no prepayment penalties.

Construction loans

Get financing that includes your construction loan and your mortgage – all in one. That’s one closing and one set of fees. Plus, make interest only payments during the construction of your home. Choose from fixed- or adjustable-rate construction loan options. and services. Mortgage, Home Equity and Credit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. ©2019 U.S. Bank 257701c 10/19

Geoff Hall Mortgage Loan Officer

404.267.7775 office

404.662.6604 cell

geoff.hall@usbank.com

NMLS #: 544471

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