Lake Magazine May 2021

Behind the scenes at the Coore & Crenshaw golf course

MAY 2021

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Assisting buyers & sellers with their real estate needs in the Lake Martin Area Rhonda Gaskins, Broker Century 21 Lake Area Realty, Inc.

256-749-3644 rhonda@lakearearealty.net

lakearearealty.net

Let Me Move You!

MAY 2021

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Letter from the Editor

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fter last year’s May summer calendar edition of Lake magazine fell victim to COVID-19 inspired cancellations, we are happy to report that Summer is On at Lake Martin this year. Your May edition of Lake magazine includes more than 20 pages of traditions, events and activities that will take place between May 1 and Labor Day at the lake. Starting on page 24, the calendar includes the summer music schedules for some of your favorite lake area hangouts, as well as dates that have been set for annual or inaugural events you won’t want to miss.

This issue of Lake also highlights some soon-to-be favorite hangouts that have popped up over the winter, like the Yellow Top Ice Cream Shop, the Freedom Boat Club and the Lake Martin Social. Turn to page 45 for the round up on these and more places to go and things to do at the lake this summer.

And there’s new information available about Russell Lands’ recently announced Coore and Crenshaw golf course at Lake Martin on page 18. It was fun to hear the backstory about this new golf course neighborhood now under construction in the Wicker Point area – how the original site for Alabama’s only Coore and Crenshaw course was nixed, but the architects loved the lake and set out to find a course just down the road; how Coore and Crenshaw project veteran James Morgan will be superintendent for this new world-class golf course to maintain the vision and protect the design’s integrity; and over and over again, we heard about what nice guys Coore and Crenshaw really are and how much fun the whole team is having as they build a golf course that will compete with some of the world’s most memorable courses.

We’re looking forward to a wonderful summer at Lake Martin this year, and we are glad you look to Lake magazine to fuel your fun here. Send us your photos as you ride behind the boat, hike the trails, cook great meals and spend time laughing it up and loving the lake life. Email your pictures to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com, and we’ll add them to the Lake Scenes photo section that appears in every issue of Lake.

Summer is On at Lake Martin, and we’re all ready for it!

Betsy Iler, Editor

Staff Chairman KENNETH BOONE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Publisher STEVE BAKER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Magazine Department Manager BRITTANY SMITH editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Editor BETSY ILER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Art Director AUDRA SPEARS

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Circulation ERIN BURTON

erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing/Advertising Director TIPPY HUNTER

tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing RACHEL MCCOLLOUGH

rachel.mccollough@alexcityoutlook.com

MARILYN HAWKINS

marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com

JULIE HARBIN

julie.harbin@alexcityoutlook.com

ANDY CARR

andy.carr@thewetumpkaherald.com

CARSON WAGES

carson.wagesw@alexcityoutlook.com

Digital Success Manager ELLE FULLER

elle.fuller@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors DARIUS GOODMAN KENNETH BOONE JAKE ARTHUR JULIE HUDSON AUDRA SPEARS GREG VINSON CHRIS MORINA JOHN THOMPSON MARK GILLILAND CLIFF WILLIAMS AUDRA SPEARS SIRI HEDREEN JERRY KING JACOB HOLMES STEPHANIE SIMONS COLEY ROB WITHERINGTON

All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

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MAY 2021

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

On the Cover

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MAYVILLE & WEST BEND, WI

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The lake is at full pool, and the summer schedule is nearly full as well. Come on out to the concerts, sailing races, art shows and festivals that will take place at Lake Martin all summer long, and keep this issue of Lake magazine close by, so you can see what's happening when at the lake and make plans to attend your favorite events this summer at Lake Martin. Photo by Kenneth Boone

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Contents 18. THE MAKING OF A WORLD-CLASS COURSE Here's the backstory on how Lake Martin scored a Coore & Crenshaw golf course at The Heritage 24. SWEET SUMMERTIME Our annual summer calendar issue includes music, festivals and more happenings through Labor Day 45. WHAT'S NEW AT THE LAKE From ice cream to a boat club and beer, new businesses are launching at the lake this year 54. BLUES AT THE LAKE A Dadeville couple turns a tiny lake cabin into a 4,750-square-foot family retreat accented in navy blue

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70. ORIENTEERING The Vulcan Orienteering Club is looking for volunteers to help with The World Games next year

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:

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9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 10. LAKE SCENES 13. WHERE IS LAKE? 14. LAKE MARTIN NEWS 64. NATURE OF THE LAKE 74. LAKE PROPERTY

75. LMRA 77. FAB FINDS 78. HEALTHY LIVING 80. CHEF'S TABLE 82. CHEERS! 84. BIG CATCHES 87. THE SCRAMBLE

18 Lake magazine also features an online, digital edition, available 24 hours a day, free of charge. This edition is perfect to share with friends and family and provides you complete access to stories, photos and advertisements from anywhere in the world with Internet access. View our digital edition today at www.lakemagazine.life.

MAY 2021

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

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

A Place To Worship Lake Martin Area Churches

WATERFRONT Church of the Living Waters Inside StillWaters, Dadeville 256-825-2990 New Hope Baptist Church 529 Peppers Road, Alexander City 256-329-2510 Church in the Pines Kowaliga Road, Kowaliga 334-857-2133

OFF WATER Equality United Methodist Church 281 AL Hwy 259, Equality 334-541-4063

OFF WATER

OFF WATER

OFF WATER

First Baptist Church Court Square, Alexander City 256-234-6351

Alex City Church of Christ 945 Tallapoosa Street, Alexander City 256-234-6494

Hillabee Baptist Church Hillabee Road, Alexander City 256-234-6798

Red Ridge United Methodist Church 8091 County Road 34, Dadeville 256-825-9820

Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Avenue Tallassee, AL 36078 334-252-8618 (12 Miles South of Lake Martin)

First Baptist Church 178 South Tallassee Street, Dadeville 256-825-6232

St. James Episcopal Church South Central Avenue, Alexander City 256-234-4752

First United Methodist Church 310 Green Street, Alexander City 256-234-6322 First United Methodist Church West Lafayette Street, Dadeville 256-825-4404 First Presbyterian Church 371 Jefferson Street, Alexander City 256-329-0524

Lake Martin Baptist Church 9823 County Road 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-825-7434 Lake Pointe Baptist Church La 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-373-3293 Faith Temple Church 425 Franklin Street, Alexander City 256-234-6421

St John The Apostle Catholic Church 454 North Central Avenue Alexander City, Al 35010 256-234-3631 Flint Hill United Methodist Church 2858 Flint Hill Road Alexander City, AL 35010 256-234-5047 Good News Baptist Church 10493 Hwy 280 Jacksons Gap, AL 36861 256-825-2555

Small Space Advertising Works.

Call Julie Jolie Harbin Waters256-252-8558 256-414-3174 && ask for Lake Church Page Call

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MAY 2021

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

Number of sales

Average selling price

Median selling price

Days on the market

Total houses for sale

38 27 36

$718,969 $595,385 $472944

$702,000 $490,000 $376,250

109 129 185

59 261 358

March 2021 March 2018 March 2015

Inventory/ sales ratio 1.41 9.10 14.46

The above numbers are derived from raw sales data from the Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors MLS.The sales noted above are for Lake Martin waterfront residential (single-family and condominium) sales only. This information is provided courtesy of Lake Martin Realty, LLC (a Russell Lands, Inc., affiliated company).

How to cinch an invite As the saying goes, if you are lucky enough to be a guest of friends or family at the lake this summer, you are lucky enough.

Your hostess probably has gone to a great deal of trouble to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Reciprocate by being a good guest, the kind that will gladly be asked to return. Here are a few pointers to help you to the top of the ‘Please come again’ list: n Do your best to stick to the original dates agreed upon with your host and hostess. Houses at Lake Martin become quasi bedand-breakfasts for family, and your visit likely is carefully timed to coincide with visits from others. Changing your arrival or departure dates very well could put the whole summer schedule in a tailspin, causing your hosts undue stress. n Unless your host has arranged special activities at an appointed time on your arrival date, plan to arrive in early evening. It will give your hosts all day to prepare for your visit, and by the time you pull down the driveway, they will be ready to sit outside with wine and cigars to watch one of Lake Martin's spectacular sunsets. n Bring the wine and cigars – you’ll find nice selections at Emporium Wine in downtown Alexander City or Leaf and Grain on state Route 63. n A thoughtful, inexpensive hostess gift is a nice touch. The lake area is dotted with charming boutiques – Lakeside Mercantile, Cloud Nine, Pearson’s Flowers & Gifts in Dadeville and Lake Martin Mini-Mall in Eclectic, to name just a few – and they would gladly wrap a set of lake-themed wine glasses, a box of playing cards or a whimsical guest towel for your hostess, who makes it a point to support the local lake economy. n Help around the house. Toss the salad; set up the buffet; wash the dishes; fold the beach towels when they come out of the

dryer; or sweep the kitchen floor.Your assistance means they will be able to relax with you sooner. n Treat your hosts to dinner or a night out. The lake area offers many unique dining options for every budget, including Oskar’s, Niffer’s, Copper’s Grill, Lake Martin Pizza, SpringHouse, Kowaliga, Catherine’s or the new Lake Martin Social. n Buy gas for the boat. n And finally, send a thoughtful thank you note when you’ve returned home. It will remind your hosts of the wonderful time they had during your visit, and if you’re lucky, they’ll look forward to inviting you again next year.

Weather Outlook for May May 2021 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the low to mid 80s with average lows in the upper 50s and more than 4 inches of precipitation in the month of May.The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be above average, and rainfall averages will be slightly above the normal range this month.

Year to Date

Precipitation: 7.76 inches Avg. high temp.: 61.7 Avg. low temp.: 38.4 Avg. temp.: 50.1

Our Normal May Precipitation: 4.33 inches Avg. high temp.: 81.7 Avg. low temp.: 57.4 Avg. temp.: 69.6

Information from the National Weather Service.

MAY 2021

Last Month's Lake Levels Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 490.49 Lowest: 489.27 Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit lakes.alabamapower.com.

Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and waterrelated equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.

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Lake Scene n People & Places

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Maria Reutebuch relaxes in the shade of the Reutebuch family's first lake house. (2) Azaleas are on the bloom this spring, as captured here in Tony Johnson's yard. (3) Good morning Lake Martin. You never disappoint. (4) Best friends Paige Schmitz, Kendall Brewer and Abby Davidson enjoy the sunset after dinner at Kowliga.

(5) Jackson Bylsma, catches air in front of Goat Island. (6) Hues of orange, yellow and red illuminate the lake at sunset over DARE Park. (7) Brent Thompson sent this photo of the docks at home near Real Island Marina.

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MAY 2021

Lake Scene n People & Places 1

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) What started as a “blah” sunset became stunning. Proof that better things lie ahead with a little patience. (2) Kay Dixon's grandchildren and their pops all gather 'round to pose for a picture while crafting Avery's sand portrait. (3) Purdy Kellum loves spending time at the lake, swimming and riding the Sea-Doo (4) Lake Martin takes on the persona of pure bliss as it absorbs the beauty of the sky. (5) Cheryl Gainer McCall shot this beautiful camellia after a rain at Lake Martin. (6) While out on the lake, Brent Thompson enjoys the view.

MAY 2021

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

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Where is Lake n People & Places

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

As COVID-19 restrictions ease around the world, it is time to pack your bags for travel, and when you do, be sure to toss a couple of Lake magazines into your suitcase and send us a photo of you and your family and friends with Lake where ever you go, near or far. The tradition of featuring Where is Lake? photos began 15 years ago when members of a local church took Lake along on a mission trip. Send your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

MAY 2021

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Lake Martin News Creekside manager wins first ever Lake Martin Superstar Award

call about 1:30 p.m. Thursday,” said Coosa County Sheriff Michael Howell.

Howell said Saavedra took a break from a roofing job to enjoy the water.

“It appears to be an accident,” Howell said. “There were five other people in a canoe. One person stood up, and the canoe overturned. They all fell out and had to swim to shore.”

Howell said life jackets were not being used.

Saavedra didn’t make it to the shoreline.

Saavedra’s body will be sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy.

The Coosa County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Patrol, Alexander City Fire Department and EMS, Equality Volunteer Fire Department, Kellyton Fire Department and the Alexander City/Tallapoosa County Rescue Squad assisted in the search.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Saavedra,” Howell said. ~ Cliff Williams

Lake Martin Tourism Director Brandy Hastings (right) presents Creekside Lodge manager Sherri Wilson with the Lake Martin Superstar Award

Lake Martin Tourism Association realizes the importance of excellent customer service in growing visitation to the area.

The Southern hospitality that we exude is part of what makes people want to visit the Lake Martin area.

Earlier this year, the Official Destination Marketing Organization of Lake Martin decided to highlight individuals who make a difference and go above and beyond for visitors when ODMO created the Lake Martin Tourism Superstar Award. Nominations are taken on an ongoing basis at ExploreLakeMartin.com/Superstar, and people are encouraged to nominate anyone they think has exhibited excellent customer service. Winners will be chosen four times per year, and each winner will receive a plaque and a $100 check.

We would like to announce and congratulate the first winner of the award, Sherri Wilson with Creekside Lodge.

Jason Lasure, the property owner, said in his nomination, “Sherri has always offered a warm welcome to the hundreds of tourists, extended family members and other guests to the Creekside Lodge and the larger Lake Martin area. She helps provide them with a great place to stay, amazing customer service and takes pride in being a part of the lake community.

Many times, Sherri is the first impression offered to our lake visitors, and she represents the area’s Southern hospitality well.”

Sherri’s award was presented Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at Creekside Lodge in front of the staff that she leads. ~ Staff report

Canoeist drowns in Lake Martin

It took just over 24 hours for authorities to locate a drowning victim in the Parker Creek area of Lake Martin.

Just after 5 p.m. April 16, 20-year-old Vazquez Israel Saavedra of Mississippi was located in the water near Turkey Trot just off Coosa County Road 20.

“The Coosa County Sheriff’s Office received a medical 14 LAKE

Tougher BUI law and 100-foot rule fails to pass

Alabama House Bill 238 narrowly failed to pass into law last month. The bill would have levied a loss of both drivers and boating licenses upon a BUI conviction and would have required boaters to maintain idle speed at distances less than 100 feet from shoreline and people in the water. The 100foot rule was a matter of great controversy on Lake Martin, as large wakes purportedly are a factor in shoreline erosion, property damage and swimmer safety.

“I̓m teribbly disappointed,” said Lake Martin Resource Association President John Thompson. “We really needed that. I think Rep. Shaver did a really good job putting that bill together. Lake magazine covered all the angles of it, especially courtesy, how boaters need to stay away from swimmers and boats sitting in the water, as well as erosion in so many great areas where we are having problems. I don̓t know what it̓s going to take to get something passed. That was the second attempt at some kind of ruling and stopping the erosion, property damage and dangers of people just getting too close.

We need some laws with some teeth in them.”

Thompson expressed that stiff penalties will be needed before boaters take notice and change poor boating etiquette.

“We have people coming on the lake who have no real knowledge of boating etiquette. They get on the lake with no instructions. They really don̓t know or care about basics of boating, and that is just making the situation worse here,” Thompson said. ~ Staff report

Lodging tax revenues are up at Lake Martin

The COVID-19 pandemic caused many government organizations to sweat, but the Lake Martin area was insulated from those declines, as evidenced by an increase in lodging tax and sales tax revenues as visitors sought refuge and places

MAY 2021

from which to work from home.

Lake Martin Tourism Association director Brandy Hastings last month told the Alexander City City Council the pandemic didn’t adversely affect visitors coming to Alexander City as it did across the state.

“Last year, we had a record year of lodging tax collections in a year of a pandemic where a lot of bad things were happening,” Hastings said. “Tourism here saw increases, and some good things happening. That was not the case everywhere across the state.”

According to Alabama Department of Revenue figures, 75 percent of Alabama counties saw a decrease in lodging tax collections in 2020 compared to 2019 but not Tallapoosa County.

The pandemic boosted lodging tax “We were one of the ones that saw an revenues at the lake in 2020 increase, almost 17 percent,” Hastings said. “The state as a whole was down 20 The increase is reflected in sales tax collection in percent. We are outpacing the state; we are outpacing other Alexander City, as well. According to Alexander City revenue counties.” officer Ward Sellers, Alexander City collected 15.3 percent In 2020, the state collected $383,219.80 in Tallapoosa more in sales tax in 2020 than in 2019.

County lodging taxes from hotels, short-term rentals and Hastings credited rack cards in the state̓s visitor centers overnight stays at Wind Creek State Park. It is a 16.74 percent and increased digital markeing and social media presence increase over 2019’s $328,277.16 lodging tax collection. with the increases.

Tallapoosa County led the state in the actual dollar amount ~ Cliff Williams increase at $54,942.62.

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MAY 2021

LAKE 15

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Wood walls in family room and master.

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MAY 2021

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Preliminary work already is under way for the Coore & Crenshaw golf course in the Wicker Point area of Lake Martin

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The Making of a World-class Golf Course STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY JUSTIN CLAYTON & COURTESY OF RUSSELL LANDS

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Alabama’s only Coore and Crenshaw course at Russell Lands’ The Heritage will play like three very different courses and is expected to pass the true test of a great golf experience – that players will remember every hole after one round of golf, said Director of Golf Matt Sheppard.

“There are parts of it that will meander through longleaf pine plantations, and there’s a lot of terrain with hills and three holes with creeks; and then, some holes will be wide open with lake in the background. It will look very natural, and with that comes a lot of character. There won’t be a lot of flat lies out there, but it will be more like the golf courses that were built in the early 1900s, like courses in the northeast,” explained Sheppard, who will direct the golf programs at both the course at The Heritage and at Willow Point Golf & Country Club.

Russell Lands last month announced that the team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw will design the defining centerpiece for Lake Martin’s newest luxury residential development – a golf course that will draw an international audience and one day could contend for a coveted spot on the list of the world’s top 100 courses. The project will compete with any lake community in the country, including Lake Oconee, which offers more than 100 holes of golf at six acclaimed courses.

The golf course at The Heritage, which has not yet been named, will grace some 200 acres on the eastern shoreline of Lake Martin near Wicker Point. After more than two years of planning, the rolling and cascading fairways will emerge from COVID-19 isolation as a thing of beauty, splendor and untold potential.

The key is the architectural firm of Coore and Crenshaw, hands down one of the most sought-after golf course design teams around the world. The Coore and Crenshaw team designed or reworked numerous courses that were named to last year’s famous top 100 Golf Digest list, including Pinehurst, Seminole, Maidstone, Friar’s Head, Sand Hills, three courses at Oregon’s Bandon Dunes Resort and more.

“They have built golf courses in a wide variety of extraordinary places,” said Russell Lands Vice President Roger Holliday. “But in all cases, they use the natural topography to build beautiful and playable courses.”

Two-time Masters champion “Gentle Ben” Crenshaw joined professional designer Bill Coore, who began his career with Pete Dye and Associates, in 1985. The pair share an appreciation for the Golden Era of golf architecture – courses built between 1916 and 1930. Earthmovers and other large excavating equipment had not yet been developed, so the 5,000-plus golf courses built around the U.S. during this 15-year period showcased the topography and natural features of the land.

That is what Russell Lands wanted for The Heritage endeavor – its most extensive and exclusive neighborhood yet. While the initial plan was to include a five-star hotel with the golf course, said Russell Lands President and CEO, Tom Lamberth, COVID-19 dealt a blow to the hospitality industry from which it has yet to recover.

“Hotels are expensive to build and expensive to operate, and we still have to consider the seasonal nature of our area,” said Lamberth. “We understand there’s a need

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for that, and we are not developing the area where a hotel could be located. We may come back to that in the future.”

Future plans also could include a marina in the area, but the focus of the project is the luxury golf neighborhood. The Heritage is expected to include some 200 waterfront homes and another 150 interior lots. Phases of the neighborhood will be planned and released, generally according to sales expectations in two- or three-year increments, explained Russell Lands Vice President of Real Estate Sales Steve Arnberg. The first phase will include part of the Wicker Point peninsula. The first lots may not be released until as late as 2022, and it may be 12 years or more before all of the lots have sold.

“The design of the residential property in The Heritage has two different, but equally important, considerations.

Waterfront property design takes advantage of the gentle slopes leading to big water views. Homesites will be generous to provide a feeling of privacy and space that potential owners of Lake Martin hope for,” Arnberg said.

“Off-water residential property is heavily influenced by the promise of the golf course. Rather than crowding the golf course with residences, which would The course will occupy adversely affect the golf experisome 200 acres ence, the design allows for ample between the shoreline spacing between golf and living. and Speake Road The planning for golf-frontage homesites will, in essence, give a blend of large golf course views without being on the edge of a fairway.”

The golf course will be built first. The project began with a quiet conversation among key Russell Lands managers, said Holliday.

“There were probably five or six of us on the committee to start looking at this project two and a half years ago, and we told everybody to come up with their top three picks for an architect – in order,” Holliday said. “Five of the six had Coore and Crenshaw as the number one pick.

“They are not trendy. They’re traditionalists, purists from a golf standpoint. They are the best because they’re going back to play golf the way it was intended to be played. They build courses that look like they’ve been there for a long time.”

The land has a lot of character, Holliday explained. It bears the marks of its history, from timber harvesting that took place more than 100 years ago to sparse farms. These contours of the land will stay, though some of them

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may soften.

“The Coore and Crenshaw design trademark leaves the earth alone as much as possible, to have the least amount of impact to the land, and integrates any existing unique characteristics into the course,” Holliday added.

Placement of the course was an adventure in its own right. When Coore and Crenshaw visited to determine the feasibility of the project, the site Russell Lands had initially thought to put the course was declared unsuitable. Coore and Crenshaw asked Russell Lands Forester, Cary Whiteard, to find them something softer. Coore and Crenshaw chose the Wicker Point property because a golf course would fit and provide an interesting yet walkable and fun experience actually magnifying the natural topography.

When Sheppard stopped in at Coore and Crenshaw’s suite at the Villas later in the day, he found Bill Coore at the window; having taped a topographic map of the area on the glass to make use of the natural light source, Coore was using colored markers to draw a golf course

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The Coore and Crenshaw design trademark leaves the earth alone as much as possible, to have the least amount of impact to the land, and integrates any existing unique characteristics into the course.” ~ Roger Holliday

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between Lake Martin and Speake Road.

“He drew the whole course that way – nine holes each day,” Sheppard said.

“The new Russell Lands golf course, our first in Alabama, will showcase the area’s natural beauty. True to our brand, our team has taken the utmost care in designing a golf course from what the land gives us. Players will have an experience that’s unique to Alabama,” Coore said.

“During the design process, we wanted to draw out the beauty of the natural environment by providing a routing that showcases the lake and the hills in the heart of Alabama,” explained Ben Crenshaw, who has childhood ties to Alabama through his grandparents who lived in Andalusia. “Our approach Bill Coore (left) and Ben honors the Russell legacy to Crenshaw survey a future the area to love and preserve fairway at The Heritage the land, which became the driving factor in the golf course design.”

Chairman of the Board of Russell Lands Ben Russell said the choice of Coore and Crenshaw was in keeping with the ideals of his grandfather, the founder of Russell Corporation known as Mr. Ben, who held with the tradition of promoting conservation and the thoughtful use of the area’s natural resources.

“One thing people always said about Mr. Ben was that he was close to the land,” Russell said. “And like Mr. Ben, Coore and Crenshaw see things that none of the rest of us can see. We’re sure happy to have them involved with this project that everyone will be proud of.”

Work on the course has already begun. Though only the initial clearing of the fairways is under way, the general layout of the course can be discerned.

Coore and Crenshaw will visit the area regularly to direct the construction of each hole. Once the layout is finalized, their shapers will move here for the duration of the project, Holliday said. Jimbo Wright and Jeff Bradley have been with Coore and Crenshaw for more than 20 years. They are the artists who will do all the final grading on the golf course. Then, Bill Coore will personally shape the greens.

The man in the center of it all is James Morgan, the course superintendent for the new course. Morgan will be integral in the construction and responsible for the grow-in before serving as superintendent when the course at The Heritage is open for play. He worked at Trinity 22 LAKE

Forest Golf Club in Dallas, Texas, and got to know and work with Coore and Crenshaw during the construction process there; he stayed as superintendent when the course was finished.

“A lot of my job will be to protect the vision for the property,” said Morgan. “I spent five and a half years listening to them about how the Trinity Forest course was going to evolve, and I hope to connect that to what Russell Lands wants. Russell Lands has a long history of working with the land. Their respect for every piece of property they work on is what really drew me to this project.”

Turf choices have not yet been finalized for the new course, Morgan said, though a number of grasses are currently being considered.

“In an effort to protect the water and the resource around us, we follow best management practices and choose a turf grass that provides great surface but with limited inputs,” he said.

“We’re making decisions now that will help Russell Lands have a quality course both when it opens and 20 years after. Every decision we make now is looking ahead.”

As part of that process, Coore, Crenshaw, Morgan and the team have consulted with Alabama Wildlife Federation to help re-establish native ecosystems for areas that might be disturbed in the construction process.

“What’s awesome about working with them is that Coore and Crenshaw and Russell Lands are a match made in heaven. Russell Lands wants to do it the right way, and Coore and Crenshaw want to do it the same way,” Morgan said.

The Heritage property was annexed into Alexander City’s city limits last year by the Alabama Legislature at the request of Russell Lands and is expected to generate some $40 million in property taxes for the city, county and state over a 15-year period. In addition to contributing to the tax revenues, The Heritage could draw attention to Alexander City and the state of Alabama for future economic development, according to a number of city and state officials who congratulated Russell Lands on last month’s announcement, including Gov. Kay Ivey.

Look for more articles on this project in Lake magazine as we follow the progress of Alabama’s only Coore and Crenshaw golf course.

MAY 2021

State-of-the-art facility combined with over 75,000 sq. ft. of retail space and pro shop.

All-new Can-Am off-road vehicles by BRP. Largest inventory of new and pre-owned boats.

New fishing boat line-up from BassCat, SeaArk, and Crevalle Boats.

Large selection of apparel including new brands-Hook & Tackle and Huk performance gear.

And our top-of-the-line boat brands from Godfrey Pontoon Boats,

Nautique, Sea Ray, Key West, Supreme, Scarab, Bryant Boats, Hurricane, and personal watercraft from Sea Doo.

Stay up-to-date at RussellMarine.net MAY 2021

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LAKE 2021 Summer Calendar

Sweet Summertime May 1 Derby Day at Table 34

Join the fun at Table 34 for the Run for the Roses.

There will be a hat contest for the ladies, and prizes for picking the winning horse. For more information, call 256-307-1466 or visit the Table 34 Facebook page.

May 15 Digital Scavenger Hunt

Register now for the Russell Medical Foundation digital scavenger hunt on Lake Martin to accumulate points and maybe win some money. Pick up T-shirts 24 LAKE

and the official logo decal between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. at The Ridge Marina on the day of the event and cruise the lake to take all the photos on the list. The app goes live at 9 a.m. Only photos of items on the scavenger hunt list will be accepted, and all photos must include the official logo in the foreground. The hunt ends at 3 p.m., and names of the winners will be posted on the Russell Medical Foundation Facebook page by 5 p.m.

First prize is $1,000. Second place is $750, and the third place team will win $500. Entry fee is $150 per boat. For more information, call Tammy Jackson at 256-749-4541.

MAY 2021

The July 4 Blast at Lake Martin Amphitheater is one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in the Southeast; Facing page: Jazz Fest will rock the Amp on June 12

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Fish for Ferst Bass Tournament

ext month, Ferst Readers of Tallapoosa County will host its third annual Fish for Ferst Bass Tournament fundraiser.

Proceeds from the tournament go toward Ferst Readers of Tallapoosa County and the allvolunteer Community Action Team’s literacy efforts, sending kids a free book a month from birth to age 5.

“The only thing that limits us is the amount of money that we can raise,” FRTC volunteer Melinda Walters said. “Once we get more money we can sign up a bunch more kids.”

FRTC is one of many local chapters of Ferst Readers, a national organization based out of Georgia, but according to Walters is currently the only chapter in the state.

“We are the only ones in Alabama right now,” she said. “Russell County is getting ready to start one.”

According to its website, “Ferst Readers was founded in 1999 to address the growing problem of children, many from from low-income communities, entering kindergarten without basic early literacy skills and school readiness, a preventable problem that has far-reaching impacts throughout students’ lives.”

FRTC zeroes in on the children of Tallapoosa County. According to a 2020-2021 Tallapoosa County Schools report, only 16 percent of kids show up to kindergarten ready to read, a figure FRTC hopes to improve by sending out not just books but also support materials parents can use to help teach their kids to read.

“We have a Facebook page that sends out lots and lots of activities to the parents who are registered for it,” Walters said. “When the virus restrictions lift, we plan on doing parent education as well.”

Subscriptions cost $36 a year and are paid

by FRTC donors and sponsors, keeping the program free for the parents. In its two and a half years of existence, FRTC has provided more than 11,000 books. About 400 children in Tallapoosa County are currently registered, Walters said, and will age out at age 5.

“We appreciate all the businesses and community members that are sponsors and also that make donations,” Walters said.

The Fish for Ferst Bass Tournament will launch from the Wind Creek State Park boat ramp on May 15 at 5:15 a.m. Weigh-in is at 3 p.m. Participants can register online at ogstournaments.org or on site starting at 4 a.m. the day of the tournament.

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May 15 5th Annual Blues in the Park

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

May 15 Everything’s Art in the Park

Dadeville̓s second annual event is set for beautiful Pennington Park in downtown Dadeville. AITP will feature original oil, watercolor and acrylic art and crafts created by local and regional artists. The event will also feature local food vendors and music. Bring lawn chairs and spend the day. Vendor applications can be obtained by contacting Everything̓s Art at everythingsartguild14@gmail.com. Additional information may be found on Everything̓s Art Facebook page. Questions can be directed to Kurt Pfitzner at 334-233-9852.

May 15 3rd Annual Fish for Ferst Bass Tournament

Turn out for this annual event hosted by Ferst Readers, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that puts books and educational materials in the hands of low-income children, helping them to be ready to read when they start kindergarten. The tournament will launch from Wind Creek State Park boat ramp at 5:15 a.m., and weigh-ins start at 3 p.m. Entry fee is $120 per boat, with an extra $10 for the big fish pot and $10 for the average Joe pot. Register online at ogs.tournaments.org or at 4 a.m. on the day of the tournament.

Fish for Ferst raises funds that help children learn to read

MAY 2021

BEST BOATS | BEST SERVICE | BEST DEALS We are excited to announce our new Singleton Jackson’s Gap location on the North end of Lake Martin. Providing new and used boat sales and a full service center. With the largest selection of the industry’s top-selling brands and award winning customer service, no other dealer can upgrade your lifestyle like Singleton Marine.

Singleton Marine Blue Creek Marina 7280 Highway 49 South Dadeville, AL 36853 256-825-8888

Singleton Marine Jackson’s Gap 124 Edgewater Drive Jackson’s Gap, AL 36861 256-269-0088

SingletonMarine.com MAY 2021

Singleton Marine Parker Creek Marina 8300 Parker Creek Marina Dr. Equality, AL 36026 256-329-8550

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LAKE 2021 Summer Calendar

Thursdays on the Square

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tart the weekend early with Thursdays on the Square Thursday evenings in downtown Dadeville. Hosted by Zazu’s Verandah from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., this event returns by popular demand from May 13 to July 1.

Bring a lawn chair to see some of your favorite local artists perform under the awning at Zazu’s. Get dinner at a local restaurant and purchase beverages from Zazu’s Verandah. Meet with friends or treat family to a fun evening out at this free concert on the Square.

May 13 – David Jones May 20 – Greg Lafollette May 27 – R ichard Murray & Brett Foshee June 3 – C hasing Shadows – Jayla & Brandon Prince June 10 – Mark Lyden & Friends June 17 – T he Campbell Brothers & Company June 24 – S moke and Mirrors (formerly Tone Deaf Hobos) July 1 – Tina Marie & Friends

Chuck's Summer Schedule Chuck’s Marina opened for the summer on April 10, one of the first clear, warm and sunny days at the lake this spring, and it was nonstop as patrons flocked to kick off the season at one of the most popular venues at the lake.

In addition to a full music schedule for the summer, lakerenowned pizza and a variety of outdoor seating options, Chuckwalla’s also offers wines for the discerning taster.

Winestoppers’ Wine Bar at Chuck’s is open to anyone who enjoys wine and wants to have a wider choice than that offered at the regular bar. The wine bar will be open from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays beginning May 14. Check the Chuck’s Marina Facebook page for Winestoppers’ specials all season.

Winestoppers’ Wine & Craft Beer Club will begin monthly tastings on May 14 as well. Memberships are $25 for a single member and $35 for a couple.All membership monies will be donated to one of Chuck’s Chosen Charities.

The monthly tastings are included in the club membership.

For more information, visit Winestoppers’ Wine and Craft Beer on Facebook and send a message.

Chuck’s Event and Music Schedule 2021

Music plays on Thursday nights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. For store and pizza hours, check out the header photo on the Chuck’s Marina Facebook page, where details about musicians, special events or new T-shirt designs will be posted weekly.

May 1 – 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Reagan’s birthday tribute fundraiser for Lake Martin Animal Shelter with cupcakes and ice cream while supplies last. Music by David Jones on Chuckwalla’s deck from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Donate needed items or make monetary donations. See the shelter’s Wish List at lakemartinanimalshelter.com.

May 22 – Rachel Wilson Band May 29 – Todd Gantt and the Hobos May 30 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Blane Rudd June 3 – David Jones 28 LAKE

June 5 – Shades of Gray June 10 – Richard Murray June 12 – Russell Craig Duo June 17 – Danny and Randy June 19 – Todd Gantt and the Hobos June 20 – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Musician/Fiddler Lauran Roberts from Montana kicks off the ticket sales for this year’s Duck Norris Derby Rubber Duck Race. Tickets will be on sale up until Aug. 7, the day when Chuck’s Marina hosts the rubber duck race.

June 24 – Tony Brooks June 26 – Old Rowe Place Band July 1 – Smoke & Mirrors Duo – Todd Gantt July 3 – Shades of Gray July 4 – Chuck’s will close at 5 p.m. for fireworks.

July 8 – Tres Richerson July 10 – Eight Track Rewind July 15 – Chris Posey July 17 – The Kept July 22 – Jonathan Bloom July 24 – Old Rowe Place Band July 29 – Cam from King Size Band July 31 – Chris Recalde – Whiskey Country Duo Aug. 5 – Tony Brook Aug. 7 – Danny & Randy – Duck Norris Derby Duck Race benefitting the Alabama Sheriff’s Girl Ranch will be held in the afternoon. The race will benefit the Alabama Sheriff’s Girls Ranch, a residential program that provides a safe group home for neglected and abused girls. Time will be announced on the Chuck’s Facebook page.

Aug. 12 – Jobu Duo from Old Rowe Place Band Aug. 14 – Odd Alice Band Aug. 19 – Suzanne Scholz and Charles Forbus Duo Aug. 21 – Sean Heninger a.k.a. Rockstar Aug. 26 – TBA Aug. 28 – Jonathan Bloom and Brian Hinton Sept. 5 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Two Guys from Telluride

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RXR Fest

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ussell Lands celebrates the official opening of lake season with RXR Fest May 28 and 29 at the Town Green stage at Russell Crossroads. It’s a great way to end a day of boating, wake riding and soaking up the sun on Lake Martin. Bring a lawn chair, a blanket for the grass and a leash for the pup. Picnics are encouraged, and you can pick up an adult beverage at Catherine’s across the street. But you’ll want to settle in early because this year’s concerts offer a lineup you won’t want to miss.

The Bank Walkers will open the show on Friday at 6:30 p.m. This popular local band features the talents of area professionals, including an eye surgeon, an attorney, a corporate vice president, a corporate CEO and a local business owner. This group plays music across the board, from the Black Crows and Allman Brothers to The Band and more. They’re great fun, so arrive in time to hear the whole set.

The Big Stitch will follow The Bank Walkers at 8 p.m. featuring Jonathan Bloom and a selection of musicians from several well-known bands. Bloom is a local favorite on any stage he takes, especially at Lake Martin.

And it just keeps getting better.

On Saturday, turn out for Adam Hood at 6:30 p.m. This solo artist, frontman and behind-the-scenes songwriter has carved out a Southern sound that mixes soul, country and American roots music into one great package. An Opelika native, Hood started his music career on hometown stages

at 16 years old and now plays 100 shows around the country every year.

Hood’s newest album, Somewhere in Between, was recorded at Nashville’s Sound Emporium Studios to create a collection of music that reflects the raw, real sound of his concerts. It’s an album that relies on craft to pack its punch, and Hood’s performance at RXR Fest will ring of genuine Southern songs.

Headlining the series on Saturday at 8 p.m. will be Carolina Story, a group that has built its reputation the old-fashioned way with coast-to-coast performances and a 2017 signing with Black River Americana.

Blending folk intimacy, country grit and alt-rock music, Carolina Story’s new album, Dandelion, was recorded over several years but rings true for where the world is today, as it reflects on loneliness, depression and economic hardship with the kind of empathy that can only come from lived experience. Much like the dandelion, Carolina Story continues to reach for the light with their music.

“There’s just something about the dandelion that spoke to us,” said Ben Roberts, who shares vocal and songwriting with his wife, Emily. “It’s this humble little plant that’s so tough it can grow through cracks in concrete.”

Carolina Story has played dates with Hayes Carll, Bob Schneider and Delta Rae, among others, and Rolling Stone declared them an “Artist You Need to Know.”

Friday on the Green

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riday on the Green is one of the few activities that weathered well the COVID-19 cancellation schedule last year. These free concerts went on as scheduled with just a few social distancing modifications, and they’re back again from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. starting May 14 to help you kick start your weekends at Lake Martin. Director of events and marketing operations at Russell Lands On Lake Martin, Robert Gunn has lined up your favorite local performers from May 14 to Sept. 24 for this free weekly concert on the lawn at Russell Crossroads’ Town Green.

There are no Friday on the Green concerts scheduled for May 28 or June 11 because RXR Fest will be held Memorial Day weekend (see facing page) and Jazz Fest will take place in Strand Park in Alexander City on June 11.

Friday on the Green is a great way to welcome guests to Lake Martin. It’s easy to find on state Route 63 just north of the Elmore County line, and it helps everyone to unwind before a weekend of fun behind the boat.

Bring the kids, the neighbors, friends, family and even the dog – on a leash, please – and spend a refreshing evening listening to good music and enjoying the night air.

Pack a picnic and a bottle of wine or pick up what you

need from Catherine’s just across the street.

Set up your lawn chairs and blankets on the grass, and let’s get summer started!

May 14 – Jilla Webb May 21 – Russell Craig June 4 – Cameron DuBois June 18 – Ben Sutton June 25 – Murray Brown Band July 2 – John Bull July 9 – Kurt McKinney and Chuck Lofton July 16 – Suzanne Scholz and Charles Forbus July 23 – Jonathan Bloom July 30 – shadowood Aug 6 – Sid Phelps Aug 13 – Smoke & Mirrors Aug 20 – David Jones Aug 27 – Madwind Sept 3 – Jonathan Bloom Sept 10- Wyatt Edmondson Sept 17 – Shades of Gray Sept 24 – Beth Cooper

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LAKE 2021 Summer Calendar is $225 and includes a photo with the band and premium seating. For information and tickets, visit theamponlakemartin.com.

May 22 What’s in the Pot? Take up painting at the lake this summer; there are many options for workshops

May 17 Painting with Purpose

Loosen up with this three-day studio workshop with Amanda Lovett at Tallapoosa School of Art. Beginners and experienced painters will work toward developing the skill to reach deeper into your own sense of artistry.

Workshop packages are available and can include lodging at the Blue Heron on Lake Martin, meals, on-site transportation and transportation to painting venues.

Visit tallapoosaworkshops.com for pricing informationand details.

May 22 Newsboys at The Amp

Christian rock band Newsboys will appear in concert at Lake Martin Amphitheatre at 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in pods that admit five people each. Regular pod price is $100. Gold pod price is $175 and includes premium seating. VIP pod price

Pursell Farms Chef Joe will discuss classic rice dishes from Spain and Italy, as well as his home state favorite, jambalaya. He will demonstrate how to prepare a traditional Italian risotto with roasted chicken and will offer instructions on selecting the appropriate rice, wine and cheese that will result in a creamy risotto. His discussion will include such topics as the different types of rice and their unique properties and preparations; techniques for cooking pilaf, risotto, paella and congee; sofrito, the base of flavor; and rinsing, toasting and aging rice to develop its unique characteristics. Cost of this study, which takes place from 10:30 a.m. to noon, is $40. For more information, visit the calendar at pursellfarms.com.

May 27 Peanut Point Opens

One of Lake Martin̓s most unique and popular stops is an island in the middle of the river side where boiled peanuts have been sold by the same family for more than 20 years. Stop by on a hot summer day for a bag of peanuts, and pick up a T-shirt to show you̓ve been there!

Catch Newsboys in concert at the Amp May 22

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Learn to sail June 5 at Dixie Sailing Club

Dixie Sailing Club Dixie Sailing Club is in full wind at Lake Martin, having started the racing circuit in early spring, but there’s still plenty of time to crew a boat or learn to sail, said Commodore Jim Simons.

“Club races are run almost every Saturday at 11 a.m. through mid-November if there is wind,” Simons said.

Races are conducted in the bay near the club, which is located at 767 New Hope Church Rd., Alexander City.

The club also has boats available for use for anyone who might have sailed with the club previously and would like to take out a Laser, Optis, Sunfish, Hunter 140 or Rebel. Email Simons at dscypmail@gmail.com to discuss options.

And anyone who wants to learn to sail should mark the calendar for Saturday, June 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Annual Introduction to Sailing course is free, though it is very helpful to call event coordinator Keith Bennett at 334-324-9383 or email him at cat221@msn.com to secure a place.

The class will include a chalk talk on sailing basics, a review of the parts of a sailboat, a tour of the boat yard and a capsize-andrighting demonstration, as well as the opportunity to learn to sail a Sunfish, sail on a member’s boat and visit with members of the sailing club. A hotdog lunch will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring a change of dry clothes, towel, sunscreen and life jackets if they have them.

The DSC summer calendar includes the McFadden Cup race on Saturday, May 29, which is the annual Memorial Day race recognizing original club member and World War II naval aviator Joe McFadden.

Youth camps are scheduled for June 9 through 12 and June 23 through 26, but if interested, check with Simons, as some youth events have been curtailed in the wake of COVID-19.

July 21 and 22, club members will hold an exhibition at Wind Creek State Park, and on Saturday, Sept. 4, the Nora Munger Regatta Labor Day races will recognize one of the club’s active women sailors from the 1980s.

In mid-September, the Catalina 22 Region 3 Championships will be held at DSC. This event attracts sailors from across the Southeast.

Spectators are always welcome at DSC events. Visit the website at dixiesailingclub. com for more information.

Sailboat races take place on Saturdays when there is wind

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LAKE 2021 Summer Calendar

Sun Festival Celebrate summer with nine days of fun STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH

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un Festival opens Thursday, June 3, with 26 events in Alexander City and the Lake Martin area, including music, activities, contests and a week-long medallion hunt for a daily prize of $200.

Presented by District 2 Tallapoosa County Commissioner Steve Robinson and coordinated by the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, this year’s schedule offers a multitude of events, such as a motorcycle ride benefiting the Gateway to Education Scholarship Program, a family movie day at Playhouse Cinemas and KidsFest Luck of the Draw where kids can get their art on and create a masterpiece in downtown Alexander City. The nine-day celebration culminates with the final Jazz Fest concert at the Lake Martin Amphitheater on Saturday, June 12.

The schedule kicks off at 5:30 p.m. at Strand Park with the Sun Festival Cornhole tournament. So, pick your partner and register early. The fee is $50 per team of two, which includes dinner for two during the tournament. Registration forms are available online at alexandercitychamber.com or stop by the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce.

Don’t forget Strand Sessions begins at 6 p.m., with 34 LAKE

a performance by Taylor Hunnicutt. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and a picnic, or support the local businesses by grabbing a drink or taking the family out to eat. Either way, the evening will be packed full of games, entertainment and time well spent relaxing with family and friends. The best part: The excitement does not stop for nine days.

On June 4, at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads, Friday on the Green begins at 6:30 p.m. Come out and experience live music, and an electric atmosphere as friends and family gather around to enjoy a summer night on the green.

In town, on-site registration for the inaugural axethrowing tournament at Nub Chuckers Axe Co. begins at 6:30 p.m. and is $25 per person, including dinner during the tournament. The competition heats up at 7 p.m.

Starting on Saturday at 9 a.m. is the Tykes in Trucks event downtown. This free event puts the little tykes in some very big trucks – fire trucks, tow trucks, tractors, road machinery and more. There will be music, an array of big trucks and games for the kids to play.

MAY 2021

Clockwise from top left: Sundae sweets; Wet N Wild; Bingo: Jazz Fest; Glowin-the-dark golf; find the medallion to win money; dress up the dog for the pet parade in the park

Downtown merchants will offer food, drinks and treats.

The first medallion hunt, sponsored by Wind Creek Casino and Hotel, will begin at 6 a.m. on Monday, June 7. Listen for the early morning riddle on The Front Porch/Kowaliga Country 97.5. Solve the riddle to learn the location of the hidden medallion to win $200.

The hunt begins anew every day through Friday with a new riddle; a new hiding place for the medallion; and another $200 prize.

KidsFest activities this year include plenty of opportunities to get wet and creative. There will be water slides, splashplex fun, magicians, art and, of course, sundaes. Bring the kids, grandkids, cousins and friends for activities designed to delight and amaze.

Add an extra challenge to your usual round of golf on Tuesday, June 8, by playing the second nine in the dark. The $45 entry fee per person includes greens fees and cart, dinner and glow-in-the-dark supplies for this four-person scramble at Lakewinds Golf Course.

Everyone is invited to Bingo at 1 p.m. at The Mill Two Eighty on Wednesday, June 9; then, head on over to Strand Park at 6 p.m. for Faith Night, a worship experience featuring local praise teams and free ham-

burgers and hot dogs.

Celebrate America’s heroes on Thursday, June 6, at Bill Nichols Veterans Home in the morning, and Thursday afternoon allow the kids to get crafty downtown at KidsFest Luck of the Draw, then visit Carlisle’s for KidsFest Build Your Own Sundae.

Bring your blue ribbon dessert to the Lake Martin Innovation Center on Friday morning to see how it stacks up against the best cooks in town. Or just come to taste the sweet treats and vote for the People’s Choice dessert.

Sun Festival rolls right into Jazz Fest at Strand Park on Friday night. This free concert series has rocked the town for 30 years. In addition to jazz, blues and Southern rock, don’t miss the decorated tables and dancing in the street at Alexander City’s signature concert event.

Jazz Fest goes to the lake on Saturday with a second free concert series at Lake Martin Amphitheater. Three great bands for dancing the night away – until next year.

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LAKE 2021 Summer Calendar

May 29 McFadden Cup Memorial Day Weekend Regatta

Dixie Sailing Club will host this annual race in recognition of Joe McFadden, an original club member and a World War II aviator. Visit dixiesailingclub.com for start times and details.

June 3-12 Sun Festival

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t’s that time of year again: Tallapoosa County Tourism will host Tallapoosa River Fest on June 5. Grab your kayak or canoe and head down to the beautiful Tallapoosa River for a day on the water and a cookout with friends.

If you do not own a kayak or canoe, please contact Off the Beaten Path Alabama Canoe/ Kayak to reserve equipment.

The float will begin at the Horseshoe Bend ramp and end at the Jay Bird ramp. The Harold Banks Canoe Trail journey is approximately 6 miles and is considered the most popular and scenic of the three trails on the Tallapoosa. This section has several patches of Shoal or Cahaba lilies, is known to have bald eagles in the area, and features Peters Island, Laura’s Leap, side chutes, Irwin Shoals and a campsite at Jay Bird Creek; so, make sure to bring your camera, but in a waterproof case, of course.

There is a $30 non-refundable registration fee, including an equipment shuttle to selected locations, a paddler shuttle to designated areas, a cookout and a participant T-shirt. Ages 12 and over are welcome. Please no novice paddlers, but do come for the fun and stay for the giveaways.

Visit tallapoosacountytourism.com/ Tallapoosa-river-fest/ to register online. Email completed waivers to sfuller@tallaco.com or contact Sandra Fuller at 256-215-3067 for other provisions or questions.

Alexander City Chamber of Commerce hosts this annual celebration of summer with activities and events all week long, starting with a cornhole tournament on Thursday evening. There will be sundae making, clues to help you find the medallion and win money, baking contests, a wet and wild event, celebrating American heroes and more. See page 34 and visit the Sun Festival Facebook page for what̓s happening when.

June 5 Introduction to Sailing

Dixie Sailing Club hosts this annual free event to introduce adults and youth in the Lake Martin area to the great sport of sailing. The event offers classroom training on the basics of sailing, a hands-on review of a working sailboat and a trip drill; then, participants get to sail a Sunfish or Laser sailboat on Lake Martin. Lunch and big boat sailboat rides are provided. For information, visit dixiesailingclub.com.

Paddle the Tallapoosa River

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June 5 through September Main Street Farmers Market

Visit Broad Street Plaza in downtown Alexander City from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Saturday for farm-fresh produce, delicious homemade baked goods and unique arts and crafts.

June 11 & 12 Jazz Fest

For more than 30 years, Jazz Fest has invited six great bands to take part in Treat yourself to homemade this free concert series at Strand Park jams, jellies and more at the in Alexander City and at Lake Martin Main Street Farmers Market Amphitheater. Three bands will perform each night, starting at 6 p.m. both nights. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, tea, a picnic and your dancing shoes for a toe-tapping good bottled water and snacks. Email dorothytime. littleton@gamil.com for registration and more information.

June 15 Summer Series: Carol Barksdale

Carol Barksdale will kick off this series of one-day painting workshops at Tallapoosa School of Art with an introduction to acrylics. This is a beginner level workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuition is $150 and includes tuition, supplies, lunch, coffee, Jazz Fest hits the downtown stage in Strand Park on June 11

June 17 Paint Your Pet

Spend a delightful evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with Pursell Farms artists Vaughan Pursell Spanjer, Tim Spanjer and Abby Jessup Little at Hamilton Place as they guide you in painting a picture of your pet.

Cameron Hayes will be on hand with a selection of wines, and Executive Chef Joe Truex will prepare dinner. No painting experience necessary. Hamilton Place is located at Pursell Farms, 386 Talladega Springs Rd., Sylacauga. Registration fee is $119 and includes all supplies, wine and dinner. Register at eventbrite.com or through the events page at pursellfarms.com.

June 19 Juneteenth in Camp Hill

The Camp Hill community will commemorate the 1865 emancipation of slaves in the U.S. with a block party, softball tournament, food vendors, music and fireworks. The celebration will show pride in Black heritage and culture, said Camp Hill Mayor WilliamsCole. For more information, visit the Town of Camp Hill, AL, Facebook page.

June 22 Summer Series: Pam Copeland

Learn oil painting basics with artist Pamela Copeland at this one-day workshop at Tallapoosa School of Art from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuition is $150 and includes supply, lunch, coffee, tea, bottled water and snacks. Email dorothylittleton@gmail.com for registration or more information.

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Arrive early to get a good viewing spot for the annual Russell Marine Boat Parade on July 4 at Kowaliga

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LAKE 2021 Summer Calendar

Aug. 3 Summer Series: Allie Gilmore

Artist Allie Gilmore will offer this one-day beginner level workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tallapoosa School of Art to introduce abstract painting in oils. Tuition is $150 and includes supplies, lunch, coffee, tea, bottled water and snacks. Email dorothylittleton@gmail.com for registration and information.

The Wilson Brothers come home to Alexander City again on Aug. 21

June 26 The Best Things Come in Little Packages

Chef Joe at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga will devote a class to dumplings, a small food that makes a big impression. His discussion will include types of dumplings, their history and the Silk Road, ingredients, gnocchi. He will demonstrate techniques for making his family’s favorite Asian style pot stickers and classic Italian potato gnocchi and offer instruction on hand picking the best ingredients for each of these dishes.

Tickets for this class, which begins at 10:30 a.m. and concludes at noon, are $40 and can be purchased through the events tab at pursellfarms.com.

June 29 Summer Series: Pam Copeland

Artist Pamela Copeland will present this one-day workshop in painting backlit landscapes in oils from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tallapoosa School of Art for beginner to intermediate level artists. Tuition is $150 and includes supplies, lunch, coffee, tea, bottled water and snacks. Email dorothylittleton@gmail.com for registration and information.

July 3 Have Your Cake and Eat It Too!

Join Pursell Farms Pastry Chef John Scourlas from 10:30 a.m. to noon for a demonstration on different types of cakes and the tips and tricks that will make you the star of the bake sale. His discussion will include filling flavors and varieties, choosing icing, how to get the perfect moist cake every time and his preferred tools of the trade. Tickets for this class are $40 and can be purchased through the website at pursellfarms.com.

Aug. 7 How to Eat Without Meat

Wrap up your summer at Lake Martin with a class that explores different plant-based cooking recipes from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with Chef Joe at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga. Discussion topics will include building a flavorful pantry of condiments, stocks and sauces to expand your repertoire and using spices, ingredients that add bold yet lean flavors to your cooking, healthy fats and the Mediterranean diet and even options to please picky eaters. The cost of this class is $40. Tickets are available through pursellfarms.com.

Aug. 13 Inaugural Chamber Golf Tournament at Lakewinds

The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will host its first-ever competitive golf tournament at the Lakewinds course. Visit the chamber's website at alexcitychamber.com/golf-tournament for details.

Aug. 21 A Little Love Concert

The Wilson Brothers return to their hometown to give a little love to the Alexander City community.

Hosted by Main Street Alexander City, this concert will take place on Main Street. Bring a lawn chair and pick up dinner and an adult beverage at a downtown restaurant.

Alexander City Chamber will host its first-ever golf tournament in August

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LAKE 2021 Summer Calendar

Sept. 4 Labor Day Weekend Nora Munger Regatta Dixie Sailing Club

Bingo Wednesdays

This annual race at the Dixie Sailing Club recognizes one of the club’s active women sailors from the 1980s. Spectators are welcome, as well as crewmembers. Visit dixiesailingclub.com for more information.

Season-long Events Alexander City Farmers Market

Opening for the season on June 5 and operating through Sept. 25, the Alexander City Farmers Market, hosted by Main Street Alexander City, is as much an experience as it is an opportunity to buy fresh produce for your table. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, jellies, jams, baked goods, bee products and goats’ milk products, you’ll find hand-crafted items from local artisans. Visit with the farmers, meet friends old and new at Broad Street Plaza in Alexander City from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Saturday.

Thursdays on the Square

Come out to the beautiful Square in downtown Dadeville from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday from May 13 to June 24 to listen to the music, get a bite to eat and socialize with friends old and new.

Bring a lawn chair. Visit the Zazu’s Verandah Facebook page for details weekly and see the weekly schedule on page 34.

Third Thursdays Downtown

Every third Thursday through September, Alexander City downtown businesses will stay open later for shopping and specials. Main Street Alexander City will coordinate an art walk, live music and other events, like book signings. Purchase a glass of wine at a downtown bar or restaurant and stroll through art at this entertainment district event before dinner.

Visit Zazu's Verandah on Thursdays in Dadeville

Come out to the alley next door to Casteluccio on Wednesday nights for bingo. Order dinner and wine from Casteluccio or your favorite downtown restaurant and have it delivered to your table. The event is limited to six people per table, and the number of tables is limited to 20, due to social distancing. Reservations for this weekly event go quickly, so email Main Street Executive Director Stacey Jeffcoat to reserve your table at sjeffcoatmainstreetac@gmail.com.

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. This exemplary collection includes the famed K7K Dodge, 1970 Grand National Champion, as well as Aero cars designed for NASCAR, Ford Boss Mustangs and the uber-rare last hemi Dodge Charger ever built. The inventory on display changes frequently, so every visit includes something new and exciting. 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 tour or private tours, email the museum at wellbornmusclecarmuseum@gmail.com or call them at 256-329-8474.

Crank 4 Bank

Register for this unique Lake Martin fishing tournament now, and you could win up to $1,500, a 2021 Bass Cat Bass Boat or Skeeter Bass Boat, a new truck or even a million dollars when you catch a fish with the blue 2021 tag. Visit crank4bank.com for details and registration.

First Saturday Markets

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

Register first; and then, catch a blue-tagged fish to win

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LAKE 2021 Summer Calendar

Charity Bingo

Every Tuesday in September, stop in at Niffer’s at the Lake at 6 p.m. for eight rounds of bingo to benefit the Lake Martin Area United Way. Cards are $1 each. The first seven rounds pay Niffer’s dollars, but the last round pays a cash jackpot.

Soup to Go

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

Music at Copper’s Grill

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

Episcopal Church Services at the Lake St. James Episcopal Church will hold Holy Eucharist services at Pick up a brown bag supper of soup and sandwich every Tuesday at St. James Episcopal Church

noon at Church in the Pines on June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25 and Aug. 8 and 22. For more information, visit the website at stjamesalexcity.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 first Saturday of the month, and volunteers can pick up sanitized pickers and bags at 8 a.m. at Dadeville City Hall. There also will be a trash bag drop-off on site.

Lake Martin Creativity

Anyone interested in art, crafts and hobbies is encouraged to come to and participate in the weekly activities from May 12 to Sept. 27 to learn from each other and make new friends with others who share the same interests. Bring your own water and share what you are currently working on. For more information, contact Suzie Ham at 334-464-2882 or Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.

Paint Party

Kay Fincher hosts a paint party every Wednesday at 1 p.m. from May 12 to Sept. 8 at the Lake Martin Wellness Center. All supplies are provided. Cost is $30, cash or check please.

Pre-register at vkfincher@aol.com or call her at 256-825-2506.

Millerville Trade Day

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

Library Storytime in Dadeville

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

Help to keep trash out of the lake through area cleanups

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Local libraries host storytime for children every week

Children’s Library in Alexander City

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library holds themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for preschool-aged and younger children. In addition, the children’s library hosts board games and puzzles every Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information, call Melissa Finley at 256-234-4644.

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 Santuck Flea Market draws a crowd every month

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

$20 on the 20th

The Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber asks our community to spend $20 on the 20th of each month to help our local economy.

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.

Memory Makers Quilt Guild

This group meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex campus. Participants come and go between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. with a business meeting at 5 p.m., followed by show-and-tell. Bring sewing projects, machines and questions.

Real Island Supper

The Real Island community hosts a covered dish supper every third Friday of the month at the Real Island Volunteer Fire Department and Community Room, 1495 Real Island Rd., Equality. Everyone is welcome. Admission is $3 per adult; bring a covered dish to share. Some nights are themed, so call ahead to find out if costumes or certain types of food are in order. For more information, contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724.

Amateur Radio Club

The Lake Martin Area Amateur Radio Club meets the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. For more information, contact Michael Courtney at 256-825-7766 or Mike Smith at 256-750-5710.

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

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

Fourth Fridays at EPAC

The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music 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 artists.

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LAKE 2021 Summer Calendar Discover the local history and geology at the Outdoor Education Center at Smith Mountain Firetower

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 Ron McDaniel at ronmcd416@gmail. com.

Equality VFD Cookout and Bake Sale

On the first Saturday of each month, the Equality Volunteer Fire Department hosts a bake sale, starting at 8 a.m., and lunch is served starting at 10:30 a.m. at the old Masonic Lodge in downtown Equality. Email Richard Penton at drichardpenton@gmail.com for more information.

Equality Neighborhood Watch

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.

The Equality Neighborhood Watch Association meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the old Masonic Lodge at 6:30 p.m. During the colder months, it meets at Equality Methodist Church on state Route 259. For more information, email Richard Penton at drichardpenton@gmail.com.

Coffee & Connections

Every third Tuesday of the month, the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking event at 8 a.m. open to any chamber member.

Participants should meet at the TPI bullpen at the Lake Martin Innovation Center for coffee, a light breakfast and a chance to network with community members.

Charity Bingo at Niffer’s Place Lake Martin

Niffer’s, 7500 state Route 49 in Dadeville, hosts charity bingo every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Cards are $1 each, and funds go to participating charities.

Second Friday Open Mic Night

The Equality Performing Arts Center invites all musicians to its monthly jam sessions on the second Friday of each month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. There is no cover, but donations are greatly appreciated.

There will be an intermission for snacks, and people are encouraged to bring a dish to share. The EPAC is located at 560 state Route 9 in Equality. For more information, visit the EPAC Facebook page.

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Network with other chamber members at Coffee & Connections every month

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WHAT'S NEW @ THE LAKE

WHAT'S NEW @ THE LAKE

Richard and Julie Owens opened the Yellow Top Ice Cream Shop at Lake Martin this summer – at the behest of their grandchildren (insert)

We all scream for ice cream STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY BRITTANY SMITH

W

hen their daughter-in-law heard ice cream truck music while swimming last year at a women’s retreat on Smith Lake, a new business began for Richard and Julie Owens on Lake Martin.

“There was a boat selling popsicles at Smith Lake, and when our daughter-in-law told her children, her son, Jackson, told Richard, ‘Grandpa, you have to do this business!’ That was all it took,” Julie Owens said.

The Owens’ had previously purchased a used pontoon boat with a bright yellow top. Alabama fans, they had considered changing the Bimini color to crimson but instead, changed it to a new yellow top. After 10-yearold Jackson said the popsicle float should be named the Yellow Top Ice Cream Shop, the concept began to take shape. The paperwork was started to make 45 LAKE

the endeavor legal, and the boat launched in March after a few accommodations were made for its novelty cargo, including designing a box to hide the freezer generator.

“Early on, it was rainy and cloudy and cold. The water was so choppy,” Owens said.

Though lake season had not opened and the lake wasn’t even close to full pool, Richard sold 81 popsicles his first day out. In addition to popsicles, the sweet float menu includes other sweets and T-shirts and is available for private parties.

“Maxwell Air Force Base wants us at a party in May, and we have had requests for birthday parties,” Owens said.

To find out where Yellow Top Ice Cream Shop is on the lake, visit the Facebook page.

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WHAT'S NEW @ THE LAKE

All the Fun without the Hassle 46 LAKE

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Something like a country club for boaters will open this month on Lake Martin, said Freedom Boat Club franchisee Russell Atkins, who will add Alabama’s Treasured Lake to his destination roster this summer.

“Instead of tee times, you’ll make boat reservations,” Atkins explained.

Like country club members, boat club members will pay an initiation fee and monthly dues for the privilege of using any of the local club’s fleet at any time and as often as they want. FBC will retain ownership of the boats and will take care of maintenance, upkeep, insurance, slip rental and other expenses typical of boat ownership.

“Club members will just pack a picnic and whatever else they want on the boat and show up. The boat will be in the water, fueled up and ready for them to enjoy a day on the lake,” Atkins said.

Though not connected with Russell Marine, FBC will work from an office at The Ridge Marina. Boats currently in the Lake Martin fleet include a doubledecker Monaco Slide Tritoon, a Sea Ray OBX Bowrider, a Hurricane deck boat and another pontoon boat. All of the boats are fewer than three years old.

There is no limit to the number of times a month that a club member could use a boat in the fleet, and membership entitles a member to use a boat at a participating franchised location up to four times per year.

“If a person is a member at Lake Martin and is going on vacation to, say, Florida, they could make a reservation to use a coastal boat at one of our FBC locations there under the same terms as the Lake Martin membership,” Atkins said. “Market research indicates that most people who own a boat use it on average 12 times per year, but FBC members, on average, reserve a boat 24 to 30 times per year.”

Atkins attributed the increase in use to the hasslefree boating the club offers.

“You don’t have to do any of the work. You bring the boat back to the dock, and you walk away. You don’t have to clean it or put gas in it. We take care of that,” he said. “Once we refill the boat, we charge your membership account for the gas you used.”

The initiation fee varies by location but starts around $5,000, and monthly dues begin at $299.

“That’s less than what it costs to rent a boat for one day in most locations,” Atkins said.

Lake Martin will be Atkins’ first FBC venture on a lake. All of his additional franchises are at coastal locations.

“But at least 20 people at my other locations told me, ‘You have got to go to Lake Martin!’ so we came to look at it. Lake Martin is a beautiful place and a good match for Freedom Boat Club,” he said.

Justin Lantz will be the FBC manager at the Lake Martin office. For membership details, contact Membership Executive Morse Hines at 850-677-0067.

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTO BY AUDRA SPEARS

Lake Martin's new boat rental club takes care of maintenance and storage, so the boat is always ready for a day on the lake

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WHAT'S NEW @ THE LAKE The Social will open at Anchor Bay in early May

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The Social STORY BY BETSY ILER

Friends who all grew up spending time at Lake Martin dreamed of opening a restaurant here, and when they saw the old Anchor Bay restaurant, they realized it was a great location for their vision. Lane and Ashley Minor and Katie and Craig Miller will open The Social at Lake Martin this month for Thursday evening dinner and weekend breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner at the southwest lake location after extensive renovations.

“We really opened it up,” said Katie Miller, a Troy native who grew up coming to the lake. “We busted out walls and windows, so the majority of the seating has lake views. Even the indoor dining has garage doors that will open up.”

The family-friendly restaurant will be one of the few locations on the lake that offers breakfast.

“We’ll be opening at 8 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with a breakfast menu and on holiday weeks, we’ll be open all week,” said Lane Minor, who is from Slapout.

“We’ll have brunch by boat, a country style breakfast with a twist – chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits and a crawfish beignet that we can dress up sweet or savory,” Minor added.

The menu also will include burgers, tacos, salads and other lake area favorites. Patrons will place food orders at a food bar and take numbers to their tables, where their selections will be served.

“And we’ll be dog friendly, so bring the dog on a leash,” Minor said.

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Gary Williams will manage the restaurant, while Jarod McComack handles the kitchen.

“Between them, there is more than 50 years of experience,” Miller said.

The cocktail menu will offer mimosa flights of flavor varieties for brunch, along with personalized Bloody Marys. There will be Bushwhackers and daiquiris for adults and non-alcoholic daiquiris and milkshakes for the kids.

The restaurant offers seating for about 160 now, but the owners expect to add a rooftop deck with more seating options soon. The dock has space for 10 to 15 boats, but the owners are working with the marina to provide more boat parking options.

The sound can be controlled by zone, so patrons can enjoy easy conversation with dinner guests or plug into the full sound of a local artist on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Look for the music lineup on The Social at Lake Martin’s Facebook page.

In addition, the destination venue will feature a great big chair for taking selfies and photos, said Minor.

“I lived in Orange Beach for eight years, and it seemed like every location on the water had a very large chair for taking pictures. That’s just a fun thing to do, so we’ll have a large Adirondack chair for photo taking,” he said.

The website was still under construction at Lake’s presstime, but once it is up and running, patrons could place orders and purchase swag through the website.

MAY 2021

Tiki-time at Bay Pines

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STORY BY BETSY ILER

Lakeside Bay Pines Marina will host The Wilson Brothers and Charlie Argo next month to celebrate the opening of a new tiki-styled daiquiri bar and a stage that sits right at the water’s edge. Lakeside owner Donnie McDaniel said the Bay Pines expansion is one phase of a company-wide project that includes a new marine maintenance center and storage facility at Centerport Road and reorganized sales space at the Lakeside Blue Creek location.

The pontoon bar and new deck area at Lakeside Bay Pines will more than double the local hangout’s capacity, said Bay Pines Manager Lori Carlisle.

“The new pontoon bar will seat about 20, and we’ll add about 16 to 20 more at tables,” Carlisle explained.

The outdoor bar will serve signature bushwhackers, frozen margaritas, orange daiquiris and peach daiquiris, along with beer, wine and mixed drinks, she said. An expanded food menu will be available at the indoor deli.

“There’s nothing else like it on this side of the lake. We’ve

been shooting for this for four years. It’s exciting to see it coming together,” Carlisle said. “It will be a safer option close by for those in the northern area on the east side of the lake.”

Patrons will be able to anchor in the bay to see and listen to the live bands and take a shuttle to shore to eat, drink and socialize.

Carlisle said a new cover will be added to the existing dock area at the marina, as well.

The entertainment venue will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays and will feature a variety of entertainment, including regular Summer Sets or karaoke on Fridays and Songwriter Saturdays all summer long. The Wilson Brothers will play June 18, with Charlie Argo on June 19.

“We have a lot of local young talent that we will be spotlighting, too. We’ll have Tina Hosey with Madwind Band several times over the summer and Tyler Meadows and some others. Buddy McDaniel has joined in with his brother, Donnie, and he’s working on the entertainment.”

The Lakeside Bay Pines Marina is Lakeside Marina at Bay Pines open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. seven has added a tiki bar days a week. The location also includes and outdoor stage three apartments that are available for short-term rental. Contact Carlisle at Baypines3455@outlook.com for more information.

The Lakeside Marina Service Center at the intersection of state Route 50 and Centerport Road on the south side of Blue Creek will be up and running this month to offer gas, including non-ethanol and diesel, boat service, supplies and storage, McDaniel said.

“The marinas outgrew the service space in Blue Creek, so we’re moving service to the new Centerport Road location,” McDaniel explained. “We’ll have sales and rentals at the Lakeside Blue Creek Marina.”

The Lakeside Blue Creek sales center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week this summer. Contact information for the Centerport Road facility was not yet available at Lake magazine’s presstime but will be available soon at lakesidemarinallc.com.

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WHAT'S NEW @ THE LAKE

Lake Martin Creamery STORY BY SIRI HEDREEN

Cheeks swelled above Dianna Duncan̓s mask Wednesday as she watched her grandchildren enjoying custard from the soon-to-be open Lake Martin Creamery.

Duncan’s grandchildren were some of the first to sample the custard created by the husband-and-wife team of Ellen and Dennis Godfrey.

“It’s amazing,” 9-year-old Tommy Farr said. “It’s our lucky day. I got free ice cream.”

Duncan’s other grandchild Hollieanna Farr, 5, dined on the ice cold treat too.

“I love it,” the 5-year-old said. “I’m going to come in everyday and get a chocolate vanilla swirl.”

The Farr siblings visited their grandmother while on spring break.

Frequent trips are fine for Duncan.

“I love it,” Duncan said.

“We will be here every time they come to visit.”

It’s those reactions and memories Dennis Godfrey hopes everyone gets to enjoy.

“These guys are the reason why we decided to open this,” Godfrey said. “She can make memories with them. That is what I want.”

Godfrey remembers times as a child with his grandparents.

“My grandfather would take us to Moonland, Mississippi, and we would go fish,” Godfrey said. “For me that was the best time of my life. He would buy us a can of Beanie Weenies at 4:30 in the morning from a 7/11 50 LAKE

and we thought it was filet mignon. I love the memories I have of my grandfather doing that; it was great.”

The Godfreys were introduced to Lake Martin years ago and almost didn’t come back after the first morning.

“We came down for a sort of a work thing,” Ellen Godfrey said. “It was the Fourth of July weekend. We are going to be in the boat parade. I’m thinking I’m not liking this parade thing. We go to the marina to sign up for the parade and use the potty and came out with a Sea Doo. It is the most expensive potty break ever. We were hooked that weekend. We never looked back. When we would come we would stay at their place until we got a place of our own.”

Dennis Godfrey said the couple’s idea of an ice cream shop started years ago.

“I was probably only going to work a couple more years anyway,” Godfrey said. “Most likely the ice cream shop would have come then.

Last year during the COVID-19 pandemic Godfrey was working a corporate job. He had been with the same company for 18 years “During the pandemic, I couldn’t travel; it became frustrating,” Godfrey said. “I got so frustrated trying to run a region from a computer. It just didn’t work for me because I’m a people person. We lived in Birmingham and had a place here at the lake. I spent a lot of time down here because I was working from home. The lake kind of exploded and I watched all this around me. I was like, the way people go to work has changed.”

Plans for the ice cream shop got pushed up as the Godfreys noticed a change around the lake.

“For us if we are going to make a move, maybe now is the right time for us to do this,” Godfrey said. “When this opportunity came, when we found this spot and the opportunity became available, we just had to take a leap of faith.

We spent a little time praying about it to see if this really is the right move. I feel like it really is because I think this is something the lake needed.

This was our opportunity so if we were going to do it, let’s do it now.”

The idea was planted in the minds of the Godfreys a few years ago, who rented a place at Stillwaters.

“She went to find ice cream with her grandchildren; she couldn’t find anything,” Godfrey said. “She said, ‘Have you guys thought of that.’ We hadn’t but we started doing our research.”

Godfrey left his corporate job in September.

“That was a little unnerving,” he said. “We sold our house in Helena in three hours. It afforded us to have the type of funds we needed to open this up.”

The Godfreys research took them to Seaside, Florida.

“We saw these cute little ice cream shops,” Godfrey said.

“We saw how they were run. Most of them were serving hard ice cream but that wasn’t something I really wanted to do. I think most people like soft serve. Really what I wanted was a custard, more of a high quality product. We would get that from St. Louis at Ted Drewes. I got the same mix he uses.”

MAY 2021

Stillwaters' Courtside Inn offers a great golf getaway and event center

Courtside Inn at Stillwaters

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STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTO BY BRITTANY SMITH

With event space downstairs and lodging suites with street level access upstairs, Courtside Inn is a littleknown Lake Martin option for weekend golf retreats, family reunions, wedding rehearsals, bachelor parties and other gatherings.

Just down the hill from the Stillwaters Golf clubhouse and Copper’s Grill, the inn suites overlook the driving range and practice putting green at this gated east lake community. The lower level event center walks out to a covered patio, just steps away from warming up for a day on the course. Finish the day putting around the practice green, cocktail in hand, or from the private balcony upstairs.

Built as part of the StillWaters (with a capital ‘W’) resort more than 40 years ago, Courtside Inn was named after the tennis courts that originally occupied the space where the driving range is now, said the inn’s coordinator, Amanda Hoffman.

“It was built by Barbara Mandrell, the country singer,” explained Hoffman. “She built it for her family to come and stay. They were tennis players, and they had tennis tournaments here. They could watch the tennis games from the balconies.”

The inn is owned by Keith Hiett, who purchased the building, along with the golf course and clubhouse, about five years ago and changed the capital ‘W’ to lowercase to differentiate the golf club from the surrounding residential neighborhood.

The Courtside suites were recently updated in golf décor, said Hoffman, who coordinates everything at the

inn. Each room includes two queen size beds, a private bathroom and a refrigerator, as well as a spacious deck.

With parking just steps away from the suite entrances at street level, arrival and departure couldn’t be easier, and Hoffman manages the downstairs space to be carefree for her guests.

Amenities at the lower level event space can include a fully stocked bar, tables and chairs, catering kitchen and custom décor. Hoffman, her assistant Kim Helmke and the rest of her team can decorate the space for any occasion. Catering services are provided by Copper’s Grill. Floral services and live entertainment are available as well, all arranged through Hoffman, who can offer services ala carte or at convenient package pricing.

“Everything you need is right here, and it’s one of the most economical spaces available around the lake,” said Hoffman, who has coordinated events for 38 years. “It’s really great to have the event space with the rooms upstairs. You can stay as late as you want, and you don’t have to drive anywhere. You can just walk upstairs to retire at the end of the day.”

Hoffman will kick off the summer season at Courtside Inn with an open house from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on May 27 with Americana decorations, hors d’oeurves, adult beverages and live music. The public is invited to tour the inn at the open house event.

Courtside Inn is located at 40 Courtside Circle, inside the gates at StillWaters. Turn into the first driveway on the right after the clubhouse. For more information, contact Hoffman at 334-444-2165.

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Worship with neighbors, friends and family again.

HOLY WATER

June 13 and 27 | July 11 and 25 | August 8 and 22 Service begins at noon. Come by car or boat.

Outdoor praise & worship with acoustic band at Church in the Pines.

Everyone is welcome.

stjamesalexcity.com

lamberthandlamberth.com

256-234-6401 6 Franklin Street • Alexander City

Mon - Thur 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Fri 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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Denise Cessna chose navy blue - her favorite color - for the exterior of the couple's lake home, as well as interior accents

Blues at the Lake STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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The vaulted great room combines comfort and function with lots of space for family and friends

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Greg and Denise Cessna bought their 1,100-square-foot cabin on Lake Martin in Dadeville in 2003. In 2019, they began a major renovation and addition to the cabin. When their old foundation was destroyed in a storm, what could have been catastrophe became a blessing in disguise as the couple had to start the process from scratch. The Cessnas drew their plans on a napkin and hired Scoop Langston with Oak Leaf Development in Auburn to build the lake home of their dreams.

The character of the 4,750-square-foot home begins with the exterior color – Naval by Sherwin Williams with a white trim – a home color not often seen on the shores of Lake Martin and certainly one that makes an impressive statement. The navy theme continues throughout the home in textures, tiles and fabrics that create charming effects.

“Navy is my favorite color, so I knew the exterior would be blue and that the interior would have navy as the main accent color,” said Denise Cessna, a designer and accredited professional stager.

A large front porch welcomes visitors at the entry with luscious ferns and an herb garden. Just inside, the kitchen and vaulted dining and great

room combine for a perfectly comfortable and fulltime living space for the Cessnas. A raw-edge slab table with anchor legs was built by Greg, as well as other tables in the guest bedroom.

The kitchen countertops are a gray quartz. The expansive 5-feet-by-8-feet navy island, containing built-in shelves on one end for books and framed family photos, is topped in quartzite called Aqua Marine. Countertops throughout the house were installed by Amazon Stone of Palmetto, Georgia.

The backsplash is a wavy, white subway tile with a dark grout.

“We have plenty of space in the kitchen now.

We love to cook ribs and shrimp and grits. One of our family favorites is to have a competition pizza night. Everyone makes his own pizza, and the neighbors grade the pizzas on presentation and taste. We’ve had lobster pizza, chicken and gravy pizza and everything in between,” Cessna said.

Cabinet Works in Auburn created the custom cabinets for the kitchen, matching decorative arches in the glass doors of two armoires to arches in the cabinets. Throughout the main level, the hardwood floors are oak with a walnut finish.

The light fixtures in the kitchen and great room,

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The Cessnas enjoy cooking and relaxing with the whole family in their new custom kitchen

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found at Scott’s Antique Markets in Atlanta, combine wood, iron and rope for a nautical effect in three pendants over the island and two chandeliers over the dining table. Eight pendants on long ropes tied to a single bar hang from the vaulted ceiling in the living area. The ceiling is divided over the living room, creating higher space in the center for a row of windows that add more natural light. The furniture in the great room was found at Scott’s and Bassett Furniture. Cessna was careful to select performance fabrics for the sofas and chairs.

A hallway just off the kitchen allows space for a built-in desk area and a large laundry/pantry combination with floor-to-ceiling shelves and a second refrigerator. The gray tiled floor outlines patterned tile used in the center to mimic an area rug.

“I used tile from a fireplace in a home we had in Atlanta to make the ‘rug.’ Adding a big pantry was important. We never had enough room in the cabin for all the food we needed when everyone was here, and now we do,” she said.

The Cessnas new home boasts two guest rooms upstairs with a Jack-and-Jill bath between. In addition, one of those rooms also has a private bath, and there is a large full bath in the hallway. Navy accents are part of the décor in all three bathrooms.

The hall bath vanity, built from reclaimed wood by

Cabinet Works, makes an extraordinary statement piece.

The bedrooms are beautifully appointed with fabric headboards, white and cream linens, swirls of watercolor fabric, blue drapes and area rugs with blue design. Each room features special pieces – fish paintings and pillows, a table built by Denise’s father, a mirrored side table, even white sheets with a delicate, small, gray fish pattern.

Also upstairs, the master bedroom opens to the back deck and has fabulous lake views. A plush, gray and cream medallion comforter on the bed pairs well with a charcoal headboard and grays in the drapes and rug. Blue botanical prints over the bed complete the palette. The master bath has a double vanity with a dressing table built in and a glass shower. The floor has porcelain planks, measuring 36-inches-by-5-inches, with a woodgrain look laid in a herringbone pattern.

The upstairs covered porch can be accessed from the great room or the master bedroom. Teak furniture and a fireplace create a cozy place to enjoy the lake view and all outside activities.

Downstairs, the Cessnas have created a space for all things recreational. The main room has a sectional sofa centered on an 80-inch television, perfect for movies and games. A pool table and

The back porch offers a cozy birdseye view of lakeside activities

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Cessna uses her favorite blues and fresh flowers for décor throughout the home

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A pool table downstairs provides competitive fun for family and friends

The Cessnas enjoy their outdoor kitchen and dining space

Guest rooms are comfortable and inviting Dedicated grandchildren spaces are close by the adults' conversation areas

Reclaimed wood was used for a custom vaniety in a hall bath

The grandchildren can play in the sand while the adults practice their putting

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The master bedroom boasts a beautiful blue and gray palette with spectacular lake views

dart board provide hours of fun for the grown-ups, along with a bar area tucked into the back corner.

A third guest room showcases a repurposed dresser painted a glossy navy with gold hardware and a white quilt with nautical blue stripes on the bed. A full bath is located in the hall just outside the door.

“Our family is very competitive. We enjoy competitive golf, corn hole and dominoes. The downstairs room and our backyard give us plenty of room to do what we love,” she said.

A barn door slides quietly closed to separate the rec room from the rest of the lower level. An area specifically for the grandchildren contains a trundle bed, covered in stuffed animals, and a children’s table and chairs. Nearby, an office with four leather recliners and bookcases provides a place to work with a lake view that is away from the main rooms of the house.

Both the rec room and the office open to the back porch and the lawn, stretching to the water and dock. The Cessnas leveled the ground and built their own five-hole putting green in the backyard.

A sand box for the children is located just outside the rec room.

Beside the house on the lower level, a retaining wall formed the perfect space for Bryan Waits with The Backyard in Auburn to build an outdoor kitchen, furnished with a built-in gas grill and Big Green Egg. A bar with four stool,s plus additional

tables and chairs, offers casual lakeside dining at its best. Waits also constructed a fire pit near the water. Landscaping for the home was executed by Creative Habitats.

The Cessnas’ new dock, built by Welcher Construction in Dadeville, has a covered boat slip and a 17-foot-by-8-foot sitting area, also under cover. An uncovered sundeck provides a great spot in the sun and a jumping-off place for swimmers.

Cessna has decorated the covered dock with ample seating and two ceiling fans. Lanterns and lights hang from the roof, and fishing poles are in a rack waiting for the next angler.

“We are so relaxed living here. We love the water, even in the winter. Lake life is a different pace, and that’s what we love most,” Cessna said.

With a nod of appreciation to the previous owners, the Cessnas kept two hanging black caldrons filled with flowers, a bell and a porch swing on the new home site – simple reminders that generations before have enjoyed and generations to come will cherish memories made on Lake Martin.

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

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TO LEARN MORE VISIT NATIONALVILLAGE.COM OR CALL 334.749.8165

MAY 2021

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LAKE 63

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Devil's Walking Stick My introduction to Devil’s Walking Stick was quick, rude and painful.

I had just started climbing a very steep hill in the woods when the ground gave way under my right foot.

In a flash, I reached for the closest “sapling.” Even after a couple of decades, I remember the simultaneous feeling of surprise and pain as I clamped my right hand tightly around a handful of long, sharp prickles.

Flat on my back at the bottom of the hill, my palm and fingers punctured and bleeding, I looked up and – silhouetted against the sky – could just make out the needle-like spikes ringing the Devil’s Walking Stick that I had grabbed on the hillside.

Like the first time you touch a hot stove, it was a lesson not soon forgotten.

Devil’s Walking Stick is a shrub native to the Southeastern U.S., concentrated from the Mississippi

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River to Virginia, though it is found as far west as Texas and as far north as New York. It tends to grow in colonies, so if you see one, you’ll likely see many more nearby.

This plant is a deciduous shrub, meaning it looses its leaves each winter, and in this case the word “shrub” may be a little misleading since it can grow up to 26 feet tall, well into “tree” height. Most of the time it is smaller, something between headheight and 10 feet tall.

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Devil’s Walking Stick has two unique characteristics – the wickedly sharp prickles circling its stout trunk and its huge compound leaves, the largest of any shrub or tree in North America.

This is a showy, exotic, tropical-looking plant that appears to be a bit out of place in our hardwood and pine forests. In fact, it looks like something that you would expect to find on a lush, South Pacific island. Because it is so distinctive, it is sometimes grown in gardens. In fact, during Victorian period, English gardeners raised it as as a grotesque specimen, something to show

NATURE OF THE LAKE

BY KENNETH BOONE

Avoid the sharp rpickles of the Devil's Walking Stick while hiking Lake Martin's trails

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Devil's Walking Stick grows in colonies around the Lake Martin area

Its huge compound leaves are the largest of any tree or shrub in North America

off because it was so The bark different. of Devil's Botanists call this Walking Stick plant Aralia spinosa. could cause It is a member of allergic the ginseng family, reaction Araliaceae. In addifor some tion to Devil’s Walking people Stick – an appropriate moniker if there ever was one – its other common names include Angelica Tree, Hercules’ Club, Prickly Ash and Prickly Elder.

Each spring, Devil’s Walking Stick sends up a tall stem that is spiked with thorns and looks a lot like, well, a walking stick. At the top of the stem, it will develop a few huge, double or triple pinnately compound green leaves. Each leaf looks like a lot of individual leaves but is actually one leaf with many leaflets. Several of these enormous leaves coming from the top of the stem form an umbrella-like canopy. Each compound leaf can be 3 to 4 feet long and 3 to 4 feet wide. During the fall, these leaves can change colors at different times so that one may be green, while another is yellow or red, making it a favorite of leaf-peekers.

As the plant matures in the summer, it produces large, tall clusters of beautiful white flowers 1 to 4 feet above the canopy of leaves. Its flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, which harvest the nectar. In the fall, each flower becomes a green fruit that turns black when it ripens and stands out against a 66 LAKE

maze of pink stems up above the leaf canopy. A number of animals – including foxes, raccoons, opossums and other small mammals and songbirds – eat the fruit.

Devil’s Walking Stick is found most often in moist but well-drained open shade locations, often as an understory plant in thin forests or on the edges of fields, pastures or hillsides. It can tolerate sandy or clay loam soils and is often an early colonizer in open areas in the forest. Devil’s Walking Stick colonies sometimes die out as a forest grows up around it.

Despite its vicious prickles, Devil’s Walking Stick has been used by Native Americans for centuries.

Iroquois were known to plant them near their villag-

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es, so they could quickly access Devil’s Walking Stick fruit, which they used as a food, and the flowers, which were worn in women’s hair.

This plant was used to treat rheumatism and boils by a number of tribes, including the Cherokee, Choctaw and Rappahannock.

Devil’s Walking Stick roots are said to be poisonous, and handling the bark and roots could cause allergic reactions in some people.

Because this plant reproduces well by sending up suckers from its roots, larger, older Devil’s Walking Stick often is surrounded by a grove of smaller plants.

For this reason, many gardeners say Devil’s Walking

Stick is too aggressive for a home garden, but if you’re looking for something showy and different, it is easy to grow and doesn’t have many pests or diseases.

Just be careful what you grab when Devil’s Walking Stick is nearby.

Some information for this article came from The Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center’s wildflower.org, the University of Arkansas’ Yard & Garden page, finegardening.com, the North Carolina Extension Gardner, and Wikipedia.

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LAKE 67

HELP BEAUTIFY the area through volunteer commitment and community involvement.

ASK A BUDDY to join you! Volunteer to adopt a mile of Hwy 63 and commit to keeping it litter free.

If you are interested, just go to 63PrideDrive.com and sign-up.

VOLUNTEERS will receive a Pride Drive t-shirt,

safety vest, trash picker and bags. Help your friends and neighbors bring Pride back to the community.

TO VOLUNTEER

or learn more,visit 63PrideDrive.com

MAY 2021

LAKE 68

Jerry Purcell 205.382.3417

Allison Ladson 256.750.0711

Damon Story 205.789.9526

Mike Davis 256.226.1238

Lindsay Kane 256.675.6792

Amy Duncan 256.212.2222

Hugh Neighbors 256.750.5071

India Davis 256.749.7592

Judy Voss 256.794.0779

Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681

John McInnish 334.415.2149

Michelle Brooks-Slayman 256.749.1031

Jan Hall 256.329.6313

Sawyer Davis 205.965.7940

Jim Cleveland 256.596.2220

Ashley Chancellor 334.202.9017

Becky Haynie 334.312.0928

Adam Yager 205.914.0830

Mimi Rush 334.399.7874

Jeff Cochran 256.786.0099

Judith Jager 205.789.0698

Cindy Scroggins 256.794.3372

David Mitchell 256.212.3511

Howard Haynie 334.312.0693

Haley Fuller 256.750.2411

Randall Rogers 334.707.5804

Denise Cochran 256.786.2484

John Shelton 404.858.9198

WE’RE THE MARKET LEADER Lake Martin Waterfront Market Share

DADEVILLE

256.825.9092

OURTOWN

256.212.1498

WILLOW POINT

256.212.1498

OTHER COMPETITORS

48.7%

OUR CLOSEST COMPETITOR

LAKE MARTIN REALTY/ RUSSELL LANDS ON LAKE MARTIN

*LMAAR/MLS Member Firms Sales Volume Data April 2020 – March 2021

MAY 2021

L a k e M a r t i n R e a l t y. c o m

LAKE 69

Orienteering STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

T

The Vulcan Orienteering Club returns to Lake Martin this summer with fun for family and friends, and this year’s events could be a great introduction to watching or even volunteering with The World Games 2022.

Orienteering is a sport engaging all ages in an effort to find and record field markers in a specified order using a detailed course map and electronic punching verification (e-stick). VOC events are informal and could be a unique way to enjoy a walk through the woods or a competitive run to complete the course with the best time.

The VOC spring orienteering event will take place at Wind Creek State Park on May 8. Teams will be dispersed from Pavilion 3 according to start times between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. to be determined during online registration. Teams should finish the course by 2 p.m. Register online at vulcanorienteering.org prior to the event.

Registration opens May 2 and closes the evening of May 7.

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The cost to participate is $6 per team or individual entry and includes one course map.

Additional course maps are $1 each, and e-stick rentals are $2 if a team does not already have one.

The COVID-19 event management plan will be in effect for this orienteering event, said Anne Matthews with VOC. “The big difference between this event and those we have done in the past at Lake Martin is that we now require online pre-registration,” Matthews explained. “We encourage each group member to have a map; otherwise, they are just hiking and not learning to orienteer.”

Social distancing guidelines will be in place, encouraging participants to remain at least 6 feet from others if possible. Masks should be worn over the mouth and nose in the reporting area.

Gloves and hand sanitizer will be offered.

The event will use Sportident timing.

No previous orienteering experience is necessary, Matthews said.

“These events are often used to introduce people to the sport of orienteering and as practice for national level orienteering meets,” she said.

And when The World Games 2022 comes to Birmingham in July of next year, three orienteering events will be included among the 34 unique sports that will be featured. The Middle Distance Foot-O will be held at Oak Mountain; Birmingham Southern College will host the Sprint; and the Sprint/Relay will take place downtown at Railroad Park.

“This is going to be a huge international event with the top 80 orienteers in the world. We will need volunteers to do such things as man the quarantine, start and finish areas; be control testers and watchers; help with traffic control and the spectator events. Volunteering with us will allow people to see interesting sports and have fun as well.”

For information about volunteering with VOC for The World Games 2022, contact Matthews at bamaanne@bellsouth.net.

“

No previous orienteering experience is necessary. These events are often used to introduce people to the sport of orienteering and as practice for national level orienteering meets.”

MAY 2021

~ Anne Matthews

LAKE 71

Renovate or Buy New? T

he family is ready for summer fun on the lake, but is the house ready for festivities and guests? Has the invitation list grown with more friends, older children, new grandkids, while the house stayed the same and strains under the weights of change? Some people decide to fix this dilemma with a new lake home, and others decide to stay in place.

For one family, cold showers, small bedrooms and an old kitchen could be too much to deal with, even if it is only overwhelming in the summer months. Another family might see the quirks, dings and inadequacies of a home as endearing qualities that need few adjustments. Both families are in search of necessary change; they just have diverging paths to achieve the transformation of their lifestyles.

Making these types of decisions often is difficult, and it is only exacerbated by the strong market and low interest rates we are experiencing now. Is it smarter to sell and reinvest the profits in a new home? Or does the family consider all the nostalgia and benefits of a high-equity position and stay where they are by upgrading, altering or expanding the footprint of the beloved home? And don’t forget that some of these homes have been in one family for multiple generations.

Knowing that new is not always better and old is not always obsolete ignites the minds’ ponderings.

Weighing the pros and cons of a new direction for the family and invest72 LAKE

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ment is a serious matter that should be fully investigated before arriving at a conclusion about which direction in which to move. Money sits in both columns, as the benefits of taking it out of the house to invest in a newer or more accommodating home are compared to putting money back into the house for a higher return on the current equitable value. Additionally, where does land value benefit or confuse the equation?

One family might trade their summer or year-round favorite for the bright shiny new construction down the way, while another family decides to gain space by adding a second story, expanding the footprint of their beloved homestead or even tearing it down and building a new structure in its place.

Who made the right decision is as varied as the available scenarios in the decision-making process. Both families can achieve their own best result by working through it in a careful and deliberate manner.

The family that trades their current home will be happy with their move if they made the right kind of lists for their new space and considered their needs not just to achieve a different feeling or look. Lateral moves in size and quality are rarely satisfying, unless entering a higher equity market and retaining the same land position near or at the shoreline. Be careful not to trade fond heartbeats and a great location for a new penny.

The family that decides to stay in place and make improvements will get a lot of new and shiny gifts from their old faithful structure or grounds if they make changes based on current and future needs. Care must be taken not to over improve to make up for not getting a completely new home. Staying the course might mean accepting some of the quirks

and problems that made the family consider a move in the first place.

Equitable value has a ceiling no matter where a person lives. Can familiarity and a few changes make up for not buying new?

Let’s talk a little about value gains and value retentions of improving a current site with consideration of neighborhood and/or location.

It is best to avoid improvements that are not characteristic of the area, such as pools, reducing the number of bedrooms or adding expensive luxury items that will wear out quickly.

Due to the nature of lake living, over customization often does not lead LAKE PROPERTY to more

BY STEPHANIE COLEY value. Avoid extensive landscaping that’s better suited for estate living and not lake living.

On the other hand, if you add the things that help your family and friends enjoy the space without worrying about adversely affecting the value, you win on all levels.

Improvements like new kitchens and bathrooms, erosion-proof landscaping and other eco-friendly efforts are solid investments in a lake lifestyle, as are a new stronger roof, energy efficient windows and even the addition of a new deck or boat slip.

All in all, new and better are very subjective terms. What works for one person is not always enough for another person. Only deliberate thought, the right questions and an ample amount of research can get you to your best result. ~ Stephanie Coley is a certified design and construction professional with more than 22 years of multidiscipline experience. Follow her on Instagram @scenariodesigninc or contact her by email at ssimon@ scenarchdesign.com.

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MAY 2021

LAKE 73

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MAY 2021

The Indian is still crying I

have been asked many times about what makes banks, and hundreds of plastic grocery bags draped me so committed in working for a litter-free enviover most of the overhanging tree limbs, producing an ronment. I usually respond that I was extremely eerie canopy that looked like a scene from the old horimpacted by a public service ad in the 1970s featuring ror movie, Creature from The Black Lagoon. There was the Native American with tears rolling down his cheek no sign of life – no turtles, no fish jumping, nothing as he surveyed the littered environment of his ancestors. moving.

This is true; it brought tears to my eyes as well. There Trash was more evident at the bridges, where bags was also another experience. of garbage that had been torn by animals littered the Living in Montgomery in the 1990s as my working banks. Automobile tires of all sizes were plentiful. life became less demanding, I got involved with the I couldn’t help but think about the weeping Native local chapter of the Sierra Club. I enjoyed American from the television commercials backpacking and all outdoor activities and of my youth. developed some great relationships with As I approached the end of my trip, I other club members. I was not politicallythought I had seen it all. Nothing could be minded and avoided the controversies that any worse than what I had already been led some members to be known as “tree through; but then, I entered what was a huggers.” flood pond next to the river. This pond was For one of the monthly programs, the at least 5 or 6 acres, and it was full of balls club arranged a presentation by a repreand trash – basketballs, footballs, little sentative from Alabama Department of balls, big balls, bottles and cans – trash as Environmental Management, who introfar as I could see.

LMRA duced the term “nonpoint source” polluSeeing what once was a peaceful little

BY JOHN THOMPSON tion and how this was affecting Catoma stream that meandered through an undevelCreek, which emptied into the Alabama oped forest turned into a trash dump had a River near where I lived for several years as a teenager. profound effect on me.

It didn’t take long in the presentation for me to underThere are many streams similar to Catoma Creek that stand the fun times I had enjoyed on this stream that are part of the watershed feeding Lake Martin, and it flowed from the pastures of south Montgomery County is important that we do everything possible to protect into the Alabama River were now a thing of the past. each and every one of them. Actually, there is one small Catoma Creek had been placed on the 303D list of stream, Emuckfaw Creek, flowing into the Tallapoosa polluted streams. Without getting technical and losing River near Horseshoe Bend that has also been included altitude, this basically meant that the water in the creek in the 303D listing. ADEM lists the cause as bacterial was polluted and not safe for swimming and fishing. As pollution (E. coli), coming from animal feeding operapart of the presentation, ADEM was looking for voluntions and pasture grazing. teers to assist in identifying and removing the sources As a society, I believe we are more concerned about of the pollution. our environment today than ever before, particularly in I was all in. the Lake Martin community. Tremendous efforts have Catoma Creek flows through south Montgomery been made with regular roadside and shoreline cleanCounty and consists mostly of pasture. All of its water ups organized by Lake Martin Resource Association, comes from runoff — no underground springs to help coupled with water quality testing and environmental dilute the chemicals from fertilizer and other pollutants. education for our youth provided by Lake Watch Lake I wanted to see what a severely polluted stream Martin. Lake Martin lovers could support these orgalooked like, so I planned a kayak day trip to paddle nizations by joining and volunteering to assist in these as much of the creek as possible. I found a good put efforts. in location and planned to paddle to the end where it We, the people, create the pollution, and we, the flowed into the Alabama River. With a good flow, I people, have to clean it up. would have only one portage at a waterfall that was about halfway through the trip. Steep banks were the View The Crying Indian – full commercial – Keep only real challenge I expected to encounter for the day, America Beautiful at YouTube.com. but once I began, I was committed to the end.

This was 30-plus years ago, so my memory is a little ~ John Thompson is president of Lake Martin fuzzy on exactly what I saw and when I realized it was Resource Association. Learn more at lmra.info. going to be a really bad day.

Aluminum cans and plastic bottles lined the muddy MAY 2021

LAKE 75

Lake Martin’s deBeer Representative

• QUARTZ • QUARTZITE • GRANITE • SOAPSTONE

Denise Booth 256-749-6177

debooth.al@gmail.com homeologylakemartin.com Located at The Wellborn Industries Showroom 59 Wellborn Way, Jackson’s Gap, AL 36861

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MAY 2021

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MAY 2021

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LAKEMAGAZINE.LIFE

LAKE 77

Body Boosting White Veggies

78 LAKE

W

hen it comes to eating healthy, variety and color are talked about a lot, especially the deep colored hues for vegetables and fruits, to achieve the maximum nutritional benefit. Although the statement “Eat from the rainbow” is true, don’t leave the nutritious white vegetables behind.

The most common vegetables consumed in the United States are white potatoes. White potatoes are a complex carbohydrate well known as an excellent source of Vitamin C, potassium, B vitamins and fiber (from the skin).

White potatoes are often discussed quietly in comparison to sweet potatoes. To debunk the myth of white potatoes being off limits, this popular choice can work into a healthy eating plan by using preparation techniques with limited added fat. Mashed potatoes could be made healthier by boiling the potatoes in low sodium broth with the skin on. Add olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic to taste. Potatoes also could be roasted in the oven by dicing the potato with the skin on, tossing in a small amount of olive oil and some favorite seasonings.

Spread the diced potatoes on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until golden brown at 375 degrees. This recipe could be modified by mixing sweet potato, red potato and golden potatoes in with the white potatoes.

It is important for those with diabetes to understand the effect that white potatoes could have on blood sugar and consume appropriate portion sizes.

Cauliflower has made a new name for itself as a replacement for starchy vegetables and higher carbohydrate grains. It is relatively easy these days to find cauliflower hash browns, rice and pizza crust, as well as mashed cauliflower. Cauliflower is high in Vitamin C and folic acid and contains antioxidants that are helpful in cancer protection. One cup of cauliflower florets has 27 calories and 2.1 grams of fiber.

Cauliflower also takes recipes to another level when used in soups, pureed for creamy sauces, steamed and mashed for mock-potatoes, roasted in the oven or grilled as cauliflower steaks.

Onions, mushrooms, turnips and parsnips are rich in nutrients, too. Onions are best known for adding flavor to soups, sauces and casseroles. Sautéed and caramelized onions are my personal favorites, and they could be used to top pizzas or flatbread and in quesadillas, tacos, sandwiches, egg dishes or as a topping or mixed into freshly sautéed vegetables.

Raw onion makes great salsa and flavors salad dressings. One medium onion contains only 44 calories, offers a lot of Vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium and antioxidants and provides antibacterial properties.

It also boosts gut health, bone health and aids in blood sugar control.

Mushrooms can replace meat in tacos, spaghetti or meatloaf. They are rich tasting, low in calories and fat and are a good source of fiber, protein and antioxidants.

Mushrooms contain selenium, copper, thiamin, magnesium and phosphorus. White and brown mushrooms are nutrient powerhouses that are loaded with vitamins and promote immune health and bone health and deliver anti-inflammatory properties.

Oyster and Shitake mushrooms have the most fiber (2 grams per serv-

MAY 2021

ing). Raw Maitake and Portabellas are the the recommended daily Vitamin C, folic richest mushrooms in Vitamin D and ultraacid and Vitamin K. violet light. Mushrooms convert sunlight to Parsnips are a personal favorite. I use usable Vitamin D, which aides the absorption them in combination with carrots. I slice of calcium and phosphorus, the two essential the parsnips lengthwise, toss in olive oil nutrients for bone health. One half cup servand season lightly. Spread out on a baking ing of these mushrooms provides 100 percent sheet and roast until golden and soft. of the recommended daily Vitamin D but has You can see there is a common nutrino cholesterol and no gluten. tional theme amongst the aforementioned Turnip roots are low in calories and loaded white vegetables. They have nutritional with fiber, vitamins A, C, E and B. Turnips profiles that provide lots are a good source of the minerals manganese, of fiber, B vitamins and HEALTHY LIVING Vitamin C, while deliverpotassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, copper

BY JULIE HUDSON and phosphorus, Omega 3 and protein. Turnip ing very few calories. roots provide a very good source of dietary These white vegetables fiber, Vitamin C and manganese. One cup of turnip root contribute significantly to boosting provides 36 calories, 1 gram of protein and 2.3 grams of immunity, bone health and anti-inflamfiber. matory properties. As we follow the Roasting will bring out the sweetness of the turnip. golden rule of eating from the rainbow Turnips can be cubed, tossed in olive oil and roasted with with a wide range of color and variety, thyme or used together with potato for mashing. Turnips try adding these white vegetables that can be shredded and used in a slaw or salad as well. should no longer have a bad reputaParsnips are a root vegetable rich in antioxidants, tion. high in soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. They contain anti-inflammatory properties, support immune health, ~ Julie Hudson is a dietician improve immunity and support digestive health. Parsnips at Lake Martin Wellness Center in provide calcium, Vitamin C, iron, folic acid, niacin, ribo- Dadeville. flavin, potassium and magnesium. One half cup of parsnips contains 55 calories, 3 grams of fiber, 11 percent of

MAY 2021

LAKE 79

Roasted Cauliflower with Parsley Raisin Sauce Ingredients 2 heads cauliflower cut into florets 1 packed cup of picked parsley 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil and a little more 1/8 cup each, hazelnuts, capers and golden raisins Zest of 1 orange 1 tablespoon orange juice

Sauce

Place parsley, 1/4 cup of olive oil, the hazelnuts, capers, golden raisins, orange zest and juice in a food processor and blend until just smooth with some chucks.

Cauliflower

Toss cauliflower in remaining oil and salt. Roast at 500 degrees for about 12 to 14 minutes until deeply caramelized.

Assembly

Dress cauliflower with sauce and serve hot. ~ Chris Morina, executive chef and general manager at SpringHouse Restaurant, earned a bachelor's degree in restaurant and hotel management from Auburn University and CHEF’S TABLE worked with Southern

BY CHRIS MORINA food icon Linton Hopkins at Restaurant Eugene in Atlanta before moving to Mourad and other Michelin-starred restaurants in San Francisco.

80 LAKE

MAY 2021

MAY 2021

LAKE 81

It's all about the taste

82 LAKE

MAY 2021

T

here is a growing list of Hollywood celebrities that have followed George Clooney’s lead in the ownership of a liquor company.

But who could blame them? Although George Clooney’s name still appears in advertisements and on the bottle due to the deal he struck in selling the company, he sold Casamigos Tequila for roughly $1 billion. And it is not just the A-list name that made Casamigos worth so much to investors; it is really a great tequila. Appearing on the list of top tequilas, Casimigos is said to be one of the smoothest, most natural tasting tequilas.

Casamigos is made in the Jalisco highlands from 100 percent agave.

Clooney and co-founder Rande Gerber said they wanted to make the bestCHEERS! tasting, smoothest tequila

BY MARK GILLILAND that didn’t have to be covered up with salt or lime.

Personally, I am huge fan of the Anejo.

How can you add to the experience of sipping a fine tequila? With a world-renowned cigar.

Historically, the Montecristo Espada is an important cigar in that it was the first Montecristo cigar to come out of Nicaragua and one of the first in a top- 10 cigar line to use all Nicaraguan tobaccos. Today, many Altadis brands are produced in Nicaragua at the Plasencia or AJ Fernandez factories, due to the greater similarity to Cuban grown tobaccos. In 2019, Altadis unveiled an extension to the Montecristo Espada brand known as the Montecristo Espada Oscuro. Like the original Espada, the Espada Oscuro is a Nicaraguan puro but uses a dark Oscuro wrapper, which was discovered at the Plasencia factory.

This is what you can expect when enjoying Casamigos Anejo Tequila with a Montecristo Espada Oscuro Guard (similar in shape and size to a Toro). Pour a few shots of the tequila in a tulipshaped glass. You will notice a little vanilla, along with some leather and barrel spicy notes, thanks to the use of whiskey barrels in the aging process. The agave is discernible with a slight minty finish.

Now remove both bands from the cigar and use a V-shaped cutter to help enjoy the flavor and slow the burn. Light and draw a mouthful of the Montecristo Espada Oscuro Guard. Experience the medium-bodied taste without overshadowing the Casamigos. Puff. Repeat. Enjoy!

Dr. George W. Hardy General Dentistry

27

~ Mark Gilliland is the owner of Grain & Leaf located at 6068 state Route 63, Suite 1, in Alexander City.

MAY 2021

LAKE 83

Find fish in the spawn S

pring is an exciting time of year for all types of angling. The weather is warming and so is the water. Each year, the fish complete a life cycle process that ensures the population will continue to flourish for years to come. The spring of the year is all about the spawn, whether the fish are staging and preparing to move to the shallows, actively spawning or working their way out from the shallows when they’ve completed that most important process.

Although the spring is an exciting time for angling, it can be challenging to keep up with the fish as changing weather systems affect the water temperature, clarity and level. Spring is also a time of year when really big bass can be caught as they come in to spawn and transition to their post-spawn habitats. By understanding which phase the fish are in at the time, an angler could start to predict where the fish should be – or at least where they are headed.

Primary water temperatures for bass to spawn are around 65 degrees. Sure, some will go sooner, and some will delay until water temperatures start 84 LAKE

to exceed 75 degrees on a regular basis. It’s safe to assume that at least some of the population have already begun the post-spawn transition by the month of May in this region of the country. To locate the fish during the post-spawn, I generally look at where the fish spawned and make use of several patterns to figure out where the bulk of the fish are.

Lake Martin has two primary species of black bass: spotted bass and largemouth bass. The spots will spawn on long flat gravel or chunk rock points. They also will set up along the banks leading into pockets.

The largemouth typically spawn toward the backs of the pockets.

Once the female bass of both species finishes laying the eggs, she usually remains in the area for a short amount of time; sometimes she hangs around to protect the nest along with the male, and sometimes she stays to feed on bluegill and other readily available forage in the shallows. There are some fish that choose to head out to deeper, cooler water immediately to recoup before feeding heavily again.

MAY 2021

Knowing the tendencies of the bass in a particular area could help to catch them. There’s a process of figuring out what might be the best approach by experimenting with a variety of patterns until something shows promise. Occasionally, the fish may be active in the shallows early; and then, they could transition to deeper water during the day as the shallows heat up.

Once I’ve determined the area or areas where I think the fish have spawned, I look at the next available options for them to feed or recoup. One of the first patterns to consider is the shad spawn.

Typically, the shad spawn begins when the water has reached the upper 60s and possibly even the low 80s. This is an early bite to look for where the action can be fast and furious if the right combination is found. Shad will flicker along the banks and around floating habitat like docks when they are spawning. It’s an easy opportunity for the bass to feed heavy and recover some body mass.

The best baits for fishing during the shad spawn are jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, swimbaits and topwaters.

Since the bass are completely dialed in on shad when this occurs, natural shad pattern baits are generally the best option. White and bone colored baits work well, especially because the best bite occurs during the low light periods in the morning.

These baits are highly visible to the fish and the white colors attract both the schools of shad and ultimately the bass that are feeding on them. Since the window is short, I like to work whatever bait I’m using quickly and erratically to get the attention of the fish.

Another shallow pattern that works very well for quality bass is to fish near bream beds.

BIG CATCHES In this part of the country, the bream begin spawning in early

BY GREG VINSON May. They have been raiding the nests of the bass for a few weeks at this point, and it’s time for the bass to turn the tables on the bream. Big bass love to feed on bream, especially in the early post-spawn. The bass often lurk in the shade of the shallows waiting to ambush bream

during this time. Keep an eye out for the telltale sign of bream beds, multiple potholes congregated in small areas. Chances are there are some big bass in that same general area ready to snap up an unsuspecting bluegill.

Again, topwater is a great choice. Poppers and prop baits will attract the attention of spawning bluegill. As they rush out to defend their nests, the bass become curious as well. Possibly they’re after the bluegill to start, but as the bluegill scatter, the bait is the only thing left for a bass that has decided it’s going to eat something.

Other baits that work well in the shallows are jigs that mimic bream. Casting the jig and swimming or hopping it along can trigger a big bass into thinking it’s on the menu. More subtle soft plastics can be very productive as well. One favorite is a wacky rig. The pulsing ends of a wacky-rigged straight-tail worm or stick bait are tantalizing to the bream in much the same way as the topwaters. As they rush to it, the bass are triggered to act and will engulf the worm.

The herring spawn is another factor to consider on Lake Martin these days. Unlike threadfin shad that often prefer water with more color, the herring prefer areas that have much deeper and clearer water, like that found in the lower half of the lake. Herring relate to deep main creek or main river channels and will move up on the adjacent points to spawn in the mornings. These are a favorite of the big spotted bass. Natural-colored swimbaits and topwaters are some of my personal favorites to target fish on the herring spawn.

As the shallow water continues to heat up and the shad spawn has subsided, many of the fish begin to move to the cooler deep water. This is a time to look around offshore structure for schools of fish. Deep diving crankbaits, shaky heads, ned rigs and drop shots are some of the best options to target the offshore fish in the early post-spawn. Shad colors work well if there are some baitfish in the area. Green pumpkin and similar colors generally work well otherwise, as the bass will be feeding on bream and crawfish too.

Good electronics could make a big difference in the quest for the fish that have moved deep. With a little time studying the lake map and scanning off-shore structure, anglers could find groups of fish that are set up and oftentimes feeding heavily to recoup the lost body mass experienced during the spawn. Look for points and humps that are close to the channels that serve as migration routes for the fish. Odds are that once an angler finds a spot or two that’s holding fish, there will be more in that same general area.

May is often a time of transition for the bass as they finish up the spawning process. They might seem scattered and difficult to keep up with at times, but they are looking to feed heavily before summer and that can lead to some exciting days on the water. ~ Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He lives in Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.

MAY 2021

LAKE 85

Goals to help elevate your game H

ello again, Lake Martin!

My name is Rob Witherington, a.k.a. “Gabby,” and I am the PGA professional at Stillwaters Golf in Dadeville. I am so excited to be asked to submit a monthly offering in support of the wonderful Lake magazine. My hope is to entertain not only those who golf currently but also the area’s non-golfing residents.

Last year was one that we will remember for the rest of our lives. All of us dealt with the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic delivered. I would like to extend a prayer for all those who suffered with the virus or lost people who were dear to them because of the virus. As difficult as it has been, I challenge each of you to count your blessings and know that there are better days ahead. Move forward positively to honor those we lost.

Golf was one of the few industries that actually benefited from the effects of the virus. Many people came to realize that golf could be conducted safely as an outdoor activity. The ultraviolet rays destroy the virus, and golf operations all around the world put practices in place to make golf a popular activity during the pandemic period.

At Stillwaters, we sanitized the carts, door handles, restrooms, counters and pens in the golf shop.

On the golf course, we removed the water coolers, ball washers and bunker rakes for golfer protection. We asked golfers to refrain from touching the flagstick, which went right in line with the previous year’s rule change allowing golfers to putt with the flagstick in the hole. We provided individual cart options, which allowed golfers to enjoy their experience while social distancing during play.

We made the most of a challenging situation and remained open for business.

The New Year has arrived, and along with it have

come vaccination options for our populous. Businesses are beginning to provide more normal product and service offerings for all of us to enjoy.

I hope the uptick in golfing rounds in 2020 will continue forward and that others will be interested in trying golf for the first time in their lives.

We enjoyed another incredible Master’s Tournament hosted at Augusta National in April. The beauty and exciteTHE SCRAMBLE ment of the event jump-starts

BY ROB WITHERINGTON the golfing season in a big way through lesson inquiry and golfing at clubs. Why not consider a greater focus for golf in your life? Set some golf goals to elevate your game and enhance your overall golfing experience in 2021.

Allow me to suggest a few ideas that can bring these goals within reach. n Contact your area PGA professional to examine your swing and promote personal improvement. n Pick one lunch period a week and spend it at a nearby practice range. n As the days lengthen, perhaps a range session after work and before dinner would make a difference. n Schedule a personal club fitting and review of your golf clubs to see if new clubs can deliver better performance. n Order netting and other golf devices that will allow you to practice at home in the backyard. n Make rainy days your internet video days to review techniques delivered by a variety of professional instructors. n Enjoy watching PGA Tour coverage, as media coverage breaks down and explains what is happening on screen. n When the time comes to play, change your focus from just pounding range balls to a balanced approach by spending time chipping and putting before play. n Invite your spouse, partner or friend to ride along with you as you play to enjoy a shared experience communing with nature.

It’s all good stuff.

All the best in the year ahead, and let me know if “Gabby” can help you along the way. ~ Rob “Gabby” Witherington is the PGA professional at Stillwaters Golf in Dadeville. Contact him by email at robwitherington@gmail.com.

MAY 2021

LAKE 87

Legend

63

22

280

To Sylacauga

24

Alexander City

Public Boat Ramps 20

9

Churches

4

Camp ASCCA

11 Flint Hill Church

Camps & Parks 280

Power lines U.S. Highways

3

22

County Roads Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek State Park

Pleasant Grove Church

11

COOSA COUNTY

Alex City Boat Ramp

Mt. Zion Church

259 9

10

128

Russell Farms Baptist Church 63

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church

18 20

New Hope Church

Liberty Church

16 Willow Point

24

7

12

Equality

Paces Point Boat Ramp

63

Camp Alamisco

13

Kowaliga Boat Landing

23 The Ridge

55

5

Seman

Camp Kiwanis

1 14

Church in The Pines

25

2

The Amp Ko w

ali

19 80

9

Central

ga

Ba

y

28 90

Union

ELMORE COUNTY Union Church

Red Hill 63

229

Eclectic

Tallassee

21 Kent

88 LAKE

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

34

MAY 2021

Timbergut Landing

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Lake Martin Alabama Marinas

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

49

Jacksons Gap 280

Bethel Church

22

Dadeville

57

280

26 Camp Hill

Smith Landing

Lake Martin Baptist Church 49

6

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 20 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

42. Russell Marine Boating and Outdoors 256-397-1700

19 Russell Marine Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 21 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

52. Real Island Marina 256-397-1200

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

4. Russell Building Supply 22 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853

63. Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888

7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

234. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Loop, Alex City, AL 35010

2. Parker Creek Marina 7 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

244. Dark Insurance 256-234-5026

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 www.darkinsuranceagency.com

83. Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600

397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853 www.harborpointe.net

Restaurants & Venues

9

6. SpringHouse 12 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

17 Walnut Hill

50

19 Lake Martin Mini Mall 334.857.3900

7995 Kowaliga Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024

2. Alex City Marine 11 256-215-FISH(3474)

2190 Cherokee Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Stillwaters

8

22. The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

10 2. Lakeside Marina at Bay Pines 256-825-0999

3455 Bay Pine Rd., Jackson's Gap, AL 36861

15

Church of the Living Waters

18 Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075 970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010

2. Lakeside Marina 9 256-825-9286

7361 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Pleasant Ridge Church

27

50

6. Catherine’s Market 13 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 14 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 15 Lake Martin Pizza 256-373-3337

5042 Hwy 49, Dadeville, AL 36853

49

Business & Shopping

11. Kowaliga Marina 256-397-1210

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

. Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 25 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 . Off the Beaton Path 26 205-994-0847 21322 Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches 27 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293 8352 Hwy. 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Dock Builders 28 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443 180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

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

Contact our Marketing Department at 256-234-4281 or marketing@alexcityoutlook.com for more information.

16 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt & Flatbread Pizza 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com 17 The Burritos Corner Mexican Grill 256-307-1887 8605 AL HWY 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Reeltown

MAY 2021

LAKE 89

Lake Magazine Distribution ATTENTION READERS: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic some of our distribution locations have changed.

This month, you may pick up the most recent issue of Lake magazine at the following locations.

ALEXANDER CITY Robinson Iron A & M Plumbing Carlos The Body Shop Piggly Wiggly Walgreens Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Jake's Moore Wealth Management Carlisle's Emporium Wine Cloud Nine 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 Hometown Pharmacy Lake Martin Home Health Allen's Food Mart (Exxon) Karen Channell - State Farm Insurance Vision Landscapes North Lake Condo

90 LAKE

River Bend Store River North Marina Lake Martin Building Supply Petro Sho'Nuff BBQ Hair Design Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Jim Bob's Chicken Fingers Russell Building Supply Longleaf Antique Mall Playhouse Cinemas Chamber of Commerce Winn Dixie Re/Max Around the Lake City Hall Regions Bank Marathon - 280 BB&T Bank Russell Medical Center 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. Wind Creek Gate Wind Creek Store Willow Point Office Willow Point Country Club Smith Marina on Lake Martin Kowaliga Marina Sunsrise Docks Kowaliga Restaurant Children's Harbor Catherine's Market Russell Lands Corporate Office Russell Lands Real Estate Sales

Center Springhouse Restaurant Ridge Club Ridge Marina NEW SITE Piggly Wiggly DADEVILLE Chamber of Commerce Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery Root 49 Salon Alabama Power Siggers Fusion Cafe Dadeville Library Pearson's Place Flower's & Gifts Dadevile Courthouse Payne's Furniture PNC Bank Home Plate Cafe Valley Bank McKelvey Chevrolet Renfroe's Market Foshee's Boat Doc Lakeshore Pharmacy Russell Building Supply Lakay's Sweet Pickins Century 21, Rhonda Gaskins Farmers & Merchants Bank Jim's Pharmacy Poplar Dawgs Still Waters County Club Still Waters Home Association Russell Lands Realty Fuller Realty Harbor Pointe Oskar's Creekside Lodge Blue Creek Marina Lakeside Marina Shell - 280 Niffers Hwy 50 Eagle Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery

MAY 2021

Lakeside Merchantile Walnut Hill Chuck's Marina Deep Water Docks CAMP HILL Link Gas Station EQUALITY Five Star Plantation Equality Food Mart Southern Star Parker Creek Marina ECLECTIC Lake Breeze Realty Mitchell's Upholstery Lake Martin Mini Mall Cozumel Mexican Grill Lake Martin Dock Company Cotton's Alabama Barbecue Russell Do It Center Johnson Furniture WOW Cartering LLC Eclectic Library Real Island Marina Hometown Lenders, Inc. Anchor Bay Marina WETUMPKA Wetumpka Herlad Office TALLASSEE Marathon Tallassee Eagle Tallassee Chamber OPELIKA Collaboration Station Get Lake magazine delivered to your mailbox for just $25 per year. To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory

COACH KRAFT

KOWALIGA WHOLE HEALTH PET CARE

Mary S. Battistella, DVM

Help your lost pet find its way home

“We made it

Microchips

32 each

$ back home!”

(Regularly $52)

(334) 857-1816

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UPHOLSTERY Complete Marine Upholstery!

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IN-HOME CARE SERVICES

Some of us have to paddle before we can swim.

Small budget advertising can have you swimming laps around your competitors.

LAKE

256-234-4281

Our goal is to keep our clients as active as possible in their own homes to promote overall health and well being.

With our personally tailored care plans, you will receive the individual care you need with the dignity and respect you deserve.

Homemaking... Personal Care... Companionship

Lake Martin innovation Center 175 aLiant Parkway • aLexander City, aL

(256) 414-6090

Relax. Enjoy. Lake Martin.

Call to order your subscription 256-234-4281

MAGAZINE

MAY 2021

LAKE 91

Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A&M Plumbing............................................................. 76

Insurance Solutions Group....................................... 90

Rhonda Gaskins, Century 21 Lake Area Realty....... 3

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Rhonda Jaye, Lake Martin Realty............................. 17

Alex City Marine......................................................... 52

Lake Martin Dock....................................................... 15

Russell Lands On Lake Martin.................... 33, 68, 96

Beyond Home Care................................................... 91

Lake Martin Mortgage................................................ 77

Russell Marine.............................................................. 23

Blue Creek Iron Works............................................. 91

Lake Martin Realty................................................53, 69

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

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation..........................................8

Lake Martin Signature Construction...................... 41

Satterfield........................................................................ 5

Coach Kraft Upholstery............................................ 91

Lake Martin TV............................................................ 17

Security Pest Control.............................................. 6, 8

Comfort Home Services........................................... 76

Lamberth & Lamberth............................................... 52

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

Custom Docks............................................................. 32

Mainstreet Alex City.................................................... 3

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Davco............................................................................. 91

Mark King's Furniture................................................ 16

St. James Episcopal Church....................................... 52

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

Moore Wealth Management..................................... 95

Sunrise Dock................................................................ 12

Electronic Technology Group................................... 91

National Village............................................................ 62

Tallapoosa Board of Education................................ 74

First Methodist Dadeville/New Water Farms........ 8

Odd Jobs......................................................................... 6

Temple Medical Center............................................... 8

George Hardy D.M.D................................................. 83

Oskars........................................................................... 83

TowBoat US................................................................. 63

Gilbert Welding & Design......................................... 17

Precise Pressure Washing......................................... 91

UAB Heart & Vascular............................................... 73

Half Moon Market & Interiors................................. 65

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Walmart........................................................................ 91

Harbor Pointe Marina................................................ 79

Prime Management....................................................... 6

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Heritage South Credit Union.................................. 86

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Homeology................................................................... 76

Renaissance Electronics............................................... 5

ProCare, LLC C O N T R A C T I N G

92 LAKE

MAY 2021

MAY 2021

LAKE 93

94 LAKE

MAY 2021

Parting Shot

~ Matt Bevin

"While it may seem small, the ripple effects of small things is extraordinary."

Photo by Kenneth Boone

Your perfect spot awaits. Tour the pristine homesites of The Willows and find your piece of the Lake Martin lifestyle. Enjoy a grand gatehouse entry, gentle topography, ample shoreline, impressive views, and proximity to the crown jewel of Lake Martin— Willow Point Golf & Country Club.

96 LAKE

25 6 . 2 15 . 7 0 11

RussellLands.com

| MAY L a k2021 e Martin, Alabama