Lake Magazine June 2020

Country newcomer Larry Fleet finds God in Eclectic Wakeboard Tricks to Try Quarantine Tiki Float Experience the Russell Marine Center

JUNE 2020

LAKE 1

The Willows of Willow Point

The Willows

is nestled in a serene cove among Lake Martin’s more than 40,000 acres of pristine water, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. With large, wooded and secluded homesites, this new neighborhood is the perfect place to enjoy refined lake living with Willow Point Golf & Country Club, dining, shopping, and recreation just moments away.

RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

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LAKE 3 Lake Martin, Alabama

Staff

Letter from the Editor

I

subscribe to a ‘Lake Martin’ news feed. When the lake is in the news, I get an email about it. Early last month, I got a notice that a Country music singer had recorded a video on Lake Martin.

I clicked through to the YouTube video, and after I watched it, I thought, ‘Lake magazine has got to do an interview with that guy!’

In his Where I Find God release, Chattanooga’s Larry Fleet has showcased the best of Lake Martin: her beauty; her laidback lifestyle; and her emphasis on good times with friends and family. A few days after catching that video, we met up with Larry at Eclectic’s Old Harmony Church – where part of the video was recorded. He was gracious and humble and grateful, and that interview was one of the best times I have ever had doing this job that I love so much. Turn to page 48 to see why, and listen to Larry Fleet’s music, including Where I Find God and more, at YouTube.com.

Then, get in the car and go for a ride with me. First stop will be Russell Marine Boating and Outdoors, the new state-of-the-art destination marine center on U.S. Highway 280 in Alexander City. It’s been almost 18 months since this project, featured on page 24, was announced; plenty of time for the anticipation to build. Emily Sprayberry and Dave Commander at Russell Marine invited Lake magazine for an early peek.

Next, cruise state Route 63 to the Wind Creek State Park turnoff. Amy Passaretti talked with Charles Forbus, the artist that painted the mural at the new Patriot gas station there. Forbus covered the retaining wall with depictions of Lake Martin’s iconic landmarks and activities from Chimney Rock to Children’s Harbor and the big bass tournaments at Wind Creek State Park.

Forbus has painted other murals in the Lake Martin area, including the Jazz Fest wall in downtown Alexander City. Check out this newest artwork on page 20; and then, take Lake magazine with you when you visit your favorite Lake Martin landmarks. Send us a photo of where you took the magazine. We’ll include as many of your photos as we can in next month’s issue.

But before you turn in at the lake house to mix up an Ocie & Belle’s Frosé cocktail from page 85, steer the car down the new 63 Pride Drive from Ourtown USA to the Kowaliga Bridge. Take a spin on Willow Point Cut-off Road to get the full picture. Ben Russell said this massive beautification project is one of the most exciting efforts he’s ever been a part of, and that’s saying something.

There are all sorts of other new and exciting things happening at Lake Martin. Get out there and check out her beauty; her laidback lifestyle; and her emphasis on good times with friends and family.

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor 4 LAKE

JUNE 2020

Chairman KENNETH BOONE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Publisher STEVE BAKER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Managing 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

LIZ HOLLAND

liz.holland@alexcityoutlook.com

ANDY CARR

andy.carr@thewetumpkaherald.com

Digital Advertising Coordinator ELLE FULLER

elle.fuller@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors KENNETH BOONE JULIE HUDSON AMY PASSARETTI CHRIS MORINA GREG VINSON CLIFF WILLIAMS LIZI ARBOGAST MATT SHEPPARD JESSE CUNNINGHAM LONNA UPTON STEVE ARNBERG MARK GILLILAND STEVE SMITH All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

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

On the Cover Country music's Larry Fleet loves coming to Lake Martin so much that he quarantined here with his family and friends during the coronavirus outbreak. While he was here, Fleet recorded the video for his new song, Where I Find God, a ballad that reflects his blue-collar roots and love of his family, including 9-month-old son, Waylon. Catch the video online at YouTube.com and read his story in this issue.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

DESIGNS

BY TRISH - Custom Bedding - Draperies & Upholstery - Blinds & Shades

Now Serving the Auburn Area

Call Trish Ogburn for an appointment 334.315.0667 Find us on Facebook!

6400 Highway 63 South, Alexander City, AL 35010 docksunlimitedllc.com (256) 203-8400 Check out our Facebook Page: Docks Unlimited

JUNE 2020

LAKE 5

(256) 234-6366

V (256) 487-0308

(256) 825-9244

We Touch the Lives of the People You Love

Assisted Living & SCALF Short Term Rehab

(256) 839-6711

(334) 864-8854 6 LAKE

Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Long Term Skilled Nursing Care JUNE 2020

Contents 20. A NEW LAKE MARTIN LANDMARK Local artist Charles Forbus paints an iconic mural on a 220-foot retaining wall at a new Lake Martin business.

24. RUSSELL MARINE BOATING & OUTDOORS New store set to open this month on U.S. Highway 280 in Alexander City.

24 Photo by Matthew Paskert

32. 63 PRIDE DRIVE Ben Russell launches a beautification project that makes a stunning impression.

38. TRICKS TO TRY THIS SUMMER Singleton Marine's Ryan Wakenigg demos three wakeboard moves to earn you more creds in the boat.

48. WHERE I FIND GOD Country music's Larry Fleet shot the video for his latest song at Lake Martin.

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54. MEMORY MAKER Lake Martin couple fills their home with memories from the past and those yet to be created.

64. TIKI FLOAT Five friends created a floating bar during their quarantine at Lake Martin.

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:

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e

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9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 10. LAKE SCENES 14. LAKE MARTIN NEWS 16. LAKE MARTIN EVENTS 68. NATURE OF THE LAKE 73. HOBO

74. FAB FINDS 76. LAKE PROPERTY 78. CHEF'S TABLE 80. HEALTHY LIVING 82. BIG CATCHES 85. CHEERS! 87. PAR FOR THE COURSE

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.

JUNE 2020

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Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation

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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 Jolie Waters 256-414-3174 & ask for Lake Church Page

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JUNE 2020

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

29 35 24

$808,033 $504,316 $526,603

$600,000 $375,000 $333,130

132 132 263

173 311 357

April 2020 April 2017 April 2014

Inventory/ sales ratio 5.67 10.79 15.81

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).

Lake Martin Traditions No visit to Lake Martin is complete without partaking in certain traditions, like visiting the residents of Goat Island (left), which is the first island above the dam.These animals are very tame and love visitors, so when you go, bring them some chips and bread – but no corn, please – and keep your dog on the boat. Be sure to stop in at Kowaliga Restaurant and take a selfie with the wooden Indian (right), a chainsaw carving that commemorates Hank Williams' hit song; then, stop at Peanut Point (below), at GPS coordinates 32.82905 latitude and -85.89551, longitude for boiled peanuts,T-shirts and just to say you were there.

Weather Outlook for June June 2020 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the upper80s with average lows in the mid-60s and about 4-1/2 inches of precipitation in the month of June. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures and rainfall averages will be above normal this month.

Year to Date

Precipitation: 43.05 inches Avg. high temp.: 67.7 Avg. low temp.: 43.4 Avg. temp.: 55.6

Our Normal June Precipitation: 4.45 inches Avg. high temp.: 87.7 Information from the Avg. low temp.: 65.6 National Weather Avg. temp.: 76.7 Service.

JUNE 2020

Last Month's Lake Levels Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 490.52 Lowest: 490.40 Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit the website 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) After a series of storms passed through the lake area last month, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky near Smith Mountain. (2) Ryan Thornton found lots of interesting things to look at on a hike at Lake Martin. (3) Lucy Tucker's pup, Sadie, loves splashing around in the water. (4) Caroline Mays, Cathleen and Kenny Eaves, Jackie Jones, Jerry Crowder, Joy Ferrell and Mark Clark spend a sunny afternoon at Willow's End. (5) Jon Holmes takes some refreshment behind the boat. (6) Tammy Peterman took a few minutes to admire the golden light at Lake Martin in Dadeville. (7) Marley Helmer and Raegan Taylor visited Smith Mountain Fire Tower last summer.

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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

starting from

JUNE 2020

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Where is Lake? n People & Places

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Liz Patterson, George Hardy and Joy Ferrell stop in at The Landing. (2) Red clouds at sunrise foretell last month's storms at Lake Martin. (3) It's springtime at the lake, and the bluebirds are scoping out nesting site.! (4) Karen Taylor takes a selfie with Bug at Goat Island. (5) A young girl enjoys an evening fishing on the dock at The Ridge. (6) The setting sun casts a golden light on the Smith Mountain fire tower in this photo by Tony Johnson. (7) This bevy of swans loves the pool at Willow's End on Lake Martin.

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Lake Scene n People & Places

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Purple martins return each spring to their apartments on the lake that shares their name.

(2) Spring arrived at Powell Drive on Lake Martin with color and beauty as the azaleas bloomed. (3) Raymond loves to ride on the Riva Tritone 1958.

(4) Dawn Culp captured this stunning sunset in the Pleasure Point area of Lake Martin. (5) Amy Brassell's 9-year-old daughter, Gracie, sits on guard at Peanut Point. (6) Katy Rice has a calming effect on Goat Island residents.

JUNE 2020

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Lake Martin News ADCNR introduces new design for freshwater fishing license plate

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced that its “Freshwater Fishing” distinctive license plate has been redesigned and is now available through probate offices statewide. The new design replaces the original “Freshwater Fishing” license plate that had a tan background and now features an Alabama bass and a white crappie on a blue underwater background. The vehicle tag can be personalized with up to six alphanumeric characters.

The cost for the new license plate is $50 annually.

Proceeds from the sale of the license plate will support freshwater habitat enhancement, aquatic wildlife species protection and restoration, conservation education, bass genetic research, sport fish disease research, invasive species management and public water fish stockings.

Join the effort to fund aquatic wildlife management and protection by purchasing a “Freshwater Fishing” distinctive license plate for your vehicle. For more information about the license plate, contact the local probate office or call the ADCNR Fisheries Section at 334-242-3471.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.

Visitoutdooralabama.com to learn more about ADCNR.

~ Staff report

Water is Life webinar features Lake Watch Lake Martin

Eric Reutebuch, president of Lake Watch Lake Martin, May 5 was a featured presenter for the Alabama Rivers Alliance Zoom webinar series, Water is Life.

The series focuses on efforts to keep Alabama’s rivers healthy. Reutebuch reviewed the history of Lake Martin for the webinar’s 44 participants from around the state and discussed past and potential threats to the water quality on the lake.

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Past success stories for the organization that started its environmental monitoring work in 1992 include cleaning up a landfill on the west side of the lake, working to end the disposal of textile dyes into the river and working to develop criteria for the state’s Treasured Lake designation, which was awarded to Lake Martin in 2011. Collaboration with other lake area stakeholders was key in these and other Lake Watch projects, Reutebuch said. He called attention to the water quality educational kiosk that was placed near the silo at Wind Creek State Park, as well.

He also congratulated winners of the Lake Watch Lake Martin Bronson Environmental Award, which honored the work of Lake Martin Resource Association’s John Thompson last year and WCSP’s Bruce Adams earlier this year.

The burgeoning chicken industry in Alabama is a growing concern for water quality, Reutebuch said.

“We became aware of the development of chicken houses in the watershed last when a Lake Watch member noticed a lot of new chicken houses in the area The podcast reviewed above the Treasured Lake status Horseshoe of Lake Martin and current efforts Bend Park. to maintain its cleanliness A Google Earth scan of the area revealed 120-plus new chicken houses,” he explained.

“Poultry is the No. 1 agricultural industry in Alabama now, and it produces 10,000 tons of chicken litter per year.”

Chicken litter is high in nutrients, bacteria, viruses and organic matter.

“We’ve tested at four sites in the area of these megahouses, and so far there are no high counts of E. coli, but we are continuing to monitor that area through the summer,” he said.

Sediment deposition also is a growing concern, especially in the upper lake region below Jaybird Landing, Reutebuch said.

“We’re seeing large sediment bars where the

JUNE 2020

Tallapoosa River slows down and deposits sediment,” he said. “Alabama is No. 1 in biodiversity. That’s a lot to be proud of and a lot to protect.”

The Water is Life series is designed to keep ARA members and supporters engaged with a new Lunch and Learn program that highlights a different Alabama river every week. For more information about the series or ARA, visit alabamarivers.org. ~ Betsy Iler

Body found in Lake Martin

The body of a Tallassee man was pulled from the lake Sunday afternoon, May 24. According to a press release from Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett, preliminary investigation revealed the victim was identified as 34-year-old Tallassee resident Anthony Lee Thornton.

The department received a call around 1:25 p.m.

Sunday in reference to an unresponsive person in the lake near a residence on North Holiday Drive in Dadeville, according to Abbett.

“The cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences,” the release stated. “Investigation is pending.”

No additional details were known at Lake magazine’s presstime, as the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department continued its investigation. ~ Staff report

Injuries reported in man's jump from Chimney Rock

Officials said a man was injured at Chimney Rock Memorial Day weekend but would not confirm other rumored incidents on Lake Martin as the Memorial Day weekend started.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Patrol Lt. Mark Fuller said a 57-year-old male was injured jumping from Chimney Rock and flown to a local hospital.

The man's condition was not revealed at this time.

Chimney Rock, as it is known to most, is a bare cliff from which many jump into the waters of Lake Martin as boaters gather in the river channel below to watch and socialize. Several injuries have occurred there over the years.

Other incidents were shared on social media as happening in the area of Chimney Rock and Goat Island over the Memorial Day weekend, but Fuller said there were no official reports on those incidents. ~ Cliff Williams A 57-year-old man was transported to a local hospital after he was injured jumping from the popular Lake Martin landmark

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Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Check the calendar at lakemagazine.life for more events and activities this summer.

Copper’s Grill is open at 11 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday, closing at 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10 p.m on Friday and 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Events June 4 Strand Session

The Lake Martin Young Professionals will host its first in a series of summer concerts in Strand Park from 6 to 8 p.m.

Bring chairs, blankets, coolers and enjoy some live music.

The Landing at Parker Creek is open Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

June 13 Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch Poker Run

Lake Martin Pizza Co. opens at 11 a.m. daily and closes at 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 p.m. on Friday and OF EVENTS Saturday and 7 p.m. on Sunday.

CALENDAR

Tiger Communications will host the 21st Annual Poker Run Nibblers on-the-water food WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN on Lake Martin, starting at 9 a.m. boat cruises the lake most and benefitting the Tallapoosa summer weekends. Visit the County Sheriffs Girls Ranch. Tickets are Facebook page for order and pick-up $450, and more than one ticket may locations and information. be purchased per boat. Participants receive commemorative T-shirts, Niffer’s Place Lake cups, koozies and opportuniMartin is open at 11 a.m. ties to win more prizes. The Thursday through Sunday poker run winner will receive and 5 p.m. Monday through a $5,000 prize. For more Wednesday, closing at 8 p.m. details and starting location, call Sunday through Wednesday, Katie Crew at 334-887-9999.

8:30 p.m. Thursday and 9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday.

July 4 Blue Creek Fourth of July Parade

Poplar Dawgs is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and for dinner Thursday through Saturday at 5 p.m., closing at 8 p.m. on Thursday and Saturday and 9 p.m. on Sunday.

This annual neighborhood The 21st Annual Tallapoosa Girls Ranch parade starts at 11 a.m. on Olana Drive at the north end of Poker Run will pay out $5,000 to the Ponder Camp Road, Dadeville, holder of the winning hand. Proceeds benefit the local Girls Ranch. and ends at Niffer’s. Park Shipwreck Sam’s is open 11 a.m. to 7 anywhere along Ponder Camp p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Road to collect candy and trinkets thrown by parade entries.

To join the parade, arrive at Olana Drive at 10 a.m. For more Catherine’s Market is open Tuesday through Saturday information, contact Mickey Forbus at 334-329-0905. from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Two people per group are allowed to enter with no more than 15 Season-long Event people in the market at a time. The café offers lunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with seating for up to eight people per table on Friday on the Green Start the weekend with music, games and more at the Town the outside patio.

Green at Russell Crossroads Friday evenings from 6 p.m. to Kowaliga Restaurant offers in-house dining at 50 percent 8 p.m. Bring friends, family and the dog on a leash. Please capacity with up to eight people per table Wednesday through remember to maintain social distancing.

Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The following Lake Martin businesses have reopened with social distancing and other COVID-19 precautions.

Please check Facebook pages and websites for more information.

Dining

Chuckwalla’s Pizza is open Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.,

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SpringHouse is now open for in-house dining with seating limited to eight people per table. Call 256-215-7080 for reservations.

The shuttle from the landing to Russell Crossroads is open with the following modifications: No more than two riders per cart (not including the driver). Call 256-496-3677 if arriving Tuesday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday 8 a.m.

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to 4 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 256-215-7080 if arriving Wednesday through Saturday 4 p.m. to close.

34 Market is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Retail

Nail’s Convenience Store and Gas Station is open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Dollar General stores in the Lake Martin area are open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Lake Martin Mini Mall is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Tippy Canoe is open Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.

Dr. George W. Hardy General Dentistry

Russell Marine facilities at The Ridge, Kowaliga, River North and Real Island are open during regular business hours for boat sales and service and pro shop and ship store sales. Gas docks also are open during regular business hours, and 24-hour gas pumps remain open at The Ridge Marina and Kowaliga Marina.

Russell Do it Center and Russell Building Supply locations have returned to their regular hours of operation.

Visit stores’ websites for hours and more information.

The Adventure Center and Company Store at Russell Crossroads is open Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lakeside Mercantile is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Jim’s Pharmacy is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Singleton Marine is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Activities

The Stables at Russell Crossroads has resumed horseback trail rides. Rides are limited to four people. To book a trail ride, call Linda at 256-794-1333.

Though Russell Marine has cancelled all June group wake clinics, Russell Marine is offering small, family-only, private wake lessons by appointment only, with pricing dependent upon the level of instruction and boating arrangements. Email Scott Goslin at sgoslin@russelllands.com or call 256-496-0713 to schedule a lesson.

To list your event in the Lake magazine calendar, email details to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

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Preserving Alabama’s natural resources starts in our backyard.

Did you know longleaf pines are home to roughly 120 endangered or threatened plant and animal species?

That’s why Alabama Power is working hard to help them grow. We’ve teamed up with partners across our state to preserve the natural resources that make Alabama a great place to put down roots – especially if you’re a longleaf pine.

AlabamaPower.com/Environment

© 2020 Alabama Power Company

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—MK —

Mark King’s Furniture Lake Martin’s Premium Choice for Furniture OPEN TO THE TRADE & THE PUBLIC 256.234.4275 • FREE DELIVERY Visit us on Facebook • 1425 JUNE Dadeville 2020 Road • Alexander City, AL

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Charles Forbus painted the 220-foot retaining wall with representations of Lake Martin landmarks

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A New Lake Martin Landmark

L

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Lake Martin is known for its clean blue water, iconic landmarks, wildlife and events, and Alexander City artist Charles Forbus has captured many of those iconic scenes on a mural at the new Patriot Fueling Station.

When Rodney Walker and Larry Morris decided to build a state-of-the-art gas station at the intersection of state routes 63 and 128, the site required a 220-foot retaining wall. They saw it as an opportunity to do something special.

“Rodney Walker contacted me, and he wanted a way to make the wall not just look like concrete,” Forbus said. “So I had a rough idea with a Lake Martin theme, and we settled on what we have now.”

Forbus sketched his initial idea using computer software and wanted the artwork to be stylized and stand out more than a photograph.

Using a combination of paintbrushes, pallet knives, sponges, airbrushes and a spray gun, Forbus combined his artistic talents to blend the dimensions of his art as different details of the scenes required an array of technical skills.

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The work began on May 1 and took about two weeks to complete. Forbus started each day early, but the heat forced him to stop around 2 p.m. every day, as the paint in the spray gun dried too quickly.

The mural includes a deep blue background and features a large-mouth bass, Chimney Rock, an eagle, a wake surfer and the words ‘Welcome to Lake Martin.’ The Children’s Harbor’s lighthouse and chapel, the Kowaliga Indian, an eagle and a portrait of Hank Williams also are featured. The vignettes are easily recognizable but ultimately fade together with the blue color.

The wall varies in height from 4 feet to 8 feet.

“I’ve been wanting to do a Lake Martin mural, so I had been working on some ideas for a while now,” Forbus said.

Walker hopes Patriot Fueling Station will be complete by June 1 but faced setbacks due to inclement weather creating a muddy mess at the construction site. He hopes to have a grand opening celebration July 4 weekend.

“We’re working really hard to get it open,” Walker said.

When complete, the modernized station will have eight gas pumps, automated store access 24/7 with robotic vending machines, six electric car-charging stations, an air pump and vacuum and a fully landscaped perimeter, complete with a 20-foot by 30-foot American flag.

“It’s kind of the wave of the future,” Walker said. “We have one already in Lineville and one in Wetumpka.”

The gas pumps will use chip readers, as opposed to magnetic strips, making them more secure against identity theft.

Walker said the idea for the painted wall came from MidBay Bridge in Destin, Florida, where a mural of whales is featured as cars cross the bridge into the beach area.

“It started with more lake scenes and grew into adding nature and wildlife of the area,” Walker said. “It ties into the community. I’m hoping people will come from all around to stop and take pictures here like a little tourist attraction.

“This whole community is working hard to create a nice, clean area where everyone’s working together.”

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Top: The design flows across the entire length of the wall with the creative use of color; Middle: A portrait of Hank Williams is included on the mural; Above: The picturesque chapel at Children's Harbor also won a spot on the mural.

RU S S E L L L A N D S O N L A K E M A RT I N . C O M JUNE 2020

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Russell Marine Bo

New store set to open this month in Alexander City

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oating & Outdoors

STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & COURTESY OF RUSSELL LANDS

The retail showroom at Russell Marine's new facility includes 20,000 square feet of merchandise space

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The store will feature a coffee bar

A selfie station inside the showroom will depict visitors at Lake Martin's iconic Chimney Rock

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The Russell Marine Boating and Outdoors facility on U.S. Highway 280 in Alexander City is scheduled to open midJune. The new facility will include more than 70,000 square feet of retail space and another 75,000 square feet for rigging and service. The state-of-the-art center will showcase new and pre-owned boats, off-road vehicles, new lines of apparel, and toys and gear for making the most of the recreation Lake Martin offers.

“This will be one of the nicest marine dealership centers in the country,” explained Russell Marine President Dave Commander.

The high-visibility store, which is located in a renovated building that once was known as ‘the new No. 1’ building at Russell Corporation, is scheduled to open mid-June, and Commander hopes to celebrate more fully with a grand opening in July. Work began on the building more than a year ago when boat storage became limited at the company’s four Lake Martin marinas. After conducting a feasibility study and due diligence, the subsidiary of Russell Lands On Lake Martin secured the building and spent several months in demolition mode to prepare the shell for use as a marine center that is expected to become a tourist destination for visitors at Lake Martin. AAA was the local general contractor on the project, and Russell Marine Boating and Outdoor Manager Allan Cutts said he is looking forward to opening the facility.

“All of our contractors and team members have been working endless hours to open the store. We are excited about what we are going to be able to offer to the communty with our new showroom and pre-owned boat area,” Cutts said.

The showroom will feature new boat brands, including fishing boats from BassCat, SeaArk and Crevalle Boats, as well as a new sport boat from Bryant Boats and an all-new

A variety of tubes will be displayed for sale

The entrance to the store will feature a display of off-road vehicles, and boats will be shown under the front awning

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"This will be one of the nicest marine dealership centers in the country." ~ Dave Commander

A testing tank at the back of the building will be used to service boats

lineup of Can-Am off-road vehicles from BRP. There also will be a large selection of boats from Godfrey Pontoon Boats, Nautique, Key West, Supreme and Scarab, plus personal watercraft from Sea-Doo. Inventory will include new lines from Hook & Tackle, Huk, Coasta, Yeti, Hyperlite, Connelly, Billabong and more with stand-up paddleboards, tubes, wakeboards, skis, kayaks, life jackets, apparel, shoes and sunglasses.

Floor-to-ceiling photographs and signage, along with painted waves on the floor, will guide customers to the various sections that will offer more than simply goods for sale. This retail adventure also will feature a sales area with monitors where customers can choose a variety of options to custom-build new boats, a giant map of the lake and a play table for children to visit while parents shop.

The facility is expected to create 20 new jobs as servic28 LAKE

Paddle sports also will have their own section in the store

es ramp up and is projected to make substantial contributions to the city’s sales tax revenues, Commander said.

The customer experience starts with an electronic message board facing the highway, attracting traffic to the store, which sits on an inside lot. The board will showcase brands and highlight local events. Russell Lands plans to sell the outlying frontage lots to other business ventures at a later date.

At the storefront parking lot, a display of Can-Am offroad vehicles from BRP will welcome customers with a Western-themed berm decorated with cacti and boulders.

Under the front awning, a sampling of the Russell Marine boat lines will be parked for viewing. A 40-plus-foot sign for Russell Marine Boating and Outdoors will roll out the welcome mat.

“The interior will have a clean, sort of industrial look with black and wood throughout the whole showroom and a blue wave-themed floor,” said Russell Marine Marketing Manager Emily Sprayberry.

Inside, the center will provide an introduction to Lake Martin’s varied recreational opportunities with merchandise displays that have been designed for efficiency, as well as engagement. The space also will include a service reception area where customers will be able to make arrangements for repairs, order parts or schedule service for their boats, personal watercraft or off-road vehicles.

The center will organize Russell Marine’s pre-owned market, putting trade-ins and other pre-owned boats indoors in a 50,000-square-foot showroom.

“In the pre-owned center, shoppers will be able to compare models and features more efficiently,” Commander

JUNE 2020

explained. “We have one of the largest inventories of preowned boats in Alabama, but they were spread out at the different marinas. This puts them all in one place, under a roof that will keep them in better condition and where customers can compare the features more easily.”

Commander said the new center was prompted by business growth that occurred at a higher rate than expected.

“Moving the rigging here frees up storage space on site at marinas where we have had waiting lists,” he said.

The project extended into the back lot, as well, Sprayberry said. There, an in-ground tank was added to allow in-water testing. The facility also includes a lift for easy transference of boats.

Everett Hatcher of Birmingham’s CMH Architects designed the project, and Commander said local contractors were used throughout the renovation, from landscaping to electrical.

Russell Lands announced the project in January of 2019 and had hoped to open in April. Though the COVID-19 outbreak slowed receipt of some fixtures during the latter part of construction, Sprayberry said, crews were able to keep working without serious delays.

“Some materials were coming out of states that were closed down before Alabama went to

the stay-at-home guidelines – and some of the boats, too – but we’re all in the same situation. We just had to work together to keep it going, and it really didn’t put us too far behind,” she said.

In addition, some suppliers designed the graphics in their zones inside the building, which also helped to keep crews busy.

“It’s really something to see – a real experience,” Sprayberry said. “It will be an asset to the community, and we hope it will encourage visitors to Lake Martin to shop in other stores in Alexander City and the whole lake area.”

Pre-owned boats will take up 50,000 square feet of inside sales space

The store also will carry a line of off-road vehicles

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JUNE 2020

AROUND THE LAKE OUTSTANDING AGENTS, OUTSTANDING RESULTS

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Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

LAKE 31

63 Pride Drive

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS COURTESY OF RUSSELL LANDS

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JUNE 2020

The first stretch of the 63 Pride Drive project is being installed between Ourtown and the Kowaliga Bridge

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The drive to the lake is changing, as Russell Lands On Lake Martin this spring launched what might be its most visible beautification project yet. The new 63 Pride Drive project will give the roadsides along state Route 63 and Willow Point Cut-off Road a cleaner, smoother, more manicured look that will be easier to keep litterfree, said Russell Lands Chairman Ben Russell.

The first phase of the Pride Drive endeavor will alleviate some of the erosion and uneven ground along the roadways by clearing and grading road frontage, as well as bringing in topsoil where needed. Hydroseeding has been utilized in bare areas along the stretch of road between Ourtown and Kowaliga Bridge, and weather permitting, this section of the highway could be completed by the end of the year.

While Russell Lands crews presently are focused on the east side of state Route 63 and Willow Point Cut-off Road, both sides of the roads will be improved as part of the project, Russell explained.

“We hope this stretch of the road becomes a model for what the area all around the lake could look like,” explained Russell Lands Vice President Roger Holliday.

Russell said a garden-styled area at Ourtown would mark the beginning of this first phase of the project. Signs

for the project will be landscaped in keeping with the effort to present a clean, green look around the lake.

With the help of Lake Martin Resource Association, more cleanups will be planned to maintain the cleanliness of the area. LMRA president John Thompson said he hopes volunteers will embrace the beautification effort lake wide. The adoption approach for sections of shoreline and public islands has had a positive impact on previously trashed areas of Lake Martin, said Thompson, and he hopes the project can be expanded to help keep roadways around the lake clean.

“I hope this means there will be cleaner highways throughout the entire Lake Martin community. Highway 63 being one of the highest traffic areas around the lake, if volunteers will tap into this effort, we could be well on our way to getting pride back in our community,” Thompson said. “This could be a great start to bringing it all together.”

Russell Lands Director of Marketing Operations Robert Gunn is coordinating the project, which is modeled on beautification efforts at Lake Oconee in Greene County, Georgia, and other areas in the Southeast that have emphasized beautification as part of economic development.

Alexander City Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ed Collari said the visit city and business lead-

The project alleviates some erosion along the roadways

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New grass already is coming up in some areas

A garden area will be planted at this sign near Willow Point Road

ers made to the Greene County area last year was eye-opening.

“We visited that area because it’s very similar to here, and one of the takeaways was the ordinances they have in place for signage and The project could be a building design. model for similar projects They have very, around the lake very high standards, and it was beautiful,” Collari said. “We had some conversations about how we could implement some of these things in our community. We discussed what are the main arteries throughout our community, and what can we do to beautify them. It made a world of difference driving through that area.”

Gunn said Russell Lands has created a website for the 63 Pride Drive project, 63PrideDrive.com, so volunteers will have easy access to more information about cleanup events through a cleanup calendar with sign-up capabilities and notices for special events.

Russell Lands works two major cleanup efforts each year: Orange Shirt Day every spring and fall drops volunteers along the route to clean the state Route 63 access to Lake Martin. This spring, Orange Shirt Day collected 160 bags of trash on state Route 63 from Highway 280 to Kowaliga Bridge. Russell Lands also maintains a strong

volunteer presence at Alabama Power’s annual Renew Our Rivers cleanup in early November each year.

“With this project, we hope to add to that cleanup schedule on a regular basis, as well as have some impromptu events,” Gunn said.

Volunteers will be given a logoed safety vest, bags and pickers to make them more visible along the roadways and to make it easier to complete the mission of keeping the roads trash free.

Russell hopes this multi-faceted approach will encourage others to beautify more areas around the lake and care for the environment of Alabama’s only Treasured Lake.

“This is one of the most exciting things I’ve ever been involved with,” Russell said.

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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

JUNE 2020

LAKE 37

Tricks to Try This Summer Three moves that will earn creds in the boat

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STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Earning respect from the folks in the boat means not only landing an array of tricks but also, doing it with style.

Fortunately, it’s very doable, said wake sports coach Ryan Wakenigg with Singleton Marine, and it’s a lot easier than it was when the sport was new.

“When I started 15 years ago, I had to buy a DVD or go somewhere to watch someone in order to learn tricks. You had to be creative and learn the fundamentals that way. Now, it’s easier to learn from a lot of different people, and with social media, we see more tricks being learned and landed,” Wakenigg said. “There are more kids wakeboarding than when I first started, and they are learning harder tricks than we did back in the day.”

Today, it’s easy to go online to see wakeboard pros land the Method, Scarecrow and Crow Mobe, but nothing beats a tutorial that you can lay out and study in slow motion. Wakenigg took to the water to talk through three tricks that could secure creds from the back of the boat.

It’s important to stretch out before getting in the water, which will help you stay flexible and land tricks, Wakenigg said. Pre-ride preparation should include

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a mix of dynamic and static stretching.

“Nothing too deep. You don’t want to tear your muscles because there isn’t enough time for them to repair before you ride,” Wakenigg said. “Get the hip flexors and hamstrings stretched out.

Light swimming around the dock. Loosen up the shoulders.”

If a trampoline is available, use it for warm-ups and practice, starting with slow bounces, he suggested.

“It’s always good to do some bouncing on a trampoline before you go out and ride. Take a rope on a handle and hook it to a tree up high, so you have rope to practice with,” he said.

In addition, get regular workouts in on days when you aren’t riding. Do some cardio, Wakenigg said.

“Don’t rely on the wakeboard to keep your stamina up,” he advised.

The workouts and stretching will help with flexibility, which is one of the most important things about grabbing tricks.

Stretch after the ride as well, Wakenigg said. Expect to be sore, but it’s always nice to sit back on the dock and relax after riding, knowing you nailed it.

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Singleton Marine's Ryan Wakenigg looks for a scarecrow landing

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BEGINNER:THE METHOD

A classic trick, the Method brings the bottom of the board up to face the boat and adds a grab. Wakeboarders adapted this trick from snowboarding and skateb0ard enthusiasts. Though a beginner trick, it is considered one of the more difficult grabs and will earn a beginner some respect from observers. To pull it off, Wakenigg said, approach the wake with a progressive edge and come off the wake scooping the back foot into the wake. Once you get in the air, turn away from the boat and push the back foot towars the boat, reaching for the grab as you do it.

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The grab is the part of this trick that you can really make your own. Add style by grabbing the board with the opposite hand to the edge; grabbing the board in different places and pulling at the nose while grabbing.

Hold onto the board as long as you can. After the grab, turn the board back in line and ride it out, looking for your landing.

"I'm an advocate of making the trick your own," Wakenigg said.

"It's personal. You want to keep the handle close, scoop the back foot into the wake and turn away from the boat, pushing that back foot into the boat before reaching for the grab."

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INTERMEDIATE:THE SCARECROW

The Scarecrow is a basic toeside trick, the easiest of the toeside inverts, but it's not the first intermediate trick you should learn, Wakenigg said.

"It's good to learn a front roll before the scarecrow. If you learn the scarecrow first, it's harder to go back and get the front roll," he explained.

Set up your start by edging out on your heels, getting a good progressive edge with your hands close to your forward hip. The takeoff is the hardest part. Try to stand tall, and it helps to pull on the back

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hand. If you pull your hands up, you will pull the trick off from what it's supposed to be, Wakenigg said. As you initiate the spin off the wake, keep the hands below the head and rotate your body over your hands.

Move the hand from the hip you started on to the opposite hip and land with the knees bent and the head up.

To add style to this trick, grab the nose of the board while you're airborne.

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ADVANCED:THE CROW MOBE

When you're ready to learn your first mobe, the Crow Mobe is a good place to start. Before tackling this trick, have a good scarecrow in your pocket and learn a wake-to-wake toeside 360, landing it wrapped with a handle pass.

Set up for the Crow Mobe the same way you would for the Scarecrow, standing tall. Once you initiate the spin, spot your landing, so you'll know if you have the height you'll need. Pull the handle to your back to initiate the 180, pulling the handle with your back hand as you are coming down.

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Anytime you can add a nose grab, it lends style to the maneuver.

When you land it, be sure to keep some weight on your toes, so you don't fly it out backwars.

"Hold that toe edge, and don't let yourself catch the back edge.

That's the worst case scenario," Wakenigg said.

And don't be too hard on yourself if it takes a couple of summers to land your first mobe, he said.

"The important thing is to have fun doing it. You may not make it to the professional level, but always have a good time doing it."

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LAKE 45

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46 LAKE

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

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Dr. Kevin Sublett and his staff provide complete cardiovascular care in your own community. Patients receive the latest in testing, treatment, and preventive care for the full range of heart and vascular conditions.

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The clinic is backed by the knowledge and expertise of UAB Medicine, including: • The most advanced ultrasound testing technology • Nuclear medicine imaging in fully accredited labs • Management of cardiac rhythm disorders • Care from a physician board-certified in interventional cardiology

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HEART & VASCULAR CLINIC CENTRAL ALABAMA JUNE 2020

LAKE 47

Fleet sings a selection from his Workin' Hard album inside the Old Harmony Church on Lake Martin

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Where I Find God Country music's Larry Fleet on his new video from Lake Martin

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STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Larry Fleet recorded the music video for one of the best new Country songs of the year, Where I Find God, at Lake Martin this spring, but if you’d asked him three years ago what he thought he’d be doing now, that wouldn’t have been his answer. The sensation behind the come-from-nowhere hit would have said he’d be working hard, pouring concrete to support a wife and baby and playing guitar for barn parties on the weekends. Instead, he’s made his debut on the Country tour with singer/songwriter/actor Jake Owen and has appeared on stage with Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, Jon Pardi and other greats.

Fleet has retreated to Lake Martin every summer for four years with his wife, Phebe, staying with friends who are more like family; jumping off the dock, smoking meat, wake surfing and eating good food.

“We used to talk about getting a beach house someday,” Fleet said, shaking his head softly. “No more. Now we talk about a lake house. “The first time I got in the water, I could see my feet. I think this is the cleanest water I’ve ever been swimming in.”

The singer/songwriter Fleet met Lake Martin’s Woody Kennedy family through his wife, Phebe, who had long ago been inducted into the family. Dr. Woody Kennedy, an Eclectic, Alabama, native and plastic surgeon in Chattanooga who passed away last year, kept a house at the lake and invited the Fleets, who soon became regulars.

Lake Martin’s beauty, the laidback lifestyle and an old country church just off Nero’s Point on Old Harmony Slough seemed a fitting place to shoot the video for the song Fleet had written with award-winning songwriter Connie Harrington.

A number of well-established vocalists had expressed interest in recording the song, but when Luke Bryan decided not to do it, Fleet chose to record it himself.

Where I Find God hit the music markets without ever being pitched. The YouTube video had 1.2 million views five weeks after the song was released.

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LAKE 49

It crossed over into the gospel music realm without even trying, which was no small feat, as gospel spotlights are tightly reserved for established performers.

“Radio stations were playing it, and we never sent it to them,” said Fleet, who is signed with Big Loud Records.

Fan comments on the video have amounted to the greatest compliment he’s ever received, said Fleet.

“One guy wrote that he heard the song, turned the car around and went to find an AA meeting; changed his life.

People opening up and pouring out their hearts and souls to me. It’s a testimony song for people,” he said. “But that’s how it really is. I talk to God when I’m duck hunting, when I’m riding around in my truck with my bloodhound.”

Fleet picked up the guitar at 5 years old when his Great Uncle Jim taught him to play on Sundays after church. At 7 years old, the family bluegrass band played Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

“That’s really how I learned to play. They would let me play with them, and they were good.

I wanted to be as good as they were,” Fleet said.

He didn’t start singing until he took gigs in college at University of Tennessee Martin.

“People told me then I could really sing. I just thought they were drunk,” Fleet laughed.

He also met Phebe at UT Martin, but the two didn’t date until they ran into each other again years later. After college, Fleet moved to Nashville to pursue songwriting. It didn’t occur to him to be a singer. When the music career didn’t break his way, he moved to Chattanooga to work construction, pouring concrete like his father did. It paid the bills. He married Phebe and played music on weekends.

“And then, I got a call from a guy who wanted me to play at a barn party. It was a wedding, just people hanging out, drinking beer. I was playing, somebody came up and told me Jake Owen was going to come up and listen to me play,” Fleet said.

“To hear Jake tell it, he got out of the car and heard the music and thought somebody had a radio on. When they told him that was a real guy playing, he came on up to hear me.

“Well, he listened to me for a while and later that night, we got to talking, and he said I should go on the road. I told him no, I’d tried it, and it didn’t work out. He said we should stay in touch, so we exchanged numbers, and I went home.”

The next day, Owen texted Fleet, and the two met for lunch later in the week. Owen urged Fleet to quit his day job and go back to music for a living, but Fleet resisted.

“I had a wife and a mortgage,” Fleet said.

Shortly after that meeting, Owen invited Fleet to a bonfire with a music crowd. Fleet had just come in from a hard day of work, pouring concrete for 10 hours, and was dog-tired. When Phebe learned Owen wanted him to go up to Nashville for the 50 LAKE

jam session, she told him go.

“She told me, ‘Jake wants you to go, you gotta go,’ so I drove up there. We played music until 7 a.m., and Jake said he wanted me to go on the road with him. He said he’d help me, so I did it.

“The next week, we were in Florida, and that was great. The following week, we were in Michigan. Jake was good to his word. He told me what I needed to do, and he helped me do it.

He’s become a real good friend. He’s genuine,” Fleet said.

Then, Fleet recorded a demo for a song titled Lied About Love, and gave the demo to Owen, who quietly put the piece out for industry listeners. The song created a buzz, but no one knew the singer, and no one knew how to find out who the singer Fleet reflects was. When Owen walked into on the the recording studio at Big Loud coincidence Records a few days later, someof meeting one played the song for him, and Jake Owen, Owen told him that Larry Fleet who helped him was the man behind the voice. launch “They had Jake set up a meethis music career ing with me, and when I walked into the office a week later, they had a contract laid out on the table,” Fleet said.

He released his first album, Workin’ Hard last November, produced by Joey Moi who is known for his work with A-list Country acts, including Owen and Morgan Wallen. The album garnered critical acclaim from American Songwriter and Rolling Stone and put Fleet on the 2020 ‘Artist to Watch’ lists for Pandora, Taste of Country and Sounds Like Nashville. It’s available at all digital retailers now.

Fleet’s popularity grew among professionals, as well as listeners, who relate to his blue-collar roots and authentic sincerity.

“I got a call one day, and this person says to me, ‘Willie Nelson wants you to go on the road with him,’” Fleet said.

“He’s just a great guy. It was just him and me on stage. He treated me really well.”

Fleet and Owen were doing another tour when the stay-athome orders went into effect, supposedly putting his career on hold. He and Phebe, along with their 9-month-old son, Waylon, joined the Kennedy family for a lakeside quarantine.

With the acoustic PRS guitar slung over his shoulder in the pink light of an early day at Lake Martin, Fleet’s Where I Find God video begins with a drone shot of Little Kowaliga Creek.

It includes footage of Fleet taking the baby for a ride in the Kawasaki 4x4, introducing Waylon to an old upright piano at Old Harmony Church, fishing from the dock, in the garage working on a pickup truck, admiring Eclectic’s longhorns and a portrait of the family. All the while, Fleet’s masterful voice sings of places where he finds moments of solace with his Maker and says, “Thanks for everything.”

“It’s better than pouring concrete,” Fleet said with a smile.

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LAKE 51

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JUNE 2020

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Memory Maker

Tammy and RickTowns built a 5,000-square-foot house in Trillium 13 years ago

STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Birmingham’s Tammy Towns and her husband, Rick, an Alexander City native, bought their first home on Lake Martin in the Real Island area in 1997.

Both sets of their parents had cabins nearby, and they enjoyed years of family gatherings. In 2000, the Towns purchased a lot in Trillium, and 13 years later, began building their 5,000-square-foot dream home on the lake.

“We knew what we wanted, and we knew it would have to start with the wood from Rick’s family farm in Alexander City. We salvaged as much wood as we could from the 1840s farmhouse to use in the new house, and that set the tone for the whole project,” Towns said.

Architect Mitch Ginn designed the home, and the Towns hired Scott Henderson to build and Josh Lamberth to landscape. With decorating expertise and guidance from Denise Booth at Wellborn Cabinets, Towns placed furniture and decor from her original lake home, as well as that from the homes of both sets of parents, into the new house. Now the home is filled with memories.

“I love having pieces that represent our lives and the lives of our parents and grandparents. Every time I walk through, I see something that makes me think about who had it before, where it was used before,” she said.

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A port-cochere welcomes guests at the front door.

Wide stone steps pave the way for guests to enter the home through two heavy wooden doors, complete with black iron decorative studs and speakeasy windows, purchased at Southern Sash in Montgomery.

Just inside the front doors, a tile inlay is set into the reclaimed pine flooring, which was taken from the farmhouse and used throughout the main level.

“We love that the floors are original, with all the holes and marks still in the wood. We tied all of the doors in the house together using the iron studs, and I made sure turquoise and orange, my favorite colors, were mixed into everything,” Towns said.

A leather, semi-circle sectional sofa, along with bright, upholstered chairs, invites guests to relax and enjoy the comfortable room. Electronics are hidden in her mother’s antique armoire. Iron legs were added to a turquoise door from the farmhouse to become the coffee table. The stone fireplace and reclaimed wood mantle add warmth, while the floor-to-ceiling windows across the back of the house provide a beautiful view of the lake. The vaulted ceiling is accented with beams from the old farmhouse and a three-tiered iron chandelier.

“For years, I have been looking for things that I wanted for the house we would build here, so I have a collection of what I love. I found these trays from

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A three-tiered iron chandelier commands the living space

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The upper-level porch is one of their favorite gathering spaces

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Towns indorporated her favorite colors into the island and backsplash in the kitchen

the Civil War in a shop in Highlands, North Carolina, and put those on the mantle. I really like things with a history. I love to bring nature inside, so I have lots of birdhouses and birds’ nests mixed in. I just worked the things I love into the house,” Towns said.

The kitchen and dining areas are separated from the living area with large beams and columns constructed from the reclaimed wood. The centerpiece of the room is a large, turquoise island, which is mirrored by the turquoise, blues and greens of the glass tile backsplash.

Booth found granite with a distinctive turquoise streak in Brazil for the top of the island. Towns requested a hammered copper bar sink in the island with a trough built into the granite to hold ice and drinks for entertaining or even juice boxes for her granddaughter. A custom-made octagonal rug fits perfectly under an octagonal glass-topped table.

A bedroom decorated specifically for Towns’ daughter is to the left of the living area. To contrast the dark reclaimed floors and the wall behind the headboard, 58 LAKE

the room is decorated in white and cream. A glass, teardrop chandelier hovers over ruffled white linens on the bed and puddled, tie-top drapes. In front of a mirrored screen, a chaise lounge, a side table displaying the empty champagne bottle from their daughter’s engagement at the lake complete the cozy corner.

The master bedroom on the opposite side of the main level features an accent wall of reclaimed wood framing the iron headboard. The furniture is an eclectic mix of Towns’ and her mother’s pieces. A painting found at Art on the Lake at Children’s Harbor hangs above the bed, adding splashes of navy and white to the space. Tie-top drapes on the windows overlooking the lake are gray, and balloon shades in the same fabric are used on smaller windows by the bed. A private screened porch is accessible from the master.

“I wanted my master bath to be elegant, and it is my favorite room in the house. Denise suggested the café curtains that go only half way up the windows, and that lets in lots of natural light. We decided not to use

JUNE 2020

Pebbled tile creates a natural scape from the shower to the garden tub

Branches became balusters for the staircase

The Towns home comfortably accommodates their large family over Memorial Day weekend

the rocks on the floor of the shower but to create a natural scape from the shower wall to above the tub,� Towns said.

As in the other baths in the house, Wellborn built the cabinets with legs and lots of storage space. All of the bathroom sinks in the house are stone bowls from Southeastern Salvage in Birmingham. Towns found furniture for her closet, replacing the need for built-in shelves, and placed an antique spool chest that her mother loved in the master bathroom as well.

The staircase from the main level to the basement was built by Henderson while Stan Smith created the balusters out of tree branches in their natural state. The wide staircase leads downstairs to a large living area and four additional bedrooms.

One bedroom sports navy bead board accenting yellow walls for a nautical theme, while another room has two sets of iron bunk beds with doublesized beds below and twin-sized above. Towns

Towns had the island counter cut to create an ice bin that keeps beverages cold

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LAKE 59

Some of the accents in the home date to the Civil War period

Heavy wooden doors with iron accents and speakeasy windows greet guests

Upatairs, the floors were made from wood taken out of an 1840s farmhouse

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The downstairs living area includes seating with a view

JUNE 2020

The downstairs living room features animal print textiles from the couple's previous lake house

painted side tables White linens contrast a dark and a lingerie wall and dark floors chest white for in their daughter's bedroom the nautical room, adding rope pulls on the chest. She salvaged a china cabinet base from a family fire to use as a dresser in the bunk room.

Both the downstairs living room and the largest bedroom downstairs feature animal print textiles for pillows, linens and upholstery, hide rugs and other animal-themed items from the Towns’ previous lake home. Under a wall of mirrors in various sizes, two twin-sized beds were converted into day beds in the main room to add additional sleeping space when their family of 16 visits each year for Memorial Day weekend.

Towns’ most nostalgic room is the one created in memory of her son. In 2009, at 27 years old, Chase died in his sleep from heart failure due to cardiomyopathy, a condition no one was aware he had. His special space in the new home showcases his Vestavia Hills football jersey, his trophies and knick-knacks and a sword collection, to name a few cherished items. His Auburn diploma is proudly displayed, as

well.

The Towns have optimized outdoor living space on the main level of the home, as well as the lake level.

Below, a tremendous flagstone patio provides four different dining tables with chairs plus comfortable, cushioned patio furniture and a swing bed hanging by ropes. A fireplace for cool evenings is found below and above. The upstairs covered porch has a high-topped barrel table with chairs and wicker seating with lime green cushions and lots of orange and turquoise spots of color.

Small garden areas and lots of natural space keep the yard shady and simple to maintain. By the water, two chaise lounges, his and hers, allow an optimal view to enjoy a perfect day at Lake Martin.

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RHODES BROTHERS/KEY BUILDERS

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Tiki Float

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEXIS GOLDHAGEN

Alexis Goldhagen (third from left) and her friends from flight school built a tiki bar during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order

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W

When life handed Lake Martin’s Alexis Goldhagen and her friends from Auburn University’s flight school a stayat-home order for coronavirus, they did what any reasonable college students would do: They built a floating tiki bar.

The owner of Lake Martin Flyboard, Goldhagen and her mates were visiting family in Tampa, Florida, over spring break when she saw a tiki bar that friends there had built. Since the five friends were together when the order for coronavirus safety came through, Goldhagen’s parents, Drs. Paul and Michelle Goldhagen, told them all to come back to Lake Martin for the quarantine period.

“I told my parents, ‘I want one of these,’ and they said, ‘Well, of course, you do,’” Goldhagen laughed. “Then one of the guys I work with in flight school, Will Bernard, said we could build this.”

Goldhagen’s parents said they would purchase the materials if the four friends agreed to build it. They obtained directions for the platform from the person who had built it in Tampa, but everything else on the float was meticulously custom designed.

“The one in Tampa had bar stools, but ours has swings,” Goldhagen said. “We all quarantined together at the lake for six weeks and built it.”

The platform for the tiki bar is 16 feet by 16 feet and sits on top of 18 55-gallon blue drums. The friends cut the bamboo from another friends’ farm and spent six weeks – the better part of the stay-athome order – working on the project.

“We worked on it pretty much every day that the weather was good. We built 4-foot by 4-foot platforms and built up the bar with big round, wooden poles.

We ordered the thatched roof online,” Goldhagen said.

Goldhagen and friends, Paige Thompson, Stefan Morton and Jackson Trawick all pitched in to help Bernard, who masterminded the construction.

“We were just the helpers,” Goldhagen said. “He would tell us how long to cut the boards, and we cut them.”

The Goldhagens own a Super Air Nautique boat; so they named the bar float Super Air Nautiki.

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LAKE 67

Daisy Fleabane

W

Daisy Fleabane, a beautiful little white wildflower with an unfortunate name, pops up along roadsides and in fields all around Lake Martin this time of year.

Its tiny white flowers are the width of a pinky fingernail, about half an inch or a touch wider in diameter, but they make up for their miniature size with an amazing number of thin, white “petals” – between 40 and 120 on each blossom.

Daisy Fleabane grows 1 foot to 4 feet tall on long, green, hairy stems. Its leaves are in two forms. The basal

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NATURE OF THE LAKE

BY KENNETH BOONE

Daisy Fleabane decorates local roadsides early each spring

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LAKE 69

leaves closest to the ground are very narrow near unproven superstition that these dried plants repel the stem and much wider toward the end, a shape fleas. that looks something like a spoon, with tiny teeth The leaves of this plant are edible in salads, but along their edges. The thin, because they are hairy, their lance-shaped leaves on the texture keeps them out of upper stem are sparse and most people’s kitchens. If alternate, meaning they you would like to try to eat emerge individually and spithese leaves, it’s best to ral up the stem. They may mix them with other salad have teeth, especially lower leaves. on the stem, but as they go Some people also make up the stem, they tend have a tea from the dried leaves smooth edges. and petals.

Daisy Fleabane flowDaisy Fleabane is an ers have thin, tiny “petals” early colonizer or pioneer (actually sterile ray flowspecies, meaning that it is ers) that are mostly white, among the first plants to though some may have grow in disturbed soils. a pale lavender tint. The Since people tend to disbright yellow, flat centers turb soil by making roads are very small, fertile disk and clearing fields, this is flowers that produce nectar a plant that is often found and seeds. The flower heads where people live.

A widespread superstition form in loose clusters on It grows well in full sun proposes that Daisy Fleabane stalks at the top and upper and partially shaded areas repels fleas, but there is no sides of the stem. When with good moisture and can proof to support the theory viewed from a distance, the live in soil that is not particflowers seem to float in the ularly fertile, like red clay breeze like white polka dots and rocky soils, which is Leaves diminish above a green roadside. perfect for the Lake Martin in size as they This fleabane has a area. It can grow in most spiral up the stem fibrous root system that soils but competes best in sometimes develops a tapareas that are not very ferroot. tile.

The scientific name for Daisy Fleabane is native Daisy Fleabane is Erigeron throughout the Eastern U.S. annuus, and it was named and much of the West. It is by the famous Swedish found in 43 of the 48 U.S. botanist Carl Linnaeus, states. who developed the modern Many insects pollinate scientific naming system Daisy Fleabane, including a of species. “Erigeron” is number of native bees, like derived from the Greek carpenter bees, and flies, words for “early” and “old as well as wasps and butman,” referring to its time terflies and other insects. of blooming and the hairy Animals that will eat this or wooly look of its whitplant include rabbits and ish seed heads, which can some livestock animals, look like a gray-haired man. especially when the plant is “Annuus” – think annual young.

– is a reference to the oneFor those who like wildyear lifespan of this plant, flower bouquets, Daisy though it can sometimes live Fleabane will last several for two years. days in a vase before wilting.

Daisy Fleabane is sometimes called Eastern Daisy Fleabane or Annual Fleabane. The comInformation for this article came from friendsoftmon family name “Fleabane” – the combination hewildflowergarden.com, edible-wildfood.com, of two words that are not high in anybody’s warm illinoiswildflowers.info, and at and fuzzy vocabulary – refers to the widespread, plantpostings.blogspot.com.

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Chad McKelvey 256.749.4018

Haley Fuller 256.750.2411

John Shelton 404.858.9198

Jerry Purcell 205.382.3417

Allison Ladson 256.750.0711

Haley McKelvey 256.749.8353

Damon Story 205.789.9526

Mike Davis 256.226.1238

Lindsay Kane 256.675.6792

Amy Duncan 256.212.2222

India Davis 256.749.7592

Judy Voss 256.794.0779

Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681

John McInnish 334.415.2149

Jaylen McGriff 256.300.0372

Jan Hall 256.329.6313

Hugh Neighbors 256.750.5071

Becky Haynie 334.312.0928

Jim Cleveland 256.596.2220

Cindy Scroggins 256.794.3372

Adam Yager 205.914.0830

Michelle Brooks 256.749.1031

Jeff Cochran 256.786.0099

Sawyer Davis 205.965.7940

Ashley Chancellor 334.202.9017

David Mitchell 256.212.3511

Howard Haynie 334.312.0693

Leroy Sellers 256.496.2141

Mimi Rush 334.399.7874

Randall Rogers 334.707.5804

Denise Cochran 256.786.2484

WE’RE THE Market Leader

Lake Martin Waterfront Market Share

47.1%

LAKE MARTIN REALTY/RUSSELL LANDS ON LAKE MARTIN

*LMAAR/MLS Member Firms Sales Volume Data May 2019–April 2020

Dadeville

256.825.9092

Willow Point 256.212.1498

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

JUNE 2020

Ourtown

256.212.1498 LAKE 71

Innovative Design, Stylish Ideas Computer Generated Room Designs

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Ask about the traveling granite car!

72 LAKE

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HOBOs pass the gavel T

he Lake Martin Home Owners and Boat Owners our garbage back to town when we left; and got by without a held its 14th annual meeting at Red Ridge Methodist cell phone. Our pontoon boat was equipped with a 75-horseChurch on Feb. 29. Approximately 80 members power motor, and it was all the power needed. enjoyed presentations on boating safety proposals presented We lived in Opelika, which was close enough that coming

by Rep. Ed Oliver, and our Marine Police Lt. Mark Fuller. to our lake cabin was a regular family event, and we began Both speakers are longtime residents of the Lake Martin area to call Lake Martin home. Our son was 3 years old when we and were able to provide firsthand information concerning bought the cabin, and soon after moving in, we learned we the passage of new state laws that will help protect those were expecting another child. Our wonderful new neighbors who use Lake Martin and those who live on the shoreline. approached us and said we were going to need more room Rep. Oliver gave a detailed explanation of the content on than we had in our two-room cabin; they explained that, in the newly proposed House Bill 284, a wake limit proposal our neighborhood, we all looked out for each other and they that is before the House of Representatives of the Alabama would help us add on to our cabin.

Legislature. Two bills similar to this bill have been killed in It was like an old-fashioned barn raising, an incredible the past two legislative sessions by special interest groups example of neighbor helping neighbor. That is the way it was or incorrectly written conditions in the bill, so done back then. The addition was completed; every effort is being made to get the current our family grew; and weekends, holidays and bill correct and made into law for the safety of summers were spent at the lake. all lake users. Lt. Fuller presented issues that We made some of our best family memories marine police have wanted protected by law here. After our kids moved away to attend colthat are covered in this bill. lege, we decided to fulfill our dream of building During the business portion of the meeting, a full-time home at the lake. We replaced the the membership elected Steve Smith as the new cabin in 2010 with what is now our permanent president of HOBO. The members are very home. appreciative to Steve for taking on his new role Life on Lake Martin is much different today for HOBO after serving as a member of the than it used to be. Many changes have been board. welcomed: cable TV; garbage pick-up; internet; I have asked Steve to provide some inforcell phones; restaurants and shopping. Lake HOBO mation on his background and hopes for Lake Martin is a beautiful place, but what was once a BY STEVE SMITH Martin. well-kept secret is now a thriving venue of recPast President Jesse Cunningham reation and commerce.

With this growth is the responsibility for us to be vigilant From incoming President Steve Smith in looking out for the water and the land. Neighborhoods that I am very honored for the opportunity to serve the Lake were once made up of weekenders are now bounding with Martin HOBOs. I recently retired as clinical director at full-time residents and vacation rentals.

East Alabama Mental Health Center. My 40-year career What has not changed is the beauty of our lake and the in the mental health field was one of public service. I now importance of working together and being good neighbors. look forward to continuing my public service work for the After all, part of what makes Lake Martin so special is the betterment of Lake Martin. We owe much debt to Jesse people. Just as we must look out for our water and our land, Cunningham and all those who have been a part of the sucwe must also work to get along and respect one another. We cess of HOBOs. To assure the continued success of HOBOs, must all adjust to changes; changes in the environmental and we need these individuals to remain leaders of this valuable aesthetic appeal of our communities; changes in boat traffic organization. I hope I can acquire the knowledge and the and boating laws; changes in commerce and growth beyond wisdom of these leaders as I assist with the mission of Lake what we knew in the good old days. The challenge of how Martin HOBOs. we navigate and adjust to these changes is vital to the continMy introduction to Lake Martin occurred in the sumued safekeeping of our lake. mer of 1984. I had begun dating a young lady whose older Lake Martin HOBOs has been critically instrumental in brother had a place on the lake, and we spent time visiting resolving issues that impact Lake Martin. We need the conhim that summer. tinued growth and support of our HOBOs membership as we Our love for one another grew, as did our love for Lake navigate through the inevitable changes that will affect our Martin. We were married in 1985, and soon after, we began waters, our shores and our neighborhoods. We must all work looking for a lake place of our own. together through these changes to preserve and protect the In 1989, we purchased an Alabama Power Company treasure that we call home – Lake Martin. cabin in the Dadeville area. Back in those days, life on Lake Martin was quite different. We brought in our own drinking Steve Smith is enthusiastic about serving as president of water; entertained ourselves with Andy Griffith VHS tapes; Lake Martin Home Owners and Boat Owners. Learn more at went outside to turn the TV antenna; took lake baths; carried lakemartinhobos.com.

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LAKE 73

FABULOUS FINDS

FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS Under Construction

South Ridge Harbor, Hard Cash • $1,675,000 Lot 26 The Ridge Phase 8 Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 3,500 Russell Lands On Lake Martin Emily McDaniel, Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks 256.215.7011 RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

The Willows, Y Knot • $2,075,000 Builder; Classic Homes Beds: 5 • Baths: 7 • SQFT: 4,265 Russell Lands On Lake Martin Emily McDaniel, Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks 256.215.7011 RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

Russell Cabins at The Ridge, Tree Top • $1,325,000 Builder: Classic Homes Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 2,706 Russell Lands On Lake Martin Emily McDaniel, Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks 256.215.7011 RusellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

Willow Point, Parkview Cottage • $769,000 Builder: Derryl Thomas Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 2,580 Russell Lands On Lake Martin Emily McDaniel, Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks 256.215.7011 RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

634 Tank Road, Alexander City • $259,942 Beds: 3 • Baths: 2 • Remodeled!

Lake Martin Realty Jim Cleveland 256.596.2220 LakeMartinRealty.com

30 Cedar Ridge, Alexander City • $549,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 3 • Water Access Lake Martin Realty Mimi Rush 334.399.7874 LakeMartinRealty.com

64 – 5305 Stoneview Summit Crt, Dadeville • $449,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 3 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Adam Yager 205.914.0830 LakeMartinRealty.com

61 Jacks Hollow, Alexander City • $2,600,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 5.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Jan Hall 256.329.6313 LakeMartinRealty.com

295 Lakewinds Road, Alexander City • $995,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 4 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592 LakeMartinRealty.com

157 Southwinds East, Alexander City • $999,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 LakeMartinRealty.com

519 Old Still Road, Dadeville • $1,095,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Jeff & Denise Cochran 256.786.0099 LakeMartinRealty.com

15 Cleat Curve, Jackson’s Gap • $750,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 4 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 LakeMartinRealty.com

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FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS

FABULOUS FINDS

189 Williams Drive, Unit B1, Alexander City, AL • $199,900 Look at this walk-in bottom floor unit! Park at your front door and tie up your boat at your designated spot just steps from your back door! Unit comes with an extra storage unit in the basement for all of your lake floats and toys. Enjoy the private patio with lots of entertaining space!

Contact Scarlett Gorham, Three Sixty Resort Living for more info, 334.319.5563

Lot 39 Whisper Trace, The Village at Kowaliga Bay, Tallassee, AL • $259,000 This is a gorgeous 3BR/2.5BA home located right on the water in The Village on Lake Martin! Enjoy beautiful hardwood floors throughout, granite in the kitchen and baths as well as all stainless appliances! The main level deck, dock, and floating dock are all TREX covered! The master suite is super private on the upper level with it's own screened porch. All Village amenities are included! Contact Team Windy/Mindy, Three Sixty Resort Living for more info, 256.630.5005. https://my.flexmls.com/WindyMindyTeam/search/shared_links/3FQ8k/ listings/20191017003113173287000000

58 Village Key, The Village at Lake Martin, Dadeville, AL • $685,000 A beautiful blend of modern elegance and rustic style make this home a truly spectacular home! The interior will boast wood floors and concrete, wood wall accents, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Outside will feature wood decking with Cale railing, Hardie siding with stone accents and dark bronze Pella windows. **Seller is offering a lease/purchase option** Contact Team Windy/Mindy, Three Sixty Resort Living for more info, 256.749.1509. https://concepttoclosing.idxbroker.com/idx/details/listing/a357/17-1373/58-Village-Key-Lot-5-Dadeville-AL36853?widgetReferer=true

This adorable 3BR/2.5BA lake home has been remodeled and an addition added since the original home was built. There is beautiful landscaping around the home and the lot gently slopes to the lake where you'll find a covered boat house and lift as well as a seawall and dock! Enjoy the open living room/kitchen and relax at night in the incredible master suite!

Contact Team Windy/Mindy, Three Sixty Resort Living for more info, 256.630.5005

Enjoy 360 degrees of gorgeous lake views from this beautiful home situated on the Village Key, an Island that sits just west of The Village. The interior features both wood and concrete floors, wood wall accents, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Outside features wood decking, Hardie siding with stone accents and Pella windows. Comes with assigned boat slip and All Village amenities are also included! **Seller is offering a lease/purchase option** Contact Team Windy/Mindy, Three Sixty Resort Living for more info, 256.630.5005

370 Marina Point Road E402, Dadeville • $449,900 3 BR, 3 Bath, Harbor Pointe condo! BOAT SLIP included and right in front of unit! Includes FURNITURE and some decor.

Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256-749-8681 lakemartinteam.com

191 Lake Hill Drive, Alexander City • $425,000 Located a mile off 280 and convenient to Birmingham, Auburn and Georgia.

This 3BR/2BA home sits right on the water. Kitchen and Baths have been updated. Outdoor living with it's Lakeside cabana, hot tub and multiple docks.

Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256-749-8681 lakemartinteam.com

198 Village Loop, Dadeville • $750,000 This craftsman style lake home comes partially furnished and offers 5 BR, 3.5 BA and an office or 6th BR. 2 family rooms, gas fireplace and expansive VIEWS of Lake Martin! Covered side deck and oversized lakeside patio with outdoor kitchen.

Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256-749-8681 lakemartinteam.com

77 Graywood Lane, Dadeville • $599,000 Like new and beautifully updated this 3 BR, 2.5 BA lake cabin awaits you. Open great room with stone fireplace. All new kitchen appliances. Large laundry room with pantry. Beautiful tile showers. Situated on a flat lot with natural surroundings.

Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256-749-8681 lakemartinteam.com

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Amazing W

e are two months into the COVIDand April), the total new sales are 60 for 2019 19 era, and I have been watching the and 59 for 2020. Total list price volume for market closely to gauge the effect of 2019 was $36,316,350, and for 2020, the list the pandemic on Lake Martin waterfront sales. price volume was $38,276,809.

Since the first of March, I have morphed from We will not know what the total sales volpessimistic to amazed – with periods of skepume looks like on a year-over-year compariticism and surprise – by the sales record for son for several months since sales prices are waterfront propertues. confidential until closed. We believe, based I am a veteran of multiple recessions, so on our involvement in contract negotiations, what I expected after the stock market cratered that sellers are getting near-list prices on new in March was fewer sales, potentially many contracts. That is an important indicator of a fewer, and an increase in listed properties. I also healthy market.

LAKE PROPERTY expected that people would do as instructed by Other positive observations

BY STEVEN ARNBERG the president and the governor and they would I noted above that I expected people to shelter at home. But as in all previous recession obey the president’s and the governor’s orders events, I was wrong about what was going to happen. to stay at home, but it did not occur to me that could mean I write monthly articles about the market for Russell people would stay at their lake homes. We have seen more Lands On Lake Martin and Lake Martin Realty’s newsletpeople than ever at Lake Martin for March and April. In ters. Each month, my normal report compares activity using fact, there were a couple of weekends when I expected 4th a 12-month rolling average. Looking at the last 12 months of July fireworks. ending in April, for instance, shows a 22.3 percent increase I also have been listening with interest to reports from in gross volume, year-over-year. other area businesses. Marinas are working at mid-summer That is a great number, but I realized that most of that business levels; contractors are wide open; building supplivolume was either closed or pending closing before the ers are surprisingly busy; and local grocery stores can barely onset of the pandemic. To aid our clients and our company keep the shelves stocked. in decision-making, I needed a metric that would give an Back on the real estate front, I have noticed that, because indication of how COVID-19 was actually affecting the people are using their lake homes more, they are less willing market in real time. to part with them. This has caused a shortage of available We began tracking new contracts written on a monthly homes that could be purchased. At the end of April last year, basis versus the same period last year. So far, the results there were 286 waterfront residential properties for sale. have been amazing.

This year, the supply has dropped to 173 properties for sale.

A look at the numbers I hope you have found this report encouraging and helpFor March of 2019, the local MLS reported 25 properful. In the weeks and months ahead, please stay safe as you ties as going under contract (new sales). Total list price for socially distance at Lake Martin, and stay tuned as we track those properties was $13,539,050, with an average list price the market. of $541,562. In March of 2020, the local MLS reported 24 * A detailed list of the properties reported as new conproperties as going under contract, with a total list price of tracts for the months of March and April of 2020 to the $15,652,524 and an average list price of $652,188. * Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors MLS by its For April of 2019, the local MLS reported 35 properties member firms may be found online at https://www.russellas going under contract. The total list price for those proper- landsonlakemartin.com/blog/. You will find the reports under ties was $22,777,300, with an average list price of $650,780. Monthly Sales Details.

In April of 2020, the local MLS reported 35 properties as going under contract, with a total list price of $22,624,285 Steve Arnberg is Vice President Real Estate Sales for and an average list price of $646,408. * Russell Lands On Lake Martin. For more infoamtion, conOver the first two months of the COVID-19 era (March tact him at 256-329-0835.

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Sprouted Rye Berry Salad Ingredients

1-1/2 cups of a cooked grain of your choice. We use rye berries that we sprout in-house. We soak them overnight in water, at room temp; then, they germinate for two days.

After that, we blanch them in salted water; then, chill.

2 tablespoons rehydrated golden raisins 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 1 tablespoon celery leaves 2 tablespoons chopped roasted almonds 1 tablespoon small-diced celery Fresh, or in our case fermented, blackberries Lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil to taste

Directions

Mix everything in a bowl to combine. We serve as a room-temp/lightly chilled salad.

Chris Morina, executive chef and general manager at SpringHouse Restaurant, earned a bachelor's degree in restaurant and hotel management from Auburn University and worked with Southern food icon Linton Hopkins at Restaurant Eugene in Atlanta before moving to Mourad and other Michelin-starred restaurants in San Franciso.

JUNE 2020

CHEF’S TABLE BY CHRIS MORINA

LAKE 79

Plan ahead to make great meals

G

rocery shopping seems to create a bit more stress these choice (ground deer meat, turkey, beef or chicken), canned corn days with increased prices and tighter budgets. This is or black beans to make the meat go further. the perfect time to establish a more effective meal planBuy a block of cheese and grate it yourself. Place in an ning process and grocery shopping routine. Many of us have airtight container and store in the refrigerator for several days. extra family members at home, which allows for another set of This option costs less than purchasing shredded cheese. helping hands in the kitchen. This is such a great teaching tool Think twice before purchasing frozen prepared meals. You for a child of any age, and if family members have come home will be paying for convenience. Instead, make your own homeunexpectedly, it is a great way for everyone to feel like they are made pancakes, waffles or French toast. Leftovers make great contributing to the household. There are ways to reduce your snacks for the kids; pop the leftovers in the toaster and spread number of trips to the grocery store and learn to utilize and on peanut butter and jelly. stretch groceries more efficiently.

Meat can be very expensive. Look in the freezer section for First, plan ahead. If you have not already done bags with individually frozen pieces to allow for so, clean out the pantry and refrigerator/freezer. pulling out only what is needed. For fresh options, Check the dates and throw out expired food. look for family packs and freeze them individually Next, take an inventory of the pantry, refrigeraor according to your family size. tor and freezer. Dig deep to see what items you Planning for leftovers is a convenient way to have on hand and make a list accordingly. Create create another meal by using the meat in a taco, menus for the week ahead, including ideas for quesadilla, rice bowl, pasta dish or on top of a leftovers and snacks. I suggest planning three or salad. Canned meats, such as tuna or chicken, four full meals; and then, fill in the meal schedule make an easy way to create a tuna or chicken salad with how you will use the leftovers to create more recipe. This is great for lunch or a light dinner. For meals. Involve family members in this task. the larger family, think about utilizing the crockpot Then, develop the shopping list. or creating a soup.

If you don’t have the time to plan menus, at Beginning in mid-March, summer of 2020 the very least, keep a well-stocked pantry. If you will be remembered as one of the longest, and for HEALTHY LIVING have been keeping a running grocery/household some, most challenging summers. Schools and uniBY JULIE HUDSON list of items that you’ve run out of, you can add to versities closed and implemented all online teachthis list, keeping in mind all the items you already ing; sports were cancelled; childcare programs have on hand. were closed; and parents worked from home. It has created In developing your list, think about buying raw or whole the perfect time to engage the whole family in menu planning, or bulk foods. Raw and whole foods are not processed or preshopping and meal preparation. pared. These items usually cost less than buying the prepared Involving children of all ages in the planning and shopping versions. Buying in bulk can save money and is a great idea if is a great learning experience. Talk to your kids, if they’re old you have the space to store the food or household item. enough, about grocery shopping on a budget. What a great Plan around specials and use grocery reward cards. To math lesson. Grocery shopping can teach children to count, become a budget shopper, you have to become familiar with learn colors, eat healthy, choose healthy snacks, write a list, prices. This becomes second nature the more you practice com- develop menus and learn to shop within a budget. Encourage paring prices. Grocery store brands usually offer less expensive the creative kids age 3 and older to make placemats for the alternatives, along with canned and frozen varieties. table. The older kids can help create menus, write the shopping Beware of steamer size or individual size frozen or canned list and assist with the grocery shopping, meal preparation and vegetables, as these tend to be much pricier. All frozen or cleanup. Kids age 3-5 years old can stir, snap beans, tear letcanned vegetables can be steamed or cooked in the microwave. tuce, press cookie cutters. This age group can set the table and Canned or dried beans and peas are healthy low-cost options gather ingredients, too. and will help to stretch menus.

Older 6- to 7-year-olds can peel fruit and vegetables, shuck Fresh fruit and vegetables are good options, too. Choosing corn, crack eggs, measure ingredients, use can openers, check in-season produce will bring the cost down. Shopping at farmthe temperature of foods with thermometers and beat eggs. ers markets when available is another great savings tool.

Kids that are 10 years and older may be ready to learn to chop Rice and potatoes are perfect additions. White potatoes are or slice, microwave foods, bake in the oven, boil on the stove. inexpensive and can be stuffed with frozen vegetables, cheese Make family meals fun by choosing themes. Make it a game and ground meat. I love to stuff sweet potatoes with barbeque by having a different person create the meal each night. Expand meat for a sweet and savory dish. Potatoes can be diced or cut this game by placing names of different countries in a hat, and in wedges, tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper and roasted on each person has to develop a menu around what they draw. a baking sheet in the oven to serve alongside a protein.

What a great time it is to give the main cook in the house a Tortillas are inexpensive and can be used any time of the day. break, bring the family together and reduce stress by sticking to Breakfast burritos can include eggs, a great source of protein, a budget. sausage or bacon and cheese, onions, peppers or any vegetable; be creative and change it up. For lunch or dinner, add a meat of Julie Hudson is a dietician at Lake Martin Wellness Center.

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JUNE 2020

Custom Home Builder | Interior & Exterior Remodels Additions | Outdoor Living Spaces | Seawalls

David Robinette | Steve Fuller Andrew McGreer 205-383-9222

JUNE 2020 lakemar tinsignatureconstruc tion.com

LAKE 81

The Shape of the Lake Memories are made between the shorelines

W

e recently met some friends at Lake Martin As we talked, I kept referring to the area on the to ride, fish, swim and just relax, as so north end of the lake where I had spent most of many people do this time of year. Our my time on my little jon boat, our small bass boat, friends’ family has a house on the far south end of diving board on the dock and knee boarding. Our the lake. While the kids were swimming, we took friends, likewise, showed me the areas where they a trip down memory lane. The conversation started had enjoyed skiing and riding on the south end of the with how much had changed around the lake since we lake. We discovered that Lake Martin’s centerpiece, were kids. Homes have gotten larger; shorelines have Chimney Rock, was eventually the boundary for us been developed; and the boat traffic now both until we reached adulthood. is steady most of the year, as people flock Since then, I’ve been fortunate to to the little slice of heaven that is Lake live close enough that I could spend lots Martin. We realized just how many opporof time trying to cover just about every tunities for fun exist on the lake as my inch of the lake fishing. Many places still friend talked about skiing and swimming seem new; and then, as I pass by certain through the summer and I talked about all places scattered up and down the lake, the different types of fish I used to catch. the fishing memories come flooding in.

As kids, teens, young adults and now There’s the place where I won the adults with children of our own, it was tournament that set my career in motion; fun to watch our youngsters do the very another spot where, as a kid, I once things that we enjoyed so much at their pretended that I was catching fish in a ages. Watching the kids ride tubes, swim professional event; and then, the place and catch bream from the dock took us I fished the first time my parents turned BIG CATCHES back to our childhoods – a time when our me loose with the boat on my own.

BY GREG VINSON biggest worries from daylight until dark The memories go on: The place where were what we would do next for fun; and I fished from the bank for bream in an then, what was for dinner. annual kids tournament; the place where I would We realized that although the lake is busier now guide for crappie as a teen; and the ‘milk run,’ we than ever and the growth around the lake has expandcalled it, where my Dad had built man-made brush ed, Lake Martin in many ways is still the same. With piles for fishing. There are plenty more, of course. a huge dam built using primitive equipment in 1926, The value of this public lake is in what lies between sprawling across multiple counties, with more than the shaping boundaries of elevation to which it is con800 miles of shoreline, Lake Martin is still a beautifined. It’s the dynamic ecosystem that exists beneath ful testament to human ingenuity. Martin Dam, conthe surface of the water and the joy that the water structed using primitive tools and equipment with the brings to all of us. The tree-shaped lake that is Lake primary purpose of generating electrical power and Martin has had a positive impact on the many family water supply for Alabama communities, has energized trees that have enjoyed it since the 1920s. Through the the lives of so many people. Whether we are swimseasons of life, and for decades and centuries ahead, ming, fishing, skiing, sunbathing, riding in a boat or much will continue to change around the lake, but the just having a drink and watching the sunset, great shape of Lake Martin, hopefully, will remain along memories are made. with its ability to shape the lives of all who come in The shorelines of the lake may be changing in contact with it. nature, but the shape of the lake is destined to remain the same. Simple changes in elevation determine ~ Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the sprawling characteristics that we all enjoy. From the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He lives in above, Lake Martin resembles one of the giant cedar Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin. trees that flourishes around the lake with some very big branches. It looks like the main lake is a trunk with the many creeks and small tributary embayments that are like the limbs of the tree.

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Times on the lake together create lifetime memories for children and adults alike

JUNE 2020

LAKE 83

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JUNE 2020

Ingredients

3 ounces Rosé 1 ounce Three Olives Rosé Vodka 1 ounce grapefruit juice 3/4 ounce strawberry syrup 1/4 ounce lemon juice 1 cup of ice

Frosé Directions

Add all liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake briefly.

Pour mixture into blender and add ice. Blend until a smooth consistency is achieved. Pour into a chilled

coupe or rocks glass. Garnish with a strawberry slice.

Behind The Cocktail

Justin Sievers created the Frosé in 2016 at Bar Primi in New York.

CHEERS!

BY MARK GILLILAND Mark Gilliland is the owner of Ocie & Belle's at 41 Main St., Alexander City.

JUNE 2020

LAKE 85

Golf

The perfect pandemic pastime

O

ver the past nine weeks, we have seen things that most of us would have never imagined could happen in our wonderful country. The entire world has been turned upside down due to this pandemic we are all tired of hearing about.

Children have been out of school; some parents have been working from home; some have lost their jobs; everything has been put on hold. This has been, by far, the most stressful time in most our lives.

Lake Martin is home to some of us, but others consider it their slice of heaven, where they are fortunate enough to spend their leisure time. Throughout this growing pandemic, families have packed up and traveled to the lake to quarantine, most working remotely from their lake homes.

Although we have had different variations of the PAR for the COURSE shelter-in-place and stay-atBY MATT SHEPPARD home orders, etc., golf has been deemed essential the entire time. Golf is one of the few sports in which it is very easy to social distance and not share equipment.

This has been a surprisingly, wonderful time for golf.

A game played with family or friends, outside, that conforms to all the government guidelines? Perfect ‌ bring on the troops.

Country clubs and golf courses are not safe havens, but they are places that allow people the freedom to enjoy the great outdoors, get some exercise and clear their minds of all the horrible news on the television.

This pandemic has caused us all to think a little differently in making decisions. At Willow Point, we did not allow the use of golf carts for seven weeks. Most would think that play would subside due to people having to walk: Wrong. Rounds of golf spiked as families quarantined on Lake Martin, and most executives and professionals were able to work remotely.

On any given weekday, we saw more than 100 players, which is not normal for us. In Birmingham, clubs were seeing more; some were seeing close to 200 players per day. The beauty of this? All players were walking, carrying their bags or pushing carts, getting exercise and enjoying the outdoors. For most of us avid golfers, this time in our lives reminded us of those days as children when we began playing the game, toting our bags around the course.

I can remember getting dropped off at the course in

the morning and picked up in the late evening almost every day in the summer. Those were the days, not a care in the world, just the smell of freshly cut grass, birds chirping and trying to shoot the best score possible.

Though during this quarantine there have been cares in the world, there has been some sense of peace on the links, carrying the bag just like when we were kids.

We have seen more father-son groups, more husband-wife groups and more people enjoying time with their closest friends. Every pushcart manufacturer is sold out until August, and push carts that are normally sold for $200 are selling on EBay for $500. Time may seem more than a little crazy, but if you get the chance, tote your bag, clear your mind, take a deep breath and enjoy the game like you did as child.

Matt Sheppard is the PGA director of Golf at Willow Point Golf and Country Club.

JUNE 2020

LAKE 87

Legend

63

22

280

To Sylacauga

22

Alexander City

Public Boat Ramps 18

9

Churches

Camp ASCCA

Flint Hill Church

Camps & Parks

16

Power lines U.S. Highways

280

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

9

128

Russell Farms Baptist Church 63

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church

15 20

New Hope Church

Liberty Church

14 Willow Point

24

6

10

Equality

Paces Point Boat Ramp

63

Camp Alamisco

11

Kowaliga Boat Landing

21 The Ridge

55

4

Seman

Camp Kiwanis

1 12

Church in The Pines

23

2

The Amp Ko w

ali

17

ga

Ba

y

80

9

Central

90

Union

ELMORE COUNTY Union Church

Red Hill 63

229

Eclectic

Tallassee

19 Kent

88 LAKE

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

34

JUNE 2020

Timbergut Landing

Lake Martin Alabama

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Marinas

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

11. Kowaliga Marina 256-397-1210

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 22. The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

49

Jacksons Gap

42. Real Island Marina 256-397-1200

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

280

53. Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888

7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Bethel Church

20

62. Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

Dadeville

3. Harbor Pointe Marina 7 256-825-0600

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

25 57

280

24

Camp Hill

Smith Landing

2. Lakeside Marina at Bay Pines 9 256-825-0999

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

Pleasant Ridge Church

Restaurants & Venues

13

6. SpringHouse 10 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Lake Martin Baptist Church 49 Church of the Living Waters

5

8

4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 19 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 4. Russell Building Supply 20 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 21 4. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Loop, Alex City, AL 35010 4. Dark Insurance 22 256-234-5026

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 www.darkinsuranceagency.com . Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 23 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 24 . Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847 21322 U.S. Hwy 280, Dadeville, AL 36853 . The Tiny Rabbit 25 256-307-1998 220 N. Broadnax, Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches 26 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293 8352 Hwy. 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

12 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Walnut Hill

50

4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 18 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

6. Catherine’s Market 11 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Stillwaters

7

82. Lakeside Marina 256-825-9286

7361 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

17 5. Lake Martin Mini Mall 334.857.3900

7995 Kowaliga Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024

26

50

13 Lake Martin Pizza 256-373-3337

5042 Hwy 49, Dadeville, AL 36853 14 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt & Flatbread Pizza 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com

Business & Shopping

49

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.

15 Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075 970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010 16 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481 5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, AL 35010

Reeltown

JUNE 2020

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. If you are ordering take out from any of the restaurants listed below or delivery from any of these groceries, request your free copy of Lake magazine with your order.

ALEXANDER CITY WINN DIXIE PIGGLY WIGGLY WALGREENS KOONS II KOONS KORNER RUSSELL DO IT CENTER CATHERINE'S MARKET SERVICE PRINTING JET PEP HOME DEPOT HOMETOWN PHARMACY JACKSON DRUGS KOONS KORNER NORTH LAKE CONDO RIVERBEND STORE LAKEMARTIN BUILDING SUPPLY RUSELL MARINA SHELL GAS STATION LARRY'S GENERAL STORE THE SURE SHOT WIND CREEK GATE WIND CREEK STORE

NEWSITE FOODLAND RIDGE MARINA KOWALIGA MARINA WILLOW POINT PETRO EXXON TALLAPOOSA PUBLISHERS, INC PLAYHOUSE CINEMAS - OPEN WHEN THEY ARE SELLING THEIR CONCESSIONS AND KONA ICE

DADEVILLE RENFROE'S WALGREENS RUSSELL DO IT CENTER JIM'S PHARMACY LAKESHORE PHARMACY CITGO BAY PINES MARINA BLUE CREEK MARINA STILLWATERS LAKESIDE MARINA HARBOR POINTE MARINA WALNUT HILL EAGLE STORE 34 LAKESIDE MERCANTILE WALNUT HILL CHEVRON SIGGERS PNC BANK

ELMORE COUNTY NAILS CONVIENCE STORE RUSSELL DO IT CENTER- ECLECTIC

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90 LAKE

JUNE 2020

REAL ISLAND MARINA TALLASSEE MARATHON EQUALITY FOOD MART WETUMPKA HERALD RESTAURANTS WITH TAKE OUT ORDER CARIB KITCHEN JAKE'S DAYLIGHT DOUGHNUTS EMPORIUM WINE BIG B JIM BOBS NIFFERS OSKARS POPLAR DAWGS FUSION GRILL COTTONS BBQ WOW CATERING KOWALIGA RESTAURANT 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

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

HANDRAILS | GUARDRAILS POWDER COAT | SAND BLASTING WELDED FENCE | CUSTOM ART STAIRS GATES | I-BEAMS STEEL POSTS STAINLESS STEEL CABLE RAILING

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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.

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Some of us have to paddle before we can swim.

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

256-234-4281

COACH KRAFT

UPHOLSTERY Complete Marine Upholstery!

■

■ Floors ■ Carpets Bimini Tops ■ Custom Seats ■ Mooring Covers

Patrick Mason 334-283-6759

LAKE

676 Dean Circle • Tallassee, AL www.coachkraft.com

Relax. Enjoy. Lake Martin.

Call to order your subscription 256-234-4281

MAGAZINE

JUNE 2020

LAKE 91

Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A&M Plumbing............................................................. 47

Kowaliga Whole Health............................................. 91

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

Alabama Power............................................................ 18

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

Sandra Booker, Fuller Real Estate........................... 90

Alex City Guide Service............................................. 8

Lake Martin Mortgage................................................ 75

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

Alex City Marine......................................................... 62

Lake Martin Realty................................................71, 86

Security Pest Control............................................8, 87

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

Lake Martin Signature Construction...................... 81

Singleton Marine...................................................17, 46

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

Lamberth & Lamberth............................................... 90

Southeastern Lawn & Landscape, LLC................... 84

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

Mark King's Furniture................................................ 19

Southern Star Alpaca Fashions.................................. 6

CertaPro Painters....................................................... 91

McClendon Bridal....................................................... 72

Sparkle........................................................................... 92

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

Mindy Windy Team...................................................... 11

State Farm, Harold Cochran.................................... 91

Custom Docks............................................................. 66

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

State Farm, Karen Channell...................................... 91

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

Morris Haynes............................................................. 72

Sunrise Dock................................................................ 11

Designs by Trish............................................................. 5

National Village............................................................ 93

Tallapoosa Board of Education................................ 77

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

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

Temple Medical Center............................................. 17

First Community Mortgage...................................... 72

Oskar's............................................................................ 8

Three Sixty Real Estate............................................. 67

First Methodist Church, Dadeville............................ 8

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

TNT Stone................................................................... 90

George Hardy D.M.D................................................. 17

RE/MAX Around the Lake........................................ 31

TowBoat US................................................................. 84

Harbor Pointe Marina................................................ 66

Renaissance Electronics............................................... 8

UAB Heart & Vascular............................................... 47

Heritage South Credit Union.................................. 63

Rhodes Construction................................................. 62

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

Holley’s Home Furnishings....................................... 96

Rhonda Jaye, Lake Martin Realty............................. 53

Wedowee Marine....................................................... 30

Homeology, Denise Booth........................................ 72

Russell Lands on Lake Martin.......... 3, 23, 36, 51, 52

Jerry Purcell, Lake Martin Realty............................. 62

Russell Marine.............................................................. 37

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JUNE 2020

I T TA K E S A V I L L A G E T O M A K E A H O M E

What makes a home in National Village so special is the sum of the parts of National Village. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National, the pool and spa, the lake, the hiking trails, the dining, the friendship, and of course Auburn Football.

Perhaps the saying is true, the whole is equal to the sum of its parts.

JUNE 2020

LAKE 93

Parting Shot

A Memorial Day rainbow appears over Auburn University Head Football Coach Gus Malzahn's lake house.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you've got to put up with the rain." ~ Dolly Parton

94 LAKE

JUNE 2020

95 LAKE

JUNE 2020

Montgomery DEEP DISCOUNTS ON INVENTORY IN MONTGOMERY & ALEX CITY

96 LAKE

JUNE 2020