Lake Magazine July 2020

JULY 2020

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JULY 2020

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Staff

Letter from the Editor July – the pinnacle of summer, and there’s no better place to spend it than Lake Martin.

This month, we want you to show us what a great time you have at the lake by sending your best wipeout-behind-the-boat photos. We’ll publish some of the top wipeouts online and in next month’s issue of Lake magazine. Now, don’t hurt yourself or endanger anyone in the process, but if you’re going to wipeout anyway, send us a picture. Turn to page 60 for a preview and more details.

This month also features some of the best-loved events at the lake all year – the July 4th celebrations. It will be especially nice this year, after the limitations of COVID-19, to visit Arti Gras and find a few great pieces for the lake house; to watch the Russell Marine July 4th Boat Parade; and pull up a lawn chair and watch the sky for fireworks.

But there will be some guidelines in place to keep everyone safe, so please check out the story on page 42, practice social distancing and take other precautions for these annual events at the lake.

And while you’re enjoying your time on the water this month, take a spin past Lake Martin’s Pirate Island. A closely held secret for many years, the history of one of the lake’s most popular landmarks came to light last month in a Facebook post. Check out the article on page 24 and be sure to go by the island for a photo op.

Every now and then, we meet someone who is visiting the lake for the first time, and this month, that happened to be a group of pilots that were practicing their firefighting skills in a Fire Boss seaplane. They spent two days here, scooping up 800 gallons of water on each run and dropping it on a buoy to gain certification to work with the Minnesota-based wildfire-fighting company, Dauntless Air. See the Fire Boss in action on page 30.

We also caught up with Lake Martin’s Dani Loeb, who was just named to the U.S. Ski Team as an aerial competitor. Though Dani now makes her runs on frozen water, she said she learned the nuances of keeping her balance and flipping upside down while wake surfing behind a boat at the lake. Get to know her on page 35; and then, visit her on Instagram to congratulate her on being named to the team.

And when you’re ready to wind down at the lake, turn to page 48 to tour a relaxing home and garden on the shores of Lake Martin. Henry Foy helps you find just the right wine on page 84, and Julie Hudson shares some berry great ideas for dessert on page 80.

It’s July at the lake – the best time ever to be in the best place of all.

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

CRISSY POSEY

crissy.posey@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors KENNETH BOONE JULIE HUDSON AMY PASSARETTI CHRIS MORINA GREG VINSON CLIFF WILLIAMS LIZI ARBOGAST MATT SHEPPARD JOANNE CUNNINGHAM WALKER LONNA UPTON JOHN COLEY HENRY FOY MICAH BENNETT SARAH CHILDERS RICK STARK All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor 4 LAKE

JULY 2020

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

On the Cover Alexis Goldhagen was airborne for 45 minutes during last year's Russell Marine July 4th Boat Parade. This event is a must-see tradition if you're spending the holiday at Lake Martin, but it's just one of many Independence Day celebrations at the lake, including the Blue Creek golf cart parade, the Arti Gras juried art show at Russell Crossroads, concerts and fireworks at The Landing and Lake Martin Amphitheater.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

DESIGNS

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

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JULY 2020

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

Contents 20. BLUFF'S DAIQUIRI BAR A new venue opens with an extensive daiquiri menu at Lake Martin's Harbor Pointe.

24. THE TRUE STORY OF PIRATE ISLAND After 12 years of secrecy, Pirate Island's founder finally tells his story.

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30. DAUNTLESS AIR Lake Martin plays a part in helping to fight wildfires around the U.S. 35. DANI LOEB One of the newest members of the U.S. Ski Team calls Lake Martin home.

38. THE WILLOWS Russell Lands is set to open Phase Four of a popular lake neighborhood.

42. FOURTH OF JULY Where to be when for fun on the Fourth at Lake Martin.

48. TRANQUILITY A Lake Martin couple fills their home with lively art, a landscaped garden and the love of friends and family.

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60. WIPEOUT CONTEST Send us your best fails behind the boat in Lake magazine's inaugural virtual event.

62. TRUMP BOAT PARADE More than 700 boats take part in a Lake Martin show of force.

68. TIPPY CANOE Furniture, accessories and lake décor in a new shop on state Route 63.

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:

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9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 10. LAKE SCENES 14. LAKE MARTIN NEWS 16. LAKE MARTIN EVENTS 64. NATURE OF THE LAKE 72. LAKE PROPERTY

74. FAB FINDS 77. LAKE WATCH 78. CHEF'S TABLE 80. HEALTHY LIVING 82. BIG CATCHES 84. FROM THE CELLAR 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.

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

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

A Place To Worship Lake Martin Area Churches

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

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

OFF WATER

OFF WATER

OFF WATER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Small Space Advertising Works.

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

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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

39 36 27

$612,809 $575,848 $348,731

$557,500 $436,000 $340,000

122 247 31

145 305 372

May 2020 May 2017 May 2014

Inventory/ sales ratio 4.72 10.46 15.83

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).

Safe Boating Council issues COVID-19 guidelines COVID-19 is forcing everyone, including boaters, to navigate uncharted waters. Many people are wondering if they can go boating; who they can boat with; and where they can go once they leave the dock. In many areas, the water is open; however, it’s now more important than ever that boaters are responsible in limiting unnecessary risk, not only to themselves but also to other boaters, law enforcement and first responders.

The Safe Boating Campaign led by the National Safe Boating Council offers these tips for practicing social distancing and safety while boating: n Follow state and local guidance from public health officials, marine law enforcement agencies, the department of natural resources, park services and others. n Stay within your local community. n Limit the people aboard your boat to people in your immediate household. No guests, no friends and no grandparents that don’t live in your house. n File a float plan. Make sure a loved one or friend knows the details of your trip in the event of an emergency. n Everyone should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on the water.You never know when an accident may happen, and a life jacket can help save you until searchand-rescue assets arrive. n Stay at least 6 feet away from other people who do not live in your house.

n Maintain a safe distance at the fuel dock and while loading up at the marina. n Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, such as after touching a marina gate or fuel pump. n Don’t raft up with other boaters or pull up onto a beach next to someone else, as it could put you in close proximity to others. n Go right from your house to the boat and back, minimizing unnecessary contact with others. n Carry all required boating safety equipment, such as flares, a navigation light, a horn or whistle and a first aid kit. n Pack food, water and other things you may need, as restaurants and marina stores may not be open or may have limitations. n Be sure to have at least two communication devices that work when wet, such as satellite phones, emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB),VHF radios and personal locator beacons (PLB). Cell phones are not reliable in an emergency situation. n Don’t go boating if someone in your household is sick. n Don’t drink and boat.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your boat, the water, sunshine and fresh air responsibly. For additional boating resources and tips, visit safeboatingcampaign.com/resources.

Weather Outlook for July July 2020 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the low 90s with average lows in the upper 70s and low 80s and about 5 inches of precipitation in the month of July. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be slightly above average, and rainfall averages will be moderately above normal this month.

Year to Date

Precipitation: 44.66 inches Avg. high temp.: 68.6 Avg. low temp.: 44.6 Avg. temp.: 56.6

Our Normal July Precipitation: 5.31 inches Avg. high temp.: 90.7 Information from the Avg. low temp.: 69.5 National Weather Avg. temp.: 80.1 Service.

JULY 2020

Last Month's Lake Levels Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 490.51 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) Michael Tucker took this photo of a pair of eagles near River Oaks in Jackson's Gap. (2) When cold air descended upon Lake Martin in early May, the Trumbell family gathered around the fire pit and made the best of it. (3) Since the fish weren't jumping into the boat while he was out fishing with his PawPaw, Hunter Gann decided to jump out of the boat. (4) Bella Tucker enjoys a nice boat ride around the lake. (5) Joy Ferrell and Raymond hang at the pool with a beautiful view of Lake Martin. (6) Another beautiful day at Lake Martin begins with water like glass.

(7) Shari Gaither Bushong saw this goose while out on the boat. Despite workmen with chainsaws on the other side of the tree and the Bushongs' approaching boat, this mama goose refused to leave her nest on the dock. Three days later, the goose was still there, sitting on her eggs.

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

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JULY 2020

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Lake Scene n People & Places

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Gina Murray's pup Henri knows a good view when he sees it, like this one looking up at Little Kowaliga Creek. (2) Easton Gray gets a taste of the fast life on his first true ride at 6 years old. (3) Odin Cook, the grandson of Mabry and Marty Cook, is all smiles on his first Memorial Day at the lake. (4) Kara Channell and Joy Ferrell kick their feet in the pool at Willow's End. (5) At 1 year old, Baby Dax Gray has mastered the relaxation vibe at Lake Martin. (6) Taylor Rowell shows off a nice catch. (7) Fay and Harry Dinken spend evenings watching a great blue heron – they've named him Hank – that stands on their dock watching the activity around the green light. (8) Friends Patricia Green, Julie Hight, Amy Blackshear and Jennifer Belyeu had a great day at the lake.

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Lake Scene n People & Places

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) The full moon and a good stiff breeze show off the flags at the Chambliss lake house on Goree Road. (2) Charlie Aaron caught this bass during a recent visit to the lake. (3) Rosie and Izzy Fountain are excited to spend the day at the lake. (4) Ava Fountain is ready for a boat ride to Wind Creek State Park to get ice cream. (5) Pappy and Randy Ballard cruise the lake. (6) Jade Randolph took this photo of one of Lake Martin's spectacular sunsets at Wind Creek State Park. (7) A cedar waxwing stops to rest on its way north.

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Lake Martin News StillWaters woman teaches babies to swim

Scott Baker's photo essay of the Lake Martin area was featured in The New York Times

New York Times publishes lake area photos

Scott Baker travels the world as a freelance photographer for The New York Times, but he still considers Lake Martin home, and he recently captured the beauty and character of his home turf in a photo essay titled “Returning and Awakening to the Beauty of Rural Alabama” that ran in The Times last month.

The 10 picturesque scenes chosen for the series, The World Through a Lens, accompany a 600-word essay about Baker’s childhood and life in his hometown.

“I work for the travel and style section as a stringer, and I used to do a lot of features in a series, 36 Hours in a Location.” Baker said. “But when the pandemic hit, the paper ceased doing that, so they asked me to submit some travel essays from places I had been.”

Baker hunkered down at his home in Alexander City when the coronavirus crisis prevented travel, and he’s utilized his creative outlet to capture iconic moments in the Lake Martin area.

“As a result of being here since mid-March and not traveling, I still have that photography bug and thought, ‘I gotta photograph,’” Baker said. “I would just go out and take photos of a farm where I saw some cows; went to a goat farm; went down to shoot Kowaliga Bridge at sunset, so I just threw some of those on DropBox and sent them in.”

The photos also include Children’s Harbor, barns, creeks, a bridge near Cleveland and the Black Warrior River.

“I submitted some work from Patagonia, a little town in Brazil and Alex City,” Baker said. “My editor loved the photos I took at the lake.”

A Benjamin Russell and Auburn University graduate, Baker enthusiastically shared his roots with the world through this photo essay.

“Alex City doesn’t get much publicity, and sometimes when it does, it’s not always the best thing ever,” he said. “This is a great chance with nice photos to show the lake and the area in a good light.”

It takes only a moment for a parent to take his or her eyes off a child, and the worst of the worst can be realized, but a StillWaters woman is dedicated to saving infants from accidental drowning, one baby at a time.

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental deaths among children, but StillWaters’ Lauren Little is hoping to combat that with Infant Swimming Resource SelfRescue lessons.

“I’ve always been interested in mission-based organizations,” Little said. “When my granddaughter was born, this became huge. Because drownings are accidental deaths, that means they are preventable. There’s a strategy for preventing these deaths.”

The program is typically a four- to six-week course with lessons that are about 10 minutes each and run five days a week. Aimed at children ages 6 months to 6 years, the lessons vary based on age.

“At the end, usually infants from 6 to 12 months old, they are going to roll on their back to float and rest and breathe; then, maintain that floating position until help arrives,” Little said. “Then for kids anywhere from 1 to 6 years old, once they are really walking, we can focus on teaching them a swim, float, swim survival method.”

In that method, a child will learn to swim for a short period; then, float on his or her back to rest and repeat that process until help arrives or a way out of the water can be reached.

Because Little works with children that are so young, she is well-versed in teaching through non-verbal reinforcement. The lessons are short and frequent because that structure has been proven best for retention, and because the teaching process is based on trial and error, Little is always extremely close by.

The result of ISR is every child of every ability will learn how to save himself or herself in the water, which Little calls a guarantee. Even children with disabilities can be taught these life-saving skills.

“It gives you peace of mind,” said Lindsay McKelvey, whose 1-year-old Madison was enrolled in Little's lessons last month.

~ Amy Passaretti 14 LAKE

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Lauren Little teaches infants to save themselves from drowning

Little makes sure to take every possible step to ensure not only the safety of the children but also their comfort and their parents’ with her. She is recertified every year; she asks for children to take refresher courses; she includes parental education in her lessons.

“To begin with, I was a little nervous,” said Haley McKelvey, whose 22-month-old daughter Isla Rose is in the program. “But Lauren was very thorough in sending videos and showing us how it works. It’s a national program, so we had to register her to do it, and she’s not had any issues. Lauren watches to make sure she doesn’t intake too much water; she checks her feet and different parts of her body the whole time she’s training and we’ve just seen so much progress. This is only her second week, and she’s already learned a ton.”

And that learning process is what keeps Little coming back to ISR and why she wanted to bring it to Lake Martin when she moved here.

“It’s rewarding to see kids go from not having any skills at all,” Little said. “They’re kind of fussing and crying that first week to get in the water; then, they’re fussing and crying because they don’t want to get out of the pool. Also, to see the relief of the parents, to know they don’t have to worry about their child if they slip off the dock or side of the pool or they wander off, that is very rewarding for me. It’s a lifelong skill for fun in the water.” ~ Lizi Arbogast

Former SpringHouse chef opens new venture in Birmingham

Rob McDaniel, the five-time James Beard Best Chef of the South nominee, who built a reputation of excellence at Russell Lands’ signature restaurant, SpringHouse, this month is set to open Helen with his wife, Emily.

The bar, restaurant and grill at 2013 2nd Ave., Birmingham, pays homage to McDaniel’s memories of cooking over the hardwood coals of his grandmother’s indoor grill. As he did during his Rob McDaniel tenure at SpringHouse, McDaniel will offer a menu driven by farm fresh produce and prime meats and seafood.

The restaurant is located in a 1920s-era downtown building and will reflect a welcoming, engaging spirit of timeless elegance. Visit helenbham.com. ~ Staff Report

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Now-Aug. 21 Southeastern Contemporary & International Connections

Add some art to your summer and be sure to check out this exhibit from the permanent collection at Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery. Located at 110 E. Bridge St., Wetumpka, The Kelly is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

safety accommodations. Vendors will be spaced to allow social distancing among patrons, and gloves will be provided. The show opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m. each day.

July 4 Russell Marine July 4th Boat Parade

Register now for the annual boat parade in the Kowaliga area of Lake Martin. One of the lake’s most celebrated events, this patriotic parade offers prizes Now-November for the tallest flag, largest flag, most patriotic crew, Confronting Covid-19 most creative theme and best overall boat and crew.

The Kelly’s online Treasure Hunt Exhibit 2020 Spectators line the shoreline and congregate in the water addresses the phases of coping along the parade route, which with the coronavirus pandemstarts at Kowaliga Marina.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS ic. Part I is titled Isolation, There is no charge to particito be followed by Activities, pate, but entries must register Healing and, finally, Reunion.

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN prior to the start of the parade.

Visit thekelly.org and the Call 256-397-1210 for more museum’s Facebook page for information. more information.

July 4 Blue Creek Fourth of July Parade

July 3 Splash Landing

Alabama native and American Idol winner Taylor Hicks will perform at a patriotic pride event at The Landing on Parker Creek. The venue will feature two large video screens, so the concert and fireworks display could be seen from boats or on land.

The music will begin at 7:30 p.m. Red buoy balls will be anchored in the water for tying boats off in accordance with social distancing guidelines, and ropes will designate the 6-foot distance on land.

This annual neighborhood parade starts at 11 a.m. on Olana Drive at the north end of Ponder Camp Road, Dadeville, and ends at Niffer’s. Park anywhere along Ponder Camp Road to collect candy and trinkets thrown by parade entries. To join the parade, arrive at Olana Drive at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Mickey Forbus at 334-329-0905.

July 4 Concert and Fireworks

July 3 Celebrate Freedom

Gates at the Lake Martin Amphitheater open at 5 p.m. for one of the most specMarshall Street Church tacular fireworks shows in once again will host free Fireworks shows will be hosted in Alexander City the Southeast. The music music, a patriotic program and at The Landing at Parker Creek on July 3 and will begin at 7 p.m. with the and fireworks from 6 p.m. to at Lake Martin Amphitheater on July 4 fireworks show at 9 p.m. The 10 p.m. on the band practice music continues at 9:30 p.m. field at Benjamin Russell High With social distancing, a School. Bring lawn chairs and limited number of tickets are available. Visit theamponblankets. Food vendors will be on site. No alcoholic lakemartin.com/tickets. beverages, as this is a family-friendly event.

July 3 & 4 9th Annual Arti Gras

July 11 Blues in the Park

This annual juried show of original works in jewelry, reclaimed wood décor, paintings, pottery, metal work, photography, candles, soaps and more will return to the Town Green at Russell Crossroads with health and 16 LAKE

Singer LJ Echols, Mz Connie and other performers will return to Alexander City for Blues in the Park at Strand Park. Music will begin at 2 p.m. Coolers and tents will be allowed. No grills.

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July 17 A Little Love

Main Street Alexander City will host a free community concert at 7 p.m. on Main Street with The Wilson Brothers, Bo Jones, Jason Tapley, Tre’ Cinco and other special guests. The music will start at 7 p.m. Look for details in upcoming issues of The Outlook in Alexander City and The Dadeville Record.

July 18 Lion’s Lake Martin Poker Run

Gather your crew for one of the best times on the lake and one that raises money for local charities. The Lion’s Lake Martin Poker Run starts at 8:30 a.m. as costumed crews launch decorated boats from Kowaliga Marina to collect cards around the lake before meeting at The Ridge Marina to see which boat crew assembled the best hand and which wins the costume contest. There are treasure chest opportunities at The Ridge. Entry fee is $150 per boat and includes an event T-shirt, a Lake Martin Summer T-shirt, a Russell Marine bag, koozies and a pirate flag. For registration information, visit russellmarine.net. Due to COVID-19, the route has been changed for this year's event; social distancing will be enforced; and there will be no alcohol sales at The Ridge after noon on the day of the event.

July 13-18 Children’s Harbor Virtual Auction

The Friends of Children’s Harbor will hold this year’s annual auction fundraiser online, beginning July 13. The auction will remain open leading up to July 18. Visit the Facebook page and Instagram@childrensharbor for details. Previously purchased tickets can be fully refunded or donated directly to Camp Changes Lives to send a child to camp. Contact Erin Slaughter at erinslaughter@childrensharbor.com.

Aug. 8 Lake Martin Digital Scavenger Hunt

Russell Medical Foundation will host a photography event at the lake on Jazz Fest weekend. Register your team for $150 per boat at The Ridge Marina between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. and get a list of items to hunt down and photograph around the lake. All items must be photographed on one designated cellphone. Each photographed item will carry a point value. Photos will be reviewed and validated to determine the top three winners, who will be announced at the Saturday Jazz Fest concert series at Lake Martin Amphitheater. Top prize is $1,500. Visit the Russell Medical Foundation Facebook page for details coming soon.

Season-long Events Music on the Square

Zazu’s Verandah and Raining Dogs Gallery host music on the new Courthouse Square in Dadeville from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday through July 30.

The music will be played under the awning at Raining Dogs Gallery, and beverages will be available at Zazu’s Verandah. Visitors are welcome to view the artwork in the gallery, too. Bring lawn chairs and abide by social distancing guidelines.

Tunes on the Green

Bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers to the Village Green in Millbrook for free music in the park from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on June 18 and July 2 and 16. Food vendors will be on site, but you also can bring your own picnic. No pets; no alcoholic beverages; and no glass, please. For artist information, visit the City of Millbrook Facebook page.

Friday on the Green

Start the weekend with music, games and more at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads Friday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bring friends, family and the dog on a leash. Please remember to maintain social distancing.

Farmers Market

The Farmers Market in downtown Alexander City is open from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Saturday through September. You’ll find fresh produce, jams, jellies, herbs, soaps and lotions, homemade goods and more at Broad Street Plaza. In Millbrook, the Farmers Market opens on the Village Green from 8 a.m. to noon every Tuesday through Aug. 11 with farm fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, house plants, Master Gardener demonstrations and more.

Music at Copper’s Grill

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

Clean Community Partnership Cleanups

Volunteers in Alexander City and Dadeville are encouraged to participate in community partnership cleanups every month. In Alexander City, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of the month. Meet at Broad Street Plaza at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. Contact Jacob Meacham for detailsat jacob.meacham@alexandercitychamber.com.

In Dadeville, the monthly cleanup is held on the first Saturday of the month, and volunteers can pick up sanitized pickers and bags at 8 a.m. at Dadeville City Hall.

There also will be a trash bag drop-off on site. Contact Dianna Porter at 256-750-0075.

Strand Sessions

Lake Martin Young Professionals will host its annual concert series from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the top of the hill at Strand Park in Alexander City. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and a picnic supper or purchase from downtown restaurants.

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Bluff's Daiquiri Bar

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STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Opening July 4 weekend at Harbor Pointe Marina, Bluff’s Daiquiri Bar promises a refreshing cocktail menu in a lake vibe with live entertainment and simple snack items to round out the fun of a weekend at Lake Martin.

Owners Trey Barden and Justin Rose will open Bluff’s Thursdays through Sundays during the season.

“There’s nothing really in that area of the lake to get mixed drinks,” said Barden. “We’re originally from the coast and wanted to bring a touch of that up here.”

Barden and his wife, Amelia, own Gus’s Hot Dogs at the intersection of county Road 34 and state Route 49 in Dadeville, and Barden said feedback for Bluff’s is going crazy.

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“Gus’s has been opened for a year, and I have a five-star review but only maybe 500 people following the Facebook page,” Barden said. “I already have more than 800 following Bluff’s, and we’re not even open yet.”

The floating building out on the pier at Harbor Pointe used to house the StillWaters Yacht Club but hasn’t been used for several years. Barden and Rose hired Don Allen Development to renovate the building’s interior and install new floors, new roof and new siding to get it up to par for service. There is also a custom bar inside.

“We have 10 boat slips designated for Bluff’s and some courtesy slips with overflow parking on the

JULY 2020

Outdoor deck space will be expanded, increasing capacity to 115 people

"We're originally from the coast and wanted to bring a touch of that up here." ~ Trey Barden

Bluff's Daiquiri Bar will open this month at Harbor Pointe Marina

Owners Trey Barden and Justin Rose expect to welcome customers over July 4th weekend

backside of the building,” Barden said. “You can come by car, golf cart or by boat.”

Decking will be installed over the first few slips near the building to expand the outdoor area. Between inside and outside seating, Bluff’s will accommodate roughly 115 customers.

“Our plan is for a grand opening July 4th weekend, but it just kind of depends on permits,” Barden said.

“The power company has finally opened back up, the health department and the ABC board. So it’s just getting those permits right now.”

Barden is originally from Montgomery and spent his childhood coming to Lake Martin, where his grandfather’s house was across from Chuck’s Marina.

“We moved here from Orange Beach and been here about four years,” Barden said. “I love it here; I never want to live back at the beach.”

Barden went with the name Bluff’s to honor Lake Martin’s history.

“I wanted to keep it a catchy name and keep a little bit of history,” he said. “In the 1900s, this used to be called Cherokee Bluffs and a guy by the last name Martin engineered the dam and renamed it Lake Martin. Bluffs is a little history of this area before it was Lake Martin.”

JULY 2020

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The Origin of Pirate Island STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & COURTESY OF RICK STARK

Pirate Island was founded 12 years ago and has become a popular landmark at the lake

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It all started with the placement of a Jolly Roger and posting of a sign

Stark and his children brought the first pirate, along with his treasure chest

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When someone posted a question about the origin of Lake Martin’s Pirate Island on the Lake Martin Boaters Facebook page, a friend contacted Rick Stark in Boone, North Carolina, and suggested he finally come clean.

Pirate Island is a small island on the Tallapoosa River side of the lake near the mouth of Madwin Creek at GPS designated points 32.83305 and -85.85845. The .61-acre island is owned by Alabama Power and is classified as natural and undeveloped project land, which means it will always stay in its natural and undeveloped state.

Several years ago, it seemed that pirates, perhaps seeking shelter from storms and a place to bury their ill-begotten treasure, stormed the island and took up residence.

Over the years, signs have been posted and various props have been added to the original collection. The Jolly Roger waves its warning to all that come near, and two skeletal pirates, appropriately attired in pirate garb, guard a treasure chest that drips with Mardi Gras beads and various other cheap baubles and riches. The island, with its themed trappings and wary residents, is among one of the lake’s most popular photo ops.

After his friend sent him a link to the Facebook post, Stark was surprised to learn that something he had done on a lark with his children more than 12 years ago has become a landmark at the lake.

At the time it was created, only one other family knew the origin of Pirate Island, Stark said, and they were sworn to secrecy in a pact similar to a pirate’s oath.

“I think my kids were embarrassed about it, really, and didn’t want anyone to know,” Stark said during a phone interview from his North Carolina home. “It was our little secret.”

In answer to the Facebook query, Stark put forth the story of the origin of Pirate Island: “We owned a townhome at Lake Martin on Madwin Creek for many years. In May of 2008, I suggested to my kids that we should place a pirate flag on the island that is now known as Pirate Island. They loved the idea, and so I bought the flag and pole, and we put it up on the pine tree.

“Less than a day later, it was stolen. The kids and I were pretty disappointed, but I decided to try again. As I planned the acquisition of a theft-proof flag pole, I decided we should go all the way and really make it a full pirate display,” Stark said. “I ordered the first skeleton online and bought the chest from a local flea market.

“The whole family had fun planning the island

It was a fun way to spend time together at the lake

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The original pirate made his way to the island in the Stark family's SeaRay

and the new flag placement, which we decided should be high in the tree and bolted in. After getting all the stuff, we dressed the pirate, loaded the ladder on our SeaRay, and early one morning, put it all up. This time, no one could steal the flag and much to our delight, we realized that many boaters were cruising by and enjoying the display.

“The next year, we added another pirate and added a larger sign, as well as a few more details.

We periodically made improvements and slowly realized that other folks were adding to the display and making more improvements. We sold our townhouse in 2014 and moved to Boone, North Carolina. I am so happy that Pirate Island has become a Lake Martin landmark.

“Thanks to all of you who have kept it alive.”

Stark also added a suggestion for a pirate-themed adventure over a summer spent at Lake Martin.

“My kids and I were really into pirates for a while, and we enjoyed the Pirates of the Caribbean movies very much; however, I also took the opportunity to introduce them to a classic book, Treasure Island, written by Robert Louis Stevenson,” he said.

“If your kids are too young to read it, I suggest

the audiobook. We listened to this on our drive to the Keys in 2008, and we were all glued to the story. It made that road trip and the whole vacation really special.”

The audiobook can be purchased on Amazon.

The book also is available on loan at Adelia M. Russell Public Library in Alexander City and Dadeville Public Library.

JULY 2020

LAKE 27

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LAKE 29

Dauntless Air Lake Martin helps to fight wildfires around the country

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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Five pilots practiced and tested for their firefighting certifications at Lake Martin last month

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Lake Martin played host to five firefighting pilots who were here for training and testing last month when Minnesotabased aerial firefighting company Dauntless Air had to change its routine due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“In a normal year, the government inspectors travel to us wherever we are training, but this year, due to COVID19, there is a restriction on travel. They couldn’t spend the night away from home, so we needed to find a lake near Atlanta that would allow seaplanes,” explained Jesse Weaver, chief pilot and director of operations for Dauntless Air. The five pilots spent all day Sunday taking turns at scooping water from the lake into the hopper of an Air Tractor AT-802F Fire Boss that is equipped with Wipline amphibious floats. The scooper air tanker carries 800 gallons of water per load, and the pilots were charged with filling the tanks and dropping their loads near the Kowaliga Bridge in Big Kowaliga Creek.

They took their tests the next day in the same area.

“During the testing, they make a series of drops while an inspector on shore watches. All five passed,” Weaver said.

Each pilot was required to make a series of three different scoops and drops, including two emergency drops – one on the water and another in the air. A salvo drop – dropping the entire load at once – and a split load drop – dropping half the load in each of two locations – also were required.

The targeted drops had to hit a buoy off the Kowaliga Restaurant dock while an inspector with the Office of Aircraft Services, an arm of government oversight for the Department of the Interior, watched from the shoreline. Each pilot’s test run took about 20 minutes to complete.

The new pilots will typically perform relief duty to allow two days off for primary pilots that have worked wildfires all across the country or internationally for 12 days straight. As they gain experience, Weaver said, they will be assigned their own planes and function as the primary pilot on any given contract.

The company flies operations from Florida to Alaska and everywhere in between, Weaver said. Some of the most challenging fires they have fought have

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been in the forests of northern Minnesota; however, Weaver said, the weather, vast distances and fire conditions in Alaska also can be very difficult.

Founded in 1996, Dauntless Air now owns 14 Fire Boss seaplanes and has two more on order for next season. A Fire Boss typically can pick up and drop six to 10 loads per hour, depending on the distance of a water source from the fire. The record, which was set just last month in Alaska, is 127 loads in an eight-hour period. Because the planes work in pairs, the two planes carried 254 loads of water to the fire in that time period, with each one averaging a load every three minutes once they arrived on scene.

Before they could train and test for the flight firefighting certification, the pilots had to meet other stringent qualifications.

They had to be licensed as commercial pilots with instrument ratings, as well as seaplane ratings, and attend all required training and government schools. In addition, and most important for Dauntless Air, the pilots had to have a significant amount of agricultural aviation time.

“Most pilots come to us with more than 5,000 hours of flight time. They come to us from a wide variety of backgrounds. We have former military, State department and defense contractors, airline and corperate pilots. Some of them have spent most of their career in agricultural aviation. The ag flight experience is an important one for our company because our government contracts require a certain amount of it,” Weaver said.

“It’s a tough life for these guys. It’s rewarding, but they are away from home and family for long periods of time. They have to be self confident and aggressive, but at the same time, professional,” he added.

The training and testing usually takes place in late winter or early spring and is finished before the end of April every year, but shelter-at-home guidelines delayed this year’s schedule, he said.

“The guys thoroughly enjoyed their time at Lake Martin, and they suggested it might be a place where we would want to do our initial training in the future,” Weaver said.

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Pilots were scored on their accuracy for three types of water drops

JULY 2020

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JULY 2020

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Dani Loeb STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMIE LOEB

Dani Loeb grew up doing flips at Lake Martin: She flipped on wakeboards, flipped off rope swings, the water trampoline, the dock and the double-decker dock. She said the water helped her with balance, riding on uneven surfaces and negotiating random waves that came from unexpected directions, and all of that helped the 18-year-old Alabama native earn an aerial spot on the U.S. Ski Team this spring.

Loeb has pursued an athletic career from an early age, but her first sport wasn’t on skis. In fact, she didn’t like skiing as a child.

“At first, it didn’t appeal to me that much. I didn’t like ski school,” she confessed. “No kid likes going away from their family in an unfamiliar area, but skiing is so much fun. I just didn’t really appreciate it until I was older.”

In her early years, Loeb did most of her flipping and turning in the gym, where she learned to flip and turn with style and ease doing gymnastics. At 12 years old, she moved from Alabama to Texas to be close to her gymnastics coach, but in high school, she decided she wanted to try a different sport.

“My family was sort of typical Southern spring break skiers. When we would go, I would usually go do gymnastics instead of going skiing,” Loeb said. “I thought about how I am about to get up there to the college level, and I wanted to try something new, another sport before going to college.”

Loeb had never done any other sports, but she was recruited to try aerial skiing.

“I loved it the second I went off the jump,” she said. “I wasn’t supposed to flip. All I was supposed to do was jump and land. That’s it. But my body got airborne and just naturally flipped.

“Now, I think it’s really exciting. Skiing is so much fun, and I learn something new every time I go skiing.”

For Loeb, who was enrolled in online school and has traveled since she started sixth grade, Lake Martin is home.

“All of my favorite people live on the lake. I love going to the lake because I get to see all those people. It is home for me, but still also a vacation because I don’t get to see them as much as I would like to,” she said.

When the coronavirus outbreak struck, Loeb returned to the lake with her family and spent two and a half months in quarantine here.

“That’s the longest amount of time I’ve spent at the lake in six years,” she said.

She left in early June after getting a conference call from her coaches.

“The head coach and the other coaches came on a conference call and told me on the phone that I made the team.

I didn’t think I was going to make it at first. I was right on the bubble,” Loeb said.

Her lake time cut short, Loeb now works out with coaches from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from 2 p.m. to

4 p.m. three days a week. Two days each week, she has one workout session in the morning and spends the afternoon in the gym. She won’t be on the snow again until late fall.

Having graduated from high school in the spring, she is taking a gap year to settle into U.S. Ski Team routines and responsibilities and hopes to attend University of Utah next year.

“I will do summer classes on campus, and in winter, I will do online classes. I haven’t been in a regular school classroom since fifth grade, so I want to actually have an in-room class experience. I will be waiting a year and hopefully the skiing will be situated, and I can do that,” she said.

Loeb would like to study veterinary medicine and work with large predator cats in Africa.

“I just love animals so much. My dad and I used to go to the Atlanta Aquarium, and I spent hours just sitting there because I could not leave,” she said.

An only child, Loeb said her parents helped her become a person who thinks of others.

“Every single morning when I walk out the door, my mom tells me ‘be good; be sweet; be kind.’ My dad is very kind. He taught me to be open to people and accept everyone and be kind to people, that there is no bigger reward than making other people happy and doing good,” she said.

“And if you want to try something – even it it’s outside your comfort zone – push the brim of your comfort zone.”

Follow Loeb on Instagram @Dani.loeb or Daniiiloeb on Twitter.

JULY 2020

Dani Loeb

LAKE 35

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36 LAKE

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LAKE 37

The Willows STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTO COURTESY OF RUSSELL LANDS

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The July opening of The Willows at Willow Point Phase Four could be a dream come true for buyers seeking prime waterfront lots, especially at a time when real estate inventory is low on Lake Martin. Russell Lands On Lake Martin VicePresident, Real Estate Sales Steve Arnberg said he believes these are the most beautiful, gently sloping homesites that are available on the lake.

“The Pitchford Hollow area of the lake has always been a very popular place to live and to bring children for fun on the water. It’s a great place for kids to tube and to learn how to wakeboard or ski,” Arnberg said. “Adults who grew up boating in Pitchford Hollow now bring their kids to the same location because they know their kids will be safe. To many people, Pitchford Hollow is Lake Martin.”

Arnberg said many people have been waiting for years for these lots to become available. Some want to build where their family had a Russell cabin for generations. Some appreciate the convenience to Alexander City and Birmingham, and many just want the beauty of the topography.

“I have been with Russell Lands since 2003, and I have not seen a collection of lots like this. I have heard people say if you want to find the best lots on Lake Martin, look for the location of old Russell cabins. Phase Four is one of those loca-

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tions,” Arnberg said.

Twenty-two lots extend from the point down the slough. Seven additional lots are in the cove just to the north of the point, toward The Narrows, and face the west. All of the lots feature beautiful water and mature trees.

Roadwork for this phase of The Willows will not be complete until August, but road construction has progressed and prospective buyers may explore the area and reserve their lots for purchase. Arnberg said construction could begin as soon as the roads are finished, which will allow early purchasers to begin building this fall and be in their new lake homes for part of summer 2021.

Phase Three opened first in The Willows with 27 waterfront homesites, 23 of which are sold.

Phase Two opened next with a section of lots available for the newest collections of Russell Cabins – eight waterfront and four water-access sites, six of which are sold. The last phase to open will be Phase One, nearest Willow Point Road and located east of the phases currently being built.

“We believe these Phase Four homes will be legacy purchases – homes that will stay in the family for years, and we are excited at Russell Lands to offer these beautiful homesites in July,” Arnberg said.

JULY 2020

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LAKE 41

Costumes and boat decorations are an integral part of Russell Marine's Annual July 4th Boat Parade

FOURTH OF JULY 42 LAKE

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The Bank Walkers will make an appearance at this year's concert at the AMP

A

A rowdy crew of patriots took to the lake last year to reenact the historic Boston Tea Party.

Theirs was a very loose interpretation of the Stamp Act protest that took place in December of 1773 in Boston Harbor. The rebels in this case were friends from Columbus, Georgia, who had joined forces to enter Russell Marine’s 43rd Annual July 4th Boat Parade, a highlight of the Independence Day celebration on Lake Martin.

The annual parade begins at 10 a.m. on July 4th at Kowaliga Marina. Spectators gather in boats along the parade route and line the banks to watch this patriotic tribute travel from the marina to Children’s Harbor.

There is no entry fee for parade participants, but registration is required. The first place vessel wins $500, and gift certificates are awarded for largest flag, tallest flag, most patriotic and most creative boat and crew.

The parade lineup begins at 9 a.m., but registration is now open at www.russellmarine.net.

This was the Tea Team Time crew’s third time to enter the parade, and they made a great show of it, throwing ‘tea boxes’ into the water, as well as lowering the British flag and raising Betsy Ross’ Stars and Stripes along the route. The tea boxes were Styrofoam coolers painted with the British Union Jack, labeled as ‘Tea’ and tethered to the boat, so they could be retrieved at the parade’s end. To extend the illusion of an 18th century seafaring vessel, the crew wrapped their pontoon boat with five rolls of wood grain gift paper and outfitted the boat with cardboard tubes for masts, using decorative pennant strings as rigging.

And just to take it up a notch, they parked 17-year-old Elijah Wallace and his trumpet at the back of the boat where he played every patriotic song he could think of, including Yankee Doodle Dandy and the Star-Spangled

Banner.

“This is just a great event,” said crewmember Sheryl Wise. “The camaraderie between the boats is great. It’s really unifying. It’s all about the nation and patriotism.”

That patriotic attitude was mirrored by the folks at Lake Martin Flyboard, who featured owner Alexis Goldhagen as a flyboarding Statue of Liberty for the entirety of the parade.

“I was up for 45 minutes. That’s the longest I’ve flown at one time,” Goldhagen said after learning she and her friends from flight school had won the prize for the most creative entry.

Wildflowers Fairhope decorated a pontoon with hundreds of balloons for the maiden voyage of its entry, which might have been named either Lady Liberty or Loud and Proud. The crew of 15, including an 84-year-old grandmother who donned a red tutu for the occasion, was still thinking about it minutes before the parade began. Crewmembers spent two days blowing up the red, white and blue balloons that were strung together and tied to every post and pole on the boat. Their efforts paid off when they took second place in the most patriotic competition.

But not all of the entries in this particular parade adopted a patriotic theme. The Peterson family’s Baby Shark boat celebrated their toddler daughter’s favorite song on the occasion of their second year to take part.

“It’s just a great day. It’s a blast,” said the shark momma.

Another entry was decorated on the theme of the crew’s favorite places at the lake, and costumes included the Children’s Harbor lighthouse and a slice of Chuck’s pizza, as well as Goat Island.

If you’re thinking of entering this year, the Tea Time’s Wise advised going all out.

JULY 2020

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Unique handmade items and works of art, including jewelry, are available at the annual Arti Gras show

Arti Gras features a variety of handmade jewelry, art, metalwork, lake décor and more

“Be unique and creative,” she said. “It’s just a lot of fun.”

In addition to the Russell Marine July 4th Boat Parade, the Lake Martin area celebrates Independence Day with more traditional fun all weekend long.

The 9th Annual Arti Gras juried art show will open at 9 a.m. July 3 on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads. Original works in jewelry, reclaimed wood décor, paintings, pottery, metal work, photography, candles, soaps and more will be on display and available for sale until 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Health and safety accommodations will be made to promote social distancing, with vendors spaced apart, and gloves will be available for patrons.

Also on July 3, The Landing at Parker Creek will host a concert and fireworks celebration featuring Alabama native and American Idol winner Taylor Hicks at 7:30 p.m. Large video screens will be set up, so the celebration could be viewed from the water, as well as on land.

Red buoy balls will be anchored offshore to help maintain social distancing for boats, and ropes will indicate a 6-foot social distance on land.

Marshall Street Church in Alexander City will host a concert and fireworks event from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the band practice field at Benjamin Russell High School on Cherokee

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JULY 2020

Road. A patriotic program will precede the fireworks show. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Food vendors will be on site. No alcohol is allowed at this family-friendly annual celebration.

Residents of the Blue Creek area of Lake Martin will stage a parade off the water. This annual neighborhood event will start at 11 a.m. on Olana Drive at the north end of Ponder Camp Road, Dadeville. Participants in golf carts decorated for the occasion will throw candy and trinkets to spectators that line the route to Niffer’s.

To join the parade, arrive at the Olana Drive start site at 10 a.m. For more information, call Mickey Forbus at 334-329-0905.

Close out the holiday at Lake Martin Amphitheater as Russell Lands hosts the annual July 4th concert and one of the South’s best fireworks displays. The gate opens at 5 p.m. with music starting at 7 p.m. and the fireworks show at 9 p.m. The music continues after the fireworks. This year’s festivities include performances by The Vegabonds, The Bank Walkers and Jessie Lynn.

In adherence of social distancing and COVID-19 precautions, a limited number of tickets are available at $10 each for this event.

Visit theamponlakemartin.com/tickets to purchase tickets.

View the Lake Martin Amphitheater fireworks show from the water or sit on the grass to see the concert as well

JULY 2020

LAKE 45

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LAKE 47

Waves lap gently on a private beach while greenery and flowers create a sense of peace and relaxation

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JULY 2020

Tranquility Gardens and art define a lakeside retreat STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

JULY 2020

LAKE 49

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When Carrie Phillips and Jack Woodard began searching for a cabin on Lake Martin, they had two criteria – deep water year-round and a beach area for the children and grandchildren. With that in mind, they purchased a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home on a point with 600 feet of shoreline for their weekend visits.

Three years later, the couple knew they had the right spot and began renovations. This time, their criteria were to maintain the cabin feel of the home and to add additional outdoor living areas, plus more sleeping space for family. And, since they wanted to live at the lake a majority of their time, they needed office space.

“When Jack retired in 2003, we decided to start our remodel of the cabin, so we hired Fred Yeager as the architect. Builder Mark Hancock completed phase one of the renovations, adding two bedrooms, two baths, the entrance hall and a covered porch. He also renovated an existing bed and bath. Ed Penton completed phase two of the renovation, creating an office, pantry, storage areas and laundry room. With five children between us and seven grands ranging from 2 years old to 24, we needed the space,” Phillips said.

The new entrance to the home invites guests via a decked area alongside three enormous containers of black bamboo. The hallway foyer features Woodard’s photography, simply displayed on floating shelves at various

heights. The new master bedroom is on the left at the end of the hall, which separates it from the rest of the house for privacy and allows views of the lake from two directions through large windows.

“I have always wanted to paint, but I couldn’t. I love all kinds of art, so I go to art shows and auctions all over Birmingham and in every city we visit. We have travelled all over the world and buy what we like, so we only add art to the house that we love or that has significance to us,” said Phillips, who retired in 2012.

The bedroom artwork is just the beginning of the substantial art collection in the home. A peacock embroidered bench, a fish painting by Mose T. and a California beach scene by James Talmadge are just a few. Over the rattan bed, poppies painted by Tracy Lewis coordinate perfectly with the linens. A rattan desk and a chaise lounge complete the comfortable space, along with additional paintings, an antique chest and lamps built with 20-pound weights as the bases.

Just outside the master suite, a covered porch – one of the home’s four deck areas – offers seating and an 8-foot swing for relaxing. Just below, the couple added another deck with a great view of the lake and their beach area.

An outdoor shower built between a deck wall and a set of stairs became a beautiful and functional way to use space that might otherwise have been overlooked. The porch

The kitchen features bookshelves under the island and a television built into the cabinet over the stove

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JULY 2020

Indonesian marionettes were purchased from a shop in Paris

A rustic Checkers table is tucked into a corner, ready for play

A beautifully designed horseshoe pit provides hours of fun and competition

and deck are on the side of the house and wrap around to meet a covered porch with an extended open deck area on the back of the house, providing a view of the point with its lush plantings and the new dock and martin house.

The central large room in the home is prepped for entertainment with a red-felted pool table and lots of seating for guests. Upholstered banquette benches stretch the length of two of the walls with tables crafted from whiskey barrels and additional chairs. Folk artist Michael Johnson’s black-and-white painting with a red Coca-Cola can is one of Phillips’ favorites. Indonesian marionette puppets purchased from a shop in Paris and a Blue Dog painting by the couple's friend, Buddy Jessup, also are focal points.

The living room, kitchen and dining areas are just a few steps up to the next level. Renovation to this area of

the home included an open pantry with wallpaper called ‘Game Birds’ by Mulberry Homes. A large mirror hangs above the pantry door opening, giving the impression of a transom window. To optimize space, shelves were added under the island on the living room side for the couples’ books, and the television was built-in above the stove.

Above the stone fireplace, Phillips placed a three-dimensional mixed media sculpture – a canvas art print of a barn in the Grand Tetons with a bronze sculpted cowboy on a fence by Lou Michaels.

Red and white gingham upholstery creates a comfortable atmosphere in the room. Phillips found a handcarved checkers table at Seibels Cottage to perfectly complete one corner of the room. A self-portrait by Mose T. guards another corner. The dining table was built from reclaimed barn wood. French doors open onto the covered

JULY 2020

LAKE 51

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The spacious covered porch is shaded by large trees while containers of greenery are tucked around the property

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LAKE 53

porch where a high-top table for four and a dining table for six await mealtime gatherings. Below the porch and deck extension, a horseshoe pit is available for a bit of competition.

On the other side of the home, a laundry room was converted into his and hers office space. Four bedrooms and three baths accommodate family and friends. A shared hall bath has a large copper soaking tub with a rain showerhead above it. The walls are tiled around it, so no shower curtain is needed. Three rooms are furnished with queen-sized beds while one has four iron beds with coordinating quilts from Three Sheets. The attached bath includes another open shower and two water closets – one designed for the girls and one designed for the boys. One added bath was originally the front porch and features the original three tiered-ceiling, now covered with stained bead board.

The beauty of the point, surrounded by water on

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three sides, has been enhanced through the years by the couple’s hard work and constant attention to the flora surrounding the cabin. The decks and porches are covered with pots and planters that are filled with flowering and non-flowering plants, such as ivy, jasmine, roses and annual blooms.

“I love the containers. I know I have more than 40. I also have an herb garden with two fig trees out back and a flower garden that I just started. Besides the flowers, I have blackberries, blueberries, a lemon tree and a fence with a gate to keep the deer from enjoying what I planted,” Phillips said.

Woodard and Phillips wanted to have something always in bloom at the lake and worked toward that end. The yard contains oak leaf hydrangea, native azalea, Lenten roses, flourishing camellias, shaded hosta, black-eyed Susan, fragrant gardenias and daffodils that bloom in January.

Autumn and Southern shield ferns, dense evergreen anise,

JULY 2020

The large game room accommodates a crowd of spectators, as well as players

A Mose T. self-portrait

A Lila Graves monkey painting welcomes the couple to their shared office space

A piece by folk artist Brian Andreas hangs over the steps

In the hall bath, a copper soaker tub includes a showerhead and tiled walls

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buckeyes, spirea and lorpetulum add to the landscape. Wax myrtle and ligustrum serve as thick privacy coverage for the property. Popcorn trees, long-leaf pine, tulip poplars and magnolias grace the point, along with other plant species.

“I grew up on a farm, so I guess it’s part of me, but I never had time to do any yard work until I retired,” Woodard said.

“Now, I can name everything on the property, and I planted most of it. If something doesn’t grow in one place, I move it to another to see how it does. I have been experimenting with native ferns by adding fertilizer in the direction I want them to grow, and I have watched them spread to begin filling an area in the shade near the water.”

Besides changes in the house and the yard, a large storage area on the side of the house and a larger one under the home in the back have become essential, and both are humidity controlled. The smaller is used for water toys. The larger is a shop for Woodard with an organized storage system and a pristine venue in which to build shelving or benches or other woodworking projects he enjoys.

All in all, the couple put their hearts and souls into creating a perfect lake retreat – a lakeside cabin filled inside with things they treasure and surrounded outside by plants and trees that provide comfort – everything ready for enjoying time at the lake with family and friends.

A 3D print and bronze sculpture hangs above the fireplace

A friend, Buddy Jessup, painted the blue dog in honor of the couple's dog, Bleu

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JULY 2020

Poppies, a peacock bench and a beach painting decorate the master bedroom

The living area flows onto the large covered porch

A sculpture hangs just inside the hallway into the master

A walkway of pavers surrounds the home and meanders around the lot

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LAKE 57

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1130 Trillium W Pkwy Eclectic 8BR 7.5BA

$1,195,000

198 Village Loop Dadeville 5BR 3.5BA $750,000

11 Mine Ridge Dadeville 3BR 3.5BA $599,000

370 Marina Pt Rd E402 Dadeville 3BR 3BA $449,900

103 Cottage Loop Dadeville 3BR 2BA $454,900

47 oaks knoll $1,469,000

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77 GrayWood Lane Dadeville 3BR 2.5BA $675,000

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191 Lake Hill

Alexander City 3BR 2BA

$425,000

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94 Driftwood Drive Tallassee 3BR 2.5BA $389,000

1588 StillWaters Dr Dadeville 3BR 3BA $349,000

JULY 2020

185 Sunset Cove 611 $272,000 175 Sunset Pt 722 d sol $269,900 g

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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 JULY 2020

LAKE 59

Wipeout Cody Powell

Emily Bass

Mark Ward

A wipeout behind the boat is best when it’s shared, and Lake magazine wants to share your best Lake Martin fails with a summer Wipeout Contest.

All entries will be available for viewing at lakemagazine.life. View and vote for your favorites on the Lake magazine Facebook page, and we’ll feature some of our favorites in the August issue of Lake. Deadline for photos is July 20th.

Send your entries to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

60 LAKE

JULY 2020

Contest Ian Bass

Evie Binns and Ally Pyron

Tucker Contorno hangs on and Zac Contorno falls

Submitted by Brandon Whitaker

Submitted by Kimberly Duffett

JULY 2020

LAKE 61

TRUMP PARADE PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

62 LAKE

JULY 2020

Boaters met at noon, Saturday, June 20, near The Ridge Marina and drove south to Chimney Rock, rounding the point and turning north in a campaign event for President Donald Trump at Lake Martin.

Clockwise from facing page top left: A helicopter zoomed in close to the action as the boats were underway; Trump masks were popular among the boaters; U.S. Senate candidate Tommy Tuberville was among the participants; Flags decorated almost every boat in the parade; More than 700 boats paraded from The Ridge Marina to Kowaliga and on to The Landing at Parker Creek in a show of support for President Trump; The Lake Martin event was one of several boat parades staged across the country.

JULY 2020

LAKE 63

T

Lizard's Tails

There are lizard’s tails.

And then, there are Lizard’s Tails.

This story is about an attractive aquatic herb with a very distinctive white flower that grows along the Lake Martin shoreline … not the part of a lizard that sometimes falls off and squiggles in your hand.

Lizard’s Tail has a distinctive spike blossom that readily identifies this plant during the summertime. Hundreds of tiny white flowers make up each spike, giving it the look of a long, thin, white bottle brush that tapers to a blunt point.

The spikes are 6 to 8 inches long, and they grow on the highest part of the plant. They can start out straight, but the tip almost always droops down, forming a white arch that stands out among the greens of a shoreline. As the flowers mature, they develop tiny green fruits along the spike, which later turn brown and are said to look like a lizard’s tail.

Heart-shaped or arrow-shaped green leaves grow on stalks on alternate sides of the green stem, which can appear zigzaggy instead of straight in some plants.

The total height of this plant can approach 4 feet in the wild, though it is usually shorter.

Lizard’s Tail has shallow rhizomes that

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spread out and turn upward every 1 to 2 feet to produce new roots, forming colonies. Its small, thin stems grow from the rhizome segments.

The leaves and roots of this plant give off a scent like citrus or sassafras when crushed.

Lizard’s Tail is the common name for Saururus cernuus, a plant also known as Swamp Lily, Breastweed, Water Dragon and Lizard Tail. The genus name, Saururus, is a combination of two Greek words, sauros, meaning “lizard,” and oura meaning “tail.” Cernuus means “nodding,” a reference to its drooping flowers.

This plant is the only member of its genus native to North America; it’s closest relatives are found in Asia.

Interestingly, common name Swamp Lily is most often used to identify a stillwater cousin of the fast-water Cahaba Lily here in Alabama. And though neither lily looks anything like a Lizard’s Tail, they can be found growing in similar areas.

This is a plant that lives right along the shore – either in shallow water or wet soil. It can also thrive in marshes and alongside slow-moving streams and creeks.

JULY 2020

NATURE OF THE LAKE

BY KENNETH BOONE

The flowers of the delicate, white Lizard's Tail nearly always droop

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LAKE 65

The plant blooms on stems of heart-shaped leaves

Lizard’s Tail is native in the eastern United States, from Texas north to Michigan and into southern Ontario, Canada, and east all the way to Florida and the eastern seaboard of America.

Wood ducks and beavers are known to eat Lizard’s Tail, and in one study, beavers were shown to reduce the Lizard’s Tail population by 45 percent.

Lizard’s Tail is a natural medicine used by Native American Chocktaw and Cherokee tribes to treat nursing mothers’ sore breasts or anybody’s back pain. A poultice was made by roasting the roots and mashing them up. The Seminole tribe used this plant to treat rheumatism, body aches and fevers.

The dried leaves of Lizard’s Tail have been used to make a tea to treat pain in

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the back, breast and stomach, as well as for use as a sedative. And the boiled mashed roots have been used as a poultice to help flesh wounds heal properly.

If you are a water gardener, Lizard’s Tail is a perennial plant you might want to consider. It thrives in wetland gardens and blooms in full sun or shade. It can live in up to 4 inches of water or in damp soil and is known as a very good spreading ground cover.

Some information for this article came from The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Foraging Texas, The University of Florida’s Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, naturalmedicinalherbs.net and the Arkansas Native Plant Society.

JULY 2020

IT’S TIME FOR SUMMER FUN IS YOUR HEART READY?

Many a small thingg

large... hhasass bbeen eeen mmade ade

We all want to get back out there again. Make sure your heart is healthy and ready for the season with an appointment at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic of Central Alabama, conveniently located at Russell Medical.

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.

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 MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY BY CALLING (256) 234-2644.

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UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic of Central Alabama 3368 Highway 280, Suite 130 Alexander City, AL 35010 uabmedicine.org/heartcentralAL

HEART & VASCULAR CLINIC CENTRAL ALABAMA JULY 2020

LAKE 67

Tippy Canoe Charming lake décor boutique reopens with unique selection STORY BY SARAH CHILDERS & PHOTOS BY MICAH BENNETT

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A treasure trove recently reopened on the route to Lake Martin just south of Alexander City, offering a wide variety of eclectic and unique finds. The Tippy Canoe, owned and curated by Realtor Mimi Rush captivates and entices with its charmingly mismatched array of antique cabinets and rustic tables. The promise of a perfect find fuels an exploration of the farthest reaches and corners of this jewel.

Rush opened the doors of her business in October and remained quite busy until COVID-19 forced a temporary closure. Despite the difficulties and frustrations brought on by COVID-19, she was able to take a much-needed break and spend time with family, something she said she wouldn’t trade for the world.

Her furniture and décor boutique is open again in an ideal location on state Route 63, where a steady flow of traffic brings in both local and tourist interest. The store is Rush’s lifelong dream come true. Antiquing and hunting for hidden treasure is a love she has had since a young age, a flame kindled by her 88-year-old mother, who is still very involved in the comings and goings of The Tippy Canoe.

The Tippy Canoe features a variety of imports, as well as pieces from local artists. Canoes built and restored by Steve Ambrose exhibit a rare and rustic elegance that Rush has long admired. Beautiful landscapes by Tina Douglass and Lake Martin photographs by John Denney grace the walls. She also stocks furniture by local chiropractor Doug Roberts.

Every piece of furniture is a treasure and holds some unique value and charm, Rush said, but some pieces stand apart. On her list of favorites is an imported 19th century hand-carved French Hunt cabinet with the original glass.

The Tippy Canoe offers a diverse repertoire of styles, from rustic to upscale. In addition to featuring local artists, the Tippy Canoe supplies a plethora of high-end retail brands. These include Frontgate, EJ Victor, Ralph Lauren, Summer Classics, Brown Jordan and more.

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“It’s a great place to find some pieces with character and quality for a fraction of the retail price,” Rush explained.

She hopes that someday her store could be a gathering spot with a happy vibe for the people in the community.

“It’s a place to find something special and to connect with people,” she said.

Already, she and her family have made many connections, personally and professionally, in the community through the business.

“We’ve made several lifelong friends,” Rush said.

With her business quickly growing and becoming more popular, Rush hopes to double her storage space soon.

Merchandise is always circulating, and new pieces are always coming in. Her plan for the future includes not only obtaining more space for storage, but also learning to better showcase and organize her pieces to display how they could fit into a home. She would also like to add an outdoor section.

Rush was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, as was her husband, Ken. They came to the Lake Martin region when they were expecting the birth of their son, Winston.

While Rush was leading the National Kidney Foundation of Alabama as executive director in 2005, she moved to Lake Martin and began the search for a career around the Lake Martin area, hoping for a stint in some capacity with Russell Lands On Lake Martin. She has

JULY 2020

Mimi Rush recently reopened her furniture boutique on state Route 63

Handmade lake dĂŠcor fills every corner of the shop

Rush keeps a selection of lake-themed pieces in stock

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LAKE 69

A Steve Ambrose canoe hangs on a wall of the store

Unique metal-art, wine racks and paintings are Tippy Canoe's specialty

70 LAKE

been selling waterfront properties as a fulltime Realtor for Russell Lands’ Lake Martin Realty ever since.

Rush has worn many hats in her life. From running a nonprofit organization to director of alumni affairs at Huntingdon College and now, maintaining two careers that keep her busy.

The business, though Rush’s dream, has been a family endeavor. Rush is thankful for all of the love and encouragement she has had. With trying to juggle her work and family, she has come to rely more heavily on her husband.

“Ken cooks, cleans, manages his own career and does so much to support our family at home.” she said.

Ken also has been involved in every start-up decision for Tippy Canoe, including the name, logos, site building and everything in between. Rush’s 14-year-old son also has been very involved in his mother’s hobby-turned-enterprise. She keeps him busy moving furniture and doing odd jobs.

“I make him earn his allowance,” she chuckled.

While appreciating the opportunity for him to learn important skills, including a strong work ethic and good customer service, she also values the extra time she has had with her son.

The Tippy Canoe is a lovely spot to explore, and Rush is a welcoming hostess who looks forward to the opportunity to meet new people. Stop by the store at 6068 state Route 63 South, Suite 5, in Alexander City Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call Rush at 256-392-4802 or message her at m.me/TippyCanoeLakeMartin for an appointment.

JULY 2020

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

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

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

SingletonMarine.com JULY 2020

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

LAKE 71

The Need for Speed T

om Cruise is a specialist at starring in a certain type look, find a favorite and think about it for several weeks. If of cheesy movie. you tell me, “We need to think about it until tomorrow,” I It’s the kind where there is really no plot. The will quote my fellow lake agent GW Warren and tell you, movie is really just about Tom Cruise glorifying whatever “Someone else thought about it yesterday.” profession he is portraying. Think about it. The whole plot That is all the more reason to do your research on the of Top Gun can be summarized as “Navy pilots are cool.” front end.

Similarly, Days of Thunder is really only about “NASCAR With a crazy market like this, sellers could just represent drivers are cool.” That’s it. themselves and sling out any crazy price, right? What do And that’s okay. you need an agent for when buyers are clawI am not making fun; I promise. Those ing at the door? This is prime For-Sale-Bytypes of Tom Cruise films are just fine, and Owner time, right? we can plumb their shallow depths for lessons Hang on just a minute. to apply to today’s real estate market here at Sellers are usually pretty well in the know Lake Martin. on the price their neighbor got for her home.

Recently, the sister of my college roomBut what about the home across the way? mate called me up and wanted to see a lake What about knowing three other really similar home. She loved the home and could tell homes that are about to come on the market? from the pictures that this might be “the one.”

Don’t try to save a few dollars in agent comWhen I took a look at the one she picked, I mission and let it cost you three times that in LAKE PROPERTY knew we had better buckle up. This home had sales price.

BY JOHN COLEY just hit the market, was priced right, was in Also, if sellers price their homes too high a very popular area and was cute – Chip and (yes, that is still possible in this market), and Joanna cute. I knew we had to act fast. There was, to quote the home sits there, that is a huge problem.

Maverick and Goose, “a need for speed.”

Memo to sellers: Buyers are pretty smart, too. They I found myself using car-racing analogies with her to realize that 2019 and 2020 have been ultra-hot markets. If describe the situation she was entering. an otherwise nice home is not selling in this environment, it I said, “The Lake Martin real estate market right now invites the dreaded question, “What is wrong with it?” The is like a NASCAR race ... everyone is already going 200 longer a home sits unsold, the larger this question looms. miles an hour, and there will be eight cars within a foot of Probably nothing is wrong with the home, but the percepyou. You are jumping in with two laps to go. Any flinch, tion that something is awry could be equally deadly. It is any hesitation and not only will you lose the race, but there really hard to get out the message to address the unasked will be a 10-car pile up.” question.

It would take Cole Trickle’s nerves of steel, but she had One last observation I offer relates when the public talks them. Her mom has been an excellent agent in Birmingham to real estate agents now. Please show us some grace. We for a long time, so she has witnessed the racing world from probably don’t deserve kindness and understanding, what the inside. The story had a happy ending because she ended with our glamour shots, constant insistence that we are so up “winning” the home in a photo finish. busy and our shameless self-promotion; however, please If you are considering buying property here at Lake know that it is truly pretty crazy right now. To extend Martin this summer, what can you learn from this? Are the racing analogy, it is like hopping in on the radio on the things moving so fast that it is impossible to make a good last few laps of the Talladega 500. People scream at the decision? top of their lungs to be heard. Directions are barked back Buyers should realize what is going on with the market. and forth. It is loud, but it is fun.

They need to be ready to act when they see something they So if agents don’t return text messages within seven like. seconds, just know that they are probably thinking, “Help No one should rush into a rash decision, so the way to me help you!”* balance that is information. Acquire it. Do your research, so when you are ready to act, you have the confidence to do *Jerry McGuire is also a Tom Cruise movie. The plot is, so. I like to say that information is the antidote to anxiety. If “sports agents are cool.” you have done your research on the market – studying not only what is for sale now, but also what has sold in the past ~ John Coley is a broker and owner of Lake Martin Voice – you will be ready to hop into the race confidently.

Realty. Contact him at john@lakemartinvoice.com.

Buyers also need to realize there is not a lot of time to mull over a decision. Gone are the days where you could 72 LAKE

JULY 2020

JULY 2020

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

Russell Cabins at The Willows, Verandas • $825,000 Water-Access w/ boat slip Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 2,396 Russell Lands On Lake Martin Anna Speaks, Rhonda Watson 256.215.7011 RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

67 Magnolia Crest, Dadeville • $569,900 Beds: 3 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Jeff & Denise Cochran 256.786.0099 LakeMartinRealty.com

40 Mine Ridge Road, Dadeville • $624,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Adam Yager 205.914.0830 LakeMartinRealty.com

3041 Crosswinds Drive, Alexander City • $1,395,000 Beds: 6 • Baths: 8 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Mimi Rush 334.399.7874 LakeMartinRealty.com

107 Glynmere Drive, Alexander City • $675,000 Beds: 6 • Baths: 4.5 • Water View & Access Lake Martin Realty Jan Hall 256.329.6313 LakeMartinRealty.com

340 Eagle Ridge, Alexander City • $1,595,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 5.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592 LakeMartinRealty.com

663 Timber Cove Drive, Jackson’s Gap • $629,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 2 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Haley McKelvey 256.749.8353 LakeMartinRealty.com

104 Tiller Trail, Alexander City • $585,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 LakeMartinRealty.com

964 Trillium West Parkway, Eclectic • $1,990,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 7 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Haley Fuller 256.750.2411 LakeMartinRealty.com

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JULY 2020

FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS

FABULOUS FINDS

189 Williams Drive, Unit B1 • UNDER CONTRACT! 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! Enjoy the private patio with lots of entertaining space! This great complex has 2 pools, hot tub, play area, boat ramp, pier and a common area with a game room. Unit also has an amazing rental history! This gem is taken! Start a conversation with Scarlett Gorham today to find your dream lake home! 334.319.5563

211 Camp Circle, Lot 28, Dadeville • $264,000 Under construction- to be completed this Summer! Located in The Village at Lake Martin is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom cabin in the Camp sector! Off water with water access and all amenities such as boat ramp, boat storage, pools, fitness center, common docks, and more! As you enter the home, the gorgeous vaulted wood ceiling will totally catch your eye! The spacious screened porch has a cozy fireplace, perfect for cool fall nights!

Lawn maintenance is included with HOA fees. **Pictures are for illustration purposes only** Contact Team Windy/Mindy, Three Sixty Resort Living for more info, 256.630.5005.

66 Village Key, Dadeville, AL • $715,000 Unique lake living at its finest! Enjoy 360 degree of Lake views from this gorgeous home situated on the Village Key, an island that sits just west of The Village. A beautiful blend of modern elegance and rustic style make this home a truly spectacular home! The interior boasts wood floors and concrete, granite countertops and stainless appliances. **Seller is offering a lease/purchase option** Contact Team Windy/Mindy, Three Sixty Resort Living for more info, 256.749.1509.

84 Landing Point - Lot 10, Dadeville • $799,000 This 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath with custom bunk room off downstairs den, has magnificent views.

Soon to be built, this home will feature a rustic exterior with exposed rafter tails. It will have premium windows, t & g porch ceilings, hardwood flooring, tile in wet areas, ship lap accent walls, solid stone counter tops, custom cabinets, stainless appliances, and much more!

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

279 Lemaster Road, Eclectic • $475,000 This adorable 3BR/2.5BA lake home has been remodeled and an addition added. Beautiful landscaping with gently sloping lot. Covered boat house and lift as well as a seawall and dock!

Gorgeous wood can be found on some of the walls and ceilings throughout. Enjoy the open living room/kitchen and relax at night in the incredible master suite! Home being sold AS IS. Contact Team Windy/Mindy, Three Sixty Resort Living for more info, 256.630.5005

62 Loft Circle, Dadeville • $424,000 Amazing 3BR/3.5BA loft with bonus room. Unique built-in shelving downstairs and a convenient wet bar upstairs! Gorgeous wood ceilings throughout. Screened porch and additional grilling deck! Additional parking area! Village amenities include two pools, common dock, boat ramp, boat storage, fitness facility, playground, trash and lawn maintenance.

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

103 Cottage Loop, Dadeville • $454,900 3 BR, 2.5 BA and is mostly furnished. No yard maintenance! Recently updated with newly painted kitchen cabinets. Master on the main floor. Wood ceilings, fire place, upper covered deck and lower covered patio. Lakeside free standing covered deck, pier and floater! Good Views and Deep Water!

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

49 Bald Cypress East, Eclectic • $2,100,000 Custom Home on a flat point lot with amazing views and deep water. Waterfall surrounded by an oasis, expansive porches, decks and screen porch. 3 Car garage/storage with drive through boat launch. Open floor plan with beautiful architecture. Rock fireplace, wet bar, a chef's kitchen and keeping room. Master retreat with fireplace, views, lake access, lavish bath and custom closet. Office, Bunk room and game room.

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

47 Oaks Knoll, Jacksons Gap • $1,469,000 A great home for two families. Terrace level is another complete home with a full kitchen and laundry. Outdoor living spaces galore! Enjoy a dip in the salt water spa, sun on the deck, or catch a nap swinging on the screened porch.

The dry patio provides protection from sun and rain. Take in those sunny days or a beautiful night on the stone patio lakeside.

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

JULY 2020

94 Driftwood Road, Tallassee • $389,900 3BR 2.5BA cabin sits on a 1.4+/- acre lot in the tree tops overlooking Lake Martin! Hardwood floors throughout, loft above the main living area, kitchen and living room with fireplace on the main and additional living room on the bottom level. Huge private back deck and breathtaking views.

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

LAKE 75

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.

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Lake Martin, Alabama

No Vaccine for Water Quality It's up to us to save the lake

D

id you hear what Ole COVID-19 said? or leave messes on the shoreline. Not any. Even just one “Go jump in the lake!” little cup would make a difference. One cup multiplied School is out or online. Mama and Daddy must by hundreds of boats, and our lake is a garbage dump. work at home. Stores closed. Can’t shop. Can’t invite If you see one cup – can, plastic bag, bait cup, flabby friends over. Can’t go to the playground … swim noodle floating – pick it up. Take it home. Make a “Hey, wait a minute. Let’s go to the lake, where game: Whoever picks up the most wins a prize. there’s a 41,150-acre playground, full and ready.”

Be careful what you do in your own lakeside yard.

Retail stores may be struggling, but the Runoff from certain lawn fertilizers contains marinas are bustling. Lines of boats to be chemicals that will encourage toxic algae, a serviced. Captains best make appointments. problem we have so far avoided.

Gas is pumping like every day is a holiday Join Lake Watch of Lake Martin. This weekend. organization began years ago when chemiSocial distancing is no problem around cals were being dumped into the lake. This Lake Martin. Walk down a country road. toxic practice was stopped, and Lake Watch COVID-19 didn’t bother the trees and wildwas born. Lake Watch members not only flowers. Wave at the neighbors. Raft up out sponsor workshops to educate the next in the lake, with passengers staying a safe generation but also promote legislation prodistance aboard; or jump in where there is tecting our public waters; expansion of the lots of distance to spare.

Alabama Water Watch program; and specifiLAKE WATCH One of our favorite social distancing cally, monitoring for pollution problems on

BY JOANNE WALKER methods is tying our boat to a neighbor’s Lake Martin. Most recently, Lake Watch is dock. We stay aboard while neighbors are actively assessing the threat that chicken comfortably seated on their pier. We sip and visit as the houses pose to the streams that feed Lake Martin. sun sets, spraying pinks and reds across the sky. Ahh, we Jump in. Become a water monitor. Unlike arguments all enjoy this Treasured Lake – the only one in Alabama. about how and what to do about this coronavirus, checkMeanwhile, we are all vigilant, working hard to proing for the presence of “ailments” in our own water is tect ourselves from this coronavirus. Even as the quaralready standard practice. Thanks to volunteer monitors, antine begins to lift, we have learned much about how to bacterial and chemical testing is conducted at points keep ourselves healthy. We will continue to be vigilant, around the lake, but most importantly, more testing is always checking to see from where this virus might be needed. You are needed. You will learn step-by-step how coming. to test, receive all supplies and start testing. Visit the Our Treasured Lake must be protected in the same website at www.lakewatch.org for more information. way. There is a big difference: Eventually, a vaccine will Join us for a clean, healthy “disease-free” lake. be developed to ward off COVID-19. No such vaccine will ever permanently guard these waters. We must be ~ Joanne Cunningham Walker is a member of Lake the vaccine that immunizes our lake.

Watch Lake Martin. Learn more at www.lakewatch.org.

The simplest way to inoculate our Treasured Lake is

for everybody to start: Do not toss any trash in the water

27

Dr. George W. Hardy General Dentistry

JULY 2020

LAKE 77

Grilled Asparagus

and Romesco

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.

78 LAKE

CHEF’S TABLE BY CHRIS MORINA

JULY 2020

Romesco Ingredients

2 dried Pasilla peppers 3 tablespoons tomato paste 1/4 cup water 1/2 cup toasted almonds 1 teaspoon each, smoked sweet and hot paprika 2 cloves garlic 1/4 cup roasted bell peppers, chopped 2 tablespoons toasted bread crumbs 1/4 cup sherry vinegar 1/3 cup olive oil

Directions

Grill asparagus to desired doneness.

Deseed and then toast peppers in a sauté pan with a little oil – carefully. Do not burn. Add tomato paste, moving it around frequently to caramelize it lightly.

Add water to pan. Simmer until most of the water has evaporated. Dump pan contents into a food processor; add everything except nuts. Process until smooth. Add nuts and pulse until a chunky sauce is formed.

Top hot asparagus with romesco.

JULY 2020

LAKE 79

Feeling berry patriotic T

here is no better way to celebrate our nation’s birthday than with beautiful ripe berries. July is National Berries Month because so many berries are in peak ripeness.

When it comes to good health, berries have a great reputation.

Scientists have discovered that berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries) have the highest antioxidant levels of any fresh fruit.

Interestingly, kale and spinach are the only vegetables with the same Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity values as these powerful berries. ORAC is a value given to food based on its antioxidant activity. Research has shown that consuming fruits and vegetables with high ORAC values may slow aging in both the brain and body.

Antioxidants are shown to be even more powerful when combined with fiber. This explains why consuming food is a more practical option than a dietary supplement. Single servings of fruit and vegetables have an average score of 600-800 ORAC units.

Researchers believe that increasing intake of foods that provide 2,0005,000 ORAC units has the greatest health benefit.

Topping the charts as nutritional powerhouses, berries protect everything from heart to head. Let’s take a look at the breakdown for berries: n Anthocyanins: This is a color pigment in berries that is a strong antioxidant. The colors blue, purple and red have been associated with lowering the 80 LAKE

risk of cancer and urinary tract infecmarkets and in grocery stores. Look tions. They also aid in memory health for containers that are not stained and and healthy aging. do not show moisture or mold. Always n Antioxidants: These are substances choose firm, plump and dry berries. that protect cells from damage. This is Strawberries do not ripen after they important for healthy aging and fightare harvested, so choose those that are ing off diseases. shiny, firm and have bright red color. n Catechins: These support the antiBlueberries should look plump, firm oxidant defense system. They are and dusty blue. Blackberries should be found in raspberries and blackberries. shiny. n Dietary fiber: This helps promote After you get home, check for healthy gastrointestinal tract, lowers damaged berries and dispose of them cholesterol, reduces heart immediately, so they disease and aides in canwill not spoil the rest of cer prevention. the berries. If possible, n Ellagic Acid: This is store berries in a produce a potent anti-carcinogen drawer or an airtight conwith antiviral and antitainer. Berries may last bacterial properties. up to a week; however, Researchers think ellagic for the best nutrition, conacid has a major role in sume them within three cancer prevention and days. Berries should be tumor reversal. rinsed just before they are n Gallic Acid: This is a eaten. If you would like potent antioxidant that to freeze berries, place HEALTHY LIVING them on a baking sheet also is found in black BY JULIE HUDSON tea and red wine. It has in the freezer for a few been shown to inhibit cell hours; and then, transfer proliferation and cell death in prostate to a freezer safe container. cancer cells.

When buying frozen berries, shake n Phytochemicals: These are naturally the bag to make sure there is not a occurring antioxidants in plants that lump of ice in the middle of the bag. add flavor, color pigment and scent.

This is a sign of freezer burn.

They are abundant in all types of fruit Berries are very versatile, making and vegetables, especially berries. them easy to fit in menus. Eat berries n Quercetin: This works as an antiby themselves, in smoothies, yogurt, carcinogen, an antioxidant and protects salads, hot or cold cereals or in desagainst cancer and heart disease. serts. They are delicious on ice cream, n Rutin: This promotes vascular cake or in sauces, jellies or jams. health, helps to prevent cancer cell Some of my favorite ways to incorgrowth and has anti-inflammatory and porate berries include dropping them anti-allergenic properties. on top of yogurt or cereal; adding them n Salicylic Acid: This is found in to homemade pancakes or waffles; and raspberries and has the same protective incorporating them into a fruit salad effect against heart disease as aspirin. with watermelon, cantaloupe and honn Vitamin C: This is a water-soluble eydew melon, topping an angelfood vitamin that is a powerful antioxidant. cake or pound cake with a mixture of Berries are abundant at farmers strawberries, blueberries, blackberries JULY 2020

and raspberries.

I also like to add them to a mixed baby green salad. Choose your favorite baby greens; add sliced strawberries, blueberries, sugared pecans and some goat cheese. I usually top this salad with homemade balsamic dressing (see dressing recipe at right).

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are nutrient dense and low in calories. These tiny, tasty and colorful berries are powerful allies for good health. Enjoy your July 4th celebrations with a patriotic dessert.

Decorate angelfood cake like an American flag. The blueberries represent the stars and the red berries the stripes. ~ Julie Hudson is a dietician at Lake Martin Wellness Center.

Balsamic Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup or more balsamic vinegar 2 teaspoons or more Dijon mustard salt and pepper Place all ingredients in a jar. Cover and shake. If you want to make it creamier, add more mustard.

Blueberry Muffins

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups buttermilk, shaken 1 stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 2 cups fresh blueberries

together. In a separate bowl, mix together the buttermilk, butter, lemon zest and eggs. Make a hole in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a fork just until blended. Fold blueberries into the batter. Do not over mix. With an icecream scoop or spoon, scoop the batter into the prepared cups, filling them until almost full. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin tins with paper liners. Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a large bowl and mix

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

JULY 2020

LAKE 81

Finding fish in a highland lake I

f you have read this column over the years, it won’t surprise you to hear another reference to what I call the two-part equation to catching more fish. I think success in fishing can be narrowed down to two very broad categories: The first is finding fish on a broad, public water body like Lake Martin.

There are a multitude of variables that fall under this category, including time of year, weather, fishery type, desired species, cover availability and so many more. The second category is catching fish. Like trying to find fish, there are as many or more variables at play. Some would argue that finding fish is the more difficult of the two, especially if you don’t have the luxuries of great electronics and time to spend working through the process of figuring out where the fish are.

Lake Martin greatly resembles what many of us pro anglers call a highland fishery. When I’m headed to another part of the country and hear that the lake on the schedule is more of a highland fishery, the first thing I expect to see is fairly clear water throughout most of the lake. One exception might be during spring rains, but for the most part, highland fisheries are deep and clear. This is a bonus for swimming but can be a challenge and downright intimidating for an angler that is used to 2 feet of visibility, tons of forage and shoreline cover like you might find in other fisheries in the area, the point being that 82 LAKE

locating fish can be difficult at times on Lake Martin.

This is especially true without the equipment that can make the process much more efficient, such as a fully rigged fishing boat. If you are fortunate enough to spend time on a highland fishery like Lake Martin on a regular basis, it’s possible to swing the odds of catching fish in your favor by attracting fish to your favorite location.

As a kid growing up on Lake Martin, I wasn’t always able to jump in the boat and go fishing, especially at a young age. So I learned how to attract fish to my favorite location: our dock.

As an avid bass angler, my dad taught me a couple of ways to attract fish, and my mom had learned a couple of tricks at her parents’ pond.

The first and most important is to provide the fish with some sort of cover. Lake Martin is an old lake, nearly 100 years old, so almost all of the natural cover from its impoundment has deteriorated. Yes, there are some rocks and a few stumps left, but relatively speaking, Lake Martin is lacking in cover.

Fortunately, the docks serve as cover for a variety of species of fish. The shade from a dock is a sort of refuge for shoreline dwelling minnows, like spot tail minnows and bream species.

With a little depth around the dock comes more species, like catfish and even stripers at certain times of year. In a highland

JULY 2020

Anglers hover under cover of darkness near a fish light

fishery, the shade of a dock alone is enough to attract fish year round.

If there’s one type of cover that Lake Martin is not lacking, it’s docks. That’s good news for the fish; they have plenty of places to hang out in the shallows. If you have access to a dock, there are a few things you can do to attract the fish to that spot.

If you don’t have a dock, it might be best to use a boat to sweeten up an area of the lake that you like to fish.

I remember a neighbor around the lake that literally had the fish trained around his dock. He fed them daily, at the same time every day.

Before he fed them each day, he would swish a giant cane pole around in the water.

Over several years, the fish learned that the swishing of that pole in the water was their dinner bell. I watched once as he swished the pole around in the water, and all species of fish rushed to the dock to feed on what he was putting out – or on the minnows that were attracted to the area.

This might be an extreme case of fish attraction, but as a kid, I was blown away watching catfish, bream, minnows and bass rush in to enjoy an easy meal. One of the many ways to attract fish is to feed them. Feeders can be purchased with timers set to go off consistently each day or at night. The feeder itself and the feed can be costly, but it’s a great way to keep the fish coming back day after day.

A simple approach could be to toss a little dry oatmeal or bread in the water for the fish. The spot tails and bream love to feed on these, and it’s fun to watch them pluck the white pieces of oatmeal and bread from the water.

For kids, this can be an enjoyable experience all by itself.

Before long, catfish will find their way to the area, too, and can often be seen cruising the bottom, looking for a leftover snack. Once the fish are trained to eat the oatmeal or bread, they can oftentimes be caught with a little tiny dough ball on a hook. This is an easy way for kids to catch a few fish for fun.

Bass will soon dial in on the area if the minnows and bream are around on a consistent basis. They will be a little more skittish in the shallows but often hide in deeper water or beneath the dock, waiting to rush in and grab a minnow or bluegill.

To really take fish attraction to the next level, additional cover makes a big difference. The most obvious type of cover is brush in the form of old Christmas trees or even limbs from

the latest yard cleanup. To keep them in place, be sure to weight or tie them down. This is a major fish attractor, and there are submerged brush piles scattered throughout Lake Martin that serve as fish attractors. Some are from Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Alabama Power habitat enhancement projects, and many are from individuals that have sweetened up their favorite spots. The one downside to using natural cover is BIG CATCHES that it will break down over time and

BY GREG VINSON have to be replenished on a regular basis to remain effective.

In recent years, companies have made great strides in producing artificial habitat structures that are very effective, and best of all, they won’t have to be replenished every year.

Mossback Fish Habitat is one good example of a company making such structures. They have individual structures, multistructure kits and even a spawning habitat design. They can be assembled in minutes and can be weighted to stand on the bottom of the lake or hung in suspension beneath a deep or floating dock.

I’ve always thought that the ability of cover to hold attached algae is a key variable in underwater habitat that helps attract smaller forage fish. The Mossback product has a surface that’s designed to help algae attach and grow, which undoubtedly helps attract more fish. Attaching a tethered line to the structures allows you to move it at any time, if desired. It won’t have to be replenished and is permanent until you decide to move it to another depth or location. My personal favorite in the line-up is the Safe Haven because it has a denser limb structure and casts a little more shade beneath the surface.

A final item that can be great for attracting fish to your area is a light. Underwater lights have grown in popularity in recent years, especially around Lake Martin. Almost all species of fish from all spectrums of the food chain are attracted to these lights at night. I suspect it attracts the tiny micro-organisms that are the base of the food chain, the smaller minnows come in to feed on them; then, larger fish eat the minnows and so on. The depth of the underwater light can be controlled by the length of cable that extends between the buoyant bulb and the weight added to anchor it.

It’s fun to watch the various fish that circle in and out of the light at night, and if the fish have other habitat during the day, they stay close to that area all the time.

Taking a few steps to attract fish to your area can lead to lots of fun for yourself, the kids or the grandkids. I recommend getting them involved in the fish-attracting process. It could make a pretty interesting science project for them and help them gain appreciation for the wonderful world that exists beneath the surface of the water. Speaking from experience as a kid that was fortunate to do these things, it’s fun to attract fish to a spot and even more fun getting to catch a few of them. I still enjoy it today. ~ Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He lives in Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.

JULY 2020

LAKE 83

Summer Wine

84 LAKE

JULY 2020

T

here are several reasons why July has the Picpoul Blanc variety is a full-bodied greenish gold always been special for me: It’s summer; it’s color with hints of lemon and a soft, delicate nose. The Independence Day; and back when I was count- aroma and flavor of the Gérard Bertrand ($19) is more ing, it was my birth month. Honoring the red, white Alsatian and more like a dry Riesling than expected. and blue, the colors that unite us and symbolize our Those flavors and the nose changed as the refrigfreedom, is more important this year than ever before. erator chill subsided over dinner. Though most lean Rather than get bogged down in the headlines of the toward cold beverages when it’s this hot outside, it past weeks and months, suffice it to just say let’s celbears repeating that white wine is often drunk too ebrate safely and with a glass of wine. (Well of course; cold and reds too warm. The changes that occur as where did you think I was going with this?) a wine breathes and warms up are part of the magic Undoubtedly, a lot of people think of beer as the that makes wine fascinating. Those subtle changes best beverage for beating the heat. I shouldn’t pick on also explain the wild range of tastes that consumers beer – I like beer – but wine is better. A martini or gin report having experienced. People who reviewed the and tonic would be nice; they’re easy to Bertrand Picpoul mention pear, peach, make. Daiquiris, margaritas and pina colagreen apple, mineral, honey, stone, butter, das are great party pleasers, but still, wine cinnamon and almond, to name just a few. is better and not as messy. A cool glass Identifying what is tasted can be tricky, of wine fits right in with what may be the especially when flavors change right under new normal: a slower and more relaxed the nose. pace. That’s what summer is all about, and Chenin Blanc is another French white very few look forward to sitting in traffic wine grape and the basis for many excelwhen they could already be at the lake. lent wines from the Loire region, particuSavor the downtime. larly Vouvray. It has been grown for cenOne might expect that white wine for turies in South Africa, where it is called the summer is a given. True, white wines Steen and is that country’s most widely are generally lighter in style with higher planted variety. High acidity and intense acidity and lower alcohol and are espeFROM THE CELLAR aromas with hints of melon and floral cially appealing for summer refreshment. notes make Chenin Blanc one for the list.

BY HENRY FOY Acidity is what makes crowd favorites like M.A.N. from the coastal region of South lemonade, homegrown tomatoes and white Africa is priced below $12. wine tantalizing. White wines pair nicely with lighter Known for crisp, spicy characteristics, fare, such as the pastas, fresh salads and seafood.

Gewurztraminer is also a grape that has been Chicken and pork might also be included, but if grillcultivated for centuries in the cooler climates ing, don’t overlook the lighter reds, such as Pinot Noir of Germany, Austria, Northern France and or Cotes du Rhone. The catalog of white and red wines now Oregon, Washington and New Zealand. With that are available is mind-boggling. floral aromas and hints of cloves and nutmeg, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay remain the most these wines range from dry to late harvest, meanpopular whites regardless of the season. Pinot Grigio ing very sweet. The Foris Dry Gewurz ($13) and its twin Pinot Gris are slightly different styles of from Oregon’s Rogue Valley is pleasant and refreshing wine from the same grape but generally from different with a kiss of sweetness. Spicy foods, rich fish and regions. Both have good acidity with the Pinot Grigio mild cheeses would go well with this. being somewhat more tart while the Pinot Gris tends to Since we’re celebrating, let’s do it right with be a little softer, a result of the cooler climates where Summer in a Bottle Rosé ($24) from Wölffer the grapes are grown.

Estates on Long Island, New York. How much fun Lots of choices under $20 can be found on the is that? And for a little blue to go with the reds and Pinot rack. Chardonnay, on the other hand, has a much whites, the Stella Rosa Blueberry Moscato is in high broader range of tastes, styles and prices. For sumdemand since coming on the market. For those who mertime enjoyment, the lighter or unoaked styles, like it sweet, the Stellas (i.e. green apple, pineapple, as opposed to the heavy, buttery, oaky styles, might watermelon, etc.) were made ($13-$15). be a better choice, though I must admit, a lot of Stock up and stay safe.

Chardonnay fans really like big, buttery Chards.

Being stuck at the lake – really, how terrible is that?

Henry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine – doesn’t mean stuck in a rut. There are alternatives and Spirits at 128 Calhoun Street in downstarting with one of the oldest varieties having been town Alexander City with the area’s only walk-in cultivated in the Languedoc (LAWNCH-doc) region humidor and cigar lounge. Call him at 256.212.WINE. of Southern France, Picpoul (PIC-pool). The wine of

JULY 2020

LAKE 85

Return of a Pro Sport Yes, golf really is a sport

O

ver the past few months, we have seen some interesting variations of live televised professional golf events. The first two were obviously different than what we have been accustomed to witnessing in our living rooms on Saturday and Sunday evenings. As much as weekend golfers have missed watching their sport on broadcasts weekly, the PGA Tour Professionals have surely missed competing at the highest level in front of viewers.

The first event to return was the TaylorMade Driving Relief event at the famed and highly exclusive Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Florida.

This event was special in more than one way. This was the public’s first look at a perennial top-20 course in the world; it was the first real sporting event televised since the pandemic began in the U.S.; and it featured some of the top players in the world toting their own sticks during a round of golf.

At Seminole, Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff squared off against favorites Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy. The Donald Ross design, built in 1929, held its own with some of the best players in the world, even though the course is at its best when it’s firm and fast. During the week of the event, rain soaked the course, making it a little more “gettable” for the players.

Seminole is about as close to its original design as it has been since the 1970s, as Coore and Crenshaw completed a renovation a few years back to restore its original sand-dune appearance. Stories have been told about how Ben Hogan used to prepare for the Masters at Seminole every year, due to its firm and fast greens and the layout of the course that required him to work the ball both ways.

At the end of this year’s event, the winner was decided by a closest-to-the-pin contest won by McIlroy. All the proceeds went to COVID-19 relief and raised more than $5 million for frontline workers. Between the world finally getting to see Seminole on television; the return of major sports; and the dollars raised for a great cause, the event was a true success – albeit not the average Tour event.

The next event was The Match II, featuring another prominent Jupiter area course, The Medalist. This event was extra special because it featured Tiger Woods alongside Peyton Manning battling it out against Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady. The players were miked and had video cameras in their carts, which was very entertaining.

The Medalist is home to many Tour Professionals, including Woods, who considers it his home track, so with Mickelson being from the West Coast, the big cat was arguably the favorite.

This event had a twist in the format: The players played best ball on the front; and then, a modified alternate shot format on the back. I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed watching Brady and Manning having to hit shots under pressure that influenced the real outcome of the match. While Brady and Manning are not normal weekend warriors, they are not Tour Professionals, so it was fun watching those guys play with the two best players in the modern era of the game.

Ultimately, Woods and PAR for the COURSE Manning walked away with

BY MATT SHEPPARD the victory, but just as in the Driving Relief Event, this event was designed to raise money for COVID19 relief. The Match raised an astounding total of $10 million and entertained millions of viewers in the comfort of their own homes. Once again, another huge success for golf and COVID-19 relief.

Most recently, the PGA Tour returned to action with the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial in Texas. This was the closest thing to the old normal, but it still was a little bit odd. The event was fantastic in regard to tight competition with eight players finishing within two shots of the lead. In the end, Daniel Berger came out on top over Collin Morikawa in a sudden death playoff. Although there were no fans in the galleries, it was one step closer to normal, albeit a new normal.

In the recent weeks and months, however long it has been, golf has pulled through in the clutch. An outdoor activity that amateurs and professionals can enjoy while practicing all the necessary distancing precautions outlined by the CDC. Hats off to the first sport to make a comeback in the United States, and remember, golf is a sport. ~ Matt Sheppard is director of golf at Willow Point Golf & Country Club.

JULY 2020

LAKE 87

Legend

63

22

280

To Sylacauga

23

Alexander City

Public Boat Ramps 19

9

Churches

Camp ASCCA

Flint Hill Church

Camps & Parks

17

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

16 20

New Hope Church

Liberty Church

14 Willow Point

24

6

10

Equality

Paces Point Boat Ramp

63

Camp Alamisco

11

Kowaliga Boat Landing

22 The Ridge

55

4

Seman

Camp Kiwanis

1 12

Church in The Pines

24

2

The Amp Ko w

ali

18

ga

Ba

y

80

9

Central

90

Union

ELMORE COUNTY Union Church

Red Hill 63

229

Eclectic

Tallassee

20 Kent

88 LAKE

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

34

JULY 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

21

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

26 57

280

25

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

6. Catherine’s Market 11 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Stillwaters

7 5

8

5. Lake Martin Mini Mall 18 334.857.3900

7995 Kowaliga Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024 19 4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 20 4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 21 4. Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 22 4. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Loop, Alex City, AL 35010 4. Dark Insurance 23 256-234-5026

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 www.darkinsuranceagency.com 24 . Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 . Off the Beaton Path 25 205-994-0847 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

15 Walnut Hill

50

82. Lakeside Marina 256-825-9286

7361 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

17 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481 5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, AL 35010

27

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

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 The Burritos Corner Mexican Grill 256-307-1887 8605 AL HWY 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Business & Shopping 16 Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075 970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010

Reeltown

JULY 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.

ALEXANDER CITY Robinson Iron A & M Plumbing Carlos The Body Shop Piggly Wiggly Walgreens Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Jake's Moore Wealth Management Carlisle's Emporium Wine Cloud Nine JR'S Hillabee Towers Senior Nutrition Center Noel Boone George Hardy First Realty Dark Insurance Warren Appliance MainStreet Family Care Grace's Flowers Koon's Korner Larry's General Merchandise Daylight Donuts Alfa Valley Bank - 280 Pricare Temple Medical AllState Hometown Pharmacy Lake Martin Home Health Allen's Food Mart (Exxon) Karen Channell - State Farm Insurance Vision Landscapes North Lake Condo

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River Bend Store River North Marina Lake Martin Building Supply Petro Sho'Nuff BBQ Hair Design Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Jim Bob's Chicken Fingers Russell Building Supply Longleaf Antique Mall Playhouse Cinemas Chamber of Commerce Winn Dixie Re/Max Around the Lake City Hall Regions Bank Marathon - 280 BB&T Bank Russell Medical Center Koon's II Tallapoosa Ford Dylan Johnson - Country Financial Holley's Home Furniture Jackson's Drugs Selling Lake Martin - Amy Clark The Sure Shot Shell - 280 Big B Bar-B-Que Russell Do It Center Russell Home Decor Holman Floor Satterfield Inc. Wind Creek Gate Wind Creek Store Willow Point Office Willow Point Country Club Smith Marina on Lake Martin Kowaliga Marina Sunsrise Docks Kowaliga Restaurant Children's Harbor Catherine's Market Russell Lands Corporate Office Russell Lands Real Estate Sales

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

JULY 2020

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

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

IN-HOME CARE SERVICES

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.

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700

Homemaking... Personal Care... Companionship

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

(256) 414-6090

haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

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

334-332-3435 or 334-329-4635

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

Some of us have to paddle before we can swim.

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

256-234-4281

Relax. Enjoy. Lake Martin.

Call to order your subscription 256-234-4281

MAGAZINE

JULY 2020

LAKE 91

Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A&M Plumbing............................................................. 67

Jerry Purcell, Lake Martin Realty............................. 90

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

Alex City Guide Service........................................... 27

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

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

Alex City Marine......................................................... 28

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

Sandra Booker, Fuller Real Estate............................. 8

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

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

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

Big B Barbeque............................................................ 18

Lake Martin Realty................................................40, 46

Scooter's Grille............................................................. 6

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

Lake Martin Signature Construction...................... 28

Security Pest Control.................................................. 6

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

Lamberth & Lamberth............................................... 28

Singleton Marine...................................................18, 71

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

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

Sparkle........................................................................... 22

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

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

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

Custom Docks............................................................. 22

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

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

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

Morris Haynes............................................................. 18

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

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

National Village............................................................ 36

Tallapoosa Board of Education................................ 86

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

Odd Jobs....................................................................... 18

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

First Community Mortgage...................................... 39

Oskar's.......................................................................... 77

Three Sixty Real Estate............................................. 73

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

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

TowBoat US................................................................. 92

George Hardy D.M.D................................................. 77

ProCare......................................................................... 81

UAB Heart & Vascular............................................... 67

Harbor Pointe Marina................................................ 34

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

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

Henderson & Coker, Inc........................................... 23

Rhodes Construction................................................. 34

Wedowee Marine....................................................... 93

Heritage South Credit Union.................................. 29

Rhonda Jaye, Lake Martin Realty............................. 58

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

Romar Construction.................................................. 91

Homeology, Denise Booth........................................ 39

Russell Lands on Lake Martin.......... 3, 41, 47, 59, 76

LAKE MARTIN'S PROFESSIONAL TOWING AND SALVAGE COMPANY We refloat sunken boats.

Call today for a free quote!

•On water towing •Battery jumps •Fuel delivery •Soft ungrounding

256-307-1313

www.towboatuslakemartin.net 92 LAKE

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JULY 2020

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Parting Shot Photo by Kenneth Boone

"May the sun in his course visit no land more free, more happy, more lovely, than this our own country!" ~ Daniel Webster 94 LAKE

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