Lake Martin Living Magazine July 2021

Lake Martin Living People, events and culture in the Lake Region

THE HISTORY OF CANNING Coosa County Graphite Mine United Way Day of Action Day Trippin' to Desoto Caverns July 2021

www.lakemagazine.life/lakemartinliving

2 Lake Martin Living

™

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

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Lake Martin Living 3

From the Editor’s Desk

C

an you believe it? July is here with the snap of the fingers. It really does seem as if time is just flying by these days. Before you know it, football season will be here, and then Christmas and then we’ll all be back out at The AMP celebrating July 4 again, which by the way, was terrific!

This issue of Lake Martin Living is all about fun, food and furniture. With food prices soaring and a drought declared in California, Betsy Iler wanted to share with everyone the importance of learning to can and preserve food.

My mother-in-law has always said, “Prepare … be ready,” and now I suppose I’ve wrapped my head around what I was supposed to be preparing for – the potential of a national food shortage. It’s a good thing that I learned how to listen a few years ago. But reading Betsy’s article on page 30 just reminded me of the importance of actually knowing how to do things.

That brings me to "Nostalgic Comfort," an article that I wrote about two ladies in Dadeville who procure antique furniture. Now those ladies know how to do things. One loves painted furniture, and the other loves the natural beauty that real wood has to offer, but both are crafty and creative. I was in absolute bliss when I visited their shops. Who knew an old rusted faucet could become a gorgeous fountain? Or that a cow trough would make a lovely sofa table? And they both make it look so easy. You can learn how they do that on page 38.

Speaking of making things look easy, Dave Jennings shares with us on page 16 about the time this summer that he mentored several female golfers at the Alabama State Girls Championship. Call me crazy, but I think he was impressed with the young women competing for the championship title. He seemed to think they made it look easy. No fussing or complaining, just straight focus and drive.

Good job!

Also, calling all local artists and anyone who just really enjoys creating things. On page 52, find out how to help raise money for the Dadeville library by painting or decoupaging a chair. I cannot wait to see the chairs on display; we have such talented people in our little corner of the world.

And if you do fancy yourself an artist, keep those eyes peeled for next month’s issue of Lake Martin Living because we are just a couple of months away from the Lake Martin Living Art Contest and Event, and all of the details will be in the August issue.

Until then, enjoy the summer.

Brittany Smith, Editor 4 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Editor Brittany Smith Contributors Kenneth Boone Dave Jennings Lacey Howell Shane Harris David Ballard Susan Foy Cliff Williams Siri Hedreen Jake Arthur Andy Anders Betsy Iler Audra Spears Magazine Distribution Manager Erin Burton Creative Services Audra Spears Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Rachel McCollough Marilyn Hawkins Julie Harbin Andy Carr Carson Wages Digital Services Elle Fuller Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemartinmagazine.com

Lake Martin Living is published monthly by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Please address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 256-234-4281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

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Lake Martin Living 5

ON THE COVER

Canning is making a comeback. With a drought declared in California, the U.S. is threatened by rising food prices.

Learning to can perishable items could be a healthy way to save money and make food last.

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6 Lake Martin Living

IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 10. BUSINESS MATTERS 16. FROM THE TEE 18. GARDEN TALK 29. MONEY MATTERS 36. MEDICAL NEWS 45. OH SNAP! 52. LAKE REGION EVENTS 55. GOOD EATS 62. CULTURE SHOCK

FEATURES 22. DESOTO CAVERNS The DeSoto Caverns, nestled at the foothills of the Appalachian mountains in Talladega County, are day trip worthy.

30. PREPARE AND PRESERVE While droughts out West threaten America's food supply and prices begin to sky rocket, the answer could lie in good, old fashioned food preservation.

34. DAY OF ACTION 96 volunteers braved the Alabama heat in hopes of making a difference when the Lake Martin Area United Way hosted the 2021 Day of Action.

38. NOSTALGIC COMFORT Two antique furniture curators, both with very different techniques and styles, sure know how to pick them.

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AROUND THE AREA

CACC instructors complete Instructional Leadership Academy The Alabama Community College System Instructional Leadership Academy is a rigorous, comprehensive, one-year experience for which participants must be determined to complete. The activities are curated not only to develop faculty to become more intentional in many key areas of inspiring and facilitating learning in their classrooms, but also expressly formulated to produce a complete course redesign of the participant’s highest enrolled course.

Central Alabama Community College President Jeff Lynn recognized five of CACC’s faculty members for completing

the course.

“I am extremely proud of all five of our instructors who completed the ILA this past year,” Lynn said.

“The ILA is a very comprehensive and intensive academy that demands

quite a bit of an instructor’s time.

Commitment and dedication are a must and our instructors demonstrated why they are so good in their respective classrooms. They did a great job, all while managing the challenges presented by COVID-19.

“I had the honor of presenting each one of them with an ILA lapel pin to recognize their outstanding accomplishment.” ~TPI Staff Instructional Fortitude

Kathleen Thompson, Vanessa Clark, Kristine Kelley, Nancy Adams and Ben Bailey all participated during the past academic year, with each graduating with at least a 92 percent completion rate.

Kelly and Smith nationals bound

Jackson Kelly and Stihl Smith became the first fishermen in the history of Benjamin Russell high school, and perhaps Tallapoosa County as a whole, to be selected for the Bassmaster High School National Championship fishing tournament this week.

Kelly is a senior and Smith a junior, making this the last tournament the two fish together as they compete for the highest honor available to high school anglers.

“Each year we always talk about trying to improve on

where we were the year before,” Williams said. “Whether it’s the way our team finished, overall standings or how we compete in each tournament. Four or five years ago, we didnçt have any trophies ... If we ever get to the point where we’ve got two or three qualifying for nationals, we’re gonna win the state championship that way. That’s just a benchmark that they set for the other ones to look forward to.”

Kelly and Smith’s fishing journey began in 4-H. The two were mere acquaintances at that time. Then Kelly invited Smith for a day of fishing on Lake Jordan.

Following that first trip, the duo made an effort to go as often as possible.

“We went to Lake Jordan, fished one time – ” Kelly started.

“And then it was me begging him to take me ever since then,” Smith said, finishing Kelly’s thought. “Until I got a boat, it was every weekend, ‘Take me fishing.’”

Once Smith did get a watercraft, their weekend trips turned into near-daily occurrences. Soon, they were the top partnership for the Benjamin Russell Anglers.

Now they’ll be the first to contend for a national title.

Kelly and Smith take Setting Goals to the water in Tennessee Kelly and Smith are the July 26 for the first day first team of Anglers of pre-fishing before the from BRHS to contend competition begins July 29. for Nationals. ~Andy Anders Lake Martin Living 9

BUSINESS MATTERS

Alabama Graphite Leveraging a key natural resource in the nation’s switch to electric vehicles STORY BY SIRI HEDREEN & PHOTOS BY JAKE ARTHUR

C

oosa County’s graphite has been waiting in reserve.

Now, three-quarters of a century after graphite was last mined in the area, the electric vehicle industry trajectory and the U.S.-China rivalry have coincided in Coosa County’s favor, making the mineral worth a whole lot more than just pencils.

“I think a lot of us had an increasing amount of faith that this was going to happen,” Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance chairman T.C. Coley said. “At some point when you have something special, you realize that it’s going to have to happen, especially given the geopolitical climate we’re in.”

Colorado-based Westwater Resources’ decision to locate its $80 million graphite processing plant in the Alexander City area was a major economic development milestone announced last month by Gov. Kay Ivey.

At present, about 62 percent of the world’s graphite supply and 100 percent of its battery-grade graphite

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supply is controlled by China. By 2023, Westwater seeks to be the first U.S. company to process graphite suitable for batteries, using raw material imported from undisclosed, non-Chinese sources and purified in Kellyton, Coosa County. By 2028, Westwater seeks to be the first U.S. company mining battery-grade graphite mining company out of its 42,000 acres of mineral holdings in Coosa County.

What makes graphite mining viable for the first

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time since the 1940s, according to Westwater, is the rapidly growing demand for lithium-ion batteries found in laptops, mobile phones and electric vehicles, of which graphite is an essential component. As the nation switches to renewable energy, battery grid storage also offers a way to store spare electricity to tap into when the windmills aren’t turning.

“There’s a big expectation there’s going to be a huge shortage of battery materials, especially graphite, so we don’t see any problem with being able to sell the materials,” Westwater CFO Jeff Vigil said.

Westwater subsidiary Alabama Graphite Products intends to purify graphite suitable for three different types of batteries, including the batteries found in flashlights and gasoline-powered cars, but it’s the lithium-ion battery market that’s expected to see the most growth. Last year, California Governor Gavin Newsom mandated all vehicles sold in the state be electric by 2035. The U.K. has set goals

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for a similar mandate by 2030 and an all-out gas-powered vehicle ban by 2035.

The private sector is taking notice. Last month, Ford said it expects 40 percent of its global sales to be electric by the end of the decade under a new plan to invest another $30 billion in the industry. Earlier this year, General Motors pledged to go electric-vehicle-only by 2035.

If all of America’s vehicles were to go fully electric, market research firm Ademas Intelligence says, domestic graphite demand would increase 55 times over from the year 2020, more so than any other battery ingredient, including lithium, nickel and cobalt (despite the name lithium-ion graphite is the largest mineral component).

Even a fraction of a fully electric America will require boatloads of graphite.

“Think of it for the purposes of discussion – 15 million cars per year,” Westwater President and CEO Chris Jones said. “If 20 percent of those cars come out as electric vehicles over the near-term, that is five times more graphite than the world currently produces.”

Graphite is not rare, but there’s a difference between the amorphous graphite Economic Growth used as an Previous Page: industrial Preliminary site work lubricant is being completed and the flake to ensure safety before graphite construction begins required for in Kellyton; Top Left: Baird welcomes batteries. the graphite industry Westwater with open arms; Bottom: has only one Representatives American of Westwater Resources, competitor for Tallapoosa and Coosa battery-grade counties and the EDA graphite – unveil the future site Graphite One, of Alabama Graphite.

about 40 miles north of Nome, Alaska. Like Westwater, Graphite One’s mineral deposit is still in development.

But, unlike Westwater, the Alaskan company has yet to give a timeline for constructing its battery-grade graphite processing plant.

“I don’t know a lot yet what their final process is going to be,” Jones said. “I think they have yet to do their feasibility study, which is an important step in developing their thinking around the business.”

Several Canadian and Australian companies are also getting close to battery-grade graphite production.

But at present, China is Alabama Graphite’s primary competitor and is much less costburdened by labor, safety and environmental standards.

Still, in a worldwide natural resources market, Westwater insists it will remain price-competitive. The company is applying for a patent on its purification process and hopes to use that and its shipping advantage to manage costs. Patriotism may be an added benefit.

“I think the ‘buy American’ ethic being developed around battery materials right now serves us,” Jones said.

“We don’t expect our customers to pay up for American products, but I think we can expect it to be a tie-breaker.”

Now that graphite has put the Lake Martin area in the spotlight, the economic development alliance is trying to leverage that. Before the Alabama Graphite Products plant was even a done deal, the LMAEDA already set its sights on companies up the battery supply chain.

“This will be an opportunity to get some attention for our other sites through the attention that’s going to be generated statewide, regionally, nationally about the project, and to try to put ourselves in the next generation of automobile conversation,” LMAEDA director Chad Odom said.

Coley expressed similar hopes, adding that as soon as the announcement was made, “we will be aggressively targeting related industries.”

The LMAEDA has already published an interactive map of available industrial parks on its website marking available electric, water supply, wastewater, natural gas and infrastructure. At Lake Martin Regional Industrial Park in Kellyton, the map marks the future location of Alabama Graphite Products beside 200-plus acres of available land.

It’s nowhere near enough space for Nevada’s Tesla Gigafactory. Still, it would provide plenty of room for another two million-square-foot Mercedes Benz battery plant like the one being constructed in Bibb County. As auto manufacturers continue to invest in new electric vehicle fleets, demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to rise, which could lead automakers to consider building more battery factories.

Those two factories are still a drop in the ocean of battery plants needed if the U.S. wants to keep up with China. If the LMAEDA had it their way, those plants would be located in Coosa or Tallapoosa counties.

“The longer you keep that graphite in the area, the more value it’s going to have for the area,” Odom said.

Alexander City mayor Woody Baird is on board.

“Bring it here,” he said. “Only thing you’re missing is your lithium,” though noting that lithium battery recycling is an adjacent industry he’s been researching.

Alabama Graphite Products could also stand to benefit.

Necessary News “For our part, the graphite Gov. Kay Ivey travels well. It can travel to announces $80 million a plant,” Jones said. “But if graphite plant near battery manufacturers want Alexander City on June to locate closer to our facility, 22, 2021. we’d certainly welcome and support that. From a marketing and sales perspective, it certainly relieves us and our customers of shipping costs.”

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, stationary grid storage and electric vehicles alone are expected to boost lithium-ion battery demand five to 10 times over by 2030. But as more industries transition to battery-powered energy, the possibilities are endless.

“Then there are conversations about electric-powered airplanes, things of that nature, so that’s another market that’s developing,” Coley said. “What’s going to be really interesting is that a lot of work is still under development that we’ll benefit from, having proximity to this critical mineral for battery development.”

Lake Martin Living 13

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Lake Martin Living 15

Look out boys... the girls are coming

A

t the end of May this year, I received an email from the Alabama Golf Association. The message requested volunteers for the Alabama State Girls Championship, which was to be held at Canebrake Country Club in Athens. I checked the calendar on my phone and didn’t see a conflict, so I phoned them to let them know I could help.

If you’ve been a reader of my article for any length of time, you may recall me writing that my mother was a pretty good golfer. She loved the game and enjoyed competing. The lowest handicap I remember her having was around 15. For a 98-pound woman, mother of three boys and wife of a Marine Corps colonel who was often away on duty, I think her 15 handicap was quite impressive. I played a lot of golf with mom growing up and knew and adored many of her golfing friends.

Over the years as a golf professional, I have taught a number of women and younger girls in golf. One girl, who I really enjoyed teaching, when I lived in Fayetteville was Diana Ramage. Diana loved the game of golf, and she was aggressive. I would ask her to do something in her swing, and dang it, she would do it. Boys do not buy into new ideas so easily. When I taught Diana, my life was a little hectic, and I really wasn’t available as much as I had wished I could have been. Diana acquired another instructor and continued to work hard on her game. She earned a golf scholarship to Auburn University and played very well for the Tigers.

In my late teens and early 20s, I played golf with a couple of young ladies from Montgomery who played exceptionally well; Judy Jehle and Vickie Coker. They both shot par or better when they played and worked hard on their games. Judy had a fine college golf career at Auburn University and still loves the game. I often see Dr. Judy Jehle at Willow Point on the weekends, continuing to practice more than most people I know.

For the Alabama State Girls Championship, my job was to start the players and then monitor their play to assist when needed. I started on the No. 1 tee all three days. I had a blast and was so impressed at the talent I saw in the young ladies.

Honestly, I did not see a bad swing in the bunch.

Every player had skills. I attribute this to the fact that Alabama has a great deal of fine golf instructors these days. These girls were athletic. They hit their tee balls with authority. I was really blown away by the number of girls who hit the ball a long way. For many, the ball made that sound at impact, where you knew it was hit solid.

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I had expected the girls to be a bit shy and reserved, but that wasn’t the case. The girls were very engaging. They listened intently to me as I informed them of the rules for play. Each one of them was courteous and thankful. On the first day of play, there was a four hour weather delay, and that didn’t shake the girls one bit. The golf course played much longer after the long downpour, but they didn’t complain. Because the round started with playing the ball where it lies, the field had to complete that round under the same rules.

Even with golf balls picked up mud from the softer conditions, I didn’t hear a single girl whine about it.

They understood and played on. Of the few poorly struck shots I saw, I never saw a temper tantrum (that was so refreshing).

Twenty years ago, this same tournament may have had a few dozen players in the field, but it had 68 good players this year.

A couple of weeks later, I visited Farmlinks Golf Club to watch a young man play in a Birmingham Golf Association event. The field consisted of about 60 juniors, and over 20 girls were participating in this one-day tournament. I was thrilled to see this participation level from young ladies in the game of golf.

Women’s golf is where the most significant growth in the game is coming from, by all indicators.

Today, there are more opportunities for girls to acquire golf scholarships than ever before. In Alabama, eight junior colleges now offer women’s golf.

Unfortunately, they are not filling their rosters, and many of the available scholarships go to waste. I am a big supporter of the junior college system and athletics within this system. The opportunities for girls in college golf are abundant. I would love to see some of the local girls take advantage of these college golf programs.

Today, with the technology available to properly fit people in golf equipment, women should be jumping all over this opportunity. A custom fitter can determine the best head design, shaft flex, length and weight, grip texture and size that best suits that individual person. I suggest that you either trust your PGA Professional, who uses a Trackman or similar launch monitor, or a golf equipment manufacturer representative to assist in this process.

From the Tee

I openly admit, a few weeks ago, I there to help children develop in the game worked with a custom fitter for PING. I all the way around, not just in bombing the learned that I should make a few changes, ball but also in managing their play, learning and I wasted no time in doing so. the rules, short game, recovery shots, short As for any other golfer, have your daughand long putting, etc. ter work with a golf professional for her With the business relationships that are game. You, as a good-meaning parent, may made on the golf course, it makes good be able to share with her some of the funsense for young ladies to become well-versed damentals, but are you teaching her corin the game of golf for their professional rectly or in the correct sequence? futures. These young ladies do not have to The modern swing and equipment have play college golf or play on the LPGA, but changed the game considerably. I remembringing them into the game at an early age ber the days when golf just wasn’t made could set them up for a more prosperous for anyone more than 6 feet tall. The ideal future. height for men was 5 feet 8 inches. That is Every year, Mandy Durr does a great not the case today. Most of the Tour playjob coaching the lady golfers for Benjamin ers are 6 feet or taller. Sure, there are some Russell High School. I have seen some fine Dave Jennings under that height, but the taller players that golf swings on that team. Sadly, not many can create width in their swings and virtuof these girls work on their game after the ally rotate without shifting weight as drastiseason is over until next year’s high school cally for distance are usually found at the top of the season starts back up. It would be tremendous to see leaderboard. The same goes for the women. some of these girls take the game a bit more seriously Most women are more flexible than men, and they and compete in junior summer tournaments. can rotate more easily. With proper instruction, girls In the game of golf, ladies, your time is now. Get can learn to play this game well. As for all golfers, hitafter it. ting the ball solidly and at great distances is fun, but wedge play, chipping and putting still rule in scoring ~Dave Jennings is the men's golf coach at Central well. When seeking golf professionals for junior golfAlabama Community College. ers to learn from, make sure that the instructor will be

Lake Martin Living 17

Eat your fruit s& veget ables T

he month of July and mid-year means summer is in full swing.

With that in mind, there are so many highlights that describe this busy time of year. Hot sunny days with occasional thunderstorms are the norm. Family beach vacations and outdoor recreational activities like hiking, camping and picnicking are at their peak.

Water sports, including kayaking, boating and swimming, are favorite pastimes.

And wonderful food and treats are abundant as summer garden harvests and local farmers’ markets flourish. It’s just a great time to have fun and eat!

Many people look forward to having and eating juicy, fresh summertime fruits and vegetables.

Seasonal foods are much more available than in years past, but it is different when you grow them yourself or buy them from a neighboring farm. Folks claim fresh produce just tastes better, and experts tell us they are good for us too.

Mama always said, “Eat your fruits and vegetables.”

Shane Harris Although, I didn’t always

Garden Talk

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listen or adhere to that advice so much as a child, I definitely do so as an adult. It seems funny that adults get excited about picking and eating a ripe backyard tomato or fresh basket of peaches. It’s interesting how our taste buds change over time, broadening the pallet, making what we used to despise now a favorite.

So many more food choices and eating opportunities are what make the summer gatherings memorable.

Many fruits and vegetables make their way to the table and are summer icons simply because they are in season. When I think of the peak summer harvests and meals – watermelons, corn, peaches, tomatoes, okra, beans and peas, yellow squash and peppers – these are worthy of such recognition.

The peak summer highlight and top fruit treat is most definitely the watermelon. It is readily available to buy at roadside stands or markets. Depending on who you talk to, the biggest and best watermelons seem to always be ready around July 4.

Some people are indeed loyal to the big old Jubilee ones or round Crimson Sweets. Others are really partial to the yellow meat versions and swear they are better than the red ones. I like them all, as long as they are sweet and have seeds.

Most picnics and summertime meals are not complete unless there is fresh corn on the cob. The kid in us all comes out when nibbling on that delicious corn on the cob. It doesn’t really matter what is on the

menu, burgers or fish, as long as corn on the cob is there, too. It seems like the messier it is, the better it tastes. Try it grilled, try it boiled, try it cut off the cob, just try it. With so many corn types today, you’ll find one you like best.

The summer’s biggest and favorite crop that folks will drive long ways to get is fresh peaches. Peaches are my favorite fruit. Unfortunately, it seems like each year, I do not get to enjoy them as much as I should before they are all gone. The mid-summer peaches are usually free-stone and are the ones most people like to eat.

The peach flesh is not attached to the pit, so they are much easier to eat fresh or process if canning, freezing or making desserts. Peach pies, peach cobblers, Lake Martin Living 19

Healthy, Nutritious Facts

Here are some benefits of our favorite summer fruits and veggies that SNAP-Ed programs teach about: • Watermelon is high in antioxidants and helps fight toxins in our bodies. It is 92 percent water, so it›s a great way to hydrate and is a cool snack for a hot day.

• Corn is a grain that is an excellent source of fiber.

• Peaches provide us with Beta-Carotene, which helps our eye health.

• Tomatoes provide us with lycopene – a natural diseasefighting chemical.

• Yellow Squash is a cholesterol-free food and is rich in the heart-healthy mineral magnesium.

• Okra contains the nutrient vitamin K, which is vital for blood clotting. This vegetable is the healthiest when not fried.

• Black Eye Peas are rich in protein and fiber, which helps build strong muscles and a healthy gut.

• Green Beans are filled with vitamins and minerals that help your bones and heart and prevent disease.

• Peppers protect your cells, blood and bones.

For more information about the benefits of fruits and veggies, visit www.livewellalabama.com or find them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

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peach shakes … I love Ripe for the picking Previous Pages: Summer peaches! fruits and vegetable Did I mention that are ripe and ready the No. 1 vegetable to be picked. is finally ready? Yes, Top: Mid-summer peaches homegrown tomatoes. are usually free-stone Like me, those who love and are the ones most tomatoes and couldn’t people like to eat. wait probably have already been sampling fried green tomatoes. Now that they are red, I can pick a large ripe one and cut a thick slice for a BLT sandwich. We also have small cherry tomatoes for salads and snacks, or we may can those tomatoes for soups, sauces and salsa. All that hard gardening work has paid off.

Believe it or not, my favorite summer vegetable is yellow squash. Growing up, my family and I fried squash a lot, fresh out of the garden. But, most do not realize that yellow squash produces quickly and has to be gathered nearly every day. And once production starts, almost every meal needs to include squash, or they will ruin before anyone has a chance to eat them.

Squash can be canned or frozen, but most prefer and say it tastes better eaten fresh – fried, grilled, boiled, stir-fried, or in casseroles.

Another popular summertime vegetable and an absolute must-have is okra. Okra likes hot weather and usually takes a while to mature before it is ready

to be picked.

I prefer fried okra, but others like it boiled; however, fried okra can be enjoyed year-round since it is readily available and sold breaded and frozen. But fresh okra, typically lightly battered and fried in a skillet, presents a whole new tasty version.

Fresh summer okra is also a popular potluck dish at family reunions and church socials.

As a kid, beans and peas were not high on my veggie list. In fact, today, I still don’t like most of them.

Green beans, I do like. And now, as an adult, I often choose to eat black eyed peas if prepared correctly.

Beans and peas of all types are an abundant summer harvest, so much so that most get canned or frozen by gardeners; however, I prefer home-canned green beans. They taste better. But, it is neat to take those fresh green beans and cook them with new potatoes in a pot for a special summer meal.

The last big group of summer veggies is peppers. There are so many types of peppers that can be grown in our Alabama gardens.

From mild bell and banana peppers to hot habanero and jalapeno peppers, there is something there for everyone.

Peppers are so versatile because they can be eaten individually or cooked and mixed into other dishes.

This summer would be a great time to try a new flavorful recipe with fresh peppers.

The summer season will soon be gone, so take a moment to savor your favorite fruits and vegetables.

Mom said to eat them. So say “Yes, Ma’am” and enjoy the tastes of summer.

For more information, contact the Tallapoosa County Extension office at 256-825-1050 or visit us online at aces.edu. Follow us on Facebook.

Shane Harris is the County Extension Coordinator for Tallapoosa County.

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Lake Martin Living 21

Desoto Caverns STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH & PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS

A

labama is a treasure trove of untapped potential when taking to the open road on an adventure.

On the one hand, there is an abundance of waterfalls surrounded by mountainous terrain located all over the great state. There are also cool, cozy little towns with great food and unique art galleries or boutiques that give way to whitewater rapids or giant lakes. On the other hand, large, bustling cities steeped in rich and fascinating Southern tradition and history ache for exploration. Those same bustling cities harbor hidden art districts or host an array of enchanting excursions for visitors to explore. But also, both quaint and quick beach towns offer a multitude of attractions in hopes that daytrippers would drift like a breeze off the ocean, right into 22 Lake Martin Living

their tiki hut, seafood restaurant or tattoo parlor. The possibilities are literally limitless as to where to go and what to do for those looking to take a day trip in Alabama.

Just a short drive from Tallapoosa County, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Childersburg, lays Alabama’s big cave, the DeSoto Cavern. Spanning more than the length of a football field and at least 12 stories tall, the first room in the cavern is touted as the Kymulga Cathedral or Healing All Cathedral. The enormous space, draped in onyx-marble stalagmites and stalactites, has excellent air quality. It is believed that the onyx-marble aerates the area purifying the air, which gives way to its conspicuous healing properties.

Animals, such as the Mastadon, that was recovered on an archeological dig in 1965 and stories of a black panther that the Creek Indians called Itsi-pap or human eater, once called Kymulga Onyx Cave home. Even the great explorer Hernando DeSoto and his men resided within the Kymulga Cathedral for a short period during their exhibitions through Central Alabama.

And while the history of the cave steeps in the memory of many rich, organic events, it was in 1910 that a group of investors purchased the land to mine the onyx-marble that can still be found in the cave today; however, the opportunity fell flat when Mexican–mined onyx became available for a substantially lower out-of-pocket-price, and the group could no longer compete with the low prices.

After the mining exhiDay Trippin' Left: Desoto Caverns bition fell apart, the cave contains many formations, sat dormant for years ranging from stalactite, until Ira Mathis, one of stalagmite and column, the original investors, to the more rare formations managed to purchase of the Caverns flowstone, the shares that she didn’t draperies, helictites and already own and secured cave bacon; Top Right: all subsurface rights to Light shows are given during cave tours; The visitors center the property and surwelcomes guests. rounding areas. Mathis, a nationally recognized expert of farm economics, felt that the land had a deeper meaning than simply monetary value. She allowed people Lake Martin Living 23

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to come in and explore the cave.

It is said that these explorations lasted for nearly four decades; however, before Mathis opened up the cave to exploratory missions, there were rumors about an illegal speakeasy that found its home in the cavern in the 1920s.

As the stories go, the cave was turned into a bar and became known as The Bloody Bucket because of shootings and fights that took place in the heart of Kymulga Cathedral.

Allegedly, people also used the underground tunnels to run moonshine from within the cavern all the way to Talladega (after all, Nascar was founded in Alabama because of moanshine rings). But at some point, federal agents busted the joint, and The Bloody Bucket ceased from existence. Cave explorations resumed. And then

finally, in the 1960s, Mathis’ great-grandson, Allen W. Mathis III, alongside Fred Layton, had grand ideas for the cavern – they would turn the Kymulga Onyx Cave into a show cave.

Despite the fact Awe Inspiring Clockwise from Left: There that Mathis never was once an underground intended the cave speakeasy; The tour is full of to be used for its hidden Easter eggs; Healing All monetary value, the Cathedral room, which boasts first light shows were an impressive height of 120installed, and people feet tall and is longer than a came from all over football field; Native Americans to watch the natural describe the mainroom as having calming and healing essence of the onyxproperties. marble formations

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shimmer and sway throughout the cave. Eventually, the cathedral area had to be widened to fit the crowds, and portions of the caverns that the public had not been privy to in the past became part of a cavern tour open to the public.

In 1975, Allen changed the cave’s name from Kymulga Onyx Cave to DeSoto Caverns after the late, great Hernando DeSoto. His exploration was the first documented European expedition in the Southern states.

It is said that despite spending five weeks in the hospitality of the Chief of the Coosa Indian tribe, DeSoto still held the chief captive within the cave. At the same time, his men captured members of the tribe and took them as slaves upon their departure. One can only wonder if this has anything to do with the five bodies that are discretely buried within the cavern.

Not long after the name was changed, DeSoto Caverns was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.

Today, the DeSoto Caverns is a place for families to escape, and offers an opportunity that will both delight senses and make for a trip that will not soon be forgotten.

The property is now a fully operating Christian-minded adventure park, in addition to what is offered with the cave tours. The cave tour has become more innovative and dynamic than ever, giving way to one of the best light, laser and water shows in the country today.

Families come from all over to visit the caverns, but they stay to play when they realize that there is fun for the whole family at DeSoto Caverns. Some of the attractions include go-carts, the lost trail maze, gemstone mining, shooting 26 Lake Martin Living

bow and arrows, participating History Abounds Left: There is a waterfall in water ball battles, playing in the cave; Prehistoric wacky water golf and of course, Native Americans wall climbing. once called the But that is not all. There are caverns their home; also several amusement-parkGraffiti from IW Wright type rides and a splash pad, dates back to 1723. the Destiny Express Train and Foam Falls, plus so much more.

The entertainment is never lacking either. Families can watch and participate in the character quest throughout the park or enjoy forge demonstrations, magic shows and fire and ring juggling.

And no worries about food because there is a café that serves up delicious hormone-free food and ethically sourced coffee. There is also a gift shop that is home to gemstones and jewelry and an array of other unique items.

There is even an overnight option where groups can stay and sleep in the Healing All Cathedral. If visitors choose this option, they will attend an extended tour that can only be completed by lantern light. Imagine falling asleep in a cavern that holds so much incredible history. One can only dream of what those days were truly like, and perhaps sleeping there would make those dreams possible, as the air is much purer and sleep comes easier.

Whether people come to learn about the rich, organic history steeped into the walls and floors of the Kymulga Cathedral or they come to watch magic tricks and eat tasty treats, it is most certain that a day well spent is a day spent at DeSoto Caverns.

New Homes With Luxurious Amenities: Resort, Golf, Tennis, Fishing, Spa, and Wooded Trails

Everyday Grandeur D I S C O V E R A LU X U R I O U S G O L F L I F E ST Y L E L I V I N G A LO N G G R A N D N AT I O N A L G O L F C O U R S E Tucked away on the outskirts of Auburn University at the world-class Grand National Golf Course, the award winning National Village offers everything you’ll ever need for the way you want to live. The thoughtfully crafted master planned community features georgeous homes designed by national award winner Larry Garnett and built by Ab and Don Conner at Conner Bros. Construction Co., Inc., a local company with more than 100 years of experience. With the Marriott at Grand National on site, residents enjoy championship golf, miles of picturesque nature trails and lakes for fishing, spa and pool. National Village is truly an unbelievable place to live – inside or out.

Plus, thanks to the high speed fiber optic network of Opelika (Alabama’s first Gig City), our homeowners enjoy some of the Nation’s fastest internet for any work- or learn-from-home requirements.

T O L E A R N M O R E , C A L L U S AT 3 3 4 . 7 4 9 . 8 1 6 5 O R V I S I T W W W. N AT I O N A LV I L L A G E . C O M .

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Tips for Buying a Second Home

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MONEY MATTERS

ith high prices and low monthly homeowners association fee on top inventory challenging housing of your mortgage. markets across the country, Take advantage of the lower interest rates you might think it’s not a The sticker price of residential properties good time to buy a second home. But low might seem high right now, but if you interest rates give buyers more buying power bought a second home at a lower price than they might think, and I see a great deal but higher interest rate, your monthly of enthusiasm from second-home buyers payment, amortized over 30 years, could despite some of the headwinds. be substantially higher. Today’s low interest If you have the desire and means to buy rates aren’t going to last forever, and they a second home, there are a few factors to make houses more affordable over the long keep in mind as you begin your search. I’ll term. walk you through some of the most common Know that buying land and building from topics I discuss with my clients. scratch may bring uncertainties Have a clear purpose for the property The COVID-19 pandemic has created David Ballard If you’re buying a home to use as an major supply chain problems across a wide income property, you’ll usually have to come variety of industries, including construction. up with a higher down payment and show that you have In addition to logistical delays, the price of lumber and more substantial reserves. In addition, some lenders other building materials has skyrocketed, making it require proof of your ability to make at least six months difficult for home builders to set cost estimates. They of payments; however, if you plan to rent out your don’t know how long it will take them to get all the second home occasionally but without formal operation materials they’ll need, and they don’t know how much by a property management company, these types of supplies will cost six months from now. So, make sure requirements may not come into play. your budget has some flex in it to account for this Know the tax implications of buying a second home uncertainty.

Tax law can change from year to year, but currently, Consider whether drawing from a home equity line of interest paid on loans of $750,000 or less can be credit could help deducted from your taxes, so keep that in mind when If you qualify, you might be able to draw from a line you begin your property search. of credit; however, in some situations, it might make Consider the hidden costs of buying a second home sense to pay cash for the property if your line of credit is Even if you can afford the mortgage payment, taking big enough. Talk with a home loan specialist to discuss on the costs of a second home means you’ll be paying your options. for water, power, cable and internet service, as well as insurance, maintenance and upkeep. I see significant ~ David Ballard is a Birmingham-based Valley Bank interest in condos as second homes, but if that’s your residential lending consultant. preferred product, keep in mind you’ll likely be paying a Lake Martin Living 29

Proper Preservation

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As prices rise, safe food preservation could be the key to healthy eating for less STORY BY BETSY ILER

“Canning today’s tomatoes with a recipe developed for the tomato breeds that were available three generations ago could be an invitation to a devastating situation,” ~ Dani Reams

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s summer’s bounty appears on grocery store shelves around the area, one thing is evident: Food prices have gone up. According to a Nielsen IQ study, the average cost of grocery store purchases nationwide has increased by 5.7 percent year over year. Some factors in the price increase include labor shortages and wage increases, as well as rising gasoline prices, which affect the shipping aspect of the supply chain. Heavy crop damage in the Midwest and foreign demands also have played parts in recent price increases at local grocery stores. And now, the National Integrated Drought Information System estimates that 75 percent of California, which supplies more than 25 percent of the country’s fresh food supply, is in an extreme drought, an indication that prices might go even higher.

It’s a situation that may well prompt gardeners to heave great sighs of relief in that they have a modicum of control over the cost of their fresh food supply.

But don’t despair. Even people who don’t garden could cut food costs and eat well for less with minimal investment of time and money by preserving foods purchased now for consumption later. And Alabama Extension and the USDA National Center for Home Food Preservation are ready partners in helping Alabamians with projects like this and more.

Of the various food preservation methods – canning, dehydrating and freezing – canning is the most prevalent. Its popularity has gone up and down since canning methods were standardized about 100 years ago; however, the origins of canning predate Louis Pasteur’s research of microbes in food spoilage by 50 years.

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the process of hermetically sealing and heat-sterilizing containers of food was invented by a French brewer in 1809. Nicolas Appert developed the process in response to the need to preserve food for use by armies, which heretofore had been limited to summer and fall campaigns when fresh food was most plentiful.

Then, in the late 1800s, Samuel C. Prescott and William Underwood of the U.S. gave canning a scientific spin with time and temperature stipulations for canning foods safely. The safety Extend shelf life of the food is of utmost Can, pickle or freeze importance and is the focus fresh foods to combat of educational materials grocery prices rising.

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offered by Alabama Extension, said Dani Reams, a regional Extension agent for Tallapoosa and other Alabama counties.

“Only use recipes that have been properly tested,” Reams said. “The big concern with canning and the reason for testing recipes is botulism. When it is in an environment with reduced oxygen, it can be lethal.”

The toxin that causes botulism originates in a germ called Clostridium botulinum, which is found in soil. When canned food is not preserved according to specific time and temperature criteria, it becomes vulnerable to the odorless, tasteless and invisible-to-the-naked-eye toxin.

“Any Extension publication with canning recipes should be an established recipe that is safe to use. Also, the National Center for Home Food Preservation has a cookbook that has safe recipes and instructions for properly preserving foods by canning, freezing, pickling and drying,” Reams said.

Recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation may not be safe, she noted, as genetic changes in the vegetable or fruit may have affected the acid content, a key component in home canning, as acid prevents the C. botulinum bacteria from growing.

“For example, tomatoes are less acidic now. Our grandparents didn’t have to add acid when they canned tomatoes because tomatoes in their generation had a higher acid content. Now, we have to add lemon juice or vinegar to make sure there is enough acid,” Reams said.

Canning today’s tomatoes with a recipe developed for the tomato breeds that were available three generations ago could be an invitation to a devastating situation, Reams explained.

Acid content largely determines which of two canning methods is appropriate for a particular food. Foods that 32 Lake Martin Living

have high concentrations of Shop Small Farmers Markets acid – such as most fruits are open in Alexander for jellies and jams – can be City and Dadeville canned with a water bath this summer. method; those with lower acid content – including beans, meat and most vegetables – must be canned with a pressure canner.

Videos and other publications describing the two methods and explaining the precautions for each can be found on Tallapoosa County’s Alabama Extension website.

Though the volume of information may seem overwhelming, Pennington Park Farmers Market vendor Radene Lett said the process is relatively easy and doesn’t take much time after the first few attempts.

“It saves money in the long run, but once you buy your equipment and your jars, you just might need to buy more lids,” Lett said. “If you buy vegetables in bulk, it’s cheaper, or instead of going to the grocery store, find a farmers market.

It’s usually a little cheaper that way, and the food is definitely fresher there.”

Investing in fruit trees now will reap free fruit for canning jams and jellies in the years ahead, she said.

“Also, it makes great Christmas gifts,” she added. “But always follow the recipe explicitly. Whatever the recipe calls for, that’s what it needs. You cannot skimp on the sugar. And it really doesn’t take much time.”

Some recipes are available for using artificial sweeteners for diabetics, she said, but again, follow the recipe.

Angela Treadway with the Extension service has narrated canning videos that review the process and explain equipment settings. In addition, canning recipes

and publications with time/temperature charts and other important information are available in free book pdfs on the National Center for Home Food Preservation website.

The initial outlay of money for canning equipment could run between $100 and $650 or more, depending mostly on the quality of the equipment. For about $250 to $300, a person could purchase a pressure canner, lifts, tongs, funnels and everything else needed. These items usually are readily available locally at discount departments and farm supply stores.

But canning is not the only means of preserving the summer’s bounty. Dehydrating is another preservation method on the rise, Reams said.

“I remember my grandmother dehydrating things outside on a screen,” she said. “Humidity here is a factor for doing that, but you can do it in an oven or purchase a dehydrator.

“You can make things like fruit leather. It’s like a fruit roll candy, but it’s a healthier option.”

Dehydration removes the moisture from foods, which are then packaged in vacuum-sealed plastic sheets and can be stored in a cool, dry place for four months to a year.

Dehydrators vary in cost according to their drying direction, capacity and quality but range from $60 and up.

Reconstituted vegetables and fruits are suitable for use in soups and pies, and some could be eaten as snacks.

Freezing is another option, though it can take up a lot of space if a large amount of food is preserved with this method. How long it lasts depends on how it’s packaged, Reams said.

Foods should be packed tightly to allow as little air as possible in the packaging and packed in single meal quantities. Label each package with tape or labels that are explicitly made for freezer use, noting each container’s ingredients, date, form – such as slices or whole – and the number of servings.

A good practice for using frozen foods is first-in/firstout, so the oldest items in the freezer are the first ones used.

This policy helps to ensure the best food quality.

The type of food could greatly affect its freezer shelf life.

Processed meats, for example, should be used within two months of freezing, but many fruits and vegetables will last for up to 12 months.

“None of these food preservation methods is permanent.

It’s not indefinite. You’re really looking at 12 to 18 months.

The idea is to preserve enough food to get through to the next harvest,” Reams said.

For more information about food preservation methods, visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation at nchfp.uga.edu or Alabama Prepare, be ready Cooperative Extension Top Right: Buying in bulk System at aces.edu. With at local farmers markets a little research, a small may yield fresh foods investment and a little bit at low prices; Bottom of time, saving grocery Left: Acid content in fruits money and eating healthy and vegetables dictate the appropriate canning could be an answer to method. higher grocery prices.

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Day of Action

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STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH & PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAKE MARTIN AREA UNITED WAY

ay of Action: A day when the community joins forces to get things done through highly visible and coordinated action that draws awareness and requires accountability. United Way Worldwide began Day of Action as a way to get the community to harness the volunteer spirit and improve the communities in which they live.

UWW hosts Day of Action on summer solstice or June 21 every year. As the longest day of summer, more actions can be completed on this day. But not all United Ways choose summer solstice as their day of action. Lake Martin Area United Way usually hosts Day of Action the Thursday just before June 21 due to convenience for volunteers. But this year, even that was different.

“Because of summer school, we held our Day of Action on the Friday morning of June 18, and we had a group on the Saturday before, too, which has never happened,” said Lake Martin Area United Way Executive Director Sharon Fuller. “Typically, we have worked at the schools, but this year we had some projects that were not typical. We helped a 84-year-old lady who needed a ramp and built that for her.

We also did yard work, mowing and trimming bushes, for a 96-year-old veteran, as well as cleaning Main Street and the

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surrounding area here in Alexander City.”

Aside from the aforementioned projects, the community uses Day of Action as an opportunity to get down and dirty.

They participate in projects that require painting, building, digging in the dirt, pulling weeds, pressure washing, blowing off parking lots and sidewalks and so much more.

“The people in our community would rather get outside and get hot and sweaty pulling weeds than go sit in a cool room and read books to children. So we take advantage of that every chance we get,” Fuller said.

“The schools love it and appreciate the help,” said Courtney Layfield, marketing and community initiatives director at Lake Martin Area United Way. “They have limited resources, and if we can off-set those expenses by getting volunteers to paint something, build something or pull weeds, then that can be very helpful for them.”

“I believe we’ve painted in every school, other than Edward Bell, in Tallapoosa and Coosa County,” said Fuller.

“Edward Bell is on our radar.”

But painting and pulling weeds are not the only types of volunteer action LMAUW has going on for Day of Action, they also offer kid-friendly cleaning opportunities as well.

“We had 96 volunteers this year,” Fuller said. “Teachers,

Community Contributions

The LMAUW is fortunate to have sponsors that help, whether through monetary contributions or in-kind donations.

“We are so grateful to our sponsors. They provide water and snacks for our volunteers, amongst many other tools and supplies, and most of them volunteer themselves, for which we are immensely grateful,” Fuller said.

Sponsors of this year’s Day of Action were Commissioner T.C. Coley, Commissioner John McKelvey, Alabama Paper and Supply, Home Depot of Alexander City, Church of the Highlands: Auburn Campus, Lake Martin Signature Construction, Russell Lands and the Disabled American Veterans Alex City.

“We also received a grant from Enbridge – they are part of the pipeline – called the Fueling Futures grant,” Layfield said. “Part of that grant went to Day of Action, and part of it goes to the reading program.”

LMAUW is always looking for volunteers, for huge opportunies like Day of Action or to come in and fold T–shirts or answer telephones at the local office. They hope to be able to have their fundraisers this year and always welcome volunteers to help. There is something for everyone, Fuller said.

For more information or to volunteer please contact Courtney Layfield or Sharon Fuller at 256-329-3600 or visit unitedwaylakemartin.org.

Facing Page: Marley McCollum, Abbey Burns, Brantley Shields, Sharon Moore, Teya Waites, Sharon Fuller, Stacey Jeffcoat, Donna Keel, Ann Hardman; Charlotte Blubaugh, Terry James, Andrew Lamberth, Eddie Colon, Bobby Reeves, Jason Weldon, Tucker Nall and Zenene Humphrey-Davis volunteered their time to work on Main Street and at United Way; Counter clockwise from Top Left: Carey Atkinson, Jim Davis, Brad Oliver helped build Mrs. Brown's ramp; Paislee Sharpe, Holland Gamble, Alisa Foreman, Maddie Smith, Harper Hunter completed projects at Horseshoe Bend School; Lily, Emme and Tammy Jackson worked at Main Street United Way; Stephanie Kendrick and Vincent Ellison volunteered their time at Radney Elementary School; Ken Childs, Anita Perez, Hugo Perez, Ken Cowart, Edgar Bailey, Gracie Stewart, Michael Johnson spent time on Day of Action manicuring Mr. Childs, a 96-year-old veteran, yard.

principals even assistant principals will roll up their sleeves and get to work with us. We would love to see more students.”

Both Fuller and Layfield recognize the opportunity that Day of Action, and other volunteer opportunities bring to the community and would love to see the younger generations come out to participate as well.

“Volunteering with United Way is a great way to source community service hours that so many students need to meet graduation or scholarship requirements,” Layfield said. “Day of Action is an easy four hours of volunteer time, and we encourage participation.”

“We literally have something for everyone,” Fuller said.

“Radney Elementary School and Horseshoe Bend School are in for quite a treat. We did a lot of work there this year,” Layfield said.

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Russell Medical receives five star rating

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e are seeing stars at Russell Medical.

Five stars, that is.

We are proud to be among the top hospitals in the country and one of only six hospitals in Alabama to receive a 5-Star Overall Quality Rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. CMS recently updated its Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings for 2021, giving 455 hospitals the five-star rating. CMS Susan Foy assigned star ratings to hospitals nationwide based on their performance across five quality categories: Mortality; Safety of Care; Readmission; Patient Experience; and Timely and Effective Care.

In case you missed it, I mentioned in last month’s article that we received an ‘A’ safety rating from the Leapfrog Group, a national distinction recognizing Russell’s achievements protecting patients from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. So you see, our commitment to exceptional care is evident.

Our patient-centered staff members are quality-focused every day. So you can feel comfortable that whenever you place the care of a loved one in our hands, you can be sure they’re in the safest and most compassionate hands possible.

We are proud to announce another achievement that benefits our nurses and the people they care for at Russell Medical Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine: Accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The ANCC Accreditation Program identifies organizations that exhibit excellence in nursing continuing professional development. Healogics earned this distinction by promoting excellence in nursing and patient safety 36 Lake Martin Living

Medical News

and providing nurses with the knowledge and skills to help improve care and patient outcomes.

The nurses at our Wound Care Center are firstrate, indeed.

Dr. Regina Phillips and her team are ready to heal chronic, non-healing wounds. They are conveniently located behind the hospital at 55 Alison Drive. No physician referral is required for an appointment.

With great anticipation and pleasure, we announce the arrival of our newest physician, Dr. Steven Baker. Baker is an Orthopaedic Surgeon and will begin seeing patients on Aug. 2. His office, Russell Medical Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, is located in Suite 116 of the Professional Building. His office is currently booking appointments. Please call 256329-7723.

Baker grew up in the Birmingham area and graduated from Samford University with a BS in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham. Baker completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga. He is an avid outdoors enthusiast

and enjoys all types of recreational activities, from hunting to wakeboarding. He and his wife, Courtney, look forward to settling in and meeting new friends throughout the Lake Martin area. He has a passion for sports medicine and will be seen on the sidelines each Friday night as the Wildcats take the field.

Exciting things are happening at Russell Medical.

For additional information regarding our services and physician clinics, visit our website at russellcares.com or follow us on Facebook. We are here for you. ~Susan Foy is the marketing director at Russell Medical.

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imes are always changing and as Lake Martin Living columnist Lacey Howell wrote a few months back, so are styles.

It seems like just yesterday people were purchasing beautiful, old homes and buildings with massive amounts of character to turn around and rip it all out, turning what once was a lovely home into a monochromatic open floor plan scheme that screamed, “No, you may not eat ice cream on the sofa!”

But as of late, bare and boring has turned to lush and homey. First with farmhouse chic and now even more so with the emergence of grandmillennial style, the granny-chic flair that Howell raved about in her April column.

It appears as though the days of stark white paint and rigid, uncomfortable furniture are totally in the dust, despite the fact that style is cyclical and will inevitably come back around. For now, color and comfort abound in homes all around.

Wallpaper is resurfacing hugely, and most certainly antique-ish furniture is reemerging from the shadows. People are upcycling and antique shopping. Thrift stores have become the new and desired norm amongst many generations but primarily millennials, hence the term grandmillennial style, which is meant to be a twist on traditional home décor by those in their 20s to late 30s.

It appears to be a reunification of Aunt Ethels rattan table and uncle Burts Grecian bust that doubles as a plant pot, both of which should be surrounded by pops of color. The one requirement for a room is that the design must bring a feeling of nostalgia.

So in an attempt to see whats out there and learn how to choose stylish, yet granny-chic, décor for our homes, Lake Martin Living went to visit with some of the favorite antique procurement shops in Dadeville.

Walking into Off the Beaton Path is like stepping back into a craftsman-style, oldworld showroom with soft but colorful edges. Nostalgia exemplifies each and every design element in the shop. Industrial clamps grace the walls as bookshelves and craft exquisitely large tables, similar to a grandmother's formal dining table, but so

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STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH & PHOTOS BY JAKE ARTHUR

Nostalgic Comfort A grandmillennial take on antique furniture and design

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much cooler because of the upcycled twist on traditional style.

Bulgarian barn doors take center stage while unique chairs and pillows adorn the open space, creating a cozy atmosphere. Old European bread racks stand garnished with pots and pans or used as linen storage, which is practical because the wheels allow for quick and easy access and lend to a rollaway storage option. While incredibly stylish, these elements contribute to a wonderfully nostalgic vibe that could cause even the most well read scholar to pause and imagine what life must have been like in earlier centuries.

Perhaps this is the motivation behind the grandmillennial style? To feel something one has never experienced before, but also feel totally at home in the comfort of it, similar to what it must be like to relive childhood memories of Thanksgiving spent at Grandma’s house.

Andrea Beaton Mickaels, the owner and curator at Off the Beaton Path, is exponentially knowledgeable and 40 Lake Martin Living

creative when articulating Southern Comfort Previous Page: Industrial furniture, styles and the clamps are used as the legs people that will go with for a dinning table; Clockwise them. from Top Left: Upcycled “We started this store accessories could add cozy because I could not find vibes to any space; Smaller the pieces that I was clamps can be used as picturing in my mind,” shelving; Antique bakers Mickaels said. “Which racks could double as linen storage; Pillows are used to has led us to make quite add a pop of color or add a few of our projects and depth and comfort to any to search for the elements room; Industrial clamps make that would create what I unique conversation pieces; envision.”

Eclectic pieces help to make While Mickaels and her a space feel more like home. husband Kirk try to limit the builds that they do inhouse, some things just have to be created, she said.

“When we hit the road to shop, we can be gone for

three days, and in that time, we travel about 2,000 miles,” Mickaels said. "It can be a lot, but we love it.

“We work primarily with seven vendors, and when we take to the road, we have a pretty good idea of what we are looking for in most cases. Although, if we are staging a home, there are times that we may veer off of our path and just stop to shop and look. But that doesn't happen often.”

Mickaels said that most of the vendors and private warehouses they frequent were discovered through relationships fostered by networking.

“We work with vendors from Broomfield to the Paris Flea Market. We purchase Turkish water pots and Kilim fabric pillows and purses from a group in Turkey. We also work with Hungarian and Belgium dealers and frequent private warehouses. Sometimes we go to the Atlanta Market to fill in empty spaces at the shop with new stuff. That place is incredible,” Mickaels said. “But I credit my husband for those relationships because it is his personality that allowed us to meet the right dealers through networking.”

But Mickaels said that it is not just shopping and socializing for her and Kirk. They do have to source out good quality antiques.

“When we walk into a 50- or 60,000-square-foot building that a dealer might have, Andi will go one way and I will go another,” Kirk said. “We do a sweep of the entire building.

She will see things that I do not see and vice versa. And when we meet back in the middle, we have a discussion. We may walk the floor again. Together this time and point out what we like to each other. If we both like an item or see a vision for it, we will usually come home with it.”

Occasionally, though, the Mickaels get lucky.

“Sometimes, people who are moving or have acquired a house will come in and ask if we want to come to pick it,” Michaels said. "Those opportunities are the true treasures.

“We knew a couple that had been dealers for over 40 years. They had two barns, a large workshop and a large old house. They called us one day and asked us if we wanted to come to pick pieces because they were retiring. We were Lake Martin Living 41

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overjoyed. What an amazing treasure that was.”

Kim Shelton at Sweet Pick’ins in Dadeville also truly appreciates when her clients reach out for her to come and delve through their things.

“I have people call me when they get tired of paying for their storage units,” Shelton said. “I will go and search through them and take what I think I can up-cycle and resale. So it is always a blessing when I get those calls.”

Shelton loves to dig through storage units and old homes to find valuable pieces that can be upcycled. She frequents Facebook Marketplace, looks for curbside pickups and visits thrift stores, shops and yard sales in a quest to find perfectly nostalgic, timely furniture that her customers often look for in her shop.

Shelton joked that she opened her shop so that she could shop. And while Sweet Pick’ins does host an array of painted and upcycled buffets, tables and accent pieces that Shelton has purchased herself, she also takes special requests and works on private projects for her clients.

“If my customer comes in and wants something painted, I always ask for pictures of everything,” said Shelton, who has been stripping and painting furniture since she was 8 or 9 years old.

“I want to see the furniture that I am painting in its organic space so that I know what other types of styles and furniture will be sharing the design. These elements help me determine if the piece should be an accent piece that would add a pop of color to the room or if the furniture should be neutral, like white, gray or black to complement what they already have in the room.”

Shelton said that most vintage furniture is made of natural wood, which means it can be painted and repainted, or it can be stripped totally clean, and the client will still

have a nice piece of furniture or a great accent piece to use in their home.

“I have taken entertainment centers that TVs do not fit in and turned them into coffee bars,” Shelton said. “Curio cabinets can become bookshelves, and footboards and headboards can become entryway benches. The possibilities are unlimited.”

However, according to Shelton, there have been times when she had a vision in mind, and the furniture just would not cooperate. She would then have to scrap her original idea and go in a totally different design direction.

“Have you ever heard a singer say ‘the song just spoke to me’ or an actor say ‘I was called to do take on this role. It called to me’? Well, furniture does that to me,” Shelton said.

“Furniture calls to me. I just love it.”

So while Sweet Pick’ins and Off the Beaton Path may be completely different from the outside looking in, they both share a love for antiques and natural wood (even if Shelton prefers to paint it). They also enjoy creating beautiful, cozy spaces where their clients can unwind at the end of a long day.

So, whether grandmillennial is the style of the future or just a quick blip in the past, it is evident that nostalgic, colorful and comfortable living quarters are desired amongst many, not just millennials.

Granny-chic, anyone?

Unique Designs

Facing Page:A buffet transformed into a colorful coffee bar, creates a whimsical look; Top Left: An upcycled hutch coupled with colorful dish sets makes for lovely design elements; Right: Old water faucets could be converted into working water features.

Lake Martin Living 43

Many a small thingg

largge... hhasass bbeen eeen mmade ade

...with the right kind of advertising.

256.234.4281

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

44 Lake Martin Living

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Jazz Fest Friday, June 11, 2021 Alexander City 1. Paul Mask and Peggy Jarvis 2. Tom Crowell and Brenda Sherer Burnett 3. Michelle Marbury and Buffy Colvin 4. Woody and Kim Baird 5. Jake Arthur and Brittany Pitts 6. Audrianna Lawyer and Joseph Smith 7. Ryan, Breck, Jessica and Sheppard Sanford

Lake Martin Living 45

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4th of July Blue Creek Parade Sunday, July 4, 2021 Dadeville 1. Dylan and Emalee Griffith 2. Cindy Oliver and Ed Oliver 3. Dennis and Lynne Zondervan, Logan and Brea Strong, Tara, Scott, Connor, Cole, Clay and Carson McDuffie and Ryan, Whitne, Jack, Sam and Grace Zondervan 4. Jon, Jill, Standford and Jehley Jarnto and Nanny Sue 5. Elaine Balint Forbus and Mickey Forbus 6. Nick and Kendra Spencer

7. William, Jack and Amity Neighbors and Amy, Scott and Leah Dowsett

8. Dean and Sylvia Delongchamp, Pat, Melissa, Emma and Anna Moffett and Cindy and Mike Delongchamp

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Business After Hours Thursday, June 14, 2021 Copper's Grill 1. Rick and Mitzy Hidding

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2. Ellen Godfrey and Carson Carter 3. Tammi McVicker and John Thompson 4. Ruth Smith, Stacy Marano, Jennifer Gregory and Mary Swindle 5. Dana and Chad Gilliland 6. Stacey Jeffcoat 7. Jeanine Williams, Patricia Samford, Lori Harrell, Quinten Burks, Jerry Clark and Tara Snyder 8. Steve Winkleman, Kurt Pfitzner, Delain Hanson, Leigh Pfitzner and Tracy Winkleman

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Celebrate Freedom Saturday, July 3, 2021 Alexander City 1. Chasity Magouyrk, Ave Price and Melinda and Lena Grace McDaniel 2. Lexi and Chason Smith 3. Sarah Baker and Audrey Owens 4. Nate McIntire 5. Emerson and Gabe Williams 6. Kason Keel, Elaine Taunton and Brodie Boswell 7. Savannah, Bryce and Dustin Mullins 8. Ronald, Janice and Megan Jordan

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Dadeville Chamber of Commerce Inaugural BBQ Thursday, June 24, 2021 Kylee Cooper Farms 1. Bobby Hill and Abby Guy

2. Tim and Jane Blankenship 3. Carrie Waldrop and Stephanie Daughtry 4. Mindy Oliver and Ed Oliver

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5. Phillip Blasingame 6. Sandra Carlisle and John McConnell 7. Amy and Ross Kilpatrick and Lee Vanoy 8. Tasha Ellis, Mandy Simmons, Christine M. Glenn and Heather Cooper 9. Heidi Smith, John Hannon, Hadley Smith, Dr. Darcy Blankenship, Amanda Hannon, Mike Bruce and Dr. Tim Whitman 10. Rhonda and Robert Gaskins, Andy and Donna Moore and Patty and Jim Hildreth

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Ribbon Cutting Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors Friday, June 11, 2021 Alexander City 1. Allan Cutts, Dione Vick, Chris Griffin, Payton Miller, Colby Bernier and Michael McGill 2. Lori Harrell, Stacey Shaw, Jeannine Williams, Teresa Grier and Cameron Dodwell 3. Chad and Dana Gilliland 4. Cindy and Bob Moye 5. Reid Mitchell and Dano Neese 6. Cecily Lee 7. Liz Holland and Emily Sprayberry 8. Taylor Jones, Linda Hardman and Wanda Farmer

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4th of July at The AMP Sunday, July 4, 2021 Eclectic 7

1. Clint and Jeremiah Whyte 2. Russell Tyler and Becky Taylor 3. Austin and Rayley Kent 4. Jason, Robert, Joe and Dave Muglio 5. Micaleigh and Rebekah Whyte and Jasen Douds 6. Jose, Yari, ZJ and Ari Rosario 7. David McGirt, Mark Denney, Paul Chancelor and Lamar Neighbors

Lake Martin Living 51

Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

Charity Chairs Now through July 31, Raining Dogs Gallery and Zazu’s Verandah invite artists to create a chair that will be auctioned off to benefit the Dadeville Library. Choose a sturdy chair and let the imagination run wild; anything goes – paint found objects, mosaic, wood.

Each original chair art creation will be displayed at Raining Dogs Gallery Aug. 5 through 7, and silent bids will be taken.

A final silent auction event will be held in September. Proceeds of the sale will purchase new books and ebooks for children and young adult readers.

Chairs can be supplied to artists who do not have access to one. For more information email info@ZazusVerandah.com or call 256-307-2188 for more information.

Getting Artsy

Chairs designed by local artists will be auctioned off to raise money for the Dadeville Library.

52 Lake Martin Living

LAKE REGION EVENTS Now through July 30 Moonlight Fishing Tournament

This nighttime fishing tournament launches at 6:30 p.m. from the DARE Park boat ramp.

Entry is $120, which includes the big fish pot. $10 from each entry is added to the pot for the tournament series champion at the end of the six-series tournament event. Weighins start at 12:30 a.m. Register s at ogstournaments.org.

July 17

Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run

Dress up your friends and your boat and turn out for a fun day on the water to raise money for local charities. Russell Marine hosts this annual poker run in which costumed players collect cards at designated marinas around the lake to put together a winning hand. Buy extra cards at the end to better your hand, win money and enjoy the post-event party at The Ridge Marina. Look for registration information and details at RussellMarine.net/events.

July 19-20

Throw-Away Days

Dumpsters will be available at the Stillwaters entrance and at Double Bridges on state Route 63 at no charge to residents for the disposal of household items. No paint, paint thinner, pesticides or other hazardous liquids, appliances with compressors, tires, batteries, light bulbs, televisions, computers, propane tanks or other hazardous or medical waste. This cleanup program is sponsored by the Tallapoosa County Commission.

July 21-22

Throw-Away Days

Dumpsters will be available at the intersection of Young’s Ferry and Mullican and at the intersection of Piedmont Loop and U.S. Route 280 at no charge to residents for the disposal of household items. No paint, paint thinner, pesticides or other hazardous liquids, appliances

with compressors, tires, batteries, light bulbs, televisions, computers, propane tanks or other hazardous or medical waste. This cleanup program is sponsored by the Tallapoosa County Commission.

July 23-25

Throw-Away Days

Dumpsters will be available at the Alexander City Courthouse Annex at 395 Lee St. at no charge to residents for the disposal of household items. No paint, paint thinner, pesticides or other hazardous liquids, appliances with compressors, tires, batteries, light bulbs, televisions, computers, propane tanks or other hazardous or medical waste. This cleanup program is sponsored by the Tallapoosa County Commission.

July 25

Pennington Park Farmer’s Marketplace

Pick up fresh local produce at Dadeville’s Pennington Park from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be live music, food trucks, baked goods and more.

Aug. 3

Summer Series: Allie Gilmore

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

Aug. 7

How to Eat Without Meat

Wrap up your summer at Lake Martin with a class that explores different plant-based cooking recipes from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with Chef Joe at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga. Discussion topics will include building a flavorful pantry of condiments, stocks and sauces to expand your repertoire and using spices, ingredients that add bold yet lean flavors to your cooking, healthy fats and the Mediterranean diet and

even options to please picky eaters.

The cost of this class is $40. Tickets are available through pursellfarms. com.

Aug. 13

Inaugural Chamber Golf Tournament

Visit the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce website for coming details about the chamber’s inaugural golf tournament at Lakewinds Golf Course, sponsored

by Engineered Cooling Services and Valley Bank.

Season-long Events Alexander City Farmers Market

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

Friday on the Green

Get the weekend at the lake started early when you meet friends and family at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads on Friday nights all summer long. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and the pup on a leash. Pick up dinner at Catherine’s Market or bring a picnic and adult beverages. For the weekly lineup and details, visit russelllands.com/ blog/events.

Yoga on the Green

Meet at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads Saturday mornings all summer long for a free yoga session in the beauty of nature.

Class starts at 7 a.m., so bring your mat, a towel and water.

Third Thursdays Downtown Every third Thursday through

Lake Martin Living 53

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

Bingo Wednesdays

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

Wellborn Musclecar Museum

Housed in a restored vintage auto dealership in downtown Alexander City, the Wellborn Musclecar Museum collection of great American automobiles of the 1960s and 1970s is open for public viewing Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This exemplary collection includes the famed K&K Dodge, the 1970 Grand National Champion, as well as Aero cars designed for NASCAR. You will see an example of each manufacturer’s highest horsepower cars of 1970, from Dodge, Plymouth, Chevrolet, Buick, Porsche and Oldsmobile. The inventory on display changes frequently, so every visit includes something new and exciting. Admission for adults is $11; children ages 7 to 17 admitted for $7, and children ages 6 and under are admitted for free. To arrange discounted group tour or private tours, call 256-329-8474 or email wellbornmusclecarmuseum@gmail. com.

First Saturday Markets

Standard Deluxe in Waverly hosts the First Saturday Market each month through August. Pick up lunch, local artwork, T-shirts, posters and more from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit standarddeluxe.com for details.

54 Lake Martin Living

Soup to Go

Drive through the parking lot at St. James Episcopal Church at 347 S. Central Ave. in Alexander City between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. every Tuesday and pick up a free brown bag dinner with soup, sandwich and more.

COVID-19 precautions are taken by volunteers who prepare, pack and distribute the meal, which is open to the whole community.

Music at Copper’s Grill

Copper’s Grill hosts music outdoors on the lawn at 7:30 p.m. every Friday.

Bring your own lawn chairs and please keep a proper social distance.

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 Ourtown Volunteer Fire Department at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. For more information, contact John Thompson at 334-3993289.

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.

Lake Martin Creativity

Enthusiastic artists and crafters get together at 1 p.m. every Wednesday at the Stillwaters Residential Building for canvas painting, jewelry making, mock stained glass and more. Share your interests, too. Cost is $5 per month for fun, fellowship, learning new skills and making new friends. Contact Suzie Ham at 334-464-2882 or Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506 for more information.

Library Storytimes

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

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City holds themed

storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for preschool-aged and younger children. For more information, call Melissa Finley at 256-234-4644.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Located on state Route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats.

Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

Naturalist Marianne Hudson fills the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads with children and adults to see and listen to her lively nature presentations with critters, insects, snakes and fowl, just to mention a few.

There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature in the wild and the outdoor classroom. For details, see RussellLands.com/blog/events.

Trivia Night at Niffer’s on the Lake

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

Coffee & Connections

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

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

GOOD EATS

Blueberry-Spice Jam wit h powdered pect in 2 1/2 pints ripe blueberries 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg or cinnamon 5 1/2 cups sugar 3/4 cup water 1 box (1 3/4 ounces) powdered pectin Yield: About 5 half-pints Procedure: Wash and thoroughly crush blueberries, one layer at a time, in a saucepan. Add lemon juice, spice, and water. Stir in the pectin and bring mixture to a full, rolling boil over high heat, stirring frequently. Add the sugar and return to a full rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, quickly skim off

foam, and fill sterile jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.

Adjust lids and process as recommended in Table 1.

Table 1 - Process Time at Altitudes Style of Pack Hot 0-1,000 ft 5 minutes

Jar Size Half Pint or Pints 1,001 - 6,000 ft 10 minutes

Above 6,000 ft 15 minutes

This document was adapted from the “Complete Guide to Home Canning,” Agriculture Information Bulletin No. 539, USDA, revised 2015.

Reviewed February 2018.

Lake Martin Living 55

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Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

63

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

9

Power lines

280

20

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

4

County Roads

15

Horsesh Nation

Jaybird Landing

Flint Hill Church

22

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

Rockford

3

49

128

22

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

Pleasant Grove Church

28

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Mt. Zion Church Russell Farms Baptist Church Friendship Church New Hope Church

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Smith Landing Willow Point

7

Seman

5 Camp Kiwanis

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12 1 Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

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Union Landing

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Walnut Hill

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Stillwaters

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25 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

Church in The Pines

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Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing 55

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

10 63 18 11

Equality

231

17

57

9 24

Dade

280

29

Liberty Church

20

Jacksons Gap

26

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

16

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

49

Eclectic Santuck

13 Kent Reeltown

231

14

ELMORE COUNTY

120

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Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

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Tallassee 229

MACO COUN

Marinas

Daviston

1 Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 2 The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

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33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 43. Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors 256-397-1700

19 Russell Marine Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 5 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026 6 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

hoe Bend nal Park

7 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026 8 Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600

397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853

CHAMBERS COUNTY

Restaurants & Venues

eville

ON NTY

9 Smith's Marina 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com

8 SpringHouse 10 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

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Camp Hill

11 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

23

12 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 13 Acapulco Mexican Grill 334-283-2725 2867 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078

280

Waverly

Business & Shopping 50

20 Dark Insurance 256-234-5026 www.darkinsuranceagency.com

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 21 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853 22 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454 8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 23 Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847 21300 Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 36853

Hotels & Lodges 24 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches 25 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820

8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 26 Lake Pointe Baptist Church

8352 AL-50, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-373-3293

Dock Builders 27 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443

180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 28 Docks Unlimited LLC 256-203-8400

6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

Recreation & Entertainment 29 Dixie Sailing Club 767 New Hope Church Road Alexander City, Al 35010

14 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036

230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850

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

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 16 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

LEE COUNTY

17 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 18 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

Loachapoka

19 Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 334-857-1816

8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

14

Notasulga 85 81

If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map, for as little as $25 call 256-414-3174. Space is limited.

Lake Martin Living 57

DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE! Subscribe today or visit one of our local establishments each month for a free copy.

ALEXANDER CITY Robinson Iron A & M Plumbing Carlos The Body Shop Walgreens Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Jake's Moore Wealth Management Carlisle's Emporium Wine Cloud Nine Downtown Girl Shay Aesthetics JR'S Hillabee Towers Senior Nutrition Center Noel Boone George Hardy First Realty Dark Insurance Warren Appliance MainStreet Family Care Grace's Flowers Koon's Korner Larry's General Merchandise Daylight Donuts Alfa Valley Bank - 280 Pricare Temple Medical AllState BB&T Bank Hometown Pharmacy Lake Martin Home Health Allen's Food Mart (Exxon) Karen Channell - State Farm Insurance North Lake Condo River Bend Store River North Marina Lake Martin Building Supply Petro Sho'Nuff BBQ Hair Design

Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Longleaf Antique Mall Playhouse Cinemas Chamber of Commerce Winn Dixie Re/Max Around the Lake City Hall A&E Metal Regions Bank Marathon - 280 Renfroe's Market Russell Medical Center Russell Marine Boating and Outdoors Koon's II Tallapoosa Ford Dylan Johnson - Country Financial Holley's Home Furniture Jackson's Drugs Selling Lake Martin - Amy Clark The Sure Shot Shell - 280 Big B Bar-B-Que Russell Do It Center Russell Home Decor Holman Floor Satterfield Inc. Grain & Leaf, Bottles & Cigars Tippy Canoe Love Lake Martin Real Estate Office Wind Creek Gate Wind Creek Store Willow Point Office Willow Point Country Club Smith Marina on Lake Martin Nails Kowaliga Marina Kowaliga Restaurant Children's Harbor Catherine's Market Russell Lands Corporate Office Russell Lands Real Estate Sales

Center Springhouse Restaurant Ridge Club Ridge Marina HACKNEYVILLE Hackneyville Water Authority NEW SITE Piggly Wiggly - New Site Foodland DADEVILLE Chamber of Commerce Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery Root 49 Salon Ellaby Boutique, LLC Alabama Power Siggers Siggers Barbershop Fusion Cafe Dadeville Library At the Beauty Shop Dadeville Courthouse Payne's Furniture PNC Bank Valley Bank McKelvey Chevrolet Renfroe's Market Foshee's Boat Doc Lakeshore Pharmacy Russell Building Supply Lakay's Tallapoosa Nutrition Sweet Pickins Century 21 - Rhonda Gaskins Farmers & Merchants Bank Jim's Pharmacy Poplar Dawgs Still Waters Country Club Still Waters Home Association Russell Lands Realty Fuller Realty Harbor Pointe Oskar's Aronov Realty Lake Martin Creekside Lodge Blue Creek Marina

Lakeside Marina Niffers Hwy 50 Eagle Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Chuck's Marina Deep Water Docks Lake Martin Pizza CAMP HILL Link Gas Station EQUALITY Five Star Plantation Equality Food Mart Southern Star Parker Creek Marina Charles Borden ECLECTIC Lake Breeze Realty Offshore Marina Lake Martin Mini Mall Corner Stone Coffee Co. Lake Martin Dock Company Cotton's Alabama Barbecue Russell Do It Center Johnson Furniture WOW Catering LLC Eclectic Library Real Island Marina Anchor Bay Marina Wetumpka Wetumpka Herald Office Tallassee Marathon Tallassee Eagle Tallassee Chamber Parris Mullins Jr. O.D. Get Lake Martin Living delivered to your mailbox for just $50 per year. To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

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IN PRINT AND ONLINE. alexcityoutlook.com thewetumpkaherald.com tallasseetribune.com

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Lake Martin Living 59

AD INDEX A&M Plumbing.................................................................................... 6

Larson & McGowin Properties............................................................ 2 8

A&O Tree Service............................................................................... 5 9

National Village................................................................................. 2 7

Alexander Landscaping ....................................................................... 8

OBGYN Associates of Montgomery..................................................... 5

Beyond Home Care............................................................................ 1 4

Offshore Marine................................................................................ 6 3

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation........................................................... 6

Oskar's ............................................................................................. 5 9

C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 5 9

Precise Pressure Washing................................................................... 6 1

Childersburg Primary Care................................................................. 4 4

Prime Home Health.............................................................................. 8

Coosa Valley MRI............................................................................... 6 1

Red Flag Pest Control.......................................................................... 6

DAVCO Development........................................................................ 6 1

Rhonda Gaskins, C21 Lake Area Realty................................................ 3

Electronic Technology Group.............................................................. 6 1

River Region Dermatology.................................................................. 6 1

First Methodist Dadeville/New Water Farms....................................... 6 1

Russell Medical.................................................................................. 6 4

Four Seasons..................................................................................... 6 1

Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................... 5

George Hardy, D.M.D.......................................................................... 6

Security Pest Control.......................................................................... 1 4

Harbor Pointe Marina........................................................................ 6 0

Southern Sash................................................................................... 2 8

Heritage South Credit Union.............................................................. 1 5

St. Vincent Catholic Church............................................................... 1 4

Insight Contruction.............................................................................. 5

Sunrise Docks.................................................................................... 4 4

Jim DeBardelaben................................................................................ 8

Surgical Dermatology Group.............................................................. 1 4

Jim's Pharmacy.................................................................................. 5 9

Tallapoosa County Board of Education................................................. 2

Kowaliga Whole Health..................................................................... 6 1

Tallassee Health & Rehab................................................................... 2 8

Lake Martin Dock........................................................................ 17, 61

TowBoatUS........................................................................................ 5 8

Lake Martin Mortgage....................................................................... 3 7

UAB Heart & Vascular........................................................................ 2 1

60 Lake Martin Living

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY KOWALIGA WHOLE HEALTH PET CARE

Mary S. Battistella, DVM

e July Special e 20%f Spa Of Baths

Includes Shampoo, Creme Rinse, Blueberry Facial, Ears & Nails

(334) 857-1816

8610 KOWALIGA ROAD ECLECTIC, ALABAMA

COOSA VALLEY

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alexcityoutlook.com | lakemagazine.life

Lake Martin Living 61

Grab the cooler

I

received a great marketing bag recently that was full of things one would need at the lake. It led me to think about everything people really need and use on a boat and the gear to which we are all loyal - swimsuit brands, fishing poles, speakers and coolers, to name a few. But, unfortunately, the only thing mentioned in more country songs than trucks, dogs and drinking is Yeti coolers. In fact, I found an entire article devoted to just Yeti and country songs.

Our Lake Martin area is full of outdoor enthusiasts who boat, hunt and are generally hard on things. They are gearheads who are passionate about their brands, and you will not see many boats without a Yeti. And, of course, a Lacey Howell well-loved Yeti is almost always covered in stickers.

My first Yeti was a Christmas gift. The company had not been around very long, and the cooler only came in white. It came with a hat and sticker, if I remember correctly. I did not use it much because that thing was heavy when loaded down with ice, and I could barely carry it. That particular model was designed to sit on boats and in the back of trucks. I took it on a girls' trip and (after several libations) decided to leave it on the beach because I was sick and tired of carrying it around.

Luckily a friend pitched in, and we took turns hoisting it back to the condo.

I have a lot of memories that revolve around coolers.

That being said, I have been to a lot of parties. My favorite college cooler was a soft tote from Five Star Plantation that I lifted off my dad. I have a boathouse full of them.

People leave them at my house or gift them to us.

We come home all the time with old cheapies that the family packs full of leftovers for us, and there always seems to be a squeaky old styrofoam cooler hanging around that I picked up at a gas station in summertime out of desperation.

Coolers generally stand for a good time and a plan to go along with it. John and I had an ancient blue Playmate that perfectly fit our sailboat’s basket and was stolen at a concert. That was one of the few times in my life I have seen John really mad.

Back to Yeti. Yeti has been around since 2006, when two brothers decided they needed a cooler that wouldn’t break. Their website lists out brand ambassadors spanning from rodeo cowboys to female professional anglers. Cool people doing cool stuff.

The coolers come in bright colors now with names like 62 Lake Martin Living

Culture Shock

King Crab Orange, and constantly has new collections emerging. Yeti knows exactly what it is doing.

The Nascar collection completely sells out. But, it keeps us coming back for more because you have to have the new color, and if you had the heavy hard cooler, well, the problem solved-here is the lighter soft cooler. Also, they have cool names like Roadie 24 and Tundra Hard.

The brand is more than coolers now, and one of the more practical items is the Ice Bucket. I can say we use it for everything. The beer koozies really keep the beer ice cold. There are travel duffel bags, pet items, camp chairs and clothing. The list goes on, and now there are freestanding retail stores in select cities.

Once a brand like Yeti is established, they could make ice cream if they wanted, and people would buy it ... in a stainless steel cone, of course. ~ Lacey Howell is a recovering English major from Auburn who now lives on Lake Martin, sells real estate, rides horses and loves good wine. Follow her on Instagram @LaceyHowell and her Facebook page.

The 10 Items You Need in Your Boat for a Good Time

1. Yeti Cooler (loaded down) 2. Beach Towels 3. Cups 4. Bottle opener

5. Portable Speaker 6. Camp Chair 7. Floats 8. Fishing Pole 9. Change of Clothes 10. Waterproof Bag

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