September 2015 Lake magazine

SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 1

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SEPTEMBER 2015

Š 2015 John Hardy Limited

One of a kind. One at a time. Each by hand.

111 South College Street, Auburn The Shoppes at EastChase, Montgomery TigerTown Center, Opelika Eastern Shore Centre, Spanish Fort

SEPTEMBER 2015

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Letter from the Editor

Staff

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his particular edition of Lake magazine was so much fun to put together for you. Why it was different this month from other issues, I do not know.

Maybe it was the email I received one morning from advertising director Tippy Hunter alerting me that Alexander City natives Ryan Jones and Matt Harris had embarked on a 15-mile canoe trip on Lake Martin from the River Bridge to Kowaliga. It seems the two had recently returned from a wilderness canoe trip to my beloved Quetico, and they wanted to enjoy one more long day’s paddle before returning to school. They shared both trips in the story on page 34.

It might have been this month’s house feature though.

Back in May, Julia Goree Upton told us she had just completed a major renovation of the Blue Creek cabin she shares with husband John and their boys. Though I wanted to jump at the opportunity to feature this delightful retreat in the pages of Lake, it actually took us nearly four months to get there. What a treat! You won’t be disappointed in the fabulous job the Uptons did on their Lake Martin getaway on page 44.

Or this month’s 10th anniversary feature on page 26. A representation of the beautiful Parting Shots that have graced the last page of this magazine since the first issue. It was difficult to choose from among the many photos, but we hope these will help you to remember the first 10 years of Lake.

Of course, there is a lot of news in this issue, as we addressed several issues that Lake Martin residents and stakeholders have followed for years. On page 18, there is an update on the progress of Alabama Power Company’s relicensing application and the potential for raised water levels.

Also, the Pleasure Point Park and Marina case last month was settled with a summary judgment in Tallapoosa County Circuit Court, which may facilitate the cleanup of the area.

It’s been a difficult situation for park residents, as well as the power company. Find out what happens next on page 52.

Then again, it probably was the Sunday afternoon boat ride to Parker Creek to meet the members of Lake Martin’s newest sports and social club – the Paddleboat Club of Parker Creek. What a great time these folks are having on the lake! It was fun to sit amongst them while they cajoled back and forth, laughing together and sharing the warmth of great friends. Meet them on page 40.

Whatever it was that made this issue of Lake so special, I’m so glad that we are able to share with you these stories and more!

Editor & Publisher KENNETH BOONE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Managing Editor BETSY ILER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Marketing/Advertising Director TIPPY HUNTER

tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing Coordinators MISSY FONTE

missy.fonte@alexcityoutlook.com

KIM MORSE

kim.morse@alexcityoutlook.com

HEATHER GLENN

heather.glenn@alexcityoutlook.com

Circulation Manager DAVID KENDRICK

david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com

Creative Services AUDRA SPEARS

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

DARLENE JOHNSON

darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com

HALLIE HOLLOWAY

hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors KENNETH BOONE JOHN COLEY HENRY FOY DAVE HEINZEN JULIE HUDSON ROB MCDANIEL GREG VINSON

CLIFF WILLIAMS LEE WILLIAMS MITCH SNEED DAVID GRANGER SAWYER DAVIS ROBERT HUDSON

All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of:

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

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SEPTEMBER 2015

On the Cover Cover: Sixteen-year-old Alex Levine of Marietta, Georgia, spent a sunny afternoon in late August riding a PWC near Chimney Rock. In the split second of an exposure, photographer Kenneth Boone was able to catch the rainbow of light in the frame around Alex.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 5

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SEPTEMBER 2015

Contents 18. NOT THIS YEAR? Criteria has not yet been met for increased pool levels as relicensing wait continues 26. 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF LAKE Memorable moments on the lake are captured in this final page feature 34. BRIDGE TO BRIDGE Eagle Scouts end summer with a 15-mile canoe trip from Coley Creek to Kowaliga

30 38. LABOR DAY CONCERT AT THE AMP This year's lineup includes Railroad Earth, The Lonely Biscuits and The Vegabonds

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40. PARKER CREEK PEDALERS Great exercie and easy on the knees, paddleboating is fun on Lake Martin 44. THE CABIN Traditional Russell cabin inspires nostalgic Blue Creek renovation 52. PLEASURE POINT CLEANUP MOVES ON Recent ruling requires residents to vacate property and cleanup to resume

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES: 9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 10. LAKE SCENES 12. WHERE IS LAKE? 14. LAKE EVENTS 16. LAKE MARTIN NEWS 22. GEO 101 30. NATURE OF THE LAKE 56. Q&A 58. HOBO

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59 FAB FINDS 60. LAKE PROPERTY 63. BEHIND THE BOAT 64. BIG CATCHES 66. HEALTHY LIVING 67. CHEF'S TABLE 68. FROM THE CELLAR 71. PRO TIPS & ANOTHER GOOD LIE

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

SEPTEMBER 2015

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SEPTEMBER 2015

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

Number of sales

Average selling price

Median selling price

Days on the market

Total houses for sale

Inventory/ sales ratio

July 2015 July 2012 July 2009

42 22 30

$488,751 $403,474 $383,098

$387,500 $293,500 $301,750

186 205 163

359 399 597

13.13 22.37 39.58

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

September Fishing Forecast As cooler temperatures become more frequent throughout September, Lake Martin’s fish populations will become more active, said Randy Baker of Alexander City’s Fish Tales Bait & Tackle.

“Things should start to pick up in September,” he said. “As the weather starts cooling down, the fish will start migrating into shallower water at creek mouths.”

Bass can be caught on an array of artificial baits this time of year, Baker said. Jigs and shakey head should be productive.

“Crappie should be moving up to shallower water in the 10-15 foot range as well,” he said, “but the striper will stay deep for right now. They will stay deep until the water cools down even more.”

Did You Know?

Paddle Boat or Pedal Boat?

It's both!

The earliest record of a paddle-powered watercraft driven by two pedals is a diagram of a pedalo by Leonardo Da Vinci.

The small, human-powered watercraft propelled by the action of pedals that turn a paddle wheel to propel the vessel forward is a smaller version of the system used by a paddle steamer. In the human-powered version, the boat employs side-by-side sets of pedals that turn a paddle wheel. Some models include a third set of pedals, which allow a person boating alone to maintain the weight balance of the vessel by pedaling from a central seat.

Paddle boats are often hired out on small lakes and at amusement parks and are popular with children and the elderly. For a look at a modern paddle boat on Lake Martin see page 40.

Lake levels during the last month Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 489.25 Lowest: 488.25 Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and water-related equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.

For up-to-date lake levels, log on to https://lakes.alabamapower.com.

Information from the National Weather Service.

Lake Martin's weather outlook for September Year to Date

Precipitation: 35.09 inches Avg. high temp.: 75.9 Avg. low temp.: 52.8 Average temp.: 64.3

Our Normal September Precipitation: 4.13 inches Avg. high temp.: 93 Avg. low temp.: 50 Average temp.: 73.8

September 2015 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the low 90s with lows in the 50s and about 4 inches of precipitation in the month of September. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be slightly above average levels this month, and rainfall is expected to be in the average to slightly above average range.

For more information regarding lake levels this winter, see the article on page 18.

SEPTEMBER 2015

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LAKE SCENE

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

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Reader Submissions

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(1) The Lemier-Potts family celebrated this year with an All American Fourth of July Rodeo at Lake Martin.

(2) Corky Fountain teaches grandson Mason to count and jump. (3) David Ellison caught this bass during the late afternoon off the bank at his aunt's house on the Dadeville side of Lake Martin. (4) Jase Jacques, Cale Whiteard and Heidi Jacques explore Lake Martin on the wave runner. (5) Kate, Hope and Laine Methvin skiing on Lake Martin on July 4th weekend. (6) Janice and Joel Boyd visit their friend Gayle Harris at Pleasure Point. (7) Mady Lashley kayaks Lake Martin with her two chocolate labs, Ruger and Bella.

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SEPTEMBER 2015

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LAKE SCENE

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

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Reader Submissions (1) Steve Sprayberry of Sylacauga hosted members of the 1970 University of Alabama freshman football team - Phil Murphy, Rand Lambert, Sprayberry, Gary Rutledge, Paul Spivey, Steve Kulback, Ricky Davis, Noah Miller, Sang Lyda, David McMakin, Ronnie Robertson, Coach Jimmy Sharpe, John Rogers, Mike Raines, Joe Cochran, Coach Bill "Brother" Oliver and Bill Davis - at his place on Lake Martin. (2) Marley Wade, Kaylie Sills and Lexie and Katie Wilson take a leap off the boat. (3) Maggie Harvill salutes all the entries at this year's Fourth of July Boat Parade at Children's Harbor. (4) A hot pink sun sets behind Kowaliga Bridge on Lake Martin.

(5) Lorelei and Owen Durbin and Zachary and Matthew Lancaster spent a morning kayaking around the docks. (6) Lily Jackson meets her fur cousin Lucy for the first time at Lake Martin's Children's Harbor.

SEPTEMBER 2015

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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS LAKE?

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

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Reader Submissions

(1) Lake took a trip to Ketchikan, Alaska, with David and Denise Booth, Ken and Vicki Sharpe and Robert and Gloria Lamborne. (2) Menelle Weiss treated Lake magazine to the premier of the new Broadway musical, Amazing Grace. (3) Lake magazine went to Aruba with Ellen Brooks, Ellen Dawkins, Jan Fitzgerald and Barbara Gilewicz. (4) Lake magazine sailed aboard the Disney Dream to Castaway Cay with Owen, Julie Ann, Bryan and Lisa Wilson and Brad, Larry, Becky and Leigh Ellen Browning. (5) Nibblers owners Reay and Phyllis Culp took Lake to Yellowstone National Park. (6) Peg and Roger Bacik took Lake magazine to Stonehenge while touring England, Wales and Scotland.

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LAKE 13

Now through 26 Lila Graves Exhibit

Gallery 128 at 128 Calhoun Street in Alexander City will host the works of renowned local artist Lila Graves. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sept. 5 Crossroads Garden Pancake Breakfast

The Community Garden Club will host a pancake breakfast benefit in the Arts Cabin at Russell Crossroads from 8 to 10 a.m. Pancakes, juice and coffee will be served. The cost is $5 and should be paid with cash or check.

The Friends of the Dadeville Public Library have invited Dana Gynther, author of The Woman in the Photograph, to discuss her book at 2 p.m. (205 N. West Street). Gynther grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and Auburn, Alabama, but now lives in Valencia, Spain, where she and her husband work as teachers and translators. Her book is set in the 1920s in Paris and is a novel about a young woman who leaves New York for the excitement of Paris. Books CALENDAR OF EVENTS will be available for purchase.

Call 256-825-7820 for more WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN information.

Get breakfast at Russell Crossroads Sept. 5 to benefit the Community Garden Club

Sept. 6 Labor Day Concert at The AMP

The Vegabonds headline summer's final concert at The AMP at Russell Crossroads. The kidfriendly event has space for picnicking so be sure to bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers. Concert starts at 6 p.m. with Railroad Earth and The Lonely Biscuits. Gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 at theamponlakemartin.com/tickets.

Horizons Unlimited will host Birmingham actress and story performer Dolores Hydock, a touring artist for the Alabama State Council on the Arts and Alabama Humanities Foundation who has been featured in a variety of concerts, festivals and special events around the country.

The meeting will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street in Alexander City. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple for the fall quarter speaker session.

Sept. 15 Art Association of Central Alabama

Sept. 18 Fall Gardening Extravaganza

Join the Tallapoosa County Extension office for this year’s event from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Betty Carol Graham Techonology Center on the Central Alabama Community College campus in Alexander City.

Speakers include Arlie Powell, P. Allen Smith, Walter Reeves and Nancy J. Lowenstein. Cost is $25 and includes lunch. Limited seating, so reservations are required. Call 256-825-1050 to reserve a seat.

Sept. 21 Hot Topic of the Day

Sept. 14 Soldiers in Greasepaint: Entertaining with the USO

Meet at 10:30 a.m. at The College Gallery the third Thursday of each month. Artistic technique in painting, drawing and other arts taught at each meeting. For details, call Martha McKnight 256-825-6503 or Jerri Halmark 256-825-0595.

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Sept. 17 Book Signing

Dr. Mark Conversino of the Maxwell AFB Speakers Series will return to the Horizons Unlimited circuit to offer his perspective of the latest hot topic. Conversino, a faculty of the Air War College, holds interest and expertise in military history, logistics, Soviet and Eastern Bloc history and politics and airpower history, theory and doctrine. The meeting will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street in Alexander City.

Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple for the fall quarter speaker session.

Sept. 26 Drug Take Back Event

Lake Martin Clean Water Partnership and local law enforcement agencies will accept old, unwanted overthe-counter and prescription medications from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Walgreens in Alexander City. Law

SEPTEMBER 2015

enforcement personnel will properly dispose of the medications to prevent contamination of the water system.

For information, call Sabrina Wood at 334-429-8832.

chase of any featured wines for the evening.

Yoga on the Green

Bring a mat and a bottle of water to the Russell Crossroads Town Green at 7 a.m. Saturdays through to Sept. 5 to start the day with yoga.

Sept. 28 Best of Jazz and More

Retired Sylacauga Band Director, Buddy Simpkins, will lead an afternoon of music that will include jazz, rhythm and blues, pop and swing. The meeting will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street in Alexander City.

Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple for the fall quarter speaker session.

Fridays on the Green

What could be better than bands, lawn games and beautiful sunsets on the Town Green all summer long? The music starts at 6:30 p.m. every Friday, just in time to drop your luggage at the lakehouse and meet your friends at Russell Crossroads.

Santuck Flea Market

Season-Long Events

The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month at 73300 Central Plank Road, Highway 9 in Wetumpka.

MainStreet Farmers Market

Shop the produce of local growers every Saturday morning at the Broad Street Plaza in downtown Alexander city to pick up fresh, seasonal, fruits, honey, jams, jellies and relishes, eggs, herb plants, lotions, creams, shampoo and conditioner, soaps made from goats’ milk and beeswax byproducts. Local growers will offer their products from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

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

Catherine’s Market Wine Tastings

$20 on the 20th

Gather around a table with friends at Catherine’s Market from 5 to 7 p.m. every Friday through Sept. 4 to taste a selection of wines. Your $5 tasting fee will be applied to the pur-

Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit

The Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce is asking our community to "Spend $20 on the 20th" of each month to help our local economy.

SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 15

Lake Martin News Annual cleanup set for November 6 and 7 The annual cleanup at Lake Martin and surrounding communities this year will be held Nov. 6 and 7, Lake Martin Resource Association president John Thompson announced this month.

“We urge folks to note the cleanup dates on their calendars now and plan to be part of the community-wide effort to keep our lake clean of trash and litter,” Thompson said.

Last year, more than 250 volunteers turned out to pick up trash from roadsides, trails and the banks of the lake, filling four large dumpsters and collecting 8 tons of litter and dumped items.

This year, Thompson said, efforts are being made to increase the number of volunteers who will pick up trash over the two-day period.

Neighborhood associations, businesses, civic organizations, church groups, Scouts and others are invited to participate, he said.

“Dumpsters will be placed at several locations throughout the Lake Martin community,” he said.

The annual cleanup began some 15 years ago through the Alabama Power Company’s Renew Our Rivers program, which sponsors cleanups in the company’s lake communities. In addition to the power company, sponsors for the Lake Martin project include LMRA and Advanced Disposal.

For information, contact Thompson at jthompson@lmra. info. ~ Staff reports

in an area south of Young’s Island, between DARE Park and Smith Mountain.

Witnesses said he had been swimming when he began to struggle in the water. The friends managed to get him close to shore and tried to revive him. Boaters came to his aid and tried to resuscitate the man using CPR. Sydney Sneed, one of the boaters who came to Harrell’s aid, described the struggle to help to bring him back.

“They were struggling just to keep him out of the water and said they have been trying to revive him for about 10 minutes when we came into the cove,” Sydney Sneed said. “I swam over and started compressions. The pulse would come and go. We tried and tried, but I knew we had to get him to the boat so we could get him some help.”

Other boaters, including Virgil Roberts, arrived and with everyone working together, they managed to get Harrell onto a boat and then rushed him to DARE Park where emergency personnel met them and transported him to Lake Martin Community Hospital.

Cowart said all signs point to a massive heart attack.

“We feel like that was what it was, but they will do some tests just to make sure,” Cowart said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, especially in a case where so many people tried so hard to save him like that.”

Tragedy on Lake Martin is not a new thing to the Harrell family. On June 28, 2013, the Harrells lost their 30-year-old son Henry Adam Harrell when a personal watercraft he was driving struck a dock on Sturdivant Creek in the Lake Hill Estates area of Lake Martin, just north of the U.S. Highway 280 bridge off the Tallapoosa River.

Harrell is survived by his wife Daphne, his son Heath Harrell (Hillary) of Deatsville and numerous others.

~ Mitch Sneed Highway paving continues this month

Volunteers are sought to pick up litter during this year's annual cleanup

Man loses life while swimming

A 61-year-old Calera man died Aug. 9 after suffering what appeared to be a cardiac event while swimming in a cove on Lake Martin’s east side.

Tallapoosa County Deputy Coroner Ken Cowart said that James Michael Harrell was pronounced dead at 3:35 p.m. after being rushed to Lake Martin Community Hospital.

Harrell was with his wife and two friends in a remote cove 16 LAKE

The paving project on U.S. Highway 63 and Alabama 128 is expected to continue through mid-month, and road crews said they hope drivers will be patient through the process.

“It is a big project,” Mark Ingram with Gary Ingram Paving said. “The job requires over 50,000 tons of asphalt and we produce about 1,000 tons a day.”

The state project starts at the Tallapoosa and Elmore county line and stops at Highway 280 in Alexander City.

“It’s a little over 12 miles and we are doing 128 over to Wind Creek State Park, too,” Ingram said.

He explained that the project involves more than just putting down asphalt.

“The parts of that section of 63 that have not been widened yet, we are widening to 28 feet,” Ingram said. “We are planing the road. We are also correcting the slope in several of the curves in that stretch of road. When we are done, you will see two new layers of asphalt that have been put down and the entire stretch will be widened.”

SEPTEMBER 2015

~ Cliff Williams

The search and rescue sign recently went up on the Jackson's Gap building

Search & Rescue gets new building

instructor to come up and teach it,” he said.

The lake area also is served by the Alexander City Rescue Lake Martin Search & Rescue’s Terry Newman has gone Squad, which organized in 1959 and has about 50 volunteers. the extra mile for his neighbors since the certified rescue For information about the Alexander City Rescue Squad, squad formed in 2010. He stored the organization’s equipcontact Ken Cowart at 256-329-8023. ment – boats, gear, radios and more – at his home for five years until Lake Martin Search & Rescue (LMSR) moved ~ Staff reports into their own building on Peckerwood Road last spring.

A member of the Alabama Association of Rescue Squads, LMSR has 22 member volunteers who respond to their Infections no problem at the lake neighbors’ calls for help in emergencies. The only compensaRecent reports of swimmers developing skin infections – tion they receive is the personal satisfaction of doing so. including staph – after swimming in some Alabama lakes are The Lake Martin area is served by just two search and highly unlikely for those who enjoy the waters of Lake Martin, rescue squads who respond to emergency situations, such as state health department officials said. drownings, tornadoes and other disasters on a string of a bud“We all have bacteria on our skin, including things like get just because they think it is the right thing to do. staph and strep,” said Dr. Karen Landers, a pediatrician with Volunteers pay for their own training, including travel, the Alabama Department of Public Health. “I think more than lodging and meals, and in addition to being on-call at all likely what we’ve seen are instances where the water didn’t hours of the day, they give up the occasional weekend aftercause the illnesses, but maybe a bug bite or abrasion was disnoon or weekday evening to maintain equipment or attend a turbed and made more susceptible to infection. meeting.

“Certainly, if you have a significant cut or abrasion, it’s “We can actually be dispatched all over the state of probably best to stay out of the water entirely.”

Alabama if there’s a disaster, and we have been,” Newman Landers said swimmers in lakes are actually more likely to said. “After the 2011 tornadoes, some of us were called out contract gastrointestinal illnesses since the bacteria that cause to Cullman, and we stayed about a week there, paying for it those types of problems are actually “water-borne.” ourselves.”

“If you have a child, or if anyone in your household has a The LMSR building at 753 Peckerwood Road was former- gastrointestinal problem, it’s probably best that they stay out ly used by the Jacksons Gap Fire and Rescue organization, of the water, as well,” Landers said. “A person is much more and LMSR volunteers have upgraded the facility with funds likely to contract or worsen a gastrointestinal illness than anydonated by the county. thing else simply because those germs thrive in water.”

LMSR will offer a variety of classes from the new buildLanders said that, while it always pays to take precautions, ing, most of which will be available to the public at no she isn’t particularly concerned that state lakes pose any elecharge. vated threat of skin infections.

“We’ll have CPR, first aid classes, boating classes. We “I think that parents and others should just continue to insist have licensed instructors come up from Montgomery,” on the minimal recreational water precautions,” Landers said.

Newman said.

“Keep your skin clean and shower and wash your hands when Check the organization’s Facebook page for informayou get out of the water.” tion on scheduled classes or send Newman a message on Facebook to request a class. ~ David Granger & Mitch Sneed “If I can get 10 or more in a class, we can usually get an SEPTEMBER 2015 LAKE 17

Not This Year?

Criteria not yet met as Alabama Power Company waits for license to be issued STORY BY BETSY ILER

W

hile hopes remained high that Lake Martin homeowners might have it all this year – an extension of the summer pool and an increased winter pool level – Alabama Power Company officials last month said that probably wouldn’t be the case.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has not yet issued an operating license allowing a fall extension of Lake Martin’s summer pool, but Alabama Power’s manager of reservoir management Tuesday said dry conditions over the summer indicate that hard-won aspect of the relicensing application probably wouldn’t have been an issue this year.

“There have been scattered showers, but conditions have been relatively dry this year. In fact, we’ve kicked in the drought plan,” said Alan Peeples. “Conditions are dry, and we’re seeing that on all of our lakes. That’s why you see the little bit lower water level. We are down about 9/10 of a foot.”

The power company has not initiated the annual drawdown ahead of schedule, Peeples said, but the lower water level is an indication of use for hydropower generation coupled with dry conditions.

The power company’s manager of hydro services, Jim Crew, said conditions have been met in three of the four criteria needed for implementation of the fall extension, but the wetter than normal requirements for the extension have not been met so far this year.

“We’ve been running a trial evaluation for a few months now, pretending the license was in place, to set up our model for evaluating the criteria. It’s preparatory work, really, and as of today, the criteria has not been met,” Crew said on Aug. 18.

Official evaluation of the conditions begins Sept. 1 and will continue for 30 days, Crew said. If the criteria are met any time in that 30-day period, the extension could go into effect – if the new license was to be implemented in time.

FERC is still in the normal response period of three to six months for consideration of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that their staffers released April 2, Crew said. That EIS recommended the fall extension, as well as 3 more feet of water in the winter pool level of the lake.

FERC’s lack of action on the power company’s request to 18 LAKE

renew the operating license for Martin Dam is unrelated to an 11-page letter Crew filed in the matter at the end of last month, he said.

“The letter was to clarify, to help FERC address any misinformation in their EIS. Normally, we point out the things in the EIS that might cause a problem for us or for them after the license has been issued. We did that before this time. They didn’t request comments. We were just taking a proactive approach,” Crew said.

Issues addressed in the letter, he said, were an effort to make sure the license functions effectively.

Among those issues was the removal of some lands in the recreational classification that do not have access to the lake; a clarification on the consultation process for implementation of the drought plan; and a clarification of the fall extension evaluation process, as well as clarification of the timing for implementing the new operating conditions once the license is issued.

“In the EIS, they said the fall extension could be started and then stopped if conditions change, but we said that once the conditions have been met for the fall extension, evaluation of the conditions will stop, and we’ll be in it for the duration. Unless we’re in a drought, once we implement the extension, we won’t go back. We’re all geared toward trying to be in that mode of keeping the reservoir higher,” Crew said.

The lands removal recommendations in the EIS left pockets of previously classified recreational lands without reservoir access, he explained.

“It’s a mapping issue. They removed some of the recreational lands but not the lands behind that, so we’re just trying to clean up the mapping,” Crew said.

The letter attempts to correct an indication that Georgia sources would have to be consulted prior to implementation of the drought plan, he added.

Also in his July 29 letter, Crew expressed appreciation for FERC staffers’ discernment and thorough assessment of the issues involved in the relicensing, referencing the public meeting that took place last year at which some 600 individuals supported the fall extension and increased winter pool proposals in the power company’s application.

FERC is not obligated to consider the remarks in the July 29 letter prior to issuing the license.

SEPTEMBER 2015

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SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 19

By-The-Numbers

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Lake Martin Marine Police Activity in June 2015

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Operating a vessel without a license

8

Boating under the influence

Expired or unregistered vessel CHILD UNDER 8 NOT WEARING PFD

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Operator's license not in possession

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Warnings Issued

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Insufficient Personal Floatation Devices

emergency shut-off switch not in use 20 LAKE

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PWC incident with injury

CARELESS OPERATION OF A VESSEL

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Possession of marijuana 2nd degree

Improper Navagation Lights

4

Towing a skier without an observer or mirror

Complaints filed with Marine Police *

June 2 – Vessels violating idle speed zone, Parker Creek area June 2 - Resident recovered adrift towable, no owner info June 5 - No Wake buoy adrift June 6 - Animal carcass floating near Pleasure Point June 7 - Individual dumped dock remnants in residential area June 8 - Swimming pad anchored in navigable area June 8 - Derelict vessel near Quarry Point June 8 - Congestion complaint at Kowaliga/Hwy 63 ramp June 15 - Telephone pole floating in lake near residence June 15 - Underage PWC operators in Blue Creek June 15 - Resident missing fishing kayak near River Bridge June 20 - Log floating south of River Bridge June 22 - Reckless boater towing inner tube, Manoy Creek June 22 - Reckless wakeboard boat causing erosion June 29 - Reckless and speeding boats and PWC in slough June 30 - Wakeboard causing dangerous wake in slough * Most calls for service are relayed directly to Marine Patrol Troopers through ALEA Dispatch and the local county sheriff's department..

4

Possession of Drug Paraphenalia

Minors in possession/consumption of alcohol

Reckless Operation of a PWC Allowing a person under 12 to operate a watercraft

SEPTEMBER 2015

1

2

1 Boating collision with 1 fatality and 2 injuries

1

Violation of restrictive signs/buoys

2

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SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 21

P

arker Creek is the largest part of Lake Martin that is located in Coosa County, in the northwest part of lake.

The area includes Parker Creek Marina and a new restaurant, The Landing at Parker Creek, which opened on weekends this summer.

As one of the earliest residential areas on Lake Martin, Parker Creek was not an organized development. Alabama Power Company owned most of the lake property on Parker Creek and in the mid-1900s leased lots for home construc-

22 LAKE

tion. While homeowners held the title to their houses, they could not own the properties on which the houses stood until the 1970s. At that time, the power company began to offer homeowners the opportunity to purchase the lots on which their homes were built. Most of the lots in the area are now deeded, and lots here tend to be larger than in other developed areas of the lake.

The only property the power company still owns in the area is about nine acres of commercial use land for the

SEPTEMBER 2015

Parker Creek 63

Timbergut Landing

22

280

Jaybird Landing

Alexander City

Camp ASCCA

9

Convenient recreation, dining and boat services available in established Coosa County lake neighborhood

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Flint Hill Church 280 49 22

Jacksons Gap 280

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek State Park

Pleasant Grove Church

11

Alex City Boat Ramp

Mt. Zion Church

259 9

Dadeville

Bethel Church

128

63

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church

57

280 New Hope Church

20

Parker Creek

Liberty Church

Camp Hill

Smith Landing Willow Point

Pleasant Ridge Church

24

34

63 Camp Alamisco

Equality

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Kowaliga Boat Landing

49 Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

55

Seman

Church in The Pines Camp Kiwanis

Trillium

Stillwaters

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor The Amp Kow

alig aB ay

Walnut Hill 50

80

9

90

Central

Union Church

Red Hill 63

50

Union

GEOGRAPHY 101

49

229

Eclectic

Tallassee

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTO BY KENNETH BOONE Kent

marina.

The Parker Creek area includes one small island, Parkers Island, which is just south of the Needle Eye Pass where Chapman Creek empties into Parker Creek.

The full service marina at Parker Creek is located on the south bank, about two-thirds of a mile from the mouth of the creek at Big Kowaliga. The marina is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays and offers gasoline and boat supplies.

Reeltown

The Landing at Parker Creek is a pavilion dining facility with a menu that includes salads, burgers, kids’ meals and breakfast, as well as craft beers. The restaurant includes a recreational area for lawn games, and patrons can access The Landing by boat.

By land, Parker Creek can be accessed via Alabama Route 20 from the north, Parker Island Road from the west and Coosa County Road 2 to Pine Needle Road or Parker Creek Road from the south.

SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 23

24 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2015

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LAKE 25

Parting Shot We conclude our magazine each month with a final photograph by Publisher Kenneth Boone coupled with a famous quote we choose to accompany the image.

It's one of our favorite parts of the magazine, a place where we can say a lot about life with a single photo and a few words. Our Parting Shots are sometimes serious, sometimes humorous, sometimes inspirational and sometimes observational. We try to make it a colorful, poignant page that will give our readers something to think about ... and remember.

The Parting Shot is a tradition that began with our very first issue in March of 2005. There's been one in each of our 125 issues since.

On these two pages we've chosen an image and quote from each of our first 10 years.

The mystery of a foggy night on the lake ... a fishing dog that looks every

bit as proud as the fisherman ... a national sailing champ who happened to flip his boat during a Dixie Sailing Club regatta ... the aftermath of the April 27, 2011 tornado that destroyed so much property on Lake Martin ... and the perfect tranquility of the following summer.

We hope you enjoy this look back at Lake's Parting Shot.

October 2005

"Uncertainty and mystery are energies of life. Don't let them scare you unduly, for they keep bordom at bay and spark creativity." ~ R.I. Fitzhenry

August 2006

March 2007

July 2008

"All life is chance. So take it!

The person who goes farthest is the one who is willing to do and dare." ~ Dale Carnegie

"The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of that which is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope." ~ Anonymous

"A prudent man does not make a goat his gardener." ~ Hungarian Quote

26 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2015

October 2009

April 2010

May 2011

"In our lives there is a simple colour, as an artist's palette, which provides the meaning of life and out. It is the colour of love." ~ Marc Chagall

"Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I'll show you someone who has overcome adversity." ~ Lou Holtz

"Pain is inevitable.

Suffering is optional." ~ M. Kathleen Casey

June 2012

February 2013

August 2014

"A happy life consists in tranquility of mind." ~ Cicero

"Life is the first gift, love is the second, and understanding the third." ~ Marge Piercy

"Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success." ~ Napoleon Hill

SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 27

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SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 29

Flag Bird

This avian favorite wears half a shirt

F

or centuries, the Red-headed Woodpecker has been one of those standout bird species that people remember. Cherokee Indians used it as a symbol of war; it was a favorite of America’s favorite bird painter, John James Audubon, and was featured in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, The Song of Hiawatha.

The Red-headed Woodpecker’s most distinguishing feature is obviously its beautiful scarlet head that stands out like hunter’s orange in the forest.

You could paint Red-headed Woodpeckers with only three colors. They sport bright red feathers all around their heads down to their shoulders, bright white bellies and wing patches and jet black backs and tails.

When this bird is perched with its wings folded, the broad white wing patches make it appear that this woodpecker has a white lower back.

Red-headed woodpeckers are easy to identify, because they are the only U.S. woodpeckers with an entirely red head, though many other American woodpeckers do have red patches on their heads.

They are medium-sized woodpeckers with strong, pointed gray beaks, gray feet and short, stiff black tail feathers. Both adult males and females look alike. Juveniles have gray heads instead of red.

This bird’s scientific name, Melanerpes erythrocephalus, means the same thing as its common name, “red headed;” however, it goes by a number of comical and descriptive nicknames, such as the The Red-headed Woodpecker has a number of comical and descriptive nicknames

30 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2015

NATURE OF THE LAKE STORY & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Red-headed Woodpecker

A Red-headed Woodpecker drills for food in standing dead timber

SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 31

They find a superabundance of food everywhere, as flying checker-board, flag bird, shirt-tail bird, halfwell as the best facilities for raising their broods. a-shirt and jellycoat.

The little labour which they perform is itself a Red-headed Woodpeckers are opportunistic feedsource of enjoyment, for it is undertaken either with ers that catch beetles, bees, grasshoppers, cicadas, an assurance of procuring the nicest dainties, or for midges and other insects by drumming on trees and the purpose of excavating a hole for the reception hunting bugs in and under the bark. But it also is of themselves, their eggs, or their families. They quite skilled at snatching flying insects in mid-air, do not seem to be much afraid of man, although and it hunts on the ground. This woodpecker has they have scarcely a more dangerous enemy. When been known to consume spiders, earthworms, eggs, alighted on a fence-stake by the road, or in a field, other baby birds and sometimes even small rodents. and one approaches them, they But all that animal protein gradually move sidewise out makes up only about a third of of sight, peeping now and then its diet. Two thirds of a Redto discover your intention; and headed Woodpecker’s meals are when you are quite close and seeds, berries, fruits and nuts, opposite, lie still until you are such as acorns, beech nuts and past, when they hop to the top pecans. of the stake, and rattle upon it One of this woodpecker’s with their bill, as if to congratmost interesting characterisulate themselves on the success tics is that it caches its food of their cunning. Should you in the summer season by pokapproach within arm’s length, ing it into cracks and holes in which may frequently be done, trees, under bark or even under the Woodpecker flies to the shingles for safekeeping. This next stake or the second from goes for acorns and nuts as well you, bends his head to peep, as for live grasshoppers that are and rattles again, as if to projammed into crevices so hard voke you to a continuance of that they cannot escape. The what seems to him excellent Red-headed Woodpecker will sport. He alights on the roof of sometimes move its food stores the house, hops along it, beats to different hiding places before the shingles, utters a cry, and consuming it during the winter. dives into your garden to pick Both male and female wood~ John James Audubon the finest strawberries which he peckers help build their nest, can discover.” which is a rounded cavity hamToday’s Red-headed mered out of the trunk of a dead Woodpecker seems to be much tree. It’s usually a foot to a foot more wary than the birds of Audubon’s era in the and a half deep and 3-6 inches wide. The entrance early 1800s, but the birds are still a favorite of birdhole is roughly 2 inches wide, and it is as low as 8 watchers. feet off the ground or as high as 80 feet up.

These birds are usually found in varied landscape, Female Red-headed Woodpeckers lay 3-10 1-inch long snow-white eggs, which hatch out in about two such as the edges of forests, orchards, burned areas and oak bottoms in open pine and hardwood forests weeks. with tall trees.

Bamabirds.com says bird lovers can attract Red-headed Woodpeckers range throughout Red-headed Woodpeckers by putting up nesting the United States and southern Canada east of boxes measuring 6 by 6 by 15 inches with a 2-inch the Rockies, and while they are still common in entrance hole near the top. Use rough, unplaned Alabama, their numbers have substantially decreased wood, so the birds can easily climb the face of the in the past 50 years. Cornell University’s All About box, or use a saw to make shallow cuts below the Birds website says that they lost 2.7 percent of entrance hole in smooth wood to make a “ladder” their population each year between 1966 and 2010. the woodpeckers can climb. Then fill the box with Scientists think the birds have been harmed by loss wood chips or sawdust and mount it at least 10 feet of habitat – those dead trees used for nesting sites high, preferably under an overhanging limb and (if you want to encourage wildlife, leave dead trees facing slightly downward to give the nest some prostanding) as well as the loss of food supply caused tection from the elements. If a woodpecker family chooses your box for a home, they will fling out the by agricultural practices that have reduced wild nut trees. sawdust and move in.

Information for this article came from Cornell John James Audubon wrote a delightful descripUniversity’s Allaboutbirds.org, Audubon.org and tion of this bird: “With the exception of the Mocking-bird, I know of no species so gay and frol- Bamabirds.com. icksome. Indeed, their whole life is one of pleasure.

“With the exception of the Mocking-bird, I know of no species so gay and frolicksome.

Indeed, their whole life is one of pleasure..."

32 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 33

Bridge to Eagle Scouts end summer with 15-mile canoe trip from Coley Creek to Kowaliga

STORY BY CLIFF WILLIAMS & BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS

I

nstead of relaxing before they started back to school at Central Alabama Community College and Auburn University, Alexander City natives Matt Harris and Ryan Jones took a nine-hour canoe trip on Lake Martin, paddling from Coley Creek on the lake’s east side all the way to Kowaliga Restaurant on the west.

The 15-mile paddle – made all in one day – took the pair under the River Bridge and past Smith Mountain, Blue Creek, The Ridge and Chimney Rock and then up Big Kowaliga Creek. They passed under Kowaliga Bridge and finished the day’s adventure with dinner at the restaurant.

34 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2015

Bridge

SEPTEMBER 2015

After a nine-hour canoe trip around the lake, Jones and Harris passed under Kowaliga Bridge in time for dinner at the restaurant

LAKE 35

That may sound crazy to most people, but paddling was nothing new to this pair of Eagle Scouts.

At the end of July, the two took part in a Boy Scout High Adventure Camp, paddling 139 miles through Quetico Provincial Park just north of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).

“We flew up to Minneapolis and took a shuttle to the base camp,” Harris explained. “The Canadians have this Odyssey program where you do one week of service in the park and you match the service time with a canoe trip.

So we worked on trails in the park for a week and then got to canoe for a week.”

Joining Harris and Jones on the Canadian trip were two guides – one from Oklahoma and the other from Virginia – and three other Scouts who were from Florida, Texas and Ohio.

The crew of seven camped for the entire two-week trip and cleared portages between some of the park’s lesserused routes, Harris said. Along the way, they saw loons, nearly 50 bald eagles and one black bear.

“We had a wind storm blow in, and we paddled two full days into the wind. I think we didn’t do more than 8 or 10 miles on one of those days. We got pinned down on an island for the night. It was an awesome trip,” Harris said.

“We decided after we came back, if we could do that – we could do this little stretch,” Jones said.

So the night before the Lake Martin paddle, they drove to Kowaliga Restaurant in separate vehicles and left Harris’ truck there as their ride home the next day.

On Aug. 13, they ate a big breakfast and packed sack lunches and plenty of snacks. They put water and sports drinks in a cooler and eased the canoe into the northern reaches of Lake Martin at the Coley Creek boat ramp at about 8 a.m.

“We took quite a few breaks to swim and cool off,” Harris said. “It was a pretty hot day, but at the end, we were just tired and ready to get out of the sun.”

At 5 p.m., nine hours after their start and with temperatures still in the 90s, motorists honked their horns above as Harris and Jones paddled their canoe under the Kowaliga Bridge.

“The boaters were polite,” Jones said. “Most waved.”

“One boater at Acapulco Rock talked to us as we paddled by,” Harris said.

“We did not tip over,” Jones commented.

“We decided to take a little break on Chimney Rock,” Harris said. “We climbed to the top and looked around.”

“We had mapped out the route, but the way we went didn’t really follow our map,” Harris said. “We’d see something interesting over here and then see something else over there. We ended up paddling about 15 miles.

“Kinda last hoorah with me heading off to CACC, and Ryan heading back to Auburn University,” Harris said.

The son of Rhonda and Mark Harris, Matt Harris is a sophomore at Central Alabama Community College and plans to transfer to Auburn University next year. Ryan, a sophomore at Auburn, is the son of Bart and Stacey Jones.

Ryan Jones and Matt Harris completed their bridge-to-bridge paddle on Lake Martin before heading back to school this fall

36 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 37

Labor Day Concert

R

ailroad Earth will headline the annual Labor Day Concert at Lake Martin Amphitheater. The band started as six guys who got together for some picking and playing, but within just a couple of months, they were writing original songs.

After an initial studio recording session yielded five pieces that got them a spot on the Telluride Bluegrass Festival stage before they’d played their first gig, they added five more songs and launched their debut album, The Black Bear Sessions.

Thing is – they aren’t even a bluegrass band.

38 LAKE

In fact, most managers, writers and record labels seem to have a hard time fitting Railroad Earth into just one particular genre. Even the band members mix words when describing their unique sound.

Acoustic rock and roll? Country and Eastern? Bluegrass with drums and amplifiers?

They’ll let the audience decide at The AMP on Sept. 6.

The Nashville-based Vegabonds will slip into town for the weekend following their appearance at Atlanta’s Big Sky Buckhead event to open this year's Labor Day Concert at Lake Martin Amphitheatre with the high-energy rootsy rock

SEPTEMBER 2015

at Lake Martin AMP From top: The Vegabonds, The Lonely Biscuits and headliner Railroad Earth will close out the summer at Lake Martin Amphitheater at the Labor Day Concert Sept. 5

and roll that has brought them global exposure.

The band formed in Alabama in 2009 and found fast rapport with audiences who love their New South Rock style.

They have shared the stage with Gregg Allman, Charlie Daniels, Tesla and others; have completed several tours of the U.S. and Europe and have recorded two albums.

Fortunately, the band has family ties to Lake Martin, and that keeps them coming back to an audience that keeps turning out to hear them.

This year’s mid-show band, The Lonely Biscuits, got their start in a dorm room at Belmont University when random

roommates Grady Wenrich and Sam Gidley started making music together the first week of school. John Paterini joined them from across the hall, and two months later, the group solidified their unique approach to rock when Nick Byrd joined up.

As sophomores, The Lonely Biscuits won the 2013 MTV Woodie Award for College Band of the Year, and last year, they played to sold-out audiences in every city on their first headline tour. They’ve also played at the Hangout Music and Arts Festival, Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits and Lollapalooza.

For ticket information, visit www.lmat.org

SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 39

Parker Cree

Great exercise and easy on the knees, paddleboat owners make daily outings on the lake STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

40 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2015

ek Pedalers

The Joneses, Perretts and Crumleys churn it up on Lake Martin's Parker Creek

SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 41

I

The Joneses, the secf you mosey into ond couple in the neighSunset Cove after borhood to purchase a the day’s boat trafpaddleboat, bought theirs fic has died down, at the end of last season. you’ll hear them before They spent a little extra you see them – the money to also purchase deceivingly low whir of a trailer. juggernaut watercraft “Now, everybody and the laughter and who buys one uses their chatter of Lake Martin’s trailer to bring it to the latest sports and social lake,” joked Paul. club – the Paddleboaters “There’s another of Parker Creek. couple in Real Island Ideal for grandparents who have one,” he said. and the kids who join “They bought it for exerthem at the lake, these cise after one of them deluxe versions of the had a stroke.” amusement park pedal But paddleboats are boats made a quiet reapMeg and Mike Jones, Linda and Albert Crumley not strictly for the old pearance at Lake Martin and Dianne and Paul Perrett never miss an folks. The only one of two summers ago. opportunity to pedal the lake the group who isn’t Paddleboats have been retired, Mike Jones looks popular at times in the forward to joining his wife and neighbors on the water after past and have even been sold on the lake at times; however, a day at work at Wittichen Supply. He even fishes from the now there are no paddleboat suppliers in the Lake Martin paddleboat. area.

And it’s so popular with the Joneses’ five grandchildren “They are affordable and great exercise,” said Dianne that the kids make a beeline for it upon arrival, barely taking Perrett who started pedaling with her husband, Coosa County the time to say hello on their way through the lake house, Commissioner Paul Perrett, this summer after her doctor recMike said. ommended cycling as physical therapy for a healing broken “There’s a ladder on the back of the paddleboat, so the kids leg. Now, the two never miss an evening on the water with can dive off and climb right back on,” said Dianne. their friends and neighbors.

Operated by the transference of human energy, paddleboats Pioneers in the venture, 75-year-old Albert Crumley and are environmentally friendly and economical to operate. his wife, Linda, brought the first paddleboat to the area at the The platform is very stable, as it is mounted on pontoons. beginning of last season.

“If a big wake comes along, the boat just rolls over it,” “We just wanted to get out on the water, but it’s difficult to get in and out of a boat at our age,” Crumley explained. “This Crumley said.

There’s no sharp propeller to beware of, and with no motor, has a platform, and you just step off the dock to get on it. It’s the boats are low maintenance. very safe and very good exercise.”

“You can go places in these that the motorized boats won’t “It’s easier on the knees than walking, too,” Dianne said.

Paddleboats are motorless watercrafts powered by humans. go. Down into beautiful inlets, all different places,” said Paul. “We’ve all pedaled up to The Landing to have dinner The boats include a tandem set of bicycle pedals that turn a together.” small version of the 19th century riverboat steamer’s gigantic The first few excursions for the club were merely incidenpaddlewheel. Comfortably situated on the boat’s bench seat, tal, Dianne said. a couple can tool about on the top of the water at a brisk 5 “We just all wanted to go at the same time. Now, we’re out miles per hour once they get the pedals flying. there every evening,” she said.

Hardly winded from the exercise and yet handsfree, club “We know of three other families that are planning to buy members find it sociable to bring a refreshing beverage along, them this year,” Paul said. “There isn’t a dealer here on the and perhaps some finger food to enjoy, as they chat with fellake. You have to go to Cullman. That’s the only dealer in low boaters while the sunset bathes the lake in soft color.

Alabama.”

“You just have to keep an eye on the sky,” Linda Crumley A new paddleboat costs between $2,900 and $3,500, the advised. “If a storm comes up, it takes a little longer to get group determined, depending on the buyer’s choice of feaback to the dock than in a motorboat.”

Still, the canopy top offers some protection from unexpect- tures.

“You can pay more for the ‘bells and whistles,’ but don’t ed raindrops and the harsh afternoon sun. And the generous pay for factory lights. It’s less money to put the lights on after platform that surrounds the bench provides a little roaming you buy it,” Crumley advised. room for the dogs that love to join their masters on the boat.

“They’re getting to be so popular on the lake that we’re Mike and Meg Jones’ sandy-coated Oz never misses an opportunity to take a ride. When he tires of strolling from one thinking of having a regatta!” added Mike, to the spontaneous laughter of his pedaling companions. side of the paddleboat to the other, he settles onto the passen“This is a growing market on the lake. I think that by next ger seat behind the drivers’ bench and watches all the action year you’ll be able to get them here,” Albert said. from his spot in the shade.

42 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2015

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LAKE 43

The Uptons' cabin lives across the slough from Chuck's Marina

Traditional Russell cabin inspires nostalgic Blue Creek renovation

I

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

t all started with the purchase of a boat, said Julia Shockley Upton, an Alexander City native who now makes her home in Auburn with husband John and their two sons.

“With that, I was told ‘no lake house,’” Upton said, “but while we were out cruising on the lake one day, I saw the For Sale sign and immediately knew it was ‘the one.’”

It seemed John was initially less inspired, as his response to his wife was, “No way. That place is about to fall in.”

The cabin on Lake Martin’s Blue Creek had not been used for decades and had fallen into disrepair. Trees and underbrush were so thick on the bank that they nearly obscured the house from view.

“You could not see the lake from the deck of the house at all,” Upton said.

After signing the papers on the purchase last July, the couple launched into the cleanup. Owners of Hall’s Tree Service in Auburn, they cleared some 100 trees from the lot in the first week.

“That made a big difference. At the end of the first week, someone offered to buy the cabin from us.

44 LAKE

We probably should have taken them up on it!” she laughed.

“It was in really bad shape. The subflooring and siding were rotting. Honestly, I cannot believe it had not fallen in, but we dove right in with the demo.”

Having planned to do most of the renovation work themselves, the Uptons worked all winter, first tearing off the rotten deck and taking most of the interior down to the studs.

“It was a real gut job,” Upton said. “Until we did this one, we really didn’t know what that term meant but now have a new appreciation of the term.”

Four dumpsters later, they were ready to start the rebuild.

They replaced the rotting subfloors and installed heart pine floors they had milled from wood salvaged from the old Pepperell Mill in Opelika, Alabama.

They painted shiplap walls to reflect the natural light from the lake and created a cabin feel in the 1973, 1,440-square-foot ranch house, furnishing it with rustic pieces that included a 200-year-old wooden doubleyoke that someone had given John several years ago and original Winchester posters dated 1895 and 1899.

SEPTEMBER 2015

The previous owners left the old weathered swing in the boathouse

SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 45

46 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2015

The ceiling beams and fireplace are original to the 1970s home, though Julia repainted the bricks to achieve the aged look

SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 47

The kitchen is designed around a light fixture that Julia purchased long before they found the lake cabin

The Winchester posters date to the late 1800s

Corrugated aluminum walls replaced a tiny shower surround

As a child, Julia learned to ski on these

The large deck is great for informal entertainment

The back wall in the master was once a set of double doors to a screened porch

48 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2015

The beams on the half-vault ceiling were original to the house while the heavy mantel was cut from an antique timber salvaged from an old building at Tuskegee University.

The fireplace itself, however, required a little more detailed attention.

The previous owners had painted the brick with an oilbased sealant, and Upton painstakingly repainted each brick in a traditional red. She then repainted the joints and applied a mortar wash to achieve the look of aged bricks.

A large metal-framed coffee table and custom sliding barn door, also from salvaged wood, completed the cozy cabin atmosphere.

They modernized the open concept kitchen opposite the fireplace with granite countertops and stainless appliances, but the Uptons kept the original cabinets, which a friend painted with wood grain to complement the cabin theme.

They also refinished slatted barstools that were found in the house at the time of purchase.

Upton replaced the original lime-domed pendant lights over the kitchen’s bar with a rectangular corrugated aluminum fixture she’d fallen in love with long before the purchase of the cabin.

“The chandelier was my inspiration for the entire cabin,” she said.

The den next to the kitchen offers relaxation space for the family, especially the boys, but it also can be used as a guestroom anytime extra sleeping space is needed at the cabin, as the room has a closet and private access to the enlarged covered deck that not only runs the full length of the ranch house but also wraps around both ends.

Floors throughout the home were milled from wood salvaged from the Pepperell Mill in Opelika

The Uptons cleared some 100 trees from the lot, so they could see the lake from the deck

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LAKE 49

The new covered porch with cable railings is a great place for al fresco dinners and grilling with friends. The seating arrangements include a pair of mid-century ‘his and hers’ chairs that were left by the previous owner.

“My mom said she grew up with a set of chairs like this so I should keep them. I did, but they’re just on the my porch. The ‘hers’ chair is smaller than ‘his,’” she said.

“They’re actually really comfortable, so we sit and watch the action at Chuck’s Marina across the lake.”

They rebuilt the steps down to the grandfathered boathouse and re-floored the expansive dock. At 1,600 square feet, it is one of the largest on the lake and offers plenty of room for entertaining, lounging or dining. One section of the dock is covered with an extension of the boathouse roofline, and here, the Uptons hung weathered swings that also had been left behind by the previous owner.

The lakeside gable of the boathouse carries the name the family has bestowed on their Lake Martin retreat: ‘The Cabin,’ a reflection of the affection Upton and her family have for the traditional green Russell cabin with red trim.

The family also looks forward to the new water levels once the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission renews the license for the operation of Martin Dam, as the conditional fall extension and additional 3 feet of water at the dock in winter could extend the use of their boat.

In the yard, just as much had to be done as inside the house. After clearing the lot, John built a rock wall with 3-foot long boulders, and they landscaped the beds with crepe myrtles, butterfly bushes, double knock-out roses, Japanese maples and ornamental grasses. They also created a lawn where the boys can play games, putting down 14 pal-

lets of sod over spring break earlier this year.

“John had to change the grade of the yard to save the house,” Upton explained. “The yard used to come right to the front door and dump water on the house. That’s why there was so much of the house that was rotten.”

They finished the 398-foot water frontage with riprap, stringing cord at the top to keep the geese off the new grass on their one-and-a-half-acre lot.

The three bedrooms and two baths are on the entry side of the house.

In the boys’ room, Upton painted a wood grain design on the shiplap walls and dressed up a pair of camp beds that the previous owner left in the house with bright patriotic bedding and family memorabilia from the War Between the States.

In the hall, they installed ceiling beams salvaged from Upton’s father’s barn.

“It was waste wood. He was going to burn it, so of course, I said no and that I could find a use for it,” Upton said.

The hall bath had only a very small shower stall when the family bought the house, but they tore out the old shower surround and Upton installed new walls of corrugated aluminum to complement a hammered aluminum sink she loved.

The Cabin is a beloved retreat where the family can relax and take a break from their several businesses that include a sawmill business to reduce waste from the tree service; Mama’s Secrets Cookies, a new baking venture Upton has started with her mother-in-law; and her bus driving job.

“It’s just my passion to redo houses,” she said with a smile. “My husband thinks it might be time for a farm, but we haven’t decided yet.”

Handpainted walls make a great backdrop for the bright colors in the boys' bedroom

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Pleasure Point cleanup moves forward STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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ewer than 30 mobile homes and other structures remain at Lake Martin’s Pleasure Point Park and Marina, and a spokesman for Alabama Power Company last month said the owners of the structures have until the 14th of this month to remove them.

The power company hired Spectrum Environmental, a licensed environmental contracting company headquartered in Alabaster, Alabama, to conduct the cleanup effort, but work was stalled last year when residents filed a complaint against Alabama Power in Circuit Court.

On July 8, Circuit Judge Steven R. Perryman issued a summary judgment in favor of Alabama Power, denying motions for additional discovery and injunctive relief filed on behalf of

homeowners in the suit, as he found that additional discovery would not change the ruling.

“The environmental contractors we have hired are taking the lead in the cleanup and will do so with no negative impacts on water quality,” said Brandon Glover, a power company representative.

The cleanup was ordered two years ago after the Tallapoosa County Health Department issued a Notice of Violation to Alabama Power in July 2013. The power company had leased the 25.8acre mobile home park and marina to Lausanne Walters of Florida, and residents at the park said that despite reports to Walters of the inadequate conditions, she apparently took little or no action to make reparations.

The power company later rejected

The cleanup at Pleasure Point will include clearing of debris and abandoned structures

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a proposal by residents to remedy the violations, noting the removal of structures from the premises was necessary to clean up the septic tank failures and graywater discharge lines.

Glover said the biggest sanitation concern at the site is any activity in the old systems.

“By eliminating further use and the risks of system failure, you eliminate the source of environmental concerns,” Glover explained. “This continues to be an ongoing process, as former occupants leave and we are able to determine what systems are out there. Until everyone is gone, we cannot establish a hard timeline for the cleanup process. The current focus remains closing the park and eliminating use of the illegal systems.”

Glover said the power company would continue to use licensed con-

tractors as part of the cleanup effort and will monitor the process to further safeguard against any adverse environmental impacts.

“To date, significant cleanup has been completed. Many structures have been removed, septic tanks retired, dormant graywater lines removed and additional abandoned structures demolished,” Glover reported. “Since the notice of violations, Alabama Power is not aware of any spills or leaks of any kind into Lake Martin at the Pleasure Point site. No such spills or leaks are anticipated as the cleanup moves forward.

“Alabama Power remains focused on fulfilling the commitment it made to the health department to completely shut down Pleasure Point Park and retire all of the legacy sanitation systems.”

Much of the cleanup effort, Glover said, involves the aboveground condition of the property as former subtenants leave the park.

“There has been tree removal, dock removal, waste disposal, re-grading and erosion control. These efforts have little to do with the sanitation systems and are instead related to shutting down an aged mobile home park,” he explained.

Spectrum’s work, he said, has focused on retiring septic tanks no longer in use per state regulations. They also have removed graywater pipes and old gas tanks.

Before demolishing abandoned structures, the environmental contracting company has checked to be sure there has been no asbestos to remove, and Glover said to date, none has been identified.

“Future cleanup requirements and a timeline can only be projected when the remaining occupants leave the property.

More permanent site restoration will not be implemented until the cleanup is complete and a future use of the property planned,” he said.

The power company has not entered into public discussion of the future of the property and has removed the acreage from the list of natural and undeveloped land designated for recreational use in the terms of their pending license agreement with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

“Maybe down the road, we will reopen the marina or allow someone to reopen the marina, but it’s really too early to make any plans for the property,” Glover said. “In the meantime, we encourage people to use other recreational sites until the cleanup is completed.”

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LAKE 53

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Lake Q&A: Martha George

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Where did you grow up? And how did that area compare with Lake Martin?

I grew up in Montgomery, Alabama. Compared to Lake Martin, it seems a little more hectic. Living here has been much more laid back for us.

Where did you go to school, and what did you study?

What was your favorite class and why?

I did my undergraduate work at Auburn University. I studied zoology. My favorite class was comparative anatomy. I loved the lab. It was very hands on. I love getting my hands dirty. I was also able to get a glimpse of the way multiple different life forms work.

Why did you choose your medical specialty?

The answer to this question always seems a little bit cheesy to me, but it is the truth. The father of my best friend growing up was an orthopedic surgeon. He came to our fourth grade Parent/Career Day and showed pictures of the different injuries he took care of and how he fixed them, and I remember thinking it was the coolest thing that I had ever seen and that I wanted to do that someday.

From then on, that was all I wanted to be, and it stuck. I played sports throughout school and then varsity softball at Auburn, so the sports specialization was somewhat of a given from there.

How did you become acquainted with Lake Martin?

I have been coming to Lake Martin as long as I can remember. My aunt and uncle have always had a lake house here that we frequented. My husband played baseball at Central Alabama Community College, so we continued to come throughout college and then we were lucky enough to purchase a boat during my residency at UAB, so we spent pretty much all of our time off here over the past three or four years.

What was your first impression of the lake?

Love at first sight.

When you were looking for a place to practice medicine, what attracted you to the Lake Martin area?

The hospital is lovely. It feels newly renovated, the operating room suites are nice and large, and the staff is hospitable. I was extremely impressed by the décor of the office at Bone and Joint Specialists, given all of the sports memorabilia. I really felt at home there. It’s also close to Auburn, my second home. And of course, we couldn’t turn down the opportunity to live on the lake.

How do you like to spend your off time?

My passion is horseback riding. There is nothing more beautiful than a horse. I love everything about them.

Unfortunately, I don’t get to ride as much as I would like, but I do spend a lot of time with my horse in the fall and winter when it’s not so hot. We also enjoy snowboarding during the winter. During the summer, my husband and I love to get out on the boat. He is an avid wakeboarder who has now taken up surfing. I am a beginner but love it. And off weekends in the fall are, of course, filled with Auburn football.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given and who was it from?

“Never give up!” from my mother.

How do you relax at the lake?

I love weekend mornings out on the back deck with a cup of coffee. My mornings are my alone time, because my husband is usually working somewhere around the house – he doesn’t sit still well. I sit out on the back deck or even on the dock and read my devotional. It is wonderful.

What’s the dirtiest job you ever had to do?

I worked at my parents’ veterinary clinic a few summers during college. I have to admit I did not enjoy cleaning poop out of the cages. I’m pretty sure my parents got a kick out of making me do that though.

What’s the most fun you’ve ever had at work?

During my sports fellowship at Andrews Sports Medicine, I was the fellow for Auburn University, which means I traveled with Dr. Andrews to all of the football games that year. I was on the sidelines with him at every game, including the National Championship game that year. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I had a great time!

What is the craziest thing you ever did?

I ran the Mercedes half marathon my chief year in residency. It was on my bucket list, but honestly, I think it is nuts to run for two hours straight.

What charity/community service in the Lake Martin area is close to your heart and why?

I really love what Children’s Harbor does. They have such a wonderful effect on so many kids’ lives. I have seen so many wonderful things going on over there even in the short period of time we have been here. It’s always a wonderful reminder of how blessed our lives are, and we are looking forward to giving back through working with them any chance we get!

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received and from whom did it come?

My husband tells me I am beautiful every morning.

This is always amazing to me, because I know what I look like in the mornings!

Name one thing that most people don’t know about you.

I am a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo.

What do you do for exercise?

I enjoy running; although, I like to mix it up to keep things interesting. I have recently started spin fit classes, which are an impressive workout. I also love to box. I took boxing lessons for a while during medical school to stay in shape, and it is a full body workout. I would love to get back into boxing on a regular basis.

What’s your favorite thing to cook?

Dessert!

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Practicing Patience in matters of the lake

typically bring calmer hurricane seasons. he long wait continues for the Federal There are already projections for a fewer Energy Regulatory Commission’s than normal number of hurricanes to threat(FERC) issuance of a new license for en us this upcoming season. Down here in Alabama Power Company’s operation of the the Southeast, we are poised to experience a Martin Project. Some of us were, perhaps cooler than normal and wetter than normal unreasonably, hopeful for FERC’s license fall and winter. El Nino will also bring sigissuance to come in the earlier portion of nificant rains to those embattled people livthis year. We are closing in on the end of ing out West who have had to deal with an August, and it now appears that we will be extremely nasty drought period and record waiting a good bit longer.

HOBO numbers of wildfires.

In late July, Alabama Power Company’s

BY DAVID HEINZEN There is welcome news for boaters, vacaHydroservices Manager, Jim Crew, sent a tioners and commuters, too. Oil industry letter to FERC that requests the revision of analysts predict that we will soon see fuel prices go into some language that is in FERC’s Final Environmental free fall. They are forecasting gasoline to soon sell under Impact Statement released on April 2. The purpose of the request, as noted in Crew’s letter, is “an effort to help a $2 per gallon ceiling down here. People out West and in and around the Midwest won’t be so fortunate, due to ensure that the license is as accurate and functionally refinery problems. effective as possible.” He also asked for clarification of Come to Lake Martin with your rain gear at hand and the timing of the new operating conditions, as they refer to the winter pool increase and the conditional fall exten- enjoy what many of us feel is the best time of year for boating on Alabama’s Treasured Lake. sion.

The Lake Martin Home Owners and Boat Owners We’ve all been working together on this for eight Association invite you to become members of our orgayears, so we are experienced practitioners of patience. nization and help to preserve this lake and the memories Here are a couple of other things, unrelated to relifor future generations. Please visit our web address at censing, that will very likely happen in our area during www.lakemartin.org to learn more about us and how to fall, winter and in the early months of 2016. join the HOBOs. Since early this year, scientists have been closely studying and monitoring the growth of a major El Nino Dave Henizen is president of the Lake Martin event that they now expect will be the strongest since Homeowners and Boat Owners Association. Visit their 1997-1998. That’s good news for us who live on or near website at www.lakemartin.org. the Gulf of Mexico and Eastern coastline, as El Ninos

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410 Cypress Point, Alexander City • $965,000 This custom designed home has all you need for fabulous lake living. It features a well-designed floor plan with custom wood floors on the main level. The kitchen has top of the line appliances, farm sink and marble counter tops. Large master suite and 4 guest bedrooms, 2 family rooms, screened porch, open deck, and tiled patio at the lake level. Easy walk to the dock with year round water.

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257 Bayou Road, Dadeville • $1,475,000 Spectacular lake home ideal for large family, multiple family ownership /corporate retreat –This 11 bedroom and 9 bath home also features a guest house with additional 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. Like NEW since renovation. Sold furnished! A MUST SEE! +/- 400 feet of water front footage. Located across the lake from The Ridge and Windermere. Approximately $100,000 gross rental income potential.

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119 Sierra Court, Dadeville • $340,000 Like new 4BR/3BA lake home ready to move in. Open floor plan. Finished basement with bath, great room and shop. Irrigation system, perfect Mother-In-Law plan! Fruit trees, Knock-out Roses, covered porch located in a quiet cove not far from Hwy. 280. Metal roof, undergroung utilities.

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2389 Skylark Drive, Alexander City • $209,000 Set for Living! COME SEE this spacious home w/ generous storage, 3Br/3BA on main level w/lg fam rm, stone FP. Huge eat-in kit w/wood floors plus dining rm, roomy office/ playrm or 4th BR. Full finished basement/apartment, features partial kit, fam rm w/ stoneFP, 1 full BA & 3rms for fam hobbies or kids slumber parties. Like a private park? Step outside to your own oasis boasting FAB outdoor living.RE/MAX Around the Lake Call Samantha Spurlin 256-786-0650 www.samanthaspurlin.com

896 Knight Road, Alexander City • $479,000 Very few can reach the lifestyle this home reflects....graced with the charm of the past but loaded with craftsman style updating to today's comfort! Unspoiled natural beauty surrounds this FABULOUS +-4600 sq. ft, 5BD/4BA home set on 26 beautiful, gently rolling acres of pastureland and hardwoods. Enjoy the warmth of the wooden floors, walls and ceilings throughout the home.

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70 Cottage Loop, Dadeville • $449,000 WHAT A VIEW!! From every room in the house! Floor to ceiling windows, open kit/ LR. Hardwood flooring and ceilings; stone FP. Lovely wooden cabinetry, granite countertops, tile backsplash, SS appliances. Master BD/BA on main, 2BD/1BA on walk-out level. Screened in porch w/ awesome lake view. Extended flagstone porch and patio, lovely landscaping. Plus all the amenities of living in the The Village!

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63 Wind Trace, Alexander City • $449,000 YOUR MONEY COULDN'T BUY MORE...in this 5Br/3.5Ba home located in the upscale neighborhood of Windermere West! Open Fam Rm w/18ft ceilings,FP, hardwood floors, lots of windows open to deck. Eat-in kit w/huge pantry, formal DR w/tray ceiling & crown molding. Master BR on main w/ fp & lg bath w/ separate tub & shower. 3BR, 1BA upstairs, 2BR&/or study, 1BA & 2nd family rm downstairs.

Around the Lake Call Samantha Spurlin 256-786-0650 www.samanthaspurlin.com

SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 59

On Pace for Record Year T

Lake home sales lead last year by 25 percent Lot sales by 54 percent

All of the numbers I quote below and in he Lake Martin real estate market my charts are taken from the Lake Martin is again having an incredible sales Area Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The year.

MLS represents sales from every agent, When we last took a look at the year’s every brokerage in the area. While it does real estate sales, we saw that home sales not include private sales from developers, I were doing quite well. I was very interthink it fairly represents their results, too. ested to see if 2015 could keep up its torWould it surprise you to learn that 2015 rid pace. is outperforming last year by 25 percent?

Since we are in a vacation market, we Last year, through the end of July, 169 have seasonal real estate sales. It is estiLAKE PROPERTY waterfront homes had been sold in the mated that only 20 percent of these lot

BY JOHN COLEY MLS. Through July 31, 2015, a whopping and home sales are to buyers who plan to 212 waterfront homes have closed. That is a full 25 make Lake Martin their immediate permanent resipercent better than 2014. dence. Most of our sales take place between March Please remember that it’s not as if last year was a and October, as might be expected. Sure, there are a slouch of a year. Many readers will recall that 2014 healthy number of sales November through February, was the number one year for waterfront home sales on but the bulk occur during the warm months.

Lake Martin in terms of numbers of homes sold – even Now that July is in the books, we have a chance to better than 2005. So when we say that we are pacing look back and calculate the sales momentum, as well 25 percent above last year, that is quite a feat. as look forward to see where it might take us.

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Another amazing statistic to ponder is that of inventory. If we compare the number of waterfront homes for sale on Lake Martin at the end of July, we see that it is 7 percent lower than July of 2014. This trend has been present all summer, and if it continues into the fall, I can’t help but think the market will see a noticeable price increase.

What about waterfront lots?

The story is even bigger with Lake Martin’s waterfront lot sales. As of July 31, 2015, 54 lots have been sold through the MLS. When compared with 2014’s total of 35, we marvel that lot sales are pacing 54 percent ahead of last year. While 2014 was not the number one year for lot sales (that distinction belongs to 2005’s record of 96 sales), it still was no loser. Last year was the second best year for numbers of waterfront lots sold.

The BIG Question: At what point will increasing sales and decreasing inventory combine to put pressure on prices? ~ John Coley

The good news keeps coming for sellers. When we consider the available inventory of waterfront lots in the MLS, for a lot owner, less is more. Much like the inventory of homes, Lake Martin has seen a decrease in lots for sale – and a big one.

So far in 2015, has about 21 percent fewer waterfront lots are available for sale when compared to last year. That’s a significant number.

Looking forward, I think it is safe to say that Lake Martin is going to have a great real estate sales year.

My only question is, at what point will the increasing sales and decreasing inventory combine to put pressure on prices?

John Coley is a broker and owner of Lake Martin Voice Realty. He is also the author of the blog Lake Martin Voice at LakeMartinVoice.com.

SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 61

Radney Funeral Home PO Box 99 1326 Dadeville Road Alexander City, Alabama 35011 256-234-2511 www.radneyfuneralhome.com

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Langley Funeral Home PO Box 130 21837 U.S. Highway 280 Dadeville, AL 36853 256-896-2571 www.langleyfuneralhome.com

Savor September S

There’s an amazing eptember is great sense of accomplishon the lake; school ment in hitting a goal is back in, and the right before the season traffic during the week is over. All that hard becomes almost nonexwork has paid off. Be it istent. Sometimes, it’s moving on from a wake hard to believe you’re BEHIND THE BOAT to wake three to hitting out there and have the the five or keeping that lake to yourself.

BY SAWYER DAVIS wakesurfer moving forEven the weekend ward into the second 360, riding away rider has a little better chance of findclean after working at getting the new ing that slice of heaven, as the college trick all summer is awesome. The hootfootball schedule tends to remove quite ing and hollering from the boat and the a few boats and wakes from the riding rider, the horn blasts and fist pumps; it zones. As the daily temperature begins never gets old. Doing it right as the seato taper down, morning sessions may son ends is just the icing on the cake. even require a little neoprene. This is I also want to remind you of the other especially true at the end of the month.

The end of the riding season is grow- side; trying to push forward and get that ing close, but the good thing is that most trick is what we do, but be aware of your physical limits. Don’t let the desire of us have been practicing all summer. to ride away shadow fatigue and get you Those once-new tricks have become consistent in our runs, and we are focus- hurt. Ending the season on crutches is the exact opposite of the goal of riding ing on progression, the next trick and away clean. what we can accomplish before winter.

SEPTEMBER 2015

That being said, longer intervals between days on the water tend to happen a little more this time of the year for residents that travel from out of town, so try to do some extra exercise if you’re not riding as much. Pull ups, pushups and core work will keep you moving toward that end-of-summer goal.

The lake’s winter water might be a little higher this year if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission actually adopts the proposed change before too much longer. If that’s the case, a wetsuit is going to give you even more water at the dock, which equals more time to ride.

Could be a nice season before our first freeze.

Ride hard and hope to see you on the water.

Sawyer Davis is a wakesurfer for Victoria skimboards and grew up on Lake Martin.

LAKE 63

Choose the best bait One that covers water, imitates live bait and fishes a variety of depths

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SEPTEMBER 2015

S

ounce head. If you want to fish it deep but very, eptember on Lake Martin marks the beginvery slowly, I would still recommend a 1/4-ounce ning of an exciting time if you are an version. Typically, the smaller the bait you are angler. Daytime temperatures are still often attaching, the lighter the head you want use. over 90 degrees, but the slightly cooler mornI’ve mentioned before that I like to fish as ings, light breezes and reduced recreational boat fast as possible and still be able to get the bites. traffic are quite a relief from the dog days of I prefer the 3/8- and 1/2-ounce models the most, summer. If you are familiar with the patterns of because I can fish them a little faster and they will Lake Martin, you get excited about the increased get deeper quicker, if I so desire. Occasionally, activity level of the bass.

I will even use a 3/4 for very deep water or if I I think that photoperiod (daylength), as much have a larger bait attached to the FHS. as anything, acts as an indicator to the fish that Over the past few years, I’ve discovered that fall and winter are just around the corner, and BIG CATCHES the FHS is not just limited to offshore structure, it’s time to start eating again. I always notice

BY GREG VINSON although that’s where it often shines. I’ve started the level of surface activity picks up this time of experimenting with it around shallow cover, year, as the bait moves closer to the surface. docks, brushpiles and even submerged grass.

This could be related to the breakdown of those deepwaYou might think that the exposed hook on the rig would be ter refuges that many of the fish have enjoyed through the prone to snagging, and it can be if allowed to bury up in cover. summer, some cooler layers of water near the surface from With the right weight head and retrieve speed, it can be fished the longer and cooler nights, or the increased turbulence on almost as weedless as a spinnerbait. the surface from wind that serves as nature’s aerator. This With a small natural profile, the fish often are more likely equates to active fish, sometimes so active that they are hard to leave the cover to attack the bait. The small profile also to keep up with. Basically, they are roaming in small wolf makes it a great choice for fishing over brush and around timpacks in search of baitfish. ber and deep docks. The bait is really in its element when cast In order to catch these fish, you need to be on the move, over large areas with seemingly little to no cover, something just like they are. You need to choose baits that will allow common on Lake Martin and other older impoundments. It’s you to cover water efficiently, and you need to target fish versatility in depth ranges and ability to attract fish from long that could be anywhere from 2 to 20 feet deep in the water distances with the small spinner makes it a perfect choice for column. covering open water.

Another important thing to consider is the forage base on I like to use a 7-foot 3-inch medium heavy Halo Twilight which the fish are keying. There are three key types of forbaitcasting rod and 12- to 15-pound test Seaguar Invis-X flouage on Lake Martin this time of year: shad, black tail shinrocarbon. It’s the same setup I use for spinnerbait fishing. ers (spot tails) and bream. Crawfish will play a greater role Make long casts over open water and experiment with as water temperatures drop later in the fall. The best baits retrieve speeds. Start with a slow to moderate retrieve mixed are going to be those that imitate shad or minnows to some with an occasional light twitch of the rod tip. degree.

As a general rule, a slower retrieve works better in colder Focus on the most important factors when choosing a bait: water, and a faster retrieve works best in warmer water. The 1) You need a bait that will cover water; 2) You need a bait bite with this rig is a light tick. You will want to continue your that will imitate a shad or minnow; and 3) You need a bait retrieve until you feel light tension; and then, take up as much that can be fished or at least appeal to fish in a variety of slack as possible on the hookset. depth ranges. There are a few baits that could fit this model Nine times out of 10, the fish will bite coming toward the and be productive, and I would recommend having a variety boat, and you need to have all of the slack out of the line on the deck of the boat. before setting. Since they often grab the tail of your soft plastic One of the best is the Fish Head Spin (FHS). If you’ve before engulfing the bait, you risk pulling the bait away by setread previous articles for this time of year, you know that I ting on the initial tick. The steady tension signals that the fish really like to start throwing spinnerbaits now. I also like to has all of the bait in its mouth, and that’s when you want to throw swimbaits now. Both imitate shad, and both let me set. cover water. The Fish Head Spin basically combines the two Look at the Fish Head Spin as a vehicle to present your in a small package that is set up perfectly for a clear water favorite shad-imitating soft plastic. This rig lets you take a situation where the baitfish run on the smaller side. small profile shad imitator to greater depths than a crankbait The Fish Head Spin falls into the category of underspins. and more efficiently than a spinnerbait. The speed you want to It’s essentially a perfect shad-imitating jig head with a small fish it is almost unlimited. spinner that drops underneath the belly of the bait. When This setup should not be your only choice at this time of paired with a small swimbait, like the Netbait Little Spanky, year, but it should always be one of your choices. Scattered, you have a perfect combination that represents a juvenile roaming fish can lead to a finicky bite at times, and this rig threadfin shad (the most desirable morsel for early fall bass).

Small flukes or grubs can work as well as larger swimbaits might just be the remedy you’ve been looking for. like the regular Netbait Spanky. I like to keep it small this Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the time of year unless I’m on a place dominated by larger shad Bassmaster Elite Series and PAA tours. He lives in Wetumpka and more stained water. and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.

One of the greatest attributes of the Fish Head Spin is that it can be fished at any depth and any speed, for the most part.

If you want to fish very shallow, I would recommend a 1/4SEPTEMBER 2015

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T

Part Six: Eating Wild

trients and Vitamin C. Research shows that frozen his month ends our six-month study of Jo blueberries are almost as nutritious as fresh ones, Robinson’s book, Eating on the Wild Side. as long as they are thawed very quickly.

If you have not been following us on this The best way to thaw the berries is to microinvestigation, I encourage you to go back to the wave them. Microwaved berries provide twice April 2015 issue and read through the issues since as many antioxidants as berries that have been then – or buy the book. It’s a great reference pubthawed at room temperature or in the refrigerator. lication for your kitchen bookshelf. Our study has Cooked blueberries have more antioxidants focused on ways to overcome some of the nutrithan fresh berries, as the heat rearranges the strucent and flavor losses of our present-day fruit and ture of the phytonutrients and makes them more vegetable varieties and the methods we employ in available. storing and preparing them.

Bananas are consumed more than any other This month, we'll look at fruits and berries.

HEALTHY LIVING fruit, more than apples and oranges combined.

"An apple a day" may help us to live long lives;

BY JULIE HUDSON The Cavendish is the only banana found in our however, a 2003 study found that wild apples are grocery stores, and unfortunately, it ranks very low far more nutritious than our present-day varieties. in antioxidants compared to other fruit, except some melons, In 1910, there were 15,000 varieties of apples grown in the papayas and pineapple.

U.S. This number decreased significantly over the last century, High in rapidly digested starch, bananas have a huge impact as growers found it much easier and more efficient to focus on on blood sugar, but on a positive note, they are inexpensive and fewer varieties.

The more nutritious heirlooms now are virtually nonexistent, easy to find in stores. They are high in fiber and a good source of potassium. and the low-nutrient Golden Delicious is not only the most Bananas are picked and shipped to stores when they are popular apple in the U.S.; it is also popular worldwide. immature and green in color. As the fruit turns to yellow it The most nutritious apples are Braeburn, Cortland, Discovery, Gala, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Idared, McIntosh, becomes very sweet. If you buy bananas when they are green, store them at room temperature until they ripen. To speed up Melrose, Ozark Gold and Red Delicious. All of these have difthe ripening process, store them in a brown bag with an apple. ferent flavors ranging from sweet to tart, as well as different Storing bananas in the refrigerator will prevent spoiling. textures. You can make your choice even more nutritious by Watermelon is made up of mostly water, and that’s why it choosing the one that has the deepest color within that variety. is refreshing and light and low in calories. The high water conThe rule of thumb is that the deeper the color contains more tent dilutes the nutrients, thus explaining why watermelons are phytonutrients.

Storing apples in the refrigerator is best. They will last much lower in phytonutrients than most other fruit.

The most nutritious watermelons have deep red flesh. A longer than sitting on the counter. melon with deep red flesh can provide up to three times the In addition, eating the skin of the apple is more nutritious amount of lycopene as a melon that is pale in color. than eating a peeled apple; peeling can remove 50 percent of So how do you know when a watermelon is ripe? First, look the nutrients. But scrub apples before eating them to rid them of any pesticides. Another option is to purchase organic apples, at the “ground spot” to see if it is yellow in color, not white or green. Next, choose a watermelon that has begun to lose its which have had less exposure to pesticides.

Blueberries also pack a nutritious punch. Domesticated over gloss. If possible, choose one that has been cut in half or quartered, so you can see the flesh but be cautious when purchasing a period of just eight years in the early 1900s, blueberries have cubed melon. These usually are not as fresh as whole melon demonstrated tremendous disease fighting powers. It is their and can even be weeks old. anthocyanin power, Vitamin C, low glycemic load and high Watermelons increase their antioxidant value after they have fiber content that rank them high on the list. been picked if they are kept out of the refrigerator. The rule of Research shows that blueberries have prevented tumor forthumb is to store watermelon at room temperature for a few mation, slowed the growth of existing tumors, lowered blood pressure, reduced arterial plaque buildup and smoothed inflam- days in order to increase the antioxidant value.

As we end this series, I hope you have gained some knowlmation. They also slow age-related dementia. This is critical in edge about maximizing the nutrients in the few selected vegetathat Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. bles and fruits we have discussed by learning how to purchase, Harvest blueberries when they are fully ripe, as they begin store, prepare, and cook them in appropriate ways. to spoil within a week. You can store the berries in the crisper It is important to realize the nutritional future of the food we drawer for up to three days. It is best not to rinse the waxy coating off of blueberries until you are ready to eat them. This waxy consume is in our own hands once we bring it home. I encourage you to purchase the book, as Robinson has included much coating helps to fight surface bacteria. more information, as well as helpful charts in her publication.

If you have a large quantity, you can freeze them by placing them in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Let them freeze and Julie Hudson is a dietician at the Lake Martin Wellness then transfer them to a zip lock bag. The most nutritious frozen berries have been flash frozen in order to preserve the phytonu- Center in Dadeville.

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SEPTEMBER 2015

Soft Scrambled Farm Eggs and Tarragon with Cornmeal Crusted Gulf Oyster CHEF’S TABLE

BY ROB MCDANIEL

Rob McDaniel, executive chef and general manager at SpringHouse Restaurant, earned a bachelor's degree in restaurant and hotel management from Auburn University and is a graduate of the New England culinary Institute.

3 fresh farm eggs 7 fresh gulf oysters 1 fresh hot pepper 1 cup buttermilk 1 cup cornmeal 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon fresh chopped tarragon or Mexican marigold (which is what I like to use) 1 tablespoon butter 2 cups canola or peanut oil

Place oysters in buttermilk and allow to soak while prepping everything else. Mix cornmeal and flour together, along with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Heat oil to 350 degrees in a deep-sided pan or Dutch oven. In a cast iron sauté pan heat butter over medium heat. Whisk eggs very well with a fork to help create airy and fluffy eggs. Drain oyster; then, toss in fry mix. Place in hot oil and fry until golden brown.

Remove from oil and drain on a paper bag.

Pour eggs into skillet and use a spatula continually to stir the eggs and scrape them from the sides.

Once the eggs have almost completely cooked, add the tarragon, a pinch of salt and pepper then slide onto a plate. Top with oysters and finally mince fresh chilies and sprinkle over the dish.

SEPTEMBER 2015

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Red or White?

W

disease. hile the difference between white Does that make red wine better for you wine and red wine might appear than white wine? Maybe; especially if you to be pretty obvious, some of the drink in moderation. Studies have shown distinctions are more significant. It doesn’t that red wine may provide a health benefit, necessarily make one better or more likbut there is apparently no clear evidence able than the other, just different. Oddly, the that it is better for us than white wine or differences are like night and day – or like other forms of alcoholic beverages. comparing the proverbial apple and orange The addictive nature and health risk – despite the wine coming from the same associated with alcohol is a likely barrier to berry, the grape. widespread promotion of medicinal wine.

It all starts with the variety of grape, and Other foods, such as blueberries, cranberries there are hundreds of varieties, many of and peanuts, also contain resveratrol. which we never hear of, that for the most FROM THE CELLAR The tannins that are released in crushing part go into making either a red or white

BY HENRY FOY and fermentation are a vital element in the wine. There are exceptions, most notably production of red wine. It is the tannins that the red wine grape, Pinot Noir, which is provide the bones and structure of red wine while conused to produce Blanc de Noir Champagne, a white tributing to the flavor and texture of the wine. sparkling wine.

Barrel ageing, particularly in new oak, also adds tanGenerally, the key to the color for a wine is the color of the grape. White wine grapes are pale colored in hues nin, which often produces a noticeable astringent quality in young reds. It is the antioxidant attributes of the tanof yellow, green and gray while red wine grapes are nins that pave the way for long and graceful ageing. As more deeply colored in hues of purple, blue and even red wine ages, the astringency of the tannins diminishes; black. The color of the wine is determined by how long the wine mellows, and the structure softens. the juice is left in contact with the skin after crushing.

The term tannic is often used to describe a wine with Everybody knows that, but did you know that the skin excessive tannins. In reality, a tannic wine is simply one of the grapes is also where antioxidants and tannins are that was opened prematurely and might well have benfound? Because the red wine hulls are in contact with juice longer, the level of resveratrol is higher in red wine efited from additional cellaring.

Think about that: Tannins pave the way for long and than it is in white wine. Resveratrol is one of those natugraceful ageing of red wine. rally occurring substances that may help prevent heart

68 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2015

Isn’t that the essence of a great wine? Isn’t that why we bother to put the harvest year, the vintage, right on the label?

Unfortunately, many of us never experience the adventure of pouring a fine old wine. Most of the wines on a retail shelf are meant to – and will – be consumed within two days of purchase. Their time has come; they are, for the most part, ready to drink.

Usually but not always. And therein is the biggest objection to wine in general and red wine in particular.

Strong tannins impart the mouth puckering quality that is often a shock to new wine drinkers and difficult for them to overcome. The impressions that are left are either that wine is nasty on one extreme, bitter tasting or simply too dry.

Too dry we can deal with, though the alternative is not what many would expect. In wine terms, the opposite of dry is sweet, but we’re not really looking for the direct opposite of dry.

The best alternative is not a sweet wine but one that is light and fruity, like a Beaujolais or Pinot Noir. What we are really looking for is a well-balanced wine with discernable fruit flavors and soft tannins. The fruit flavors are perceived to be “sweet,” and the tannins will have mellowed.

That brings us to a major difference between red and white wine: ageing. Most white wines just don’t age well.

The exceptions would be full-bodied whites, like a Chardonnay, particularly those that have had some barrel ageing. The oak barrels impart some tannin into the wine and may lengthen the storage potential of certain wines.

White Burgundies made from the Chardonnay grape tend to age well, but no whites have the potential to mature over time the way reds do. Even among the reds, the storage potential is the result of several characteristics, the first being the grape.

The Beaujolais and Pinot Noir mentioned above will not age nearly as well as a big, full-bodied (tannic) Cabernet Sauvignon. Shiraz, Merlot and Zinfandel fall between the light wines and the Cab in both level of tannin and longevity.

Keep in mind that not just any Cab, or any wine for that matter, will be better with time. Color and body will be the first indications of a wine’s potential. The best advice for any wine lover is to compare what we drink and learn to identify the characteristics that support that potential.

Here are two wines you might want to try. Mt. Beautiful is a New Zealand Pinot Noir that is very light and fruitful. The flavor is surprisingly big for its color and texture. Benziger Cabernet is a big and well-structured Sonoma County wine with flawless balance and recognizable but not overpowering tannins. Shelf prices should be about $26 and $23 respectively.

Henry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine, Café 128, Gallery 128 and the recently enlarged Cigar Shop with the area’s only walk-in humidor at Emporium Wine located in downtown Alexander City at 128 Calhoun Street. He can be reached at 256.212.WINE, on Facebook and at emporium128@bellsouth.net.

1551 Hwy 280, Alexander City, AL 256.234.3432

www.tallapoosaford.com

SEPTEMBER 2015

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70 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2015

Common Fallacies Debunked

Pro Tips From Lee Williams There are several common fallacies in golf, but only two that I will debunk in this article. These have been around for years and years. While they seem fundamentally sound, they are not.

The first fallacy is the universal “straight back and straight through” of putting.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone give this advice. On the surface, it sounds simple and sensible; however, it’s far from reality. The putting stroke is actually curved on an arc. The only part of the stroke that is straight back and through is the couple inches of the backstroke and through stroke.

Naturally, the way you stand while putting promotes the arc to which I’m referring. Anything else is just a manipulation. The best training aid I know of to help you feel this is called The Putting Arc. I use it every day I practice and have done so for the past 15 years.

The second fallacy I want to debunk is the “keep your head still advice.” This is sound advice while putting but is not entirely accurate in the full swing. When you are hitting the shorter irons, your head should stay relatively quiet and steady; however, as you progress up through the bag, especially a driver, your head will move backwards on your backswing, as you turn into your back side. This is only natural. As in putting, you do not want to interrupt the natural flow. On the downswing your head will move back to where it was at address, and after the ball has been hit, it will move forward as you finish with your weight on your front foot. The only head movement that is not acceptable is a downward or upward head motion. Lateral movement, unless excessive, is normal and natural. Very few players have ever been successful with vertical or downward head motion. This is one of Tiger’s biggest problems, and he has tried to correct it for the last few years. I could go into the technical aspects of why keeping the head still is bad, but my whole purpose in writing this article each month is to make things simple and less confusing.

I hope you have a better understanding of these two common fallacies and will keep this article in mind the next time a friend offers advice that may not be entirely true.

Good Luck!

Lee Williams, a professional golfer on the PGA Tour, grew up playing golf at Willow Point Country Club. As an amateur, Williams was a member of the 2003 and 2005 Walker Cup teams, as well as the 2004 World Amateur Team. He is sponsored by Russell Lands, King Honda, Nowlin and Associates, P.F. Chang’s, Tempus Jet, Hyatt, Adams Golf, Russell Athletic, Titleist, Ameritas Financial Corp. and Southwest Airlines.

Sheppard takes title in Dixie PGA Match Play

S

STORY BY BETSY ILER

trategy and maturity won the day Aug. 18 when Willow Point golf pro Matt Sheppard bested Ron Stromeyer 1 up to win this year’s Dixie PGA Nike Golf Match Play Championship on the Founders Course at Greystone.

Sheppard was the 19th seed in the first round matches in April, but over the last few months, he played his way to the final round with 20th seed Stromeyer.

The two traded the lead throughout the day last month with Sheppard sinking a birdie for the point on the first hole and Stromeyer winning the second.

The game grew more anxious after the seventh when Sheppard’s bogey put Stromeyer 2 up.

“I was feeling deflated at that point. If you fall to 3 down, it can be hard to come back, so that was a little tough there,” Sheppard said.

He gained one back with par on nine and birdied 11 to square the score.

“That gave me a little breathing room, and we kind of went back and forth a little. On 14, a par 3, he hit a great shot, looked like 8 feet, and I thought he had a good chance. Then I hit a great shot inside of him.

I made birdie, and he did not. I birdied the following hole, so I was 1 up again,” he said.

Though Stromeyer birdied 17 to even the score ahead of the final hole, Sheppard said he put strategy, maturity and experience to work to take the win.

“I believe I’ve matured in that aspect. Seven years ago, I would have done exactly what he did,” Sheppard said.

Stromeyer took a bold approach to the 18th hole, a par 5, hitting for the green despite a water hazard, and he landed badly.

“I had a feeling he was going to go for it, so I played the smart way and laid up,” Sheppard said later.

His strategy worked, as Sheppard’s third shot to the green landed about 15 feet from the hole and put pressure on Stromeyer who was short of the bunker.

Stromeyer didn’t land the shot inside of Sheppard’s lie, and he missed the putt, leaving Sheppard to twoputt for the point.

“Through experience, I’ve learned that going for it is not always the best play. You’ve got to be more strategic and think about the next shot,” Sheppard said.

SEPTEMBER 2015

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Legend

63

17

22

To Sylacauga

16

10

Public Boat Ramps

22

280

Alexander City

12

Churches 9

Camps & Parks

Camp ASCCA

Flint Hill Church

Power lines

11

U.S. Highways

3

280

22

County Roads

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek State Park

Pleasant Grove Church

11

COOSA COUNTY

Alex City Boat Ramp

Mt. Zion Church

259 9

128

63

19 20

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church New Hope Church

Liberty Church

Willow Point

24

34

5

7

Equality

Kowaliga Boat Landing

55

4

Seman

Camp Alamisco

8 15 The Ridge

1 9

Church in The Pines Camp Kiwanis

63

Trillium

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor

18

2

The Amp Ko w

ali

ga

Ba

y

80

9

Central

90

Union Church

Red Hill 63

229

Eclectic

Tallassee

13 Kent

72 LAKE

Union

ELMORE COUNTY

SEPTEMBER 2015

Timbergut Landing

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Lake Martin Alabama Marinas 11. Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

22. The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

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

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

49

42. Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

270 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

Jacksons Gap 280

53. Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

8300 Parker Creek Marina Rd, Equality, AL 36026

Bethel Church

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Dadeville

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Camp Hill

Smith Landing

Church of the Living Waters

Stillwaters

4. Dark Insurance 16 256-234-5026

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

. Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 18 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Road, Eclectic, AL 36024

76. SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 86. Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

11 5. Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481

5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, Al 35010

6

4. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 15 256-794-1333

111 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Restaurants

10 4 Tallapoosa Ford 256-234-3432

1551 Hwy. 280, Alex City, Al 35010

21

4. Russell Building Supply 14 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853

. McDaniels Storage Center 17 256-234-4583

1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010

Business & Shopping Lake Martin Baptist Church 49

4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 13 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

62. Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888

7280 Highway 49 South, Dadeville, AL 36853

9 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Pleasant Ridge Church

4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 12 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

19 Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075 8246 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36024 20 Artistic Teak Traders 256-896-1111 334-559-6625 1405 Old Hwy 280, Camp Hill, AL 36850

Hotels & Lodging 2. Creekside Lodge & Conference and Event Center 21 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy.49 S, Dadeville, AL 36853 22 Cherokee Bend Bed & Breakfast 877-760-7854

5833 Highway 22 East, Alex City 35010

Walnut Hill 50 50

49

Advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map for as little as $25. Contact us at 256-234-4281 or marketing@alexcityoutlook.com for more information.

Reeltown

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Lake Magazine Distribution ALEXANDER CITY Alex City Marine Aliant Bank American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Q Campus of CACC Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine’s Market Chamber Of Commerce Cherokee Quick stop Citgo Cloud Nine Collegiate Deli Comfort Inn Dark Insurance Darwin Dobbs Days Inn Discount Food Mart El Rancho Grande Emporium Wine Grace’s Flowers Hampton Inn Holley’s Home Furnishings Hometown Pharmacy

Jackson Drugs Jake’s JR’s Sports Bar & Grill Koon’s Korner Koon’s Korner II Lake Martin Building Supply Lakewinds Golf Club Larry’s General Store Little Black Dress Longleaf Antiques Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast Queen’s Attic Regions Bank Ridge - Clubhouse Ridge - Marina River North Marina Riverbend Store Russell Home Décor Russell Medical Center Russell Lands Russell Retail Store Satterfield, Inc Senior Nutrition~50+ Center Sho’ Nuff Restaurant Springhouse Restaurant

T.C. Russell Airport Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc The Medicine Shoppe The Sure Shot Warren's Appliance Parts Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon

DADEVILLE American Motorsports Aliant Bank Bay Pine Marina City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center Foodland Foshee Boat Dock Homeplate Restaurant Harbor Pointe Marina Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Community

Hospital Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy Lakeside Marina Niffer's At The Lake Oskar's Cafe Payne Furniture Pearson’s Furniture Poplar Dawgs Public Library Pug's Place PNC Bank Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34

ECLECTIC Children’s Harbor Cotton’s BBQ Eclectic Do-It Center Johnson’s Furniture Kowaliga Marina Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store Peoples Bank

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory

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74 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2015

EQUALITY Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star

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WETUMPKA The Wetumpka Herald A limited number of magazines are available at these locations. To start your subscription, call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281.

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory Handrails • Guardrails Welded Fence • Custom Art Stairs • Gates Stainless Steel Cable Railing I-Beams • Steel Posts • Stairs On-Site Welding/Cutting

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TNT Stone............................................................. 28

Com-Link, Inc........................................................... 6

Langley Funeral Home......................................... 62

TowBoatU.S.............................................................. 5

Custom Docks....................................................... 13

Lex Wedgeworth Pest Control......................... 24

United Rentals....................................................... 54

DAVCO Development......................................... 75

Mitchell's Upholstery............................................. 8

Walmart.................................................................. 75

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

Music Depot........................................................... 74

Walton Law............................................................ 54

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

Nail's Convenience Store.................................... 28

Ware Jewelers......................................................... 3

First Baptist Church Alexander City.................. 8

National Village...................................................... 19

Wedowee Marine................................................. 33

First Realty............................................................... 6

Offshore Marine & Outdoors............................ 77

Williams Plumbing Heating & Air........................ 8

George Hardy D.M.D........................................... 62

Paige Patterson, Lake Martin Voice Realty......75

WSC Distinctive Builders, LLC......................... 51

Harbor Pointe Marina.......................................... 37

Painting By Allen.................................................... 75

76 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 77

Parting Shot

Louise and Frank McPhillips sail through Lake Martin's diamond-studded waters in Parker Creek.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

"The world is full of poetry.

The air is living with its spirit; and the waves dance to the music of its melodies and sparkle in its brightness."

~ James Gates Percival

78 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

LAKE 79

AUSTIN HOLLEY 10 YEARS OLD When you’re part of the Holley’s Home Furnishings family...

You could be this spoiled too! September 25, 2015

80 LAKE

SEPTEMBER 2015