Lake Martin Living November 2017

Lake Martin Living 1

2 Lake Martin Living

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Our Family Caring For Your Family

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Beth Wade, RN Clinical Director

Since 2004 Lake Martin Hospice has offered the finest care with compassion, excellence and reliability. The entire team lives in the service area and therefore has established relationships with local doctors, drug stores, hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities.

We provide comfort and expert care

Linda Segrest, RN, CHPN Regional Director

Dr. Melissa Thompson, MD Medical Director

• Specialized Nurses educated in palliative care and pain control • Home Care Aides to provide personal care services and to assist with basic needs • Social Workers to ensure your loved one and your family process the emotional end-of-life issues • Spiritual Care Counselors are available to guide patients in meeting their spiritual needs as the end-of-life approaches • Volunteers as needed to provide valuable companionship, emotional support and help in many ways • Medical Equipment and a supplement of personal care items Lake Martin Hospice is available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.

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From the Editor’s Desk

T

PI Publisher Steve Baker talks a lot about passion. He often says that passion is the difference between mediocrity and excellence, and I think he is right. I have no doubt that passion makes TPI’s magazines what they are – your passion, that is.

Granted, passionate people in the right positions on the publishing staff are important to the process, but without your passion for living and making Tallapoosa County a better place, the magazine staff would have no stories to write.

When assistant editor Amy Passaretti met Chris Mullins at a civic club event last month, she couldn’t wait to tell you all the story about his incredible handmade costume. But in putting together the article on page 24, she discovered that the real story was something else entirely; one of dedication, perseverance and the love a parent has for a child.

Passion and dedication have played a huge role for aesthetician Shay Dean as well. Nearly 20 years of education and experience have fed Dean’s passion for the skin care needs of her patients, culminating in last month’s opening of her med-spa facility on Calhoun Street in Alexander City. Even now, she looks forward and makes plans for the services she hopes to provide in the future.

And it’s the passion of members of the Tallapoossee Historical Society that has led to the remembrance of local history. The historical group has petitioned the Alabama Historical Society and raised funds to post markers at significant sites throughout Tallapoosa County. An empty field or patch of woods today may have been the site of an important settlement, a major battle or momentous occasion in the shaping of our county, state or nation.

The article on page 22 is one such example. The seemingly unimpressive lot on Alabama Highway 50 in Camp Hill that is the subject of this month’s article was the site of a high school that served the county’s African-American population in the early years of the last century. Today, Edward Bell High School is a technical center that plays an important economic role in our county, as students are trained in skills desired by potential industrial employers. This passion to prepare our citizens for jobs and build our county’s economic future lives on, even 86 years after the construction of the original building.

Such passion is evident on every page of this issue of Lake Martin Living magazine. In the plethora of events we’ve highlighted on page 18 as we make plans to celebrate the holidays; in the costumes that children wore at the Wind Creek State Park Halloween Carnival included in our Oh Snap! section, starting on page 33; in Caryn Hughes’ tips for women in business on page 32 – your passion shows. And it makes the difference between mediocrity and excellence in the opportunities we have and the quality of the lives we lead.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday later this month, I am grateful for your passion.

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor 4 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Managing Editor Betsy Iler Assistant Magazine Editor Amy Passaretti Contributors Dave Jennings Luke Robinson Fred Muenzmay Cliff Williams Susan Foy Mitch Sneed Caryn Hughes Donald Campbell Brian Lansangan Magazine Distribution Manager David Kendrick Creative Services Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Emily Gregg Tabby Edwards Scott Hardy Rebecca Carlisle Grant Peterson Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemartinmagazine.com

Lake Martin Living is published monthly by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Please address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 256-234-4281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

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Lake Martin Living 5

Persimmons grow in the wild near Rockford

IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 14. HAPPY GARDEN 16. FROM THE TEE 30. MEDICAL NEWS 32. MONEY MATTERS 33. OH SNAP! 38. LAKE REGION EVENTS 46. THE LAST WORD

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FEATURES 10. SHAY DEAN AESTHETICS N ew downtown med-spa offers a variety of medical aesthetic/cosmetic services 18. CHRISTMAS EVENTS ' Tis the season for holiday activities across the county 22. EBHS LEADS FORWARD B old initiative continues to build local economy 86 years later 24. R4 PROMOTES AUTISM AWARENESS Father makes costumes to help daughter develop social/communication skills

ON THE COVER

Torrie Mullins, 15, in a handmade Jedi costume with an R4-AU unit she uses to promote autism awareness. The costume was made by her father, Chris, to help her develop social/communication skills.

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8 Lake Martin Living

AROUND THE AREA

First Place at State Fair Horseshoe Bend High School won a blue ribbon for the first time in the Alabama National Fair exhibit competition earlier this month with a theme designed to dissuade students from distracted driving.

“Each year, the Alabama National Fair has six booths set up for displays from FCCLA, six for the FFA and six for the 4-H,” Horseshoe Bend Family, Career and Community Leaders of America advisor Felicia Williams said. “The fair tries to pick specific clubs in a rotation. We usually apply to submit a display every other year.

“The theme we chose this year was distracted driving. We made sure it was colorful, informed the public and clearly

For the Win

Seated, Horseshoe Bend students Kayla Hall, Cheyenne Peppers and Kristal Cortez accompanied the winning exhibit to the fair in Montgomery.

told the story we wanted to tell.”

A number of students worked on the project, and Williams said she selected three students she felt had done a large part of the work to travel to Montgomery and set the display up.

When the judging was done, Williams said, she received an email informing her that the display her students worked so hard to create had won first place of all

the presentations at the fair.

“We’ve finished third three times and second twice.

This was our first time finishing first,” Williams said. “We were overwhelmed with joy. We were really excited.”

For all their hard work and first-place finish, Williams said the group was awarded $550.

“We may use some of the props in the display for some other projects we will work on, but we won’t be rebuilding the display once we take it down,” she said. ~ Donald Campbell

Sidewalks mean safety at Sportplex More than 5,000 feet of concrete sidewalk is in the making at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City, said Parks and Recreation Director Sonny Wilson.

Workers from Henderson & Coker General Contractors have been busy this month pouring 5-foot wide handicap accessible sidewalks that wind past ball fields and scenic attractions throughout the park.

Mayor Jim Nabors said he thinks the project will make a good park even better, be an asset to those who use the park and help make it more attractive to those looking to bring tournaments to the area.

“It’s something that has been needed for a long, long time, and I heard that from a lot of people,” Nabors said.

“It should have been done a long time ago, Park Improvement but we are happy to see A Henderson & Coker it being done and add to construction crew checks the what the sportplex offers level of forms before concrete now.” is poured for a new section of sidewalk at the sportplex. ~ Mitch Sneed Lake Martin Living 9

BUSINESS MATTERS

Shay Dean Aesthetics

A

STORY & PHOTOS BY AMY PASSARETTI

sense of calm greets visitors at the door of Shay Dean Aesthetics on Calhoun Street in downtown Alexander City. A master cosmetologist and medical aesthetician, owner Shay Dean cultivated that calm to complement the wide variety of skin care services she offers in the recently renovated med-spa she opened last month.

“I love cosmetics in general, and I love helping people and making them happy with the way they look,” Dean said.

After graduating from high school, Dean went to cosmetology school at Trenholm State Technical College and opened a salon in Montgomery with her mother, who has been a hairstylist for nearly 30 years.

She returned to Trenholm State to earn a radiology degree, which is what ties in the medical side that she now combines with aesthetics to broaden her skill set.

Dean then worked at a dermatologist’s office for a few years and chose to obtain her medical aesthetician certificate before embarking on a new path.

“I wanted to be able to offer services outside of the doctor’s office setting, and grow into a more inviting setting, even though services are medical/cosmetic procedures,” said Dean.

With her certifications, Dean can practice 10 Lake Martin Living

procedures with needles, including microneedling and hair restoration, and is board certified in micropigmentation (cosmetic tattooing). She also offers spa-type services – such as facials, chemical peels, body wraps and massage therapy – as well as waxing, hair extensions, makeup and lash application and more.

Dr. Heather Lawson is a contracted physician with Shay Dean Aesthetics and provides injectable procedures, and Dean also works with Lawson’s office to provide services for her clients.

“I have had several patients from the dermatology office contact me about the new place, and some patients have just followed me. I have a great clientele base, and Dr. Lawson and staff have helped me to grow that,” said Dean, who also offers discounts through a loyalty referral program to increase client retention.

Before opening, Dean built a website for the new business and received feedback from people in the Lake Martin area who were excited about the business’ arrival, as similar services had previously been unavailable in the area. People who drove to Auburn and Birmingham for comparable services now have a local connection, she said.

“I wanted to be a part of downtown Alexander City because I see a lot of new businesses coming in, and I see the potential for the town to flourish. I wanted to be a part of that growth,” said Dean, who originally is from Wetumpka but grew up coming to Lake Martin

where she now lives full-time.

Dean, along with the help of her husband Phillip, spent eight weeks renovating, refurbishing and refinishing the historic building in which her space is located. The vision for her business was brought to fruition by knocking down a wall to open up the space, resurfacing the hardwood floors and painting – a lot.

“A cosmetologist is an artist also, and I have a good eye for decorating. I can look at something and know exactly what I’m going to do with it,” said Dean.

A prime example of her artistry is the reception desk that greets customers. Dean renovated an old desk with reclaimed wood that she sanded with steel wool and painted with grays and whites to add a distressed look to the focal point of the room.

She chose some of her furniture from Longleaf Antiques, while other pieces were reused from her former salon or given to her by her mother. Her son Chandler, one of her five children, even built some pieces used in the space.

Calming Atmosphere

Previous Page: Owner Shay Dean; Right: Details in the décor add to the classy style that fills the space; Below: Dean refurbished most of her furniture to fit her vision.

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The end result is a spa-like setting with a peacock color scheme. Dean plays relaxing instrumental music in the background and offers her patients water, coffee, tea and wine.

“I want everyone to feel welcome and relaxed when they come to get treatment and take the stress away from their day,” said Dean.

When Dean is doing makeup artistry or hair extensions, the music is energetic to fit the setting.

One of her most successful ways to increase product knowledge, reach new clients and bring exposure to her services is through catered events – seasonal, special occasions or upon the release of a new product line she wants to promote and use.

“At all my events, I hand out a questionnaire that asks patients to check the services they’re interested in that maybe we don’t currently offer. This helps give me an idea of what certification I might pursue or what equipment I need to get next,” she explained.

Dean solely carries Jane Iredale’s makeup line in her studio and is a contracted make-up artist for the company. She travels across the Southeast doing cosmetics for events and shows. The skin care line she uses and sells is Institut Dermed Clinical Skincare, which is produced by the school from which she received her medical aesthetician certification.

Dean completes an initial skincare evaluation 12 Lake Martin Living

Beauty and Beverages

Left: Dean is a master cosmetologist and contracts with make-up line Jane Iredale, which she carries at her location; Right: Water, coffee, tea and wine are available to her patients.

for new patients and develops treatment plans accordingly. As a result, pricing for services may vary, depending on what is needed per individual.

Starting in 2018, Dean will offer one-on-one makeup classes to teach cosmetic skills and knowledge.

Her ultimate goal is to continue expanding services as well, based on the needs of the area’s residents.

“I want to really open up the market to reach all types of people and offer services that benefit everyone. I look forward to building new relationships and extending my network throughout the Lake Martin area,” said Dean.

Shay Dean Aesthetics is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the potential to stay open later on Tuesdays or Thursdays for those that work during normal business hours. The med-spa is located at 124 Calhoun St., Alexander City, and can be reach at 256-537-4307 for appointments. For a full list of services offered, visit shaydeanaesthetics.com.

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Lake Martin Living 13

Persimmons

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Happy Garden

ur Sunday school class held this year’s originated (American persimmons are mostly annual get-together at Walls Farm on ornamental). a beautiful fall day, and we all admired Persimmon seeds first came to the United States the blooming shrubs and trees there as we listened when Commodore Perry sent them from Japan to Buddy’s deer stories. I noticed two fruit trees in 1856. Today, persimmons are grown in many across the front lawn, and I wondered why those varieties in China, Burma, Northern India and orange apples were still on the tree?

Australia. In the U.S., they grow in Southern and Johnnie Copeland laughed at me and said those Southwestern states, predominantly California. were persimmon trees. They usually wait to pick the fruit until it is a reddish-orange color and Health Benefits of Persimmons much softer.

Vitamin A shows itself to be a powerhouse Well, that piqued my interest, so I called an in nutrition, offering 55 percent of the daily old friend of 20 some years, John Neighbors, who value in the persimmon. Vitamin C runs a close is in the fruit-growing, blueberry and assorted second with 21 percent, plus excellent amounts of azaleas propagation business. We met later at his manganese, a co-factor for the enzyme superoxide farm on Fish Pond Road to further explore the dismutase, for healthy mucous membranes and persimmon. skin, as well as a known protectant against lung Fred Muenzmay John is one of the most successful and and mouth cancers. knowledgeable growers and tree grafters in the Persimmons are an excellent source of fiber, business. We talked about old times, how he which helps keep the body regulated. B-complex purchased the 100-acre farm from his aunt after his uncle vitamins are present to stabilize the metabolic system, along passed away. John explained that he started grafting the with copper and phosphorus.

Japanese verities of persimmon to replace the wild Alabama This fruit contains all kinds of phytonutrients, flavonoids and persimmon trees, which bear a plumb fruit. The Japanese and antioxidants, such as catechins (known to have antibiotic and Eastern varieties are the size of a large apple with a sweeter taste. anti-inflammatory properties, as well as protection properties He said he no longer propagates or grows persimmons to keep small blood vessels from bleeding) and gallocatechins because the market and interest are not enough to pursue it. and betulinic acid, which is a tumor inhibitor. Other powerful His love and interest in citrus trees is much more rewarding antioxidants found in persimmons include beta-carotene, and fun. We viewed three of his citrus orchards of grapefruit, lycopene, lutein and cryptoxanthin. The zeaxanthin content oranges, Myer lemons and limes, which are protected during absorbs into the eyes and helps filter light. the winter in dome plastic houses.

Persimmons

Persimmon is the name given to a number of different species of highly similar fruits from the same scientific family, Diospyros. As more information about ancient cultures has emerged, thanks to the study of anthropology, different types of persimmons have been classified into the Japanese persimmon, including the American Persimmon, the Black Persimmon, the Date-Plum Tree and the Indian Persimmon. All of them share much of the same basic nutritional value and health benefits with a few notable differences, like fiber content and trace amounts of unusual organic compounds.

Although the most popular variety of this fruit was originally native to China, it spread around the world over the past few hundred years. Similar species have also been found in other parts of the world. This suggests that persimmon has been used for thousands of years in many different cultures; and therefore, a number of common names and nicknames for persimmons exist, including Jove’s Fire, The Fruit of the Gods and Nature’s Candy.

Persimmons are red-brown or orange fruits that grow on trees like plums and look like a small, rather flat tomato capped by a calyx. The two varieties are stringent and non-astringent, the latter being pleasingly sweet. To avoid bitterness, the paler varieties should be eaten only when very ripe, usually peeled.

Many folks are not familiar with persimmons. The Latin word for persimmon means “food of the gods.” A fruit most often grown in warm, dry climates, the ones found in larger grocery stores are most likely Japanese persimmons.

Persimmon is Japan’s national fruit, and that’s where it

Studies Done on Persimmons

Persimmons are one of a few foods associated with killing breast cancer cells without harming normal breast cells, according to one new study. Scientists attribute this to the flavonoid fisetin, which is present in several fruits and vegetables but in persimmons specifically. Fisetin also has been named as a significant contributor in the programmed eradication of colon and prostate cancer cells.

Persimmons are widely available September through December, with a peak during November.

Choose persimmons with deep red undertones. Look for fruits that are round and plump and have glossy and smooth skin. Avoid fruits with blemishes, bruises or cracked skin and those that are missing the green leaves at the top. Select ripe persimmons only if you plan to eat them immediately; otherwise, buy firmer fruits and allow them to ripen at room temperature in a paper bag with an apple or a banana.

Store ripe persimmons in the refrigerator. Be sure to eat the fruit as soon as possible because overripe persimmons quickly turn mushy.

My wife and I enjoyed them with a spoon, as if we were scooping out grapefruit sections. You can eat them like you would an apple, but wear a bib. They can be messy.

Eat Well. Be well. ~ Fred Muenzmay of Eagle's Roost Herb Farms is a Master Gardener and has been in the business of growing organic herbs, vegetables and blueberries for regional and local farmers markets for 26 years. E-mail him at fmuenzmay@earthlink.net.

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Rules change to improve

Play Speed T

From the Tee

he USGA and the R&A (Royal and weeks ago, a few of my players and I were Ancient Golf Association) have behind a group of golfers, and I watched some interesting changes in mind one of the players in this group. for the Rules of Golf. Many of you have For each and every shot, he pulled his possibly been following these proposed cart up to the ball, and while sitting in adaptations to the Rules but for those that the cart, he meticulously put his glove haven’t – hold onto your hats! The main on; then reached for his rangefinder, consideration of these new Rules of Golf is removed it from the case, shot his distance to speed up play for golf. and replaced it into the case. He walked The idea of speeding up play is very slowly to the back of the cart and, with welcomed by golfers that play often, have great contemplation, chose a club. Then a keen sense of their club distances, are he walked to his ball, took four practice considerate of others on the golf course and swings and then began his pre-shot expect to play an 18-hole round of golf in routine, addressing his golf ball while four hours or less in a group of 3 or 4. performing his 1,000-point golf swing Dave Jennings Whenever my CACC Trojan golfers play mental checklist before proceeding to hit a round of golf at Willow Point Country every shot short of the green.

Club or any other golf course, I expect After each shot, he carefully wiped down them to be over-the-top courteous to all players on the his club, replaced it into his bag, removed his glove, course. Any time a group of golfers playing at a quicker folding it and placing it gently into the cubbyhole in the pace approaches my players, my golf team will always dashboard of the cart. I hoped then that he would have stand to the side and allow these faster players to play been done slowing the pace of golfers behind him after through. This practice is a long-time common courtesy this, but oh-dear-God-help-me, no. in the game of golf.

This gentleman then apparently chose to share with My golfers always play hard to shoot the lowest 18his cart partner the painful saga of why his shot landed hole score they possibly can every time they play. These short of the green, or perhaps he shared some story that college golfers hole all of their putts and play by the had nothing to do at all with golf. In any case, more Rules; and yet, there are times when following the Rules time passed before he moved on. This was painful. could slow the round a bit.

The saddest thing about this day was that I know For example, if the rough is cut high and a player’s the gentleman who took so long to play. He is a very drive bounces from the fairway into the rough and is sweet person with a heart of gold. I also know that he lost, the Rules of Golf instruct the player to return to has been playing golf for decades, but at no time during the original location of the last shot and hit another the front nine was he prepared to play when it was his ball with a penalty of stroke and distance. The CACC turn or, in the alternative, wave for our group to play golfers would have to walk back 290 yards to the tee through. He just isn’t aware of how much his slow play and play another shot. That’s going to eat up a bit of irritates other players on the golf course. the clock. The Rules of Golf allow for a player to play Those nine holes took two hours and 30 minutes a provisional ball for a “lost ball,” but no one plays a to play. Knowing we weren’t going to be asked to play provisional ball for a ball that is considered 5 feet out of through, we left the course and headed for the practice the fairway. area.

My players also hole all of their putts; there are My suggestion for him, and others like him who are no ‘gimmees’ in tournament play, and none in my reading this article, is to please be prepared to play qualifying rounds. All of us have missed 2-foot putts when it is your turn. Put your glove on at the tee and – and even shorter ones – on those horrid nightmare don’t take it off until you reach the putting green. Put rounds. your rangefinder in a cupholder of the cart and be The biggest thing to playing golf without delay is to ready to use it when you reach your ball; then, drop it be prepared. It drives me straight up a wall to watch back into the cupholder. Take one more club than you golfers waste play time on high-traffic days. A couple think you might need for your shot. After your shot, 16 Lake Martin Living

move along. Share stories with your riding partner as you are driving.

Another change under consideration for the Rules of Golf would affect everyone at all levels of play.

Presently, a ball drop for relief from a cart path or hazard is required to be with the arm fully extended from shoulder height. In the new Rules, the ball could be dropped from any height. In fact, it could basically be tossed onto the ground from 2 inches above the intended drop position.

The one-club-length full relief rule from a cart path, casual water, obstruction and ground under repair also would be changed. The current rule allows for a drop within one club-length, but if the ball then rolled another club length, it would be deemed in play. In the future Rules, a player first would determine the nearest point of relief; then, identify an area of 20 inches from that nearest relief point. The ball would have to be dropped and played within this 20-inch area. This is a big-time change.

A few other interesting changes on the horizon for golf: The present time period to search for a golf ball before it is deemed to be lost is five minutes. This timeframe is being shortened to three minutes with the proposed changes.

Presently, a player is not allowed to replace a golf ball

Save the Stories for the Clubhouse

As a courtesy to other players on the course, chat with fellow golfers after the game, not during your round.

unless it is unfit for play or has entered a hazard, but the new rule would allow a player to replace the golf ball with a new one while taking relief from a cart path, fire ant bed, casual water, etc.

Another big change refers to the putting green.

Presently, a player may repair only ball marks or replaced holes on the green that are on the line of the player’s putt. The new rule would allow a golfer to repair any damage, such as spike or scuff marks or any other abnormalities anywhere on the green, as long as the player did so without taking a great deal of time.

Visit www.usga.org to review the proposed changes to the Rules of Golf, which will go into effect in January 2019. Most likely, every golfer will be happy with some and disappointed with others. Sorry, there are no new rules that allow a player to throw out the worst three holes from a round of golf. ~ Dave Jennings is the men's golf coach at Central Alabama Community College.

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R

Christ mas Event s

'Tis the season for holiday activities

eindeer in lights are showing up all over Alexander City, and decorations hang from lampposts as Christmas activities swing into high gear this month.

In addition to the area’s time-honored classics, including Christmas at the Crossroads and the annual Hometown Christmas Parade, plans for new events from MainStreet, ACT II and others already are under way.

Get an early start at 9 a.m. on Nov. 18 when St. James Episcopal Church opens the doors at 347 S. Central Ave., Alexander City, for the annual holiday bazaar to benefit community outreach.

The St. James Pottery Guild unveils a new collection of crosses, platters, bowls, vases and more at this four-hour show, and this year’s selection will include another element for the Nativity – the wise men. Coffee cups also will join the line-up this year.

In addition to the thousands of pottery pieces available, the church offers frozen goods, sweet treats and favorite holiday snacks from the kitchen, as well as art and handmade gift items from the talented painters, woodworkers and crafters in the St. James congregation. Stock up on frozen dinners to get through the busy shopping season or provide the luxury of a pre-made meal as a gift to a busy friend. This annual event funds outreach activities in the local Christmas in the Park

Petting live reindeer is just one of the treats that await children at this annual holiday event at the Sportplex.

18 Lake Martin Living

Alexander City's Annual Christmas Parade

Creative floats last year included this one featuring Grandma getting run over by a reindeer.

community, including Feast of Sharing meals and support for Tallapoosa County Christian Crisis Center.

Then, celebrate Christmas at the Crossroads Nov. 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads. This year’s event will include shopping under the big tent and the arrival of Santa Claus in a horse-drawn wagon at 11 a.m. for that all-important visit with the kids. There will be games, crafts and music at this free and very special Christmas kickoff event on the day after Thanksgiving. For information, contact Robert Gunn at 256-496-4232.

The schedule really gets hopping after that, as Alexander City Arts hosts Sweet Potato Pie’s A Home Grown Christmas at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Nov. 30. The heart-felt harmonies of this highly acclaimed female band will awaken the Spirit of Christmas as their angelic voices put a ‘sweetgrass’ spin on favorite holiday tunes.

Tickets are $15 and are available at the door. For advance tickets, contact Ellen Martin at 256-2348600 or Willa Alford at 256-234-4470.

MainStreet Alexander City this year will launch a new downtown event at Broad Street Plaza from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Be sure to wear a tacky holiday sweater to Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, which will include carolers from the Alexander City Theatre II production of Rented Christmas, as well as hot chocolate from The Coffee Corner, free face painting, hot chocolate and rock painting for the Alex City Rocks garden. For information, contact Bre Smith at 256-329-9227.

And don’t miss Alexander City’s signature holiday parade on Monday, Dec. 4. Thousands of spectators line the streets from Comer Street, down Cherokee Road past the high school and up Church Street through the roundabout to the bottom of the hill at Strand Park to see Santa and

Mrs. Claus arrive in town in style. Grand marshal for this year’s parade is Steve Robinson, this year’s Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Community Spirit Award winner. The parade begins at 6 p.m., but arrive early to get a good spot. Dress warmly, line your lawn chair with a cozy quilt and be sure to pack some hot chocolate and yummy holiday snacks for this not-to-be-missed favorite Christmas event.

Christmas in the Park returns to the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 9 with carriage rides, Christmas music, train rides and other activities for the kids, as well as arts and crafts vendors. Programs and Special Events Supervisor for Alexander City Parks and Recreation Kristi Hardy said carolers from local schools and churches will participate in this year’s event, and local businesses can sign up for a free advertising display area to decorate.

“These are not booths to sell products. They are just decorated parts of the park where the business can put a sign and make it their own to promote their business,” Hardy explained.

Registration forms for vendors and business decorations are available through Hardy’s office. Email her at kristi.hardy@ alexandercityal.gov for more information.

Lake Martin Living 19

The Friends of rental shop owner Anne Dadeville and the Weston hires children from Dadeville Area the orphanage to play parts Chamber of Commerce in the production, but she will co-sponsor the must take the role of the wife 4th Annual “Spirit of a herself.

Hometown Christmas” The production stars a cast Parade in downtown of more than 30, including Written by Norman C. Ahern Jr. & Yvonne Ahern Dadeville on Sunday, Alexander City’s Stephany Dec. 10. From 1 p.m. to Sasser as Anne Weston and PERFORMANCES 4 p.m., arts and crafts Dadeville’s Steve Thomas Dec. 15 booths, food booths as businessman John Dale. and children’s activities The play has all the elements 7 P.M. will be set up around of a warm and wonderful Dec. 16 the courthouse square, holiday with the reading of 2 P.M. & 7 P.M. and Santa Claus will the Christmas story from the be there to meet and Book of Luke and audience Benjamin Russell greet the naughty and sing-alongs with favorite High School Auditorium Alexander City the nice. carols.

The parade will Tickets are $12 for adults Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Englewood, Colorado begin at 3 p.m. near and $7 for students and the football field and will travel up Lafayette Street to the are available at www.act2fineartscenter.com. Tickets courthouse square. For vendor information, contact the also will be available at the BRHS Auditorium door on Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce at 256-825-4019. performance dates.

Alexander City Theatre II will present a light-hearted On Dec. 17 – one week before Christmas Eve – the Christmas play at the Benjamin Russell High School focus turns to church and family as several churches host Auditorium on Dec. 15 and 16. Rented Christmas by special music services throughout the week leading up to Norman C. Ahern and Yvonne Ahern tells the story of Christmas Day. Check calendar listings in The Alex City a lonely businessman who decides to rent a Christmas Outlook and The Dadeville Record for details on these celebration, complete with five children and a wife. When concerts. the local actors’ guild can’t provide actors for the event, And have a very Merry Christmas!

Rented Christmas

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20 Lake Martin Living

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Lake Martin Living 21

Edward Bell High School leads forward

22 Lake Martin Living

B

Bold initiative continues to build local economy 86 years later STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY MITCH SNEED

uilt in 1931 through the Rosenwald Fund as the county’s first high school for African-American students, Edward Bell High School was known as the Tallapoosa County Training School. The school was renamed to honor an outstanding principal.

The pioneer institution emphasized college preparedness and vocational curricula.

Members of the local community added classrooms, a gymnasium and lunchroom in 1947, using donated building materials, but when a fire burned the original building in the late 1950s, a new building was constructed nearby.

The school closed at the end of the 2010-2011 academic year, due to fiscal problems in the Tallapoosa County school system, but two years later, the school reopened as a local technical education facility that trains students for vocations in law enforcement, industrial maintenance, welding, healthcare and computer software.

“We started with a vision, a building and no money,” Tallapoosa County Schools Superintendent Joe Windle said last spring when the Edward Bell Technical Center was showcased on a tour of state officials. “We cleaned up the building and made a video of the vision and carried it around the state.”

Now 86 years old, the academic initiative at Edward Bell High School is a banner for providing skilled labor to potential industry seeking communities in which to open their facilities.

Donations, grants and county school monies were used to renovate the building, which now serves students from Dadeville, Horseshoe Bend and Reeltown. Students learn technical skills that will qualify them for jobs with local industry.

The Alabama Historical Association, with research and funds from the Tallapoossee Historical Society, posted a historical Working for the Future marker on Alabama The technical programs Highway 50 at the now offered at Edward site of the original Bell High School prepare students for work with local school in February business and industry.

2016.

Lake Martin Living 23

24 Lake Martin Living

R4 promotes autism awareness Father makes costumes to help daughter STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE, BRIAN LANSANGAN & COURTESY OF MELISSA MULLINS

w

hen 15-year-old Torrie Mullins asked for a Star Wars replica droid two years ago, she never knew the effect she could have on raising awareness for a condition that directly impacts her life.

Mullins is on the autism spectrum, and with the help of her parents, Melissa and Chris, she uses her puzzle piece-designed R4-AU unit to not only educate others about autism, but also to improve her own social interaction and communication skills.

“Our goal for the R4 unit was to carry it to schools for educational purposes to help get autism awareness out there. We knew it could take a while, though, because of Torrie’s social issues and connections,” said Melissa.

Not even two years later, the Mullins family has spread their

message across the state and even made a national impact through social media.

Mullins adopted a strong interest in Star Wars a few years back, and when she first asked for a droid unit, Chris realized the electronic work it would take to build one the size she wanted was out of his realm of experience.

“I have a friend who has an R2KT unit painted in pink and white, named after his daughter who passed away from cancer. That’s where I got the idea to buy a unit but cover it in puzzle pieces for autism awareness,” said Chris, who began asking around to see how feasible it would be to receive donations.

The Mullins family then set up a GoFundMe account to raise funds to purchase a life-sized Star Wars astrodroid replica. About two or three

Lake Martin Living 25

days went by and aside from a few donations by friends, move its arms; light up; say lines from the Star Wars they hadn’t made the progress they had hoped for. movies – including those from both Luke Skywalker and One morning Melissa noticed that their link had spread the late Carrie Fisher’s character Princess Leia. It even has like wildfire. its own personality and can be put on guard mode to react “The Peter Mayhew Foundation (founded by the actor to others. who portrayed the Chewbacca character in the movies) Mullins, who calls herself the Autistic Jedi, was given had shared it with all of his followers, and since he shared the name by her father for her sometimes-backward way it, everyone following him started sharing it. Within three of talking, which is similar to the way a Star Wars Jedi months, we had more talks in the movies. To than 3,000 shares on carry out the theme, Facebook and in just Chris fabricated Jedi four months, we had costumes for Mullins enough donations to and Melissa, along with get the ball rolling,” said putting together his Chris. own Storm Trooper They then contacted uniform.

Billy O’Brien, owner of The Jedi costumes, Astrodroids, located in each made in just one New York, to build a day by Chris, are crafted unit for them. O’Brien from curtains, since the loved the idea of using fabric resembled the the droid to spread original costumes more autism awareness and than anything else he offered to ship the could find.

150-pound item for The art of creating free as his contribution video game and movie to the project. Four character costumes months later, the R4started as therapy for AU unit arrived in the Chris due to his seizure Mullins front yard on disorder, but it quickly an 18-wheeler. became an impressive “We checked Torrie hobby. Dawdling one out of school, and when day, he began to create I brought the droid Halo helmets. He used inside, her eyes just lit the pepakura technique up, and she wouldn’t of folding papers to stop hugging it,” said create a 3D version of Chris. an item. From there, he Rob Letts from tried other materials, Birmingham, arranged such as foam, fabric and the printing of the leather and eventually puzzle piece sticker was using a wide variety that covers the R4, of supplies. and Chris had to take “I use literally any apart the legs and material I can get my other pieces to ensure hands on and recycle the sticker was placed materials as often as I properly. can. I can see a design They also made the way I want it to sure that the names be and just come up Family Fundraising of everyone who with the idea in my Previous Page: Melissa, Torrie and Chris Mullins promote autism contributed to the head to make it come awareness with the help of R4-AU; Above: Chris and his daughter project in some way to life. I break it down Torrie at Opelika's Fall Festival wearing costumes he built; Right: were listed on the back into smaller pieces This Locus costume from Gears of War includes hand-stitching, a variety of materials and took months to create. of R4. and figure out how I “Several people have can create that,” said really helped us with Chris, who also builds a various steps of this process along the way. We now have variety of costumes for family and friends. friends all over the country,” said Melissa.

Melissa decided to create a specific Facebook page The R4 unit is a fully functioning droid operated by a called Autism Awareness R4-AU. It highlights photos remote control and iPad and can travel across the floor; of Mullins and R4 and events they have done, along 26 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living 27

with being a platform for fundraisers.

The first time R4 made a public appearance was after a family from Lincoln, Alabama, reached out to the Mullins after finding this Facebook page.

Mullins and R4 appeared at an autistic boy’s Star Wars themed birthday party.

The boy loved it so much, he drew a picture of R4 for Mullins to autograph and send back.

“It’s these connections that are making an impact in autism awareness and what we’re trying to do,” Costume Creation Chris uses any material he can get his said Melissa. hands on to create characters from The real various movies and video games, such epiphany and as this Spartan from video game Halo 5. emotional realization on its influence was noticed by Mullins’ parents during Magic City Con, a three-day ‘cosplay’, sci-Fi, gaming and comic convention in Birmingham. At their autism awareness booth, R4-AU became a conversation starter where Mullins, who doesn’t speak a lot, found it easy to talk about her astrodroid.

“Another autistic kid showed up and asked about R4.

They made a connection and ended up talking for an hour.

That’s when I realized, ‘this is the reason we’re doing this.’

The whole purpose was to break that barrier that can be difficult and get them talking. It was nice to see Torrie connect with someone like that,” said Melissa.

Since then, Mullins and R4 travel to events, birthday parties and other functions, such as the Auburn A-Day Autism 5K. Through autographs, photos, fundraisers and requested appearances, Mullins can promote education on autism and not only communicate more easily herself, but also help another child possibly find a connection, allowing him or her to open up, as well.

“The world is not going to conform to her or other 28 Lake Martin Living

children with special needs.

They have to learn how to live their lives within the community because the community won’t do it for them,” said Melissa.

Chris said people have accused him and Melissa of exploiting their daughter and autism; however, they have made no personal financial gain, and any donations received or proceeds from fundraisers are given to Autism Speaks, which is the Mullins’ charity of choice.

As interest in R4 spread, the Autism Speaks program reached out to Melissa, proposing her help as a volunteer ambassador for the state of Alabama. As a liaison with the Senate and Congress regarding new bills drafted that could affect those on the autism spectrum, Melissa meets with officials and does research to provide an educated assessment and opinion on the bill.

“It’s a really great program, and most volunteers are personally affected by autism in some way. I really enjoy doing it though and spend at least two hours a day doing research,” said Melissa.

Ultimately, Melissa and Chris believe education is key to bringing understanding to not only autism, but also to other special needs and said if they can help even one child or change one adult’s reaction to an autistic child, it would be worth it.

“We are so pleased with the progress we’ve made, and the impact has been huge. It’s outstanding how appreciative both children and adults are for R4 and what we’re trying to do. The goal is we want as many people educated about autism as we can and for kids on the spectrum to not be so timid and find a way to break out of their shells. If R4 can make them not be nervous in a crowd or social event, then we’ve done what we’ve set out to do,” said Melissa.

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Russell Medical making the grade

The only hospital within 50 miles to earn LeapFrog's A rating

N

Medical News

ovember is an exciting month for The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade Russell Medical, as we open the assigns letter grades of A, B, C, D and F doors of our new Urgent Care to hospitals nationwide based on their facility and Total Healthcare complex high performances in preventing medical errors, on the hill behind the Cancer Center. Join infections and other harms. Russell Medical us for the grand opening festivities from 4 was one of 832 hospitals nationwide p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30. The awarded an ‘A’ for its commitment to halls will be decked, new wreathes hung keeping patients safe and meeting the and gourmet holiday treats galore. Come by highest safety standards in the U.S. to meet the staff of Total Healthcare; then, “It takes consistent, unwavering meander over to the Urgent Care suite and dedication to patients to achieve the meet the practitioners who will be treating highest standards of patient safety. An patients there. Santa is scheduled to make ‘A’ Safety Grade recognizes hospitals for a stop, as he’s making that final list for the this accomplishment,” said Leah Binder, big night, so kick off the holiday season president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group.

Susan Foy with Drs. John Adams, Bob Edwards, Tate “We congratulate the clinicians, board, Hinkle and Justin Vines as they roll out the management and staff of Russell Medical for red carpet and show off their new medical showing the country what it means to put home. patient safety first.”

For the fourth consecutive period, Russell Medical Jim Peace, president and CEO of Russell Medical, has received an ‘A’ rating for patient safety from The applauded the efforts of the entire clinical team for Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit health care its commitment to consistent safety measures and ratings organization. Russell continued quality improvement.

Medical was one of only seven “Patient safety is an hospitals in Alabama to important element receive the highest of an effective, rating. efficient health

30 Lake Martin Living

care delivery system where quality prevails,” said Peace. “At Russell Medical, patient safety is a top priority throughout our hospital and affiliated clinics. With patient safety standards being the hallmark of our quality efforts, we can reduce infection rates, put checks in place to prevent mistakes and ensure strong lines of communication between hospital staff, patients and families.”

Developed under the guidance of a Blue Ribbon National Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 27 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign A through F grades to more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals twice per year. It is calculated by top patient safety experts, peer reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.

Brenda Duncan, an R.N. who serves as director of quality management for Russell Medical, gave credit for this high rating to everyone on the Russell Medical team.

“Quality at our hospital is owned by every employee. Our mission is ‘Being the best because we care,’ and we live this mission daily. Inside our doors, you will find professionals of the highest caliber and leadership committed to utilizing all of our resources to improve the quality of every life we touch. We strive to provide optimal care following national standards as our benchmark.

We want every patient to feel comfortable and confident during the hospital stay. Our ultimate goal is quality patient care, and we make every effort to provide an excellent experience because we want a positive outcome for our patients and their families.”

To see Russell Medical’s full grade, and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit the website www.hospitalsafetygrade.org and follow the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade on Twitter and Facebook. ~ Susan Foy is marketing director for Russell Medical.

Healthy Hearts Make More Memories More moments mean more memories.

More time with grandkids and family.

More days on the lake. More sunsets.

Kevin Sublett, MD, and the staff at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic of Central Alabama are committed to keeping your heart healthy, so you can keep on making memories.

The clinic is backed by the world-class expertise you expect from UAB Medicine, offering: • The full spectrum of cardiovascular care • Care from a physician board-certified in interventional cardiology • The latest in cardiac and vascular ultrasound technology, as well as nuclear medicine imaging in accredited laboratories • Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders • Convenient location within Russell Medical Center Call us today to schedule an appointment!

3368 Highway 280, Suite 130 Alexander City, AL 35010 (256) 234-2644 uabmedicine.org/heartcentralAL

Lake Martin Living 31

Personal branding tips for women Make a strong brand pay off with connections, impressions

A

strong personal brand is important for any business leader, and as Phyllis Neill has found in working with professional women over the years, personal branding pays off with more purposeful connections and the ability to leave a lasting impression.

Neill, channel manager of content marketing for Alabama Media Group, has found that women in business are sometimes less likely to speak candidly of their own achievements.

Learning this has helped her develop helpful ways that professionals can build effective personal brands without appearing boastful.

She recently spoke to members of USAmeriBank’s Women Entrepreneurs program during an event at an Alexander City restaurant. She shared strategies for creating personal brands and strengthening connections. Here are three of her personal branding tips that women could implement immediately in their everyday activities:

Own your name online

It’s important to give people multiple ways to find you online, whether that’s through a website, by setting up a blog that outlines your experience, or by simply leveraging your LinkedIn presence.

This allows you some control over what people will see about you online and gives them multiple ways to connect with you.

MONEY MATTERS

give you a chance to showcase your knowledge to everyone from prospective customers to potential employees.

Cultivate your network

We often call on our contacts when things are changing in our businesses, when we’re looking for new employees or when we’ve made the decision Caryn Hughes to leave a job. This process can be a lot Share your easier to navigate if you experience take the time to keep in touch with Blog on your website or share your contacts when things aren’t posts on LinkedIn that demonstrate so stressful. Commit to setting up your expertise in your chosen field. at least one lunch a month with Start by coming up with six topics. someone, like a LinkedIn connection These could range from how to be or some other business contact you a great manager to tips for startups haven’t spoken with in a while. or how to find your voice in a large Instead of focusing on what you’d corporate environment. Six topics like for your contacts to do for you, would be enough blog posts for try to find out if there’s some way six months. You may not think of you could help them. If you keep yourself as a writer, but short posts in touch and try your best to help on topics you’re passionate about when needed, you will have laid the groundwork for when you need their help later.

It’s not about simple reciprocity; it’s about building strong connections that strengthen all of our businesses and, ultimately, our communities. ~ Caryn Hughes is Senior Vice President, Alabama Commercial Lending Executive, at USAmeriBank.

For information on the WE program, visit www.usameribank.com/ womenentrepreneurs/ or call Hughes at 813-418-4068.

32 Lake Martin Living

OH SNAP! 1

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United Way Fashion Show Oct. 19, 2017 Downtown Alexander City 1. Jan Hare and Gail Gaston

2. David Sturdivant, John Adair and Chad Calhoun

8

3. Courtney Layfield and Malorie Mann 4. Kathi Odom and Janet Price 5. Mel and Leslie Loftis and Will Kinnebrew 6. Shawna Woodruff and Leanne Calhoun 7. Sawyer Davis, Michael Johnson and Willie Garrett 8. Laurie Sturdivant, Carol Lee and Phil Spraggins Lake Martin Living 33

OH SNAP! 1

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Fall for Downtown

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Oct. 21, 2017 Strand Park, Alexander City 1. Heather McClellan, Rylin Hall and Baylee McClellan 2. Marla Anderson and Bonnie Fields 3. Troy and Bre Smith and Chris McClure 4. Wesley, James and Shannon Pinto

5. Mike Zadroga and Jodi Stoltzner 6. Pat Floyd, and Patty, Kendall and Briley Mann 7. Delinda Wells, Kaylen Given, Jackie Pitts and Bentley Matthews 8. Zoey Fields and Iliya Toler

34 Lake Martin Living

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8

OH SNAP! 2

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Oktoberfest Oct. 14, 2017 Charles E. Bailey Sportplex 1. Steve Baker and Mason Mayfield

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2. Talmadge Garrett and Tom Spicer 3. Karen Pemberton

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4. Tiffney Caldwell, Shaquetta Waver and Candace Millner 5. Amari Johnson 6. Raelie and Kara Thomas and Mary Henson 7. Zy Waver, Eric Young, Jayden Brooks, Ty Waver, Damarian Glasper, Jakobie Riley, Kaleb Adamson, Kaiden Glenn, Jayden Brooks, Eli Taylor and XorIan Myton Lake Martin Living 35

OH SNAP! 1

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Pink and Teal Fashion Show

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Oct. 31, 2017 Horseshoe Bend School 1. Leah Foshee 2. Paisley Grace Sharpe 3. Ridge Lovelady 4. Hailey Pollard 5. Janie Ann Clark

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6. Dakota Howard 7. Chloe Bobo 8. Cami Cook 9. Ethan Hoyle 10. Baxley Ayers 11. Sinaai Glenn 12. Amandita "Pinkie" Burnett

36 Lake Martin Living

OH SNAP! 2

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Halloween Carnival Oct. 21, 2017 Wind Creek State Park 8

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1. Madison Williams and Harleigh Solano

2. Mackenzie Galvan, Audrey Owens, Madison Baker and Jake Owen 3. Derek and Lindsey Walls and Derrick and Kaci Lackey 4. Rebecca and Chris Dobbs 5. Janna Roberts and Tina Sanford 6. Phoenix, Mikaylah and Dawson Ray 7. Jennifer, Makenzie and Lance Gulledge 8. Grant Gordon and Johnny Spears 9. Mason, Lyla and Isabella Mitchell and Mickey Griggs Lake Martin Living 37

Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

Make reservations now for Eclectic's annual Christmas spectacular

An Eclectic Ministry hosts its 10th annual walking tour of the Christmas story Dec. 1-9 at the Falk Farm located at 1733 Claude Rd. in Eclectic. Told through scenes and re-enactments, this spectacular presentation involves more than 200 community volunteers. Reservations are suggested, and time slots are scheduled in 15-minute increments. To make reservations, visit aneclecticministry.org, e-mail reservations@aneclecticministry.org or call 334-5784846. Admission is free, but donations are accepted and appreciated. The 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. time slots are handicap accessible, so be sure to specify if you require assistance.

38 Lake Martin Living

LAKE REGION EVENTS Nov. 17

Denim & Diamonds Charity Ball

Hosted by the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce, this event will be held at the Lake Martin Event Center at the Rodeo Club in Dadeville. Tickets are $50 per person, which includes a steak dinner and a silent auction. Music will be performed by Lisa and the E-Lusion. All proceeds benefit the Lake Martin Area United Way. Call the Dadeville chamber at 256-825-4019 for information or tickets.

Nov. 18

Annual Fall Bazaar

St. James Episcopal Church will host its annual fall bazaar from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring kitchen creations, handmade treasures, pottery and more. The church is located at 347 South Central Ave., Alexander City, and all proceeds will benefit community outreach programs.

Nov. 18

Football Youth Sports Day

Auburn University will treat kids to an unforgettable day including access to indoor practice facilities, a pregame message from a former Auburn and NFL player, participation in the Tiger Walk and Eagle Flight and more, including a post-game photo for groups of 100 or more.

Tickets are $25. For information, contact Michael Taylor at 334-549-2337.

Nov. 24-26

Christmas at the Crossroads

Open the Christmas season with this weekend-long event at Russell Crossroads. Shop the Company Store for gifts from Cloud Nine and handcrafted items created by local artisans. Stop in at Catherine’s Market for discounts and giveaways. Bring the whole family to admire the town decorations and revel in the Christmas spirit while shopping the arts and crafts at the Holiday Market at The Stables.

Santa will arrive in town between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to see all the boys and girls. The Holiday Bazaar will be held in conjunction on the Town Green and local artisans will display handmade jewelry, soaps, woodwork, paintings and more. The fee for exhibitors is $75 per booth. Visit the website at www.russellcrossroads.com or call 256-397-1397 for information or to register as a vendor.

Dec. 3

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

MainStreet Alexander City is hosting a Christmas event downtown from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Alex City Rocks will be at Broad Street Plaza painting rocks, there will be free face painting, hot chocolate will be available from The Coffee Corner and Christmas carolers from ACT II will be entertaining us with holiday tunes. All are encouraged to wear their tacky sweaters, and there will be special appearances by some of your favorite Christmas characters.

For information, call MainStreet Executive Director Bre Smith at 256-329-9227.

Dec. 10

Dadeville’s Spirit of a Hometown Christmas Parade

The Friends of Dadeville, along with the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce, are co-sponsoring the 4th Annual Spirit of a Hometown Christmas Parade from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Dadeville. This event will feature a variety of floats, arts and crafts booths, children’s activities, food and Santa Claus. To participate or for more information, please contact the chamber at 256-825-4019.

Season-Long Events Memory Makers Quilt Guild

Meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex campus.

Participants come and go between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. with a business meeting at 5 p.m., followed by show-and-tell. Bring sewing projects, machines and questions.

Real Island Supper

The Real Island community hosts a covered dish supper every third Friday of the month (second Friday in December) at the Real Island Volunteer Fire Department and Community Room, 1495 Real Island Rd., Equality.

Everyone is welcome. Admission is $3 per adult; bring a covered dish to share. Some nights are themed, so call ahead to find out if costumes or certain types of food are in order.

For more information, call Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724.

Nov. 28-29

Painting the Landscape in Oils

Perry Austin will teach this two-day workshop at Tallapoosa School of Art on the lake in Dadeville. Artists of all skill levels are welcome. For information, visit www. tallapoosaworkshops.com.

Nov. 30

Sweet Potato Pie’s A Home Grown Christmas

Ring in the season with a light-hearted production at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium. This Alexander City Arts, Inc., presentation will start at 7 p.m. For ticket information, visit AlexanderCityArts.org.

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9

Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

63

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

9

Power lines

20

280

19

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

County Roads

15

22

Flint Hill Church

24

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

13

Rockford

3

49

128

22

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

Jacksons Gap

Pleasant Grove Church

31

11

9

Mt. Zion Church Russell Farms Baptist Church 32 Friendship Church New Hope Church

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

22 57

24

6

4 Camp Kiwanis

27 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

10 Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

11 1

Church in The Pines

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

Ko w

ali

ga

2

Stillwaters

21 5

Union Landing

Ba

25 26

Walnut Hill

y

23 30

80

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing 55

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

7 63 18 8

Equality

9

17

9

Smith Landing Willow Point

Seman

Dadev

280

Liberty Church

20

231

Horsesh Nation

Jaybird Landing

29

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

16

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

49

Eclectic

12

Santuck

Kent Reeltown

231

14

ELMORE COUNTY

120

14

28 14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

40 Lake Martin Living

Tallassee 229

MACO COUNT

Marinas

Daviston

1 Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

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

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

22

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

hoe Bend nal Park

ON TY

5 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

24 Foshee What's, LLC 256-234-3298 2802 Dadeville Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Restaurants

8 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 9 Homeplate Cafe 256-825-0583

191 East South St., Dadeville, AL 36853 10 Oskar's Cafe 6684 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

50

Camp Hill

11 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 12 Bezlo's Cafe 334-639-0003

65 Main Street., Eclectic, AL 36024

Business & Shopping

280

Waverly

13 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481

5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, Al 35010 14 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036

230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850

50

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

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

14

16 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

LEE COUNTY

22 Centry 21 Lake Area Realty 256-825-4800 440 N Broadnax St., Dadeville, AL 36853 23 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454 8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

7 SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

ville

21 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853

4 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

6 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

CHAMBERS COUNTY

20 McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583

1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010

Hotels & Lodges 25 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853 26 Creekside Event Center 256-307-1441

7051 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches 27 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820

8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 28 Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 334-252-8618

2602 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078 29 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293

8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Dock Builders 30 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443

180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 31 Docks Unlimited LLC 256-203-8400

6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

Recreation 32 Dixie Sailing Club 767 New Hope Church Road Alexander City, Al 35010

17 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

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

288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

Loachapoka

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

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010

14

Notasulga 85 81

If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map, for as little as $25 call 256-234-4281. Space is limited.

Lake Martin Living 41

385 East LaFayette Street Dadeville, AL 36853 (256) 825-9244

Only Minutes from Lake Martin and Alex City!

All Private Suites with Private Bathroom & Shower

Welcomes Holly Keel to our team!

New Gym for Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy

In-House Nurse Practitioner & 40” Flat Screen TV’s

The Best Just Keep Getting Better® HOLLY KEEL cell 334.703.8982

holly@hollyatlakemartin.com www.hollyatlakemartin.com

We Touch the Lives of the People You Love 42 Lake Martin Living

PM16_DadeRehabHalfPg_Mag3.indd 1

5/18/16 3:58 PM

AMANDA SCROGGINS cell 256.749.6634

amanda@amandascroggins.com www.amandascroggins.com

5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL • Office: 256-329-LAKE (5253)

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

Lighting the Way for the Lake & River Region for more than 125 Years

To subscribe call Linda Ewing 256-234-4281 P.O. Box 999, 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010 Lake Martin Living 43

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

ALEXANDER CITY

Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Que Campus of CACC Carlisle's 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 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 Longleaf Antiques Mark King 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 USAmeribank Warren's Appliance Parts Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon

ECLECTIC

Bezlo's Cafe Bless Your Heart 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 Original Grace Peoples Bank

EQUALITY

Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star

INVERNESS

Airwalk Ultimate Trampoline Area Tree Top Family Adventure Winn-Dixie

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation

MOUNTAIN BROOK Whole Foods Market

RED HILL Citgo

SYLACAUGA

Good Ole Boys BBQ

TALLASSEE

CHELSEA

The Ditsy Daisy Boutique Winn-Dixie

Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce The Tallassee Tribune

CHILDERSBURG

WALNUT HILL

Winn-Dixie

DADEVILLE

American Watersports Bay Pine Marina City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina

44 Lake Martin Living

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 Place Poplar Dawgs Public Library Pug's Place PNC Bank Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 USAmeribank

Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA

The Wetumpka Herald To be sure a copy is reserved for you, call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281 for a subscription.

AD INDEX 4 Seasons Irrigation & Landscape....................................................... 4 3

Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance................................................ 4 3

A&M Plumbing.................................................................................... 7

Kelley’s Heating & Air........................................................................ 4 7

Advanced Heat & Air......................................................................... 3 9

Lake Martin Community Hospital......................................................... 3

Armstrong-Holley Plumbing............................................................... 4 5

Lake Martin Dock........................................................................ 13, 43

Beyond Home Care.............................................................................. 5

Mark King's Furniture ......................................................................... 2

Bezlo's Cafe....................................................................................... 4 2 Black Jack Gardens............................................................................ 2 9 Bob Alexander Landscaping ................................................................ 8 Brandino Brass................................................................................... 1 3 Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation......................................................... 3 2 C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 4 2 Cahaba Glass....................................................................................... 8 DAVCO Development........................................................................ 4 3 Deep Water Dock Services................................................................... 5 Designs by Trish................................................................................... 7

Millstone Nursery................................................................................ 7 OBGYN Associates of Montgomery................................................... 2 9 Prime Management........................................................................... 4 2 RE/MAX Around the Lake.................................................................. 4 2 Red Flag Pest Control.......................................................................... 7 River Region Dermatology.................................................................. 4 3 Russell Medical.................................................................................. 4 8 Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................... 5 Southern Sash................................................................................... 1 3

George Hardy, D.M.D.......................................................................... 7

Sunrise Docks.................................................................................... 2 1

Guy's Heating & Air........................................................................... 4 3

Tallassee Community Hospital............................................................ 2 0

Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance...................................................... 4 3

Troy Cable........................................................................................... 8

Jackson Thornton............................................................................. 2 1

UAB Heart & Vascular........................................................................ 3 1

Kathy McKinley, Draperies................................................................ 4 3

Wind Creek Casino............................................................................ 4 7

ARMSTRONG-HOLLEY

PLUMBING

We Specialize in commercial & reSidential plumbing!

256-392-3809 OFFICE 256-794-0777 CELL Lake Martin Living 45

AIRPORT ETIQUETTE

Robinson takes one for travelers everywhere

I

The Last Word

n this month’s issue of Lake It should be noted here I didn’t Martin Living magazine, I will be ask for her to readjust the seat to an answering the age-old question that upright position. That seemed rude; has plagued scholars and philosophers however, I did let out an exasperated for millennia: “Is it OK to lean back in sigh to acknowledge my discontent. She your seat on an airplane if someone is was not fazed. behind you?”.

Well, I was puzzled. Perplexed even.

The short answer is “no.”

I mean, there was an empty seat right The long answer is “NOooOOOoO!” in front of her. Why couldn’t she have Look, I know the option is there to moved up and then leaned back? lean back. Delta and Southwest airplane Of course, I could have moved, too, designers didn’t accidentally put that that’s true. But in that scenario, she archaic button on the side of armrest, wins. I didn’t want her to win. I wanted right? But unless you turn around and to win. see Tyrion Lannister, Verne Troyer or I then did what any self-respecting, Luke Robinson Mary Lou Retton sitting behind you, lanky, 6-foot 5-inch dude would do: I take my advice: Do not lean back! crammed my knees right into the back It’s simple courtesy, folks. Passengers do not of her chair. A unique strategy, certainly, because want another person’s chair tilted into their it hurt me to do it. It was more uncomfortable laptops with that person’s hair dangling jussst than that time when I had an appointment with above the flat Diet Coke they ordered. the big-handed proctologist. I had to persevere When airplanes were invented, people were though. I had to push through the pain. Lessons smaller. Orville and Wilbur Wright were both 4 needed to be learned. feet 3 inches tall and 65 pounds. (Editor’s note: Of course, she struggled. She fought like a This is completely untrue.) So when they built the hooked marlin, moving side to side and back and first 747 aircraft in 1803 (Editor’s note: Both of forth in an effort to dislodge my knees. It was no these statements are also untrue), they planned use though; I was not budging. their seating according to the sizes of average Then, finally, she threw in the towel. The lady humans in their day. turned to me, glared for a moment, grabbed her Flash forward to 2017, and Americans are carry-ons and stormed to the seat in front of her. both a lot taller and a good bit chunkier on She whispered that I was a “bass mole.” average (I am not talking about you though …

That seemed weird. Who calls someone a You look great!). Now, people need more room. “bassmo – ?”

Unfortunately, like stadium seats in the SEC, the Wait a minute … Maybe I misheard her? airlines haven’t yet accommodated these collective Bottom line: I won. My knees looked like they newfound girths and heights. Airplane seats aren’t had spent a week at Joe Namath’s Knee Camp, but designed for people of modern carriage, frankly.

I won. Also, my bet is that woman never leaned Let me explain more through a story, a story of her chair back without checking again. In that one of the proudest moments of my life – which is sense, I was one of the greatest American heroes very sad in its own right, but anyhoo ... of my generation.

The year was 1999, and I was aboard a So now, you know: Don’t lean back.

Southwest Airlines flight from Birmingham to Dallas. There was a feisty middle-aged woman in ~ Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native front of me who, at about 10,000 feet, decided to who also writes a weekly column for the Alexander lean back – wayyy back – like she was auditioning City Outlook. to be an extra in a Snoop Dogg video.

46 Lake Martin Living

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Lake Martin Living 47

48 Lake Martin Living