Lake Martin Living November 2018

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

Epic Adventure Seed-Saving Movement Luke's Farewell Column

November 2018

www.lakemartinmagazine.com

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From the Editor’s Desk

T

he process of interviewing for stories is by far one of my favorite parts of this job. I always come across the most impressive, motivated people, and each time I think this is incomparable, someone else surprises me.

When I first heard about Will Denton and his cousin, John Denton, paddling the Alabama Scenic River Trail from beginning to end, I was thoroughly enthusiastic to get the inside scoop.

I caught Will on his hiatus at home before the second leg of their journey, and I sat eagerly listening to the tales of their experiences and the journeys they encountered – and they still had more than 350 miles to go!

Throughout the trip, Will kept me updated with photos, and I knew this was a story I had to see through to the end. When they returned, I jumped at the chance to sit down with Will again, and this time his sweet wife, Charlotte, (also his biggest fan) joined us.

I hope I captured their adventure appropriately for you on page 20 in a way that portrays their spirits.

Dadeville’s, Andi Beaton Mickaels opened her home-staging and home décor storefront, Off the BEATON Path. Her motivation stemmed from a love of decorating, and listening to her tale encourages people to pursue things that bring them joy. Read about her new venture on page 10.

As the weather continues to cool, Sidney Hancock advises us to save seeds from our gardens for personalization and money-saving. In her Garden Talk column on page 14, Sidney explains the seed-saving movement and how sharing seeds with others helps keep crop varieties alive. Certain seeds are the best to save, and she teaches us how to properly store them. Plus, it could bring some happiness to a loved one to share a piece of your favorite plant.

Luke Robinson has found joy in his life, and we wish him the absolute best of luck as he bids farewell to Lake Martin Living. After six years of making our readers laugh with his quirky storytelling in The Last Word column on page 46, he will have more time to spend with his family.

Don’t worry though, he offered to be a guest columnist on occasion. It’s not the last we'll see of Luke.

We are excited to announce the coming of a new column and columnist joining our team in December. But I don’t want to spoil the surprise. You’ll have to pick up next month’s issue to meet the newest member of our Lake Martin Living writing team.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year. Family, friends, food and festivities – I couldn't ask for a better holiday. Whatever your traditions may be, I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Amy Passaretti, Editor

4 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Managing Editor Betsy Iler Editor Amy Passaretti Contributors Dave Jennings Luke Robinson Sidney Hancock Cliff Williams Donald Campbell Lori Harrell Tammy Jackson Lizi Arbogast Annie Bartol Magazine Distribution Manager Erin Burton Creative Services Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Shelley McNeal Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Katie Wesson Marilyn Hawkins Kat Raiford Jessica Ware Julie Harbin 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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John and Will Denton prepare for the secondleg of their 600-plus mile journey on the Alabama Scenic River Trail from the Brushy Branch area of Georgia to Fort Morgan on Mobile Bay. The pair paddled for 34 days, sleeping in tents along the way and searching for places to stay before nightfall each day.

Photo by Annie Bartol

IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 14. GARDEN TALK 18. FROM THE TEE 22. MEDICAL NEWS 29. MONEY MATTERS 30. OH SNAP! 36. LAKE REGION EVENTS

FEATURES 10. HOMEMADE INSPIRATION Andi Beaton Mickaels opens Off the BEATON Path in Dadeville 20. SPIRITED SMILE Local orthodontist offers new university logo braces 24. TALE OF TWO PADDLERS Cousins share an adventure on the Alabama Scenic River Trail

46. THE LAST WORD

14 Basil seed pods are an example of seeds that could be saved from a garden.

Photo by Sidney Hancock

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AROUND THE AREA

Scarecrows liven up park A pair of scarecrows tend to the Garden of ‘Weed’in’ last month at Keebler Park in Dadeville. These two scarecrows, built by the Master Gardeners of Tallapoosa County, are one of four entries in the scarecrow contest Dadeville resident Diana Porter created to liven up the park for the month of October. The scarecrows provide great visuals of the Fall Exhibit fall season and are a way for the community to get involved Master with Keebler Park, which is in the process of renovations and Gardeners additions. built these two scarecrows. ~Staff Report

Student grows one large vegetable Tripp Wilson, a student at Reeltown Elementary School, was awarded Best in State with the National Bonnie Plants Cabbage Program. His 30.1-pound cabbage competed against cabbages grown by more than one million third graders in the United States.

Alabama’s Agricultural Department chose Wilson as the Alabama winner, and he will receive a $1,000 savings bond toward education from Bonnie Plants.

Agricultural Education

Tripp Wilson from Reeltown Elementary School with his award-winning 30.1-pound cabbage.

The program engages students who are interested in agriculture while it teaches the basics of gardening and the importance of the food system. ~Staff Report

A Visit from North The Mill Two Eighty was packed last month when the Tallapoosa County Republican Party welcomed retired Marine and current president of the National Rifle Association, Oliver North, to Alexander City.

North shared a few remarks about his experiences in the military and hosting his television show, War Stories with Oliver North.

Since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and the beginning of U.S. involvement in Iraq in 2003, North said, he was embedded with American units more than 60 times while doing work with Fox News.

During his time with these forces on deployment, he asked many of them why they enlisted.

Overwhelmingly, he said, their responses were to keep from having Republican Remarks

Oliver North spoke about his military experience and work with the NRA at The Mill Two Eighty to a packed room.

another attack like that seen on Sept.

11, 2001, from every happening again.

“They put themselves at risk,” North said. “My heroes wear combat boots, flight jackets and flak jackets.

I’m blessed to have kept the company of heroes for my entire life.

“These young men and women are the best and brightest of their generation. They are carrying the most advanced weapons available to them and using them like they were an extension of their bodies.”

Along with this, North had some valuable advice to share with the audience.

“It is physically impossible to lead from behind,” he said. “If you want to set a standard for behavior, you have to set it yourself. You don’t have to be a boss to lead.”

Several other political candidates spoke after North’s speech. ~Donald Campbell Lake Martin Living 9

Homemade Inspiration Off the BEATON Path offers staging and design consultations

P

STORY & PHOTOS BY AMY PASSARETTI

eace and inspiration are what Andi Beaton Mickaels hopes to stir in others when they enter her new storefront, Off the BEATON Path, located off U.S. Highway 280 in Dadeville.

The home décor and staging business that opened last July features a variety of styles for many different tastes.

“Decorating has always been a passion, as well as a stress reliever of mine. I’ve always loved decorating, helping friends decorate; it just gets me charged when people get inspired,” said Mickaels.

Originally a manager for nuclear projects, Mickaels chose 10 Lake Martin Living

the store’s name for several reasons. First of all, Beaton is her maiden name. In addition, this chosen path is far from how she normally does things. Mickaels said she always has a plan, and opening this store A Space to Love was a spontaneous from left: Owner choice after she and her Clockwise Andi Beaton Mickaels; Décor husband, Kirk, moved is featured in different styles; to Lake Martin fulltime Tranquil background music and from Birmingham. running water fill the atmosphere; After finding this Sections of the store are arranged in room setups. location, Mickaels,

BUSINESS MATTERS

Lake Martin Living 11

along with Kirk and her father, renovated the interior in about four weeks. The store is set up with an eclectic range of furniture and accessories and distinctive areas are staged to design room set-up options.

“It’s been fun exploring different styles. Sections of the store appeal to different characters but are not necessarily slanted one way,” said Mickaels. “We have rustic, modern, industrial, farmhouse – whatever clients want to incorporate.”

Off the BEATON Path has an area for staging and decorating consultation where customers could lay out pictures and pieces they might want to use within a room. People could bring in pictures of pieces they already own to work around, or simply scroll through magazines to see what appeals to them.

“Sometimes people don’t really know their desired style, so we have to start by recognizing what they like. Mixing what they currently have, even if it is different styles, is often the best way to achieve the look. Between looking at photos and products, they begin to see the bigger picture,” said Mickaels.

Home consultations also are an option. They are typically 90 minutes long, which Mickaels said at times could be more than long enough for a potentially overwhelmed homeowner.

With the store open Tuesdays through Fridays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., most of the off-site staging she does is done Sundays, Mondays or before the store opens. Off the BEATON Path also is open by appointment to accommodate customer’s schedules.

“My husband is the most supportive person I know, along with my dad. Either of them will do anything that they know brings me happiness,” said Mickaels.

This extends to the twice-a-year trip the couple makes to Round Top, Texas, where the 90-person town swells to 60,000 with 20 miles of antiques, unique dealers, vendors and talent.

“We are most inspired out there. When you come over that 12 Lake Martin Living

Signature Pieces

Many of Mickaels' main inventory and big finds come from Round Top, Texas.

horizon and see the line of vendors, it’s just amazing.

We always bring a truck and trailer and come home jam packed with stuff,” said

Mickaels. “It’s a lot of fun for us.”

The baseline of Off the BEATON Path’s inventory comes from Round Top, including its overall style and the couple’s big finds.

They also source materials for the store out of the Northern seaports, along with Oregon, Washington, Michigan and Pennsylvania. The fun, filler stuff – as Mickaels calls it – is found at market and other areas to which they travel.

While Mickaels’ main focuses are stocking the shop and home staging, she also is available for decorating. She prefers to complement existing businesses though, not compete, as she is not a certified decorator.

“I always tell people it’s best to buy a piece that can be used in different places. You don’t need new everything to create a new look. You can add a few fresh pieces to create the design you want,” said Mickaels. “Sometimes people can’t see past one use for stuff they’ve had for so long. A different look doesn’t have to be a big investment.”

There is no discrimination in the size, type or location of home in which Mickaels will work either. From apartments to third homes, Mickaels said she has had a lot of fun exploring distinctive styles.

Mickaels said she truly believes everyone should be inspired by their homes. They should create environment that makes homeowners proud and happy.

“People may or may not love their jobs, but there is no reason they can’t love their homes,” she said. “I truly believe everyone should be inspired by their homes.”

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Save seeds to create a memorable garden

S

ome gardeners choose to save seeds from their gardens rather than purchase seeds or transplants at the store. While the convenience of shopping could outweigh the act of saving seeds throughout the year, there’s no reason to not do both.

Unfortunately, 90 percent of the crop varieties grown 100 years ago have disappeared. The seed-saving movement has been growing as gardeners realize that many heirloom varieties are in danger of the same fate unless they work together to save and share those seeds.

Additionally, saving seed is a great way to garden on a budget.

To start a garden in the spring, buy a packet of seeds or transplants. Some of those plants will produce seeds, which could be saved and planted again for free. Family members may have favorite flowers or plants at their homes. Seed saving is a great way Choose Crop Varieties to deepen that connection with Facing Page: relatives by taking home a piece of Onion seeds could their gardens. be saved from a The seeds also make great gifts previous harvest; for neighbors, friends or local Above: Flower community gardens. By saving seed pods are ready for collection seeds, there is personal control over food supplies, which could increase when the heads turn brown. self-reliance. That could be a very

Garden Talk

powerful tool and a skill to share with others.

Some aspects of gardening are best done in baby steps. Don’t try to save seeds from every plant in the garden to contribute to the cause of seed saving.

Everyone has to figure out what works best for them. Try saving some pepper seeds from the garden this year. Next year, collect from friends or purchase new heirloom seed varieties that may be of interest to save.

Grow from there as it fits into a gardening lifestyle.

Keep in mind that not all Sidney Hancock seed can or should be saved.

When it comes to saving seeds as a beginner, collect from plants that are open-pollinated (OP), self-pollinated or heirlooms – not hybrids. The easiest seeds to produce and save are self-pollinated because varieties are not being crossed with each other; however, if OP plants could be kept from crossing with each other, the seeds would produce plants true to type – much like the selfLake Martin Living 15

pollinated plants.

Find the plants in the garden that have desirable traits – larger yields, disease resistance, better tasting fruits, better bloom color, etc. By saving the seed from best-performing plants, varieties will gradually develop with improved traits that are better adapted to specific soil, climate and growing conditions.

Label the plants in the garden with a tag that notes why its important to save their seeds. The easiest crops to grow and produce seeds include peas, beans, peppers, flowers and lettuce. These plants are annuals and are self-pollinating. They require little to no isolation from other plants, and only a few plants are needed to reliably produce seeds.

How to know when seeds are ready for collection

Seeds are collected either wet or dry. For some vegetables, such as squash or cucumbers, the seeds are encased in the fruit. These are called “wet fruits.” Let the fruits stay on the plant to mature. The fruits will be overgrown and way past market maturity. Seed maturity takes Flowers to Share Left: To save flower time, so the fruit won’t be good seeds, the heads to eat. need to be split apart Cut open the fruit and and stored in airtight remove the seeds from the containers until they flesh.

Lay the seeds out to dry can be planted; Above: on a sheet of newspaper. Other Choose seeds to save crops, like beans and dill, have from another garden to dry seeds that can be removed spread their beauty.

16 Lake Martin Living

from seedpods. Wait until a dry and sunny day to clip the seedpods from the plant. Waiting to remove the seeds from the pods allows for further drying.

Saving seeds from flowers is a similar process to the “dry fruits.” Cut off the seed heads from the plants once they have changed from green to brown. They are ready when the seed heads can be easily split apart.

Store the seeds in airtight containers once they are dried and keep them in a cool, dark, dry place. The refrigerator or freezer is a great place for storing seeds.

Label the containers to keep track of the varieties and harvest dates. Avoid using plastic bags to store seeds, as trapped moisture could promote spoilage. Seeds could be stored for up to two years, but note that germination rates will decrease the older the seeds get.

Seed saving is a valuable skill that can benefit gardeners in more ways than one. Whether looking to shave a few dollars off a garden budget or carry on the tradition of growing grandma’s favorite vegetable variety, take part in the seed-saving movement all the same.

Happy gardening! ~ Sidney Hancock is farm manager of New Water Farms in Dadeville.

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Lake Martin Living 17

Thoughts of the Past

A

From the Tee

s I write this month’s article, we still did a tremendous job. This was quite a treat, but have Thanksgiving and Christmas Japan is so much different than the U.S. I refer to to celebrate; however, I wanted to the country as a land of organized chaos. There reminisce a bit about golf in 2018. are so many people living on this small island.

For Central Alabama Community College In the U.S., we should thank our lucky stars golf, we again successfully transferred all of our for the many opportunities we have. In Japan, sophomores into universities where they may thousands of people love golf, but many of these grow and develop their golf games to become golfers experience the game only through hitting educated within fields that would provide them balls in a netted driving range. Playing a round bright futures. of golf in Japan is extremely expensive. I’ve heard Jake Maples, from McDonough, Georgia, that many Japanese fly to California to play golf at had a tremendous two-year stint at CACC and Pebble Beach; then, return home – this trip is less earned All-American status twice. He transferred expensive than a round of golf in Japan. to Georgia Southern University on a golf I shouldn’t forget to mention that Tiger Woods scholarship. returned to the spotlight in golf this year. What Dave Jennings Sam Goldasich of Birmingham, Alabama, Tiger overcame physically and how it appears earned a golf scholarship to University of he has improved his personal character are both Alabama Birmingham. Bailey Scifleet from Australia amazing. Tiger seems to be much warmer to people. I feel the accepted a golf scholarship to Georgia College in way he interacts with his fellow golf professionals, that he has Milledgeville, Georgia. A sterling student athlete who indeed made a change. What he overcame with the multiple played for us, Carter Henley from Auburn, Alabama, earned surgeries, especially to his back, is impressive, as he returned Academic All-American status at CACC and transferred to be competitive in the major championships. He ultimately to Auburn University to pursue his degree at the Harrison won at the Tour Championship this year, which amazed the School of Pharmacy. masses. I look for a big year in 2019 for Tiger to possibly pick I love the part of my job that helps position players for the up another major. He loves fast greens; he’s hitting his driver next level or step in their lives. My present sophomores are long and with control; and the Masters could be his again. getting some good looks from university coaches, and I feel I hope that we are all able to enjoy some pleasant weather confident that they will secure their next-level moves very this November and December. In mid-October, my golf team soon. was stunned when we began a tournament round in Rome, This summer, I was honored to coach Team USA at the Georgia, with 36-degree temperatures. I am hoping for a long Junior World Cup in Nagoya, Japan. Four of the best high fall-like close to 2018. Along with that, I also hope that each school golfers from 22 different countries competed in of you have a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving. this event. Natasha Vincent from the University of Central Arkansas coached the U.S. girls’ golf team. ~ Dave Jennings is the men's golf coach for Central Alabama This was my second visit to Japan. Toyota and Japan Community College.

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Lake Martin Living 19

Smile for Team Spirit Local orthodontist installs university logo braces

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY AMY PASSARETTI & COURTESY OF DR. HARRELL

T

he University of Alabama’s fight song chanted in the background as 11-year-old Camden McVey received the country’s first set of university logo braces.

The classic rivalry of the state’s Auburn University versus the University of Alabama has taken on a new level of team spirit, and Alexander City orthodontist Dr. Bill Harrell is the first to enact it.

Logo braces featuring a script “A” or an “AU” will be seen through the grin of children sporting the new look.

McVey already had a set of braces on, but Harrell said the process of installing these brackets is the same for normal brackets. He easily swapped out the front two and fitted the eager first patient with with a ’Bama grin.

20 Lake Martin Living

Harrell said he wants to create excitement around the idea for his patients by playing the fight song for each university when the braces are installed and handing out “I Got the Braces” T-shirts.

“I first heard about this concept at a conference in Arizona for Arizona University. The orthodontist had the first license for braces’ brackets with a university logo,” said Harrell. “I knew I wanted to bring this to town and offer the Auburn and Alabama brackets.”

Through a nearly three-year process of receiving licensing from the universities via WildSmiles, the brackets became officially available Oct. 1. The company went to the NCAA to be granted the exclusive rights to fabricate a logo of the two universities.

“They had to create a prototype and get approval through an agreement with each school,” added Harrell, who also helped in the design process of the brackets.

To be granted permission, Harrell had to convince two additional doctors in the state to offer the braces as well.

One is located in Huntsville and the other in Tuscaloosa, but Harrell was guaranteed the first two patients, one from each school, before the others are allowed to offer them.

Through the licensing, each university will receive some funds, and Harrell has set up the opportunity for his patients to donate additional money to the school of their choosing.

An endowment with Alabama University was generated in Harrell's father’s name, as he was part of the 1941 national championship team. Patients also could donate to AU through a scholarship named for Jimmy “Red” Phillips.

“Both alumni associations know about this new offering, and both universities are involved in the marketing of these braces,” said Harrell.

These popular colleges will Patient Number One not be the only ones available Previous Page: Dr. Bill in the future. Harrell said other Harrell installs 'Bama universities’ brackets could be brackets; Top: Harrell obtained by special order. Only AU and his staff host the and ’Bama will be kept in stock at Tooth Bowl at Strand Harrell’s office.

Park; Right: Camden Visit mascotbraces.com to learn McVey (right) shows more about logo braces. off his new smile.

Lake Martin Living 21

Nip it in the Bud Share a laugh with comedian Jeff Allen

R

Medical News

ussell Medical Foundation recently lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones wrapped up its Third Annual Russell and increases muscle flexion. It increases the Medical Foundation Invitational, and circulation of antibodies in the blood stream I want to extend a big “Thank you” to and makes us more resistant to infection. So all our sponsors and donors for making it such a now we know why people say laughter is the best huge success. medicine.

A special thank you goes to Russell Lands Jeff Allen is regarded as one of the premiere On Lake Martin for the use of the beautiful clean comedians working today. Most of his Willow Point Golf Course. The 31 teams, 10 humor centers on marriage and living with food vendors and breathtaking course, along teenagers – material to which almost everyone with absolutely perfect weather, were the ideal could relate. The humor he packs into his ingredients for an amazing and successful event. performance comes rapid fire and doesn’t stop The funds raised will be used to purchase a until the end. Performing comedy for more than chemistry analyzer for the UAB Medicine Russell three decades, Jeff Allen’s work has been seen on Medical Cancer Center. This equipment is more cable comedy show in the U.S., including Tammy Jackson every valuable than most may realize. On average, the Comedy Central’s Premium Blend and VH1’s chemistry analyzer will shave off more than an Standup Spotlight. hour per patient visit, and for those that are in We do hope you will bring a friend for this treatment or have a family member with cancer, that is huge. unforgettable evening at The Mill Two Eighty. Single tickets Thank you for making a difference in the lives of those we are $35 ($60 for two) and may be purchased at Russell serve.

Medical Gift Shop. Tables of 10 start at $400 and may be With fall nearly behind us now, we are entering one of the reserved by contacting Tammy Jackson at 256-215-7459 or loneliest times of the year for many, so as Barney Fife would Emily Williams at 256-329-7177. say, “Nip it in the bud, nip it, nip it, nip it!”

We’ve reached an exciting new era in philanthropy We want you to help us “Nip It” and encourage you to for Russell Medical – one that demonstrates the power invite that neighbor, friend, coworker or family member of public-private partnerships. I am profoundly grateful who might otherwise be alone to join you and others on for your ongoing partnership with us as we work toward Thursday, Nov. 29 at 6:30 p.m. for a fun night out. Russell creating a healthier future by recognizing and supporting the Medical Foundation will bring one of the funniest, most healthcare needs of the residents of Alexander City and the inspirational and cleanest comedians in the business to Lake Martin areas.

Alexander City for Couples and Comedy with comedian Jeff Allen. ~ Tammy Jackson is the director of the Russell Medical Laughter is a good thing. Scientists tell us that laughter, Foundation. humor and joy are important parts of our lives. Laughing 22 Lake Martin Living

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Lake Martin Living 23

Tale of Two Paddlers Cousins share an adventure on the Alabama Scenic River Trail

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY ANNIE BARTOL & COURTESY OF WILL DENTON

T

wo cousins spent 34 days paddling 650 miles of the Alabama Scenic River Trail and became members of an elite group to achieve this goal.

Equality resident Will Denton and his cousin, John Denton, from Cleveland, Mississippi, underwent a waterway excursion from Brushy Branch in Georgia to Fort Morgan on Mobile Bay, crossing multiple bodies of water and encountering epic adventures.

“It was an amazing experience, and I am really glad I did it,” said Will Denton.

The cousins became numbers 24 and 25 to be recognized 24 Lake Martin Living

by the ASRT for the achievement and were awarded patches commemorating their trip.

“We first decided to do this, late one night talking. John had just finished hiking the Appalachian Trail and was looking for his next adventure – possibly the Mississippi River. I had recently considered paddling the Mississippi River, so we decided to do a trial run on the Alabama Scenic River Trail,” said Denton. “I’ve been paddling most of my adult life, and John has the camping side down, so we figured we’d give it a go.”

The first leg of the trip covered nearly 240 miles through six

lakes on the Coosa River; then, the pair took a short hiatus at home to regroup and refuel.

Up at the crack of dawn each day to pack up their gear and re-load it into the modest cubbies in their 17-1/2-foot kayaks, Denton and John usually traveled about 25 miles per day with only a few stops.

“We would get into a rhythm after about an hour or so and end up paddling about 3 miles per hour,” said Denton. “When you’re paddling, you can’t do anything else. So to answer the phone, take a sip of water, you have to stop. Also, we would get out about two or three times each day to cool off in the water.”

They also stopped to Epic Journey Clockwise from left: Will eat lunch, which typically and John Denton traveled consisted of a tortilla with through many bodies of tuna or peanut butter. water over 34 days; The The rest of their meals second leg of the trip were mostly freeze-dried brought the pair through items that needed some hot locks; John sets up camp water to complete. Using a before dark. small gas stove, they boiled water for beef stroganoff, beef stew, chicken and dumplings and more.

Lake Martin Living 25

“They’re actually pretty good, and each is two and a half servings of food,” Denton added.

Other staples included nuts, dried fruit, cereal with powdered milk, breakfast bars and oatmeal. What was consumed most frequently, though, was water.

“My advice is if you see kayakers loaded up with gear anywhere on the water, please stop and ask them if they’re OK and offer them a cold drink. Anything cold is just the best thing ever,” said Denton.

The paddlers tried to stop by 4 p.m. each day to find a spot to camp and set up their tents before dark.

While three of the 16 initial nights were spent in mapped out motels and one at a campground, the others were simply trial-and-error experiences finding places to spend the night.

Limited Amenities Aside from the tents, sleeping The Dentons slept in tents and carried bags, clothes, food and water everything they packed into the boats, a set of needed packed in the wheels was tied to the back and fronts of their kayaks. used to tow the kayaks around

26 Lake Martin Living

dams.

“John calls them my training wheels. We had to attach them to the kayaks and pull them by roadway around the dams,” Denton explained.

One day, the pair had to pull the kayaks nearly 5 miles around a dam until a kind stranger stopped and helped them tow the vessels the rest of the way. The boats were too long to load into the truck bed, so the two sat on the tailgate and pulled the kayaks behind them while the man drove slowly.

“He is definitely one of the nicest guys we’ve ran into on the trip so far,” said Denton.

The second half of the journey began at Gold Star Park in Wetumpka and consisted of nearly 400 miles of waterways, along with locks. This allowed the pair to keep paddling through the water without having to portage around dams.

Aside from one day of strong headwinds during the initial part of the trip, paddling was a pretty easy ride, said Denton.

Maps and GPS navigation guided them through the river ways and bodies of water, including the Coosa, Tallapoosa, Alabama, Tombigbee and Tensaw rivers. The water was up

during this time as well, so the current made the paddling a little more laid back. Also, with this area being less developed, finding places to camp was easier. Along the 400-mile river section of the trip, the pair discovered a number of really nice state parks all the way down to Interstate 10.

“I really thought we’d be trekking through tall-grassed, swampy waters, but we were in well-defined rivers,” said Denton.

The last two days in Mobile Bay were the toughest with choppy water and strong headwinds at nearly 15-18 knots, which made steering a challenge.

Despite this and a few rainy days, the two finished their journey three days earlier than anticipated and were greeted by family and friends at the finish line.

“My wife, Charlotte, has been my biggest support. Her help was invaluable, and she kept everyone up to date on our trip via an email chain,” said Denton.

River Angels posted along the trail are strangers that are willing to help out paddlers, and Denton and John said

they were incredibly appreciative Ready to Roll Will Denton prepares for the kindness, hospitality and to begin the second entertainment they encountered half of the trip by from a few couples. packing up his gear.

“We could have done the trip without anyone’s help, but we could not have done it as successfully or have it be nearly as much fun without meeting the people we did – most of who we didn’t even know,” added Denton.

He preferred having a companion for the trip as well, and he said it made the adventure much more enjoyable. For anyone interested in making the paddle, Denton’s advice is to, “Just do it.”

“There is always the potential for things to go wrong, but we were really never in any danger. You just put your boat in the water and start paddling. If anyone’s thinking about doing it, just do it. You’ll never be any younger than you are today,” Denton said.

With Denton being 79 years old and John 66 years old, some Lake Martin Living 27

could have considered this an obstacle, but they did not.

“I asked John if he thought he would consider my age a factor. He said he hadn’t even thought about it since I’m so active and healthy. I don’t think age is a factor when you do something like this – it’s more of a function of health or condition. I’m not going to do this any younger, that’s for sure,” Denton said.

The ASRT is vast with more than 5,300 miles of accessible Joining the Group

Top: The cousins enjoyed beautiful weather and scenery for most of the trip; Charles Franz (left) joined the trip for two days at Gold Star Park.

28 Lake Martin Living

water trails, and Denton said its members have been extremely helpful both planning and throughout their trip.

“They’ve done a great job helping out, developing the trail and providing information. I really want to make people more aware that this is out there and encourage them to learn more about the Alabama Scenic River Trail,” Denton said.

The ASRT recently launched a new website incorporating user-submitted data and interactive tools to make navigating the Alabama waters easier for adventurers. Visit the new site at alabamascenicrivertrail.com.

Trends for the financial future

T

ake steps now to be more financially successful in 2019.

It’s hard to believe it’s already November – the time of year when people make promises to do better and be better in the coming year. One of those common promises is to save more money.

There are some tips and trends that could help people prepare for 2019 and make sound financial resolutions.

MONEY MATTERS

make transfers, send funds and view transactions.

There are a number of other great apps that could assist with monitoring spending, categorizing expenses and tracking receipts, as well.

What are some other examples of financial resolutions to make in 2019?

Make a resolution to start or build an emergency fund, which can provide peace of mind for things like major home repairs, medical emergencies or job loss. Try to save enough for six to nine months of living expenses.

Another worthwhile goal is to increase retirement contributions by 1 to 2 percent, especially for those that got a raise this year. It will help set up for long-term success.

Let’s start with interest rates. What can we expect to see in 2019?

Interest rates are expected to rise in 2019, potentially three different times. This isn’t a Lori Harrell reason to be alarmed, but it’s a good reason to prepare now, especially for those with debt.

Advisers recommend paying off the highest rate or highest Finally, a less obvious resolution is to be healthy. Financial dollar amount of debt first. A second option is to consolidate health and physical health are connected. Those living an all debt into one payment at a lower rate. This is also an ideal unhealthy lifestyle may face certain avoidable expenses, such time of year to reevaluate mortgage rates to see if refinancing as extra doctor visits or prescriptions. And getting healthier for a better rate is an option. financially helps with a person’s all-around well being. When someone takes the time to understand finances, he could feel What are some steps people can take to be financially less stressed and learn to love his wallet. successful next year?

Tackling debt is the first step. The next thing to do is ~ Lori Harrell is vice president and market manager for simple: Set a budget. Using a spreadsheet to keep track Valley Bank. She is based in Alexander City of every dollar spent may sound tedious, but it’s a gamein the Mill Square branch and changer. It helps people to separate the needs versus the has been banking in the area wants. Everyone needs groceries, for example, but some for 29 years. Contact Lori people could downgrade cable packages from those extra at 256-329-7527, channels they’re not watching. or visit valley.com Another area on which to focus is credit scores. It’s for more information. essential to understand the factors that influence and change credit scores. If bills are paid on time and a person doesn’t carry big credit card balances, she may be in a good place.

Also, be wary of opening a new credit card during the holidays: Submitting an application could impact credit scores for up to a year, whether approved or not.

How can technology help people better manage their finances?

Automating tasks and payments is an effective way to avoid expensive late fees on credit card payments. We also recommend downloading financial institutions’ apps to securely

Lake Martin Living 29

OH SNAP! 2

1

5

3

6

4

Oktoberfest

7

Oct. 13, 2018 Charles E. Bailey Sportplex 1. Jaibion Freeman, Sophie Abbott, Porter Davis, Stella Walls and Antrell Goodman 2. Beau and Ashton Strickland and Hilt Horn 3. Kirklynn Marable, Sam Worthy and Caden Cotney 4. Vickey Sims and Destiny Williams 5. Brooklyn Dassaro 6. Sheila Fuller and Steve Robinson with Zoe and Zackey 7. Adam, Hudson, Sawyer, Mallory and Miranda Rollins 8. Rodney, Sherry and Jaric Johnson

30 Lake Martin Living

8

OH SNAP! 1

2

3

4

5

6

Lake Martin United Way Fashion Show Oct. 18, 2018 Downtown Alexander City 1. Denise Mills and Lindsay Meacham

2. Riley Goree and Lacey Howell

7

3. Sharon Fuller and Courtney Layfield 4. Barbara and David Thompson 5. Mark Tuggle, Woody Baird and Ed Oliver 6. Maya, Sue Hunt, Susan McCrispin and Debbie Dunaway 7. Nancy Hodges, Diane Davis, Stacey Wellborn and Phil Spraggins Lake Martin Living 31

OH SNAP! 1

2

Wind Creek

3

Halloween Carnival 5K Oct. 20, 2018 Wind Creek State Park 1. Gerad Martin and Brian Moore

2. Clair and Bella Brown

3. Tracy Thomas and Marijean Hadley

4. Dewelena Reynolds and Jennifer Kirkland

32 Lake Martin Living

4

OH SNAP! 2

1 3

4 5

Velcro Pygmies Concert Oct. 26 2018 The Rodeo Club, Dadeville 1. Max War, Cameron Flener, Chase West and Chris Eddins (The Velcro Pygmies)

6

2. Wendy and Robert Regan 3. Sandi Woods and Nick Grogan 4. Jason and Stephanie Tapley 5. Kenny McBride, Windy Carter, Susan McBride, Amy Smith and Michael Carter 6. Chris and Jennie Zinn

Lake Martin Living 33

OH SNAP! 1

2

3

4

Reeltown Senior Night

5

Football Oct. 26, 2018 Reeltown High School 1. Greta Headley, Brittney Gunn and Dairy Morse 2. Carrie, Kenzlee and Stetson Holt 3. Tina and Matt Bryant 4. Payton Hornsby and Ethan Dunn 5. Landon and Margie Taylor 6. Kristin Adams and Whitney Moon

34 Lake Martin Living

6

OH SNAP! 2

1

3

Russell Crossroads

4

5

6

Fall Festival Oct. 27, 2018 Russell Crossroads 1. Darrell McManus and Wayne Peppers 2. Reynolds, Newt, and Matt Sheppard 3. Brek, Jessica, and Ryan Stanford, Ali, Jackson and Dean Lilly 4. Kennedy and Cooper Rape, Evelyse, Emy and Zek Tuttle 5. Harris, Ri6. Kevin and Stella Kate Speaks

Lake Martin Living 35

Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

Calling all student artists Everything's Art hosts winter contest Students in the Tallapoosa County School System are encouraged to get creative and submit an art piece in the 2019 winter art competition.

Hosted by nonprofit organization Everything’s Art in Dadeville, the contest is open to all students grades kindergarten through 12th grade, in the jurisdiction of the Tallapoosa County Board of Education. This includes homeschooled children, special education students and those actively working toward GEDs. The theme of the contest is “Alabama Bicentennial” and judging will be based on originality, technical skill and interpretation of the theme. Only artwork created in this theme will be considered.

The media used is not limited and could include painting, drawing, sculpting, jewelry, pottery, papier 36 Lake Martin Living

maché, lego blocks, etc.

Categories will include kindergarten, first and second grades, third through fifth grades, sixth through eighth grades and ninth through 12th grades.

A description of the intended art needs to be submitted, and all final entries must be received by Jan. 8, 2019. Finalists will have until Jan. 23 to bring artwork to Raining Dogs Studio and Gallery located at 129 N. Tallassee St., where their works will be on display during February 2019.

Students may sell their art and would receive 90 percent of the sales price.

Cash prizes will be awarded, along with additional donated prizes to be given out at random. Visit everythingsart.org for more information or call Rick Hidding at 256-307-2224 or Cheryl Haggerty at 256-750-1060.

Nov. 16

Peggy Shores at EPAC

The Equality Performing Arts Center will host pianist Peggy Shores, who will entertain with songs ranging from Broadway tunes to movie themes, patriotic melodies, oldies, country and Southern gospel.

Join Peggy for an evening of fun and fellowship. Bring an appetizer to share, if you’d like. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. The EPAC is located on state Route 9 in Equality. For more information, contact Wayne Glenn at 334-320-6326.

Nov. 16

Denim & Diamonds Charity Ball

This annual ball at the Lake Martin Area Rodeo Club will be held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and are available at the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce, The Rodeo Club and Lake Martin Area United Way.

Nov. 18

Little House Concert

Will Stewart and Sylvia Rose Novak will perform at the indoor Little House stage at Standard Deluxe in Waverly. Drive by Tacos will serve up supper.

Nov. 23

Holiday Bazaar at Russell Crossroads

Stop by the Town Green to browse the juried works of local artisans at this year’s Holiday Bazaar.

Find original works in jewelry, reclaimed wood décor, paintings, photography, candles, soaps and more. Contact Tyler Mitchell at tmitchell@russelllands.com for more information.

Nov. 25

Christmas Lights Around the Square

Everything’s Art, in coordination with local businesses on the Dadeville Town Square, will present an afternoon of Christmas activities.

At the end, all of the shop windows will be lit with twinkling lights at the same time the Christmas tree in front of the courthouse is

lit to signify the beginning of the Christmas season. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. there will be church choirs, bell ringers, dancers, elves tossing candy and more. For more information, contact Bev Woodham at bwoodham7254@outlook.com or Rick Hidding at 256-307-2224.

Nov. 29

Millbrook Tree Lighting

Start the Christmas season at 6 p.m. on the Village Green in Millbrook for an evening of caroling and holiday fun that will include a live Nativity, refreshments, the annual tree lighting and a Christmas lights-and-music show. Booth rentals are available for arts and crafts, food and other vendors. Call Spirit of Christmas chair Kathy Kelley at 334322-9871 for details.

Dec. 1-Dec. 23

Christmas on the Hill

Every Saturday and Sunday in December, nonprofit Double D Animal Rescue will host a Christmas event for children starting at 12 p.m. Santa will be in attendance for photos; there will be hayrides and hot chocolate; and a chance to see or meet the horses. Decorations will fill the property, along with the showroom. Admission is by donation to the animal farm. Double D Animal Rescue is located at 124 Edgewater Dr. in Jacksons Gap. For information, call 256-307-7791.

Dec. 1

2018 Spirit of Christmas Parade

Design your entry around your favorite Christmas song to match Millbrook’s parade theme this year: A Musical Millbrook Christmas. The parade starts at 2 p.m. at the Sports Complex behind Smokehouse Bar-BQue and will end at the intersection at City Hall. Call Kathy Kelley at 334322-9871 for guidelines and entry forms. Sign-up deadline is Nov. 26.

Dec. 2

Red Ridge United Methodist Church Cantata

Red Ridge UMC will present Sing Christmas, a chorale experience

composed and arranged by Joel Raney and Mary McDonald, at 9:30 a.m in the church sanctuary. The performance will include staging, musical and theatrical treatment under the direction of Dr. Kim Walls, accompanied by a full orchestra of musicians. Refreshments and coffee will be served following the concert.

The event is open to the public.

Red Ridge is located at 8091 county Road 34, Dadeville. For information, contact Pastor Vicki Cater at 256825-9820.

Dec. 8

Little House Concert

Standard Deluxe will host Susto Stories with Justin Osborne and Justin Peter Kinkel-Schuster, an intimate acoustic experience. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and Cosby-Q BBQ will be on site serving up food.

Tickets are $15; the show starts at 7 p.m. For tickets and information, visit StandardDeluxe.com.

Dec. 10

Country & Christmas

Alexander City Arts will host this Christmas performance with Grammy-award winners Linda Davis, Lang Scott and Cheryl White. The show will be held at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium and will begin at 7 p.m. For additional information, contact Mary Wood at 256-749-8073.

December 15-16

Magic of Christmas

The Talisi Historical Preservation Society’s Friends of Tuckabatchee will present the Christmas program, Magic of Christmas at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and 2 p.m. Dec. 16. The story is based around the Faulkner family during the Great War. Set in the backdrop of the mountains and filled with classic songs of Christmas, this familyfriendly performance will shine with Christmas spirit. Tickets are $10, and advanced purchaes can be make at mtvernontheatre.net.

Season-Long Events Miller ville Trade Day

Bibb Graves School on state Route 9 hosts this trade day on the third

Lake Martin Living 37

Saturday of every month from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Find books, toys, models, coins, lamps, original artwork, jewelry, clothing, antiques, glassware, quilts, home decor and more. Refreshments available.

Alabama Wildlife Federation Naturalist Hikes

Every Tuesday and Friday, from 10 a.m. until noon, hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an experienced Alabama Nature Center naturalist by your side. Learn how to bird or identify plants and animals; splash through the creek; or catch insects in the meadow. General admission applies and is $5 per person with a $20 maximum per family. The Alabama Nature Center is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. Visit alabamawildlife.org to check closings.

​Alabama Wildlife Federation Creature Feature

Every Monday and Wednesday, from 3:30 p.m. until 4 p.m., come learn about Alabama’s woods, water and wildlife. Get up close and personal with some of the creatures you may find in your own backyard, and even some you may have never heard of. General admission applies and is $5 per person with a $20 maximum per family. The Alabama Nature Center is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. Visit alabamawildlife.org to check holiday closings.

Library Storytime in Dadeville

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

Children’s Library in Alexander City

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library holds themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for preschoolaged and younger children. The children’s library hosts board games and puzzles every Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information, call Melissa Finley at 256-234-4644.

38 Lake Martin Living

Ladies’ Book Club

Ladies 18 years of age and older are invited to participate in the club at Adelia M. Russell Library on the last Thursday of every month. Meet in the conference room at 4 p.m.

Call the library at 256-234-4644 for each month’s book title.

Santuck Flea Market

The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month, except January and February. The Santuck Flea Market is located at 7300 Central Plank Rd., state Route 9 in Wetumpka.

Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit

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

$20 on the 20th

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

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

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

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

Memory Makers Quilt Guild

Meet 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 showand-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 food are in order. For information, contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724.

Antique Car Cruise-in

On the first Saturday of each month, car enthusiasts cruise into Arby’s parking lot on Highway 280 in Alexander City from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join the fun and enjoy an era of classic cars and classic music.

Charity Bingo

Play charity bingo at Jake’s Restaurant at 16 Broad St., Alexander City, at 6 p.m. every Thursday night. Cards are $1, and proceeds benefit local charities.

Amateur Radio Club

The Lake Martin Area Amateur Radio Club meets the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the terminal building at the Thomas C. Russell Field Airport (Alexander City Airport) with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. For more information, contact Michael Courtney at 256825-7766 or Mike Smith at 256-7505710.

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

Naturalist Marianne Hudson fills the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads with children and adults to see and listen to her lively nature presentations with critters, insects, snakes and fowl, just to mention a few. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature in the wild and the outdoor classroom.

Check the calendar at Calendar.

RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.

Music at The Equality Performing Arts Center

The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and other events on the fourth Friday night of each month (except December) at 6:30 p.m. on state Route 9 in Equality. Country/Western, bluegrass, Southern gospel, rock and instrumental music are featured. For information, contact Wayne Glenn at 334-541-3302.

Trivia Night at Niffer’s Place at Lake Martin

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

Clean Community Partnership Cleanups

The third Saturday of each month, volunteers throughout the community are encouraged to meet at Broad Street Plaza at 8:30 a.m. to pickup supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. For more information, contact Jacob Meacham at jacob.meacham@ alexandercitychamber.com.

Coffee & Connections

Every third Tuesday of the month, the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking event at 8 a.m. open to any chamber member. Participants should meet at the TPI bullpen at the Lake Martin Innovation Center for coffee, a light breakfast and a chance to network with community members.

To include your local event in the Lake Martin Living magazine calendar of events, email details and a description of the event to editor@ lakemartinmagazine.com by the first of the month preceding the event.

Healthy Hearts Have Happier Holidays A healthy heart means more holiday memories. More moments with family and grandkids. More hugs.

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.

Our 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 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 39

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

21

280

20

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

County Roads

16

22

Flint Hill Church

24

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

14

Rockford

3

49

128

22

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

Jacksons Gap

Pleasant Grove Church

32

11

9

Mt. Zion Church Russell Farms Baptist Church 33 Friendship Church New Hope Church

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

25

7

6

Smith Landing

Seman

Camp Kiwanis

9

28 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

11 Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

12 1

Church in The Pines

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

Ko w

ali

ga

2

Stillwaters

22 5

Union Landing

Ba

27

Walnut Hill

y

23 31

80

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing

4

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

8 63 19 9

Equality

55

18

10

57

Willow Point

231

Dadev

280

Liberty Church

20

24

Horsesh Nation

Jaybird Landing

30

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

17

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

49

Eclectic Santuck Kent

Reeltown

231

14

ELMORE COUNTY

14

120

13

29 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 4 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026 5 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

hoe Bend nal Park

6 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026 7 Smith Marina 256-444-8793

smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com

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

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 21 McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583

1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010 22 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853 23 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454 8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 24 Foshee What's, LLC 256-234-3298 2802 Dadeville Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 25 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt @ Smith Marina 256-444-8793 26 Off the Beaton Path 21322 U.S. Hwy 280 W, Dadeville, AL 36853 (205) 708-3127

Restaurants

CHAMBERS COUNTY

ville

9 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 10 Homeplate Cafe 256-825-0583

191 East South St., Dadeville, AL 36853

50

Camp Hill

8 SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

11 Oskar's Cafe 6684 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853 12 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

26

13 Acapulco Mexican Grill 334-283-2725

2867 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078

280

Waverly 50

15

Churches 28 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820

8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 29 Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 334-252-8618

2602 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078 30 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293

8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Dock Builders 14 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481

5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, Al 35010

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

180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

15 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036

230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850

32 Docks Unlimited LLC 256-203-8400

6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

Business & Shopping

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

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

LEE COUNTY

Hotels & Lodges 27 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

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

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

Recreation & Entertainment 33 Dixie Sailing Club 767 New Hope Church Road Alexander City, Al 35010

18 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853

Loachapoka

19 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

14

Notasulga

ON TY

85 81

If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map, for as little as $25 call 256-414-3033. Space is limited.

Lake Martin Living 41

Mry Ctm!

42 Lake Martin Living

DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE!

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Unit sizes: 10x10 $60 monthly 10x20 $75 monthly 14x35 $135 monthly Annual discounts!

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56 Cotton Road (Hwy 63 and Cotton Road) (Next to Cotton’s BBQ) Eclectic, AL

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

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

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 Touchless Boat Covers USAmeribank Warren's Appliance Parts Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon

CHELSEA

The Ditsy Daisy Boutique Winn-Dixie

CHILDERSBURG Winn-Dixie

DADEVILLE

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

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 Piggly Wiggly on 21

TALLASSEE

Chamber of Commerce Community Hospital Community Medical Arts Center Covington Healthcare Eagle Fuels Ivy Creek Game Day Clips Hornsby & Sons Body Shop Mitchell Veterinarian Hospital Paris Mullins Jr, OD Parker Tire & Service Center PrimeSouth Bank Tallassee Board of Education Tallassee City Hall Tallassee Community Library Tallassee Eagle Tallassee Family Dentistry Tallassee Internal Medicine Clinic The Tallassee Tribune Three Lake Dental

WALNUT HILL

Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA

The Wetumpka Herald

Lake Martin Living 43

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

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

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

Advanced Heating & Air.................................................................... 4 4

Marcia Weber Art Objects....................................................................23

All That Space.................................................................................... 4 3

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

Beyond Home Care............................................................................ 2 3

Med Logic........................................................................................... 5

Bob Alexander Landscaping .............................................................. 1 3

Millstone Nursery................................................................................. 6

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation......................................................... 4 3

Naturescapes..................................................................................... 1 9

C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 4 3

OBGYN Associates of Montgomery................................................... 1 3

Cahaba Glass....................................................................................... 8

O'Neal Electric................................................................................... 4 5

DAVCO Development........................................................................ 4 4

Prime Management........................................................................... 1 3

Designs by Trish................................................................................... 6

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

District Nineteen................................................................................ 1 9

River Region Dermatology.................................................................. 4 4

Four Seasons..................................................................................... 4 4

Russell Medical.................................................................................. 4 8

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

Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................... 8

Gilbert Woodcrafts.............................................................................44

Southern Sash................................................................................... 2 3

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

Surgical Dermatology......................................................................... 1 7

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

Sunrise Docks...................................................................................... 3

Jackson Thornton............................................................................... 3

Swearingen Fence.............................................................................. 4 3

Lake Martin Dock........................................................................ 19, 44

UAB Heart and Vascular......................................................................39

Liveoak Agency, Inc............................................................................ 8

WSC Distinctive Builders, LLC..............................................................47

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

O’Neal Electric Michael O’Neal

256-510-2146 Electrical • Controls DataCom • Security Serving Central Alabama for over a decade!

Lake Martin Living 45

Luke bids farewell to the back page

I

The Last Word

started writing for Lake Martin Living in (eventually … once they are old enough to realize February 2012. I was smack-dab in the middle I detailed many of their misadventures in a free of my divorce, feeling low and sleeping about publication) they were the typical targets for my as well as a stressed-out bullfrog (I looked tales. it up. They are the only animals that rarely sleep).

But I go back to this page as being an outlet for I needed some catharsis – a therapeutic outlet of me. It acted as that and so much more. I looked any description to take my mind off of what was forward to mindlessly slamming my fingers into the happening. keyboard every time I had a free moment.

Thankfully, Kenneth Boone of Tallapoosa This column has been a great friend. It always Publishers, Inc., took a chance on me. He certainly listened; it never told me how wrong I was; and it didn’t have to since this magazine is filled with witty even allowed me to delete words I never should have and informative writers, but he did. said without judging me. Who could ask for a better He even gave me the back page. What a cool place buddy than that? to be! It’s just right for me!

Since I began writing for Lake Martin Living, I For one thing, not everyone makes it to the back have re-married and had another beautiful baby girl. page when reading a magazine. And frankly, I am Luke Robinson My other children are doing well, and I see them not for everyone. My sense of humor can be an quite often, considering they live in Ohio. If you are acquired taste. You know, like beer or lime-flavored keeping track at home, I now have four kids. One chlorine. more, and I get a free Subway sandwich!

My grammar is also pretty suspect. If my English-teaching Actually, my entire family is doing pretty great overall. grandmother (God bless her) were alive today, I feel quite certain Everyone gets along. My wife and I have a new house, and Nick she would have me writing, “I will not fall victim to superfluous Saban is still coaching Alabama football. Things are undeniably commas,” on a chalkboard 50 times every morning. better than when I started this column. Life is always a work in Punctuation is definitely not my strong suit either. Until 2006, progress, but writing this article each month definitely helped I thought a semi-colon involved a gastroenterologist taking a me – umm – “progress” and see the brighter side of things. half-day.

I write all of this nonsense above to segue toward a thank you I also am notorious for not proofreading my work. Heck, I am to anyone who has suffered through the drivel I have splattered not sure there’s anyone reading these columns, so why should I on these pages for years. I want you to know I appreciate you and be the lone sucker doing it? the time you took to read this column every month.

Most appropriately, the back page was an ideal fit because, With that said, this column is my last one. At least, it’s my well, I am a living, breathing back page. My personality is such last monthly column. I plan to be a contributor to Lake Martin that, socially, I want to be around the party – just maybe not in Living magazine from time to time, if they will have me. the middle of it. I am the quintessential neighbor sitting on his Meanwhile, I will still be on the back page – just now more of porch listening to the family reunion going on next door. the proverbial variety. I will still be Closing Remarks The periphery is just perfect for me: a great place to hear what watching and enjoying the events all Below: Luke Robinson is going on without actually doing any of the “going.” around me. and his family are Luckily, my life is full of interesting people. Perched high Thank you again! happy and healthy. above the action of their lives, I pick up some amazing stories.

After six years of writing Some would be downright unbelievable if I hadn’t seen them in ~Luke Robinson is an Alexander Lake Martin Living magazine's The Last my own bird’s eye view.

City native and writes a weekly Word column, he will Even more luckily, this magazine gave me a platform on column for The Alexander City be missed. which to share those stories. Much to the chagrin of my children, Outlook.

46 Lake Martin Living

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Winner of 11 Remodeling Excellence Awards

Lake Martin Living 47

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