Lake Magazine November 2023

Holiday Happenings Wind Creek's Dylan Ogle

B.A.S.S. Pro Will Davis wins second championship Fishing's Big Impact Fishing Tournaments

NOVEMBER 2023

LAKE 1

MEDICAL

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NOVEMBER 2023

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Letter from the Editor

P

rofessional angler Will Davis Jr. is right: Victory is sweet when childhood dreams become reality.

Will is one of Lake Martin’s unsung sports heroes. As a Bassmaster Elite Series pro, his work draws attention to the lake and spreads the word that Lake Martin is a great place to learn to fish, to practice fishing and to grow up fishing. In his story on page 34, Ben Smith spoke with Will and other local professional anglers about what drives them to fish for a living and how they transformed their childhood dreams into today’s realities.

Also in this, our first official fishing issue of Lake magazine, Sandra Fuller sat down with Ben to talk about the impact sport fishing has on the economies of Lake Martin communities. What once was thought of as the lake area’s side hustle is now mainstream, as lodging revenues during fishing season are comparable to those during the summer months. Check out the article on page 24.

Then, Ben talked with OGS Tournaments owner Vivian Autry about what it takes to put together a tournament schedule that draws those big events. OGS has made investments that put visiting anglers on stage, drawing more contests to Lake Martin year-round. Ben’s article includes input from organizations that feed anglers into the pro tours. Join the conversation on page 54.

Of course, Major League Fishing pro Greg Vinson lends his lifetime of fishing Lake Martin to another column packed with tips for your success on the water. This month, he tackles the weather on page 68. Greg shares nuances that will help you hook the catch on cloudy or rainy days at the lake.

Wind Creek State Park Naturalist Dylan Ogle also followed a childhood dream to the reality of a grownup career. At an early age, Dylan found a kinship with Mother Nature that followed him to service with the U.S. Marines and beyond. Get to know him through the story on page 30, and then, join him for a hike at the park.

I have to include myself on the list of folks in this magazine who turned childhood dreams into careers in adulthood.

All I ever wanted to be was a writer, and I credit a community college counselor with steering me into fulfilling that dream when she said that, in the 1980s, women were making great inroads in journalism.

On that note, I add my voice to that of Will Davis: Follow your dreams because victory is sweet.

Staff Chairman KENNETH BOONE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

General Manager TIPPY HUNTER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Editor in Chief BETSY ILER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Art Director AUDRA SPEARS

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Business & Digital Development Director ANGELA MULLINS angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing RENEE TRICE

renee.trice@alexcityoutlook.com

SHERYL JENNINGS

sheryl.jennings@thewetumpkaherald.com

HIDEY ARRINGTON

hidey.arrington@alexcityoutlook.com

MELODY RATHEL

melody.rathel@alexcityoutlook.com

RACHEL HUBBARD

rachel.hubbard@thewetumpkaherald.com

Contributors KENNETH BOONE HENRY ZIMMER BEN SMITH ABIGAIL MURPHY JULIE HUDSON LONNA UPTON GREG VINSON DAVE JENNINGS CLIFF WILLIAMS JODIE MCGIRT PETE MCKENNY STEPHANIE COLEY LIZI GWIN EDDIE DURRETT B.A.S.S. ELITE SERIES MAJOR LEAGUE FISHING

All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

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

Betsy Iler, Editor-in-Chief

4 LAKE

NOVEMBER 2023

On the Cover From local amateur tournaments to fishing for the big bucks on professional tours, Lake Martin attracts a wide range of anglers year-round, but fall and winter is the best time to throw out a line here. In this special fishing edition of Lake magazine, we highlight the local pros, compare tourism dollars and let you know when and where to find the tournaments you want to see.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

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NOVEMBER 2023

LAKE 5

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NOVEMBER 2023 11/4/21 11:15 AM

Contents

20. HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Holiday events are ramping up around Lake Martin.

24. FISHING'S SURPRISING IMPACT As the cold weather sets upon Lake Martin, the tourism demographic shifts.

30. DYLAN OGLE New Wind Creek State Park Naturalist Dylan Ogle shares his passions for the outdoors.

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34. FISHING FOR A LIVING Meet four local anglers who have made careers out of catching bass.

42. THIRD TIME'S A CHARM Couple builds a new home with a rustic exterior at The Willows.

54. TOURNAMENT TIMES Wind Creek State Park hosts all kinds of fishing tournaments, from fundraisers to championships.

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LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:

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e

- edition

9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 10. LAKE SCENES 13. WHERE IS LAKE? 14. CALENDAR OF EVENTS 18. LAKE MARTIN NEWS 26. NATURE OF THE LAKE 56. LAKE PROPERTY

58. LMRA 62. HEALTHY LIVING 64. CHEF'S TABLE 66. HOPPY DAYS 68. BIG CATCHES 71. LOVE OF THE GAME 78. PARTING SHOT

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

NOVEMBER 2023

LAKE 7

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Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators Sales Month September 2023 September 2020 September 2017

Number of sales

Average selling price

Median selling price

Days on the market

Total houses for sale

Inventory/ sales ratio

29 56 38

$1,108,274 $ 805,820 $ 647,825

$ 904,000 $ 621,250 $ 599,500

73 113 161

95 86 250

4.62 2.32 8.55

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

Marine Patrol to offer free boating license class Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Sgt. Joe Little Jr. will lead a boating basics and license course Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Marine Patrol office in Wind Creek State Park. This free, hands-on class allows interaction with local troopers who will address important information on issues that pertain specifically to Lake Martin.

Those completing the course will receive certificates in the mail after troopers have submitted the information to the Driver License Division.

The vessel class could then be added to participants' Alabama driver's licenses.

Children 12 years old or older are eligible for vessel operator's licenses, but they may not operate a vessel alone until the age of 14.

"There is no better boater safety program taught than the classes taught by ALEA's Marine Patrol troopers," said ALEA Marine Patrol Cpl. Ping. "Our classes allow for interaction with

the instructor and are structured with an emphasis on the issue of local bodies of water.

"Alabama's beautiful fall weather with cooler temperatures is a great time to enjoy the waters of Alabama, so come to our class, get your license, and enjoy the experience."

For more information or to enroll in the class, email Sgt. Little at Joe.Little@alea.gov. To Don't wait for spring to get your boating have the vessel class license. Fall is a great time to be on the added to a drivers water at Lake Martin. license, a $5 cash application fee will be charged after the class. A $35.25 issuance fee will be required for the new drivers license.

Classes also are offered in other Alabama lake and river communities.Visit alea.gov for a comprehensive list of course locations.

Weather Outlook for Month November 2023 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the mid 60s with average lows in the low 40s and about 4 and a half inches of precipitation in the month of November.The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures and rainfall amounts will be average this month.

Year-to-Date

Precipitation: 45.39 Avg. high temp.: 75.4 Avg. low temp.: 51.7 Avg. temp.: 63.6

Our Normal November Precipitation: 4.40 inches Avg. high temp.: 66.4 Avg. low temp.: 40.3 Avg. temp.: 53.4

Information from the National Weather Service.

NOVEMBER 2023

Last Month's Lake Levels Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 489.53 Lowest: 489.18 Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit lakes.alabamapower.com.

Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and waterrelated equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.

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Lake Scene n People & Places Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com 1

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Mabel is living her best life at Lake Martin. (2) "Go faster, Poppa!" is the cry from Isla and Auggie Gilliland as they ride a tube behind Jane and Scotty Howell's boat. (3) Nicholas Peters took this photo of a breathtaking Lake Martin sunset from The Landing after a storm had passed. (4) Mark and Becky Swindall celebrated the 50th anniversary of their first date at Lake Martin on Mockingbird Road. (5) Carel Ligeon is ready and waiting – his job is to drive the boat.

(6) Everley Paige, 4 years old, braves a low leap from a Chimney Rock outcrop. (7) A new family recently moved into the neighborhood on Powell Drive.

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NOVEMBER 2023

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Susan Hinson sent this photo of the fireworks show at Kowaliga on July 4. (2) Gardner Vick caught this unusual phenomenon on camera in Parker Creek. (3) Eight-year-old Aubrey Landwehr caught this 16-inch largemouth bass off the dock. (4) Reggie McClendon always loved to survey the lake from the bow of the canoe. (5) Emilee Ewing makes a cast from the dock at her grandparents lake home, Shawn and Teresa Moulton, on Lake Martin. (6) Ella James and Briggs Hutto enjoy a cool treat at Peanut Point on a hot summer day. (7) James Negaard keeps an eye over the water on the first of many Lake Martin boat rides.

NOVEMBER 2023

LAKE 11

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

Custom Home Builders

CONSTRUCTION

F R A N C I S B R YA N T. C O M 205.601.7800

12 LAKE

NOVEMBER 2023

Where is Lake n People & Places Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com 1

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Barbara Reid took Lake to Western North Dakota, where Teddy Roosevelt once hunted bison and was inspired to establish the U.S. Forest Service and protect wildlife and public lands. (2) Lake rode the historic rails between Silverton and Durange, Colorado, with Bill and Elaine Toney, Dyan Browning and Janie Lore. (3) Dylan, Jamie, Emma and Ella Beagle took Lake magazine to the Mormon Row Barn in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. (4) Lake magazine thoroughly enjoyed an Upper Mississippi River cruise with Doug and Barabara Reid. (5) Scout and Karen Treadwell took Lake to Monterey Bay, California. (6) Lake magazine went scalloping in Port St. Joe with Karen Kison, Jill Romine, Karen Treadwell, Christale Tuck and Captain Phil.

NOVEMBER 2023

LAKE 13

Nov. 1 VCCA Lunch and Learn

Nov. 11 Guided Nature Tour

Nov. 3 and 4 Renew Our Rivers

Nov. 11 St. James Annual Bazaar

From noon to 1 p.m., David Booth with Dadix will speak about working with cloud computing. Bring a sack lunch, and Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama will provide dessert and tea. This is a free program. Reserve a space by calling 256-234-0347 or email vcca.al@gmail.com by Oct. 30.

Join us for a community-driven event, organized by Alabama Power and Lake Martin Resource Association, to clean up Lake Martin. Meet at any of the following locations to receive assignments and pick up supplies: Kowaliga Boat Ramp, Union Boat Ramp, Wind Creek Marina, Big Fish Real Estate, Siggers Grocery, Real Island. For more info, contact John Thompson at 1942jthompson420@ gmail.com.

Start your day with Naturalist Marianne in Russell Forest as you wander the woods identifying a variety of plants and animals. Bring drinking water and comfortable shoes.

Appropriate for all ages. Call 256-496-2710 to register in advance. Registration fees are $10.

St. James Episcopal Church will host its annual bazaar from 9 a.m. to noon in the parish hall, featuring a variety of new pottery designs, cakes, casseroles, soups, crafts and more.

Parishioners work yearround to create treasures for this event, and all proceeds benefit local community outreach programs. The church is located at 347 S. Central Ave., Alexander City.

Nov. 17 & 18 Wait Until Dark Auditions

Nov. 8 VCCA Lunch and Learn

ACT II will hold auditions for Frederick Knott’s thriller, Wait Retired registered Until Dark, at 6 p.m. nurse Sandra Patten will on Friday, Nov. 17, Bring the kids to visit present a program entiand at 10 a.m. on Santa at Pennington tled, “Don’t Grow Old, Saturday, Nov. 18, at Park or at Russell Grow Awesome,” from 216 Tallapoosa St. Crossroads this month noon to 1 p.m. at the in Alexander City.

Volunteer Connections Parts are available CALENDAR OF EVENTS of Central Alabama office for six men, one woman and at 5030 U.S. Route 280 in one early teen-aged girl.

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN Alexander City. Bring a sack Rehearsals will begin after Jan. lunch, and VCCA will provide 1. Performances will be held dessert and tea. This is a free program. Reserve a space by in March at Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium. For calling 256-234-0347 or email vcca.al@gmail.com by Oct. 9. information, call director Rob Iler at 256-794-5103.

Nov. 9 Lost, and Some Found, Treasures of 1800s Alabama

Nov. 18 4k The Wellness Way

Jim Phillips will present a one-hour program exploring true treasure discoveries in Alabama at 11:30 a.m. He will share undiscovered treasure tales from across the state and will offer free appraisals of pre-1920s coins, bottles or paper currency at Dadeville Performing Arts Center. No tickets required.

Nov. 10 Bro. Billy Bob Bohannon

Dadeville Performing Arts Center will host comedian Bill King at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door or $10 in advance at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

14 LAKE

Join the Lake Martin Wellness Center in a 4k fun run on the Historic Dadeville Trail. Entry fee is $30, and all ages are welcome. T-shirts will be available to pre-registered participants on the day of the race. Race begins at 9 a.m. at Lake Martin Wellness Center. Call 256-825-2304 for more information.

Nov. 24 Christmas at Crossroads & Holiday Bazaar

Stop at Russell Crossroads the Friday after Thanksgiving for Christmas at Crossroads, the Holiday Bazaar and a visit with Santa. The Holiday Bazaar, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will be held under the big tents on the Town Green. Handmade goods, including jewelry, soaps, paintings, pottery, woodwork, lotions, furniture and more will available for purchase. At 10 a.m., Santa will make his way from the North Pole and arrive

NOVEMBER 2023

by horse-drawn carriage. In addition to the Holiday Bazaar, there will be arts and crafts for the children to make and games for them to play. For more information, click the events tab at Russelllands.com.

Nov. 27 Tree Lighting Concert

Gather at 4:30 p.m. in Dadeville’s Pennington Park for a tree lighting ceremony and performance by the Dadeville Community Chorus.

Nov. 27 thru Jan. 6 Pennington Park Light Show

Displays will be lit nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. until Jan. 6 at Pennington Park in Dadeville. The magical display will include a full-sized Santa sleigh with scheduled visits by the Jolly Old Elf himself. A North Pole mailbox will be present to receive special delivery mail for Santa. Every letter will receive a personalized response from Santa with Rudolph’s hoof-mark.

Dec. 14 & 15 Karaoke Christmas

Dadeville Performing Arts Center will host a children’s Christmas choral presentation of holiday pop songs directed by Elaine Forbus at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance. Purchase at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com or pay $15 at the door.

Dec. 16 Paint Your Pet

Relax and become inspired with a night of painting alongside Pursell Farms’ Resident Artist Vaughan Pursell Spanjer from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hamilton Place. Enjoy a selection of wines and a delicious dinner created by Executive Chef Joe Truex. Paint pre-drawn versions of your pet as Vaughan and fellow professional artists assist with paint selections and expert guidance all while bringing a special image of your pet to life on canvas. Call 256-208-2040 to book your spot.

Season-long Events

Dec. 1-3 A Christmas Carol Live Radio Play

LMYP Game Night

Dec. 1 The Bev and Band Concert

Elementary Musical Theatre

Alexander City Theatre II will present a radio play rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale with a script written

by Joe Landry. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 and Dec. 2, and at 2 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Betty Carol Graham Center stage on the Central Alabama Community College campus in Alexander City. Free admission.

Dadeville Performing Arts Center will kick off the holiday season with smooth jazz by Beverly Ceasar and her band at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance online at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com, or $15 at the door.

Dec. 5 Fall/Holiday Concert

The 30-piece Dadeville Community Chorus of all ages will perform their annual fall concert at 7 p.m. at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center. After intermission, sing along and enjoy a hot beverage. Tickets are $10 in advance online at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com; $15 at the door.

Every third Thursday of the month, grab your crew and meet at The Local at 41 Main in downtown Alexander City from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for games, laughs and exclusive Lake Martin Young Professionals drink specials. It’s free to play the games, like trivia and bingo and more, and the grand prize is always $50. Visit the Lake Martin Young Professionals Facebook page for more information.

Now through Dec. 15, Dadeville Performing Arts will host after-school singing, dancing and acting workshops from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for third through sixth grade students every Monday. Text or email Elaine Balint Forbus at 256-749-7932 or elaine.balint@gmail.com. Enroll and complete permission forms at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com/classes. No fees for Tallapoosa County children.

Stillwaters Dog Fight Golf

Join golfers of all ages and abilities at Stillwaters Golf Course at 10 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for an open golf event. In addition to regular golf fees, players pay a small entry fee of $7 or $15 depending on the day. For details, call the golf shop at 256-825-1353.

Dec. 9 Harbor Pointe Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

Lake Martin Civitan Club

Dec. 14 Music in the Air at Zazu’s Verandah

Everything’s Art Classes

The annual ugly Christmas sweater party will be held Dec. 9 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Bluff’s Daiquiri Bar in Dadeville with an ugly sweater contest, special holiday drinks, DJ and more.

Get in the spirit of Christmas from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. as jazz virtuoso David Jones performs a free concert in The Listening Room. Zazu’s Verandah will offer beverages for purchase. This is a free event.

The Lake Martin Civitan Club meets at noon in the private room at JR’s Grill, 145 Alabama St., Alexander City, on the second Thursday of each month. For more information, call Audrey Moore at 256-786-0465.

From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on alternate Tuesdays, Everything’s Art volunteers teach art to children in grades three through five with class projects. Enroll and complete forms at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com/classes. No fees for Tallapoosa County children. Email Delaine Hanson at delaine.hanson@gmail.com.

NOVEMBER 2023

LAKE 15

Artists Association of Central Alabama

AACA artists meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex grounds with a general meeting followed by open studio. Club dues are $20 for the year.

Wellborn Musclecar Museum

Housed in a restored vintage auto dealership in downtown Alexander City, the Wellborn Musclecar Museum collection of great American automobiles of the 1960s and 1970s is open for public viewing Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission for adults is $11; children ages 7 to 17 admitted for $7, and children ages 6 and under are admitted for free. To arrange discounted group tours or private tours, email wellbornmusclecarmuseum@gmail.com or call the museum at 256-329-8474.

Dadeville Community Chorus

Rehearsals are be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays at Dadeville Performing Arts Center for a performance in May. Email kim.walls@dadevilleperformingartscenters.com for more information.

Lake Martin Creativity

Meet every Monday at 1 p.m. in the community room at the StillWaters Residential Building. Anyone interested in arts and crafts is encouraged to join. Bring something to work on or come see what others are doing. A monthly fee of $5 is charged to help pay for the use of the space. For more information, contact Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.

Fiber Fridays

Bring your knitting, crochet, needlepoint, embroidery and other fiber art projects to The Yarn Shop Around the Corner in Dadeville from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays to meet fellow fiber artisans, share tips and techniques and talk with others who share your interests. For more information, call 334-444-1038.

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City holds its Hey, I Know You storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Important embers of the community such as first responders, doctors, owners and more will be featured as readers. This event is intended for children preschool-aged and younger.

In addition, storytime for children aged 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Santuck Flea Market

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

Located on state Route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open 16 LAKE

Memory Makers Quilt Guild

This group meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex campus.

Arrive at 9:30 a.m. and sew until 2 p.m. Bring your lunch or a snack, sewing projects, machines and questions.

Amateur Radio Club

The Lake Martin Area Amateur Radio Club meets the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City, with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. For more information, contact Michael Courtney at 256-825-7766 or Mike Smith at 256-750-5710.

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

Naturalist Marianne 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 RussellLands.com/blog/events for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.

Fourth Fridays at EPAC

The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and other events on the fourth Friday nights of each month at 6:30 p.m. on State Route 9 in Equality. Visit the Equality Performing Arts Center Facebook page for the schedule.

Trivia Night at Niffer’s on the Lake

Library Storytimes

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. For more information, call 334-857-2008.

Every Thursday, Niffer’s hosts trivia night at 7 p.m.

Winners receive Niffer’s gift cards. A bonus question is posted on the Niffer’s Facebook page at 2 p.m. Thursdays.

Tallassee Lions Club

The Tallassee Lions Club meets on Tuesdays at Cozumel Restaurant, across from the football stadium in Tallassee, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to join for an hour of humor, information, civic pride and patriotism. For more information, call Marilyn Speake at 334-283-6864 or email at marilyn.speake@tcschools.com.

Equality VFD Cookout and Bake Sale

On the first Saturday of each month, the Equality Volunteer Fire Department hosts a bake sale, starting at 8 a.m. Lunch is served starting at 10:30 a.m. at the old Masonic Lodge in downtown Equality. For more information, email Richard Penton at drichardpenton@gmail.com.

NOVEMBER 2023

Jerry Purcell 205.382.3417

Judy Voss 256.794.0779

Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681

John McInnish 334.415.2149

Michelle Brooks-Slayman 256.749.1031

Jan Hall 256.329.6313

Damon Story 205.789.9526

India Davis 256.749.7592

Ashley Chancellor 334.202.9017

Becky Haynie 334.312.0928

Adam Yager 205.914.0830

Mimi Rush 334.399.7874

Jeff Cochran 256.786.0099

Mike Davis 256.226.1238

Jim Cleveland 256.596.2220

David Mitchell 256.212.3511

Howard Haynie 334.312.0693

Haley Fuller Lamborne 256.750.2411

Allison Ladson 256.750.0711

Denise Cochran 256.786.2484

Lindsay Kane 256.675.6792

Cindy Scroggins 256.794.3372

Dan Barnett 470.505.6149

Hugh Neighbors 256.750.5071

Sawyer Davis 205.965.7940

Judith Jager 205.789.0698

John Shelton 404.858.9198

Amy Duncan 256.212.2222

WE’RE THE MARKET LEADER Lake Martin Waterfront Market Share

DADEVILLE

256.825.9092

W I L L O W PO IN T

256.212.1498

*LMAAR/MLS Member Firms Sales Volume Data Oct 2022 - Sept 2023

52.9%

LAKE MARTIN REALTY REALTY/ RUSSELL LANDS OUR CLOSEST COMPETITOR

OTHER COMPETITORS (50 companies)

L A K E M A R T I N R E A L T Y . C O M

NOVEMBER 2023

LAKE 17

Lake Martin News Lake Martin area B.A.S.S. pro makes tournament history with back-to-back national championship wins ANDERSON, S.C. — Will Davis Jr. made history last month when he won the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Championship for the second consecutive year.

Not only did the 31-year-old Sylacauga resident become the first angler to win the event in back-to-back seasons, but he started a chain reaction that helped two other anglers to B.A.S.S. glory as well.

Davis weighed a five-bass limit of 15 pounds, 1 ounce, on day 3 of the tournament, giving him an overall weight of 15 bass for 45 pounds, 6 ounces. That was nearly 4 pounds more than any other angler competing in this three-day derby on Lake Hartwell, and it guaranteed him a spot in the 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series.

Davis had already qualified for next year’s Elite Series, so his double qualification opened the door for New Hampshire’s Tim Dube, who finished second at Hartwell, to earn a spot in the Elite Series in 2024.

Davis’ win also had a ripple effect on the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic, which will be held March 22-24 on Grand Lake O’ the Will Davis Jr.'s consecutive Cherokees near Tulsa, wins made way for another Oklahoma.

The top three anglers in the local pro on the Elite Series.

B.A.S.S. Nation Championship earn spots in the 2024 Classic. But with Davis already having punched his ticket to the sport’s biggest tournament through the 2023 Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings, B.A.S.S. officials said his berth would go to the first Elite out in those rankings.

That lucky angler is Elite Series pro David Gaston, who ironically also hails from Sylacauga, and who now slides into the 2024 Bassmaster Classic courtesy of his 43rd-place finish in the AOY race and Davis’ victory at Hartwell.

“I had a feeling this week,” Davis said. “I did a lot of praying on it ... I even keep a Bible in the boat, and I’ll read a verse to calm me down.”

Unlike last year, when he had to mount a come-frombehind win on Pickwick Lake to hoist the Bryan V. Kerchal Memorial Trophy, Davis had more than 3 pounds of cushion heading into the final day on Hartwell. He ended day 1 with a 16-pound, 1-ounce limit, only 2 ounc18 LAKE

es behind Dube for the tournament lead, and he seized it on day 2 with a 14 pound, 4 ounce limit to take the lead.

The weather changed overnight, and intermittent rain and steady winds moved through the area Friday morning, but Davis didn’t blink. He had the big bag of the day and collected $20,000 for the win.

Despite having already secured his spot in the Classic and Elite Series, Davis said he fishes to win every tournament.

And at one point on Friday, Davis said he felt his nerves getting shaky. He switched to a Davis Bait Company spinnerbait in the peacock color early, anticipating it would work better in the windy weather. But he only had 9 pounds in his livewell as morning turned to afternoon.

“At that point, I went back to the Davis Wood Jig and headed to a hump that was in about 40 feet of water. I hadn’t fished it before, and I could see fish down there at about 35 feet. I dropped the Wood Jig right by them and prayed they’d hit it. I was able to get three big hits in a short amount of time, and those few extra pounds made the difference.”

Davis rode last year’s Nation Championship to success in the Elite Series, winning a tournament on Lay Lake in May and finishing fifth in the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year standings. He wasn’t necessarily expecting to repeat as the B.A.S.S. Nation champ, but he’ll certainly take the victory.

“Last year was more emotional, but every win is sweet,” he said.

A total of 113 anglers (58 boaters, 55 nonboaters) began the tournament on this 56,000-acre fishery straddling the South Carolina-Georgia border. They hailed from 48 states and eight foreign countries, earning their way into the field with their showings at one of five B.A.S.S. Nation regionals held across the country this year.

The field split a total purse of $96,500. ~ Staff Report

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Holiday Happenings STORY BY BETSY ILER

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With October’s fall festivals now memories, it’s time to gear up for the next season – Thanksgiving, with Christmas on its heels. Get out your calendar and add these family friendly activities and events to make special memories of this favorite season at Lake Martin.

The fun begins on Nov. 5 in Dadeville when the Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the Christmas Business Open House from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Santa Claus will be in town to showcase holiday decorations and help everyone get in the spirit. Local businesses will offer special sales, refreshments and more.

One week later, Main Street Alexander City will hold the Annual Holiday Open House, with shops open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to kick off the shopping season. Walk from store to store to pick up decoration items and gifts for everyone on your list.

Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will kick off the annual Tis the Season to Shop Local event on Nov. 12. Pick up a card at any participating retailer between Nov. 12 and Dec. 9 and get it stamped every time you spend $10 with a participating business. When you’ve spent $50 and filled up the card, write your name and phone number on it and leave it with the retailer who put the last stamp on it. Then get another card.

There’s no limit to the number of times you can enter throughout the campaign. Each entered card is eligible for a drawing for a $250 gift card.

Then, rest up, because the day after Thanksgiving, it’s on – starting with the Holiday Bazaar at Russell Crossroads. Browse the juried arts displays on the Town Green to finish your holiday shopping from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., bring the kids for arts and crafts, games and a visit from Santa Claus.

It all happens on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads.

Return to Crossroads on Saturday, Nov. 25, for Naturalist Marianne’s presentation, Let’s Talk Turkey, at the Naturalist Cabin any time from 10 a.m. to. 2 p.m.

Slip over to Pennington Park in Dadeville at 4:30 p.m. for the spectacular exhibit lighting and a special musical concert. And visit any time from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. any night before Jan. 6 to see the displays, enjoy the lights, mail a letter to Santa or visit the Jolly Old Elf himself. Every letter dropped in the holiday mailbox at Pennington Park will be answered.

Dec. 1 through 3, take the family to a free

Alexander City Theatre II production of A Christmas Carol Live Radio Play by Joe Landry, based on Dickens’ famous holiday tale. The play will open Friday at 7 p.m. on the Betty Carol Graham Center stage at Central Alabama Community College. A second performance will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3.

Or visit Dadeville the afternoon of Dec. 3 for the Annual Spirit of a Hometown Christmas Parade with vendors, arts and crafts and a parade through town.

Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will host their annual Christmas parade at 6 p.m. on Dec. 4. This year’s theme is Fairytale Christmas.

Visit alexcitychamber.com for details.

The Dadeville Community Chorus will present a holiday concert from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 5. The 30-piece chorus with singers of all ages has been practicing for this special concert for months. It’s a must-see event.

Also during that first week of December, be sure to reserve time for An Eclectic Christmas tour at Falk Farm in Eclectic. Performances are scheduled throughout each evening from Dec. 1 through Dec. 7. More than 200 actors, costumers, set builders and more present this nondenominational live-action walk to Nazareth for the birth of the Christ child. Visit aneclecticministry.org to save your spot for this free event.

Alexander City Parks and Recreation will bring the fun to downtown with the annual Downtown Christmas event on Dec. 9.

And there’s more holiday events all through December. Be sure to pick up a December issue of Lake and Lake Martin Living magazines for more activities you won’t want to miss.

From Left: Holiday Bazaar at Russell Crossroads; Dadeville Open House; Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade.

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FISHING'S SURPRISING IMPACT

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STORY BY BEN SMITH & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Lake Martin residents used to call it the “off-season,” because the summer visitors have gone home. The lake in late October is not the same scene it is in mid-July.

There aren’t fleets of boats pulling squinting children on innertubes or crowded pontoons anchored below Chimney Rock, broadcasting loud music.

The leaves have begun to turn red and orange, mottled with brown spots. That two-week period of perfect weather is over, though winter’s winds have not yet settled in. Lake Martin residents have parted with the summer and are talking about how it’s getting dark so fast, and how they never remembered the sun setting so early in October. People are wearing hoodies at the first signs of a chill, and water levels are dropping.

The tourists have left, and the anglers have come to take their places.

Every Saturday, from now to spring, hundreds of

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anglers, their families, fans and sponsors travel to Lake Martin for fishing tournaments and events. These are people buying gas for cars and boats. They’re eating dinners at local restaurants, staying at local hotels and shopping around the area.

“That revenue that’s brought in from the fishing tournaments goes back into our community for our fire departments, our police departments, our education,” said Sandra Fuller, director of Tallapoosa County Tourism. “Just those general things we have that give us a better quality of life.”

These tournaments begin in September and run every Saturday through early spring, bringing with them 200 to 250 anglers on any given weekend. Some tournaments are more valuable than others, at least from an economic standpoint. Championships draw larger crowds and longer stays in Lake Martin, generating a

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higher overall revenue. High school tournaments lead to more fans, as families are more likely to travel to see their children compete.

“They say they love the Lake Martin community,” said Fuller. “No, we don’t have the biggest fish in our lake. But we have great places to stay and places to eat.”

Most of the tournaments are held at Wind Creek State Park. It’s an ideal location for launching boats, and the area provides enough parking to accommodate scores of fishermen, boats and tournament equipment.

Some anglers even stay at the park overnight, waking up only a stone’s throw away from the tournament location.

Vivian Autry owns OGS Fishing Tournaments and regularly holds tournaments at Wind Creek State Park.

“Lake Martin is so big,” said Autry. “People like that.

The fishermen don’t feel like they’re on top of each other, even if they have a whole bunch of boats.”

Lake Martin’s size suits it well for large-scale tournaments, and Wind Creek’s accessibility, parking and safety is favored by participants in these tournaments.

Autry said anglers also enjoy the lighted buoys and multiple marinas around the lake. And the more anglers enjoy their experiences at Lake Martin, the more likely they’ll be to come back and spend money around the

area.

Autry said that surveys of OGS participants find that each angler spends, on average, $227 dollars per day while at Lake Martin.

Lodging revenues during the fall and winter are comparable to those in the summer months in some areas, including Alexander City, Fuller said. These tournaments are important to an economy that hopes to grow and expand. They allow many restaurants, shops and other services to stay open after the summer tourists leave, retaining seasonal jobs through the winter. Without these fishing tournaments, there would be fewer boats at the marinas. Restaurants would seat fewer guests over the weekend, and the average Lake Martin small business owner would endure the winter months in little more than eager anticipation of the summer.

From pro tournaments to amateur sportsmen, the impact of fishing is comparable to the impact of summer season in some local areas.

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NATURE OF THE LAKE

BY KENNETH BOONE

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Ringneck Snake

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A harmless woodland creature often discovered by inquisitive children

Even folks who don’t like snakes can feel comfortable around a Ringneck Snake. In fact, this small, calm, docile snake is often found and caught by children exploring under logs and rocks.

They are harmless to people and rarely bite when handled, but instead sometimes emit a foul-smelling musk in an attempt to elude predators and those people who pick them up. At other times, these snakes roll onto their backs, curl up and show off their brightly colored bellies to scare off predators; however, once picked up by humans, they tend to settle down and seem relatively comfortable being handled.

These handsome little snakes are mostly active at night and are rarely seen during the daylight unless their hiding spot is disturbed.

Ringneck Snakes can grow up to 2 feet long, but most are about half that length. This snake’s body is blueishgray to smoky black on top. Its belly is orange or yellow with repeating black spots or crescents running the length of the snake.

Ringnecks have small, rounded snouts and heads that are darker than the rest of their bodies. Their common name comes from the distinctive yellow, orange or cream-colored collar around their necks.

There are 14 subspecies of Ringneck Snake in the North America. Three subspecies of ringneck are native to Alabama: the Southern Ringneck, Diadophis punctatus punctatus; the Northern Ringneck, D.p. edwardsii; and the Mississippi Ringneck, D.p. stictogenys. All three interbreed, and most of the ringnecks in Alabama have traits of two or all three.

Ringneck Snakes are native in every U.S. state except Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Alaska and Hawaii. They are also found in parts of Mexico and Canada. They are not found in mountainous areas above 7,200 feet.

These snakes most often live in moist, wooded areas under logs, rocks and leaves, in gardens and flower beds, and near swamps and water sources. They burrow into the ground. They are sometimes found in salt marshes but are primarily terrestrial.

Ringneck Snakes have the ability to wrap around and constrict their prey, though on smaller animals that is not necessary. Their menu includes salamanders, worms and slugs, small reptiles and insect larvae.

They are very slightly venomous, but their small,

backward-facing fangs and non-aggressive demeanor make them harmless to people. Scientists think the snakes use their venom to capture prey, not as a defense mechanism against larger predators.

While ringnecks are secretive snakes, they are social and may live in communities of six or more. In cold climates, ringnecks are sometimes found in large colonies numbering up to 100.

Ringneck Snakes are sexually mature during their Facing Page: Though venomous, this small, docile snake with a yellow collar is harmless; Below: The Ringneck's yellow underbelly is dotted with black spots or crescents.

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fourth summer. They breed in the spring and, in some subspecies, the fall. These snakes are so secretive that biologists have only documented breeding ringnecks six times.

When a female ringneck is ready to mate, she emits pheromones from her skin, which attracts males. When a male ringneck encounters a sweet-smelling female, he rubs his head against her body and moves up to the ring on her neck. He then bites the female on the collar and holds her while mating takes place.

Female ringnecks lay three to 10 long, whitish eggs in summer. When the young snake emerges from its egg, it is already 4-1/2 to 5 inches long. Even day-old ringnecks are able to fend for themselves, and they require no assistance from their parents.

Ringnecks over 10 years old have been recorded by scientists, and it is thought they may live up to 20 years in the wild.

Predators of Ringneck Snakes include other snakes, such as King Snakes, Coral Snakes and Black Racers, Opossums, Armadillos, wild hogs and even large frogs, spiders and centipedes.

Some information for this article came from Outdooralabama.com, animaldiversity.org and iNaturalist.org.

Above: Ringnecks have rounded snouts, and their backs are black or bluish gray; Left: Native to most U.S. states as well as parts of Mexico and Canada, Ringnecks are not found above an elevation of 7,200 feet.

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LAKE 29

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Dylan Ogle Wind Creek State Park naturalist lands the job he's loved since childhood

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STORY BY BEN SMITH & PHOTO BY KENNETH BOONE

Lance Corporal Dylan Ogle stood at his post, rifle in hand, and surveyed the landscape before him. He stood straight-backed atop a guard tower that overlooked the Caribbean Sea, for eight hours at a time, seven days a week. There was nothing to do but stare at the arid landscape covered in knee-high bushes and brambles. His eyes remained horizon, peeled for an enemy that never came. Most days, he felt the breeze blowing in from the sea. It was about as good a post as a U.S. Marine stationed in Guantanamo Bay could get.

“I found it rejuvenating,” Ogle said, remarking on a certain sense of calm that came with spending so much time alone, with little stimulus outside his own thoughts.

“I would just stay awake and look at what’s around me for eight hours at a time,” he said.

He was visited almost daily by a gang of five or six iguanas, all about a foot-and-a-half long, green, scaly and aggressive. It was his favorite part of the day, watching them bob their heads at each other, communicating in some simple language. There were often fights that broke out, and long tails and green feet kicked and slapped in all directions as the others watched from their respective branches, heads bobbing in observant applause.

Looking out from a watchtower across the blue horizon, Ogle saw various species of foliage dotting the shoreline and realized that he wanted to pursue this appreciation of nature professionally.

After five years of service in the Marines and four years of school at Auburn University, he has finally achieved that. This summer, he accepted the position of park naturalist at Wind Creek State Park.

It was an appreciation he had felt since childhood as he played in the creeks of Albertville. He and his friends looked through shallow, murky waters for craw dads and stepped around water moccasins indifferently. Ogle grew up surrounded by animals. His family had an army of dogs, cats, birds and gerbils. They even rescued injured rabbits they found on their land.

“My dad made jokes about me being the alpha dog,” Ogle said. “We’d be watching TV, and I’d get up to go somewhere, and the dogs would all follow me.”

Ogle enlisted in the Marines a year out of high school. His first deployment in Cuba sparked the idea to pursue a career that was centered around the things he’s always enjoyed. After finishing his stint in the military, he enrolled at Auburn and studied wildlife ecology and management. Four years later, he’s found a job doing what he most enjoyed about his post in Cuba.

Ogle’s responsibilities encompass more than just enjoying nature. He takes willing participants on hikes, where he helps identify anything from deer scat to rare species of birds. He prepares presentations for classes where he teaches how to identify local species of wildlife. He cares for and feeds an Eastern Box Turtle kept in the park clubhouse.

Ogle’s love for the wilderness is evident. When the conversation lands on anything related to animals, bugs, snakes, ecology, weather patterns or the landscape, his eyes light up. He gets more animated, using his arms to approximate the length of a lizard or show how a snake tends to wrap around the biceps of its handler. He’s a sight, too; a tall, bearded, robust Marine with what seems like a wise love for simple things: rays of sunlight beaming through the small cracks in a tree’s canopy, feeding his Honduran Milk snake, bird watching.

“I think it’s just really pretty,” he said, taking a pause. “It’s always beautiful outside. You know, when you see birds of every different color flying around, and then the trees are every shade of green possible, and there are flowering plants around. It’s just wonderful to be around that.”

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Seawall Time Get on board while the water is going down.

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Fishing for a Living STORY BY BEN SMITH PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE AND COURTESY OF B.A.S.S. ELITE SERIES & MAJOR LEAGUE FISHING

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Many professional anglers have grown up with similar stories. They remember the first times they threw a line out at age 5 or 6, usually with their fathers. They might have used plastic fishing poles with buttons to make casting easier. They remember the joy of catching that first fish, the adrenaline rush that comes with feeling a larger-thanexpected bite and the suspenseful intersection of chance and skill.

These are men who followed their childhood joys to the depths. Their livelihoods are scaly and smell like lake water. They wake before 4 a.m.; sunrises and sunsets

are all in a day’s work. When they aren’t fishing for competition, they’re fishing to try out new lures and techniques, and when they aren’t practicing, they’re fishing for fun.

As different and unique as their stories are, they find commonality with each other.

Like soldiers sharing a battlefield, they are instant compatriots, knowing the trials and the sacrifices they all have endured. And they hold each other in respect for having transformed childhood joys into adulthood careers.

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David Gaston

Sylacauga’s David Right: Gaston drops a winner in the Gaston credits his family livewell and (Below) celebrates on the Bassmaster Elite Series stage. with providing him the opportunity to pursue a professional fishing career.

Before making a living as a fulltime angler, he worked at his family’s industrial construction business.

“I was blessed with the opportunity to work for my family’s business, where I could leave from and not be destroyed when I get back from a tournament,” he said, talking over his 2-year-old daughter who was yelling about a chicken. “I had the opportunity to go out and fish with everybody else, but when I got home I had to work.”

Gaston Construction is David’s primary sponsor. The logo is set large and dead-center in the middle of his fishing uniform.

Gaston said his family’s flexibility gave him a much-needed safety net in the early years of competitive fishing. Now, he’s a fulltime angler on the Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Tour.

“Now that I’m in the Bassmaster Elite Series, I’m gone more.

It’s definitely more time consuming, especially with sponsor obligations and all the other stuff that comes with it,” he said.

Fishing has allowed him to travel the United States, competing in tournaments in places he might never have visited otherwise.

“I have buddies in California and just about everywhere now,” said Gaston. “Traveling the country, fishing with people, you create a lot of good friends. And it don’t matter where they’re at now.

You got buddies everywhere.”

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Greg Vinson

“I’m an old man now,” said Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour angler Greg Vinson.

“But I’m a little kid at heart who just loves to fish.”

Vinson remembers doing his third-grade homework in the back of his father’s fishing club. Conversations of lures and tournaments and fishing techniques circulated around him as he practiced his multiplication tables.

When he got out of college, he joined that same club and began fishing with some of the same men who first exposed him to a passion he pursued the rest of his life.

“I was fishing with guys that have been doing it a long time and admittedly knew a whole lot more than I did,” said Vinson, who has written the fishing column for Lake magazine for more than 10 years. “I think I had that youthful exuberance. That is how I survived. That’s how I did well early on.”

After years of balancing time between work, his family and his passion, Vinson made a leap of faith. He left a job he loved to pursue a career in a pastime he loved even more.

“It was a dream job at the time, but I was also doing well in tournaments. I reached that point where you have to fish weeklong events,” he said.

“With the support of Stephanie, my wife and my high school sweetheart, we decided to give it a year and see how it went … Steph was still at a good job, and we did the budget and figured out if I didn’t lose too much doing the fishing thing, we could still pay the bills. And my last day at the real job was Dec. 22, 2006.”

Vinson went on rake in over a million dollars of winnings throughout his career, placing in the top 20 in major tournaments with the Bassmaster Elite Series and Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He placed second in the Bassmasters Classic, the largest championship in bass fishing, and he netted a handful of lucrative sponsorships. But what Vinson is most proud of isn’t counted on a stat sheet.

“I got to live my dream for 15 years going now. That would probably be the biggest accomplishment to me personally, because that was what I asked for when I prayed,” he said. “When I jumped into this, I said, ‘Lord, I don’t wanna be rich or famous. I just wanna be able to fish for a living.’ And I got exactly what I asked for.”

After 15 years as a pro,Vinson has won more than $1 million in tournaments, but it's the sport that drives him.

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Kyle Welcher

The elusive nature of competitive fishing is exactly what Bassmaster Elite Series pro Kyle Welcher enjoys so much about the sport.

“It’s a game of incomplete information and educated guesses,” said Welcher. “It’s not like chess; it’s not like you can effectively solve the game. There’s no perfect move. In fishing, you don’t know the optimal next move. It’s like you’re trying to put the pieces of a puzzle together, and you don’t know exactly how they’re ever gonna all fit. So, it’s like just a game of educated guesses and incomplete information, and to me, it’s just super nuanced and interesting. It’s not like anything else.”

Welcher was surrounded by fishing as a child growing up in Opelika. It was what everyone did. To most, fishing is a commonplace pastime, but to Welcher, it’s an obsession.

“For some reason, it was just an obsession for me

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from a very, very early age. That’s all I wanted to do. I mean, all my parents, grandparents tell me stories about it from when I was 4 or 5 years old. That’s all I wanted to do is fish, and it has not changed,” he said.

Welcher bounced around as he looked for a career path. He was a nursing student at UAB before leaving school to pursue a profitable career playing poker.

He moved to Florida, where it was legal to gamble at 18, and was running the tables at the Biloxi casinos in Mississippi the minute he turned 21. All the while, he was competing in bass fishing tournaments and having some success doing it.

To Welcher, the virtues of a good gambler and a good fisherman are identical. Both require nerves under pressure. Both require an analytical and predictive mind, and both lend themselves A professional gambler as well as to chance. a fishing pro, Welcher maintains his poker face on the water.

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Will Davis Jr.

To Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Tour angler Will Davis Jr., fishing is marked by hardships. He calls it the most losing sport around, but even at that, the rewards are unbeatable.

Professional fishing requires anglers to sacrifice job stability to pursue a fulltime fishing career. It requires spouses to sacrifice their weekends at fishing tournaments in unfamiliar places. Money must be spent in food, gas, registration and lodging to attend these tournaments, and even then, there’s no guarantee an angler will walk away with prize money. In any given professional tournament, there are typically a hundred people competing against each other, all extremely skilled at what they do. What it often boils down to is chance.

“The difference between a pro angler and a hardcore tournament angler is about a half an inch. You gotta have a lot of luck,” Davis said. “Competing against something you can’t see makes it tough. These guys in the Bassmaster Elite Series are the best in the world, and if you have bad days, they’ll humble you.”

But, Davis said, it makes victory that much sweeter.

“There’s nothing that satisfies you more than winning. Once you taste it, nothing tastes the same until you get back there.”

A rookie this year, Sylacauga’s Davis earned his spot on the Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Tour through Bass Nation competition and now has spent a year fishing at the professional level. He made history at Lake's presstime by winning back-to-back B.A.S.S. Nation championships (see the article on page 18). He’s attained a dream he’s had since he was old enough to walk, and according to his dad, old enough to fish.

Davis was candid about the value in setting the mind on a goal and working incessantly toward it against all odds.

“Let me tell you something. I believe this is the 100 percent truth,” Davis said. “If you put 100 percent into something, and you want it, you can achieve Above: News reels catch Davis reeling in a fish; Left: He raises the it. That’s a fact. Cause I never thought I’d make it Elite Series championship trophy into the Elite Series.” after a victory at Lay Lake.

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Third time's a charm

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STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

In a wooded neighborhood at the quiet end of a Lake Martin slough, Russell Cabins at The Willows is dotted with rustic exterior homes and landscaping that echo the beauty of the lake. The location was perfect for David and Phyllis Brasfield’s third home at the lake. The Birmingham couple selected an approved plan from Russell Lands, chose Chad Calhoun, president of Classic Homes, to build it and asked Nan Jackson to decorate their new space.

“We had a lake house in Windermere about 10 years ago; then in Glynmere, but when we saw the level lot in The Willows, we fell in love with it. We like a onelevel house on a level lot because it’s easy to walk down to the water, easy to get to the dock. It’s perfect. We had a great team with Nan who made it all happen,” David Brasfield said.

The Brasfields expanded the original cabin plan, so they would have four bedrooms and a bunkroom in the home, plus a two-car garage with an upstairs apartment. Lin Phillips with Lake Martin Painting handled the exterior painting, using Cocoon by Benjamin Moore. The interior painting, using the color Steam, also is

Benjamin Moore. A perfect choice for the woodsy surroundings, cedar shake was used for the roof.

A semi-transparent stain was tinted with Steam for the wood ceilings, and the white oak floors were stained with Weatherwood.

The flooring was installed and finished by Mike Simms.

Windows and French doors in the front of the house are mirrored on the back, allowing natural light to flood the great room. All four corners of the room meet at the center point of the vaulted ceiling in an exquisite architectural design. A bedroom and bathroom anchor each corner of the house. The kitchen is situated on one side of the home, while the bunkroom and an extra bathroom balance the other side.

Jackson worked with a team of designers, including Don Easterland and Nina Lang at Mathews Furniture in Atlanta and Scott Meacham with Russell Home Décor in Alexander City. With the Brasfields’ wishes in mind, the team selected furniture, rugs and accessories and presented the choices to the couple for approval before purchases were finalized.

Upon entry at the front door, guests are greeted

Facing Page: The Brasfields' great room is a balance of living, dining and kitchen areas with an antique moose observing.

Above: The vaulted ceiling is a spectacular architectural design.

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with a view through the screened porch to the lake.

On either side of the entryway, wicker columns hold planters of ferns that add a splash of green, bringing the outside in.

In the great room, a cream-colored sofa is paired with chairs in gray plaid and solid gray. The square coffee table is bronze leather with wooden legs, while the side tables are more contemporary with white stone tops and iron legs. The Charlie West lamps are porcelain, handmade from Georgia clay. A stone fireplace accentuates the space from the floor to the height of the vaulted ceiling. Two Italian cane chairs with bone inlay also are part of the décor.

“We listened to David and Phyllis, then thought about what pieces would best fit the space. We like

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that team approach to projects. In fact, the team working on the building of this house was amazing – Gaius Dean as superintendent, Bruce Sharp who did all the masonry and stonework, Clowdus Electric and everyone else. They were fantastic,” Jackson said.

A dining table and eight chairs separate the living area and kitchen. Over the kitchen entryway hangs a moose head that Brasfield found in an antique store in Colorado. A limestone hood over the stove is the focal point of the kitchen, along with a tile inset painted with cranes and flowers in the center of white subway tiles. A bar to the side features both a wine refrigerator and an undercounter ice maker. The countertop and island surfaces are Cambria. The kitchen cabinets were built

NOVEMBER 2023

Clockwise from Facing Page: Kitchen focal points include the limestone hood and Cambria countertops; The master bedroom offers a peaceful setting and a beautiful lake view; The Brasfields chose a level lot for an easy path to the lake; Astro, the couple's robotic dog, greets guests upon entry.

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Previous Pages: The charming screened porch offers comfort for dining and relaxing; Clockwise from Above: Rodrigue blue dog art is featured in the upstairs garage apartment; Large windows and doors are mirrored from front to back, allowing natural light to flow through the living space; A second master has deck access and a lake view.

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by Ken Meigs of Creative Cabinets in Alexander City.

“Nan used our special pieces of art that we bought in the West and in New Orleans. And, of course, the moose is in a perfect place,” Brasfield said.

Each of the bedrooms includes a king-sized bed with neutral quilted coverlets from Pine Cone Hill and rugs to complement the décor. Jackson and Nancy Morgan in Alexander City made the pillows, which provide a pop of color on each bed.

The bunkroom has one set of bunk beds and one twin bed. Drapes were custom-made by Kathy McKinley in Montgomery. The bathrooms include quartzite countertops and porcelain tile floors and showers. The glass shower doors are from

Alexander City Glass.

The separate two-car garage sports a garage apartment above. More contemporary than traditional, the apartment embraces a masculine themed décor – darker accent colors and heavier texture in the wood and fabrics, antlers and a round mirror framed with a heavy seagrass fringe. The space includes a bedroom behind a barn door and a convenient kitchen area with a sink, microwave and under-the-counter refrigerator. Two large windows in the bathroom fill the area with natural light. A high-top table sits in the corner with stools for two.

Flagstone paths are worked seamlessly into the landscaping, planned and installed by Larry Bates.

Trex flooring was used for the screened porch on the back of the home. The porch offers multi-

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purpose seating with four swivel rockers near a large television in one area and a table and four chairs on the other end. The porch opens onto a deck with four lounge chairs for sunset viewing and boat watching. Furnishings on the porch and deck are from Mark King Furniture in Alexander City.

Daniel Brown, owner of Tiger Turf Landscape in Auburn, filled the large square planters at the front entrance and tall urns in the back with seasonal greenery and flowers, which are fed with a drip irrigation system. Fresh flowers for the photoshoot were arranged at Grace’s Flowers in Alexander City.

Perhaps the most intriguing addition to the Brasfields’ home is their pet. Astro is a robot dog that learns voices and performs at command. He can play music, dance, follow someone who calls him and dock himself into the charging station when his entertainment role is complete.

“We have a boat, and we enjoy it, but we really love just hanging out. We have four children, two grandchildren, and everyone has a dog. We like to sit out on the porch and watch football. Lake Martin is the perfect place to get away and just chill,” Brasfield said.

Facing Page: The large, detached garage has a private, upstairs apartment. Top: The upstairs apartment includes a bedroom, bath, gathering and kitchen areas. Above Right: The Brasfields purchased the Goldfinger painting in Colorado.

NOVEMBER 2023

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LOGO HSCU’s 5TH ANNUAL

Fall

OCTOBER 18-20 SPECIAL CAR SALE RATES! Vertical Logo

NUMEROUS LOCAL DEALERS!

2023

Join us as we partner with local dealers for our 5TH ANNUAL Car Sale Event. We will have a team onsite to assist with questions and financing. Purchase rates will be available October 1-20. The three-day event is happening at our main office on HWY 280 but don’t forget that we can also help with your auto re-financing needs at any of our five locations from October 1-31. Trust us - you don’t want to miss this opportunity! Get pre-approved today by calling, visiting us online, or coming by one of our branches.

Horizontal Logo

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Tournament Time

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STORY BY BEN SMITH & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Becoming a professional angler takes patience in both the short and long-term. It takes a sharp intellect to size up a new lake quickly and efficiently, and it takes a decisive mind to make quick cost-benefit analyses while under pressures from tournaments, sponsors and time constraints. And, as most anglers will admit, it takes some luck, too.

Many professional anglers must leave their jobs to pursue fishing full-time. The time between that and competing at a high, wellpaid level is rough. It takes months of traveling from tournament to tournament to qualify, and

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even then, there are no guarantees of a spot.

Then, there are those who love fishing, but don’t have the skills, desires or time to pursue a professional career. These are the amateurs.

They enjoy the same things a professional might enjoy about the sport: getting out on the water before the sun rises; sizing up the environment; competing against others. Many may have tried to go pro before. Others are still pursuing a professional career. Still others are just glad to have the opportunity to fish all day.

Many non-professional tournaments are

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small. They might only have the necessities: a scale to weigh the fish; an area large enough to launch boats; and a modest prize pool. But OGS Tournaments stands alone among non-professional tournaments.

“It feels like the big boys,” said OGS Tournaments director and CEO Vivian Autry. “If you were to go to an Alabama Bass Trail Tournament, it’s very similar.

You get to go on the big stage.”

OGS provides substantial winnings for participants, especially among amateur competitions. With sponsor incentives factored in, the prize money for first place usually totals around $13,000.

“There’s not another tournament company that offers the number of incentives we do,” said Autry.

OGS hosts the largest number of tournaments on Lake Martin at 14 this year from September until May. Seven are Bass Trail tournaments, while the profits of the remaining seven tournaments benefit local organizations, such as FERST Readers of Tallapoosa County, the Alexander City Rotary Club or Lake Martin Resource Association.

While OGS may be the most common tournament organizer on Lake Martin, they are far from the only one. The Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association is one of the largest independent high school fishing organizations in the U.S. and hosts three high school fishing tournaments on Lake Martin this season. The opening event of the Three River Throwdown series took place on Sep. 30 at Wind Creek State Park and brought more than 180 competing high school anglers. This series will continue across Lay Lake, Lake Eufaula and Lake Jordan and will conclude at Lake Martin Dec. 9.

On March 9, the largest tournament of the season takes place on Lake Martin at Wind Creek State Park. The Alabama Bass Trail South Division will include up to 225 boats in what the organization describes as “the toughest team tournament in the Southeast.” A $15,000 payout goes to the first-place team, a number that will likely be higher when factoring in sponsor incentives. Times have yet to be announced, but as of last year, the boats launched at 6:30 a.m., and the first flights were due back by 3 p.m.

Spectators and fishing fans of all ages are welcome at tournament weigh-in events.

Wind Creek State Park Fishing Tournaments Calendar November 4, 2023 - Open Wind Creek Bass Trail #2 OGS Tournaments ogstournaments@gmail.com November 11, 2023 - Open Alex City Rotary Veterans Day Bass Tournament OGS Tournaments ogstournaments@gmail.com December 2, 2023 - Open Wind Creek Bass Trail #3 OGS Tournaments ogstournaments@gmail.com December 9, 2023 - Closed ASABFA Three River Throwdown (Students) ASABFA josh.williams@asabfa.net

February 17, 2024 - Open Alabama Bass Nation State Qualifier #1 (Adults) Alabama Bass Nation andrewvitu@gmail.com March 2, 2024 - Closed ASABFA (Students) ASABFA josh.williams@asabfa.net March 9, 2024 - Closed Alabama Bass Trail South Division Alabama Bass Trail kay@alabamabasstrail.org March 16, 2024 - Open Wind Creek Bass Trail #5 OGS Tournaments ogstournaments@gmail.com

December 30, 2023 - Open MMA Winter Submission Trail MMA Fishing matt@mmafishing.com

April 6, 2024 - Closed Wind Creek Bass Trail Classic OGS Tournaments ogstournaments@gmail.com

January 13, 2024 - Open Wind Creek Bass Trail #4 OGS Tournaments ogstournaments@gmail.com

April 20, 2024 - Open Ferst Readers Tallapoosa County OGS Tournaments ogstournaments@gmail.com

January 27, 2024 - Closed East Alabama High (Students) Eddie Daniel eahsbt@gmail.com January 28, 2024 - Open Nitro Big Bucks Buddy Bass Sylacauga Marine sylacaugamarine@gmail.com February 3, 2024 - Closed Alabama Bass Nation HS Team Trail (Students) Alabama Bass Nation High School highdar@auburn.edu February 10, 2024 - Closed Alabama Bass Nation Team Trail (Students) Alabama Bass Nation High School | highdar@auburn.edu

NOVEMBER 2023

April 20-21, 2024 American Bass Anglers American Bass Anglers wbenedetti@americanbassanglers.com April 27-28, 2024 - Closed OGS Solo Trail Championship OGS Tournaments ogstournaments@gmail.com May 4, 2024 - Open American Bass Anglers Solo Series American Bass Anglers wbenedetti@americanbassanglers.com

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Give a gift that lasts

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On this increasingly temporal planet, home or on the property. This could be it has become more and more difficult to achieved with an all-investment, support give lasting gifts. So, how does one offer a funds, simply covering an element or predictable, or better yet, an unpredictable teaming up with other family and friends contribution to family and friends in a way to assure the budget is met for the work to that forms unforgettable memories or serves be done. There are far more benefits than as a daily reminder? Wouldn’t it be extra generally expected when adding a deliberate thoughtful to share a kindness that has a design plan to the functionality and beauty deeper and continual purpose? of a home, whether it is for a single person, This new economy and changing times a couple, a family or a multi-generational require more consideration of spending with household. There are numerous ways to a longer lifespan than opening a simple or provide this uplifting hand for loved ones: LAKE PROPERTY disposable packaged gift. Consider how to n Extend a very generous hand to fund the make a more deliberate impression as we entire design project.

BY STEPHANIE COLEY enter the biggest giving season of the year. n Pay for the design services only for a After all, what we spend these days and the single space or the whole house. memories we do or don’t create should make us pause n Cover the cost of a special installation, like a nursery, before pushing the button on gift selections. With endless built-ins or custom purpose space. numbers of gifts and experiences, everyone knows home n Buy a gift certificate for general help, color is nearly always where the heart is. psychology or a specialty consultation.

If we look a little harder, we can find ways to enhance n Provide the funds for a much-needed change in the comfort and joy of someone’s home beyond the flooring, cabinetry, windows or doors. holiday season. Of course, the lake is a great place to n Give a gift card for purchases from a design related start the quest. Redecorating a room, home or property store for furniture and furnishings or custom fabrication is one way to provide a solid memory or introduce services, like drapes. opportunities for changes in how a person or family n Gardening, landscaping and other outdoor pursuits functions within it. One doesn’t have to possess talent, require tools or expert help that could be offered as a gift. time or trade to make a big impact on a family member Moving from the overall function and appearance of or friend. the home to daily operations, look at ease of living with Starting with the biggest impact for use and aesthetics, or testing the affordability of supportive conveniences. we look at ways to insert design of a room, area, entire There is a myriad of ways to connect the family with outside services or products over a period of time. How wonderful could it be for a new mother, sick family member or a person who is not mobile to receive one or more of these helping hands gifts?

These points of help might be especially fruitful for a young family, highly active family or a senior citizen. n Offer six months to a year of food, laundry, cleaning or other services that could be considered a godsend for the right recipients. n Delivery service gift cards could reduce errands or provide Redecorate a room for a loved one this Christmas.

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support during planned gatherings. n Installation of external or locked shipping and receiving areas for deliveries or online orders is still on the rise throughout the country.

Sometimes all it takes is a well-placed refrigerated or thermal-insulated box with a lock for temporary food or package storage.

Now for lifestyle enhancements that allow a person or family to function at a higher level. There are a lot of unexpected gift opportunities to be had when thinking through habits. Breaking bad habits, encouraging new habits and supporting existing good habits could be a most impactful gift. n Bringing in professional organizers to develop plans and installations for specialty applications, custom (or customized) closets, pantry storage, garage or coordinated storage for a home office, pantry and/or laundry area. n Security systems, energy conservation consults with installations, air purification, heated floors and other environmental changes could offer a wealth of much needed peace of mind and comfort.

The gift of a lake house is one of making memories.

n Adding specialty equipment for ease of use, such as an elevator, dumbwaiter/shoot, whole house vacuum, etc., also could make a life at the lake easier.

Not everyone can afford to offer such high-ticket items for their families, special friends or a needy person/family; however, if you know that one or more of the listed items is a need over a desire, maybe it would be possible for more than one person to pull the funds together to achieve the result.

Take a few moments to consider other sustainable gift giving ideas that offer more than a shelf life this season.

Stephanie Coley is a certified design and construction professional with more than 22 years of multi-discipline experience. Follow her on Instagram @scenariodesigninc or email her at ssimon@sceanarchdesign.com.

• • •

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LAKE 57

LMRA buoys the lake with help from partnerships

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Lake Martin Resource Association has emerged as a standout organization among waterway managers across the nation, with activities focused on protecting, preserving and promoting Lake Martin and the surrounding communities. One of LMRA’s key differentiators for success is dedication to cultivating deep partnerships to achieve the goals of the partners and the communities we serve. It is LMRA’s emphasis on the power of collaboration and strong alliances that has enabled the organization to be a trailblazer in advocacy, environmental conservation, safety and community engagement for Lake Martin for more than 50 years.

LMRA understands that the key to addressing complex challenges facing Lake Martin lies in forming deep partnerships. These partnerships extend beyond mere cooperation or coordination; they encompass shared goals, mutual respect and a commitment to long-term collaboration. LMRA’s philosophy is to engage with stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, businesses and environmental organizations to create a collective force that could affect change for Lake Martin.

In the spirit of protection, LMRA partners closely with Alabama Law Enforcement Agency on the placement of safety buoys across all parts of the lake, as well as the summer boater safety training classes.

LMRA works closely with officers supporting Lake Martin and the full ALEA organization on their needs to ensure the waterways on Lake Martin are safe. We also have a great partnership with Children’s Harbor where we support their captain and first mate training,

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so campers can safely enjoy the partnership is with Alabama waters of Lake Martin.

Power Shoreline Management, LMRA’s close engagement where LMRA volunteers have with local, state and federal agen- collectively removed some cies is a testament to our desire 170 tons of trash from the lake and ability to develop and grow through the annual Renew Our effective, deep partnerships.

Rivers cleanup event. We’ve LMRA collaborates also partnered with closely with the agenAlabama Power to cies responsible for build fish habitats by water quantity and bundling of donated quality management, live, undecorated as well as wildlife Christmas trees. The protection. By doing 19th Annual Renew so, we ensure that our Rivers cleanup the interests of Lake takes place on Nov. 3 Martin and the surand 4. We look forrounding areas are ward to a large turnrepresented in policyout of volunteers to making and licensing. clean up the roadsides If you missed Steve and shorelines around LMRA Forehand’s article the lake. We will

BY JODIE MCGIRT in July 2023 issue again collect trees of Lake magazine after Christmas and providing insight into LMRA’s work with Alabama Power on the historic and ongoing advocacy of bundling and placement to supLake Martin, I encourage you to port the fish population on Lake read it online at lakemagazine.

Martin. life.

As we continue to expand LMRA recognizes that a key our network of stakeholders and to success is gaining the support engage in innovative collaboraand involvement of the local tions, we expect to remain a beacommunity. By fostering deep con of hope for the sustainable partnerships with residents and future of our cherished natural local businesses, we have created resource – Lake Martin – but a strong foundation of advocates we need your help to do this. for Lake Martin’s preservation.

If you are interested in joining Most recently, we partnered LMRA, please sign up at lmra. with Vivian and Mike Autry of app.neoncrm.com/forms/mainOGS Tournaments for the Beau membership-form or contact us at McCary Memorial Tournament lmra.info/. in which OGS donated their proceeds to LMRA’s Light Up Jodie McGirt is president of the Lake campaign to add more LMRA. Learn more at lmra.info. lighted buoys on the lake and ensure proper maintenance of more than 450 Lake Martin buoys. Each January, Lake Martin Young Professionals supports the LMRA Light Up the Lake efforts with the proceeds from the LMYP Polar Plunge, a great community event celebrating the lake and local communities at Kowaliga Restaurant. January is right around the corner, so start thinking of that costume now and join this fun effort in 2024.

Another longstanding, deep NOVEMBER 2023

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FABULOUS FINDS FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS

312 Magnolia Way, Dadeville • $1,102,900 Beds: 4 • Baths: 4 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Jeff Cochran 256.786.0099 LakeMartinRealty.com

Ridge Run, Bywater • $1,700,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • Sq Ft: 2,612 Russell Lands Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks, Thomas Lamberth 256.215.7011 • RussellLands.com

847 Holiday Drive, Dadeville • $3,268,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 4.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Adam Yager 205.914.0830 LakeMartinRealty.com

956 Luanne’s Way, Alexander City • $3,350,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 5.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 LakeMartinRealty.com

1147 Willow Way North, Alexander City • $8,590,000 Beds: 11 • Baths: 12 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592 LakeMartinRealty.com

85 Windy Willow Drive, Alexander City • $3,350,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 4.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Jan Hall 256.329.6313 LakeMartinRealty.com

541 Transom Drive, Jacksons Gap • $1,400,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 4 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 LakeMartinRealty.com

250 Williams Road, Alexander City • $995,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Mimi Rush 334.399.7874 LakeMartinRealty.com

57 Poplar Point, Unit 3 • $725,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681 LakeMartinRealty.com

224 Lakeview Drive, Alexander City • $2,785,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Hugh Neighbors 256.750.5071 LakeMartinRealty.com

43 Lynwood Path, Dadeville • $1,595,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 4.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Adam Yager 205.914.0830 LakeMartinRealty.com

1559 Sturdivant Road, Jackson’s Gap • $1,449,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 3 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Mimi Rush 334.399.7874 LakeMartinRealty.com

NOVEMBER 2023

LAKE 61

‘Squash-tacular!’

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Fall and winter lead us toward comfort foods. One of my favorites is the savory and sweet taste of butternut squash. This versatile vegetable can take meals to the next level.

Butternut squash is a winter squash with a pale orange exterior and a bright orange interior. The outer shell and inner flesh are both firm, and the shape is somewhat like a long skinny pear. Squash is among the oldest crops, dating back 10,000 years ago to Mexico and Central America. The name comes from the native American word ‘askutasquash,’ meaning ‘uncooked’ and ‘eaten raw.’

Like pumpkins and zucchini, butternut squash is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family.

Butternut squash is fairly mild, somewhat sweet and a bit nutty in taste, a bit like the tasty combination of sweet potato and carrots.

The nutritional profile of HEALTHY LIVING butternut squash is remarkable.

BY JULIE HUDSON A 1 cup serving provides 82 calories; 0 grams of fat; 0 grams of cholesterol; 0 grams of trans fat; 22 grams of carbohydrate; 6.6 grams of fiber; 4 grams of sugar; 1.8 grams of protein; and 8 milligrams of sodium. It is packed with nutrients. One serving provides 100 percent of daily Vitamin A, almost 40 percent of the daily recommendation for Vitamin C, 15 percent of daily magnesium, 12 percent of potassium and 7 percent of daily calcium requirements.

Butternut squash is 87 percent water and, thus, a good source of hydration. It is excellent for the eyes, a wonderful source of fiber, and it is helpful for blood pressure management. The fiber in butternut squash is nondigestible. If you have diabetes, it will aide in

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keeping your blood sugar from rising rapidly after eating.

Butternut squash is low on the glycemic index, which means the carbohydrates are digested more slowly and help keep blood sugars from rising.

Peeling a butternut squash can be a challenge due to its tough, thick outer skin. To make the process easier, cut a thin slice off the bottom and top, so the butternut squash will stand flat on a cutting board. Use a knife or peeler to slice the skin off the squash from the top to the bottom, always cutting away from your body. If the skin is too tough to manage, pierce the squash a few times with a fork and place in a microwave for a minute or two. This will soften the skin, making it easier to peel. You also could cut the squash in half and bake it with the skin on.

After it is finished cooking, the skin will peel off easily.

After peeling the squash, prep it for cooking. Slice it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Roast them in the oven on a cookie sheet, just like you would pumpkin seeds. There are several delicious and nutritious ways to cook butternut squash. n Cut the squash into cubes and boil them until soft. n Cube the squash, spreading the cubes on a tray. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then, roast in the oven until soft and cooked through. n Use either the boiling or roasting method to cook the squash. Then, mash the squash with a fork or potato masher. n Butternut squash makes a very tasty soup. Puree the cooked squash with a blender, processor or immersion blender. Then, add a little broth or cream and seasonings of your choice.

Butternut squash also is a versatile, light and healthy comfort food. Mash squash into muffin batter or pancake batter for breakfast. Add it to a salad for lunch or serve as a side dish or main entrée for dinner.

Julie Hudson is a dietician at Lake Martin Wellness Center in Dadeville.

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Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Toss together 6 cups of butternut squash, 1 Tablespoon oil, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper on a large, rimmed baking sheet.

Bake at 375 degrees until squash is fork-tender and browned, about 30 minutes. Let cool for five minutes.

Place cooled squash and 1-1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth in a blender and process until smooth. Bring 1-1/2 cups milk and 1/4 cup butter to a simmer in a large Dutch oven, stir occasionally. Stir in squash puree, 1-1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until smooth. Remove from heat; gradually stir in 1-1/2 cups extra sharp shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese until melted. Stir in 1 pound macaroni (cooked al dente) until fully coated.

Spoon into a 9-inch by 13-inch pan, coated with cooking spray.

Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar and 1/2 cup fontina cheese on top.

Bake at 375 degrees until cheese is melted and top is golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Roasted Butternut Squash and Black Bean Tacos Butternut Squash Black bean filling: 2 pounds butternut squash, cut and cubed 1-2 tablespoons neutral oil (grapeseed) 1 15-ounce can black beans (no salt added), rinsed and drained 2 teaspoons chili powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Cabbage Slaw 1 14-ounce bag of coleslaw mix 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 teaspoon hot sauce or sweet chili sauce 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1 to 2 scallions, diced 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro Juice from 1 lime

Cotija cheese Pickled Onions Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line one large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Toss cubed squash with 1 to 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil to lightly coat all sides. Sprinkle with the spices and toss with squash pieces. Arrange the squash in a single layer on baking sheet. Bake until butternut is tender throughout and caramelized on the edges, about 30-35 minutes. Make sure to toss halfway through cooking process. As an option, add black beans toward the end to warm them up with squash.

For the slaw, combine in a medium bowl slaw, green onion and cilantro. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lime juice and either hot sauce or sweet chili sauce. Toss to combine (if eating it at once) or take out enough slaw and dressing to use at the time and save the rest for another meal. Set aside to marinate.

Gather the rest of the toppings. Warm tortillas in the microwave wrapped in a towel or, using a skillet, warm each tortilla on both sides one at a time, set on plate and cover with a towel. To assemble tacos, start with a scoop of slaw, then add the squash black bean filling. Add a few slices of avocado and top with garnishes. Serve immediately.

Butternut Squash Soup Butternut squash, cubed Sweet onion, diced Chicken broth Nutmeg Salt and pepper to taste Place squash cubes and diced onion in a skillet with a small amount of olive oil. Simmer until squash and onions are soft and caramelized, about 30 to 45 minutes depending on the amount you are cooking. Place squash and onion mixture in a processor with a small amount of chicken broth to puree ingredients into a soup consistency. Return to skillet or saucepan. Add a pinch of nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste. This soup is so creamy, you might think it was made with heavy cream.

Top with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraiche and a few pepitas (pumpkin seeds). Serve with an openface sandwich for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Everything Else Corn tortillas Avocado, sliced

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LAKE 63

Churro Beans Ingredients 1 cup pinto beans, soaked overnight 2 tablespoons cumin 2 teaspoons coriander 3 tablespoons New Mexico chili powder 2 tablespoons onion powder 3 tablespoons garlic powder 2 tablespoons salt, more may be needed 1-2 pickled jalapenos, split 1/2 cup pickled jalapeno juice Directions Place all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for two hours or more.

Pinto beans should be soft, no crunch.

Adjust seasoning to your liking. More spice, salt or your favorite seasoning.

ents and cook for 20 minutes.

Place in a blender and puree until smooth. Adjust seasoning to your liking.

Stuffed Poblano Ingredients 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded 3 cups Chihuahua or other Mexican style cheese, shredded 1 teaspoon New Mexico chili powder 1 teaspoon cumin 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1-2 cups Mexican style rice A few large Poblano peppers, tops cut off and seeds scooped out

Directions Mix the cheeses with the seasoning and rice, then stuff the poblano peppers. Place in a hot pan with a little oil Sauce Rojo CHEF'S TABLE and bake at 350 Ingredients

BY PETE MCKENNY degrees for five 1 jalapeno, seeded minutes. Rotate the and sliced pepper and cook for another 1-2 chipotle adobo peppers, five minutes. Repeat until all from the small cans sides are cooked and peppers 1 guajillo pepper, seeded and are soft to the touch. lightly toasted 1/2 yellow onion, diced Pete McKenny, General Manager Canola oil and Executive Chef at SpringHouse 1-2 tablespoons tomato paste Restaurant, trained at four-star 2-3 cups chicken stock restaurants and Forbes four-star resorts in Ohio, Washington, Arizona Salt to taste Directions Cook onions with a little canola oil until translucent.

Add the rest of the ingredi64 LAKE

and Vermont before returning to Russell Lands on Lake Martin, where he began his career as chef de cuisine at Willow Point Golf & Country Club 12 years ago.

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Chili

Relleno

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LAKE 65

Fall for Beer

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NOVEMBER 2023

F HOPPY DAYS

WITH LAKE MARTIN BREWING

For many of us, the end of lake season brings sadness. For four months, we have known what Saturday and Sunday afternoons would look like. They involved a pontoon boat and a cold beer somewhere in the middle of Lake Martin. But with the cold mornings arriving, followed by colder afternoons and evenings, we ponder the image of winter.

Sure, fall is here, and it’s prime time for the favorite college football team. There is solace in knowing how those three hours will pass on a fall Saturday, but it’s not enough to fill the lake-days void.

Personally, I love the lake, and I will miss my time out there. But when cooler temps arrive, I get bored with my same thirst-quenching summer beer. Actually, the heat of the summer months limits the type of beer I desire because of the heat.

Perhaps, as a brewer, I think differently. Call it my traditional American roots, but I associate fall with Thanksgiving and a celebration of life with family and friends. Brewers love the fall season when the pallet widens, and we crave those fall beers designed for times of celebration. Yes, lake time is over for the winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the cooler months differently.

Among the seasonal beers at Lake Martin Brewing this fall, three are posed for fall celebration: Boo 1 Oktoberfest; Parker Creek French Saison; and Boo 2 Pumpkin Ale. Craving a beer rich in malt with a balance of clean, hop bitterness, toasted bread or biscuit-like malt aroma and flavor? The Oktoberfest is just what you need. If you desire fruity, bright and inviting with complex layers of cracker, pepper, cherry, clove and light caramel flavors, the French Saison is right up your alley. Or start the Thanksgiving celebration early with the Pumpkin Ale – pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg aromas and hints of autumn spices with a crisp refreshing finish. This one is designed to get you in the holiday mood.

Changing up your beer selection is only part of the transition from summer to fall. The craft brewery is a unique part of the experience. It’s not a bar or a restaurant. It’s a community gathering hall designed to engage guests for fellowship and celebration. Kids are invited; pets are welcome, and the establishment will help you get through the winter.

At Lake Martin Brewing, there’s live music Friday and Saturday nights. Play Singo (bingo with music) every Thursday, and on Wednesdays, there are special activities, like paint nights. Four nights a week, community activities are scheduled. And for game days, there are 15 televisions primed with all the sports packages.

Let a brewery be the bright light in your winter tunnel. May is only seven months away, and we got this, Lake Martin. ~ Eddie Durrett is the owner of Lake Martin Brewing in downtown Alexander City.

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BAD DAYS TO GOOD

F

Fall fishing normally conjures up pictures of calm sunny days, maybe a crisp morning with light fog followed by an increasingly warm afternoon. This season of the year is one of the hottest for fishing, with catches possibly even better than springtime fishing. And like spring, weather fronts pass on a regular basis. Some days are warm and sunny, some are warm and cloudy.

Most fronts bring some amount of rain and are followed by cooler weather. Then the process starts all over again.

Depending on the days available to fish, an angler could be faced with any of these weather scenarios. On clear water fisheries like Lake Martin, the bite could vary greatly with the weather conditions. The places, baits and techniques that work on warm sunny days may not be as productive when the weather changes.

Preparation for making some minor adjustments to the approach could help an angler take advantage of the

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passing fronts to put more and bigger fish in the boat.

Typically, the fish in clear water fisheries are sight feeders first. That means they are used to seeing their prey before other senses home in on a target. When the skies are clear and the sun is out, they have a greater range of sight. This is a time when natural colors and more realistic looking baits could draw strikes. The fish also use their surroundings to group up and hold tight to whatever cover is available. But when the clouds come and the rain begins to fall, that all changes.

I think fish are much more predictable in sunny conditions. When it’s sunny and clear, I might pick out a prime shallow water location where a fish could be sitting and make a precise cast to target it. The schools of fish in deeper water often are tightly grouped and moving much less. When the clouds roll in, the fish can’t see nearly as well. This applies to shallow water, as well as deeper water where the light cannot penetrate

NOVEMBER 2023

as deeply in places where larger schools could be collected. They often end up moving a lot more, possibly because they can take advantage of the low light conditions to hunt in open water. But I think they also have to move more to come in close contact with their prey since they can’t just wait and watch anymore.

The upside to targeting fish on the move is that presentations don’t have to be as precise.

When it’s cloudy, and especially when it’s raining, assume the fish are on the move but also be aware that they can’t see as well.

This is especially true on a clear water lake where the fish have adapted to sight feeding first.

Anglers need to appeal to their other senses and adjust color choices, so the fish can find their offerings.

The first adjustments to make are to vibrations and sound.

An example of a bait that has very good vibrations would be a vibrating jig like a chatterbait or even a silent squarebill crankbait. Examples of baits that have strong sound would be a buzzbait or a rattling lipless crankbait like a Rat-L-Trap. Many crankbaits have built in rattles, so they could be a great choice to offer both vibrations and sound at the same time. Notice the baits mentioned are primarily moving baits. When it’s cloudy and/or raining, assume the fish are on the move, so the obvious approach is to be on the move as well.

Profile and action also are ways to attract fish that can’t see well at the time. Larger profile baits will have stronger signatures in the water. For example, a small jig or plastic may have worked well when the conditions were clear, but when it’s cloudy or rainy, consider a larger jig setup or soft plastic creature bait. Larger baits inherently attract larger fish, and low visibility conditions are a great chance to fool those older, educated bass. Big-bladed spinnerbaits, glide baits and 5 to 7-inch swimbaits could have the same affect with their larger profiles. Large profile baits displace more water on the retrieve, so they’re a great choice to appeal to the sixth sense of a fish – its lateral line.

For fish that are primarily used to sight feeding, it’s imperative to adjust in low visibility situations like that of a passing front. Sometimes, a simple adjustment in

color is all it takes to start catching fish on similar baits that worked in the clear, calm conditions. As a general rule, go to baits that are either much darker or much brighter than normal when the skies darken. White, bone or chartreuse are good for several bait types when going to the brighter side of the spectrum. Black, blue or even dark red are good examples of darker colors.

Consider contrasting colors to really set a bait off.

Mixing some of the brighter colors with the darker ones creates contrast, making the bait even more visible to the fish. Some good examples of contrast could be a black back/chartreuse crankbait or a chartreuse/white spinnerbait.

Last but not least is scent.

BIG CATCHES Scent could play an imporBY GREG VINSON tant role in getting the fish to close in and take a bait.

There are a variety of scents available on the market that could be added to a bait. The big three are crawfish, shad and garlic (yes, garlic is actually pretty effective).

In recent years, I’ve learned there’s much more to the scent category with products like Bait Fuel. It has little to no smell to humans but uses special enzymes that are recognizable to the fish at even greater distances than traditional scents.

A final tip for fishing in cloudy or rainy weather is to prepare by having a good set of rain gear that will keep both your lower and upper body dry. A good set of waterproof boots helps a lot, too. With fishing rain gear, you generally get what you pay for. Good rain gear will hold up in a steady shower and seal out water around the arms, head and neck areas. Getting wet in the fall often sends a chill that’s hard to overcome when there’s little to no sun. In fact, a good set of rain gear could help hold in body heat on a cool day and act as an insulator to the brisk wind that accompanies a passing front.

Being comfortable leads to good decision making and a much better overall experience on the water when the weather isn’t optimal.

This fall, be prepared for the changing conditions.

Don’t let the clouds and rain dampen the mood or the bite. The biggest bass I ever caught on Lake Martin came on a rainy fall day. Appeal to all the senses of the fish, and great results could be in your future.

Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He lives in Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.

NOVEMBER 2023

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NOVEMBER 2023

Count your blessings

H

Have you ever looked back on your life a heavy-duty practice session. After hitting to account for all the blessings given to you? a small bag of Titleist ProV1 practice balls, When you are my age, you may find yourwe headed toward the first tee. The tee times self choking up a little, wondering if you had at Wicker Point are in 15-minute intervals, properly thanked God for all that He has done which is unique as it keeps groups from waitfor you. As I write this article, I am most cering on one another during play. tainly thanking God for placing me where I I have been fortunate to have played a lot am today, in Alexander City, Alabama, USA. of golf courses over the years, and Wicker A huge blessing for me was in surviving Point is one of the few courses where I cancer. It’s been a little over 13 years since I couldn’t find a weak or poorly designed hole. received my final chemo treatment from Dr. The four par-3 holes are all beautiful and very Allen Yeilding. Without reservation, I can say different. I was fortunate that Dr. Yeilding had that he saved my life. I must also say that Dr. LOVE of the GAME played the course on its opening day because Vic Hamilton had a hand in saving my life as he told me where not to go and the preferred

BY DAVE JENNINGS well. I had just returned from a doctor’s visit line to take off of some of the tees when it and phoned Dr. Vic. was not obvious.

I told him I had seen a doctor about swelling in my As others have noted, the topography of the course is neck. That doctor prescribed some antibiotics and sent me surprisingly hilly. There are many side-hill, uphill and home with the assumption that I had an infection that could downhill lies in the fairways and rough areas on the course. easily be remedied. With no hesitation, Dr. Hamilton told Learning to play with these varying lies makes a golfer a me that he did not like that opinion and instructed me to go better ball striker. The greens are large with a many options see Dr. Tony McLeod in Alexander City ASAP. I wasted for pin locations. This course is a treat to play for golfers no time and scheduled an appointment. of all accomplishment levels. Beginners may struggle a bit After the biopsy surgery, Dr. Tony informed me of my initially, but as they improve, they could improve. head and neck cancer. Over the next six months, I received Wicker Point joins Willow Point in being another gem 10 bio-chemo treatments and 40 heavy radiation treatments in the crown of Alexander City, Alabama. We are blessed to my neck. We thought that we had whipped the disease, to have these two fantastic golf facilities in our area. Both but six months later, it returned. It was a difficult road back courses could host competitive tournaments for the best from the chemo treatments, and there are a few side effects of players, while the novice player could also enjoy the that I will manage for the rest of my life, but I am here course and jaw-dropping scenery. today. At the onslaught of my treatments, I was given a 30 Special congratulations to Russell Lands CEO Tom to 40 percent chance of survival. God has been good to me. Lamberth, for overseeing the vision of this beautiful piece Just recently, Dr. Allen Yeilding invited me to play our of art become a reality on Lake Martin. As Willow Point area’s newest golf course, Wicker Point. Let me tell you, has done over its many years in Alexander City, Wicker this was special, and I have no reservations in saying that Point also will add positive growth in our area. it was another blessing for me. Starting with the entrance drive to the course, from State Route 63, I sensed that a Dave Jennings is the owner of Jennings Golfhelp real treat was in front of me.

LLC. Email him at djenn47495@gmail.com or visit The driving range is massive. There is ample teeing area Jenningsgolfhelp.com. and plenty of targets for large groups to warm up before a round of golf with plenty of space for golfers grinding over NOVEMBER 2023

LAKE 71

Legend

63

To Sylacauga

Public Boat Ramps 9

ALEXANDER CITY

4

17

Churches

★

22

280

Alex City Boat Ramp

9

Camp ASCCA

★

★

Charles E. Bailey Sportplex

Points of Interest

280

Power lines U.S. Highways

3

22

County Roads Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek State Park

★

11

COOSA COUNTY

Wind Creek Boat Ramp 259

9

128

Pirate Island D.A.R.E. Park Landing

★

★Peanut Point 63

16 20

★

New Hope Church

Young’s Island

★

Liberty Church

Smith Moun Fire Towe

10 Willow Point

24

7

Paces Point Boat Ramp

63

11

Camp Alamisco

12

EQUALITY

34

★

Kowaliga Boat Landing

20

55

The Ridge

5

SEMAN

1 Church in 13

The Pines

★

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor &

Camp Kiwanis

★ Hank Williams Cabin 21 ★ The Amp

Trillium

19

2

Ko w

ali

ga

Ba

y

26

★

Chimney Rock

80

9

90

UNION

CENTRAL

ELMORE COUNTY RED HILL

★ Martin Dam

63

229

ECLECTIC

TALLASSEE

18 KENT

72 LAKE

NOVEMBER 2023

Timbergut Landing

Explore

★

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Lake Martin

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

Kowaliga Marina

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SpringHouse

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Catherine’s Market

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

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

Ridge Marina HACKNEYVILLE Hackneyville Water Authority NEW SITE Piggly Wiggly - New Site Foodland DADEVILLE Chamber of Commerce Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery Root 49 Salon Ellaby Boutique, LLC Alabama Power Siggers Siggers Barbershop Fusion Cafe Dadeville Library At the Beauty Shop Dadeville Courthouse Payne's Furniture PNC Bank Valley Bank McKelvey Chevrolet Renfroe's Market Foshee's Boat Doc Lakeshore Pharmacy Russell Building Supply Lakay's Tallapoosa Nutrition Sweet Pickins Century 21 - Rhonda Gaskins Farmers & Merchants Bank Jim's Pharmacy Poplar Dawgs Still Waters Country Club Still Waters Home Association Russell Lands Realty Fuller Realty Harbor Pointe Oskar's Aronov Realty Lake Martin Creekside Lodge Blue Creek Marina Lakeside Marina Niffers Hwy 50 Eagle Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery

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Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 1220 Cafe...................................................................... 22

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Parting Shot Photo by Kenneth Boone

"A good golf course makes you want to play so badly that you hardly have time to change your shoes." ~ Ben Crenshaw Co-designer of the Wicker Point Golf Club on Lake Martin 78 LAKE

NOVEMBER 2023

Make it their NEW PHASES IN DEVELOPMENT

Call for details

T H E H E R I TAG E F R O M R U S S E L L L A N D S .

E XQ U I S I T E WAT E R F R O N T LOTS N OW AVA I L A B L E .

256.215.7011 RealEstate@RussellLands.com RussellLands.com

Firepits and birthdays. Starry nights and laughter. There’s no life more wonderful than The Heritage on Lake Martin. Set among Lake Martin’s nearly 900 miles of shoreline surrounding over 40,000 acres of pristine water, The Heritage is a 1,500-acre waterfront development along 12 miles of sparkling shoreline—all from Russell Lands, one of the South’s most respected land companies. The stunning community features spectacular waterfront and luxury interior homesites, as well as a flagship resident-owned lake club and private Coore & Crenshaw golf course.

Don’t miss your chance to start your own cherished traditions.

Opportunities to rewrite your Heritage are now open. Contact us today.

This is not intended to be an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to buy real estate in The Heritage development to residents of Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania or South Carolina, or to residents of any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. No offering can be made to residents of New York until an offering plan is filed with the Department of Law of the State of New York. The Heritage is a proposed planned master development on the shores of Lake Martin, Alabama that does not yet exist.

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NOVEMBER 2023