Lake Martin Living December 2017

Lake Martin Living 1

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From the Editor’s Desk

M

adeline L’Engle’s essay on the relationship between faith and art is one of my favorite books. When I first read Walking on Water years and years ago, the author opened my heart and my mind to creativity as prayer and worship, and I have looked at creativity from that faithful perspective ever since. In this issue of Lake Martin Living magazine, I invite you to do the same.

Frequently, we find that art is in our blood – more inherited than learned – though experience and training often fine-tune the basic talents with which we might have been born.

Such could be the case with Alexander City’s father-daughter team of Mac and Annie Bartol. Workers of leather, metals and paints, the two share an artistic workspace where they encourage and inspire each other and sometimes collaborate on projects. Their talents, they told writer Amy Passaretti, stem from great-grandfather Ralph Erskine, an original partner in New York’s Erskine Danforth furniture company. Read more about their creative process on page 30.

Sometimes, it is those close to us who recognize a talent or ability and encourage its development.

This was the case for Lance Gilbert, who told us that his parents saw his affinity for woodworking when he was young and encouraged him to learn and try new techniques and tools. Last month, Gilbert and his wife Melinda took a step of faith with his art and opened Gilbert Woodwork and Home Décor on Airport Road in Alexander City. The subject of this month’s Business Matters feature on page 10, their retail store features Gilbert’s finely crafted furniture items, along with gifts, seasonal decorations and home décor.

But the application of talent doesn’t always result in a physical work of art. For some, the gift is an ability to turn an idea into a creative strategy that changes the world – like Dadeville native Sidney Z. Mitchell, who did just that.

Mitchell combined an aptitude for problem solving with financial acumen and a great marketing plan to develop the electrical power network that keeps our lights on and computers running. Read more about his life and legacy on page 24.

These are just a few small samples of local creativity, and I’m sure you will find more of these faith stories if you look for them in music, theatre, photography and other conventional arts, but I encourage you to look for and experiment with other avenues, as well, such as cooking, sewing, crafting, building, gardening – even in writing a magazine.

At least, that’s how I look at it.

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor

4 Lake Martin Living

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

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

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ON THE COVER

The father-daughter team of Annie and Mac Bartol create handmade, custom-designed artwork in the small backyard shed of their Alexander City home. They collaborate on their unique Erskine jewelry line, branded for a family name that originated with high-end furniture-making in the 1900s.

Photo by Audra Spears

6 Lake Martin Living

Mac Bartol created these hanging metal fish out of flattened spoons

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IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 10. BUSINESS MATTERS 16. HAPPY GARDEN 20. FROM THE TEE 36. MONEY MATTERS 37. MEDICAL NEWS 38. OH SNAP! 45. LAKE REGION EVENTS 54. THE LAST WORD

FEATURES 14. GIFT GUIDE P ositively perfect presents available now from local merchants 24. POWER PIONEER H istorical marker a humble tribute to Dadeville native who changed the world 29. MAINSTREET P ick up last minute gift items on Alexander City's Main Street 30. ANNIE AND MAC BARTOL Creativity runs in the family for these Alexander City artists Lake Martin Living 7

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AROUND THE AREA

Build toward Blue Zones

One out of every two local residents does not exercise; one in two has not seen a dentist in the last year; three out of four are obese or overweight; and one in five has been diagnosed with depression, said Blue Zones CEO Ben Leedle during an adminstrative visit last month. But Leedle said there is hope.

“Small changes make huge impacts,” he told community members who gathered to learn how the Blue Zones certification could help residents live longer.

“We had over 20 one-on-one executive

Live Better, Live Longer in a Blue Zone

Community members gathered at CACC last month to learn about the Blue Zones lifestyle and certification.

level meetings in the community,” said PATH President Ella MacFiggen, who has spearheaded the Blue Zones project in the community.

MacFiggen explained that the meetings could help to get information out to leaders that could help with the financial costs of the Blue Zones Project.

By next summer, Blue Zones will present its findings.

"And we will have a decision to

make as to whether or not we can move forward at that time,” she said.

PATH has established several goals if the partnership comes to be, including a 5 percent decrease in Medicaid claims, a 5 percent reduction in the obesity rate, a 10 percent increase in exercise programs, a 5 percent increase in fresh food consumption and a 20 percent increase in volunteerism. ~ Cliff Williams

Help for Entrepreneurs

Russell Medical celebrates Total Healthcare opening

Russell Medical CEO Jim Peace last month opened the new 12,000-square-foot Total Healthcare office, an urgent care facility paired with a family practitioners' office. “We are very excited, but I want you all to know that this isn’t our building. This is your building, and it’s all about being open to you all so you can have access to the care you need when you need it.” ~ Mitch Sneed & Cliff Williams

Representatives from a handful of local startup businesses recently joined Ed Collari and Jacob Meacham of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce at the Lake Martin Innovation Center for a presentation by Dr. LaKami Baker from the Auburn Regional Alabama Launchpad Competition Dr. LaKami Baker organization.

“Alabama Launchpad promotes and rewards highgrowth, innovative startup companies,” Baker said. “If we give these businesses the proper resources, they can succeed.”

“New, independent ventures, or existing businesses expanding into a high-volume area are welcome to compete,” she said. “The company must be headquartered and maintained in one of these five counties. Entrepreneurs have to fill out an application, submit a three-minute pitch video and a business plan. This can help increase your chances of being successful, and you will gain additional feedback on how to improve on your plan from the judges.” ~ Donald Campbell Lake Martin Living 9

BUSINESS MATTERS

Gilbert Woodcrafts & Home Décor STORY & PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER

T

he Gilbert name has once again appeared on Airport Drive, but this time, the tables have turned, and it’s the second generation that’s turned them. Alexander City native Lance Gilbert and his wife Melinda last month opened a woodcraft and home décor store in the building that once housed his father’s electronics business.

Gilbert Woodcrafts and Home Décor opened Nov. 4 at 1096 Airport Dr., where Mike Gilbert once operated Gilbert’s Electronics. The second generation business showcases handmade heirloom quality furniture and a variety of farmhouse and lake home decoration items. The furniture pieces are made by Lance Gilbert while Melinda fills the shelves with trendy finds and assists her husband with the business side.

Taking a page from HGTV’s Chip and Joanna Gaines, Melinda has stocked farmhouse, industrial and lake pieces for function and fun. Appliquéd kitchen towels drape the rungs of a ship’s ladder Gilbert made, and milk pitchers line the smooth shelf of a custom cabinet, along with tin trays, wire baskets and whitewashed signs.

Burlap Christmas stockings hang from round knobs on a cabinet door, and wooden trees stand on tables, chairs and little red stools.

“To open, we stocked a lot of Christmas items,” Melinda explained.

Some of the items in the store reflect the faith the couple shares, Melinda said.

“We feel very blessed with the opportunity to open this business and with the faith-based community that supports us,” she said.

In addition to items she orders from a maker in Georgia, Just in Time for Melinda’s Christmas Lance and Melinda inventory includes estate Gilbert (inset photos) opened sale finds, such their woodcraft as enameled and home décor dishpans and store on Airport small furniture Road the day items in excellent before last month's condition.

Chamber of “Those Commerce open pieces go very house event.

quickly. We try to bring in new inventory every two weeks, but we only bring in the nicer items,” she said.

Melinda also helps Gilbert with some of the small items he makes for the store. She burns patterns, monograms and logos into his cutting boards, and before their son (now 3 years old) was born, she helped with the painting.

Gilbert’s boards and furniture are made with pine, oak, cherry, poplar and mahogany, as well as reclaimed woods, including a few pieces he has made from salvaged Russell Mills wood.

A 2000 graduate of Benjamin Russell High School, Gilbert studied cabinetry and furniture making at Southern Union Community College. He worked for a cabinet shop in Auburn for five years before joining a local Hand Crafts, Holidays cabinet shop 10 years ago, and Home Décor but his passion for woodwork In addition to began long before his formal Lance's custom and handmade education. cabinetry and “My mom and dad led me furnishings, the store down this path when I was a features holiday kid,” Gilbert said. “I think they decorations, gifts saw it in me more than I did and a variety of myself.” home décor items.

A perfectionist at heart, Gilbert wants his pieces to be

handed down by the families that purchase them, so quality is the most important aspect of each one-of-a-kind work.

He admires the workmanship and style of furniture maker Sam Maloof and strives for the same soft feel and smooth lines, whether the item is a large sideboard for the kitchen or a child’s picnic table for a lakeside deck.

“I like new challenges,” he said. “I like to design my own pieces, but I also like it when someone brings me a picture of something and adds their own ideas to it.”

Though he continues to work full time at the cabinet shop for now, Gilbert hopes to turn the store into a full-time occupation with the help of his family.

His mother minds the store every Wednesday, and in addition to keeping the décor inventory fresh, Melinda works store hours as well.

Gilbert Woodcrafts and Home Décor is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Call the store at 256-392-4866 or find gilbertwoodcrafts&homedecor on Facebook.

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Lake Martin Living 13

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Prett y

16 Lake Martin Living

Pansy Happy Garden

Fred Muenzmay Lake Martin Living 17

I

t is that time of year to spruce up the house and celebrate the birthday of Jesus and the Christmas season. My wife recently purchased her spruceup-the-entrance-to-the-porch plants. Yes, you guessed it: pansies.

We grow the pansies in large, fancy ceramic pots on the stoop entering the porch.

She asked me jesting, “How did we ever get involved with all the plants we surround ourselves with?” After an hour or so, I asked her, “Would you like to hear the real story?” Of course, she did.

I am sure there are a few old gardeners like myself who had parents or loved ones who taught them that “work builds character.”

Some 67 years ago in South Hills (a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), I was working after school and on Saturdays as a weed picker at Hahn Greenhouses. This was one of the largest African violet growers in the state.

I rode my bike 2 miles from school to the greenhouse, changed my pants, signed in and was told what greenhouse in which to start working.

In those days, that type of glass greenhouse was heated by steam, with hot pipes running under the benches.

Getting workers to be in that environment was really difficult, so they used tough teenagers and paid them the same wages they paid the adult workers. One year, my brother was in need of a job and knew I was earning well for a 14-year-old. The boss said he could come to work for a try-out week in the summer. My brother only lasted three days in the 102-degree heat under the benches.

When I told him I was writing about the greenhouse experiences, he laughed. You see, I still have to pick weeds, and my brother does not want to help me. This early experience was the beginning of my interest and love for growing plants and flowers.

The garden pansy is a type of large-flowering hybrid plant cultivated as a garden flower. It is derived by hybridization from several species in the section Melanium, “the pansies” of the genus Viola, particularly Viola tricolor, a wild flower of Europe and western Asia known as “heartsease.”

The pansy got its name from pensee meaning “thought.”

It was imported into late Middle English as a name of viola in the mid-15th century, as the flower was regarded as a symbol of remembrance.

Pansy and violets both belong to the same genus, Viola.

Almost all of these flowering plants are perennials treated as annuals. Their flowers have a long bloom time, usually from spring through frost in cold regions, and they can bloom all through winter in warm regions, including Florida and parts of Alabama where ground temperatures rarely reach a hard freeze.

Violas and pansies were cultivated in Europe by many gardeners. The origin of the plants we now call pansy began in Iver, Buckinghamshire, England. In the early 1800s, an inquisitive Lord Gambier and his gardener, William Thompson, began crossing various Viola species.

Pansies blooms are fragrant, edible and very desirable in gardens. During the time my wife had the tea room open at the farm, one of our signature salads consisted of edible pansy and David Austin rose petals on a bed of chicken salad over Romaine with fresh herb garnish (flowers and 18 Lake Martin Living

petals must be herbicide- and pesticide-free).

The pansy is linked to the viola, its ancestor. Viola is a large genus containing 500 species. The viola family includes both pansy and violets, the former most loved for their perky faces and the latter for their perfume.

Cultivated by the Greeks for herbal medicinal use, pansies later inspired William Shakespeare to write of romance.

Pansy flowers are single with five petals and are round in shape.

Pansy flowers have one of three basic color patterns: The blooms can be single white, yellow or blue; a single color having black lines – called penciling and similar to viola markings – radiating from its center; or – probably the most familiar – having a dark center called a “face.”

Some pansies have a delicate perfume-like aroma. Once you have smelled and identified the pansy scent, it is unforgettable. Pansies seem to have more fragrance at early morning and dusk. The yellow and blue pansies seem to have the strongest scent.

Garden pansies are grown during the winter in the South and summer in the North. They are very easy to grow.

Whether grown from seed or bedding plants, pansies have relatively disease- and pest-free blooms.

A plant for all seasons, it is hardy but delicate. The flowers impart a strong flavor and have been used to make syrup and flavor honey and salads. Both the leaves and flowers can be used as garnish, such as on cold fruit, cream soups or salads.

The pansy plant itself is compact, not more than 8-9 inches in both height and spread, and bears many stems.

The medium green, coarsely notched leaves are oval or heart-shaped. They like full to partial sun.

Pansies may also be seeded directly into the garden or seeded indoors. Sow seeds early in the season and cover lightly with 1/8 inch of soil. Water thoroughly once. They germinate slowly. When transplanting pansies into the garden after the last frost date, space them 6 inches apart.

They will tolerate a little crowding. If you are creating a garden bed, consider mixing colors.

Pansies seldom have problems with insects or disease. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic repellents.

If pansies fail to thrive, it is often because the gardener or Nature failed to provide enough water. Mulching around the pansies with 2 inches of organic material will help conserve moisture and reduce weed growth.

Water the soil (not the leaves), as watering leaves can create a hostile environment for most plants.

Brighten your garden and your life with flowers and plants.

Eat well, be well.

Some technical and historical information provided by The America Viola Society and Wikipedia. ~ Fred Muenzmay of Eagle's Roost Herb Farms is a Master Gardener and has been in the business of growing organic herbs, vegetables and blueberries for regional and local farmers markets for 26 years. He wishes his readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Email him at fmuenzmay@earthlink.net.

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Lake Martin Living 19

Another Great Year 2017: One of my favorites

W

From the Tee

hat a year this has been! 2017 I am not a fan of the weather there. The people will certainly be one that I will were very nice and friendly, and it puzzled me remember for quite a while. that they could be so darn happy when they As always, I have two rosters of golf team live most of their days amongst 30-mph winds members; half of my players graduate every and near-constant tornado warnings. For the year, and the remaining half joins up with a next couple of years, I know for a fact that we fresh batch of freshmen. Universities have few will be south of Kansas. years when they have to reload this percentage, This year’s team has gotten off to a but at Central Alabama Community College, respectable start. Of the four tournaments it’s all part of the job. I’ve been blessed to played this fall, we had two runner-up finishes, share this year with a bunch of fine young one third place men who do a superb job of representing and a win in our Helping Hands Pays themselves, their families, CACC and you – final tournament at Russell Medical Foundation our community.

Wynlakes Country Executive Director In golf, last year was pretty good. The Club in Montgomery Dave Jennings Tammy Jackson Trojan golfers had four wins and a Region in mid-November. presented a check Championship victory in April; however, That’s called to Coach Dave we had a poor showing at our National momentum. I have Jennings after the Championship. The 2017 NJCAA D-1 Men’s Golf National high hopes that it carries on to the golf team helped Championship was played in West Kansas. God blessed me spring and that we continue to with a benefit in keeping me away from West Kansas for all these years, as improve as the season progresses. tournament event.

20 Lake Martin Living

We have a very busy and competitive spring schedule.

Please visit the CACC.edu website to find our schedule and keep up with results on Golfstat.com. We hope to make you proud of us.

In other activities with the golf program over the past year, I am mostly proud of how the boys finished the 2016-2017 academic year. Your CACC Trojans earned the NJCAA Academic National Champion’s Award. Our boys had the highest grade point average throughout the team compared to any other twoyear college golf program in the United States. This achievement means as much to me as when our 2013 team won the National Championship in Lubbock, Texas.

To beat more than 350 other college golf programs in academics is something that I am proud to be associated with. The boys made us all proud.

In October, the team assisted Russell Medical Foundation Executive Director Tammy Jackson with the Annual RM Fundraising Golf Tournament that was played at Willow Point Golf and Country Club.

Jackson presented the team a check for $5,000 from the Foundation to benefit the golf team. The majority of the money that was raised in this tournament will benefit the UAB Cancer Center at Russell Medical in Alexander City.

This is a place where people go to get well, and I can say that convincingly because I am one of the fortunate cancer survivors who was treated so well there.

This past May, I said goodbye and good luck to three fine sophomores as they transferred to the university level.

Reynolds Carl is now playing for University of Texas San Antonio; Jacob Morgan is playing for the University of Akron; and Steven Wysocki is playing for the University of North Georgia.

My present sophomores are in the mode of making their plans to move on when spring 2018 comes to an end. Sam Goldasich has signed early with the University of Alabama

Birmingham. Jake Maples has a few great visits set up and will certainly choose a top-notch competitive program. I also feel confident that my other sophomores Bailey Scifleet and Carter Henley will be playing at the next level, as well.

This progression from our golf team to the next level is exciting for these young men, and I am thoroughly thrilled when a good match is made.

By the time you hold this month’s Lake Martin Living magazine in your hands, I will have returned from our annual Golf Coaches Association of America Convention, held in Las Vegas. During these few days, I speak with a great number of university coaches in hopes of finding spots for my transferring players, and on occasion, I have been able to make plans a year ahead for my freshmen. This year will be no different.

I’ve now been coaching at CACC since 2001, and I have not grown tired of the job yet.

That’s not saying that CACC hasn’t grown tired of me; I’m just saying I still love what I do.

I hope you all have had the opportunity to meet some of the young men I have brought to Alexander City to play golf at CACC. Signing On There have been some wonderful CACC golfer Sam young men. Now so many have Goldasich signed moved on, started families and early with the UAB are deeply rooted in their careers. golf team.

I keep up with most of my past players, and it has been a joy to see how well they all are doing. One thing is for sure; they all have loved their two years here.

On behalf of the CACC Trojan Golf Team, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ~ Dave Jennings is the men's golf coach at Central Alabama Community College.

Lake Martin Living 21

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Power Pioneer Dadeville native brought electricity to the nation's households STORY BY BETSY PHOTOS BY JIM DENNEY & BETSY ILER & COURTESY OF ALABAMA POWER COMPANY CORPORATE ARCHIVES

S

idney Z. Mitchell may not be a household name, but the work of this Dadeville native enlightened the world some 100 years ago, and today, his ideas continue to impact everyday life across the country and beyond. Mitchell, who was born in Tallapoosa County and raised by his grandmother in Coosa County, was an industrialist and electrical pioneer whose engineering and financial knowledge brought consistency and affordability to the electrical supply business.

Mitchell’s mother, Elmira Sophia Mitchell, died when he was 3 years old, and his father, Dr. William Mandon Alexander Mitchell, sent Sidney, along with his brothers John and Reuben, to live with his maternal grandmother, Ann Jordan, the second wife of Reuben Jordan and the woman for whom the Brothers Collaborate to Provide Eelctrical Power to Rural Alabama Reuben Mitchell (left) and Sidney Z. Mitchell established the Alabama lodge at Five Star Plantation Power Development Company - the precursor to Alabama Power was named. At the time, the widowed Jordan was 66 years old Company - in the early 1900s. and owned 350 acres, which the loosed and calls be placed to him as they passed the brothers worked to keep afloat. stations, so he could hear the baying.

“Before I was 12 years old she gave me a large field Mitchell made good on his grandmother’s lesson of of cleared land and a mule and told me that by my hard work and making his own way, and at 16 years of own efforts I must fight my way in the world and earn age, he won an appointment to the United States Naval enough to clothe myself and pay my way through the country school,” Mitchell once said of his grandmother. Academy in Annapolis, where he received training in engineering.

As a lad, Mitchell loved hunting. When he had Mitchell served on the U.S.S. Trenton. As his established his wealth, he was said to have installed service coincided with Thomas Edison’s invention telephone stations throughout the farm property, and of the incandescent light bulb, Mitchell applied his when he longed for the hunt from his New York City engineering knowledge to the task of wiring the office, he would call the farm and ask that the dogs be 24 Lake Martin Living

Trenton. Previously, ships were lit with lanterns and were vulnerable to fire.

He left the Navy in 1885 and worked with Edison on the initial experimental lighting of 1 square mile of New York City. Edison then charged Mitchell with the management of the newly franchised Pacific Northwest power operations.

In his biographical essay of Sidney Z. Mitchell, Alabama Power Company corporate archivist Bill Tharpe wrote of Mitchell’s financial acumen.

“While in Portland, S.Z. met Alice Pennoyer Bell, courted her ardently and after promising her father to dispose of his stock in a local brewery, won Mr. Bell’s approval to marry his daughter. S.Z. kept his word.

The day of his marriage, S.Z. transferred his stock in the company to his new wife,” Tharpe wrote.

His keen mind also protected the small electric company in the Northwest from bankruptcy. Mitchell set up consolidation guidelines for these electrical companies and replaced small generating stations with larger and more efficient plants that furthered growth and interconnection. He called for the establishment of 24-hour service and then gave electric irons to new customers and toasters to households that used large volumes of electricity. By offering cooking classes using electric ranges and renting appliances to customers, he grew the household market for electricity.

Generating power at more efficient plants to meet the increased use, he was able to lower rates and make electric service more cost-effective for working families. Interconnecting the plants provided a more consistent supply of electricity, and his financial management practices led to repeated issues of

Sweet Home Alabama

Born in a historic Dadeville home (above), Mitchell was raised on his grandmother's farm in Coosa County, where a historical marker calls attention to his industrial accomplishments.

Lake Martin Living 25

common stock and bonds to the public, which allowed the company to raise funds for more capital improvements.

In 1905, he moved to Long Island where he helped to organize the Electric Bond & Share Company and became its president, tasked with the job of making the collection of small operating companies profitable. Soon after, he and his brother Reuben established the Alabama Power Development Company, the precursor to today’s Alabama Power Company.

During World War I, Mitchell served on the War Industries Board and oversaw electrical supply to defense plants. The interconnected generation plants were able to handle the loads needed to meet war demands around the clock.

He also was instrumental in the first federal legislation to regulate electrical power, which helped to shield the industry during the Great Depression. When President Herbert Hoover called for electric utilities construction to build for future needs, the construction projects provided sorely needed jobs.

In 1927, the newly completed Jordan Dam was named for Mitchell’s mother. The day after the dedication ceremony, Mitchell invited Alabama Power’s Tom Martin, for whom Martin Dam and Lake Martin are named, to hunt with him at his grandmother’s farm. The hunt rekindled his love of the sport and the land, and he began to buy up the property around the farm, increasing the size of the plantation to some 5,000 acres.

Mitchell, who was clearly a powerhouse in the political utilities arena, retired for health reasons in

26 Lake Martin Living

1933, and two years later, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 created the Securities and Exchange Commission. Though the act provided for the dismantling of pyramid holding companies, the benefits of the interconnected electrical system were well established, and the system developed

by Dadeville native Sidney Z. Mitchell survives to this day.

“Mitchell commanded respect, admiration, curiosity, and even fear among his peers,” Tharpe wrote. “A tall, dapper man with dark hair and a pencil thin mustache, Mitchell cut a wide page through the world … His honesty and character were beyond reproach,” Tharpe wrote of him.

S.Z. Mitchell died in 1944. A historical marker at the intersection of state Route 119 and Coosa County Road 65 is a humble tribute to his passion for his childhood home and the contributions he made to the world we live in today.

Some information for this article came from Alabama Power Company Corporate Archives, the American Electric Power Company, Inc., the Alabama Historical Association and the Tallapoossee Historical Society.

From Alabama to New York

The dam that created Lake Jordan was named for Mitchell's mother (above), who died when he was 3 years old; though he settled in this Long Island home (below), Mitchell often telephoned his grandmother's farm to hear the baying hounds.

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Annie & Mac Bart ol Alexander City's Father-Daughter Artists

C

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS

reativity is a personal thing, but for the local Bartol family, the life of an artist seems genetic.

More than 100 years ago, Annie Bartol’s greatgrandfather, Ralph Erskine, developed high-end colonial revival Danersk furniture with the company Erskine Danforth. It originated in the foothills of North Carolina, and when Erskine merged with Danforth in the early 1900s, the company opened its showroom in New York City.

Today, both Bartol and her father, Mac, produce custom-made, one-of-a-kind jewelry under the Erskine name, along with a plethora of other artistic products made mostly from reclaimed pieces in the shared 16-foot by 20-foot shed in their backyard.

The handmade sign out front reads ‘Shop, Studio, or Whatever,’ as the pair jokingly disagrees on what to call the workspace. The area could only be described as organized chaos filled with tools and supplies; Green Bay Packers décor; old street signs and other quirky signage; photos of family and custom-designed and handmade pieces created by Bartol and Mac. “It can sometimes be a challenge for us to work together in our small space because two creative minds in one space is one too many. But we make it work. My dad has the experience, so we collaborate a lot, and he 30 Lake Martin Living

teaches me to use new tools and often saves me time by suggesting a better method,” said Bartol, an Alexander City native.

As an artist, Bartol works with acrylic paint as her main medium using a bamboo skewer, has a handdesigned jewelry line and produces hand-stitched, custom-designed leather purses, while Mac whittles and works in wood and also creates custom-made leather holsters, scabbards and quivers.

“About a year ago, we started on our first collaborative leather project, and when the jewelry line really started moving, I realized we needed to brand it.

I suggested Erskine since it’s a family name,” Bartol said.

Erskine is Mac’s mother’s maiden name, along with his middle name, and the history of art in the family made it an obvious choice to trademark their work.

Most of the initial leather they used was leftover from Bartol’s grandmother, but now they use Tandy leather out of Atlanta and Birmingham, which they cut, dye and texturize, often by running it over with a car or using wire brushes and other tools to distress the material.

The pair has an extensive collection of reclaimed accessories; stones, clasps and metal found in consignment shops, thrift stores, estate sales and art

Creative Collaboration

Previous Page: The sign on the pair's workspace; Left: Annie and Mac Bartol work together on the custom designed necklace seen below that Incorporates unique finds, such as amber, arrowheads and antlers which set apart their jewelry line.

Lake Martin Living 31

shows. Both hoard objects they find, knowing each piece could be used for something in the future.

Without previous experience, Mac began making wide leather watch bands, cuffs and beaded necklaces during his college years to make some extra cash.

“It was the hippie era in the ’60s. I was in a shoe shop one day, and this guy had extra pieces of leather cut the same, and I had an old belt buckle at home and started thinking. I went home that night and made a 2-inch wide watchband from the leather to fit the watch I wore and attached the belt buckle to the backside. It was a trend that caught on, and soon, everyone had to have 32 Lake Martin Living

one,” explained Mac, who grew up in North Carolina but has spent more than half his life in Alexander City.

His hobby took a back seat for many years until he needed a project to occupy his time and mind after retirement. The first project he envisioned was a gun holster, which he sketched out and brought to fruition.

“I always see something in my mind before I make it.

I know what I want; and then, I put it on paper. I often see something else someone has made, and I put my own spin on it,” added Mac, who used to be a draftsman.

While Mac’s projects have remained mostly a hobby, he typically makes things for the house and for his

wife Linda. He also creates gifts for friends and family members.

Bartol, on the other hand, has made art her full-time job since 2015. She has a degree in graphic design and art from the University of Alabama but never indulged in the painting side until 2012 when a turn of life events led her to shift her perspective and find an outlet for her emotions.

“My parents came to visit me in Tallahassee where I was living at the time and I said, ‘Bring me paint and a canvas right now.’ I just started painting. This was a way for me to process my thoughts. It became very

Unique Tools

Left: Mac Bartol uses a buffer to add shine to his pieces; Right: Annie uses acrylic paint with her bare hands and a bamboo skewer to create her one-of-a-kind artwork, using a blow dryer in between layers to allow paint to dry quickly.

therapeutic,” said Bartol.

Both of Bartol’s grandparents on her father’s side were artists, and she had learned some techniques from school but never had any professional training, she said. With

Lake Martin Living 33

Erskine History

Art Comes in Many Forms

All in the Family Henry George Bartol and Carolie Erskine Bartol

Annie’s great-grandfather Ralph Erskine made high-end quality Colonial Revival furniture, originally crafted in North Carolina in the early 1900s. He partnered with Danforth to create the ErskineDanforth Corporation and for economic and growth reasons the company moved manufacturing operations to Stamford, Connecticut.

New York became the location for the company’s office and showroom in 1915. Danersk furniture pieces were handcrafted, ornate, well-built and decorative, made from rare woods and sold for an inexpensive price. Ralph was married to Margaret McCullough Erskine.

Annie’s paternal grandparents, Henry George Bartol and Carolie Erskine Bartol lived in the foothills of North Carolina and were both artists as well. Henry painted in watercolor and Carolie painted in oils and did sculpture, while both created handmade lapidary jewelry. Their line consisted of unique stone cutting of semi-precious gems.

34 Lake Martin Living

Annie handstitches her custom leather purses as seen above; Facing Page: An original Annie Bartol painting; a custom designed leather gun holster created by Mac.

the use of acrylic paint, typically in a variety of bright colors, Bartol uses only her bare hands and a bamboo skewer to craft distinctive pieces based on her mood.

“My grandmother had left me a really nice set of paint brushes, and I didn’t want to get them dirty. I searched my kitchen for something, anything, I could use to paint with and found some bamboo skewers, which is where that all started,” explained Bartol.

She began posting her work on social media because she painted so many pieces and was looking for some feedback. Bartol explained she never had the intention of selling her work, but people started reaching out, and it just blossomed from there. She now does shows all over the Southeast and has displayed her work at various locations around downtown Alexander City.

“My business has tripled since I moved back to Alexander City, and I get a lot of repeat customers,” said Bartol.

“She’s a hometown girl, so she has the local presence, but she’s getting to the point where she needs to branch out,” added Mac. Since her art is so closely tied with the events that have shaped her life, Bartol’s connection with music is essential to her creative process.

“With music, I am forced to feel. It’s my motivation, and it gets me in the zone. I have to feel to work. I have a playlist for each type of art I may be working on, and all the songs have meaning from a certain time in my life. It’s about purging and a healthy way to get out feelings I might otherwise keep inside,” Bartol said.

Mac has his own choice in songs that hold meaning and create

memories for him, as well, so the two often compete when working together.

“In the end, we always laugh, make silly videos and both sing and dance while we’re working. It keeps us focused,” Bartol added.

The charming banter and obvious mutual respect allow the father-daughter team to share its vision and sometimes opposing opinions to collaborate on work.

“We both are very visual people. If we have something in our heads, we can bring it to life by putting it on paper first. I can explain it to my dad, and he has an idea of what I want because we think alike. Not many other people may understand my thought process,” said Bartol.

Mac works with many power tools, such as a drill press, bench grinder and buffer, which he has been teaching Bartol how to use to her advantage. Mostly, the pair will use obscure objects to create the desired effect of a product based on their ideas.

“We make a lot of our own tools,” said Mac. “What he means is I’ve ruined a lot of his tools ... but you can do anything with a good set of tools,” said Bartol.

Her main tool is a ball peen hammer and anvil, which she uses to flatten, distress and texturize the copper and brass incorporated in her unique jewelry. She prides herself on the originality of her art.

“Everything I make is one-of-a-kind and unique in

itself. Nothing is mass produced, and I’ve personally designed and made each piece of art,” said Bartol, who, aside from the help of Mac, runs her business on her own.

Mostly, Bartol just enjoys allowing her visions to become reality; however, she has increased her commission work due to demand. She gathers the personal details of a project before starting it and does not sign her name to anything until she meets a client in person with the completed piece.

“I prefer to use creative license, but I am always willing to work with people on their ideas. I enjoy it all, nonetheless, because I get to work with clients who see their own vision, through my eyes, come to life,” she explained.

Bartol mainly paints abstract pieces, but her portfolio is widespread in the use of medium, size of canvas and inspiration for design.

“When I create, I feel everything and nothing all at once... the beauty of it all is being able to express my emotions through my work,” Bartol said.

For photos of Annie Bartol’s work, more information about the artist or to request a custom piece, visit her Facebook page, Instagram @anniebartolart or email her at colormeannieart@gmail.com.

Lake Martin Living 35

Identity Theft 101

How to handle the Equifax data breach

E

quifax, one of the three major Check your credit reports from credit bureaus, confirmed recently Equifax, Experian and TransUnion for that more than 145 million free at annualcreditreport.com. Accounts customer records were breached in or activity that you don’t recognize a hack that began in mid-May and could indicate identity theft. In addition, continued through July of this year. monitor your existing credit card and Compromised data reportedly included bank account statements closely every names, birthdates, Social Security month for fraudulent transactions. It is numbers, driver's license numbers and important that consumers take a more physical addresses, as well as some credit active role as watchdogs of their own card numbers and dispute documents financial affairs. with personal identifying information.

The breach was discovered on July Consider placing a credit freeze 29, and its full impact is still to be or fraud alert on your files with determined.

Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. A Jim Littman Data breaches and the theft of credit freeze allows you to restrict access personal information are nothing to your credit report, which makes it new. In August 2013, Yahoo reported more difficult for identity thieves to a massive data breach associated with more than open new accounts in your name; however, a credit 1 billion user accounts. Fortunately, the stolen freeze won’t prevent a thief from making charges information did not include payment card data to your existing accounts. There may be a fee or bank account information. A data breach at associated with a credit freeze.

Target during the 2013 Christmas shopping season A fraud alert allows creditors to get a copy of your included the personal information of 70 million credit report as long as they take steps to verify your people; and credit and debit card information, identity. For example, if you provide a telephone including customer names, account numbers and number, the business must call you to verify whether expiration dates may have been compromised. you are the person making the credit request.

In 2014, The Home Depot’s data breach impacted as many as 56 million payment cards. Closer to File your taxes early. File as soon as you have home, more than 100 employees of the Alexander the tax information you need before a scammer uses City school system were victimized in 2016 when your Social Security number to file a fraudulent tax their personal information was stolen, and the thief return and receive a refund. Respond right away to filed fraudulent tax returns to obtain refund checks. letters from the IRS. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and mitigate the potential damage done by Other steps to take include watching out this breach. for scams, remembering loved ones and changing passwords and logins. Do not respond to suspicious Find out whether your information was phone calls, texts and emails that ask for personal exposed. Equifax has set up a website (www. information. Identify and assist family members equifaxsecurity2017.com) that allows consumers to who do not have computer access but may be determine whether their information was potentially impacted by the data breach. As always, change compromised. Click on the tab labeled “Am I passwords and logins on a regular basis.

Impacted?” in the center of the page. You will need Keeping personal information safe and secure is to enter your last name and the last six digits of everyone’s responsibility. your Social Security number. In addition, Equifax is offering a complimentary identity theft protection ~ Jim Littman is a mortgage loan originator with and credit file monitoring product on its website.

Home Place Mortgage in Alexander City. He can be reached at 256-329-1410.

36 Lake Martin Living

MONEY MATTERS

Russell Medical's CRNP Coker joins staff at new Urgent Care Medical News

R

ussell Medical proudly announces the opening of its newest service, Russell Medical Urgent Care.

The doors opened Monday, Dec. 4, as an expansion of treatment options available to patients on campus.

Russell Medical Urgent Care is located on the hill behind the cancer center and is accessed by Highway 280 or Elkahathchee Road. The walk-in clinic treats injuries and illnesses requiring Susan Foy immediate care but not serious enough to require emergency room visits.

Tammy Coker, certified registered nurse practitioner, comes to the urgent care clinic from another Russell Medical rural care clinic, Health Partners of Goodwater. Coker has long tenure with Russell Medical and has worked in various clinical areas, including the Emergency Department and cardiac cath lab for 15 years. She and her family are very active in the community, and she is happy to be the first CRNP rendering care in this new location.

Russell Medical Urgent Care is open seven days a week to accommodate non-emergency room emergencies.

Patients can visit Russell Medical Urgent Care if they have sinus/ear infection; cold or flu; bronchitis; diarrhea, nausea, vomiting; upper respiratory infection; allergies; sports injuries and sprains; cuts and lacerations; minor burns; hemorrhoids; conjunctivitis/eye infection; skin rash/poison ivy; minor fractures; urinary tract infection, and other acute ailments.

Go directly to an emergency room for head trauma; broken bones; high fever; loss of consciousness; fainting; uncontrollable bleeding; seizures; heart attack symptoms; shortness of breath; difficulty breathing; asthma or COPD; sudden change in mental state; life- or limb-threatening injury; severe burn; deep or facial lacerations; or any life-threatening illness.

Currently, Russell Medical Urgent Care is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and

New Office

Rural healthcare CRNP Tammy Coker has moved from Health Partners of Goodwater to Russell Medical Urgent Care in Alexander City.

12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The physical address is 3504 Highway 280, Alexander City. For additional information about the facility, call at 256397-7727.

From all of us at Russell Medical, may you have a Merry and safe Christmas and a healthy 2018. ~ Susan Foy is marketing director for Russell Medical.

Lake Martin Living 37

OH SNAP! 1

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Russell Medical Breast

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Cancer Awareness Luncheon Nov. 9, 2017 Betty Carol Graham Center 1. Tammy Pattillo 2. Kay Thomas, Emily Sprayberry, Emily McDaniel, Anna Speaks and Jane Howell 3. Mollie Barrett and Andrea Peacock 4. Bridgett Harrell, Sharonna Hayes and Melissa Reynolds 5. Glenda Jacobs, Jan Rogers and Louann Wagoner 6. Susan Oakes, Yvonne Crispin, Tillie Parks, Flo McIntyre and Lorene Cowhick

38 Lake Martin Living

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Holiday Open House Nov. 12, 2017 Downtown Alexander City 1. Elizabeth Roberts

2. Kimber Pierce 3. Jordan Jones 4. Donald Campbell

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5. Elodie, Hali and Emmaline Clark Lake Martin Living 39

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Blue Zones Reception Friends at Five Nov. 14, 2017 Lake Martin Innovation Center 1. Amy Ward and Ella Martin

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2. Erika Graves and Robert Graham 3. Debra and Greg Griffith 4. Angela James and Sue Pemberton

5. Courtney Layfield and Carla Culligan 6. Janice and Ricky Robinson 7. Gertrude Holmes and Margot Pape 8. Kim Fraher, Dwight and Sherry Henderson and Tammy Jackson

40 Lake Martin Living

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Christmas at Crossroads 8

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Nov. 24, 2017 Russell Crossroads 1. Margo, Ellen Elizabeth and John Hunter Allgood

2. Mason, Shannon and Lindsey Mann 3. Ricky Goss, Jaden Barnett and Beverly Goss 4. Lilly and Andy Hudson 5. Betty Hargrave, Roxann Ward, Katie Arce and Mark

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Ward 6. Kara Newby 7. Lee Hamilton 8. Gonzalo and Alex Alonzo 9. Haley Maddox 10. William Trout and Annie Bartol 11. Anita Henderson Lake Martin Living 41

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Farm Federation Banquet Nov. 28, 2017 The Arbor at First United Methodist Church

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1. Joy Johns and Sharon Whitehead 2. Nina and Tony Johnson 3. Neal Kelly and Charles Hall 4. Jayden and Kristi Siggers 5. Stephen, April, Waverly and Jax Chambers 6. Brody Newman, Ka'shiya McKinney, Joe Stallions, Greg Davis, Landon Kelley and Brie Ann Connell 7. John McKelvey, Emma Jean Thweat and George Carollton Jr. 8. Josh Williams and Wilson, Susanne and Steve Hays 9. Bill and Suzy Farrington and Mark Tuggle

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Lake Martin Classic Golf Tourney Oct. 27, 2017 Stillwaters Golf Club 1. Santana Melton, Kevin Speaks, John Ballard, Scott

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Meacham, Ed Collari and Allison Bazzell

2. Rodney, Jason and Chandler Griffith and Mike Emfinger 3. Mike Autry, Keith and Chris Hiett and Mitchell Boles 4. Wayne Knox, Eric Riddil, Travis Harris and Paul Gqarjanski 5. Rob Witherington 6. Jimmy and Josh Henley, Joey Guspierik and Allin Woody Lake Martin Living 43

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Hometown Christmas Parade Dec. 4, 2017 Alexander City 1. Steve Morgan 2. Tina Boyd and Locklyn Blankenship 3. Sam and Bo Duke 4. Hamp Bowen, Elie Kate Worthy and Hadley Bowen 5. Adrien Isaiah Adamson 6. Abbie Campbell, Saylor and JonSawyer Lawhorn, Bryant Campbell, Brandy Lawhorn, Ava Campbell and Bonnie Sharp

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6

Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

Take the

Plunge The Lake Martin Young Professionals Polar Plunge this year will include two new events; in addition to great food, photo ops, live music and the daring plunge into Lake Martin, participants will Dash for the Cash and win prizes for the best costumes.

The Dash for the Cash will return plungers to the water for a race around a buoy that will be placed off-shore. The first racer to round the marker and return to the bank will win $100.

The main plunge event is no contest, except with participants' own wits as they hit the water when the clock strikes noon.

Lake Martin Resource Association benefits from ticket sales for the LMYP Polar Plunge, which is now in its third year. In its previous two years, the Plunge has raised more than $8,000, and this year's proceeds will help to fund

the lighted buoy campaign.

Tickets are $20 each and are available online at eventbrite.com. The event will be held on the lawn at Kowaliga Restaurant, and the admission price includes four food tickets to be used at Kowaliga's food stations.

Kowaliga's indoor cash bars will be open as well.

There will be a selfie station for Polar Plunge pictures and live music throughout the event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn more about LMYP online at www. lakemartinyp.com.

For information about LMRA, visit lmra.info.

Lake Martin Living 45

Dec. 16

Jan. 13

Jingle Jump for Camp ASCCA

YP Polar Plunge

The third annual Jingle Jump at the Camp ASSCA swimming pool will raise money for the ASSCA Campership Fund. The goal for each individual is to raise $725, and once the goal is reached, participants will jump into the chilly pool water. For information, contact Dana Rickman at 256-825-9226.

Dec. 17

Red Ridge Cantata

Red Ridge United Methodist Church will present its Christmas cantata, How Should a King Come, with creative concept and narration by Randy Vader and Rose Aspinall at 9:30 a.m. under the direction of Dr. Kim Walls.

Accompanied by a full orchestra, featured vocalists will perform with the church choir and the children of the church. Refreshments will be served following the concert. For information, contact Gerry White at 256-825-5072.

Jan. 8-9

Throw Away Day

The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission will team up to provide dumpsters for the disposal of household items at five locations from noon on Monday through Tuesday evening.

The dumpsters will be available free of charge at the Alexander City Annex, 395 Lee St.; Double Bridges on Highway 63; Old Daviston School on state Route 22; Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave.; and Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. No liquids, appliances with compressors, tires, batteries, light bulbs, televisions, computers, propane tanks or hazardous or medical waste will be allowed. For more information, call Sabrina Clark Wood at 334-429-8832.

The Lake Martin Young Professionals will host its third annual Polar Plunge at Kowaliga Restaurant to support the Lake Martin Resource Association.

Presented by USAmeriBank, the doors open at 10 a.m., and the fun continues until 4 p.m. Entry fee is $20 ($10 for LMYP members), which includes tickets to Kowaliga’s special food stations, live music and plenty of space for kids to play outside. Both of Kowaliga’s indoor cash bars will be open, and the plunge into Lake Martin happens at noon. This year’s event will include a $100 “Dash for the Cash” event swimming out to a buoy and back. Prizes also awarded for best Polar Plunge costume.

Jan. 19-21

Dear Mama: Letters and Music from World War II

To celebrate the grand opening of the renovated Mount Vernon Theatre, the theatre organization has partnered with the Talisi Historical Preservation Society’s Friends of Tuckabatchee to present this original production, which was written by Adrian Lee Borden and is based on true events. For tickets and information, call 334-991-2079 or visit www.mtvernontheatre.net.

Jan. 21

Tallapoosee Historical Society

Dr. Charles Mitchell will present A Pictorial History of Alabama Agriculture, the telling of Alabama’s agricultural story from the Native American Creeks to modern production, at the Historical Museum on the square in Dadeville at 2 p.m. Dr. Mitchell will share photographs he collected during his time at Auburn University during this afternoon

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program, which is open to the public.

Refreshments will be served.

Feb. 3

Gumbo Cook-off

MainStreet Alexander City will host a New Orleans-styled event with a gumbo cook-off, live music and activities for all ages at Queen’s Attic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entry fee is $100 per team and entries must be submitted by Jan. 20.

First place winners of the cook-off will get $500 cash, second place will receive $250 and third place takes home $100.

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

Feb. 16

Motown Magic

Alexander City Arts, Inc., will present an evening of Motown at 7 p.m. at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium. For ticket information, visit AlexanderCityArts.org.

Season-Long Events Millerville Trade Day

Bibb Graves School located on Highway 9 hosts this trade day on the third Saturday of every month from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Find books, toys, models, coins, lamps, original artwork, jewelry, clothing, antiques, glassware, quilts, home décor and more.

Refreshments available.

Alabama Wildlife Federation Naturalist Hikes

Every Tuesday and Friday, from 10 a.m. until noon, hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an experienced Alabama Nature Center naturalist by your side. Learn how to bird or identify plants and animals; splash through the creek; or catch insects in the meadow.

General admission applies and is $5 per person with a $20 maximum per family.

The Alabama Nature Center is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. Visit alabamawildlife.org to check holiday closings.

​Alabama Wildlife Federation Creature Feature

Every Monday and Wednesday, from 3:30 p.m. until 4 p.m., come learn about Alabama’s woods, water and wildlife.

Get up close and personal with some of the creatures you may find in your own backyard and even some you may have never heard of. General admission applies and is $5 per person with a $20

maximum per family. The Alabama Nature Center is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. Visit www. alabamawildlife.org to check holiday closings.

Library Storytime in Dadeville

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

Children’s Library in Alexander City

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library holds themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and offers kidfriendly movies on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.

Gamers’ Club

Adelia M. Russell Library hosts kids ages 12 to 17 in the conference room on Fridays after school until 4:30 p.m.

Bring handheld games or games from home (no games rated M allowed).

Participants should be picked up by 4:30 p.m. For information, call 256-3296796.

Ladies’ Book Club

Ladies 18 years of age and older are invited to participate in the club at Adelia M. Russell Library on the last Thursday of every month. Meet in the conference room at 4 p.m. Call the library at 256-234-4644 for each month’s book title.

Electronics Recycling

The City of Alexander City Public Works Department hosts an electronics recycling event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month.

Items accepted include computers, computer mouse, keyboards, modems or routers, CD and DVD players, power supplies, PC mix systems, home or cell phones, printers or copiers, mainframe servers, audio/video adapters, laptop chargers, cable boxes, nickel cadmium or lithium ion batteries and flat screen monitors and televisions. CRT monitors and televisions are no longer accepted. For more information, call the Alexander City Public Works Department at 256-409-2020.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Located on Highway 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the

Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children's Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

Charity Bingo

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

Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit

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

Memory Makers Quilt Guild

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

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

are themed, so call ahead to find out if costumes or certain types of food are in order. For more information, contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724.

Antique Car Cruise-in

On the first Saturday of each month, car enthusiasts cruise into Arby’s parking lot on Highway 280 in Alexander City from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Join the fun and enjoy an era of classic cars and classic music.

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

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

Check the calendar at Calendar.

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

Happy Holidays from

Real Island Supper

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

Everyone is welcome.

Admission is $3 per adult; bring a covered dish to share.

Some nights

For elderly and disabled individuals needing assistance with activities of daily living.

Homemaking... Personal Care... Companionship Our goal is to keep our clients as active as possible in their own homes to promote overall health and well being.

With our personally tailored care plans, you will receive the individual care you need with the dignity and respect you deserve.

Lake Martin innovation Center 175 aLiant Parkway • aLexander City, aL • (256) 414-6090

Lake Martin Living 47

9

Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

63

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

9

Power lines

20

280

19

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

County Roads

15

22

Flint Hill Church

24

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

13

Rockford

3

49

128

22

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

Jacksons Gap

Pleasant Grove Church

31

11

9

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

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

22 57

24

6

4 Camp Kiwanis

27 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

10 Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

11 1

Church in The Pines

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

Ko w

ali

ga

2

Stillwaters

21 5

Union Landing

Ba

25 26

Walnut Hill

y

23 30

80

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing 55

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

7 63 18 8

Equality

9

17

9

Smith Landing Willow Point

Seman

Dadev

280

Liberty Church

20

231

Horsesh Nation

Jaybird Landing

29

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

16

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

49

Eclectic

12

Santuck

Kent Reeltown

231

14

ELMORE COUNTY

120

14

28 14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

48 Lake Martin Living

Tallassee 229

MACO COUNT

Marinas

Daviston

1 Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

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

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

22

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

hoe Bend nal Park

ON TY

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

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

Restaurants

8 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

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

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

50

Camp Hill

11 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

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

65 Main Street., Eclectic, AL 36024

Business & Shopping

280

Waverly

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

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

230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850

50

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

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

14

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

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

LEE COUNTY

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

7 SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

ville

21 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

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

4 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

6 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

CHAMBERS COUNTY

20 McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583

1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010

Hotels & Lodges 25 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

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

7051 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

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

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

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

8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

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

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

6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

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

17 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

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

288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

Loachapoka

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

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010

14

Notasulga 85 81

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

Lake Martin Living 49

To all of our clients in 2017 we thank you for your trust and confidence.

4 Seasons Lawn & Landscape A&M Plumbing Advanced Auto Parts Advanced Heating & Air Alex City Marine Alexander City Chamber of Commerce American Watersports APCO Employees Credit Union Armstrong-Holley Plumbing Aronov Realty Lake Martin Atkinson’s Homes Ballard Truss Better Bodies Massage Beyond Home Care Bezlo’s Cafe Black Jack Gardens Bless Your Heart Blue Horizon Bob Alexander Landscaping Bodyworks Massage Brandino Brass Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation C&C Wood Products C21 Lake Area Realty, Inc., Rhonda Gaskins Cahaba Glass Carlisle’s Central Alabama Community College Cherokee Bend Bed & Breakfast Children’s Harbor City of Wetumpka Cloud Nine Cloverdale Jewelers Coach Kraft Upholstery Coosa Valley Medical Center Cotney Jewelers Creekside Event Center Creekside Lodge Dark Insurance Davco Development DB Lawn Care Deep Water Dock Services Designs By Trish Dixie Sailing Club Downtown Girl Dr. George Hardy Edith’s Boutique

Emporium Wine Episcopal Church of Epiphany Estate Masters Farm Tables of the South Fermenters Market Foshees Whats Curb Market Guy’s Heating and Air Harold Cochran - State Farm Harris Carriage Heart & Vascular Clinic of Central Alabama Henderson & Coker Heritage South Credit Union Hinson Galleries Hodges Vineyard Holley’s Home Furnishings Home Plate Cafe HomePlace Mortgage Jackson Thornton Co Jule Collins Smith Museum Karen Channell - State Farm Kathy McKinley Draperies Kelley Heating and Air Kelley’s Cleaning Service Kowaliga Whole Health Lagassee Construction Lake Martin Building Supply Lake Martin Cleaning and Painting Lake Martin Community Hospital Lake Martin Dock Company Lake Martin Inspections Lake Martin Medspa Lake Martin Mini Mall Lake Martin Realty Lake Pointe Baptist Church Lakeside Mercantile Langley Funeral Home Lou Belles Luckie & Company McDainels Supply Madison House Restorations Mainstreet Alexander City Marble City Family Health Mark King’s Furniture Merle Norman Millstone Nursery Nail’s

Noel Boone OB-GYN Associates of Montgomery Odie’s Deli Offshore Marine & Outdoors One Water Marine Original Grace Boutique Oskar’s Painting By Allen Piggly Wiggly Prime Management Radney Funeral Home Red Flag Pest Control Re/Max Around the Lake - Amanda Scroggins Red Ridge United Methodist Church River Region Dermatology & Laser Russell Do It Center Russell Lands on Lake Martin Russell Marine Russell Medical Center Satterfield Inc Seibel’s Selling Lake Martin, Amy Clark Shoppes of Queen’s Attic Smith Marina Southern Sash Southern Star Farm Sparkle Window Cleaning St. John of the Apostle Studio Sam Sunset Dock Talisi Historical Preservation Society Tallassee Community Hospital The Cottage Gallery The Landing The Sure Shot TNT Stone Touchless Boat Cover Trinity United Methodist Church Troy Cablevision Truckworx Truman’s Seafood Watauga Group Wickles Pickles Wind Creek Casino, Wetumpka Wind Creek Zipline UAB Heart & Vascular

From our family at Lake Martin Living Magazine, we extend our wishes to all for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2018.

548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010 | 256-234-4281 50 Lake Martin Living

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

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

To subscribe call Linda Ewing 256-234-4281 P.O. Box 999, 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010 Lake Martin Living 51

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

ALEXANDER CITY

Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Que Campus of CACC Carlisle's Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine’s Market Chamber Of Commerce Cherokee Quick stop Citgo Cloud Nine Collegiate Deli Comfort Inn Dark Insurance Darwin Dobbs Days Inn Discount Food Mart Emporium Wine Grace’s Flowers Hampton Inn Holley’s Home Furnishings Hometown Pharmacy Jackson Drugs Jake’s JR’s Sports Bar & Grill Koon’s Korner Koon’s Korner II Lake Martin Building Supply Lakewinds Golf Club Larry’s General Store Longleaf Antiques Mark King Furniture Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast Queen’s Attic Regions Bank Ridge - Clubhouse Ridge - Marina River North Marina Riverbend Store Russell Home Décor Russell Medical Center Russell Lands Russell Retail Store Satterfield, Inc Senior Nutrition~50+ Center Sho’ Nuff Restaurant Springhouse Restaurant T.C. Russell Airport Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc The Medicine Shoppe The Sure Shot USAmeribank Warren's Appliance Parts Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon

CHELSEA

The Ditsy Daisy Boutique Winn-Dixie

CHILDERSBURG Winn-Dixie

DADEVILLE

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

52 Lake Martin Living

Foodland Foshee Boat Dock Homeplate Restaurant Harbor Pointe Marina Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Community Hospital Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy Lakeside Marina Niffer's At The Lake Oskar's Cafe Payne Furniture Pearson’s Place Poplar Dawgs Public Library Pug's Place PNC Bank Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 USAmeribank

ECLECTIC

Bezlo's Cafe Bless Your Heart Children’s Harbor Cotton’s BBQ Eclectic Do-It Center Johnson’s Furniture Kowaliga Marina Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store Original Grace Peoples Bank

EQUALITY

Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star

INVERNESS

Airwalk Ultimate Trampoline Area Tree Top Family Adventure Winn-Dixie

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation

MOUNTAIN BROOK Whole Foods Market

RED HILL Citgo

SYLACAUGA

Good Ole Boys BBQ Piggly Wiggly on 21

TALLASSEE

Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce The Tallassee Tribune

WALNUT HILL

Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA

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

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

Koon's Catering................................................................................. 1 4

Advanced Heat & Air......................................................................... 2 7

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

Armstrong-Holley Plumbing............................................................... 2 2

Lake Martin Dock.......................................................................... 8, 51

Beyond Home Care............................................................................ 4 7

Lake Martin Mini Mall........................................................................ 1 4

Bezlo's Cafe....................................................................................... 2 7

Mark King's Furniture ....................................................................... 1 9

Black Jack Gardens............................................................................ 2 3

Merle Norman................................................................................... 2 9

Bob Alexander Landscaping ................................................................ 5

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

Brandino Brass................................................................................... 1 3 Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation........................................................... 6 C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 2 7 Cahaba Glass..................................................................................... 2 3 Carlisle's............................................................................................ 2 9 Coosa Valley Medical Center............................................................. 2 8 Cotney Jewelers................................................................................. 2 9 DAVCO Development........................................................................ 5 1 Designs by Trish................................................................................... 6 Emporium Wine................................................................................. 2 9

Mt. Vernon Theatre, Tallassee............................................................ 5 5 Noel Boone........................................................................................ 1 5 OBGYN Associates of Montgomery..................................................... 8 Prime Management........................................................................... 2 7 Red Flag Pest Control........................................................................ 4 6 River Region Dermatology.................................................................. 5 1 Russell Medical.................................................................................. 5 6 Satterfield, Inc.............................................................................. 5, 15 Scotty Gordon/ Farmers Insurance...................................................... 2 9

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

Seibel's.............................................................................................. 1 5

Guy's Heating & Air........................................................................... 5 1

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

Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance...................................................... 5 1

Southern Star Farm............................................................................ 1 5

Jackson Thornton............................................................................. 1 3

Sunrise Docks.................................................................................... 1 3

Kathy McKinley, Draperies................................................................ 2 3

Tallassee Community Hospital............................................................ 5 3

Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance................................................ 5 1

Wind Creek Casino.............................................................................. 2

Kelley’s Heating & Air........................................................................ 5 1

Wind Creek Zipline............................................................................ 1 5

& Healthy New Year!

Community Hospital 805 Friendship Road, Tallassee • 334-283-6541 • www.chal.org Lake Martin Living 53

OH, DEER!

Don't they know the rules?

S

The Last Word

o there I was on your eight years with our cars as long as it’s average Tuesday, driving on a county road or occasionally on a southbound on I-59 near Valley highway. Interstates are off limits! At Head, just minding my business, alertly least, I had thought so. tuned in to my surroundings behind the The four-point carcass that wound up wheel of my 2012 Ford Taurus (Yeah …

25 yards behind and 15 yards to the left That’s right ... I do pretty, pretty well for of me begged to differ. myself ).

Now, my minimal deer knowledge It was around, say, 7:25 in the tells me that early November is when morning, and I was thrilled to finally be deer are in the rut. You know – their back in sweet home Alabama. After all, ‘sexy’ time.

I had been burning up the road since Well, this particular buck must have the previous Thursday; driving from gotten a text from his main squeeze Alexander City to Columbus, Ohio; saying, “my parents aren’t home,” ’cause then, on to State College, Pennsylvania, Luke Robinson he zoomed perpendicularly across I-59 and finally, back home. It had been a like he was late for a sleigh pullin’. whirlwind of a long weekend.

I say he was zooming, but the fact I had done dang well driving those 1,900 miles, is I have no idea. I didn’t see him until he was too. No blowouts. No road rage moments. No ‘high approximately 9.56 feet in the air after impact. speed driving awards.’ Heck, I only had one guy As a side note, did you know there are an shoot me a bird. I usually get flipped off more than estimated 1.5 million deer in Alabama? One. Point. that at lunch!

Five. Million. That’s 6 million hooves. That’s one Despite the predictably nasty northern weather, deer for every three people in the state. me and my car had held strong, and I was cruising Venison meatloaf for everyone, as far as I am to an early arrival in Tallapoosa County. concerned. I am ready to expand hunting season to The interstate was wide open. The sun had just 366 days a year, eight days a week and 25 hours a begun to shine over the pine trees. It was going to day. be a beautiful day until …

The problem is, I don’t hunt. Never have. I am WHAM! not good at killing anything, except other people’s Not the iconic 1980s band, unfortunately happiness, and I don’t need a gun for that – just my (although I do recall having listened to Careless unique social awkwardness.

Whisper just a few miles earlier).

There’s no aspect about hunting that appeals I hit something; or rather, something hit me. to me. I am not a vegetarian or a vegan As I was near an exit overpass, my immediate or avitameatavegamin (an I Love Lucy reference thought was someone had dropped a rock or old for the older crowd). I just can’t shoot anything. I television from above onto my hood. I am serious. will stomp a roach into oblivion, but I tear up at There are crazy folks that have done such things. the idea of running over an opossum. It makes no As my car scraggled (I know that’s not a word, sense. but it is definitely what my ride did) to the side of After this accident, though, you can bet your the road, and almost as quickly as I had formulated bottom dollar – er, buck – that the next time Bambi my rock-from-the-overpass theory, my brain comes on, I will be hoping for an alternate ending. pieced together the actual hard, Southern truth: I So here’s a quick shout-out to all the people who had hit a deer. do hunt: You guys are rock stars. I just need you to A @#$@% deer! On the ^&*@# interstate, man! play more concerts ’cause if I am hitting deer on Now, I have hit deer before. So have some of the interstates, that means there are just too many you, I am sure. Like getting trapped in a bad deer! conversation at a high school reunion, they are unavoidable. ~ Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native who But we humans have a tacit deal with the deer. also writes a weekly column for the Alexander City We are cool with hitting them every four-toOutlook.

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Lake Martin Living 55

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