Lake Martin Living Magazine December 2019

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

Salvaged Charm at St. James Rectory December 2019

www.lakemagazine.life/lakemartinliving

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Lake Martin Living 3

From the Editor’s Desk

B

etsy Iler, managing magazine editor at TPI – and also known as my boss – has been discussing the idea of moving almost as long as I can remember. I know she and husband, the Rev. Rob Iler, are now thrilled to finally settle into their new home, the rectory at St. James Episcopal Church in Alexander City, where Rob is the rector.

When property next to the church was purchased to expand its campus, materials were salvaged from one building, the Lunch Bunch, to be incorporated into the new rectory. Now considered home to the Ilers, the building will be available for future parish priests and their families to enjoy.

As a former building contractor, Rob had a unique vision for the structure, and volunteers from the church chipped in to do some of the work. With touches of historic charm, the brick home was painted white to match the church with a red front door, which signifies hospitality and welcome in the Episcopal Church. Read more about the Ilers’ journey and the craftsman details that complete the rectory on page 28.

With Christmas drawing so near, we don’t have many holiday features in this issue, as they were all previewed last month; however, be sure to turn to page 38 and check out the smiling faces that attended these fabulous festivities. It’s been a month of seasonal celebrations!

Not to worry though, we still have some holiday treats. Lacey Howell dives into the history of Nativity scenes and boasts some of her local favorites on page 50. And Shane Harris reveals some of the many legends of the Christmas flower, the poinsettia, in his Garden Talk column on page 16.

As this time of year tends to be the season of giving, it’s fitting that this issue explores the inaugural benefit horseback ride for the Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch. Tom Seay, host of Best of America by Horseback, featured the residential home for abused, neglected school-aged girls in an episode of his show this past summer. He returned in November to broadcast the three-day benefit trail ride that included horse care presentations, demos, clinics and fellowship. All proceeds benefitted the Girls Ranch and its recently launched horse program, which teaches the girls responsibility and provides a form of therapy. Turn to page 10 to read the full story about this weekend-long adventure supporting a great cause.

Girls at the ranch attend Tallapoosa County schools, which I have come to discover are entrenched in the Future Farmers of America programs. Four schools in the county traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, for the 92nd Annual National FFA Convention alongside nearly 70,000 students from across the country. Read more about the accomplishments of these local children who are striving to educate themselves and better the prospect of agriculture on page 14.

Learning about the history of any profession is vital to becoming passionate about a trade, which is expressed by Dave Jennings in his golf column on page 20. He weaves the stories of past golfers and techniques into the progression of the sport and what it’s become today. He encourages all interested in golf to dive into that history for a solid foundation from which to grow.

The holidays are the perfect opportunity to share these stories of our past and educate younger generations of times gone by. You never know, you may open up an eager mind to explore a new hobby or interest. Or at the very least, discover a little something fresh about one another that you can relish in your memories.

I want to wish our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Amy Passaretti, Editor 4 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Managing Editor Betsy Iler Editor Amy Passaretti Contributors Kenneth Boone Dave Jennings Shane Harris Cliff Williams Lizi Arbogast Lacey Howell Gabrielle Jansen Lonna Upton Santana Wood John Denney Adam Broach Lee Williams Magazine Distribution Manager Erin Burton Creative Services Audra Spears Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Katie Wesson Marilyn Hawkins Julie Harbin Brandy Sims Andy Carr Digital Services Kat Raiford Elle Fuller Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 lakemagazine.life/lakemartinliving

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 256-2344281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

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Passersby on South Central Avenue have watched the transformation as the former caretaker's cottage for the Lunch Bunch became the new rectory at St. James Episcopal Church. Materials were salvaged from the Lunch Bunch house for use in the rectory, which is now occupied by the Rev. Rob Iler and his wife, Betsy.

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FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

10. BEST OF AMERICA BY HORSEBACK TV host advocates for Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch

9. AROUND THE AREA

14. LOCAL STUDENTS STRIVE TO IMPACT FUTURE FARMING FFA teams attend national convention

20. FROM THE TEE

22. THE QUEST FOR GOLD Local prospectors chapter reinstated on new leased land 28. SALVAGED CHARM AT ST. JAMES RECTORY Clergy residence features items repurposed from Lunch Bunch

14

It was a sea of blue uniforms as nearly 70,000 students and advisors attended the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.

16. GARDEN TALK 34. LAKE REGION EVENTS 37. MONEY MATTERS 38. OH SNAP! 50. CULTURE SHOCK

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8/24/17 3:14 PM

AROUND THE AREA

Despite loss, Rebels rally around an impressive season While Reeltown fell to Fyffe in the Class 2A Football State Championship this month, it can be proud of its runner-up title.

With a nine-game winning streak to start the year and 500-plus points put up throughout the season, the Rebels can at least say they were one of the last two standing.

During the AHSAA Class 2A semifinal against Leroy, Reeltown coach Matt Runner-up Rebels Top: Reeltown players Johnson made a gutsy call that worked out in his favor. celebrate their victory against Leroy that put them In overtime, the LeRoy into the state championship.

Bears started out with a quick score to go up by a touchdown. But the Rebels answered right back as an unlikely source, Logan Lee, caught his first pass of the season, which

Mayors converge for economic development tips

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle last month spoke with several area leaders about some successes, frustrations and tips on how to help Tallapoosa and Coosa counties succeed in advancing economic development.

Battle said workforce development is a huge deal with 2.3 percent unemployment. The Huntsville area uses the two- and four-year colleges nearby to help but said recruitment starts even before college education.

“You have to make an investment in education,” Battle said.

Ten years ago, the Huntsville and Madison

was good for a 12-yard touchdown to pull Reeltown within one.

But instead of kicking an extra point despite having one of the most reliable kickers in the state, the Rebels went a different direction. They decided to go for two.

“He just had confidence, I guess,” Reeltown senior Cameron Faison said. “I believed in us, and we all believed in each other.”

It looked like it wasn’t going to be the right call though but a flag for holding against Leroy gave the Rebels one last shot. And they delivered. Faison took the handoff from Iverson Hooks and bullied up the middle for the two-point conversion and the 29-28 victory, sending the packed stands at Nix-Webster-O’Neal Stadium into a frenzy.

With the win, Reeltown (13-1) punched its ticket to its first state championship since 2010 and its first under Johnson. ~ Lizi Arbogast

Grants in action at HBS

Industry Growth

Mayors Phil Blasingame, Tommy Spraggins, Tommy Battle, Wayne Smith and Jeff Walker attended the roundtable.

County areas used part of the 27 mils in property tax it collects to build $250 million in new schools, and he said, another $250 million in future school facility projects are planned.

The new schools are crucial in training the upcoming workforce, Battle said.

Other things industries check on according to Battle are things like a 10-year capital plan. ~ Cliff Williams

Officials gathered in New Site last month to see the results of grants issued by the Coosa Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council in the last year.

Coosa Valley RC&D awarded grants to Horseshoe Bend School for the purchase of Google Chromebooks to aid in transition of sixth-graders to the one-to-one technology initiative they will be using next year instead of traditional educational methods and to the Town of New Site to install a fire alarm and life

Funds for School

Alabama State Sen. Tom Whatley (R) speaks with Horseshoe Bend School sixth-grader Jonathan Baker as principal James Aulner looks on.

safety system in the renovated gym.

Richards was accompanied by state Sen. Tom Whatley and state house Rep. Ed Oliver who have served in the military, so they were interested in that day’s lesson on World War I and President Woodrow Wilson. ~ Cliff Williams Lake Martin Living 9

Best of America

by Horseback advocates for Girls Ranch STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY JOHN DENNEY

T

he Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch in Camp Hill recently launched a horseback riding program, which caught the eye of Tom Seay, host of Best of America by Horseback.

Seay visited the ranch in June and was so impressed with the organization’s residential program for neglected and abused girls that he returned in November to film a Best of America Benefit Ride to lend additional exposure and support.

On the weekend of Nov. 8-10, more then 35 riders from around the country participated in this inaugural event. Many camped on the ranch grounds and participated in an obstacle course clinic by Ed Dabney; chatted with Dr. Rebecca Legere about horse care; learned about handmade horseshoe forging; took part in a beginner roping clinic and were treated to open trail rides.

Registration was $125 per rider, which included the primitive camping, dinner on two nights, a barn dance and participation in the clinics and rides. One hundred percent of registration proceeds benefited the Girls Ranch.

“This event was a huge success because of the support we received from our volunteers and community businesses,” said Candice Gulley, Girls Ranch director.

Seay travels the country showcasing trail riding locations, and his wife, Pat Seay, produces the TV show, Best of America by Horseback. The show is aired on RFD-TV and also can be viewed at bestofamericabyhorseback.com.

Eddie Adams, who has been riding for more than 60 years and volunteering with the Girls Ranch for about 30, began cutting and clearing woods on the several thousands of available acres in September in preparation for the benefit ride. With the help of dozens of volunteers, the ranch now has Weekend of Riding about 15 miles of trails, including a few Guests were treated creek crossings. to three days of “We wanted to create an opportunity rides on the newly for families to have good fun and raise created 15 miles of money for a good cause. It’s a win-win,” trails through woods and over creeks said Adams.

Alexander City resident Tubby Hand during a benefit for the Tallapoosa participated in the benefit ride but County Girls Ranch. previously was not aware of the Girls

Ranch or its mission.

“I’ve been riding for about 25 years and heard about this ride and location in The Outlook,” said Hand. “I figured I’d come down and check it out. They have some great trails. I hope it turns into something they do annually.”

Four of the girls that live on the ranch have been practicing horseback riding basics since the program’s inception about 10 months ago. During the benefit ride, they were able to demonstrate their drill skills by horseback in an opening ceremony alongside Southern Cross Drill Team, the Auburn High School Band and guest speaker Todd Rauch.

“During the benefit ride, several participants made very generous donations of tack, saddles, clothing, food and monetary support for the Girls Ranch horse program,” said Gulley.

Sheriff Sid and Sharon Lockhart catered Saturday night dinner with entertainment from Tina Marie’s group singers.

An agricultural science class from Reeltown High School built the obstacle course for Dabney’s clinic using lumber donated by Alabama Georgia Wood Preserving Company.

“We are also thankful for the support from the Tallapoosa Sheriff’s Department, EMA and the emergency response team. We had volunteer medics on site throughout the entire weekend, ensuring the safety of our participants,” said Gulley.

The horse program at the Girls Ranch was initiated when the girls living there visited Stratford Equestrian in Waverly.

“The hype all started when the girls came out to the farm for a clinic,” said Holly Brown, manager of Stratford Equestrian. “They’ve been doing the basics for almost a year and now can execute what they’ve learned. We’ll just keep 12 Lake Martin Living

trucking forward, and I’m happy Equestrian Education Top left: Horseback to help out as I can.”

The benefits of implementing riders came from all over the U.S. to a program that teaches horse participate in this care, training and riding on the inaugural event; Top working farm are extraordinary. right: Guests attended “Riding builds confidence demos and clinics; and helps with anxiety and Right: The barn houses depression. It gives the girls four horses owned by the Girls Ranch for its something to work toward and see the results of that work,” said new horse program.

Brown. “The program is huge.

Anytime you have animals involved, it’s great therapy just to be around them and feel pride and encouragement. It’s massive for these kids.”

The Girls Ranch horse program started out with girls taking their lessons at Stratford. Now, the Girls Ranch has four horses. Gulley said they are working on expanding and seeding the horse pasture to accommodate a few more.

Double D Animal Rescue has donated feed for the horses over the last year.

Brown works with the girls weekly and exposes them to different techniques, including English, Western and drill.

“They’ve got great personalities, and they are excited and want to learn,” said Brown.

Walker Lands and Cattle recently donated a new stock trailer. Volunteers with Dixie Plumbing and Electric installed 1,200 feet of plumbing to get fresh water in each of the horse paddocks and the horse barn. Russell Building Supply donated the plumbing supplies and hydrants needed. The

girls had previously been hauling gallons of water up to the barn each day.

Some of the younger girls are now interested in the horse program as well, Brown said, and they would start out at Stratford in a more controlled training environment. The ultimate goal would be to have the experienced girls train the next group of riders.

“We have girls who have worked diligently, learning the basics of horsemanship, participating in trail rides and learning flag drills. All of this excitement from the benefit ride weekend sparked an interest in some of our other children to become more involved with the horses,” said Gulley.

The Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Girls Ranch opened in 1973 and shelters abused, neglected or abandoned schoolaged girls in houses with married couples. They learn responsibilities of life on the 200-acre working ranch in home atmospheres. The families go to church together, eat meals together and learn what it’s like to be loved in a healthy environment.

Former Girls Ranch Director Jimmy Harmon said, “We receive about $60 per month per child, so we have to farm, sell cattle and do these other things to put food on the table.”

Teya Wallace, a prior rancher, is now a spokesperson for the Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch and shares her story with others to spread awareness. Wallace was unwanted by her father and stepmother and found a loving home with her house parents at the ranch.

“It was an instant relief when I got there. The weight came off my shoulders, and I was happy to be there. I knew I was

safe and people loved me,” said Wallace.

Wallace now is attending Auburn University and studying communications.

“I think this horse program is beneficial for the girls. It’s going to provide a more positive outlook for them. Horses create an opportunity to become better friends, closer as sisters and show that the bond they have will be something that sticks with them for the rest of their lives,” said Wallace.

Cindy Saylor started volunteering at the ranch a few months ago after a couple she knew became house parents.

She’s taught the girls how to make wreaths, which they sell to raise money for the ranch, and assists with whatever is needed from office work to sorting donations and more.

“It’s a wonderful organization and does great things for people who need a home and a place to come and learn how to be loved,” said Saylor. “Whether it’s horseback riding or something else, these girls are restored with therapy, and they learn to attain life goals and life skills.”

The Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch is currently looking for sponsorships for its four horses to help cover veterinary expenses. It also is looking for those interested in donating supplies, including hoof and wound care supplies, fly spray, anti-fungal spray, tack and leather cleaner, saddle pads/ blankets, breast collars, back girths and straps. Donations can be mailed or delivered to 174 Samford Dr., Camphill AL 36850.

For more information about the Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch, visit the Facebook page or at the website at sheriffsranch.org/Tallapoosa.

Lake Martin Living 13

Local students strive to impact the future of farming

I

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSICA HODNETT, CLINT BURGESS, JOSH WILLIAMS & WHITNEY WILLIS

n a sea of blue jackets, students from four local high schools Tallapoosa County teams traveled with 266 people from 29 last month networked with other agriculture students, Alabama schools on charter buses with stops at the Indianapolis explored more than 400 exhibits and received accolades in Motor Speedway, Churchill Downs and Grand Ole Opry.

Indianapolis, Indiana, at the 92nd Annual National Future “The purpose of the convention is to come together and meet Farmers of America Convention and Expo. each other. Anything that has to do with agriculture is there, Known as one of the from companies, colleges largest conventions in the and more,” said Burgess.

U.S., the conference united “There are programs, some 70,000 members of workshops, career this widely popular studentdevelopment events – plenty led organization to celebrate to keep us busy.” accomplishments, inspire The career expo sets up and educate on future in Lucas Oil Stadium and opportunities. covers more than 253,000 “Every state is represented square feet. at the four-day convention, This was the first year including the Virgin Islands Benjamin Russell High and Puerto Rico,” said Clint School went as a team to Burgess, Reeltown FFA compete in the convention. advisor. “They all wear their The agriculture mechanics uniformed blue corduroy team won at the state jackets proudly throughout level in June and went on Competing Nationally the convention, showing to compete nationally, Top: Horseshoe Bend FFA students MacKenzie Willoughby, their states and chapter representing Alabama. They names on the back. You can Alyssa Milford, Annie Cate Claybrook, Drew Eason, Savannah received a silver medal, Peoples and Alyssa Whiteard attend the conference; Above: see where everyone comes which placed them between Jade Whaley, Allison Fuller, Maggie Cannon, Ka'Shiya McKinney, from, and it’s just a sea of Nos. 13 and 28. advisor Clint Burgess, Andy May, Lincoln Nunn and Connor blue.”

“I was proud of them,” Denning represent Reeltown's FFA program in Indianapolis.

14 Lake Martin Living

Tallapoosa County Teams said John Williams, BRHS FFA Top: BRHS FFA's agricultural advisor. “Everything that was mechanics team, Wyatt under our control that they could Allen, Reed Scott, Colton do well on, they did.”

Allen and Jackson The four BRHS mechanics McMichen, won at team members are Colton Allen, the state level. Below: Reed Scott, Jackson McMichen Kimberly Wilson, Anna and Wyatt Allen, and BRHS Stephens, Seth Atkins, Korey Hall and Aidan officers Allie Broom and Landon McCullars stand outside Daniel went through leadership the career expo. workshops at the convention.

“We had nine individual awards that were state champions and competing on the national level. Six placed silver and three made bronze,” said Williams.

“Our goal next year is to have more gold-place finishes.”

Attending from Horseshoe Bend School were students MacKenzie Willoughby, Alyssa Milford, Annie Cate Claybrook, Drew Eason, Savannah Peoples and Alyssa Whiteard. The team received three stars on its national chapter award, which only 10 schools in the state receive, said HSB FFA advisor Jessica Hodnett.

“The national chapter award is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization,” she said.

The school’s biggest accomplishment was being selected as one of the top five chapters in Alabama, and four of HSB’s teams qualified to compete on the state level in June.

Dadeville High School FFA sent five students to the national convention and scored in the top 50 percent at the district competition, competing in forestry in October. In attendance at the national convention were Kimberly Wilson, Anna Stephens, Seth Atkins, Korey Hall and Aidan McCullars.

One of the convention’s goals is to inspire schools to implement new tactics and techniques and offer new ideas. Last year, Reeltown FFA was motivated to mimic an aquaponics garden they had seen at the national convention in 2018. This is the process of growing fish, feeding them and implementing a system that converts waste into nitrate for plants. There is no soil involved.

“It’s a really neat working thing for the kids to see and put their hands on. We have 650 gallons in a greenhouse at the school,” said Burgess.

After receiving a grant from the Coosa Valley RCFD, Reeltown was able to acquire the necessary supplies for its aquaponics setup.

Reeltown’s six FFA chapter officers attended the convention.

“This trip has become an annual tradition since 2013 for Reeltown,” said Burgess.

Reeltown FFA member Ka’Shiya McKinney traveled with the Alabama State FFA Association, fulfilling her role as Alabama State FFA Reporter – one of six elected state offices. McKinney serves as a voting delegate from Alabama and attends delegate business meetings.

“This year, the delegates at the national convention challenged the National FFA Board of Directors to grow the Local Program Success staff to more adequately serve the states. They also proposed a realignment to the ‘We are FFA’ branding to focus on production agriculture, as well as resources to urban agriculture programs,” said Burgess.

“Tallapoosa County is really involved with FFA, and I’m impressed with all we’ve managed to accomplish here.”

Lake Martin Living 15

Poinsettia The flower of Christmas stems from many legendary tales

16 Lake Martin Living

O

f all the plants and decorations at Christmas time, I cannot name anything more beautiful and cherished than the poinsettia. Yes, the boughs of holly are nice; the evergreen wreaths are pretty; and a real Christmas tree is a must, but the poinsettia is the most festive and also is my favorite.

Maybe it’s the red and green Christmas-themed colors or maybe it’s the horticulturist in me who prefers real live plants. Either way, the poinsettia is the flower of Christmas and is the most popular flowering potted plant sold in the United States.

Garden Talk

Shane Harris

Lake Martin Living 17

The poinsettia is named for Joel Roberts Poinsett, a South Carolina native, who was the first United States Ambassador to Mexico in the 1820s. He is credited for introducing the poinsettia into the U.S. He collected cuttings from the plants and sent them back home to South Carolina where he began growing them in his greenhouses.

Poinsett may have shared them with friends and introduced the poinsettia to the Bartram Botanical Garden in Philadelphia in 1828. Robert Buist, a Philadelphia nurseryman and florist, saw the potential of the newly introduced poinsettia and named it after Joel Poinsett.

Apparently, the poinsettia was not sold as a potted flowering plant until the 1900s. The Ecke family of Southern California is credited with being the first to begin producing and selling them in the United States. Dec. 12 is designated as National Poinsettia Day, named in honor of Joel Poinsett, who died on that day in 1851.

The wilder version of poinsettias are native to Central America – from Mexico to southern Guatemala – where they flower during the winter. Down there, they are considered small perennial shrubs that are less compact and can grow up to 15 feet tall. The ancient Aztecs may have considered it sacred and called the plant ‘Cuetlaxochitl,’ meaning flower that grows in residues or soil. They were believed to have used the poinsettias’ red leaves (known as bracts) to make purple dye for clothes and used the milky white sap for medicine to treat fevers.

How and why poinsettias first became associated with Christmas can be traced back to various sources and legends. Most reference poinsettias as prized Christmas flowers that began in 17th century Mexico. Although there are various versions of the details, the tale recounts a poor young child who was unable to buy a gift for baby Jesus at the village’s church celebration of Jesus’ birthday.

Heartbroken, the child was inspired to find any gift for

18 Lake Martin Living

the Christmas child, knowing that the most humble gift, if given in love, would be accepted. The child was directed by an angel to gather a handful of common weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar and Nativity scene. As the child’s tears fell upon the weeds, suddenly, the bouquet burst into brilliant crimson flowers resembling a star. The event was considered by all to be a Christmas miracle. From then on, the weeds or poinsettias have been known as “Flores de Noche Buena,” or Flowers of the Holy Night.

Some say that in the 17th century, Franciscan friars in Mexico began to include the plants in their Christmas celebrations. The star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem that the wisemen followed to find Jesus, and the red color of the leaves represents the sacred blood of Christ. Today, the poinsettia is known in Mexico and Guatemala as “Flor de Nochebuena,” the Christmas Eve Flower.

Modern growth methods and breeding techniques have produced the small potted poinsettia that exists today.

Although most Christmas poinsettias are deep, vibrant red and green, there is a wide array of other colors, including pink, white, orange, marbled, pale green, speckled and cream. Many people are surprised to learn that the colorful parts of poinsettias are not really flowers. The red leaves are called bracts Flor de Nochebuena and are actually Preceeding Pages: Nearly modified leaves.

800,000 poinsettias are grown at The poinsettias’ Young's Plant Farm in Auburn and flowers are very distributed to local stores; Below: small, green Though the plants come in a variety or yellow and of colors, red is the most popular; situated in the Facing Page: Used for decorating, middle of the the flowers will last as long as six weeks with moderate care. bracts.

Buying a high-quality poinsettia will help you have a beautiful plant throughout the Christmas holiday season and beyond. Start first by selecting a good plant without many flaws. A quality poinsettia should appear full with uniformly dark green leaves attached from the colored bracts. The leaves themselves should be completely free of diseases and insects. Don’t buy a poinsettia that has damaged, disfigured, shriveled or yellowed leaves, stems or bracts.

Choose one that has foliage all the way to the base of the plant and can support its own weight without the need for a string or wire.

The chosen plant should have flowers that are just beginning to open, or better still, the plant should have fully colored bracts with the flower buds still tightly closed.

The appearance of the plant will begin to decline somewhat after the flowers have fully opened and have fallen off.

Before leaving the store, ask for a protective sleeve to save the plant from wind, rain or frigid temperatures as you transport it. Don’t buy a plant that has been stored in a sleeve or that looks wilted when wet. This is a condition called epinasty from which the plant will not recover. A blast of cold air of less than 50 degrees will severely shock the plant and may result in leaf drop.

After bringing the poinsettia home, there are several steps to take to keep it healthy and flowering. While all plants and flowers have limited lives, you should be able to enjoy a poinsettia for four to six weeks.

A poinsettia could add beauty to a home throughout the holiday season if placed in an optimal location for its growing needs. Even if such a location is not the most prominent place to display it, you can put the plant on display when you have company; then, place it back in its growing spot later.

Poinsettias thrive where they receive six hours of bright, but not direct, sunlight each day. Direct sunlight could discolor the bracts. On the other hand, low light could cause the plant to lose some of its leaves. Consider displaying it in

a shady location like the dining room table but keeping it near a sunny window.

Water often, as the poinsettia needs it, especially when the potting mix becomes visibly dry or the potted plant feels much lighter in weight. If allowed to dry out too much, the plant will wilt and drop its leaves. Conversely, a poinsettia will not tolerate extreme moisture or standing in water. This could result in root rot, which will cause the plant to decline.

Keep poinsettias away from drafts and other major temperature changes – such as near doors, windows and even heat vents. Excess heat will cause the leaves to yellow and fall off and the flower bracts to fade early. Try to maintain the room temperature at no higher than 70 degrees.

The poinsettia is a perennial plant, so it can live for many years; however, the average span of time in which a poinsettia is most attractive in the home is two to four weeks. With excellent care, it could last from six to eight weeks.

The maturity of the plant when it was purchased also plays a role in its longevity. To maintain a poinsettia beyond the Christmas season, it requires some attention on a regular basis.

For the most beautiful poinsettia during the holidays, it is usually best to buy new plants that have been professionally grown. Some people enjoy the challenge of re-flowering the plants they have kept from Christmas, but even when re-flowering is successfully achieved, the plant is usually of inferior quality to those purchased each year.

The legend and living beauty of the poinsettia is indeed wonderful and unique. The flower of Christmas is unlike all other decorations and deserves special prominence and recognition. I hope you enjoy its divine beauty and glory this season.

Merry Christmas to you all! ~ Shane Harris is the Tallapoosa County Extension Coordinator for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Contact him at 256-825-1050 or visit aces.edu/Tallapoosa.

Lake Martin Living 19

Appreciating the game A

From the Tee

person who seeks to be a true master I was going to be able to spend an afternoon with in his chosen profession should know a gentleman who I admired, and that was good the history of the trade. Engineers that enough for me. design high-rise oceanfront condos best I met him at his home around 10 a.m. When I be aware of the catastrophes of the past. Golf course arrived, he had his station wagon packed with some superintendents have learned that certain things groceries for a day at the lake. I had only been to need to be done to their courses at certain times of Lake Martin a couple of times, so as we made our the year to avail the best course conditions. These way from Montgomery, I had no idea where we lessons are learned by studying history of chosen were or where we were going. I recall us driving professions. through Wetumpka on U.S. Highway 231; and I believe people are more apt to fall in love with then, I am certain that we made our way up state the game of golf, if they know some background on Route 63. We then went off another road until we the sport. The younger generations have difficulty arrived at one of those roads that had a sign with truly appreciating players from earlier days, due to multiple property owners’ names painted on them. a number of factors: The lack of discussion of golf’s Smallwood was somewhere on that sign. history in the golf media today; they cannot fathom I remember that we took what seemed to be a how a player could be considered great when he hundred sharp left and right turns before we came Dave Jennings drove the ball only 265 yards with a driver; and upon his graveled driveway. The driveway was quite they’ve never used a wooden-headed driver with a steep, leading to the cabin; and then, farther down steel shaft hitting a balata ball. to the lake. I hoped that the car wasn’t going to skid I experienced one of my earliest lessons on the history of golf down the gravel path and have us end up in the water, but Mr. from Hank Smallwood, head golf professional at Bonnie Crest Smallwood had made that entrance countless times and sure Country Club in Montgomery. enough, he parked his station wagon just where he wanted it.

Some of Alabama’s best players cut their teeth on this golf When we got out of the car, Mr. Smallwood asked me to course, including PGA Tour players Mac McClendon, Bill grab the brown paper grocery bags as he made his way up the Rogers and Buddy Gardner. Tremendous amateur players steps to unlock the cabin and turn on the water. In the kitchen, also called Bonnie Crest home, including Ed Brown, Buddy I unloaded the grocery bags to find a loaf of bread, potato chips, Carothers, Emile Vaughn, Steve and Wes Campbell and a long peanut butter, jelly, peanuts, a couple sodas and four six-packs of host of others.

Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Mr. Smallwood was one of the few golf pros that hosted I don’t recall whether his boat was not working well or if he an annual junior golf tournament open to any young golfer. even had a boat at all, but rather than go for a boat ride, we sat During that time, there were no junior tours and few junior on the cabin’s covered deck. Facing the water, we spent the day tournaments. talking, with an oscillating fan blowing toward us. We both had I visited Bonnie Crest when I was about 19 years old, and Mr. a couple PB&J sandwiches. Mr. Smallwood drank his beer, and I Smallwood, who must have been in his early 60s, invited me to drank the soda. accompany him for the day at his cabin on Lake Martin. This Mr. Smallwood spent the day quizzing me on my knowledge was around 1975 after my father had passed away. I had no idea of the history of golf. I was pleased with myself whenever I could if Mr. Smallwood was going to take me for a boat ride to show answer one of his questions, but for the most part, he stumped me the lake or what his plans were, but I believed he felt I needed me. I was being educated. He talked about former players dating some adult consulting after losing my dad. All I knew was that back to the 19th century. He talked about how the game had 20 Lake Martin Living

evolved from earlier years to the 1970s. We talked about the majors and older players, some who he knew, had seen or had played with and a host of others about whom he recalled stories.

It was a day of history lessons that I will never forget. He suggested that if I was going to become a golf professional that I needed to learn and study the history of the sport. That day, I gained a deeper affection for the game of golf.

To me, golf’s history makes the game so much more interesting. I feel a responsibility to pique the interest of my players by educating them on the history of golf. Last week, I gave my golf team a 10-question quiz to see what they knew. I was pleased when they answered any questions correctly.

Let’s see how well you do. The answers will be at the end of the article.

1. Who is known as the Father of the overlapping grip?

2. Alistair McKenzie is mostly known for this.

3. Before the Golf Hall of Fame was moved to Florida, its home was where?

4. Gutta-Percha relates to what?

5. Who was the player-captain for the USA in the first Ryder Cup? 6. Who created the sand wedge?

7. Before graphite and steel shafts, shafts were made from this material.

8. Name the first company in Japan to produce golf clubs.

9. In 1421, golf in Scotland was banned because it conflicted with this activity.

10. In golf, an Albatross refers to what?

If you have children or grandchildren or friends who are taking up the game, give them a taste of the game’s history. If they learn how the game has evolved, they may gain a greater

Raining Dogs_Magazine Ad_092919-FINAL-print.indd 1

interest in it and become more devoted.

To learn more about the game of golf, I gave each member of my golf team a topic on which to write a two-page paper. In early December, they stood in front of the team and were able to speak about and answer questions on their topics. The nine subjects they reported on were: five architects of famous golf courses; evolution of the golf ball; how to become a class “A” golf professional; what exactly the USGA does; history of the four major championships; golf club evolution; the influence electric and gasoline carts have made on the game today; five famous putter designers; and The Walker Cup. It is my hope that this will spur their interest in learning more about where the game of golf has come from.

Golf is a game that has a long and beautiful history full of interesting characters and athletes. The best of the best players in the world know their trades’ histories. Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Ben Crenshaw all are golf historians. Besides their amazing careers, they are students of the game. Not only is golf a lovely walk in the park, it is also the host of many interesting and exciting stories. Read up on the past; you’ll find stories that will astound you.

Answers for the golf history quiz: 1. Harry Vardon; 2. Golf course architect of Augusta National Golf Club; 3. Pinehurst, North Carolina; 4. The golf ball in the mid-1800s; 5. Walter Hagen; 6. Gene Sarazen; 7. Hickory; 8. Mizuno; 9. Archery practice; 10. A double-eagle.

Merry Christmas to one and all, and go Trojans! ~ Dave Jennings is the men’s golf coach at Central Alabama Community College.

Lake Martin9/29/19 Living 21 5:11 PM

Local prospectors chapter reinstated on newly leased land

P

anning for gold conjures up visions of the Gold Rush days of the mid-1800s in California, but the truth is that gold is present right here in Tallapoosa County. The Auburn Alabama Prospectors Chapter recently leased land in the southern part of the county for gold dredging.

State Director of the Gold Prospectors Association of America Adam Broach wanted to re-invigorate a local chapter that had dwindled years ago. With permission from the national GPAA headquarters, Broach found a piece of land to lease and re-instated the group earlier this year.

“I’ve always been infatuated with history, which led me to research gold in Alabama around the Lake Martin area,” said Broach, whose ancestors settled in the Reeltown area after the Civil War. His maternal great-grandparents from the Lumpkin family have a long history of working in gold mines and panning for gold during the Great Depression for extra cash. Broach’s great-great uncle Joseph Henry Lumpkin tried to encourage miners to continue their gold search locally instead of migrating to California with the droves. “‘There’s gold in them thar hills.’ It was my ancestor Joseph Henry that originally coined that phrase,” said Broach, who grew up in Notasulga and graduated from Notasulga High School.

With his deep-rooted history and passion for gold dredging, Broach has been in the business for nearly 20 years and currently dredges on about 3/4-mile of Saugahatchee Creek, located on the 10 acres of land leased by the local prospectors chapter.

The area started out as a four-wheeler path only, but now there is an open walking path. The master plan is to eventually turn it into a campground with a meeting area off the entrance and a dredge launch, said Broach.

Currently, any member of the local chapter or the national GPAA has access to the leased land, and Broach has seen families come from Rhode Island, Florida, Georgia and more.

“It’s free to members to come use the land. They can camp and prospect. All the gold they find, they keep,” said Broach.

The value of gold is measured in grams, with one gram being worth about $45, he said. This means one ounce of gold is valued at around $1,400.

“It depends on your skill level, machinery and luck, really, to determine how much you can find at one time,” said Broach.

The Tallapoosa County area holds mostly small, 22 Lake Martin Living

The Quest for Gold STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY AMY PASSARETTI & ADAM BROACH

fine pieces of gold, and Broach said the largest solid piece he’s ever uncovered was about 1.5 grams.

The process of dredging uses a suction waterhose to loosen hard pack gravels on the creek floor. The gravel is directed through a sluice box, where a ripple effect catches heavier materials and separates off the lighter stuff. Not only is gold – with a specific gravity of 19 by volume – caught in the sluice box, but also heavy metal contaminates, such as black iron sands, lead or mercury. Remaining gravel is deposited back in holes created in the stream as the dredge moves forward.

“Gold dredgers are also conservationists. We’ve removed hundreds of pounds of lead, mercury and other poisonous materials that can leech out and harm fish,” said Broach. “Some people think we’re polluting the water through gold dredging, but we’re

Filtering Contaminates

Top: AU Prospectors member Warren Wyman demonstrates how the gold dredge sifts through material on the creek's floor and deposits gold and other heavy metals into a sluice box; Right: Dredgers loosen the gravels in the water using a suction hose that is attached to the dredge. The remaining lightweight gravel is deposited back into the stream as the dredge moves forward.

Lake Martin Living 23

actually improving the water quality.”

Removing these metal contaminates from stream beds improves fish habitat and creates spawning beds for fish, said Broach. No chemicals or harmful materials are used in the water to recover gold, he added.

Broach’s dredge is a professional grade Pro Line Gold Dredge with a hose size 6, 5-inch nozzle and two airlines for divers. It can move roughly 20 yards of material per hour and is valued new at about $13,000. Dredge hoses range in size from 2 inches to 8 inches.

There is also a backpack version with a 2-inch hose available for about $2,200, he said.

“Each hose size you go up, you double the yardage of what it will run,” said Broach.

When dredging, Broach recommends finding areas where lead has accumulated and gold will likely be nearby. Placer gold is gold that has been liberated from its host rock and passed through the alluvial plain into creeks, Broach explained.

One explanation as to the existence of gold was that in liquid form, it flowed through the Earth’s bedrock and as it cooled it formed in quartz. The gold was trapped inside the quartz, and through natural erosion, the lode broke free.

24 Lake Martin Living

Benefits and Booty

Top: State Director of the Gold Prospectors Association of America Adam Broach explains the process of dredging for gold and the positive impact it can make on the environment; Left: Gold is found in small forms in Tallapoosa County but is still abundant.

“There’s a debate on how gold got here. The other side believes it came from a meteor that hit the Earth,” said Broach.

Part of the GPAA’s mission is to educate people on gold prospecting and dredging. Last year was the 50th anniversary of the formation of GPAA, which is a family-oriented organization.

Each year, it hosts national outings for members and non-members during days-long excursions. Any gold that is found is split amongst the group.

“We call them digger’s dirt parties. Gold adds up quickly when we all work together,” said Broach.

The local chapter meets every second Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. to dredge together and encourages anyone interested in learning more to try it out.

For more information on gold dredging, contact Adam Broach at 334-401-0471 or email him at adambroachgpaa@gmail.com.

Brian King, M.D.

Stacy Davidson, CRNP

Rob Gathings, M.D.

Surgical Dermatology Group is pleased to announce the opening of our new office in Alexander City, located in the Professional Office Building on the Russell Medical Center campus. Dermatology appointments are available Monday through Thursday with Stacy Davidson, CRNP, as well as Brian King, MD and Rob Gathings, MD who have recently joined Surgical Dermatology Group.

Call us to schedule your annual skin check!

Lake Martin Living 25

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Lake Martin Living 27

Salvaged Charm at St. James Rectory

STORY BY LONNA UPTON PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

28 Lake Martin Living

W

hen the congregation at St. James Episcopal Church in Alexander City decided to expand the footprint of their campus by purchasing property adjacent to the church on South Central Avenue, they encountered crumbling foundations and other deferred maintenance issues in the two homes included in the purchase. Much to their surprise, however, they found more than just decades of wear and tear. They also found beautiful materials in the old homes, especially in the one formerly known as the Lunch Bunch – that made the purchase even sweeter.

“We weren’t sure what we would do with the property once we had it. We knew we needed a level parking lot and a porte-cochere to provide a covered entrance to the church.

We consulted with architectural historians who told us the Lunch Bunch house really had no significant architectural value. We decided to renovate the smaller house to use as a rectory where parish priests and their families could live,” said the Rev. Rob Iler, rector at St. James.

A former building contractor with a keen Delicate Details Left: Mahogany paneling knowledge of design from the old Lunch Bunch and architecture, house was remilled to Iler had a unique create the fireplace mantle perspective during and window trim in the his first tour of the new rectory; Top: Rob Iler old homes. He knew searched for months for exactly what the church the perfect antique stained was getting into, and he glass window. knew any renovation needed to be cost efficient and worth the investment. He also was inspired to incorporate elements of the Lunch Bunch house into the rectory, adding architectural detail and charm to the 1932 craftsman bungalow.

The Church purchased the property in 2017 and began the process of salvaging materials from the Lunch Bunch house and taking the 1,200-square-foot brick cottage down to the studs. As work progressed, passersby witnessed the transformation.

“We used volunteers from the Church to do the work in the beginning. We took materials out of the Lunch Bunch house and stored them all over the place – in the church basement, in a trailer out back, in the house being renovated. Larry McAnally, a local builder and Church member, was instrumental in carrying the vision forward.

We could never have done it without him,” Iler said.

The original cottage floorplan included small rooms,

so the first order of business was to reconfigure the downstairs walls and open the space from the kitchen through the dining room to the living room. The 9-foot ceilings and large window placements in the front and back of the house were left intact to allow natural light, and a double window in the former dining room became French doors leading to a new screened porch.

“The wood used to build the screened porch had been the deck on the other house. We really enjoy that outdoor living space,” said Betsy, Iler’s wife and managing editor of Lake, Lake Martin Living and Elmore County Living magazines.

The renovated kitchen includes a porcelain tile floor and granite countertops. The Ilers selected new appliances, plumbing and light fixtures in the kitchen. Off the kitchen in what had been a large pantry, a laundry room incorporates an antique sink from the Lunch Bunch.

The original oak floors and bead board ceilings in the living and dining rooms enhance the new openconcept floorplan. The bead board and beams in the main living space were painted Sherwin Williams’ Dove White to contrast the Crushed Ice color on the walls. The old brick fireplace, covered over with 1-inch and 3-inch tiles, includes four 6-inch accent tiles that were crafted by the pottery guild at St. James.

Two bedrooms and a full bath downstairs are just off a hallway from the main living area. The original pine floors in that area were refinished, and the bead board ceilings were sanded and clear coated. Doors with the original, still working, transoms were painted Dove White.

“All of the door frames, window frames and baseboards downstairs were milled from mahogany paneling found in a den at the Lunch Bunch house. It was beautiful wood that just needed to be planed and a coat of polyurethane added to highlight the natural beauty and grain in the wood. We also brought over solid wood doors that are over a hundred years old. We changed out the hardware and painted them to contrast with the mahogany,” Iler said.

A solid mahogany door that had been used as a desktop in the Lunch Bunch became the rectory’s front door. Mahogany stair treads, also of re-milled mahogany from the paneled Lunch Bunch room, and square, handturned balusters created an impressive stairway, visible from the living room, for second-floor access.

“The house had two front doors – one into the living room and one into a small bedroom. We took out the door into the bedroom and added a stained glass window.

Lake Martin Living 29

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Lake Martin Living 31

Salvaged Material

Previous Pages: The wood used to build the screened porch came from the deck of the other house that was on site; Clockwise from left: The balusters, mahogany treads and chandelier in the rectory stairwell were salvaged from the Lunch Bunch; Members of the pottery guild at St. James crafted the accent tiles in the brick fireplace; The original bead board ceilings in the downstairs bedrooms were sanded and clear coated; An antique claw-foot tub was rescued from the Lunch Bunch house, and its original plumbing was restored to working order; The new rectory was painted white to match the church with a red door that symbolizes hospitality; Facing Page: The downstairs is an open-concept layout from the kitchen to the dining room and living room.

32 Lake Martin Living

With a wall removed to open the area to the living room, that former bedroom space became the stairwell. The balusters were all hand-cut – they were produced before electricity was common in the region – which would have been quite labor intensive. I searched for months for antique stained glass for the new window that we added where the door used to be,” Iler said.

A frosted glass chandelier that hangs in the stairwell also was salvaged from the house next door.

Originally, only attic space existed upstairs, with a cantilevered pull-down stairway behind the original kitchen as the only access. Using Iler’s vision for the home, a loft at the top of the stairs now provides home office space for the couple but could be used as a playroom or converted into another bedroom for a future clergy family with just a few modifications. The original gable roofline of the attic, which ran the length of the original house, remains for the loft. A new master bedroom and bath upstairs added 600 square feet of living space. The slope on the left roofline remains, but a long dormer raised the roof several feet and extended the home’s southeast side upstairs.

The bathroom includes a cast iron claw foot bathtub that was rescued from the Lunch Bunch house. After several days of cleaning and a coat of dark gray paint on the outside, the antique is another showcase piece in the home. Iler wanted to use the tub’s original plumbing fixtures, so he invested many evenings in restoring them to working order.

“We researched 1930s craftsman architecture for the

finishes. Decorator Nan Jackson helped us with design details and colors as well – and Rob has a great eye. He would narrow the choices for the finishes; then, we would choose them together,” said Betsy.

About 18 months into the project, exhaustion had set in, and Church members suggested hiring a second contractor to speed up the finish.

“We needed help, so builder Rick Jones was hired with his crew to help complete the job. They did a great job,” Iler said.

The renovated rectory is a brick home, painted white to match the church, as it is now part of a campus that will soon be expanding. The door on the front of the house was painted red, a tradition in the Episcopal Church, signifying hospitality and welcome. And when the Ilers moved in a few months ago, the congregation held a house blessing.

“A house blessing is important in the Episcopal Church. The congregation gathers in the home, and we offer prayers of thanksgiving. We offered thanks for everyone who worked on the project. We travelled as a group from room to room, and as the priest, I used a pine bough to sprinkle holy water in each room as we said special prayers,” Iler said.

As an ex-contractor, and more importantly, as the spiritual leader of the Alexander City St. James community, Iler joyfully followed this project from the ground up, watching the work of many hands, including his own, salvage the past to make it beautiful again for future generations.

Lake Martin Living 33

Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

COUNTDOWN TO MIDNIGHT AT NEW YEAR'S EVE CASINO NIGHT

Ring in 2020 with friends, fun and games at Lake Martin Young Professionals’ second annual New Year’s Eve Casino Night. After a hugely successful event last year, the YPs will once again host its New Year’s Eve party open to the public on Dec. 31 at The Mill Two Eighty from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Valley Bank will be the presenting sponsor, along with gold sponsor Lake Martin Signature Construction and silver sponsor Alex City Glass Co. Allegiance Casino Events and Game Rentals will bring authentic casino games, complete with chips, dealers and the full casino atmosphere from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Games will include blackjack, Texas hold ’em, three-card poker, craps and roulette.

“We are adding a few more of the most popular tables this year. If we’re going to have a party, we want there to be enough to go around,” said Jacob Meacham, Alexander City Chamber of Commerce vice president of business development. “There will be two more blackjack tables, one more poker table and an additional roulette.”

Tickets are $50 each, which includes $1,000 in chips to play the casino games, plus live entertainment

by Namrehs Productions from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.; food available until 11 p.m.; and there will be a champagne toast 34 Lake Martin Living

with a countdown to midnight.

Ocie & Belle’s cash bar will be on site serving up cocktails and beverages until midnight.

Cash in remaining chips between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. for raffle tickets and chances to win some great prizes. Prizes will be announced around 11 p.m.

Last year, tickets sold out before the event, so be sure to purchase from the limited supply early. Guests must be aged 21 years old or over to attend, and no outside food or beverages are permitted.

“We did sell out ahead of time, and at this point, we’re outpacing sales from the same time last year,” Play to Win said Meacham.

Top: Purchase Attendees tickets online at take to the lakemartinyp. dance floor com/casinonight once the casino games or in person at wrap up for the the Alexander night; Lindsay City Chamber of Meacham, Commerce, 175 Whitney Aliant Pkwy. or Dunaway, Alana at Ocie & Belle’s, Collingsworth 41 Main St. in and Bess Granger Alexander City. celebrate in style.

Dec. 19

State of Healthcare

The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will hold a State of Healthcare at 11:30 a.m. at the Betty Carol Graham Center at Central Alabama Community College. The luncheon will feature updates by Jim Peace, president and CEO at Russell Medical. Tickets are $10 and reservations are required. Call 256-234-3461 or email kim.dunn@ alexandercitychamber.com to make reservations.

Dec. 20

Santa Visits Carlisle’s

Santa Claus is coming to Carlisle’s, 12 Main St. in Alexander City, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. He will visit the soda fountain to take pictures and sit and talk with the children.

Dec. 21

The Rodeo Club Christmas Party

The Rodeo Club, 10268 county Road 34 in Dadeville, will host a Christmas Party featuring music artist Rainz starting at 9 p.m.

Dec. 31

Rainz New Year’s Eve Party

The Rodeo Club, 10268 county Road 34 in Dadeville, will hold a New Year’s Eve party starting at 9 p.m.with featured artist Rainz. The venue will be open until 2 a.m.

Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve Soiree at Pursell Farms

Pursell Farms in Sylacauga will ring in the new “roaring ’20s” with dinner, dessert, dancing and a secret SPeakeasy Soiree. The party starts at 6:30 p.m., and the cost is $95 per person.

Jan. 4

A Night of Squeaky Clean Comedy

Doors will open at 5 p.m. for a 6 p.m. showtime at Cooper Community Center, 625 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Alexander City. This will be a night of entertainment from Stephon Smith, Patrick Washington, Aunt Mable, Asher Havon, Broziski McElrath, Andrea Carlisle, Hwy. 22 E Podcast, Marquita and more.

Sponsors and vendors are welcomed.

Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the

door; and $20 for VIP table seating.

Purchase tickets at Bentons Beauty Supply and For Heaven Sakes Book Store in downtown Alexander City.

Jan. 11

Wind Creek Trail Series

Wind Creek State Park will host the first of six qualifying fishing tournaments for the OGS Wind Creek Series at 5 a.m. Entry is $130 and is open to any level of angler.

For more information, visit the Wind Creek Trail Event Facebook page.

Jan. 13-18

Missoula Children’s Theatre

The McCraney-Cottle Arts Council will host auditions for children on Jan. 13 at 3 p.m. at the Tallassee High School Auditorium. Children from all area schools are invited.

Jan. 13-24

Martin Luther King Jr. Display

The Concerned Parents for Academic and Community Excellence will host a historical display regarding the history of Martin Luther King Jr. inside the lobby of Alexander City City Hall.

The public is welcome to explore the display during City Hall’s hours of operation.

Jan. 16

Little House Show

Liz Brasher will take the indoor stage at Standard Deluxe in Waverly at 7:30 p.m. Supper will be served in the FeedShak at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15, and seating is limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit StandardDeluxe.com.

Jan. 20

Martin Luther King Day

Nathan A. Stephens Elementary School Principal Dr. Mary Halloway will be the guest speaker at the annual community-wide Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at 11 a.m. at the Stephens Elementary School gym. This program will follow the parade, which begins at 9 a.m. and rolls through downtown Alexander City.

Dec. 21

Cookies & Milk with Mr. and Mrs. Claus

Blue Ribbon Dairy Farm, 5290 Chana Creek Rd. in Tallassee, will host a day of cookies and milk with Santa from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Jan. 23

Sail On: A Beach Boys Tribute Band

The Alexander City Arts will host Sail On, a Beach Boys tribute band, at Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. The group will perform Beach Boys’ classics and some treasures from the band’s extended catalogue. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door or online at brownpapertickets.com or alexcityarts.org. For information, email alexcityarts@gmail.com or call Marry Wood Perry at 256-749-8073.

Season-Long Events Millerville Trade Day

Bibb Graves School on state Route 9 hosts this trade day on the third Saturday of every month from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. with free outside setup for vendors, yard sale, flea market and swap meet items (no food vendors).

Donations from sales to BGHS Alumni and Friends Association would be appreciated. There will be a designated area to bring vehicles for sale with $20 donation to BGHSAFA upon sale. For information, contact Bruce Lowery at 205-522-5794.

Library Storytime in Dadeville

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

Children’s Library in Alexander City

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

Lake Martin Living 35

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.

Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit

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

$20 on the 20th

The Lake Martin Dadeville Area asks our community to spend $20 on the 20th of each month to help our local economy.

Memory Makers Quilt Guild

This group meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex Senior Center. Participants come and go between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. with a business meeting at 5 p.m., followed by show-and-tell. Bring sewing projects, machines and questions.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Located on state Route 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 at Jake’s

Play charity bingo at Jake’s Restaurant at 16 Broad St., Alexander City, at 6 p.m. every Thursday night.

Cards are $1, and proceeds benefit local charities.

Amateur Radio Club

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

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

Trivia Night at Niffer’s on the Lake

Every Thursday, Niffer’s hosts trivia night at 7 p.m. Winners receive Niffer’s gift cards. First place gets $40; second place gets $25; and third place gets $15.

Grab a group of friends and come out for a night of games. A bonus question is posted on the Niffer’s Facebook page at 2 p.m. Thursdays.

36 Lake Martin Living

Clean Community Partnership Cleanups

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

Coffee & Connections

Every third Tuesday of the month, the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking event at 8 a.m. open to any chamber member.

Participants should meet at the TPI bullpen at the Lake Martin Innovation Center for coffee, a light breakfast and a chance to network with community members.

Open Studio

The Artists Association of Central Alabama meets from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex Senior Center and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays at the Dadeville Senior Center on Columbus St. Beginners are welcome, and there is no charge for open studios. For information, call June Dean at 334-301-5317 or Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.

Charity Bingo at Niffer’s Place Lake Martin

Niffer’s, 7500 state Route 49 in Dadeville, hosts charity bingo every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Cards are $1 each, and funds go to participating charities.

Second Friday Open Mic Night

The Equality Performing Arts Center invites all musicians to its monthly jam sessions on the second Friday of each month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. There is no cover, but donations are greatly appreciated. There will be an intermission for snacks, and people are encouraged to bring a dish to share. The EPAC is located at 560 state Route 9 in Equality. For more information, visit its Facebook page.

To have an event listed in Lake Martin Living’s Calendar of Events, email date, time and details to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com by the first of the month.

Index in Retirement

F

or anyone getting closer to retirement or moderate returns with low levels of risk. Depending already retired, portfolio design dominates on how the annuities are structured, the internal client-advisor conversations. Today, there's fees/expense ratio can be minimal or nothing. another talking point in the mix: bonds Do not confuse this type of annuity with variable yielding very low rates. With this said, how should annuities. An index annuity performance is tied to someone approach portfolio allocation? an index with the money not being invested in the First of all, traditionally speaking, bonds help market but credited based on how the chosen index investors to generate healthy portions of their yearly performs. withdrawals through the yields they Variable annuities are invested in the produce, while stocks help to add growth market and do not give the same level of components and inflation hedges. With downside protection that index annuities yields so low and the price of bonds so give. Also, variable annuities typically high, investors would have a yield-tohave high expense ratios with all-in fees maturity of only a couple of percentage coming in at 3 percent or more in some points. What can one do to help generate cases. more yield/income without undue risk?

Please understand that these products An idea to consider is looking at are not all built the same; therefore, index annuities. Roger Ibbotson, who is it is important to discuss this with an very well known for his work on asset advisor who understands them and allocation, did a study from 1926 to could help determine the right fit per 2016 comparing long-term bonds to person. I believe that in a world where uncapped index annuities. In this study, interest rates are low, bond prices are his research showed that uncapped index high and yield to maturities are at annuities outperformed long-term bonds unattractive levels, it is worth discussing Lee Williams by about .50 percent. (For more context this often-overlooked product as a on this, Google Roger Ibbotson white sleeve of retirement used as a bond paper index annuities). alternative. Annuities could be an integral part of Why is this significant? long-term retirement strategies, providing direction Index annuities offer a level of downside to overcome risks and important optimal benefits to protection that bonds do not; and therefore, are help protect financial futures. considered a safer investment.

Indexed annuities are insurance contracts issued ~ Lee Williams offers products and services through by an insurance company. In issuing these contracts, Nowlin and Associates. He also offers securities it gives the owners of the contracts downside and investment advisory services through Ameritas protection from market losses while tying the Investment Corp. (member FINRA/SIPC), which is underlying performances to indexes. If structured not affiliated with Nowlin and Associates. Contact properly, they can give investors the ability to get him at 334-703-3454.

MONEY MATTERS

Lake Martin Living 37

OH SNAP! 1

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Second Annual Meow

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and Mutt Mingle Nov. 23, 2019 The Mill Two Eighty 1. Kyle and Brooke Hall 2. Mary Jo Johnson, Leslie Loftis and Stephanie Graves 3. Natasha and Steven Pace 4. Angela and Meredith Young 5. Leila Taunton, Tehya Chandler and Maddie Osborne 6. Marcus and Sabrina Osborne, Fran Harvey and Casey Lowe 7. Jimmy and Kathy Skinner, Nick Waters, Jennifer Gilliland and Summer Holman

38 Lake Martin Living

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Denim and Diamonds Charity Ball Nov. 23, 2019 The Rodeo Club, Dadeville 1. Windy and Michael Carter 2. Sandra Carlisle and John McConnell 3. Regina and Ray Porter

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4. GW Warren and Robin Raiford 5. Mike and Paula Hornsby, Michael Baker and Jenny

Moseley 6. Jared and Shellee Smith 7. Betsy and Rob Iler and Lynn Upton

8. Janice and Rob Schuster and Matt and Ann Campbell

Lake Martin Living 39

OH SNAP! 1

2

4

Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Holiday Open House Nov. 17, 2019 Alexander City 1. Hali, Cory, Elodie and Emmaline Clark 2. Kathi Odom and Teresa Crabtree 3. Buffie and Lynley Watts 4. Randy Dawkins, Lizi Arbogast and Santana Wood 5. Jennifer and Mackenzie Gulledge 6. Ollie, Blair, Rossi and Mark Gilliland

40 Lake Martin Living

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Dadeville Tree Lighting Dec. 1, 2019 Courthouse Square, Dadeville 1. Mickey, Carol, Sherri, Anna and Emma Tarpley

with Baby and Smokey 2. Mickey Forbus, Elaine Balint, Sandra Fuller and Ed

Oliver 3. Dorothy Holdridge, Carol Sellers and Al Smith 4. Tom and Diane Connor 5. Terry and April Holdridge 6. Morgan and Kelli McClellan, Wayne and Cooper

Knox, Chris Harris and Brady Knox

Lake Martin Living 41

OH SNAP! 1

2

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Christmas at Crossroads Nov. 29, 2019 Russell Crossroads 1. Sandy Thompson, Denise Graves and Valentino 2. Katherine Hart and Rosie 3. Everett and Lowery Saucer 4. Santa Claus and Miles Lejeune 5. Theresa Hughes and Amber Miller 6. Emma Kathryn Day

7. Micah Brantley 42 Lake Martin Living

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Outdoor Education Center

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Dedication Nov. 21, 2019 Smith Mountain Fire Tower 1. Harold Banks and Kenneth Boone

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2. Jim Crew and Chris Goodman 3. Billy Barrett and Steve Thomas 4. Matt Campbell 5. Mitty Campbell Jr. and Shonte Holley 6. Phillip Jackson and Jimmy Lanier

7. Jerry Bynum and Randy McClendon

Lake Martin Living 43

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

280

18

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

County Roads

14

Horsesh Nation

Jaybird Landing

Flint Hill Church

22

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

Rockford

3

49

128

22

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

Pleasant Grove Church

27

11

9

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

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Smith Landing Willow Point

6

Seman

4 Camp Kiwanis

9

10 1 Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

Ko w

ali

ga

2

19 5

Union Landing

23

Walnut Hill

y

20 26

Stillwaters

7 Ba

24 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

Church in The Pines

80

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing 55

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

8 63 17 9

Equality

231

16

22

57

12 24

Dadev

280

28

Liberty Church

20

Jacksons Gap

25

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

15

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

49

Eclectic Santuck

11 Kent Reeltown

231

14

ELMORE COUNTY

120

14

14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

44 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 33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 4 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

22

5 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853 6 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

hoe Bend nal Park

7 Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600

397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853

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

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 19 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853 20 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454 8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 21 Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847 21322 U.S. Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 36853 22 The Tiny Rabbit 256-307-1998 220 N. Broadnax St., Dadeville, AL 36853

Hotels & Lodges 23 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Restaurants & Venues

CHAMBERS COUNTY

ville 50

Camp Hill

9 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 10 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 11 Acapulco Mexican Grill 334-283-2725 2867 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078

21

ON TY

88 SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

12 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt & Flatbread Pizza 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com 280

Business & Shopping Waverly

50

13 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036

230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850 14 Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 15 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

13

Churches 24 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820

8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 25 Lake Pointe Baptist Church

8352 AL-50, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-373-3293

Dock Builders 26 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443

180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 27 Docks Unlimited LLC 256-203-8400

6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

Recreation & Entertainment 28 Dixie Sailing Club 767 New Hope Church Road Alexander City, Al 35010

16 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853

LEE COUNTY

17 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

Loachapoka 14

Notasulga 85 81

If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map, for as little as $25 call 256-414-3174. Space is limited.

Lake Martin Living 45

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

ALEXANDER CITY

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

• Updated Pro Shop • Junior Golf Program • Annual Tournaments • Weekly Matches

46 Lake Martin Living

DADEVILLE

American Watersports Bay Pine Marina City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center Foodland Foshee Boat Dock Homeplate Restaurant Harbor Pointe Marina Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts

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

ECLECTIC

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

EQUALITY

Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star

INVERNESS

Airwalk Ultimate Trampoline Area Tree Top Family Adventure Winn-Dixie

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation

MOUNTAIN BROOK Whole Foods Market

RED HILL Citgo

SYLACAUGA

Good Ole Boys BBQ Piggly Wiggly on 21

TALLASSEE

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

WALNUT HILL

Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA

The Wetumpka Herald

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., wants to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Serving the Lake & River Region for more than 125 years. alexcityoutlook.com

thewetumpkaherald.com

tallasseetribune.com

lakemagazine.life Lake Martin Living 47

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

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48 Lake Martin Living

BOATHOUSES | STATIONARY DOCKS FLOATING DOCKS | SEAWALLS EZ PORTS PWC LIFTS | BOAT LIFTS RE-DECKS | BOAT LIFT REPAIRS

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

Lake Martin Dock........................................................................... 2,48

Advanced Heating & Air.................................................................... 4 8

Lake Martin Signature........................................................................ 5 1

Badcock & More................................................................................ 2 6

Lina's Mexican Store.......................................................................... 2 7

Beyond Home Care.............................................................................. 8

Main Street Alexander City........................................................... 26-27

Alexander Landscaping ..................................................................... 2 5

Merle Norman................................................................................... 2 7

Bolton Cove.......................................................................................25

OBGYN Associates of Montgomery..................................................... 5

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation........................................................... 6

Patterson Air...................................................................................... 2 6

C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 2 1

Payne Brothers Furniture.................................................................... 2 6

Cahaba Glass....................................................................................... 5 Coosa Valley MRI..............................................................................48 Cornerstone Insurance....................................................................... 2 7 DAVCO Development........................................................................ 4 8 Designs by Trish................................................................................... 6 Eddie & B's Carwash & Produce......................................................... 4 8 Exterior Surface Cleaners................................................................... 2 7 Four Seasons..................................................................................... 4 8 George Hardy, D.M.D.......................................................................... 6 Glitter & Glow................................................................................... 2 7

Prime Home Health.............................................................................. 8 Raining Dogs Gallery.......................................................................... 2 1 Red Flag Pest Control.......................................................................... 6 River Region Dermatology.................................................................. 4 8 Russell Medical.................................................................................. 5 2 Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................... 5 Southern Sash..................................................................................... 8 Southern Star Alpaca Fashions....................................................... 5, 26 Steven Mackey, M.D.......................................................................... 2 7

GloScapes.......................................................................................... 2 6

Surgical Dermatology......................................................................... 2 5

Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance...................................................... 4 8

Sunrise Docks.................................................................................... 4 9

Heritage South Credit Union................................................................ 2

Swearingen Fence.............................................................................. 2 1

Hinson Galleries................................................................................. 5 1

Sweet Pickins..................................................................................... 4 8

Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance................................................ 4 8

Tallapoosa Board of Education............................................................. 3

Keel Crete......................................................................................... 4 7

The Bottling Plant.............................................................................. 2 6

Kelley’s Heating & Air........................................................................ 4 8

Uber/Lyft/Glenn Ayerbe......................................................................48

Kerley Motor Company...................................................................... 2 7

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

Lake Martin Living 49

N

An Ancient Holiday Tradition

ativity scenes have always fascinated me. As a child, I eagerly anticipated the placement of the one outside of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, as well as the life-size version that my grandparents’ neighbor, Mrs. Imogene Kohlar, set up in her yard.

One Christmas, her husband did not put it out, and I was so upset my dad called them. It was out the next day.

I loved baby dolls and animals, so that was the initial attraction.

At least it was driving home the reason for the season in my young mind.

According to Wikipedia, St. Francis of Assisi is credited for the first live Nativity scene in Greccio in central Italy in 1223. Such re-enactment pantomimes became Classic Christmas Scene Every year, New hugely popular and spread throughout York’s Metropolitan St. John the Apostle Christendom. Within 100 years, every church Catholic Church sets Museum of Art up this Nativity scene in Italy was expected to have a Nativity scene displays an 18theach year outside the on display at Christmastime. Eventually, century Neapolitan church. statues replaced human and animal Nativity scene participants, and static scenes grew into at the foot of elaborate affairs with richly robed figurines its Christmas tree. The late Loretta Hines placed in intricate landscaped settings.

Howard, who began collecting crèche figures In addition to Joseph, Mary and and baby in 1925, donated the characters to this exhibit.

Jesus, shepherds, sheep and angels have been She wished to combine the custom of Nativity placed near the manger, as described in the scenes, a Roman Catholic custom, with Gospel of Luke.

Christmas trees, which began as a Protestant It should be noted that crèches are tradition. not considered historically accurate, Truly works of art, consider gifting as most depict shepherds and the Magi a Nativity scene this season. Many artisans do in the scene. The Gospel of Matthew suggests their own take on the Nativity, making them Lacey Howell that the Magi followed the star for more than out of wood, stone and pottery. a year after Jesus’ birth.

As for the animals in the scene, there is often the ~ Lacey Howell is a recovering English major from inclusion of an ox and a donkey. My childhood Nativity Auburn who now lives on Lake Martin, sells real estate, scene included them, and they were my favorite. The rides horses and loves good wine. Follow her on Facebook ox traditionally represents patience, the nation of Israel and Instagram @LaceyHowell. and Old Testament sacrificial worship, while the donkey represents humility, readiness to serve and the Gentiles (per Wikipedia).

Culture Shock

50 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living 51