Lake Martin Living Magazine December 2021

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

SHARON FULLER RETIRES Dadeville's Landmark Home Meet the Owner at Chick-fil-A

December 2021

www.lakemagazine.life/lakemartinliving

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Lake Martin Living 3

From the Editor’s Desk

M

ore than any other publication I have ever edited or written, Lake Martin Living magazine celebrates people, strong people who make a difference in their communities. In this issue, we shine the spotlight on two women whose impact is undeniable: Sharon Fuller and Lois Ann Murphree.

Now Sharon Fuller’s is a household name in these parts. As executive director at Lake Martin Area United Way, Sharon has been connecting people-with-needs to people-with-resources for more than 10 years. She has raised record amounts of money for local nonprofits in the LMAUW agency network, and this month, she hung up that hat and retired. On page 20, she reflects on how and why she took on that meaningful ministry and what she gained in return.

More unfamiliar but certainly a name you’ll want to know is that of Lois Ann Murphree, owner-operator of the new Chickfil-A Restaurant on U.S. Route 280 in Alexander City. Lois Ann’s journey to our little corner of heaven has been more than 20 years in the making, though it only took a few weeks for the building to go up on Alexander City’s thoroughfare. She is a strong, dedicated, hard-working Alabamian, delighted to move her family to a community where she can be part of – in her own words – “something wonderful.” Get to know Lois Ann in the Business Matters feature on page 10 and be sure to introduce yourself when you visit the area’s newest and most popular business.

Also in this issue, I am excited to feature the warm and beautiful home of Anne-Marie and Stokes Jones, who one and a half years ago purchased the former nursing home property on Columbus Street in our county seat. Anne-Marie is a native Dadevillian who came home to be part of the town’s revitalization. They brought with them their love of history, passion for art and beauty and their heart for the community. Stroll through this important Dadeville landmark and welcome the Joneses home on page 28.

If you know me well, you know I am a birdwatcher from a previous life, and I love to feed them, talk about them and learn about them. Shane Harris provides an opportunity to do all three in this month’s Garden Talk column on page 16, accompanied by some incredible photos from Alexander City’s Martha Tucker, as well as Shane and Extension coordinator Margaret Barse.

There’s more fun and food for thought with every turn of the page in this month’s Lake Martin Living magazine. Take a few minutes to read and enjoy!

Wishing you all a season bright with meaning and a New Year full of promise.

Betsy Iler, Editor

4 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Editor Betsy Iler Contributors Kenneth Boone Dave Jennings Lacey Howell Shane Harris Lee Williams Gina Abernathy Jake Arthur Cliff Williams Siri Hedreen Andy Anders Audra Spears Audience Development Director Erin Burton Creative Services Audra Spears Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Rachel McCollough Marilyn Hawkins Carson Wages Brittany Hornsby Cathy Parr Digital Services Elle Fuller 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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Sharon Fuller retired as Executive Director of Lake Martin Area United Way this month, leaving a legacy of community connections that changed the way we support local charities. By forging and nourishing relationships, Fuller lent greater accountability and record giving to LMAUW. Photo by Jake Arthur

6 Lake Martin Living

FEATURES 10. GOODNESS & GRIT Alabama natives apply the family motto to their Chick-fil-A adventure.

16. WINTER FEEDING Shane Harris shares birdfeeding know-how to brighten the winter days ahead.

20. LEAVING A LEGACY Sharon Fuller reflects on her tenure at Lake Martin Area United Way as she says goodbye.

28. ART & HISTORY AT HOME Anne-Marie and Stokes Jones save a local landmark with a houseful of history.

IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 14. FROM THE TEE 24. GOOD EATS 36. MONEY MATTERS 37. OH SNAP! 42. LAKE REGION EVENTS 50. CULTURE SHOCK .

A pair of Downy Woodpeckers pick up a peanut meal at a local birdfeeder. Photo by Martha Tucker

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AROUND THE AREA

County tourism director named to state hospitality committee Sandra Fuller’s efforts as Tallapoosa County tourism director have gotten the attention of Gov. Kay Ivey.

Fuller has been leading the efforts of the Tallapoosa County Commission to promote the area’s natural resources and activities to tourists and will now help guide a state course of study. Ivey appointed Fuller to the ‘Hospitality and Tourism Committee.’ The committee is part of the Alabama State Department of Education course of study review for career and technical education. But Fuller’s input started more than a year ago through committees on the matter of developing skills for the hospitality industry during the formative years of education.

“I’ve been speaking with education professionals at our area high schools, especially with

Education for Tourism

Sandra Fuller uses her economic development experience to help develop a hospitality curriculum that will train those who work in businesses frequented by tourists.

a hospitality curriculum about what they are doing,” Fuller said. “I’ve also been in conversations with those in the hospitality industry about the skills they seek in employees.”

Fuller previously worked at the Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance. She now recruits tourists to the area and previously helped recruit industry to the area but said the two are similar in their needs.

“It’s all about workforce development regardless of what segment they will be working in,” Fuller said.

Fuller’s appointment is as a representative of Alabama’s Third Congressional District to the committee for a year long term with multiple meetings in Montgomery each month. ~ Cliff Williams

Regional Library renovations expected to begin soon

Sunday Alcohol Sales to be on the Ballot in Coosa County

The Coosa County Commission last month decided the issue of Sunday sales of alcohol will be presented to the Alabama legislature for a local bill to be put on a ballot for Coosa County voters. The issue could be on a ballot as early as the May primaries. ~ Cliff Williams

Lake Martin Dadeville Chamber president Peggy Bullard was happy to announce the chamber raised $17,170 in a challenge from Aleem and Cindy Gillani to renovate Horseshoe Bend Regional Library. The couple challenged the chamber to raise half of their $25,000 goal for the project and promised to match the $12,500.

“Boy did they come through with this,” Aleem Gillani said.

Work should start soon with replacing the windows, roof and HVAC systems.

The City of Dadeville, the Tallapoosa County Commission and state Rep. Ed Oliver also helped raise funds through allocated monies from the city, county and state. The five-year fundraising effort has raised almost $100,000.

Another $20,000 to $30,000 is still needed, and the libraries have a gofundme set up to help with fundraising. ~ Siri Hedreen Lake Martin Living 9

BUSINESS MATTERS

10 Lake Martin Living

Goodness & Grit Alabama natives apply the family motto to their Chick-fil-A adventure STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & CLIFF WILLIAMS

T

he opportunity to own and operate a Chickfil-A restaurant first presented itself to Lois Ann (it’s a double name) Murphree 20 years ago. She was a newlywed and a recent Auburn graduate, and while the prospect appealed to her, the timing wasn’t right.

“Chick-fil-A owner-operators must be open to living wherever a restaurant is located, and we did not think we could do that at that point in our lives,” Murphree explained.

Equipped with a master’s degree in public relations communication, she took an inside sales job in economic development instead. Over the next two decades, she moved into fundraising sales and found a place that fed her heart at Varsity Spirit, working in cheerleading while starting a family with her husband, Micah.

Along with their three active boys, they moved around a bit. Eight-and-a-half years ago, they landed in Florida, but like a dangling carrot, the Chick-fil-A opportunity never really went away. Murphree and Micah occasionally discussed the possibility, and in 2017, they decided it was time to pursue it.

“And several years later, here we are,” she said with a smile.

It was 2:30 p.m. on a Tuesday – 11 days after Alexander City’s Chick-fil-A restaurant opened on U.S. Route 280, and she was sitting in the brand new, shining dining room of the area’s newest and most popular business. Taking what probably was her first sit-down break in an 18-hour day, Murphree radiated energy and was dressed in uniform – red pants and a dark blue shirt – with her name tag perfectly pinned just below her right A Family Affair shoulder. Blonde hair Micah, Micah J, Gavin and pulled back and a grin Collin Murphree will move from ear to ear. to Alexander City to help After submitting Lois Ann, Micah's wife and her application to be the boys' mom, operate in just exactly this this month's most popular position, Murphree new restaurant, the Chickfil-A at 3899 U.S. Route 280. went through a

screening and interview process and found herself in a challenging training program. When Alexander City was brought up as a possible location, she made a semi-clandestine visit.

“I flew to Birmingham and rented a car and spent the day in Alexander City. I wanted to know this was a community where we could raise a family. I drove around town – loved the sportplex – not just that there was a such a facility, but that it is such a nice facility,” she said with emphasis on the word, ‘nice.’ “It was the people I met at other businesses, the conversations I had, that convinced me. I knew this was a community where I could raise my boys. I like the smalltown, welcoming feel. You don’t get that everywhere, you know.”

Murphree was already somewhat familiar with the area. As an Auburn cheerleader in the late 1990s, she had visited Lake Martin. While an absence of 20 years and an industrial shift in the community revealed a changed city when she made her visit, she found the prospect of being part of Alexander City’s revitalization invigorating.

“I feel like I am on the cusp of something wonderful here,” she said.

The thrill of it all is a family affair. The whole family dressed out for the Chick-fil-A’s grand opening last month, and all of the Murphrees will be involved in its operation. Though the boys – 15-year-old Micah J, 13-year-old Collin and 10-year-old Gavin – are finishing the school semester in Florida, they look forward to helping with the restaurant and attending Alexander City schools next year, as well as being active in local sports.

“Our family is involved in every sport under the sun – football, baseball, soccer, track, you name it,” Murphree said.

Micah is all-in as well, helping at the restaurant wherever he’s needed when he’s not corralling the boys in Florida.

“I told him I would have to give him the title of Director of Do It All,” Murphree laughed.

They bought a house in October and are making

Lake Martin Living 11

the move with confidence, she said.

“We are 100 percent positive that God has placed us here. We want this to be a place where friends and family can commune. Everybody has a place here.

That’s why it was so important to me to have the dining room open on the day of the grand opening,” she explained.

Murphree employs some 115 local residents, from part-time 14-year-old students to fulltime adults, and getting to know them all is a priority.

“I want to know why they are here. Is this a second job so they can buy a car? Or are they the sole breadwinner in their household? I interviewed every one of them – unless two people came in to interview at the same time,” she said.

“If it weren’t for every one of them, I would not be here. This is not a ‘me’ show.”

She takes encouragement from S. Truett Cathy, who founded the fast food chain in 1946.

“He was the most humble human being but

12 Lake Martin Living

also was the savviest Now Open Alexander City's Chickbusinessman. I strive to be fil-A restaurant opened like that.” last month on U.S. Doing so requires grit, Route 280. and that just happens to be a family motto, one that has followed Murphree from a young age.

“No one in my family had been to college, but I was headed to Auburn. My dad was in the hospital at UAB and had to take a medical retirement, so I got scholarships and worked through college. My mom helped a lot, too, and I graduated debt-free,” she said.

“Our mission is to show care for this community and have grit, to not give up. There will be hard days.

There will be long lines, and we will get through them.”

Still new to the community, Murphree already has expressed interest in community concerns.

“I have a heart for youth athletics. I have seen the difference that can make in my sons’ lives. And I have partnered with foster care here. I am working with the schools in the entrepreneurial program. Fellowship of Christian Athletes is very important to us, too,” she said.

It’s a busy life for Alexander City’s most popular business owner, but she’s prepared, realistic and enthusiastic.

“My family could not be more humble to be here,” she said as she headed back to work after her break.

“We can’t wait to be involved in the community, so when you meet us, please introduce yourselves.”

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I

Goodbyes and hellos on CACC's Trojan Golf team

am very pleased to share with you the success that our Central Alabama Community College Trojan Golf Team has realized this 2021 fall season. The boys started the year in letting a 36-hole lead slide through our fingers to finish in second place at the Wallace State Dan York Memorial Tournament. At the time it happened, I was disappointed. When we returned, we talked about what happened and worked extremely hard. Since that first tournament loss, CACC Golf has won each of the following four tournaments and launched our national rankings to second in the NJCAA, third in Golfstat and fourth in the Bushnell/Golfweek polls.

After all the years here, I still get excited in the successes of the team and for my players. This fall, along with the four-tournament team wins, we also had two individual wins. Hayden Carner won in Decatur at Burningtree Country Club, and Tanner Guthrie won in Jasper at Musgrove Country Club. This was crazy: In a NCAA D-2 event in September, CACC crushed the one-day low team total in all of college golf records in shooting 29 under par in a single round, in counting the four best scores of five players.

The wins are great, and we strive to achieve wins in every tournament, but there are other things that are always in the works, things that can be more satisfying than the tournament wins. When any of my players makes a clear

14 Lake Martin Living

and determined commitment to the next step of his life, I find a different but greater satisfaction in these decisions.

Presently, there are a couple opportunities on the table, and a couple of choices have already been made. One of these commitments came a little earlier than I expected, but we will manage. Jarod Edwards of McDonough, Georgia, has accepted a golf scholarship to play for Dalton State University this spring. This is the first time I have ever had a player, who had contributed to the team’s successes in the fall, to leave and not participate with us in the spring semester. I know the coach, the college and the program. There’s not a university that would be a Dave Jennings better fit for Jarod than Dalton State. Even though he played a big part in our team’s fall success, I believe we will be fine. I have a few players who are ready to step up to fill his spot.

We wish Jarod all the best.

The other commitment is Hayden Carner. Hayden will

From the Tee

am looking for one strong walk-on.

As we enter this Christmas and New Jan 30-Feb. 1; Melbourne, FL; Eastern Florida Year’s season, we are all State College so blessed to have many Feb. 13-15; Fairhope, AL; Alabama C.C. reasons to smile. We Feb. 27-2; Tifton, GA; ABAC can be grateful for those Mar. 13-15; Foley, AL; Central Alabama C.C. people who have come Mar. 27-29; Decatur, AL; Calhoun C.C. and gone from our lives be transferring to Georgia Post-Season that helped to shape us; for Southern next fall. This is Apr. 10-12; Guntersville, AL; Snead State C.C. those who are presently in another great fit. Georgia Conference Championship our lives that maintain us; Southern has one of the Apr. 24-26; Cullman, AL; Wallace State C.C. and for those we have not finest NCAA D-1 golf yet met or encountered District Championship programs in the country, that are sure to direct us.

May 14-2; Odessa, TX; Odessa College and Hayden will be a Yes indeed, we are blessed.

National Championship starter for them the day I thank all of you for your he walks on campus. For friendship and support. the other Trojan golfers I cannot thank God enough for all of the blessings He has graduating this spring, offers have been made, visits are given me. being taken, and options are still out there. It’s an exciting I wish each of you and your families a very Merry time.

Christmas and a Happy New Year We have a big spring season ahead of us and a lot of Stay warm, stay well and stay happy. things to do to prepare for nationals and next year. Our Go Trojans! spring season will be busy for sure, and once we get under way, it will fly by. ~Dave Jennings is the men's golf coach at Central This spring is going to be an exciting time for the Alabama Community College. team. For us to stay close to the top in the polls early in the spring, the boys are going to have to be responsible in practice and playing on their own before we start again Jan. 10, 2022.

There are a few amateur tournaments available during the Christmas break for them to play. These events could help to keep the edge sharp.

Next year, we will have a lot of spaces to fill on our CACC golf roster. We will have only two of our present players returning, Griffin Dorr from Louisiana and Tanner Brown of Moultrie, Georgia, who will take advantage of the COVID-eligibility year.

I do have a few commitments to CACC for next fall that I am excited to share with you.

From Australia: Cian (pronounced: Sean) Hughes From Birmingham, Alabama: Elad Sebbag, Joseph Vineyard and Noah Small.

From Hamilton, Alabama: Blayne Armstrong. Blayne comes to us as a sophomore and will only have one year with us, but I feel confident that he will be a great addition to this program.

I have an offer out to a young man and hope he accepts, but should he not; there are still a large number of talented players from which to choose. I also A Winning Team

Under the guidance of Coach Dave Jennings, CACC Golf Team members Dawson Farni, Ken Goforth, Tanner Guthrie, Jarod Edwards and Hayden Carner rank second in the nation.

2022 Spring Schedule

Lake Martin Living 15

16 Lake Martin Living

Winter Feeding

A

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARTHA TUCKER, SHANE HARRIS AND MARGARET BARSE

popular and favorite hobby among people is watching and feeding birds during the winter. Millions of Americans feed birds around their homes, with many maintaining natural areas and plantings for birds as well. Bird feeding is especially popular in Alabama, where winter migrants, as well as local birds, readily flock to feeders and provide many hours of watching pleasure for backyard birders.

Bird feeding is generally believed to be a winter activity, but it really can be a year-round hobby. Fewer songbirds will use feeders in the summer, but those species that do will reward Welcome Visitors their human hosts by Facing Page: A Redbringing their new offbellied Woodpecker spring to the feeders, too. shares a protein-rich In Alabama, a few snack of shelled peanuts resident seed-eating bird with a Red-Breasted species that regularly Nuthatch; Below: Suet is a favorite meal for this visit feeders year-round Downy Woodpecker. include: American

Goldfinch, Blue Jay, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Brown-headed Cowbird, Northern Cardinal, Chipping Sparrow, House Sparrow, Mourning Dove, White-breasted Nuthatch, Rufous-sided Towhee and maybe pigeons that reside in urban areas.

In addition to these birds, during the fall and winter months you can expect to see migratory birds such as: House Finch, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Dark-eyed Junco, Song Sparrow and White-throated Sparrow.

Other permanent resident Alabama birds occasionally have been seen feeding in backyards near or on feeders, including: Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Shane Harris

GARDEN TALK

Lake Martin Living 17

Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Carolina Wren and Eastern Bluebird. All of these are insect-eating and/or fruit-eating birds. You could see them in the yard yearround.

Other migrating species also may be seen at birdfeeders or in backyards briefly during the fall and spring as they pass through our state. Keep an eye out for rare visitors like Evening Grosbeak and Cedar Waxwing.

Winter feeding is probably more appreciated by the birds than summer feeding. This is especially true of those species that would normally migrate farther south but instead stop briefly here in areas with feeding stations. So in all fairness to the birds, fall and winter feeding, once begun, should not end until well into the

18 Lake Martin Living

spring months, when For the Birds other food sources are Above: A Carolina Chick-a-dee enjoys a plentiful or until the safflower seed treat; Below birds have begun to Left: Pine Siskins vie migrate to northern for feeding positions; breeding areas.

Below Right: A Northern Many different Cardinal stops by for a bite. feeders are available and should be chosen according to the birds you wish to attract. Basic platform feeders are favorites because they generally hold a lot of seeds and provide a perching area for several birds at a time. Covered platform feeders are recommended because they protect the food from rain.

Many types of hanging feeders, including tube feeders and bowl feeders, attract the smaller songbirds and are

used less frequently by larger birds, such as cardinals, that rarely feed on swaying feeders.

When it comes to birdseed choices and feeder types, there are four basic types: sunflower, mixed seed, thistle and safflower.

Sunflower seeds attract the widest variety of birds and are the recommended choice for hanging and pole-mounted feeders. The smaller, black oil sunflower seeds seem to be most preferred by all songbirds. In my opinion, you cannot go wrong buying and feeding exclusively sunflower seeds.

Mixed seeds and cracked corn make excellent feeds to spread on the ground or on platform feeders. Mixes containing sunflower seeds, white prose millet, peanut hearts, cracked corn and safflower are preferable, but they are generally more expensive.

Avoid mixes containing milo, wheat, oats, rye or rice.

These types of seeds do not appeal to most songbirds and will attract nuisance birds like pigeons and starlings.

Ground feeding will attract a larger number of birds, such as doves and juncos, than hanging or platform feeders.

Thistle seeds placed in special hanging tube feeders with tiny openings are relished by goldfinches and pine siskins. This type of seed can be expensive and tends to be available for purchase only in the early winter months.

Safflower is an herbaceous thistle-like annual plant that is in the sunflower family. Its small white seeds are high in protein and fat. The same birds that love sunflower seeds also relish safflower seeds. There are claims that squirrels in particular do not like safflower’s bitter taste.

Regardless of the type of seed What to Buy Clockwise or mix used, from Top: Safflower, feeders should sunflower, mixed seed and be cleaned thistle are popular with birds and regularly with readily available varieties. hot water and detergent. All wet and moldy food, which can poison birds, should be removed immediately from feeders.

Many species of birds that are not attracted to seeds will be drawn to suet feeders. Suet, a hard type of beef fat, which can be obtained from your butcher, provides birds with a high-energy winter food. Suet can be dispensed in cages, baskets, onion and orange bags, logs, pine cones and other imaginative dispensers and will attract birds that normally eat insects. Mockingbirds, thrashers, flickers, woodpeckers, wrens, juncos and sparrows are a few of the many birds found locally that

will feed regularly at suet feeders.

Placement of the feeders can be tricky, and positioning may be something to experiment with.

From my experience, bird feeders need to be placed in open sunny areas but near trees, shrubs and protected areas. Placing them close to porches, windows, or houses is desirable for bird watchers, but it really makes birds nervous. They always keep an eye out for predators and competition. Some species like to come and go when eating while others like to hang out or perch and munch. Definitely have more than one feeder, type of feeder and method of feeding them. When the birds show up, they may arrive hungry and in large numbers.

Allow them room to congregate.

If you wish to draw birds into your yard on a regular basis, make sure that plenty of fresh water is available.

Birds frequently visit areas that consistently have water in which to drink and bathe. Water is especially important in Alabama during the summer when rainfall is reduced. Bird baths provide excellent sources of water year round and are even available with heaters for colder climates.

One final note: Bird watchers often become anxious and discouraged as to why there are no birds coming to their well-stocked feeders.

Remember Nature always provides and takes care of the little birds, so they do not have to rely on human provisions. In some years and seasons, there may be more weeds, seeds and berries to eat in the wild than offered in your backyard. Birds also often only come to feeders for just very short periods of time. They typically come early in the morning – at daybreak – and return in the evening just before dusk. Weather and temperature patterns also can influence birds’ feeding habits and pressure to find food.

Whether it is their majestic songs, beautiful colors or simply their ability to fly, birds are one of the most fascinating animals. And, although it may be hard to explain why people are so intrigued by them, it is easy to understand why so many people love feeding and watching birds.

For help on other home and garden questions, contact your local county Extension office or visit us online at www.aces.edu.

Shane Harris is the County Extension Coordinator for Tallapoosa County.

Lake Martin Living 19

Leaving a Legacy

Sharon Fuller retires from Lake Martin Area United Way

I

STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY JAKE ARTHUR & ALEXANDER CITY OUTLOOK STAFF

n her 10-and-a-half-year tenure as Executive Director of Lake Martin Area United Way, Sharon Fuller connected the community to help provide for needs we didn’t know we had. Fuller retired from the director’s position this month and leaves a legacy of making a difference in the communities LMAUW serves.

In her term at the helm of the area’s nonprofit fundraising network, Fuller has led the organization in raising some $5.5 million for organizations and programs that have annually impacted 25,000 lives through 27 LMAUW agencies. In addition, she developed the Community Crisis Fund, a Children’s Summer Reading Program, a vibrant local Day of Action program and more, and it began with her own need to know.

“I started the position in June 2011, and I didn’t know the agencies, so the first thing I did was visit them to find out what they did,” Fuller said. “And,

20 Lake Martin Living

being an accountant, I approached it by running the numbers and the statistics for how many lives were impacted by the agencies.”

Her agency research made her aware of the lack of relationships among the organizations that were charged with caring for those in need in the community.

“I had a meeting with representatives of all the agencies and had them introduce themselves to each other and talk about what they did. They realized that they could help each other,” she said.

Then, she broadRescuing the Rescue Squad ened the relationBelow: Fuller helped ship foundation to the Tallapoosa County raise the funds those Alex City Rescue Squad agencies needed to acquire new equipment; have the greatest pos- Facing Page: Fuller's sible impact. Feeling last day on the job was the need to explain Wednesday, Dec. 8.

Lake Martin Living 21

LMAUW’s mission, Always On From Top to Bottom: Fuller she again turned to collected items for the the numbers.

Denim & Diamonds silent “We had to tell auction and other events; people what we do, Always eager to give through videos and people an opportunity to brochures and pregive; Forever grateful for sentations. We had to the businesses, individuals increase our transpar- and industry that support ency and educate the the United Way. community, show them the positive image of what we do,” she said.

She invited local people, agency service beneficiaries and administrators to help – to take part in the presentations, to tell their stories and ask for the community’s backing. She visited businesses and asked for their support. She hosted fundraising efforts – a fashion show that became an annual signature event, silent auctions, a quail fry and more. She partnered with chambers of commerce, businesses and industries to fill their needs as well.

“She brought the community together,” said Jamie Dark, who volunteered with the fashion show. “She made people aware of how they could help their community.”

“She came at a time when the community really needed her,” said Randy Dawkins, Tallapoosa County president at River Bank and Trust. “One of her biggest areas of impact is what she did with the Red Feather Society. She helped grow that group.”

When Fuller started her tenure with LMAUW, some 85 patrons donated $1,000 or more annually to the organization. She retired this month with 169 Red Feather members.

“Now, 54 percent of the amount raised every year comes from the Red Feather members,” said Tucker Nall, a new LMAUW board member.

“What she did with Red Feather was so well done.

She appealed to a lot of people,” added Lake Martin Resource Association president John Thompson. “And the way she handled the tragedy at the Girls Ranch was just outstanding.”

When eight Tallapoosa County Sheriffs’ Girls Ranch family members were killed in a tragic traffic accident last summer, Fuller paid a visit to the ranch to discern their immediate needs; then, she contacted civic clubs, local boards on which she served and other LMAUW agencies to help meet those needs swiftly. She arranged for the girls to have a spa day, new clothes and food, to pamper them and show them they were loved.

“I just used my relationships to fill the needs,” Fuller said.

She tailored her fundraising campaign presentations at local businesses and industries to the audiences she addressed, never entering the buildings with a canned

22 Lake Martin Living

speech.

“I just spoke from my heart,” she said.

“I met Sharon at a Kiwanis Club meeting where she talked about the effects of the industry change the community had experienced,” said Stillwaters Golf Club Pro Rob Witherington. “I told her about this golf hole marathon I had done at my previous course and how I was looking for a charity to benefit from it here. God put her in my path that day, and I adopted the United Way as my charity.”

Witherington has completed the 100-hole marathon to benefit LMAUW for six consecutive years, raising more money every year.

“The first year, we raised $3,000. The next year, it was $3,500. Last year, we raised $6,000.

It is the one time a year when I ask my members for money to support something, and they really support it.”

“Even when COIVD19 hit, she outdid herself,” said LMAUW Board of Directors president Nancy Ammons. “She put on her boots, strapped them up and raised a record year. She makes this board look good.”

“She’s been my teacher, my mentor for five years,” said Courtney Layfield, who now steps into the executive director position. “I’ve got big shoes to fill.”

Along with her staff, Fuller volunteered at the agencies LMAUW helps to fund. She rolled up her sleeves and worked next to volunteers at schools, food lines and cleanup efforts. She made tough decisions, insisted upon accountability for the agencies LMAUW serves and promoted those agencies in their independent efforts to raise funds. She paired up businesses with needs for in-kind donations and brought her family’s heart for the community along

to help. She brought technology into the LMAUW office, fed board members and agency representatives during meetings and advocated for board members to visit the agencies, so they would take the community’s needs to heart.

“This job has opened me to things going on in our community, hidden problems that I didn’t see. It changed my life,” she said.

“Abuse, hunger, domestic violence. I didn’t know we had these needs when I started this job. I lived in a bubble. I graduated from Auburn with an accounting degree and went to work for 10 years; then, I raised my family, was active in my church.

I didn’t see the needs in this community. They were not part of my life then,” Fuller explained.

“My family has come right along with me.

They give because it’s important to them. Their community is important to them. I’m so proud of them,” she said. “My husband fixed things around Cookies and Care the office. We spent every Fuller delivered anniversary at the quail cookies to the fry. I am so lucky to have veterans home and a family that cares the way nursing homes. they do, and I consider United Way my family, too.

“Volunteers are a huge part of us being able to do what we did. I really just want to say ‘thank you’ to my community. It’s about taking care of others, and this is the most giving community.

“The hardest thing was not being able to help everybody. Did I do enough? Probably not. But as a community, we have our eyes more open to these needs now. I did a lot of connecting, and that was an honor.”

$90

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Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole

E

asy Overnight French Toast Casserole is a dish for everyone to enjoy. It’s a special treat that is perfect for Christmas morning. Mix it up the day before; pop it into the refrigerator; and bake the following day. An easy Christmas morning breakfast that will feed a hungry family or a house full of guests.

Christmas morning can be full of excitement, and you don’t want to miss a second of the festivities – opening gifts under the tree, seeing what Santa Gina Abernathy brought, playing with toys, and dumping out the stockings. No matter your traditions, make Christmas morning special with this delightful breakfast.

A French toast casserole is simple and elegant, sweet and buttery, crunchy and custardy. It’s a breakfast that’s full of flavor with minimal effort. Make it now and bake it later. A simple, delicious and hearty casserole that also will get the cook out of the kitchen to enjoy the day.

GOOD EATS

Ingredients

1 loaf Italian Bread or a bakery-style loaf 6 eggs 1 cup milk 1/2 cup half and half 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 cup melted butter

Topping

1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 stick butter, cubed 1 cup chopped pecans (optional) 24 Lake Martin Living

Pancake/maple syrup for topping Toppings of Choice (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish with butter and set aside. Slice Italian bread (or bread of your choice) into 18 to 20 1-inch slices and place onto a baking sheet. Toast in a 350-degree oven. Watch bread closely until slices are lightly toasted and dry but not turning brown. This usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, half and half, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon and butter.

Mix until blended. Then, dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating well.

Arrange bread slices in the prepared dish in two rows, overlapping slices. Pour the leftover egg mixture over the top of the bread. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Topping Directions

In a small bowl, combine the topping mixture ingredients and stir gently. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator alongside the casserole overnight. In the morning, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the topping evenly over the bread, being sure to get topping between the slices. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour until golden brown and no liquid seeps out of the bread when pressed.

Serve with maple or pancake syrup.

Add additional toppings if desired: syrup, blueberries, sliced strawberries, powdered sugar or whipped topping. Or use them all. Absolutely delicious.

Super easy, super warm and super cozy.

And let’s not forget – delicious. I hope you and your family enjoy this recipe and have a Merry Christmas.

~Gina Abernathy is the author and recipe creator behind the blog Home at Cedar Springs Farm. For more delicious recipes, or to follow Gina, check out her blog at homeatcedarspringsfarm.com.

Tips for The Best French Toast Casserole n French bread will work, but personally, I like to use a loaf of Italian bread. It’s found in the bakery at my local grocery store, usually next to the French bread. n Toast bread slices before dipping them into the wet mixture. The crust will be crunchy, and the center will be soft and moist. n You can decide if you want to use all the topping mixture. I usually use all of it. n Sprinkle the topping between each slice of bread, not so much on the top. n The bread will soak up all the extra egg mixture as it cooks, making it super moist. n Nuts are optional. n Once baked, top as desired and make it memorable.

Lake Martin Living 25

Be Merry &

26 Lake Martin Living

& Shop Local

Lake Martin Living 27

Art & History at Home in Dadeville STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

D

adeville native Anne-Marie Timberlake Jones and her Huntsville native husband, Stokes, were living in an 1875 federal-style house in Georgia when they began planning their move back to Alabama in 2019. Lovers of history and art, the couple wanted a home to accommodate their family and friends while also providing a spacious, yet warm, setting in which to enjoy their various collections.

“We were inspired by the downtown Dadeville revitalization and felt like this might be a small way to contribute,” Jones explained.

The couple was attracted to a historic home on Columbus Street, partly for its 6,500-plus square footage, but also because they wanted to preserve the life and history of the landmark home.

The sprawling Queen Anne abode was originally built by Thomas Sturdivant in 1881 to be near the bank he ran on the Dadeville courthouse square. Years later,

28 Lake Martin Living

the Sturdivant House became known as Easterwood’s Nursing Home, and was used as office space for a healthcare company until the Joneses purchased it.

“We bought the house in June of 2019 and started working on it,” she said. “It took more renovation to ‘deinstitutionalize’ it than we anticipated. We would still be at square one if it weren’t for the genius of my brother, Sam, who constantly amazed us with what he could do.”

In the process of transitioning the 20-plus rooms into a cohesive livable space, they created settings to showcase the historic pieces collected over the years. They retained the home’s original Victorian foyer, starting with a long, wide hall from which the living spaces extend.

Preserving a Local Landmark

Below: The Joneses' living room was once the sunroom at Easterwood's Nursing Home; Opposite:An 1877 burled walnut Collard & Collard baby grand piano commands the music room.

Lake Martin Living 29

30 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living 31

Eclectically furnished, the home hints at the couple’s appreciation of pieces with stories. A chair constructed of a matching pair of steer horns was given as payment to Stokes’ grandfather, a Nashville attorney, by a Texas oil man in the depression. The original bobcat hide lies beneath the modern upholstery.

Above the chair is an abstract artwork entitled, “Midnight Jumbly.” This was acquired from a friend in London who bought it directly from a crime lord in British Guiana who fancied himself to be a real artist.

Nearby stands an early American grandfather clock with hand painted face.

“My father worked with Von Braun at Redstone,” Stokes said, “and during NASA’s first Saturn 5 engine test, the clock stopped as the blast rocked half of Huntsville. My father decided to leave its hands respectfully still after that.”

On the other side of the hall is an 1820 Kentucky plantation secretary of cherry and mahogany – with a secret fold-down drawer enabling receipts to be taken or payments made at a moment’s notice.

The parlor to the right serves as a music room with an adjacent alcove library. The center of this room is a stunning 1877 English Collard & Collard baby grand piano, with burled walnut veneer, sometimes flanked by a full standup bass. Behind it, an 1840s gilded French mirror and china cabinet with scrolling columns.

The library is one of Stokes’ favorite places in the house.

It is located close to his office, where he works remotely as part of team designing financial trading software.

“It’s my version of a man cave but covered in books that are as musty as possible, instead of screens. The last thing I want to see after testing technology all day is anything with pixels,” said Stokes, who studied philosophy and anthropology in London.

Family memorabilia in the library includes a 1903 photograph of the John Hopkins Medical Staff featuring his step-grandfather, who later came to Nashville when the South was bereft of doctors.

On the left side of the great hall, the couple installed an 1890s Edwardian mantel, which some close friends contributed when they saw how well it fit the dining room from the same period. Chippendale chairs needlepointed with care by a family grandmother line the dining table.

On the right of the mantel is a large 1760s Virginia corner cabinet with primitive Every Piece Has a Story carved turn-pulls, Previous Pages: In the dining which houses an room, chairs needlepointed exquisite set of 1930s by a family member surround Susie Cooper art the table next to an installed deco porcelain from 1890s Edwardian mantel and a 1760 corner cabinet Burslem, England. from Virginia; Left from Top to The former Bottom: The couple's bar, which nursing home occupies the former nursing sunroom on the home's dispensary, far side of the features a totem pole dining room is now from the Pacific Northwest; An the Jones’ bright, accent table in the entry hall spacious living room. displays an eclectic mix of holiday decorations.

Windows covered 32 Lake Martin Living

The Perfect Mix of Midcentury and History

Clockwise from Right: A commissioned piece by John "Cornbread" Anderson hangs in the kitchen; A wedding gift, the den's op art painting can be viewed from the entry; a painting of Richard Saul's "War Machine" over the den sofa reflects all of the colors of the room; Stokes' library is a warm, quiet space filled with musty books and family memorabilia.

Lake Martin Living 33

in gauzy draperies fill the room with light, and lovely seating arrangements, which complement a gathering of any size, invite conversation on the French Empire settees and mid-century leather sofa.

The former medicine dispensary on the main hall was converted into a bar and reflects the couple’s personal style and taste for old items. The bow of a canoe outfitted with shelving stores liquor bottles near a totem pole from the Pacific Northwest. A 1908 Tallapoosa County soil map – showing the area prior to the flooding to create Lake Martin – hangs near a pub table.

In the media den, a wooden carving depicts the Hindu god, Shiva, ready to punish sinners with his club. He resides peaceably alongside a Red Grooms original painting on the opposite wall, and next to a 1972 yellow and orange optical art oil that was a wedding gift once displayed at the Birmingham Museum of Art. The curved screen TV rests on a Chinoiserie-style sideboard opposite ’70s-style sofas bordered by two inlaid Italian chests of drawers.

Over one sofa, a pop art painting of Richard Saul’s “War Machine” collects all the colors and styles in the room.

Adjacent to the den, which previously served as the nursing home dining room, the kitchen posed one of the greatest challenges of the renovation.

“It had been an industrial kitchen in the God Bles Us Every One nursing home days, and French Empire settees it had been gutted by mix well with mid-century the time we bought the modern features and the place. We had to start Christmas tree in the living room. almost from scratch.”

Jones said. “The tile was in good shape, so we didn’t want to tear it up and put it in a landfill, but it was awful. We found a treatment for the tile to make it something we could use.”

They added a galley to one wall with plenty of counter space and use an island table with receding seats for informal dining. The refrigerator fits in an alcove of its own, and a butler’s cabinet configuration provides a staging area at the entrance to the kitchen from the den.

34 Lake Martin Living

One full kitchen wall is devoted to an 1840s Ohio train station bench, the seatback of which can be flipped from one side to the other, so waiting passengers would be looking the right direction when the next train arrived.

Dominating the wall above is a large commissioned painting featuring North Georgia artist John “Cornbread” Anderson’s iconic spotted guinea hens.

In the adjacent laundry room, the cabinetry features stainless steel and glass doors that were upcycled from the fire extinguisher cabinets previously spaced throughout the nursing home. Above the sink hangs a delicately hammered platter, crafted from melted aluminum by local men around the time Lake Martin was created; it was purchased at the old gas station that once operated next to Floyd’s in downtown Dadeville.

The laundry room previously opened onto a concrete loading dock, but the owners recently converted it into a treehouse-like deck for grilling, complete with privacy fencing.

Bedrooms and other utilitarian spaces line the outer halls. The couple opened the walls between two resident rooms to create a master suite; then, they turned other bedrooms into an exercise room and an office for each of them. Currently, the home has six guest bedrooms, as well as one guest office space, though they are still playing with the finishes.

Throughout the home, classic mid-century modern furnishings blend warmly with antique sofas and cabinetry, and modern art shows beautifully with Indian artifacts that Stokes collected years ago. These pieces include matching male and female busts – an Indian Maharaja and his Maharini, which he purchased in Bombay in 1988; horse-bird figurines on the dining room mantel that are from a Hindu temple; and a carved wooden Jesus statuette.

“The Jesus statue is surprisingly also Indian,” Stokes explained. “It came from a Catholic church in a former French colony in South India.”

Sparkling chandeliers – some dripping with history and others clearly modern – draw the rooms together, reflecting the unique perspective, appreciation for art and love of history that the Joneses brought with them when they came back home to Alabama.

Lake Martin Living 35

Review financials at year end

A

s the year closes out, it is always a great idea and time to review financials and retirement plans and meet with an advisor. This month, I’m giving you a checklist of some things to consider as the year comes to a close:

MONEY MATTERS

Tax loss harvesting

Check to make sure that you have been as tax efficient as possible during the year with taxable investment accounts. There could be opportunities to tax loss harvest some of your losses, realizing the loss and rotating that money into another stock. On an after-tax basis in taxable accounts, this strategy has shown through many independent studies to add aftertax return. The higher your marginal bracket, the better it works.

Insurance Review

I recommend reviewing all insurance once a year including: life insurance, disability insurance, along with property and casualty policies.

These are all basic planning strategies that should be looked at yearly. Please consult your tax advisor and/or financial advisor on all these matters, and get their advice as to what makes sense for your specific needs and long-term goals.

~Lee Williams offers products and services using the following business names: Lee Williams – insurance and financial services | Ameritas Investment Company, LLC (AIC), Member Lee Williams FINRA/SIPC – securities and investments | The Ascent Group, LLC – investment advisory services.

AIC is not affiliated with Lee Williams or The Ascent Group, LLC. Maxing out your workplace retirement plan Representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. and health savings accounts Please consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding If you have the ability to max out your workplace your situation. Trades cannot be communicated to your retirement plan and health savings accounts and haven’t done representative by email, fax or regular mail, as the transaction it yet, look into maxing it out. may not be executed on a timely basis. Please contact your representative by telephone to request trades and do not use Roth Conversions email to send confidential information or time-sensitive Depending on your income for the year and advice instructions. Performance quoted does not guarantee future from your financial advisor or accountant, year-end Roth results. Please refer to your regular periodic statement for conversions could offer long term value. complete information.

Qualified Charitable Distributions

If you are 70 years and six months old or older, you have the ability to donate money from your IRA to a qualifying charity, within certain limits.

This can help with AGI, which impacts social security taxes and IRMAA.

Gifting

Depending on your estate size, year end is a great time to complete nontaxable gifting. Currently, this amount is $15,000 per person and can help with certain estate planning cases.

Estate Planning Documents

I recommend all clients looking over their estate plans once per year. Make sure that nothing of significance has changed that could affect the estate plan. Keep in mind that an estate plan can mean trust documents, will, power of attorney and advanced directive for health care.

36 Lake Martin Living

OH SNAP! 2

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Chick-fil-A Opening Day Thursday, November 18, 2021 Alexander City 8

1. Lois Ann and Micah Murphree 2. Micah Murphree and Kloe Pogue 3. Hadley Phillips 4. Misty Sanders and Janet Austin 5. Cassandra Freeman and Richard Burton 6. Mary Jane and Maggie Bacon 7. Kelly Pate, Tammy Johns, Lynn Miller and Emily Sims 8. Josiah and Brian Speck

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Denim and Diamonds Charity Ball Saturday, November 20, 2021 The World Famous Rodeo Club 1.Wesley and Haley Lamborne, Sharon and Steve Fuller, Steve Fuller 2. Molly Parker and Melinda Meadows 3. Brad Plata, Karla Teel, Donna and Andy Moore 4. Ed and Marge Shikoski 5. Andy Moore

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Holiday Open House Sunday, November 14, 2021 Downtown Alexander City 1. Jefflyn Deloach and Trace McCaleb 2. Lindsay and Juliane Meacham 3. Annie Bartol 4. Lexie Sims 5. Morgan Wiggins, Morgan Hope and Diane McClellan 6. Megan and Katherine Harris 7. Crystal and Michael Wellborn, Lisa and Gabi Watson and Karlie Royster

Lake Martin Living 39

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Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 4, 2021 The Square in Dowtown Alexander City 1. Cooper, Meagan and Emmal Cole McCants 2. Jornee Moten and Mrs. Claus 3. Railey, Vivian and Andi 4. Gunner and Mrs. Claus 5. Windy Halsey, Chelsea Trimble and Resa Halsey 6. Liza Lyovina, Jamie Brenna and Amy 7. Turxton and Mrs. Claus 8. Kristen, Kolt, Jay, and Kason Smith 9. Brittany, Jornee and Jaylee Moten 10. Cory Adair, Bryleigh, Jax, Kinley and Jessica

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Sharon Fuller Retirement Luncheon Friday, December 3, 2021 LMAAR Building, Alexander City 1. Sgt. Peter Golden, Sgt. Jason Cowart and SRO Dylan Ray 2. Jim Peace, Courtney Layfield and Barbara Sokol 3. Rob "Gabby" Witherington 4. Phil Blasingame and Tal East

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5. David Boleware and Courtney Layfield 6. Jamie Dark and Sharon Fuller 7. Luanne Russell and Dedie Hendrix 8. Kim Gaston Oliver, Fran Tyler, Beth Lamberth, Martha Dee White, Starlene Meyers and Ann Hardman 9. Willie Garrett, Sherri Carter and Ervy Shook 10. Tucker Nall and Randy Dawkins

Lake Martin Living 41

Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

Plunge into the fun Sixth annual LMYP event set for Jan. 15

The party Mark your music starts after calendars now the plunge, and for the sixth Kowaliga’s bars annual Lake will be open to Martin Young serve your favorProfessionals ite beverages.

Polar Plunge This annual at Kowaliga event benefits Restaurant, the lighted buoy featuring food, program and music, fun other services and the daring provided by plunge into Lake LMRA. Plungers Martin’s winter and spectators waters. have raised more The 2022 than $20,000 to LMYP event, support LMRA’s presented by mission of Lake Martin keeping Lake Dock Company Martin clean, to support the Crazy Cold safe and prosperous. The Lake Martin Resource The annual Polar Plunge will take place at Kowaliga event draws as many as 300 Association, will dive into Restaurant with a costume contest and a dash people every year, though the fun on Saturday, Jan. for $100 in cash. fewer than 100 generally 15, at Kowaliga Restaurant. brave the freezing water to Gates will open at 10 a.m. take the plunge. Everyone else is there for the food, the with Kowaliga's special Polar Plunge menu service at 11 a.m. The plunge into Lake Martin’s winter water will fun and the photo ops.

Tickets are $30. Visit the Lake Martin Young take place at noon with the Dash for the Cash immediProfessionals Facebook page for details and ticket purately following. chase link.

The winner of the Dash will take home $100. Come in costume for a chance to win another $100.

42 Lake Martin Living

LAKE REGION EVENTS Dec. 18

Lake Martin in Lights Tour

Join the inaugural decorated boat parade from The Social to Harbor Point.

Boats will leave The Social at 4:30 p.m. and slowly make their way up the lake, turning into Blue Creek. Homeowners along the route are encouraged to decorate their docks and be entered in the contest for best decorations. First, second and third place winners will be chosen for boats and docks. This event will benefit Camp ASCCA and Encompass Health Hospice in memory of Andrew Milwid. Contact Michael Langston at discoverlakemartin@gmail. com.

Dec. 18

Third Thursday Trash Cleanup

Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Broad Street Plaza in Alexander City to pick up trash cleaning supplies and cleanup area assignments to clean up in town or meet at Ourtown Volunteer Fire Dept. to clean up lake area roadways.

Sign up at alexandercitychamber. com/cleancommunity, email jacob. meacham@alexandercitychamber.com or call 256-234-3461 for information.

Dec. 18

Wreaths Across America

Red Ridge United Methodist Church in Dadeville will host a wreath-laying ceremony at the cemetery next to the church at 11 a.m. National Wreaths Across America Day is a free, nonpolitical community event open to all.

There will be a short ceremony; and then, a wreath will be placed on each veteran’s grave in the cemetery. Their names will be said aloud and thanks will be given for their service.

Dec. 19

Christmas Dreams

Red Ridge United Methodist Church will present its Christmas cantata, Christmas Dreams, by Heather Sorenson and Joseph Martin at 9:30 a.m. Using traditional carols, newly composed seasonal selections and thoughtful narration, this rich work delivers a tapestry of sound and emotion.

Refreshments to follow. Arrive early to get a seat.

Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve at Zazu’s Verandah

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Dec. 31

Located on state Route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

SpringHouse will finish the year with a showcase of favorite food and wine.

An eight-course wine dinner will feature dishes from the land, air and sea paired with spectacular wines. The evening will start at 5:30. Seating will return to a traditional format, with communal tables for guests to gather around.

Cost is $200-plus/plus per guest. For reservations, call 256-215-7080.

The Lake Martin Area Amateur Radio Club meets the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City, with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. Contact Michael Courtney at 256-825-7766 or Mike Smith at 256750-5710 for more information.

Ring in the New Year at Zazu’s Verandah on the beautiful Square in Dadeville from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. when The Music Legends return. Beer and wine will be available for purchase at this free music event for the community, though reservations can be made by calling 256-307-2188 or by emailing info@ZazusVerandah.com.

New Year's Eve at SpringHouse

Jan. 22-23

Lakeside Marina Boat Show

Visit Lakeside Marina in Blue Creek for the annual boat show, showcasing Bennington and Robalo lines. Enjoy good food, refreshments and great company from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Season-long Events Soup to Go

Drive through the parking lot at St. James Episcopal Church at 347 S. Central Ave. in Alexander City between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. every Tuesday and pick up a free brown bag dinner with soup, sandwich and more. Volunteers prepare, pack and distribute the meal, which is open to the whole community.

Lake Martin Creativity

This group meets every Monday at 1 p.m. in the downstairs community room at the StillWaters Residential Building.

Anyone interested in arts and crafts is encouraged to join. Bring something to work on or come see what others are doing. A monthly fee of $5 is charged to help pay for the use of the space. For more information, contact Christine Glowacki at 205-535-5974 or Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.

Amateur Radio Club

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.

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

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.

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9

Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

63

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

9

Power lines

280

20

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

4

County Roads

15

Horseshoe National P

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

28

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

7

Seman

5 Camp Kiwanis

9

12 1 Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

Ko w

ali

ga

80

2

21 6

Union Landing

24

Walnut Hill

y

22 27

Stillwaters

8 Ba

25 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

Church in The Pines

19

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing 55

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

10 63 18 11

Equality

231

17

57

9 24

Dadevill

280

29

Liberty Church

20

Jacksons Gap

26

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

16

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

49

Eclectic Santuck

13 Kent Reeltown

231

14

ELMORE COUNTY

120

14

14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

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Tallassee 229

MACON COUNTY

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

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te

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 43. Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors 256-397-1700

19 Russell Marine Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 5 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026 6 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

seshoe Bend tional Park

7 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026 8 Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600

397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853

CHAMBERS COUNTY

Restaurants & Venues

deville

17

CON NTY

9 Smith's Marina - Shipwreck Sam's Froyo 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com

8 SpringHouse 10 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

50

Camp Hill

11 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

23

12 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 13 Acapulco Mexican Grill 334-283-2725 2867 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078

280

Waverly

Business & Shopping 50

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

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 21 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853 22 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454 8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 23 Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847 21300 Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 36853

Hotels & Lodges 24 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches 25 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820

8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 26 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 8352 AL-50, Dadeville, AL 36853

256-373-3293

Dock Builders 27 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443

180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 28 Docks Unlimited LLC 256-203-8400

6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

Recreation & Entertainment 29 Dixie Sailing Club 767 New Hope Church Road Alexander City, Al 35010

14 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036

230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850

14

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

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 16 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

LEE COUNTY

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 Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 334-857-1816

8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

14

Notasulga 85 81

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Lake Martin Living 45

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

46 Lake Martin Living

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

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

Niffers Hwy 50 Eagle Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Chuck's Marina Deep Water Docks Lake Martin Pizza CAMP HILL Link Gas Station EQUALITY Five Star Plantation Equality Food Mart Southern Star Parker Creek Marina Charles Borden ECLECTIC Lake Breeze Realty Offshore Marina Lake Martin Mini Mall Corner Stone Coffee Co. Lake Martin Dock Company Cotton's Alabama Barbecue Russell Do It Center Johnson Furniture WOW Catering LLC Eclectic Library Real Island Marina Anchor Bay Marina Wetumpka Wetumpka Herald Office Tallassee Marathon Tallassee Eagle Tallassee Chamber Parris Mullins Jr. O.D. Get Lake Martin Living delivered to your mailbox for just $50 per year. To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

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Lake Martin Living 47

AD INDEX A&M Plumbing.................................................................................... 6 A&O Tree Service................................................................................. 6 Abernathy Farm Supply....................................................................... 8 Alabama Safari Park............................................................................. 2 Alexander Landscaping ..................................................................... 3 5 Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation........................................................... 6 C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 1 2 Carden's Gift Cottage........................................................................ 1 3 Childersburg Primary Care................................................................. 1 5 Coosa Valley MRI............................................................................... 4 9 Coosa Valley Respiratory.................................................................... 1 3 Creekside Lodge & Event Center........................................................ 2 6 DAVCO Development........................................................................ 4 9 Diamond Golf Cars............................................................................ 5 1 Difference Architecture...................................................................... 1 3 Electronic Technology Group.............................................................. 4 9 Ellaby Boutique.................................................................................. 2 6 Four Seasons..................................................................................... 4 9 George Hardy, D.M.D.......................................................................... 6 Henderson Glass................................................................................ 2 7 Hinson Galleries................................................................................... 2 Jim DeBardelaben.............................................................................. 3 2 Koon's Catering................................................................................. 2 6 Kowaliga Whole Health..................................................................... 4 9 Lake Life Nutrition............................................................................. 2 6 Lake Martin Boutique........................................................................ 2 7 Lake Martin Creamery....................................................................... 2 6

48 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Dock.......................................................................... 2, 49 Lake Martin Vascular.......................................................................... 2 6 Lakeside Mercantile........................................................................... 2 6 Lil Smokeys' BBQ............................................................................... 2 7 Main Avenue Apartments.................................................................. 1 3 Market Shoppes.................................................................................. 6 McClendon Bridals............................................................................. 1 3 National Village................................................................................... 3 OBGYN Associates of Montgomery..................................................... 5 Precise Pressure Washing................................................................... 4 9 Prime Home Health.............................................................................. 8 Red Flag Pest Control.......................................................................... 6 Red Ridge Methodist Church............................................................. 2 7 River Region Dermatology.................................................................. 4 9 Russell Medical.................................................................................. 5 2 Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................... 5 Shoot First Video & Photography....................................................... 1 3 Southern Sash..................................................................................... 8 Southern Star Farm............................................................................ 2 7 Steven Mackey, M.D.......................................................................... 2 7 Sunrise Docks.................................................................................... 4 3 Tallassee Health & Rehab..................................................................... 5 The Local at 41 Main......................................................................... 2 6 The Well Counseling Center.............................................................. 2 7 TowBoatUS........................................................................................ 2 3 Traxion................................................................................................. 2 We-Haul............................................................................................ 2 7

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Lake Martin Living 49

I

All Christmas trees are 'real' Culture Shock

The point I’m trying to make is timely with the n the early aughts (2008-2014-ish), my opening of our new Chick-fil-A and the rock star friends and I all blogged about life and love. mayhem it created. I want everyone to remember I hate that we fell out of that habit of regular back 10 or 15 years ago. We did not have very writing because it is an amazing time capsule many restaurant options at all, and truth be of our lives before Instagram. I know what really told, we did not have many chain restaurants. In happened. We had desk jobs and goofed off a lot high school, we drove 45 minutes to Auburn to of the time. We had constant massive email chains specifically eat at Chick-fil-A and Checkers, and with 20 people on them (this was before iPhone yes, we drove to Birmingham because we loved group text, mind you), and our G-Chats were Cheesecake Factory. rapid fire. Then we got busy jobs that paid more.

I am so incredibly proud of the growth and Life happened. progress our town has made – on U.S. Route One of the more memorable blog posts was a debate between my good friend, George Stegall, Lacey Howell 280, downtown and our whole Lake Martin area in general. Dadeville, you are looking awesome and myself, regarding what is better: artificial or too. The landscape has changed real Christmas trees? over the years, but the heart of In the last 10 years, my this small town has not. I am husband, John, and I have always very thankful this year for my bought real trees. And yes, friends and my community they have been a pain when we because they truly are my deconstructed them. family.

At that time, however, I Full disclosure, I am looking traveled a lot for work and had at the glittery gold tinsel tree a roommate who worked all I bought this year instead of a the time, too. Plus, we spent real tree. I stuffed pink ostrich Christmas at home in Alexander feathers in it because I was City, not in Birmingham, where going for a Vegas showgirl tree. we were living. We were excited And I love that George Stegall about our pre-lit $25 tree from will think it is the tackiest thing Walmart, and George was he has ever seen. To bring flabbergasted (mostly grossed out) it home, this is how I ended by our decision. He said it was not that 2008 blog post. Merry really a Christmas tree unless it Christmas, y’all. was real. I think he just thought In conclusion, no one tree is we were tacky. better or worse than the other.

George and I are both pretty To each their own, as we so opinionated, but once he realized often like to say in the humble most of our friends and parents, little village of Alexander at the time, were on the artificial City. Does anyone remember tree train, he quickly declared that Charlie Brown’s Christmas it must be an Alexander City thing tree? Sure, who doesn’t? It (George went to Homewood High was not more than a branch School).

– small, weak, under-watered, Well, his list of Alexander City and it looked like it might catch things was long, and looking back on fire. Charlie’s tree taught us on it, I laugh because they are all A Vegas Showgirl that it is not the size, shape or make of the tree, but the love true.

Christmas that goes into the tree itself that matters. Let us all fill our Glittery gold tinsel and pink ostrich trees with love this year and Joy to World! n Fake Trees feathers make Peace. n Chain Restaurants for a fabulous tree n How Alexander this year. ~ Lacey Howell is a recovering English major from Auburn Citians pronounce the word, who now lives on Lake Martin, sells real estate, rides horses and baccalaureate (Bacc-a-LAR-e-ute) loves good wine. Follow her on Instagram @ LaceyHowell and n Chimney Rock jumping on her Facebook page. n Front hugging 50 Lake Martin Living

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 51