Feb. 16, 2018 Alex City Outlook

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February 16, 2018 Vol. 126, No. 34 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

Williams sentenced to life + 45

Judge Tom Young re-sentences child molester to life followed by 45 years

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

A man who was convicted of sexual abuse of a child and sodomy involving young girls in 2013 and was sentenced to serve 105 years in prison in 2017, but after appealing the length of time he had been given,

Williams

See SENTENCE • Page 7

County sends final delinquent property tax notices

Dobbs Road home badly damaged by fire

About 1,300 parcel owners to get registered mail reminders on past due property taxes

By MITCH SNEED Editor

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Some very important news could be coming to about 1,300 Tallapoosa County residents via registered mail.

Tallapoosa County Revenue Commissioner Eva Middlebrooks and her staff have been preparing final delinquent tax notices to property owners who have not paid their taxes. She said those will be sent as registered mail today.

Under the current system, property tax bills are sent out in September and are due beginning on Oct. 1 and become late on Jan. 1, Middlebrooks said.

“It is about the same number we have every year, but sometimes we feel like a reminder is needed,” Middlebrooks said. “This year there are more than last year. As of Monday we had 1,367 and last year we had 823. We find that there See NOTICES • Page 3

Today’s

Weather

73 52 High

Top, Alexander City Fire Department firefighters work through rubble and debris after Barbara Sokol’s Dobbs Road home caught fire Thursday morning. Above, Sokol gives ACFD’s Jerry Young a hug and thanks him and other firefighters for their work in putting out the fire in her home.

See FIRE • Page 7

TigerCHAT educates Radney students on good health

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Low

Lake Martin

Lake Levels

485.60

Reported on 02/15/18 @ 11 a.m.

6

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

A fire believed to have started in the kitchen area of a Dobbs Road home left the structure heavily damaged, but fortunately no one was home when the fire started and no one was injured.

Alexander City Fire Department units were called to 1891 Dobbs Road just before 9 a.m. Thursday when neighbors reported seeing heavy smoke coming from the house.

Even though the fire is thought to have started in the rear portion of the split-level brick and siding home, some witnesses reported seeing flames through the front windows before firefighters arrived.

Firefighters ran a line about 350 yards to the nearest hydrants,

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LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443

laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL

For the past few weeks, the student body of Radney Elementary School has taken part of its Wednesday to visit the gym and receive a different kind of physical education. Under the guidance of students from the Auburn University School of Nursing, the fifth- and sixthgraders are part of a special pilot program, TigerCHAT, which the university hopes to expand throughout the area and the state.

“We’re thrilled to be here every week,” Dr. Linda Gibson-Young from Auburn said. “It allows our nursing students to be involved with teaching fifth- and sixthgraders, educating them on the heart, the lungs and the brain.”

The program at Radney began on Jan. 24, with 10 sessions scheduled between See RADNEY • Page 3

We Care About You and Your Loved Ones!

•Home-like Environment • Specialized Dementia Care Unit •Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Services

+

Donald Campbell / The Outlook

Radney Elementary School students get up and get ready to move, being more physically active with the guidance of nursing students from Auburn University Wednesday morning.

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Page 2

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Woman’s higher income may bruise her boyfriend’s ego

Saturday

73 50 Low

High Chance of showers

Sunday

67 56 Low

High Chance of showers

Staff

Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Audra Spears Art Director, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Lizi Arbogast Sports Editor, Ext. 228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Katie Wesson Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tkatie.wesson@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 231 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com Erin Burton Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press.

Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.

Postal

Information

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.

Friday, February 16, 2018

The Outlook

© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.

SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, “Hal,” and I have been dating for a year and a half, living together for six months. I’m afraid he feels emasculated.

Because I make more money than he does, a lot of the responsibility for paying the bills lands on me. We try to split things down the middle, but recent complications with his job have meant it doesn’t always work out that way.

I love Hal. I know he’s the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. I don’t want money to be a dividing force, but I don’t know what to say to make him feel better. This has been the elephant in the room for some time.

Hal helps out with cooking and housework, and because of that, I don’t mind putting a little more into the bills.

I do not want this to be an issue further down the road.

Any advice is appreciated. -STUCK ON THIS IN VIRGINIA DEAR STUCK: The problem with elephants in the room is, the longer they are ignored, the larger the herd becomes.

DEAR ABBY Advice

It’s amazing that two important subjects -- sex and finances -- are such touchy ones to discuss.

Choose a time when you and Hal are relaxed, and then bring up your concerns. Tell him how much you appreciate him in your life and the efforts he makes to make life easier for you, and that you don’t want money issues to cause problems between the two of you. He may need to hear you say it. Then encourage him to express his feelings the way you have.

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I were invited by some friends to meet for dinner. We arrived first; they showed up several minutes later. During the meal, the wife said, “I

825-9559 No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

HOW TO SUBMIT OBITUARIES Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com or by fax at (256) 234-6550.

For more information, call (256) 234-4281.

NOW HIRING:

The City of Alexander City is hiring for a Patrolman with the Alexander City Police Department.

This person operates a patrol vehicle to observe for violations of trafÀc laws, suspicious activities or person, and disturbances of law and order. Must be a minimum of 21 years old, be a graduate from an accredited high school, or have a GED. Can have no felony convictions, and be able to meet minimum standards as established

by Alabama State Law for law enforcement ofÀcers. Must have valid driver’s license and driving record suitable for insurability.

If interested, please contact Lt. Randy Walters at (256) 329-6755, or randy.walters@alexandercityal.gov.

The City of Alexander City is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Mr. Jason (JJ) M. Trimble 1979 - 2018 Graveside Service for Mr. Jason (JJ) M. Trimble, 39, of Alexander City, will be Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hillview Memorial Park.

Rev. Wayne Cowhick will officiate. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 16, 2018 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home.

Mr. Trimble passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at UAB Palliative Care. He was born on February 14, 1979 in Sylacauga, Alabama to Stanley and Cindy Trimble. JJ loved everybody and

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO MY ASIAN READERS: The Year of the Dog begins today.

People born in the Year of the Dog are independent, sincere, loyal and decisive. Undaunted by life’s challenges, they enjoy harmonious relationships with those around them. Famous individuals who share this zodiac birthday are Winston Churchill, Mother Teresa, President Bill Clinton, Elvis Presley and Madonna. I wish a happy, healthy new year to all of you who celebrate this holiday.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

everybody loved him. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, guns, country music and Alabama Football.

He is survived by his parents, Cindy and Stanley Trimble; sister, Lori (Douglas) Baker of Alexander City; niece, Roxi Baker; nephew, Dusten (Kaylee) Bence; niece, Olyvia (Ryan) Clayton; great-nephew, T J Bence; grandmother, Joyce Polly (John) Catrett and grandmother, Marie Atkinson. Pallbearers will be Lance Meadows, Brian Tate, Freddie Bryant, Chad Wilson, Kevin Scott, Shaun Parrott, Josh Morgan, Steven Ingram, and Bryan Patterson.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, David Trimble,

grandfather, B C Atkinson, great-grandfather, E D Trammell, greatgrandmother, Doris Maddox, greatgrandmother, Roxie Penton, and greatgrandmother, Beatrice Trimble.

In lieu of flowers the family request contributions to Alabama Wildlife Federation: www. alabama wildlife.org or UAB Center for Palliative Care: CH19 Suite 219, 1720 2nd Ave So., Birmingham, AL 35294.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com.

Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Larry Dewayne Cleveland Mr. Larry Dewayne Cleveland, Age 61 of Alexander City, passed away Wednesday, February 7.

Survivors are two daughters, three sons, five sisters, 3 brothers and 11 grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, February 17th at 12:00 noon from the Morning Star Christian Church, 1600 Slayden Avenue, Birmingham, Alabama. Burial in Elmwood Cemetery. Viewing will be Friday 1-7 p.m.

Arrington Funeral Home, Inc. is directing.

Camp Hill Police Chief Potts again terminated by mayor Councilman Dean Bonner said. “I understand that there was some dispute and that Smith found him Just days before six-month to be insubordinate and termiprobationary period was to end, nated him. Yes, the probationary Camp Hill Police Chief Johnny period was just about to end.”

Potts has been terminated by This termination is the latMayor Ezell Smith. est in an on again off again saga Potts confirmed that he had between Smith and Potts. been dismissed in a text message Potts was demoted to sergeant Thursday, but declined comment

by Smith on July 24. At a council “I have no comment really,” meeting on Aug. 7, he was reinPotts sent via text message. stated by a vote of the Camp Hill Calls to city hall and to Smith’s Town Council. personal phone were not immediBut as soon as that meeting was ately returned Thursday, but one over, Smith terminated Potts. councilman said he was told by But the council called a special Smith that her reason for the termeeting to discuss the matter on mination was insubordination.

Aug. 11 and again reinstated Potts “From what I understand there to the chief position. One condiwas some issue about the way tion was added that the move be that the matter of office space on a six-month probationary basis in an upstairs area of the police with direction to be mindful of headquarters was handled,” behavior and proper procedure.

The council also asked to be kept informed of any issues that may develop during the probationary period.

The council members asked Potts to come to them if there were signs of conflict or problems that he felt needed to be addressed.

Bonner said he was told that Lt. Danny Williams was appointing to acting chief, while Ezell indicated she would launch a search to find a permanent replacement.

Also last year, another officer, Derrick Coley was terminated by Smith after a dispute over pay arose.

It had been a very busy several months for the Camp Hill Police Department where incidents included a murder on Christmas Day as well as home invasion/ armed robbery a few days later.

Alabama sets record for exports in 2017

lion, the state’s previous annual record. The gain FREE CONSULTATIONS Governor Kay Ivey reflects a longannounced Thursday that term trend, as Alabama exports reached Alabama exports a record $21.7 billion in have surged 21 2017, powered by rising percent since overseas shipments of 2011 and 50 per“It’s not the end ... It’s a new beginning” products such as automo- cent in a decade, Ivey 256-329-1313 biles, aircraft components, figures indicate. chemicals, paper and min217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL “We’ve seen Alabama “We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama erals. exports continue to State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal New government trade expand in recent years, services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.” figures show that exports strengthening our econoAlabama-made goods my at home and creating I SOLD IT FAST IN THE CLASSIFIEDS of and services increased more opportunities for Let us help you place more than 6 percent from our citizens,” Ivey said. an ad today, Please Call 256.277.4219 in print or online!

2016’s total of $20.5 bil“The companies sending Alabama-made products to markets across the world are not just large, 252 Tallapoosa St. multinational compaLLC. nies, but also small and Alexander City, AL medium-sized companies located in communities across the state.

“Setting a new annual export record is just Accounting • Bookkeeping another example of the economic success that Tax Preparation • Individual & Small Alabama is enjoying right Businesses Payroll Services now,” she added.

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In 2017, Alabama business exported goods and Christian Publications, services to 189 countries.

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hello, so come with us or go on ahead.” Because you have dined together before, you know this is her pattern. I do not think it is anything to ruin a friendship over.

Obituaries

By MITCH SNEED Editor

135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL

always scan the restaurant to see if there’s anyone else here I know.”

After we finished dinner and the checks were paid, the couple got up and left the table. We didn’t know where they had gone. I put my coat on and we were leaving, when the wife, who was now sitting down at another table with another couple, stopped us to introduce us to them.

I think they were terribly rude. I feel they should have waited and walked out with us, saying hello as they passed the table of their other friends.

This isn’t the first time she has done this. Is there a way to politely tell her how rude it is? My husband still wants to meet them for meals, but I am really struggling with it. -DITCHED DINER IN SOUTH CAROLINA DEAR DITCHED: If your dinner companion had perfect manners, rather than disappear after the check was paid, she would have said, “I see the Joneses over there.

We want to go over and say

256.392.3479

Mexico ($2.9 billion), and Japan ($682.6 million).

Exports to China and Mexico both grew by 10 percent, while shipments to Japan jumped 30 percent, the figures show.

“Exporting is a fundamental economic pillar that supports growth in our state, and increasing demand for Alabamamade products around the globe underscores the success of our dynamic manufacturing sector,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

“Growing export activity contributes economic vitality and spurs job creation across the state.”

Transportation equipment remained Alabama’s No. 1 export category, rising nearly 2 percent to $10.9 billion in 2017.

Motor vehicles represent the largest part of Alabama exports in this category, but the total also includes overseas shipments of auto parts, and aircraft and spacecraft components.

Other top Alabama exports in 2017 included chemicals ($2.3 billion), primary metals ($1.9 billion), minerals and ore ($1.3 billion), and paper ($1.1 billion), according to trade figures. Exports of minerals, primarily coal, rose 158 percent last year, while primary metals and paper each rose about 28 percent.

“With much of the world’s purchasing power located outside the U.S., Alabama companies are looking at markets beyond our borders for growth opportunities,” said Hilda Lockhart, director of the Commerce Department’s Office of International Trade. “Exports enhance the quality of life for all Alabamians and elevate prosperity in the state.

Creating jobs through exports for the state’s citizens is key to accelerating Alabama globally.”

Alabama ranked No. 22 among the states in export volume in 2017, moving up one spot from the previous year, Lockhart said.

Alabama’s increase of 6.3 percent last year was in line with the overall U.S. gain of 6.6 percent.

Friday, February 16, 2018

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The Outlook

Radney

continued from page 1

the end of January and April 11, concluding with a pep rally that was initially scheduled for Jan. 16 and 17, but was rescheduled due to the snowstorm. During the rally, Alex the Wildcat and Aubie will be coming together to help remind the students how exciting it was to be part of the TigerCHAT program and the positive aspects of living a healthier lifestyle.

In order to make the day more manageable, the two grades were split into six sessions, each lasting around 45 minutes. During each session, Young began by talking about the subject of the day, before the students were broken down into six sub-groups where they would work with one of the Auburn nursing students to be more active and participate in things like stretches and moving around in a way that fit the daily theme. Following the breakout period, the Radney students came back together while Young wrapped up the rest of the session by recapping the subject material. The nursing students also handed out prizes to those students who turned in the required homework that goes along with each section of the program.

Center Rehab Director Jak Korte said. “This program matched perfectly with what we wanted to do. Between our resources and their expertise, I feel this has gone well.”

“This was such a perfect fit for us to sponsor this,” Russell Medical Foundation Executive Director Tammy Jackson said.

“This is just the beginning of things to come.”

“We did this in collaboration with the community,” Radney Principal Dr. John Prestridge said. “The content is so valuable.”

Should the program prove successful in its goals following the 10-week pilot at Radney, Young and others with the Auburn School of Nursing hope to expand this program across the state, partnering with other nursing schools to offer this to more elementary school children.

Donald Campbell / The Outlook “There are advantages to everyone from this program,” Dr. Linda Gibson-Young with the Auburn University School of Nursing talks with students at Radney Elementary Dr. Caralise Hunt, the assistant School Wednesday morning about ways the students can easily go from sedentary activity to being more physidean of the Auburn School of cally active.

Nursing said. “The students Alexander City School System will be able to take this inforThey’re fun and they like to “It’s really cool getting to and the Russell Medical get involved.” teach them how to be healthy mation and learn more about Center Foundation.

A recent creation of the and prevent sickness, which being healthy. Our nurses “We have very strategic Auburn School of Nursing, is really important,” nursing receive growth and developthe TigerCHAT pilot program objectives for the community, ment training, and the faculty student Allie Brisentine said. and adolescents and teenagers has more tools available to “I think this has had an impact at Radney was formed in a were key,” Russell Medical so far. The kids are receptive. partnership with Auburn, the reach out into the community.”

Notices

continued from page 1

are a variety of reasons, but regardless they are due and we don’t want anyone to experience more fees and interest charges, that’s why we send out the notices.”

Being late comes with a price. There is a $30 fee for the registered mail charge per account and a $5 delinquent fee in addition to the 12 percent annual interest charges attached to delinquent taxes.

The registered letters are a last ditch attempt to collect before owners could experience some public scrutiny.

The names of owners of parcels with unpaid property taxes is required

by law to be run in the paper as a legal advertisement to make one last attempt to make sure people are aware of the debt. That publication begins in March and runs for four consecutive weeks.

Middlebrooks said some common issues usually explain why people are delinquent.

She said if you do not receive a tax bill, your mortgage company may hold funds for your taxes and then pay them from that escrow account.

Middlebrooks said it’s a good idea to check and make sure they were paid, especially if you get a notice.

She said any property owner who

has not gotten a bill, should check on it.

“Call our office and ask why you did not receive a bill,” Middlebrooks said. “Many times we find that they may have moved and we may not have the correct mailing address.”

Harris also said that the timing of the purchase of property leads to some issues.

“Please keep in mind that if you are a new owner and your deed was recorded after October 1, 2016, you will not receive a bill in your for this year,” Middlebrooks said. said. “If you purchased property during the year,

you need to make sure the taxes are paid. The tax bill will usually be in the previous owner’s name.”

Another reason to check is that on April 23, the delinquent properties are auctioned off at a public sale at the county courthouse.

“We certainly don’t want it to come to that,” Middlebrooks said. “We have great people here in Tallapoosa County. We find most of the time it is just some sort of oversight. We just want them to know that if they get a notice, they need to check on it and get it taken care of to avoid larger issues.”

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AFN44167

Opinion

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

Page 4

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Our

View

School shootings need our attention

U

nless you are living under a rock, you probably already know at least 17 people, mostly high-school students, were murdered in South Florida Wednesday.

On Thursday, law enforcement and elected officials vowed to make sure “justice is served.”

Officials say a former student turned gunman, accused killer 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, wielded an assault-style weapon and carried extra ammunition when he sought to lure students into the hallways of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School where they could be executed.

In the days, weeks and months to come, you will hear talk about social media posts, a disturbed childhood, links to all sorts of groups, disciplinary issues and unnerving behavior.

How do we know? We have heard it all before.

When 12 students and one teacher were killed at Columbine High School in Colorado in 1999, it seemed like a oncein-a-lifetime horror. But mass shootings at schools kept happening on a regular basis, including the murder of 20 first-graders and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut in 2012.

In just the time since the Sandy Hook killings, there have been 239 school shootings nationwide. According to reports, 438 people have been shot, 138 of those were killed, according to the Gun Violence Archive. There have been 18 school shootings already this year – about three a week.

What has the world become when things like this become commonplace?

We only wish we had an answer.

There will be an outcry for gun control, banning assault type automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines. We know this because the same thing has happened in the wake of the previous hundreds that have occurred.

We support the Second Amendment, but do believe there has to be a better way to reduce the possibility that a troubled soul can get their hands on a weapon capable of spraying hundreds of bullets per minute towards innocent children.

These guns and magazines are weapons of war, not for sportsmen or self-defense. There is no way 17 people would be dead today if the Florida gunman had been armed with just traditional weapons or long guns. He wouldn’t have had the time to kill that many people.

As it stands right now, can we really expect school officials to identify every potential threat with all we’ve already put on their plates? They are doing what they can, but threat assessment, surveillance, training, rehearsals and drills can only do so much. It’s time we as a nation do something to stop the mass carnage.

Know Your

Officials

Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following.

Governor Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was sworn into office on April 10, 2017, and can be reached at 334242-7100. Her office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.

Steve Marshall was appointed Alabama’s 50th Attorney General. He was appointed in 2017 and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery.

Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256392-2006 or by email at tughd81@gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City.

Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-7865.

His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.

Clyde Chambliss Jr. represents Senate District 30, which includes portions of Elmore, Autauga, Chilton, Coosa and Tallapoosa counties.

He can be reached at 334-343-7883 or at clyde. chambliss@alsenate.gov

Kay Ivey

Steve Marshall

Mark Tuggle

Tom Whatley

Clyde Chambliss

Outlook The

Everything in life needs balance

N

ext to rocket science and brain surgery, I think balancing a checkbook is one of the most difficult things in the universe.

There is something sinister about that monthly contact from the bank begging to be opened and explored. Before I even slit that sucker open, I know it ain’t gonna balance.

As I sit hopelessly before the list of canceled checks and incomprehensible bank statement, I know in my heart that the natives of Bora Bora are playing barefooted on the beach and have no idea what a checking account is all about.

Yet, I sit here with my genuine Star Wars calculator, a No. 2 pencil and record of dead checks in front of me. It makes my shoes fit that much tighter.

Of course, as I go through those checks, I am amazed at what was purchased in the past month. The utility bill is just a little less than the Braves’ stadium, enough was spent at the grocery store to feed Bangladesh and our car expenses indicate I own a fleet of automobiles. I have the impression that I’m not a household, but I’m really a small business that never shows a profit!

The clincher on the checks come when I calmly point out some of the purchases my wife has made in the last 30 days. She in turn retaliates by unreasonably bringing up

we all want life to be on an even keel and for everything GERALD to come out even. I think God gave us this innate sense of HALLMARK life’s true balance because Columnist we know intuitively that God wants us to have happiness along with our sorrows. some of my much-needed That’s why when life gets buys. Who can possibly off balance, Christians have compare the purchase of bath the Holy Spirit to pull them towels with fishing equipment, back to dead center. Then our or the buying of cookware testimony for Christ becomes with updated camo? It’s a measuring scale of how obvious to the most causal balanced we really are in Him. observer which of these is the So the question is, how most essential. balanced is your social life Oh yeah, I didn’t mention with your spiritual one? every month there is the I guess I shouldn’t inevitable check that wasn’t complain too much about written down and throws this balancing checkbook the whole kit-and-caboodle business to my wife. After out of whack. It never fails all, I just remembered the the offending check isn’t ATM withdrawals I never listed in the registry, nor has wrote down. I wonder if I can it cleared. Now, the thing I convince her they are bank hate most about this part of errors. I hope so because I the procedure is when my just hate to think about that wife discovers that it was grin with an attitude when she me who forgot to write it finds out. Then again I don’t down. Nothing in nature can think this is going to be a duplicate a wife’s I-told-youfuture problem. so, self-satisfied smile when She just came in and she has been vindicated in an gathered everything up, argument! gave me a look of pity and You know when we think marched off to balance this about it, there are a lot of unfathomable mystery. I things in life that just don’t wonder if she wants to use my balance besides a checkbook. calculator.

Sometimes those unbalanced problems come from our own Dr. Gerald Hallmark making, sometimes they result is a retired minister from from others and sometimes Alexander City. His column they are just a part of life. Yet, appears here each Friday.

Friday, February 16, 2018

Today’s

Quote

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”

—Jimmy Dean

Today’s

Scripture

“This is love: not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

—1 John 4:10

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Medicaid can lift up vulnerable Alabamians

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s Alabama considers seeking approval to require many of its Medicaid recipients to work or volunteer in order to receive benefits, we must ensure the program is as meaningful as possible for those impacted.

It will take substantive programming around the 80-hours per month requirement for able-bodied people to either work or perform community service to do that.

By tying volunteerism to getting people job skills and into the workforce, a path to selfsufficiency is forged.

As vulnerable adults begin contributing to their community, they feel a sense of pride, accomplishment and dignity.

They will be viewed as part of the solution — not as part of the problem.

This isn’t just wishful thinking. The National Center for Families Learning (NCFL), a national non-profit, has seen transformation of individuals and communities across the country when people are able to contribute, volunteer, work and see the benefits of their actions.

NCFL works to eradicate poverty through education solutions for families.

Over the past 30 years, and with the partnership of Toyota, we have impacted the lives of more than 2 million families in 150 cities and 39 states (including Alabama). Many of these accomplishments can be duplicated under the new Medicaid requirements: Volunteerism through the creation of a Family Service Learning program.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), SHARON and Temporary Assistance DARLING for Needy Families (TANF), and creating a comprehensive Guest system to improve the human columnist condition and move people to self-sufficiency.

Participants decide what Take for example, issues are important in their NCFL’s work in Mississippi. community – such as safety Through a partnership with and security, environmental the Mississippi Department stewardship, financial literacy, of Human Services and two effective education systems, social service agencies, whole transportation, and health. families participate in Family They then investigate how Service Learning projects, to address these issues and PACT Time®, and family-toexecute their projects. family mentoring.

Families are strengthened In addition, participants through two-generation literhave access to free classes acy programs, such as NCFL for literacy, parenting, life Family Learning, that include skills, workforce developParent and Child Together ment and education services.

(PACT) Time®, Parent Time, This results in whole families and family-to-family mentor- being lifted to meet their true ing. Bonds are strengthened potential, and that will lead to and whole families are lifted generational cycles of poverty to attain their true potential. being broken.

Adults learn/gain computer Despite the unemployment skills, academic skills and rate sitting at a 45-year low, teamwork, problem solvthere are more than 7-million ing, and communication (all U.S. citizens not able to find crucial for employment). a job. Many of them are able Research shows NCFL Family and willing to work, but don’t Learning participants learn 40 have the skills to get a job. of 42 federal workforce skills Alabama has a rare chance and half of 2017 participants to set the standard for raising got a job, got a better job, or up families so they may begin earned more money. to break the intergenerational Access to high school cycles of poverty through equivalency or GED® cercommunity engagement and tificate programs. Research work-skills training. Let’s creshows more than half of ate comprehensive system and participants in NCFL Family set an example for the rest of Learning programs in 2017 the country. earned one or the other.

These positive results Sharon Darling is the could be further amplified by president and founder of the pulling together several proNational Center for Families grams, including Medicaid, Learning.

The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 75 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@ alexcityoutlook.com.

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Friday, February 16, 2018

The Outlook

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The Outlook

Friday, February 16, 2018

Friday, February 16, 2018

Sentence he will now serve even longer.

After an appellate court assessed the criteria used by Judge Tom Young to arrive at the consecutive sentences of 60 and 45 years, they ordered 43-year old Henry Lemanns Williams be resentenced.

Thursday morning Young gave Williams life in prison, followed by 45 years, still likely assuring he will die in jail.

Williams had appealed the 60-year term he received after he was convicted. Young heard from Defense Attorney Mark Tindal and District Attorney Jeremy Duerr before handing down the new sentence.

Tindal argued that, since he began serving his time, Williams had expressed remorse and was looking to improve himself while in prison.

“He is not highly educated. The world moves by him at a different pace than it does the rest of us,” Tindal said. “He has expressed remorse for his actions. He has signed up for educational opportunities while in prison, and is doing the best job he can to try and improve himself.

“I request he not be given life without parole, and that he be able to serve his sentences concurrently.”

Under a concurrent sentencing, Williams would have been able to serve both sentences simultaneously, giving him the chance to potentially be a free man once the longer term had been served.

Duerr felt that, if Williams truly felt this way about what he had done, these feelings should have come out long before Thursday’s appeal hearing.

“You did not express remorse during the trial itself,” Duerr said. “I think

The Outlook

continued from page 1

it’s a little too late now.”

“You were given the opportunity to resolve this case, but instead let it go to trial,” Young said. “I remember the state’s case.

I am prepared to go forward.”

Before the new sentence was handed down, Williams spoke up and asked to have the original sentencing of 105 years restored instead of receiving a new sentence on the 60-year conviction.

Young said it’s impossible to go back to that now, due to Williams having gone through the appeal process.

“You shall be sentenced to life, serving consecutive sentences,” Young said, adding that Williams will also still be responsible for paying court costs, restitution and victims’ compensation, and can’t have any contact whatsoever with the two victims.

Under the new sentencing, Williams will be eligible for parole on the life term, but will still have to serve the 45-year term, either prior to or after the completion of the life sentence.

After being told by Young there was still the ability to appeal this resentencing, though it must be done within a limited time frame, Tindal said he believes Williams will appealing this new sentence.

In his trial, testimony from his two female victims who were 14 and 16 when they were on the stand, gave graphic details about he touched them inappropriately and performed sexual acts upon them.

In one case a victim was drugged before Williams abused her and they testified that Williams hit them and threatened to kill them if the girls were to tell anyone what he had done.

Fire

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Page 7

continued from page 1

then firefighters gained entry to the interior and started extinguishing the flames, while checking to see the extent it had spread to the upper level of the home.

The homeowner is Barbara Sokol, who was away from the home when the fire started.

Even though her vehicle was not home, there were some anxious moments before the house was cleared as neighbors were unable to reach her by cell phone. She arrived just Above, Alexander City as firefighters had the Fire Department Fire Chief flames out and began Reese McAlister works clearing debris. She was to turn on a fire hydrant comforted by neighbors while the home is extinwho came to check on her, and then sought guished. Left, Barbara out each and every fireSokol shares a hug with fighter to thank them for her neighbor. Below, trying to save her home.

ACFD firefighters enter “Thankfully I’m Sokol’s smoke-filled home OK,” Sokol said. “I had after it struck fire Thursto thank these guys. I day morning. There was have a connection with extensive damage done to them and I can’t thank the home, but thankfully, them enough for what no one was home and no they have done.” one was injured.

Sokol helped train Mitch Sneed / The Outlook paramedics and firefighters in advanced lifesaving techniques, for a period of time several years ago.

Deputy Chief Craig Clark said it did appear that the fire started in the kitchen area of the home, but indicated that the investigation was not complete and did not want to speculate on the exact cause of the fire.

The damage was considered extensive, especially to the rear, ground floor of the home.

Ken Cowart with the Red Cross was also on the scene assisting and met with Sokol about ways they could offer assistance.

Page 8

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CommunityCalendar Need Insurance?

Call me.

Today is February 16, 2018 Today’s Events

PAGEANT: God’s Beautiful Creations Pageant will be Friday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Sardis Missionary Baptist Church in Dadeville. The event is sponsored by the music ministry.

There will be five categories and all ages are welcome to participate.

Friday, February 16, 2018

The Outlook

There will also be an outstanding couple category. To participate, please contact any of the Sardis Missionary Baptist Church choir members.

MOTOWN MAGIC: Alexander City Arts is hosting Motown Magic Friday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. at the BRHS Auditorium.

The show celebrates 50 years of number hits and moves through the decades of Motown chart topping hit artists and groups like The Temptations, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The

Submit calendar items:

Participate in your Outlook by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or logging on to http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/.

Supremes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Smokey Robinson, Tami Terrell, The Marvelettes and Gladys Knight.

Today’s Birthdays

Amy Crawford, Kara Forbus, John Ed Cox, Demetrius Cox, Gauge Daniel and Addie Walker are celebrating their birthdays today.

Today’s Anniversaries

Beth and Bruce Holley and Michelle and Chris Collum celebrate their anniversaries today.

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The recent warm weather has proven to be a bit confusing for daffodils as they can be spotted blooming all over town. Traditionally a signal of the start of spring, this year they are about a month early with the official first day of spring being March 20.

Saturday, February 17

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Dadeville Kiwanis Club will be holding its annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 7 until 11 a.m. at the Dadeville Elementary School Cafeteria. Tickets are $6 per person and include all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, ham, coffee, juice and milk.

For tickets, see any member of the Dadeville Kiwanis Club, or contact Tony Johnson at 256-825-6364 or Peggy Bullard at 256-825-9415.

POLAR LEAP: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a Polar Leap Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. to leap into the icy waters of Wind Creek State Park. Hot chocolate and coffee will be provided for participants. The event is weather permitting and there is a park entry fee for non-campers.

TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends Monthly Trade Day in Millerville on Highway 9 between Ashland and Goodwater will be held on Feb. 17 from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Refreshments are also available.

Sunday, February 18

GOSPEL SINGING: The Kempters will be in concert at Hillabee Baptist Church Sunday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS DAY: Haven United Methodist Church is hosting Family and Friends Day Sunday, Feb. 18 at 2:30 p.m. Guest minister will be Rev. Bobby Hargrove III. Percy Nolan is pastor of Haven United Methodist.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM: Friendship Baptist Church is hosting a Black History Month program Sunday, Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be District 23 Senator Hank Sanders.

Thursday, February 22

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SENIORX: Deborah Jones of SenioRx will be at the Alexander City Chamber Thursday, Feb. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to help seniors determine if they are eligible for assistance with diabetic supplies, liquid supplements and medications.

This event is sponsored by the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (Area Agency on Aging).

For more information, contact Jones at 1-800-361-1636 or 256761-3575.

Saturday, February 24

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: There will be a pancake breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 6 to 11 a.m. at Faith Temple Church Gym located at 425 Franklin Street. Tickets are $6 for all-you-can-eat pancakes in house and sausage, juice and coffee.

Carry out is also available.

This is a fundraiser for the Faith Christian Academy’s Robotics team, which will compete in the National WWII Museum’s Robotics Challenge in New Orleans in May. Tickets are available from FCA students and at the door.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have Family

Game Night Bingo from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. Begin with hot dogs, pizza, chips and soft drinks.

Monday, February 26

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. James Hansen will present “Neil Armstrong” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 26 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education.

Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple.

Registration for winter quarter began Jan. 8.

ROOK TOURNAMENT: The New Site Senior Activity Center will be holding a rook tournament Feb. 26 beginning at 9 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers, and a luncheon will be provided. All participants must register by Feb. 22. The registration fee is $5, and players must bring their own partner. For more information or to register, contact Senior Activity Center Director Jan Kennedy at 256-794-1933.

17. Friday night there will be a Calcutta and steak dinner at the Alexander City Elks Lodge and the shoot will be Saturday at the Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sports Club.

If you would like to participate or sponsor a sign please contact Stacey Jeffcoat by calling 256-234-4757 or emailing at staceyj1229@gmail.com.

Sunday, March 4

PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: New Style Baptist Church on Coosa County Road 20 in Equality is celebrating Pastor Richard Ellis Taylor’s third anniversary Sunday, March 4. Rev. Yeasive Ware of Opelika is the featured speaker at 11 a.m. and Pastor Robert L. Harbrove III of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Alexander City is the featured speaker at 2 p.m.

PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: Corinth Baptist Church in Kellyton is hosting the 26th Pastoral Celebration for Pastor Jimmy Brooks Jr. and wife Patricia March 4 at 11 a.m. The guest speaker will be Pastor Jeffrey Wilson of First Baptist Church in South Pell City.

Saturday, March 10

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Alexander City Kiwanis Club is hosting a pancake and Conecuh sausage breakfast March 10 from 6 to 10 a.m. at the Benjamin Russell High School cafeteria. Tickets are $6 and include all you can eat. Carry out is also available.

March 16-17

SPORTING CLAY SHOOT: The 12th annual Ronald Koon Sporting Clay Classic benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area will be held March 16 and

The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd, and Weekend Shifts for Direct Care.

Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Brinda Bell (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101 Email: bbell@learning-tree.org

Saturday, March 24

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

EASTER EGG HUNT: Wind Creek State Park is hosting an Easter egg hunt Saturday, March 24 at 10 a.m.

Most eggs will have small prizes and prize eggs will be hidden for each age division. The age divisions are 0-2 years old, 2-4 years old, 5-8 years old and 9-12 years old. The event will take place in the north picnic area across from the beach.

There is a park entry fee for noncampers.

Wednesday, March 29

VIETNAM VETERANS WELCOME HOME: The Auburn Veterans Project is celebrating and reflecting on the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans March 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Auburn High School auditorium. Speakers will be Joe Galloway and Medal of Honor recipients Bennie Adkins and James Livingston.

Family is welcome to accompany their veteran and there will be a light reception afterwards.

Visit auburnveteransproect. weebly.com/east-alabama-vietnamveterans-welcome-home-cermony. html. Attendees are asked to RSVP in advance by either emailing Blake Busbin at wbbusbin@auburnschools. org or by calling Auburn High School at 334-887-2120.

Saturday, March 31

FULL MOON HIKE: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a full moon hike Saturday, March 31 at 7 p.m. The hike will begin at dark in the north picnic pavilion. There is a fee for non-campers.

April 6-8

GREASE: The Dadeville High School Theater program is producing “Grease” April 6 at 7 p.m., April 7 at 7 p.m. and April 8 at 3 p.m. at the Dadeville High School Auditorium.

Tuesday, March 13

GREATER TUNA: Alexander City Arts is hosting “Greater Tuna,” Tuesday, March 13 at 7 p.m. at the BRHS Auditorium. It is a hilarious comedy about Texas’ third smallest town where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies.

Helping Children Learn and Grow

Saturday, March 17

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer Methodist Men’s Club is hosting a pancake breakfast Saturday, March 17 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. It is eat in or carry-out and is $6 a plate.

February 28 - March 2

CHURCH REVIVAL: The Family Worship Center at 1676 Sewell Street is hosting revival services Feb. 28, March 1 and March 2 at 6:30 p.m. with Evangelist Apostle W.T. Traylor. Everyone is welcome.

The Learning Tree

April 9-10

THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days April 9-10. Dumpsters will be located at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.

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Sports

LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

Outlook

Friday, February 16, 2018

The

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Page 9

EYES ON THE PRIZE

Young Benjamin Russell squad has sights set high

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Despite Richy Brooks’ famed career as Benjamin Russell baseball coach, there’s one thing that’s always eluded him — a state championship. Having advanced to the state quarterfinals on five occasions, the Wildcats have always falls just a little short.

And although they have a young roster this season with only one senior, they’re still fighting for the ultimate goal.

“Our goals never change,” Brooks said. “Our goal is first off we want to win the area championship and host a playoff game. The second goal is to make the playoffs. Then once we get in, we want to cause as much damage as we can and get to Montgomery. That’s our goal every year, and one year we’re going to get there.”

But it’s going to be an uphill battle for Benjamin Russell, which kicks off the season with a doubleheader against Valley and Dadeville at 11 a.m. Monday.

The Wildcats boast just five returning starters. Senior Bradley Stewart returns and will serve as a utility player in the infield, but will mostly play second or third. Outfielder Brock Elliott brings back the most pitching experience, while Wilson Hays will once again take up shop at catcher. Nick McGhee also returns in the outfield and will pitch some, and Brett Pitts, who started as freshman, will play mostly shortstop.

A lot of Benjamin Russell’s starting lineup and rotation around the diamond will depend on who’s on the mound, as the Wildcats have up to 10 pitchers.

“We’re running 21 pitchers between varsity and JV,” Brooks said. “I’d rather make a guy a pitcher than run out of arms. Last year, we had some injuries, but all of a sudden, we were able to fill those holes in because we had worked them before.”

In addition to Elliott and McGhee,

File / The Outlook

Bradley Stewart is the only senior for Benjamin Russell’s baseball team this season, and is expected to be one of the Wildcats’ top hitters.

appearing on the mound throughout the season will be John Hayden Johnson (OF), Sam Hendon (3B/C), Ryan Willis (OF), Huell Lumpkin (OF), Colby Riddle (2B/C), Cade Brooks (1B/3B) and Pitts.

“We’re not power arms,” Richy Brooks said. “Our pitching philosophy is that we’re going to pitch to contact. We want to play defense, and we’ve been working extremely hard on defense.

We hope to develop into power arms, and we have guys that are capable of doing it. Our velocity is getting up as we’re getting stronger, but we’re not

as worried about velocity right now because they’re mostly 10th and 11th graders.”

Tannor Beckett and Joe Young will split time at first base, while Brooks Vardaman will mostly play second, and Ty Brown and Dawson Trapp will swing between varsity and JV. Although most coaches would be daunted by having such a young group, Brooks said he’s looking forward to the challenge and hope it breeds competition.

“This is my 29th year coaching high school baseball, and I have never ended

the year with a lineup that I started the year with,” he said. “That tells you two things: Somebody gets better, but somebody also gets worse. Somebody holds onto their job, somebody loses it, somebody takes it away. That’s kinda what we’re looking for, especially being youthful, is job competition. It makes you better.”

The same could be said for the hitting lineup, as Benjamin Russell graduated the majority of its power hitters. Although Brooks said he expects Stewart to be one of the top offensive See WILDCATS • Page 10

Horseshoe Bend is back for more

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

File / The Outlook

Dadeville’s Quanesha Presley had a double-double in a season-ending loss to Sipsey Valley in a Class 4A sub-regional game.

Rally not enough for Dadeville girls also proud of the short length of time they had to gel together and the four young Despite outscoring ladies that I had left Sipsey Valley, 18-4, from the beginning. I in the final quarter of Monday’s sub-regional was pleased with their girls basketball game, ability to stay a part of the team, not quit Dadeville couldn’t overcome a deficit in a and continue to work 68-43 loss. The Tigers hard and work with the group that we had were eliminated from coming in. That’s not postseason play and an easy task.” finished the season Dadeville stuck with with a 5-12 record.

“I feel like we went the Bears for the first quarter, after which further than most the Tigers trailed just people expected, and 17-10. But Sipsey I was proud of them Valley pulled away in for not letting up,” the second and third Tiger coach Pam Holloway said. “I was See DADEVILLE • Page 10

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

After coming up short at the Class 2A state championship a year ago, Horseshoe Bend’s softball team has a fire under its belly.

Danielle Mitchell is ready to take over the pitching role from AllState First-Team selection Kynsley Blasingame, who now pitches for Troy University, and although she’s just an eighth grader, Kennedy Templeton is prepared to enter into the catcher’s position.

“We’ve given her the opportunity to step up and go with it,” Horseshoe Bend first-year coach Hagen Vickers said. “I have two older girls who can catch but they both have bad knees, so we need someone to do it consistently. Kennedy is an athlete, and she’s stepped up and taken on the role at practice.”

The only other two non-returning starters are freshmen Abby Cheatam and Caly Carlisle. Carlisle will take over at first base as the Generals are uncertain of the return of Ivy Vickers, who suffered an injury during basketball season.

Cheatam will play leftfield, as Lily Combs moved into Mitchell’s centerfield spot.

Filling out the infield will be second baseman Sydnie Catrett, Leighann McWhorter at third and Cheyanna Howard at shortstop. The rightfield will be manned by Hannah Adcock.

“I’ve been really

File / The Outlook

Horseshoe Bend’s Sydnie Catrett is one of several returners for the Generals this softball season.

excited because our senior girls, they know what it’s like and what it takes to get there,” Hagen Vickers said. “The dynamic of this team has got to change a little bit. They know they’ll have to play a little bit more defense and hit the ball a little bit better, and you can tell they’ve taken ownership of that.”

Although Mitchell has big shoes to fill from Blasingame’s graduation, Vickers isn’t worried about her junior pitcher, who will be backed up by Carlisle.

“With Danielle, she is very athletic,” Vickers

said. “With her being able to take that leadership role and actually getting to pitch consistently, she’s going to be just fine. She’s taken over 100 percent.”

Similarly to the softball team, the General baseball team graduated only one from a year ago.

Filling out the pitching rotation will be Luke Yarbrough (SS), Jace Rodriguez (OF), Cade Worthy (1B) and Grant Taylor (OF).

“Pitching was a strong suit for us last year, and all those guys have been pitching for a long

time, so I’m looking for that to be pretty good,” Horseshoe Bend baseball coach Jason Johnson said.

“We’ve been hitting the ball pretty well early on because we’ve spent a lot of time in the batting cages, so right now I’m worried about defensively how we’re going to be.

We haven’t gotten nearly as many reps as we need to.”

Rounding out the starting lineup will be Lee Norrell (3B), Chandler Lewis (C), Jordan Argo (2B), Nalijah Heard (OF) and Drake Conway (IF).

See GENERALS • Page 10

Page 10

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Friday, February 16, 2018

The Outlook

Permits may allow 47-day snapper season we wanted to make sure we had something at least that good this year and in 2019.”

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey also If the plan works out, Alabama applauded the support shown by red snapper anglers will have the Gulf Council. access to the prized reef fish “Alabama and the other four for more days than last year’s Gulf states worked diligently to extended season. put forth comprehensive proposals The plan entails exempted that correspond to the geography fishing permits (EFPs) that allow and red snapper populations off the five Gulf states to set seasons their states,” Governor Ivey said. that will keep the snapper harvest “I am confident that this EFP will within the overall quota for the demonstrate Alabama’s ability to recreational fishery in the Gulf. effectively manage recreational If approved, the EFPs will be red snapper fishing in waters used until the Gulf of Mexico adjacent to our state.”

Fishery Management Council has Based on the effort shown time to go through the process to through the Red Snapper approve state management plans Reporting Program, otherwise for the Gulf states. known as Snapper Check, from Commissioner Chris last year’s extended season of 42 Submitted / The Outlook days, Marine Resources Division Blankenship of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Director Scott Bannon said the If approved, exempted fishing permits will allow Alabama to have a 47-day Natural Resources said approval proposed 2018 season would be red snapper season in 2018. for the state management plans 47 days long. The snapper season came from. NOAA suggested that communities. would likely not happen before would be on each Friday, Saturday instead of a pilot program, we do “I also want to thank Sen. 2020 and the EFPs would be in and Sunday starting on June 1 and exempted fishing permits for state Richard Shelby, Alabama place during the 2018 and 2019 ending on the Monday of Labor management in each of the five Department of Conservation and seasons.

Day and including the full week Gulf states.

Natural Resources Commissioner of the Fourth of July.

“We were working with “Last week at the Gulf of Chris Blankenship and our other (Alabama) Sen. (Richard) Alabama’s charter-for-hire Mexico Fishery Management Gulf Coast colleagues for working sector is not included this year Shelby and talking with him Council meeting, the council together to ensure our fishermen last year about the possibility in the EFP. The charter industry voted to approve exempted fishing and coastal communities have of Marine Resources managing voted and opted to stay with the permits for the five Gulf states. a full and adequate red snapper the red snapper fishery in the federal charter season this year. artificial reef zones off Alabama,” Although council approval wasn’t season.”

“For the recreational anglers, required, the states and NOAA After a 30-day public comment we used a population method Blankenship said. “We have wanted the council’s blessing period, NOAA will consider more than 1,000 square miles of for the Alabama reef zone,” permitted reef zones, the largest in before proceeding. The exempted comments and take one of Bannon said. “The initial request fishing permits can be issued by three routes – issue the permits, the country, and we wanted to be from Sen. Shelby’s office in the NOAA, but the federal people not issue the permits or make able to manage the fishery inside appropriations bill was to create and the Gulf states felt it would be changes to the permits before there.” a plan for the reef zone. Since we they are issued to ensure the Sen. Shelby added language in best to go to the Gulf Council so have some very specific science they could review the permits, ask states don’t go over the quotas. A from our coordination with the the 2016 appropriations bill that decision is expected in mid-April. University of South Alabama allowed NOAA (National Oceanic questions and make comments.”

Alabama Congressman Bradley Blankenship said the five Gulf and Atmospheric Administration) and Dr. Sean Powers’ work, Byrne, who has been at the states worked together to come up we utilized their research and to establish a pilot program for forefront of the effort to improve with a plan to divide the overall state management in designated population estimates to come up access to the red snapper fishery, quota to try to minimize the artificial reef zones. with the plan. thanked the Gulf Council for chances the states would exceed “That was the genesis of “Based on the participation supporting the EFP program. the recreational fishing quota for the exempted fishing permits,” effort and harvest recorded “As I have always said, this the year.

Blankenship said. “Alabama through Snapper Check, we can “Alabama’s portion of the submitted our proposal to NOAA. issue is about so much more assure that we don’t exceed our quota would give us a season very allocation. We could potentially They were concerned if only one than just our fishermen,” Byrne similar to what we had last year,” close early, or we could add days state did it, it wouldn’t be fair and said. “A full red snapper season Blankenship said. “We thought the states wouldn’t have the same is good news for the hotels, in October if we don’t meet the restaurants, gas stations and other that was a good result last year. opportunity. That’s where the quota. We have that flexibility.”

The people really enjoyed it, and idea for exempted fishing permits small businesses in our coastal The two-fish bag limit with a

By DAVID RAINER Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Generals Although the Generals haven’t gotten too much practice time on the field, Johnson is encouraged by his group of seniors. Six of his nine starters are seniors.

“That’s the one thing that doesn’t make me feel so bad about being so far behind,” Johnson said. “Chandler and Grant have been starting since eighth grade, and Cade since he was a freshman. They know the schemes that we do, so mentally, they should be good to

Brayden bags big buck Alexander City’s Brayden Pritchard, 13, bagged his first-ever deer earlier this month. It was a 10-point buck. For a chance to be featured on the Alexander City Outlook sports pages, send us a picture of your biggest bucks this hunting season. Send photos to sports editor Lizi Arbogast at lizi.arbogast@ alexcityoutlook.com or share them with us on Facebook.

go. What we’re missing right now is just getting in the routine of catching ground balls every day. With all that experience, though, we should be OK.” Horseshoe Bend is once again hoping to be in the battle for the area title, as it was edged by Reeltown for the No. 1 spot a year ago.

The baseball team’s first game is at home Monday at 1 p.m. against Prattville Christian, while the softball squad hits the road for Sylacauga at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

File / The Outlook

Luke Yarbrough is one of several returning pitchers.

guys, the rest of the spots are up for grabs.

“We don’t have a lot coming back offensively, so that’s going to be the surprise,” Brooks said.

“Somebody is going to have to step up, but it’s a wonderful opportunity for these guys. Some of these guys have never played varsity, and it’s a chance for them to shine.”

Benjamin Russell won its area last year, but Brooks expects both Wetumpka and Opelika to

continued from page 9

give the Wildcats a good run for their money in area competition.

Luckily for such a young squad, BRHS doesn’t play an area game until the first week of April.

In the meantime, there’s still plenty of room for improvement with the season inching closer and closer to its start.

“When you walk out in the middle of that diamond, that’s where it starts and we gotta throw strikes,” Brooks said. “If we throw strikes and compete

Dadeville frames and got a big enough lead Dadeville couldn’t pull back in it.

Quanesha Presley led the Tigers with a double-double, contributing 21 points and 14 rebounds and also adding three blocks. Janiya Wyckoff had 10 points, and Ranika Cox was just one point and one board away from a double-double. D’Aja Caldwell had six rebounds, and Wyckoff added five.

The only two seniors Dadeville will graduate are Presley and Cox, and although those two were a big factor for the Tigers this season, Holloway

David Rainer works for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and writes a weekly column called Outdoor Alabama Weekly.

continued from page 9

Wildcats Submitted / The Outlook

16-inch minimum total length will remain in effect.

Bannon said the reason Alabama decided to go with a predominantly weekend season was because the format received favorable feedback from the anglers who participated in last year’s extended season.

“We are trying to maximize the benefit for the most anglers, and we felt like that was the best plan,” he said. “We realize there are still some limitations to the state-licensed party boats because they are still held to the 9-mile (state waters) limit. And we know during the tourist season, the change-over is on the weekend.

It does make it a little difficult for them, but for the largest number of people, this is the greatest access we could provide.

Bannon said all those plans and permits are predicated on anglers’ participation in Snapper Check.

“That’s a vital component in making this a successful program,” he said of Snapper Check. “Some people feel that not reporting works to their advantage, and that is not true. It’s better to have real numbers entered into the system. There is an algorithm we use that calculates the compliance rate. Then it calculates the season, harvest and participation. If our compliance is high, it’s closer to the real number and not an estimation.

“And remember, this a shortterm effort. We’re still working on a long-term solution through the council or potential legislation in Congress.”

Marine Resources plans to hold town hall meetings the last week of April and first week of May, two in Mobile County, two in Baldwin County and one in Birmingham. A Facebook Live session is also planned.

up there, we’re going to be OK. Defensively, after pitching, that’s my next concern. Hitting is going to come. We’re not going to start the year out hitting hopefully like we hit eventually, but defense shouldn’t have a slump. I’m just still worried about finding the right guys to plug into the right spots.”

With such a versatile roster, though, Benjamin Russell should be able to find the magic recipe eventually.

continued from page 9

is still hopeful about the future.

“I’m gonna miss those two for sure, but I do feel pretty good with the young ones, as long as they stay focused and dedicated,” she said.

Dadeville’s boys team also was eliminated from the postseason after suffering a 65-47 loss at the hands of Holt on Tuesday night.

team got itself back in the win column with a sweep of Andrew College. CACC started Wednesday’s doubleheader with a 7-2 victory, then Amber Parker posted a five-inning no-hitter to lift the Trojans to an 8-0 win in the nightcap.

Parker needed just 79 pitches in the no-hitter, as she struck out seven and walked only two.

She was backed up by a prolific offense that scored eight runs on Sweep of Andrew College puts CACC back on right track six hits. Sierra Easterwood and Courtney Ray each had two hits.

After losing four games Ray hit a home run and drove in in a row, Central Alabama a total of three runs, and Shatima Community College’s softball Smith also knocked one out of

the park.

In the earlier game, Andrew College actually out-hit CACC, 7-2, but the Trojans never relinquished the lead after putting five runs in the opening frame.

Once again, Ray led the offense with two hits, including a home run, and three RBIs, and Parker also had a two-run shot.

Central Alabama ekes out win

On Tuesday night, Central Alabama Community College’s baseball team racked up 11 hits and did just enough to take down Pensacola State College, 5-4.

The Trojans entered the

bottom of the seventh inning down by a run, but Garrett Takamatsu played hero with a two-RBI single to drive in the eventual game winner.

Pryce Fletcher paced the offense with three hits, while Ricardo Bustamante and Luis Deleon each had two. Griffin Fenn also plated two runs.

On the mound, the Trojans went through eight pitchers, who totaled seven hits, seven strikeouts and four walks. Connor Brooks (Benjamin Russell) closed out the game by throwing an inning and striking out two of the three batters he faced.

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

Millennials Are Moving Here On Purpose Gala To Honor Dr. John Blythe

February 2018

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Lake Martin Living 3

From the Editor’s Desk

O

nce in a while, we are given the opportunity to be part of something awesome. I think that is what I loved the most about Alexander City when I landed here six years ago. It was a town on the edge of greatness. There was so much enthusiasm for the future, so much vision and promise and hope.

As managing editor of the magazine division at TPI, I have a mezzanine seat to a lot of what’s happening here – the new and growing businesses, the civic involvement, the celebrations of accomplishments. And my part in the picture is that I get to tell you about them, every month, in these pages.

This month, we kick off the content with the latest retail change on Main Street. Alabama Makers Market has changed hands and relaunched as Makers Market on Main under the ownership of Barbara Thompson. We’re excited about what that means for local shoppers, so we talked with Barbara and got the scoop, which we share with you on page 10.

Shopping local is a conviction of the 20- and 30-somethings who have made Alexander City home. The millennial generation is committed to smalltown life and playing a part in the success of the entrepreneur. That population is growing in this corner of heaven, and this month, Amy Passaretti shares some the reasons why. Her article about millennials moving in on page 24 highlights what the town is doing to attract the future entrepreneurs, as well as what the newest residents want to add to the quality of life here.

But that enthusiasm for the future of Alexander City isn’t new.

As Jacob Meacham observes in Amy’s millennial article, previous generations have provided a solid foundation for growth.

Dr. John C. Blythe has played an important part in laying that foundation. Blythe, a native of Alexander City who after college returned home as an oncologist, will be honored Feb. 24 for his contributions to the community when the Russell Medical Foundation hosts its annual gala ball at Willow Point Country Club. Learn more about Dr. Blythe, his love for his hometown and the scholarship fund that will bear his name on page 20.

It’s everywhere I look – this growth and enthusiasm for community.

It encompasses all ages. You can see that in the activities represented in the Oh Snap! photo section starting on page 31 of this magazine. From retirees to pre-school kids, there are opportunities to be involved, to make a difference, to be part of it.

Part of something awesome.

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor

4 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Managing Editor Betsy Iler Assistant Magazine Editor Amy Passaretti Contributors Dave Jennings Luke Robinson Fred Muenzmay Cliff Williams Mitch Sneed Donald Campbell Susan Foy Jim Littman Carmen Rodgers Magazine Distribution Manager David Kendrick Creative Services Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Katie Wesson Scott Hardy Rebecca Carlisle Erin Burton 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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Millennials Lindsay and Jacob Meacham stroll down Main Street with their son Jack.

IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 10. BUSINESS MATTERS 14. HAPPY GARDEN 18. FROM THE TEE 30. MONEY MATTERS 31. OH SNAP! 36. LAKE REGION EVENTS 39. MEDICAL NEWS 46. THE LAST WORD

FEATURES 20. GALA HONOREE R ussell Medical Foundation will establish a medical scholarship to honor the area's first oncologist, Dr. John C. Blythe 23. TO KILL A PREACHER E . Paul Jones' nonfiction book, based on the suspicious deaths of family members of the late Rev. William Maxwell, will be available next month 24. MOVED HERE ON PURPOSE W riter Amy Passaretti explores the influx of millennials to the local area 6 Lake Martin Living

ON THE COVER

Alexander City’s first oncologist, Dr. John C. Blythe was named the honoree at this year’s Russell Medical Foundation Gala, to be held Feb. 24 at Willow Point Golf and Country Club. The formal event will raise funds for a medical scholarship in Blythe’s name.

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AROUND THE AREA

Local pet rescue prompts donation The story of Adler, a German Shepherd that won the hearts of local residents after he was revived by firefighters last month, led to the donation of 15 pet rescue kits to the Alexander City Fire Department.

A California-based nonprofit group, Air for Paws, sent the pet oxygen mask kits to make similar rescues easier if the situation ever arises again.

“We are so thankful to have these,” ACFD’s Todd Sassano said. “We were fortunate with Adler that we had enough people there to spend the time to get a tube in and intubate him. That may not always be the case. After that day, we started looking around to see what was out there and the cost associated with them.

“Not too long ago we worked a call with the folks at Kowaliga Volunteer Fire Department where they had a kit, and we were able to get the information. We contacted them and they were like, ‘How many do you need?’”

Pet Rescue Kits on Emergency Vehicles

Air for Paws donated a pet resuscitation kit for each ACFD vehicle after learning of firefighters' dogged attempt to save a family pet during a house fire. Adler (right) received treatment at Auburn University and now is recovering at home.

~ Mitch Sneed

Tallassee turns back time vintage vibe. The opening show, Dear Mama: Letters and Music from World War II, sold out for three performances, filling every one of the 750 seats in the downtown theater on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon.

Outside, classic cars lined the road in front of the historic building, as the marquee announced the production and patrons dressed for the celebration.

The production, written by Adrian Lee Borden, featured speeches, letters and songs from the WWII era. Some of the typescripts were local characters that lived and worked in Tallassee during WWII. The $750,000 renovation of the theater included the building of a full stage with fly and wing space, the addition of dressing rooms and the restoration of some of the building's original finishes, including the ceramic tile in the lobby.

Memorabilia from its heyday as the local movie house decorates the lobby area, and a painting of a film reel on the lobby wall acts as tribute to contributors who helped to make the renovation possible.

During the reopening ceremony, the Mt. Vernon Theatre Board honored Jan Autery, who labored Mt. Vernon Theatre reopens in downtown Tallassee after closing 50 years ago Vintage cars lined up in front of the refurbished Mt. Vernon Theatre for its for years to bring the project to fruition. ~ Carmen Rodgers and Betsy Iler grand reopening on Friday, Jan. 21.

After 50 years, the footlights came up again at Tallassee’s Mt. Vernon Theatre on Barnett Boulevard when the historic movie house reopened Jan. 21 as a state-of-the-art playhouse with a

Lake Martin Living 9

10 Lake Martin Living

Makers Market on Main STORY & PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER

N

ashville native Barbara Thompson last month picked up on a shop-local trend when she purchased Alabama Street Makers Market from Elizabeth Roberts, who started the handmade merchandise store on Alexander City’s Alabama Street several years ago.

Thompson, who moved here 16 years ago and has worked in local retail for more than six of them, said she would expand the store’s inventory to include handmade goods from across the South.

More than a gift store or boutique, Makers Market on Main features quality handmade toys, clothes, art, food, furniture, pottery and more.

“Vendors have actually Barbara Thompson made everything in the store,” Thompson explained.

She carries the works of two dozen or more vendors, including Annie Bartol, John Denney, Doug Roberts, Stephan Tomlin’s Northlake Crafted items, Yvonne Fields, Gourmet Tiger and more.

Customers can even drop by Makers Market on Main to pick up dinner, as frozen dishes and casseroles are among some of the store’s most popular items.

“People come by to pick up frozen foods to take to friends who have had babies or to take for funerals. Or if they have company coming in and don’t want to spend time making the meals,” she said.

In addition, Thompson carries the entire line of New Water Farms products, along with Wickles Pickles and a variety of breading and baking mixes. Her gourmet offerings also include gluten-free mixes.

Homemade The wooden toys sell well as Left: From artwork to birthday and holiday gifts, she said. yummy frozen meals, There are wooden cars, trucks and everything at Makers castles, figurines and Noah’s Arks Market on Main is on the toy display, and Thompson homemade.

Lake Martin Living 11

of designs and show customers how to screen print their said they are among the fastest sellers in the shop.

“The pottery is very popular, too, and our potters will even own shirts. And very soon, she hopes to set up knitting and crocheting classes. make custom pieces for our customers. Brides can order an “That’s something that a lot of people ask for,” Thompson entire set of custom handmade dishes or special pieces to said. coordinate with items in the store,” Thompson said. "Our She also wants to give her customers more opportunities to potters, Jodi and Mike from Birmingham and Janice Plaxco, meet the vendors who stock the store. On March 3, she’ll host are happy to work with brides to complete their registries.” a pop-up shop with New Water Farms and Yum Yum Foods.

While the store does occasionally purchase items to be Even children will have opportunities to make and sell sold, most of the inventory is stocked on a consignment basis wares at Makers Market on Main, she said. after a selection and approval process.

“We’ll have a creative corner for kids. We have some really “When someone comes in with some samples of items talented people in this they’d like to sell here, I take area, and their children the samples to an approval/ are really talented, too. selection board for a decision.

It’s a good thing for Their input is very helpful. them to develop some Sometimes, the approval board entrepreneurial skills has ideas I might not have early,” she said. come up with,” she said.

In Tennessee, Thompson said the board Thompson managed helps her to make sure new the transportation inventory complements other schedule for Nashville items in the store.

Auto Auction. She first “And we do look for a worked in retail when certain fit. Beachy things, for she took a job at a example, don’t do real well in dress shop on Alabama our store, but the lake items fly Street. off the shelves,” she said.

“I loved it right from “We’re also a place where the start,” she said. “I new businesses can sell their watched from behind products. That’s very helpful to the scenes and learned them, especially when they are about working with just getting started.” vendors and displaying One of reasons she chose to items and working with purchase the store when the the public.” previous owner was ready to When Alabama sell, Thompson said, is that she Street Makers Market wanted to be part of the new moved into the space entrepreneurial vibe. the dress shop had “Young people today are not occupied, Thompson afraid to start businesses. Some stayed with the location. of them have full time jobs and And when the makers are trying to run a business on market moved to Main the side, and I like that I can Street, she went with it. help them get started,” she said.

“Everything fell into She often learns about new place for the purchase vendors from conversations of the store. I knew with her customers who may Benches, Quilts, Canes and Pictures New owner Barbara Thompson plans to expand the vendor the vendors and the know of artists or craftsmen base to include makers from across the South. customers, and when that would consider putting Elizabeth was ready items in the store. In particular, to sell it, I didn’t want someone else to take it over. I wanted she’s looking for someone who makes pet treats, as well as it, and I have a lot of support from my family and friends in artists, jewelers, frame makers and candle makers. doing it,” said Thompson.

“People come up with the greatest ideas that I would have Makers Market on Main’s winter hours at 33 Main St. are never thought of,” she added. “And if you don’t see it in the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays store, ask us. We know vendors who can make it for you.”

Pet portraits and furniture are among the items Thompson and Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The store will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays has helped broker for customers. from spring through fall. For more information, visit the To promote the creative spirit, Thompson also will offer Makers Market on Main Facebook page or call Thompson at DIY workshops.

256-392-5555.

On April 14, Northlake Crafted will provide a choice 12 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living 13

Forcing Spring

14 Lake Martin Living

I

Happy Garden

instructions on the packaging. If bulbs were t was the end of December, and I was not pre-chilled prior to purchasing, they will having one of those days like we all have, need to be placed in a garage or other cool looking for some sun that wasn’t there place where the temperatures are below 50 and hoping to hear birds singing – even a degrees Fahrenheit for approximately six crow caw would have been nice. weeks.

Well, that did not happen.

Planting bulbs in pots or glass containers is I rummaged around looking for last year’s a great way to add spring color to the garden, flower bulbs, and I could not find any. I porch, patio or living room. This adds color remembered reading an article about planting and fragrance, as well as beautiful flowers. flower bulbs in the winter in containers to Like making cookies, planting indoor bulbs have early spring colors in the house. can feel like a chore, but the results are worth The idea sounded very good, so I put on it. my jacket and headed for Alexander City and There probably are a lot of ways to plant the garden shops. bulbs; I’ll show-and-tell two to get you started.

I found tulips, daffodil and hyacinth bulbs One method is to plant the bulbs into in two locations and a few in starter pots for potting soil with drainage, and the other is transplant into soil.

Fred Muenzmay in water in glass containers or non-draining I looked at the timetable of how long the containers. bulbs might take to bloom and if they might need to be in the refrigerator to get them cool for a month or two before planting them. Most prepared Add color indoors to brighten the winter landscape bulbs available on the market this time of the year have Facing page: A pink hyacinth breaks the dark winter been pre-chilled for planting and have had their cold with fragrance and color; Below: Tulips, daffodils and treatment. If they have not been pre-chilled, follow the crocus are easy and eager bulbs.

Lake Martin Living 15

Coax Early Blooms From Soil or Water With These Simple Methods

Above left: Plant the bulb pointed end up in a pot that allows 2 inches of soil under and over the bulb; Above right: To force in a vase, place the bulb on a bed of pebbles and add water to cover half of the bulbs.

Starting bulbs in potting soil You will need pre-chilled bulbs and a potting soil medium, not just peat moss. You also will need two containers: one with drainage holes and one without drainage holes. The containers could be about the same size, or the one without drainage holes could be larger than the one with drainage. You will not need any fertilizer. Flower bulbs are self-contained, meaning they contain all the energy needed to bloom. They only require warmth, water and sunlight.

For the container with drainage holes, select a container that is deep enough to put 2 inches of soil over the bulb and 2 inches under the bulb. They need the room because all bulbs have large root systems.

Inspect your bulbs and remove any loose outside sheathing from them before you start.

You will need to pre-soak your potting medium to ensure a moist bed for your bulbs.

To do this, measure into the container that does not have drainage holes enough potting soil to fill the container that does have drainage; then, add enough water to the soil to moisten it through.

Place 2 inches of damp soil into the container that has drainage holes; then, place one bulb on top of the soil with the root eye down and the pointed side up. Keep in mind that you want 2 inches of soil over the bulb; that determines how deep to plant the bulb.

You can add as many bulbs of different varieties as you like in one pot. Keeping them shoulder-to-shoulder right next to each other will give your blooms a full showy effect, but leave 1 inch between the bulbs and the sides of the container.

When you are finished placing the bulbs, add 2 inches of moist soil on top of them.

Place the potted plants in a warm area and be patient.

The soil needs to remain moist, so check it often and add a little water when it just begins to dry out.

16 Lake Martin Living

Growing bulbs in a glass container This method of forcing flower bulbs is more enjoyable to watch, as you can see the flower as it grows from the bulb and turns into a beautiful flower. This is a great project for children of all ages.

You will need pre-chilled bulbs for this method as well.

You also will need a glass container that is at least 12 inches tall and has a 3- to 6-inch mouth at the top. This vase size will accommodate tulips or daffodils, which have long stems and need some side support.

In addition, you will need to select a medium in which the bulbs will rest. Pebbles, glass beads or colored glass pebbles are good choices.

Clean the container and rinse it well.

Place a layer of medium on the bottom of the container.

You may need to use a serving tong to arrange the stones or pebbles in the container. The shape of the container’s bottom will determine the number of stones you use.

Fill the container with enough water to cover the stones.

Place the bulbs on the stones. Be sure to place them with the pointed side up and root eye down. If there is room in the container, you could include more than one bulb. They may be placed touching, as they are able to move about, but keep bulbs from touching the sides of the container.

Fill the container with just enough water to cover half of the bulbs, allowing air around the top half of the bulbs.

That’s it! Place the vase in a warm place near a window, and check the bulbs daily to maintain the water level at halfway covering the bulbs. Be patient. Some growth usually starts to take place in one week or two, and it can be fun to measure their progress once they start. ~ Fred Muenzmay of Eagle’s Roost Herb Farms is a Master Gardener and has been in the business of growing organic herbs, vegetables and blueberries for regional and local farmers markets for 27 years. Email him at fmuenzmay@ earthlink.net.

Lake Martin Living 17

Winter Golf

No loft, no roll but wide open tee times

Y

es’m, it has been some kinda’ cold this year for us Alabamians. December and January threw more snow at us than we’ve seen in years. I am sorry, but I am just not a fan. Give me a reason to sweat, though, and I’m all in. This year I’ve been guilty of wearing up to six layers to team practice: two pair of socks, long johns, slacks and rain pants. Oh yea, don’t forget the beanie cap. With all this insulation, my golf swing gets shorter and shorter, which leads to less and less clubhead speed and shorter golf shots.

Not only are we bundled up like crazy, but also, the fairways have been softer too – no roll. On top of all that, with colder air, the golf ball just does not fly as far as it does in the warmer months.

What does this add up to? A whole lot of fun golf.

Huh? Yes, really! Right now, traffic to get a tee time has slowed; the greens are putting like Augusta National; and all in all,

18 Lake Martin Living

the course is in beautiful condition. So, tee it up!

In July, finishing off a round of golf with a cold beverage is heaven. In the months of January and February, a large cup of hot chocolate finds a whole new level of goodness.

Golf at this time of year gives you time to work on shots that you’ll appreciate when the trees begin to bud in March.

In the winter, we tend to hit more long irons and fairway woods than we did in the summertime.

By the time the thermometer hits the 60s, 70s and 80s with regularity, those longer shots into greens won’t seem quite as intimidating. Another benefit is that with the grass totally asleep (dormant), there is much less grain found on the greens, and they roll much truer and faster than when they are growing in the summer. This is a fantastic time to build a solid stroke, as well as an opportunity to raise your putting confidence.

As things warm up (and they will) and you drop off some of those layers of outwear, expect to regain a little

had slipped down to a number that no longer had me in the more clubhead speed in your swing. Your golf ball will stiff shaft category. I then reluctantly swung the same clubs begin to fly noticeably farther with each 10-degree jump with a regular flex shaft, and the performance numbers toward the warmer side of life. The breezes that will be jumped through the roof. Yes, I ordered the coming in March and April will surely firm up driver; and the next day, I ordered all new the fairways, and the ball will roll a bit farther, shafts in regular flex for the remaining clubs in too, for most of us – that’s a good thing. The my bag. secret to playing good golf in the spring is not I am happy to report that the shaft flex to wait until beautiful weather arrives to break change for me was a good decision. I had out the clubs. Tee it up now, so you’re sharp noticed over the past year that I was having when the good weather comes. more trouble turning the ball over to a slight That’s my pick-me-up pep talk for golfers draw, and many of my shots that I expected to suffering with cabin fever from the colder fly straight were actually fading somewhat and temperatures; now, here’s some homework flying shorter. The shaft change allowed my advice for this month: Get with your golf golf shot pattern to return to a slight draw, and professional and ask for some honest advice I can still control the trajectory and hit a fade on shafts. when needed. I even picked up a few yards, I had a rude awakening this year when I too. was being fitted for a new driver.

I highly suggest that you get with your pro Years ago, when I played all the time, was Dave Jennings and get on a launch monitor to be sure that much younger and hit the ball much farther, your golf clubs fit you properly. Changing my clubs had X-stiff shafts in them. My swing shafts out of golf clubs is not as big of an was much longer, and I was a lot more athletic. undertaking as you might imagine. This change is also a lot When I turned 50, I changed all of my shafts to a stiff flex. less expensive than buying a new set.

This allowed for the club to work for me a bit more, as I I hope to see you on the golf course soon. If you’re all wasn’t playing and practicing as much and could not create bundled up to keep warm and I don’t recognize you, I as much clubhead speed as I had during the previous 30 apologize now, but please wave, I will wave back. years. Well, as I was being fit for this new driver, I asked to use a launch monitor to see if one driver model performed ~ Dave Jennings is the men’s golf coach at Central Alabama better than the other from the same manufacturer.

To my heartbroken surprise, my clubhead and ball speed Community College.

From the Tee

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Man of Honor Russell Medical Foundation to establish scholarship as tribute to Alexander City's Dr. John Blythe

STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS COURTESY OF BILL BLYTHE AND SUSAN FOY

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ussell Medical Foundation Feb. 24 will honor Alexander City native Dr. John C. Blythe at a gala event to be held at Willow Point Golf and Country Club. The ball will celebrate the 35-year medical ministry of the area’s first University of Alabama Hospital and Clinics oncologist and will raise funds to establish a medical scholarship in Blythe’s name.

Blythe was a local kid who grew up on Clay Street and graduated Benjamin Russell High School. He left his hometown and headed to Baylor University in Waco, Texas, to major in religious studies with minors in English and history. After graduating Baylor, he attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for a year and a half before changing disciplines from ministry to medicine.

“Some people need to be caregivers, and I think I am one of those. I felt a calling to it,” Blythe said. “I think I kind of wanted to be a doctor all along.”

The seed for his life’s work might have been planted in a university science class. As a student with no car and nowhere to go, he spent his time studying and made very good grades, but he was nervous when the instructor asked him to stay after class one day.

“I was afraid they would think I was cheating,” Blythe laughed. “But the professor told me he was the pre-med advisor, and if I was interested in medicine, he could help me get in. I think, after that, it was on my mind to do it.”

Blythe was the first oncology graduate at the school that today is known as UAB, and after a brief stint working there, he came home to Alexander City and established an internal Always Smiling medicine Facing page: Dr. John C. Blythe in the practice with field with son Bill; Below: Self-dubbed the Retired Doctors Club, Blythe meets a particular passion with ____ and ____, with whom he served the community as a physician. for cancer

patients.

“There were two researchers at Southern Research Institute at the time who were curing cancer in rats, and I thought that would surely transfer over to curing humans.

It was cutting edge, and I wanted to be part of that,” Blythe said.

Not many treatments were available for cancer in the mid-1970s, but as more were developed and became available, Blythe was able to make a difference for his patients.

“There were only a few tumors that responded to treatment at the time, but then, hormone treatments became available, and there were some other non-chemo treatments that gave a good response. Treatments became better and better, and we had better knowledge,” said Blythe.

Modern communications technology played a big part in the progress, he said.

“There was not the communication available then that we have now. To learn more about a treatment, I could read a journal or make a phone call, but that was about it then.

Computers and the internet have made it easier to get the latest information and learn about the new treatments,” he said.

To develop a network of colleagues who could share knowledge and discuss treatment options, Blythe joined with other practicing physicians in forming the Alabama Society of Clinical Oncology, which became the Alabama Cancer Congress.

“It was a sub-specialty organization. We would get together annually and network together as practicing doctors. There was a group of researchers and doctors in Birmingham, but I was out here without those resources,” said Blythe. “There was a big need then for an organization of doctors in practice – not in research – to stay up to date.”

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Blythe wrote a regular column in The Alexander City Outlook for a time. His essays focused on healthcare, family and community matters. He wrote of his own father’s death from cancer; he explained the need for funds to further research that could result in treatments and cures.

He visited classrooms and encouraged elementary school children in their studies. He saw such community outreach as an extension of his faith and his medical mission.

Blythe’s was a vocational medical career from a time when doctors were on call 24/7, saw patients at late hours and rarely took vacations. He came home late and left early, and his dedication to his patients frequently meant missing his children’s school programs, birthday celebrations and holidays.

“Medicine is a severe mistress. It demands a lot from you,” he said.

For Blythe, medicine was as much ministry as it was science. Taking care of people was the answer to a call, and his was a faithful service.

“It was spiritual,” he said.

His concern for the whole human in his patients was just how he looks at life, Blythe said. He enjoyed his work.

But Blythe also enjoyed spending time with his friends, his bird dogs and his family. An avid hunter and conservationist, he collected volumes of tales in the field, and his children enjoyed listening to them.

At his wife’s urging, Blythe wrote some of the stories down and published them in a paperback titled The Last Hunt in Early County. At once humorous and heartwarming, with some truth in heartbreak, the book lends credit to his college writing studies, as well as his passion for the field.

A few years into Blythe's retirement, John Thames and 22 Lake Martin Living

Kelly Waldrop – who A Family Man Blythe (center, second had recently purchased from right) is the beloved Covey Rise Magazine – invited him to write more husband of Ruth, father of five and grandfather to 11. of his hunting stories in the pages of the upscale publication. Blythe was happy to oblige them and has regaled readers with tales of field days with his childhood hunting pal, Paul Farmer, adding freelance writer to the long list of his accomplishments.

Blythe was the first director at The UAB Cancer Center at Russell Medical and during his 35 years of practice, he received numerous honors and accepted positions on boards that impacted medical knowledge and practice.

He was named a Fellow of the American College of Physicians in 2002. He also served as Assistant Professor at the University of South Alabama Department of Medicine.

Early in 2005, he retired from practice in Alexander City and joined the oncology division at Internal Medicine Associates in Opelika. He left that practice in late 2006 to enjoy life at The Settlement, the farm where he lives with his wife, Ruth, and a devoted bird dog. Blythe and Ruth have five children and 11 grandchildren.

“Daddy Doc,” as he is known among his loved ones, said he is duly humbled by the honor of the foundation scholarship in his name, and he hopes it will provide assistance to local students who will carry on the medical mission that has been so much a part of his faithful service.

Tickets to the formal gala on Feb. 24 are $150 and are available from the Russell Medical Foundation office at 256-215-7459. Additional donations may be made to Russell Medical Foundation and mailed to the same at 3316 U.S. 280, Alexander City AL 35010.

To Kill a Preacher A tale of voodoo, insurance and death STORY BY DONALD CAMPBELL

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o Kill a Preacher is expected to publish next month, the author of the long-awaited book and former Tallapoosa County District Attorney E. Paul Jones told a Horizons Unlimited audience last month.

Known at The Voodoo Preacher, the Rev. William Maxwell was fatally shot at the funeral of a 16-year-old girl to whom he was related. The girl was the fifth relative of Maxwell’s to die mysteriously after the reverend had purchased life insurance policies covering them.

Jones became acquainted with the case as assistant district attorney for 12 years.

None of the late reverend’s family members ever got back in touch with him during the research for the book, he said.

Jones said he met Maxwell in the early 1970s during an investigation and described him as having a soft voice, yet being articulate with good posture and always wearing a black suit.

Stressing that To Kill a Preacher is a work of nonfiction, Jones said he couldn’t report things that were dreamed up. At the same time, he did include in his narrative some of the rumors that were brought out and reported on in the courtroom, as they are part of official court records.

“Remember though, in Alabama, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court by a jury of their peers,” Jones said. “Rev. Maxwell was never convicted, so he is still presumed innocent.”

The story began when Maxwell’s first wife, Mary Lou, was found dead in a car on Highway 22 near Hillabee Creek on Aug. 4, 1970. The reverend was charged with first-degree murder and indicted on Aug. 15. The case was finally brought to trial in the fall of 1971, where Maxwell was found not guilty in his wife’s death, despite a witness stating she had seen him hitting Mary Lou earlier in the day before she died.

Maxwell later married Dorcas Anderson, who had been made a widow after her husband James’ death. Anderson also turned up dead in a car in September 1972, several months after Maxwell’s brother John was found dead in a car in Coosa County.

Two more people related to the reverend mysteriously died

over the next few years, the last of whom, 16-year old Shirley Ellington, was found dead underneath a car in 1977.

During Ellington’s funeral one week after her death, her adopted uncle, Robert Louis Burns, shot Maxwell in the funeral home. Burns was tried for murder and found not guilty by reason of mental defect.

While Maxwell was never found guilty for any of the five killings he was believed to have committed, the generous life insurance policies taken out on them would have given the reverend a motive for the killings. Further evidence came from statements by others who claimed Maxwell had approached them asking for their assistance in killing some of the individuals who had turned up dead.

Jones added that it should have been the iconic Alabama writer Harper Lee who wrote the Reverend Maxwell story, after having spent several months in Alexander City, going over the case files and interviewing many of the key figures in the story.

Lee passed away two years ago.

“The rumor was that Maxwell had a great deal of voodoo powers,” Jones said. “He was supposed to have chickens hanging in trees in his yard. One of the voodoo shops in New Orleans admitted Maxwell had been a customer there.”

Jones said he wrote the story because he thought it needed to be told.

“I didn’t write the book with the idea of making a bunch of money. I thought it was a story that needed to be told. I had access to documents and first-hand knowledge of the story.

I also had access, through a friend, to several of the criminal investigation files in the cases,” he said.

With the editing process for the book complete, Jones said, the final phase in publication is the cover art, which is currently being developed. The paperback edition of the book will be available from Page Publishing at $16.95 some time in March.

The book also will be available in hard cover for $30. Digital formats will also be offered, he said, and the book will be available through the publisher for publication on demand.

The book’s release will be announced in The Alexander City Outlook.

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Moved Here on Purpose Millennials establish roots to impact smalltown future STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS, AMY PASSARETTI, MITCH SNEED, CLIFF WILLIAMS & COURTESY OF MEGAN ADAMSON, ROBIN SIMMS AND LACEY HOWELL

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pportunity. Community. Growth. Influence. Sense of belonging.

Whatever the reason that brought an influx of the millennial generation to Alexander City or encouraged many to return to their roots, there is an overwhelming consensus as to why they’ve stayed.

The pride, comfort, ownership and contentment young professionals often have for living in small towns on the verge of evolution is encouraging for the future of Alexander City.

The millennial generation is defined in various ways, depending on which study is read, but the broad range of individuals classified in this group are currently in their early 20s to mid or late 30s.

Many early studies of this generation predicted a strong sense of civic-mindedness, and that is overwhelmingly evident here.

“Through work and the community, I’ve been able to meet some great new people and get involved. I have the opportunity to serve and give back to the community, which is very important to me. I love making an impact when I can,” said John Hall, a fitness specialist with Russell Medical who moved here less than a year ago and is originally from Arab, Alabama.

This thread of involvement and influence is common among millennials who now call Alexander City home. Making an impact with civic organizations, buying local, working hard at their jobs and being involved with city government are just a few examples that make service worthwhile.

Jenni Roy moved to town from Dothan, Alabama, and now works as a ninth-grade English teacher at Dadeville High School.

After interning with Benjamin Russell High School during her undergraduate years at Auburn University, she knew she wanted to stay local based on the people she met and the opportunities available to young folks.

“You have to be very intentional about what you do and take advantage of every opportunity presented to you. Everyone is so eager about what Support the Town they’re doing in Clockwise from top left: Millennials town, it makes it fun enjoy the lake and local established to be a part of it,” said festivals; Strand Sessions was created Roy, who has been to engage young people in town; coming to the lake John Howell works in his Madwind area for a few years Craftsmen Studio; YP members plan now and has seen the and support local fundraisers, such as downtown grow. the annual Polar Plunge.

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it lifts you up,” she added.

Jacob and Lindsay Meacham graduated from BRHS, went Now, five years later, they both said there are so many great to the University of Alabama, married and lived in Tuscaloosa things happening in town that they’d be crazy to leave. The for almost 10 years. Though they had no set goal to move back initial fear of losing the culturally packed, vibrant sense that to their hometown, the comfort of friends and family always Birmingham once brought to them has been replaced with a lingered in their minds, if the right opportunity ever came sense of fulfillment and hope. along. When Jacob Meacham heard that the Alexander City That same hope is what evoked a sense of passion in Bre Chamber of Commerce was looking for a vice president of Smith when her husband business development, Troy’s job relocated that opportunity became him from Winfield to evident. The Meachams Alexander City. While came home in 2015.

Troy is originally from “It seemed like the Alexander City and right move, not only from returning to home and the professional aspect, familiarity was important, but it was also a chance to Smith’s influence on the make an impact here and town has been readily capitalize on the potential apparent. of Alex City. We looked “It was the downtown at it as an opportunity that really interested me to create something,” in this area when we Meacham said. started looking for a place Lacey and John to live. It was so unique, Howell’s story is similar, from the roundabout to but it was a family having everything within business that initially walking distance. I saw drew them back to town the opportunity of living in 2012. Lacey Howell a smalltown lifestyle, took a job in the sales but also knowing there department at Tallapoosa was room for growth. I Publishers, Inc., and honestly was thinking this John went to work with would be the best time Robinson Iron, with to be here,” said Smith, which he has family ties. who serves as executive “At the time we moved director for MainStreet home, there was not a lot Alexander City. going on in town and not Megan Adamson had a lot of young people, so it a similar situation. Her was quite daunting,” said now-husband Ryan had Lacey Howell. “Working asked her to move to with TPI turned out to Alexander City when they be a major turning point were dating. His job was in my career, though, relocating from Olympia, because of my exposure Washington, which is to small business.” where she’s from and The Howells’ respect where he was currently for small business working. owners grew, and their “I figured, ‘Well, I can perspective of the impact do anything for a year ...’ shopping locally could but I really like the sense have spurred their interest of community here. The in getting more involved. Here for the Jobs group of 30-somethings “With the help of Facing page: Jenni Roy helps Skylar Waldrep on a project in her we know or have met Randy Lee Jr., who was ninth-grade English class at Dadeville High School; Top: Jack are interested in the really the forerunner of Meacham is all smiles with his parents Jacob and Lindsay, who community and seeing the movement, we began moved back to town in 2015 and work locally. it thrive. People also organizing any young are willing to listen to your input. You don’t really find that people in town to create things to do to attract more people,” anywhere else,” said Adamson, who works in Auburn and said Howell. lives at the lake halfway between work and Alexander City but Howell moved from TPI to Wickles Pickles, where the chooses to spend her time here. entrepreneurial environment inspired John and her to start While Lake Martin is a huge draw for any individual in their own businesses.

“When you surround yourself with an environment like that, the area, as expressed by most millennials, the abundance of Lake Martin Living 27

outdoor activities available is equally appealing. The beauty, scenic trails and peaceful environment are vital to Robin Simms’ choice to move back to her stomping grounds after time in Alaska and Canada.

“I really moved back after having my daughter Ruby, knowing my family was here. I wanted her to experience family and cousins. But the biggest priority for wherever I live is the outdoor aspect.

Growing up where that spark started for me was a huge influence,” said Simms, who also feels that same amenity is more easily accessible in this area.

Simms, who had been working in a larger city like many other millennials before moving here, said she also prefers the slower pace of smalltown living.

Despite the elevated entertainment options bigger towns may offer, Alexander City is growing just enough that the balance between a leisurely and a lively way of life is easily achieved.

“I don’t miss the traffic, and the pace may be slower here in terms of lifestyle, but it can be as active as you want to make it. You can keep the town’s inherent personality while adding things to do,” said Meacham.

The sense of belonging has a positive influence on millennials’ opinions of their habitat, as it’s easy to get lost

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in the hustle and bustle of a city. The choice to make an impact weighs heavily on the minds of a younger generation, motivating their need for change.

“I’m impressed by the amount of influence younger people bring to the town and their aggressiveness to try new things and make an impact. Millennials are even appealing to older businesses to make changes that fit the next generation.

We’re shifting as we have to, to be successful,” said Roy. Groups, including the Lake Martin Young Professionals, started events like Strand Sessions to bring more events to town to complement seasoned favorites, such as Friday on the Green, Jazz Fest, Sun Festival and others.

“People are ready to participate even if it’s outside their comfort zone. We’re at an advantage. This is the perfect timing to give something a try,” said Smith.

The idea of investing in a town is fuel that engages the masses to make it an enjoyable spot, said Adamson.

“I’ve never felt more part of a community as I do here – and I’m an outsider,” Adamson added.

This generation places value on maintaining their identities and claiming ownership of their lives and their homes. While there is typically a strong sense of mobility among millennials,

Alexander City is noticing an urge from its residents to settle down and grow roots.

Michael Stoll, an economist and professor with the University of California, recently concluded that people are moving South due to lower housing costs, which can help millennials, especially, begin saving for house down payments.

Affordability is a vital factor for this age group, and it’s one that is more accessible in small towns, which also hold more opportunities to progress in smaller job markets.

“Cost of living is much cheaper here, which was also important to me. Plus, it’s easy to lose yourself in a big city or lose your identity trying to conform,” said Simms.

For those who grew up here, the connection of childhood creates a strong bond, as well.

As a welcoming, friendly city, there is an astounding impression that knowing the names of local storeowners and being recognized and acknowledged in return strengthens the relationship of the community. In reaction, most millennials prefer to shop local and spend their money in town as much as possible. Admittedly, most said they don’t feel like too much is lacking.

“There are so many culturally based social hangouts that we lacked in 2012, which made the initial relocation difficult, that now I don’t really feel like I’m missing something,” said Howell.

With the addition of boutiques, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, salons and spas, banks, grocery stores and more all in one area, people aren’t driving out of town to find things to do.

They want to spend their time and money at places where they can influence a local person’s business, be known and make a true impact.

“I can proudly say I try to shop small and keep everything

within this little area. Sense of Belonging I am very aware of Facing Page clockwise from top: what it means to Robin and Ruby Simms enjoy the outdoor amenities the area has support locally in to offer; Natives John and Lacey time and business.

You know who you’re Howell are local entrepreneurs; buying from and who Megan and Ryan Adamson married at SpringHouse last year you’re supporting, after moving from Washington and in this town, that state; Above: Troy and Bre Smith means something to appreciate local downtown people,” said Smith. offerings.

While progress has been significant, it’s also the older generation that has kickstarted this shift.

“We can’t neglect the generations that have come before us paving the way for this to happen and whose livelihood also depends on Alex City’s growth and success. They’re the ones that never gave up on this town,” said Meacham.

Millennials have so many positive things to say about the area; yet, they also noted it lacks a few things that could help drive even more people this direction.

More food options; a wider variety of stores to include outdoor apparel; increased housing rental options; and more businesses creating jobs are the most common suggestions they offered.

Also, paving the way for the youth in town with reasons to come back here is important to keep the momentum moving forward, said Smith.

“Alex City really is the land of opportunity and exactly what the American Dream is all about,” said Simms.

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C

Plan money management around new tax law

ongress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017. This was the first significant reform to the tax laws since 1986. Since changes have been made to both individual and corporate tax rates, most taxpayers will be affected by this legislation. Those who itemize will have fewer expenses to deduct and a higher threshold in order to itemize.

Changes to child-related tax benefits will impact families. Most changes took effect on Jan. 1, 2018, and tax returns filed during this spring for the 2017 tax year generally will not be affected.

But the following are changes that could affect individuals and families for the tax year that just started.

Tax Rates Changing

America’s tax system is progressive. This means that higher-income people are taxed at a higher tax rate – a higher percentage of income – than people in a lower-income tax rate. Tax rates increase as taxable income increases. Since most individual income tax rates have been lowered, many workers will have more take-home pay as a result of the tax reform.

child or qualifying relative. Each exemption reduced taxable income by $4,050 in 2017. The higher standard deduction is designed to offset the loss of personal exemptions in 2018.

Child Tax Credit Increasing

Deductions reduce your taxable income. Credits offer a tax benefit by reducing your tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

The Child Tax Credit is available to families with qualifying children who fit within certain income limits. The maximum child tax credit increases from $1,000 to $2,000 per qualifying child. The refundable portion of the credit increases from $1,000 to $1,400. That means taxpayers who don’t owe tax can still claim a refundable credit of up to $1,400.

Child tax credits apply to qualifying children under age 17, and each child must have a Social Security number by the due date of the return.

MONEY MATTERS

Standard Deduction Increasing

Mortgage Interest and State/Local Tax Deductions Limited

The mortgage interest deduction limit will apply to $750,000 of mortgage debt on your primary residence for new mortgages taken out after Dec. 14, 2017. Interest on a home-equity loan or homeequity line of credit is no longer deductible.

The deduction for state and local taxes, including sales, income and property taxes is now limited to a combined total of $10,000 in 2018.

A tax deduction reduces the amount of income that is taxable, which may lower your tax liability.

When you file your taxes, you have the option of itemizing your deductions (listing each deductible expense separately) or taking the standard Jim Littman deduction. The standard deduction is increasing in Student Loan Interest, Educator Expense 2018 to $12,000 (single taxpayers), $18,000 (head and Education Credits Remain of household taxpayers), and $24,000 (married Student loan interest of up to $2,500 can be filing jointly taxpayers). These limits are almost double what deducted by qualifying taxpayers. K-12 educators can deduct was allowed in 2017. Many taxpayers who previously itemized up to $250 per year for unreimbursed classroom supplies. The deductions could now claim the standard deduction instead.

American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning credit are still available.

Personal and Dependent Exemptions Eliminated

Taxpayers have historically claimed a personal exemption for themselves, their spouse (if filing jointly) and each qualifying

Health Care Penalty Eliminated

The penalty for failure to obtain health insurance coverage (the individual mandate) will be eliminated beginning in 2019.

Taxpayers who did not have health insurance coverage in 2017 or 2018 will continue to owe a penalty for those years, unless they qualify for an exemption.

The Bottom Line

None of the changes listed above will impact how you file your 2017 taxes; however, it’s never too early to begin thinking about next year’s return. Taxpayers should talk with their tax professionals about how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will affect their 2018 taxes. ~ Jim Littman is a mortgage loan originator with Home Place Mortgage in Alexander City. He can be reached at 256-329-1410.

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Lake Martin Bama Club Championship Celebration

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Feb. 1, 2018 Willow Point Golf and Country Club 1. Luke and Sela Robinson

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2. Hugh Neighbors and Bill Richardson 3. Maggie Trabucco, John Hodges and Alexa Ruttenberg 4. David and Reba Culpepper and India Davis 5. Tom Young, Matt Clayton and John Forrester 6. Buddy and Jane King 7. Kay Thomas, Nancy Hodges and Dedie Hendrix 8. John Glass and Bill Kinnebrew Lake Martin Living 31

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3rd Annual YP Polar Plunge Jan. 13, 2018 Kowaliga Restaurant

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1. John Comer, Bob Ham, Bill Murray, Lisa Ham and Kim Comer 2. Kate Douglas and Kaitlyn Gleason 3. Aubrie, Annsley and Harlan Dark 4. Laura Lacey, Brandi and Jesse Worthy, Graham Lee

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and Stephan Tomlin 5. G.W. Warren and Lizi Arbogast 6. Greenlee Peppers, Lee Ellen Shores, Corbin Richardson and Palmer Peppers 7. Shawna Woodruff, Christi Richardson, Josh Flournoy, Marley Woodruff and Crystal Pemberton 8. Mason Blair and Landon Korte 9. Lacey Howell, Stephan Tomlin, Meridith Collari and Megan Adamson 10. Joyce Reeves, Lola Popov, Di Riccio, John Boles and Doris Franklin

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Valentine's Sock Hop Feb. 6, 2018

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Jacob's Ladder, Alexander City 1. Grant Gordon, Bransen Thomas and Riggs Patterson

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Charity Bingo for LMAUW Feb. 6, 2018 Niffer's at the Lake

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1. Harry and Bonnie DeNegre and Marcia Reid 2. Cay and Harry Weaver 3. Joy and Keith Brown 4. Lawrence, Helen and Tisha Phillips

5. Duane and Sue Paggen 6. Debra and Bobby Cannon 7. Wade Moore, Lee Parr and Birgit Porter 8. Bill and Elaine Toney and Rita and Jim McCollister

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Horizons Unlimited Feb. 5, 2018 Alexander City Board of Education 1. Jean Cummins and Sonny Bozeman 2. Randy and Nancy Stephens and Lawrence Allen

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3. Helen Martin and Rebecca Shivers 4. Jo Walker and Mary Lee Radney 5. Jackie and Darnell Sheldon 6. Beverly and Harold Henry 7. Bill and Linda Stewart

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Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

Register now for Russell Forest Run Hosted by Russell Lands on Lake Martin, the Russell Forest Run is in its ninth year this month. The 5K and 10K races on scenic trails through Russell Forest on Feb. 24 benefit the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation.

The race begins at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads on Highway 63, and the route takes runners through the picturesque Russell Forest, which is famous for a couple of steep climbs, including a trip up Heaven Hill. The trails, which are open year round, were designed for runners, hikers, bicyclists and electric cars.

The 10K run starts at 7:45 a.m., with a 5K run beginning at 7:55 a.m., but the real fun starts at the after party at The Stables with beer and the muchanticipated grits bar.

Registration is $40, and awards will be presented to winners in 10-year age groups from under 10 to over 70. Entrants can pick up race packets from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday before the race or from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. on race day at the Discovery Center at Russell Crossroads.

All runners will receive a high-performance running shirt. Shirt quantities are limited, so be sure to register by Feb. 14 to be guaranteed a shirt.

Last year's event raised $9,000 for local schools.

Registration is $40, and proceeds help provide educational tools for students in the Alexander City school system. Call 256-397-1019 for more information.

36 Lake Martin Living

Feb. 16

Motown Magic

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

Feb. 17

Pancake Breakfast

The Dadeville Kiwanis Club will hold its annual pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Dadeville Elementary School cafeteria. Tickets are $6 per person and include all-youcan-eat pancakes, sausage, ham, coffee, juice and milk. For tickets, see any member of the Dadeville Kiwanis Club, or contact Tony Johnson at 256-8256364 or Peggy Bullard at 256-825-9415.

Feb. 23

Equality Performing Arts Center

Birmingham musician Hunter Goff performs at the EPAC at 6:30 p.m on state Route 9 in Equality. For more information, contact Wayne Glenn at 334-541-3302.

Feb. 24

Russell Medical Foundation Gala

Dr. John C. Blythe is the honoree for this year’s gala event to raise funds for medical scholarships for the Russell Medical Foundation. The formal ball will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner at Willow Point Golf and Country Club and dancing at 7 p.m. Tickets are $150 each and are available through the foundation office at 256-215-7459.

Feb. 26

Horizons Unlimited

Dr. James Hansen, an expert in aerospace history, will present a program about astronaut Neil Armstrong for the Horizons Unlimited session at the Alexander City Board of Education located at 375 Lee St. The meeting is held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., and refreshments are available.

Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple for the whole Horizons Unlimited semester.

March 3

Trash Walk

Starting at 8:30 a.m., volunteers will meet at three different locations

to receive road assignments and supplies. The locations include Dirt Road Gourment at 1171 Red Hill Rd., Eclectic, led by Reuben Thornton (334857-3521); Kowaliga VFD Station 1 at 1240 Prospect Rd., Eclectic, led by Jack Hitchcock (914-227-6231); and Kowaliga VFD Station 2 at 4807 Mt. Hebron Rd., Eclectic, led by Jodie McGirt (334-202-1730). All three teams will finish around 11:30 a.m. and head back to Dirt Road Gourmet for a trash dump and hot dog cookout.

March 4

Lake Watch Annual Meeting

Members and guests are invited to the Lake Watch of Lake Martin Annual meeting at the StillWaters Home Owners Association Building.

Lunch tickets are $10 per person. Guest speaker Dr. Bill Deutsch will discuss his book, Rivers of Alabama, and the Tallapoosa Basin. Eric Reutebuch will provide a water monitoring update. For time and registration, visit the website at www.lakewatch.org or email info@ lakewatch.org.

March 17

Trash Walk

Volunteers will meet at the entrance at 4294 Elkahatchee Rd. Those arriving by 8:30 a.m. will be treated to a light breakfast, and all volunteers should arrive by 9 a.m. to receive supplies and begin the walk. The plan is to clean Elkahatchee Road from Highway 280 to Our Town on Highway 63. The cleanup will conclude at noon, and volunteers will be treated to a cookout courtesy of The Boones. Contact John Thompson at 334-399-3289 for information.

April 7

Junque Jubilee

Beginning at 8 a.m. MainStreet Alexander City will host an upscale yard sale with anything from antiques, furniture, vintage, arts and crafts to old cars and iron works. Registration for sellers will end March 30.

Registration information can be picked up at 21 Main St., Alexander City.

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

Season-Long Events Millerville Trade Day

Bibb Graves School on Highway 9 hosts trade day on the third Saturday of every month from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Find books, toys, models, coins, lamps, original artwork, jewelry, clothing, antiques, glassware, quilts, home décor and more. Refreshments available.

Alabama Wildlife Federation Naturalist Hikes

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

General admission applies and is $5 per person with a $20 maximum per family. The Alabama Nature Center is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. Visit alabamawildlife.org to check holiday closings.

Library Storytime in Dadeville

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

Children’s Library in Alexander City

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

Electronics Recycling

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

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

Lake Martin Living 37

Santuck Flea Market

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

Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit

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

$20 on the 20th

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

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

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

the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

Memory Makers Quilt Guild

Meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex campus. Participants come and go between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. with a business meeting at 5 p.m., followed by show-and-tell.

Bring sewing projects, machines and questions.

Real Island Supper

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

Admission is $3 per adult; bring a covered dish to share. Some nights are themed, so call ahead to find out if costumes or certain types of food are in order. For more information, contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724.

Antique Car Cruise-in

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

Charity Bingo

Play charity bingo at Jake’s

Restaurant at 16 Broad St., Alexander City at 6 p.m. every Thursday night.

Cards are $1 and proceeds benefit local charities.

Amateur Radio Club

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

RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com 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.

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.

To add your event to the Lake Martin Living calendar, please email details to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

38 Lake Martin Living

The Heart of the Matter

F

We want to keep your heart healthy and help you reduce your risk for a heart attack or stroke.

During the month of February, Russell Medical is offering three important heart screenings at special reduced Wear Red Day Raises Heart Health Awareness rates. If you or In support of heart health, especially as related to women, someone you love Russell Medical staff donned red shirts, pants, scarves and has known risk jackets for a photo on the lawn. factors for heart disease – such n Cardiovascular diseases and stroke cholesterol on the artery walls. This cause one in every three women’s deaths as family history, obesity, stressed build-up can restrict blood flow to lifestyle, history of smoking or diabetes each year, killing approximately one the brain or break off and become – consider these potentially life-saving woman every 80 seconds. lodged in a blood vessel, causing a screenings. n Cardiovascular diseases stroke. Early detection could help your The calcium-score affect an estimated 44 personal physician to advise you on an CT heart scan is a nonmillion women in the U.S. appropriate course of action that could invasive way of obtaining n 90 percent of women save your life. Screening cost is $75 for information about the have one or more risk factors this important, quick test. presence, location and for heart disease or stroke.

The third heart screening is a limited extent of calcified plaque in n Women have a higher echocardiogram, which uses sound the coronary arteries, the lifetime risk of stroke than waves (ultrasound) to generate 3-D vessels that supply oxygenmen. moving images of the heart. It can containing blood to the n Fewer women than assess the chambers and valves of your heart wall. CT methods, men survive their first heart heart and measure how well your heart such as this one, are the attack. muscle and heart valves are functioning. most sensitive approaches to This non-invasive screening is $125. n The symptoms of heart early detection of coronary attack can be different in Please note, these screenings are not artery disease before women vs. men and are covered by insurance, and payment symptoms develop. Our new must be made prior to the service often misunderstood – even Susan Foy CT scanner provides 512 by some physicians. rendered. Appointments may be made image slices while reducing n Hispanic women are by calling the Central Scheduling radiation dosage up to 80 percent. Cost likely to develop heart disease 10 years department at 256-329-7826. Results for this test is $90, and screenings are earlier than Caucasian women. will be sent to your primary care recommended no more than once every physician and one of our cardiologists. n Of African-American women five years. age 20 and older, 48.3 percent have Russell Medical reminds you that early The carotid artery ultrasound is a cardiovascular disease; yet, only 14 detection of heart disease saves lives. non-invasive procedure that can spot percent believe that cardiovascular the subtle thickening due to plaque disease is their greatest health problem. ~ Susan Foy is marketing director at on the carotid artery walls, which can n 80 percent of heart disease and Russell Medical. lead to stroke. Plaque build-up is an stroke events could be prevented by abnormal collection of calcium and lifestyle changes and education.

Lake Martin Living 39 ebruary is the month set aside to focus on heart disease, the No. 1 killer among men and women.

According to the American Heart Association, more than 2,200 Americans die of heart disease every single day.

That’s one death every 39 seconds.

On average, someone in the United States suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, while a stroke-related death occurs about every four minutes. The news is even more eyebrow raising for women, which is why the AHA showcases the Go Red for Women campaign each year.

Ladies, consider these updated statistics:

Medical News

9

Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

63

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

9

Power lines

20

280

19

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

County Roads

15

22

Flint Hill Church

24

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

13

Rockford

3

49

128

22

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

Jacksons Gap

Pleasant Grove Church

31

11

9

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

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

22 57

24

6

7 18 8

Equality

55

4 Camp Kiwanis

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

27 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

10 Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

11 1

Church in The Pines

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

Ko w

ali

ga

2

Stillwaters

21 5

Union Landing

Ba

25 26

Walnut Hill

y

23 30

80

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

63

Kowaliga Boat Landing

9

17

9

Smith Landing Willow Point

Seman

Dadevill

280

Liberty Church

20

231

Horseshoe National P

Jaybird Landing

29

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

16

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

49

Eclectic

12

Santuck

Kent Reeltown

231

14

ELMORE COUNTY

120

14

28 14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

40 Lake Martin Living

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

22

te

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

seshoe Bend tional Park

CON NTY

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

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

Restaurants

deville

8 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

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

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

50

Camp Hill

11 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

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

65 Main Street., Eclectic, AL 36024

Business & Shopping

280

Waverly

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

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

230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850

50

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

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

14

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

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

LEE COUNTY

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

7 SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

17

21 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

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

4 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

6 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

CHAMBERS COUNTY

20 McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583

1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010

Hotels & Lodges 25 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

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

7051 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

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

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

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

8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

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

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

6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

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

17 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

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

288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

Loachapoka

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

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010

14

Notasulga 85 81

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

Lake Martin Living 41

385 East LaFayette Street Dadeville, AL 36853 (256) 825-9244

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

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

Lake Martin Living 43

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

ALEXANDER CITY

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

CHELSEA

The Ditsy Daisy Boutique Winn-Dixie

CHILDERSBURG Winn-Dixie

DADEVILLE

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

44 Lake Martin Living

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

ECLECTIC

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

EQUALITY

Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star

INVERNESS

Airwalk Ultimate Trampoline Area Tree Top Family Adventure Winn-Dixie

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation

MOUNTAIN BROOK Whole Foods Market

RED HILL Citgo

SYLACAUGA

Good Ole Boys BBQ Piggly Wiggly on 21

TALLASSEE

Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce The Tallassee Tribune

WALNUT HILL

Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA

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

AD INDEX A1 Four Seasons................................................................................ 4 3

Liveoak Agency, Inc............................................................................ 5

A&M Plumbing.................................................................................... 7

Kathy McKinley, Draperies.................................................................. 8

Advanced Heating & Air.................................................................... 4 3

Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance................................................ 4 3

APCO Employees Credit Union.......................................................... 4 7

Kelley’s Heating & Air........................................................................ 4 3

Beyond Home Care.............................................................................. 5 Bezlo's Cafe....................................................................................... 3 8 Bob Alexander Landscaping .............................................................. 1 3 Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation......................................................... 3 8 C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 3 0 Cahaba Glass..................................................................................... 1 3 DAVCO Development........................................................................ 4 3 Designs by Trish................................................................................... 7 George Hardy, D.M.D.......................................................................... 7 Guy's Heating & Air........................................................................... 4 3

Lake Martin Dock.............................................................................. 1 9 Mark King's Furniture ....................................................................... 1 7 Millstone Nursery................................................................................ 7 OBGYN Associates of Montgomery................................................... 4 2 Prime Management........................................................................... 4 2 Red Flag Pest Control.......................................................................... 7 River Region Dermatology.................................................................. 4 3 Russell Medical.................................................................................. 4 8 Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................... 5

Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance...................................................... 4 3

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

Heritage South Credit Union.............................................................. 4 5

Sunrise Docks...................................................................................... 2

Hinson Galleries................................................................................... 8

Tallassee Community Hospital............................................................ 4 2

J&M Tank Lines......................................................................................... 1 3

Wind Creek Casino.............................................................................. 3

Jackson Thornton............................................................................... 2

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Lake Martin Living 45

ENDLESS WONDERMENT

You could be a big-time winner

I

am going to let you in on a secret: I am terrible at golf. I mean, atrocious.

Also, if you know me, you know that is not a secret, but humor me.

I grew up next to a golf course in a golfing community surrounded by golfers who golf a lot, but I am truly terrible at golf.

Let me put it these ways: Charles Barkley thinks I need swing lessons ... My game has more shanks than a prison snitch ... The only way my slice lands in the fairway is if I hook it so ridiculously that it eventually turns into a slice!

My younger brother, on the other hand, is pretty good. As in high-single-digit-low-double-digithandicap good. He’s always been better than me on the golf course. It’s really never been close.

But as I walked through the hallowed hallways of Willow Point Golf and Country Club the other day, I noticed something I had long ago forgotten.

Something so shocking and so surprising you might not be prepared for it.

(Take a minute to spread out some sheets of plastic for when your mind is blown and then continue reading.)

In 1988, I – Luke Robinson – won the Junior Club Championship at Willow Point Golf and Country Club – in golf … against other living, breathing people who were fully capable of swinging golf clubs.

I know, right? Totally cray cray (check the online Urban Dictionary).

I can’t believe it either.

My hoisting a golf trophy of any sort is incredible. Conquering the field in the prestigious (to me, at least) Junior Club Championship is like a threelegged, gout-ridden Sea Biscuit winning the Indy 500 while running backward on stilts.

Of course, I think it was a pretty small field that year.

In fact, it was just me and one other dude, if memory serves. I am also pretty sure he quit

46 Lake Martin Living

mid-round because he had other stuff to do.

Regardless of the details, my name is engraved right there on a wooden plaque of past victors for all eternity. Literally chiseled into golfing infamy.

Yes, I know that infamy means being well known for a bad or evil deed. I am here to tell you that for me to have won any golfing prize I must have made some kind of spiritually nefarious deal.

Probably not with the devil (I think I would remember that) but maybe one of his middle-managers. You know, like Daryl from Demon Affairs or Margie in the Diabolical Human Relations Department.

Anyhoo, let’s move on from my supposed, unverified personal wheelings and dealings.

Guess whose Luke Robinson name is not on that revered plaque? If you guessed my brother’s, you are correct! Well, actually there are several names not on there, so you probably guessed correctly regardless.

So, here I am: A horrendous shanker of disastrous proportions; a chili-dippin,’ occasionally-whiffin,’ fairway-avoidin’ bona fide level-18 hacker who just happened to win an event my immensely more talented sibling could not.

I do not write this column to plaster that award in his face. On the contrary; I am well aware of the fact that I backed into that trophy like old people back into a parking space at the grocery store: obliviously and carelessly. My intent was to be an inspiration for those who have brothers and sisters that are better than them at certain – if not all – things.

Just always think back upon my triumphant story and remember that you can be a winner – a big-time yuge winner. You just need to play in a tournament that has only one or two other people in it; and then, hope both of them drop out, so you win by default.

So, you know, keep the faith and all that stuff. Or don’t. Whatever.

The Last Word

~ Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native who also writes a weekly column for The Alexander City Outlook.

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Lake Martin Living 47

“He has our hearts. It’s up to us to keep them healthy.”

Heart attack survivors Pam and Jeff Robinson with grandson John Bierman

www.russellcares.com