February 2019 Lake Magazine

LAKE LAKE MARTIN ALABAMA EDITION

Annual Bridal Edition

LAKE MARTIN WEDDINGS

FEBRUARY 2019

WWW.LAKEMARTINMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2019

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Cardiolgy Services at FEB. HEART MONTH SCREENINGS Calcium-Score Heart Scan- $90 •CT Scan providing enhanced 3D heart images •Non-invasive way of obtaining information about presence, location, and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries Stroke Prevention Screening - $75 •Carotid Artery Ultrasound •Detects thickening of the artery walls that lead to stroke Echocardiogram - $125 •Ultrasound generates 3D moving images of the heart •Assesses the chambers and valves of the heart and functionality A copy of your test results will be sent to one of Russell Medical’s cardiologists and your primary care physician.

Ross Davis, MD

Joseph Deering, MD

Brian Foley, MD

Kevin Sublett, MD

A simple test could save your life.

We urge you to schedule your appointment today.

Payment options will be available when scheduling. Please indicate Heart Month screening when you call.

(256)329-7826 3316 HWY 280 ALEX CITY, AL 35010 Don’t Skip A Beat GET CHECKED TODAY www.russellcares.com

FEBRUARY 2019

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Letter from the Editor

T

he February bridal issue of Lake magazine is one of our favorite annual editions but probably not for the reasons you might think.

Yes, we love to feature Lake Martin brides on the happiest day of their lives with their beautiful gowns, gorgeous flowers and uniquely personal reception decorations. And yes, we love the wedding photos with the lake in the background; we love the engagement parties at the lake; and we love that brides love to have their weddings featured in Lake magazine.

But what really makes our lives easier is that the magazine staff at Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., works on this issue all year long, so all that’s left to do at presstime is proofread for the umpteenth time. Between Jan. 1 and Feb. 21 this year, we will send eight magazines to the printer – two issues of Lake magazine; two issues of Lake Martin Living magazine; two issues of Elmore County Living magazine; our annual Horizons issue in Elmore County; and our annual Parade issue, which this year will be titled Priceless. That’s eight magazines in seven weeks. Having even just one of them so close to finished before February’s deadline makes a huge difference. Any time we can work ahead, life in the magazine department is a little more manageable.

The thing that makes it all work is that we collect wedding articles all year long. If, in July, someone suggests we feature a stunning December bride like Ryley Scales, we can write up the story, choose the photos we’ll use and even build the pages before the sun has set on Lake Martin’s summer pool level. Ryley and her groom David Corliss grace the cover of this year’s special edition. Turn to page 42 for their sweet, sweet story.

We look for something unique in all of our wedding features – like the heartwarming story on page 28 of the lifelong friendship between Olivia Walker’s groom, Travis Campbell, and the minister who married them. We love to feature bridal events that might help others celebrate at the lake – like the perfect weekend-at-the-lake engagement party for 85 friends and family that Lori Peck hosted for her son Troy and his fiancé Sami Griffith on page 38. Or the story on page 34 about the can of soda that saved Olyvia Baker Clayton’s wedding gown just minutes before her walk down the aisle.

So if you come across a great wedding story idea at Lake Martin – even in July – send us a note about it. We’ll be so grateful in February!

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor Please Note: In the November 2018 issue of Lake magazine, the center photo at the bottom of page 28 in the Clean-up Honor Roll article identified the group as the Reeltown Community. All of these hardworking volunteers live in the Real Island community. If you see them around the lake, please thank them for their dedication to our Treasured Lake.

4 LAKE FEBRUARY 2019

Staff Chairman KENNETH BOONE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Publisher STEVE BAKER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Managing Editor BETSY ILER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Assistant Magazine Editor AMY PASSARETTI

amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing/Advertising Director TIPPY HUNTER

tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com

KATIE WESSON

katie.wesson@alexcityoutlook.com

MARILYN HAWKINS

marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com

KAT RAIFORD

kat.raiford@tallasseetribune.com

JOLIE WATERS

jolie.waters@alexcityoutlook.com

JULIE HARBIN

julie.harbin@alexcityoutlook.com

JESSICA WARE

jessica.ware@alexcityoutlook.com

SHANNON FILYAW

shannon.filyaw@tallasseetribune.com

BIZZY BAKER

jessica.ware@alexcityoutlook.com

Circulation ERIN BURTON

bizzy.baker@thewetumpkaherald.com

Creative Services AUDRA SPEARS

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

DARLENE JOHNSON

darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com

SHELLEY MCNEAL

shelley.mcneal@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors

KENNETH BOONE ROB WITHERINGTON JOHN COLEY JIMMY WIGFIELD JULIE HUDSON JOHN THOMPSON CLIFF WILLIAMS MARK GILLILAND LONNA UPTON JUDITH HILL JAGER GREG VINSON KEVIN LANIER ROB MCDANIEL T2PHOTOGRAPHY PHILIP SMITH BRYAN CARTER SOUTHERN LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY MEGAN MULLINS PHOTOGRAPHY EAST ALABAMA AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY SHANE DURRANCE PRODUCTIONS All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

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

On the Cover This year's bridal issue of Lake magazine features a cover portrait of David Corliss and Lake Martin's Ryley Scales on the day they married at her favorite place around the lake – The Stables at Russell Crossroads – a year ago in December. For Ryley, there was simply no other venue choice, as she has loved The Stables for as long as she can remember.

Photo by Sarah & Thomas Boutwell of T2Photography

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FEBRUARY 2019

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SCARVES • SOCKS GLOVES • BLANKETS • RUGS • YARN STUFFED ANIMALS & MORE! Store Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm • Sat. 8:00 am to 2:00 pm

Contents

21. 10TH ANNUAL RUSSELL FOREST RUN Get warmed up now for the run through Lake Martin's Russell Forest, a fundraiser for local education 24. A GOOD BET Auburn University vet students return to the site of a romantic wager for a Smith Mountain proposal 26. NEWLYWED AT THE LAKE Lake magazine correspondent Judith Jager shares her own newlywed adventures on Lake Martin

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28. LOVE AT LAKE MARTIN Friendship and romance come full circle at this Children's Harbor Lake Martin wedding 32. AFTER THE ENGAGEMENT When Lake magazine featured their engagement story in the 2017 bridal issue, Katheryn Donati and Garrett Dagostin shared the wedding with us as well 34. SODA SAVES THE DAY The wedding dress was ruined, but the bride's grandmother remembered an old-fashioned remedy that made everything right again 38. HOW TO THROW AN ENGAGEMENT PARTY The best party on the block happened with the help of the whole block at Lake Martin

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42. WEDDING IN WINTER Nothing but her favorite Lake Martin landmark would do for this bride's dream-come-true proposal and wedding 50. GROOMS' CAKES From college football to fishing and hunting, grooms' cakes look too good to eat 52. FROM DREAM TO REALITY This Lake Martin couple invested 10 years of dreams in the ultimate lake house remodel

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:

e

- edition

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9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 10. LAKE SCENES 13. WHERE IS LAKE? 16. LAKE MARTIN EVENTS 18. LAKE MARTIN NEWS 58. NATURE OF THE LAKE 60. FAB FINDS

63. LMRA 64. LAKE PROPERTY 67. CHEF'S TABLE 68. HEALTHY LIVING 70. BIG CATCHES 72. CHEERS! 74. THE SCRAMBLE

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

FEBRUARY 2019

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PRECIOUS MEMORIES GIFTS & MORE

Monogramming Boutique Clothing Jewelry Bathing Suits & More

10147 County Road 34, Dadeville, AL

256-496-4017

Dr. George W. Hardy General Dentistry

A Place To Worship Lake Martin Area Churches

OFF WATER

OFF WATER

OFF WATER

Church of the Living Waters Inside StillWaters, Dadeville 256-825-2990

First Baptist Church Court Square, Alexander City 256-234-6351

Alex City Church of Christ 945 Tallapoosa Street, Alexander City 256-234-6494

New Hope Baptist Church 529 Peppers Road, Alexander City 256-329-2510

Hillabee Baptist Church Hillabee Road, Alexander City 256-234-6798

Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Avenue Tallassee, AL 36078 334-252-8618 (12 Miles South of Lake Martin)

WATERFRONT

Church in the Pines Kowaliga Road, Kowaliga 334-857-2133

OFF WATER Equality United Methodist Church 281 AL Hwy 259, Equality 334-541-4063

Red Ridge United Methodist Church 8091 County Road 34, Dadeville 256-825-9820

First Baptist Church 178 South Tallassee Street, Dadeville 256-825-6232 First United Methodist Church 310 Green Street, Alexander City 256-234-6322 First United Methodist Church West Lafayette Street, Dadeville 256-825-4404

St. James Episcopal Church South Central Avenue, Alexander City 256-234-4752 Lake Martin Baptist Church 9823 County Road 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-825-7434 Lake Pointe Baptist Church La 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-373-3293 Faith Temple Church 425 Franklin Street, Alexander City 256-234-6421

St John The Apostle Catholic Church 454 North Central Avenue Alexander City, Al 35010 256-234-3631 Flint Hill United Methodist Church 2858 Flint Hill Road Alexander City, AL 35010 256-234-5047 Good News Baptist Church 10493 Hwy 280 Jacksons Gap, AL 36861 256-825-2555

Small Space Advertising Works.

Call Jessica Ware 256-414-3033 & ask for Lake Church Page

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FEBRUARY 2019

Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators Sales Month

Number of sales

Average selling price

Median selling price

Days on the market

Total houses for sale

Inventory/ sales ratio

16 24 16

$724,266 $567,981 $398,377

$704,500 $417,500 $336,500

211 250 202

127 200 299

5.15 6.78 15.40

December 2018 December 2015 December 2012

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

The Money Pick

Spectators lined the bank to watch swimmers run into Lake Martin's winter water at last month's Polar Plunge

Colvin Collari, who turns 4 years old this month, found a dollar bill at the corner of Point Windy and Peckerwood in Jackson's Gap while cleaning up litter around Lake Martin. His father, Ed, said Colvin put his findings in his piggy bank, as he is saving up to buy his dad a new pontoon boat. "We will have to pick up 134,000 more bags of trash to find enough money to reach his goal," Ed said.

Colvin Colari's buy-a-boat plan includes finding money while cleaning up litter at Lake Martin

Plunge makes a splash

Despite spotty rain and a tornado watch in the area, plungers turned out for the Fourth Annual Lake Martin Young Professionals Polar Plunge Jan. 19 to raise money for the Lake Martin Resource Association. Proceeds from the event, which was held at Kowaliga Restaurant, will benefit the “Light Up Lake Martin” buoy program.

~ Amy Passaretti

Weather Outlook for February Last Month's February 2019 Forecast Lake Levels Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the upper 50s with average lows in the mid 30s and slightly more than 5 inches of precipitation in the month of February. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be slightly below normal this month, and rainfall will be slightly above normal.

Summer: 491MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 488.43 Lowest: 483.49

Year to Date

Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level.

For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit the website lakes.alabamapower.com.

Precipitation: 2.83 inches Avg. high temp.: 61.2 Avg. low temp.: 38.2 Avg. temp.: 49.7

Our Normal February Precipitation: 5.35 inches Avg. high temp.: 59.3 Avg. low temp.: 34.6 Avg. temp.: 37

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

This information is provided courtesy of the National Weather Service.

FEBRUARY 2019

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Lake Scene n People & Places

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Debbie and Phillip Woods spotted this Magnificent Bryozoan in the creek near their cabin at Russell Cabin Point. (2) Jack and Sadie love to play at the lake. (3) The reflection of clouds at sunrise on Lake Martin create an interesting abstract pattern in this photo sent by Randy McClendon.

(4) Lucas and Luiza Osorio found this rainbow at their Cedar Point home on Lake Martin. (5) Lin Crampton's puppy, Chester, watches the moonlight on the water. (6) Leigh Hester's granddaughter Hayes and her best buddy, Griff, love the lake life on beautiful Lake Martin.

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FEBRUARY 2019

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Lake Scene n People & Places 1

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Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Johanna McCain spotted a mallard duck on the waters of Lake Martin. (2) Johnny Spears and his great dane, Thor, enjoyed a break in the rain on a Sunday afternoon in early January. (3) Kyle Thornton took this photo of the clock tower at Russell Crossroads on a clear November night. (4) Grayson Sain loves visiting her grandparents' house on Lake Martin. (5) Mili Dee gave this photo of a wagon on The Stables lawn an old timey look in black and white. (6) High school best friends Land Reaves and Madison Wadsworth share a ride behind the boat.

FEBRUARY 2019

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

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FEBRUARY 2019

Where is Lake? n People & Places 1

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Cousins John Denton and Will Denton took Lake along on their Tallapoosa River tour to Ft. Morgan. (2) Brittany and Clay Duncan took Lake to the Statue of Liberty in July. (3) Three generations of the Burney family took Lake to the Villa Alami in Ubud, Bali. Pictured left to right are Chris, Rick, Kai, Sam, Melea and Curt Burney. (4) Kristy Teaster, Kimberly Pitchford, Tierra Sandeen and Ingrid Crawford took Lake Magazine on their girls’ trip to South Beach in Miami, Florida. (5) Mark and Stephanie Daughtry, Mandi and Michael Durr and Amanda Dobson took Lake to Yosemite National Park. (6) Clarence Spence shared his 102nd birthday with Judy, Jason and Lisa, Michelle, Jaden and Ken Spence in Bend, Oregon, at the end of June.

FEBRUARY 2019

LAKE 13

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FEBRUARY 2019

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LAKE 15

Feb. 7 Kiwanis Steak Dinner and Auction

be served at 6:30 p.m. at the ACT II Fine Arts Center, 216 Tallapoosa St. Tickets are $15 for the Feb. 15 and Feb. 17 shows – no dinner will be served. The Friday night show will begin at 7 p.m. with Pat Bice and Ron Davenport, and the Feb. 17 matinee will begin at 2 p.m. with John and Jan Jung. Make reservations for the dinner show at brownpapertickets.com or call 256-749-8073. Tickets for the Feb. 15 and 17 shows will be available through brownpapertickets. com or at the door.

Feb. 8-9 Dueling Pianos at Copper's Grill

Feb. 23 Russell Forest Run

Alexander City Kiwanis Club will host this annual steak dinner at The Mill Two Eighty. The live and silent auctions start at 6 p.m. Tickets are $40, and Ocie and Belle’s will be on site to provide a cash bar. Tickets can be purhcased at Caldwell Electronics, Tapley Appliance or from a Kiwanis member. For more information, contact Stephan Tomlin at steffsimms@yahoo.com.

The 10th Annual 10K run will be held through Russell Forest and benefits the Alexander City Schools Education Frankie G and Show Dog Steve will set up their dueling Foundation.

Runners have the opportunity to traverse roads pianos for two special nights at Copper's Grill at Stillwaters. mixed with sand, clay and gravel and experience the beauty This popular duo has played a number of favorite hangouts, of nature. Participants including the Flora-Bama gain admittance to the CALENDAR OF EVENTS and Big Beach Brewing famous after-race party at Company. Copper’s will The Stables. A 5K gives offer dinner and drink WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN runners a similar experispecials for the night. For ence without traveling reservations, call Copper’s through Heaven Hill. The at 256-373-3536.

Don't miss the 10K starts at 7:45 a.m. chili cook-off from the Town Green Feb. 9 at Ocie and at Russell Crossroads, Belle's Feb. 9 2nd Annual and the 5K kicks off 10 minutes later. Tickets are Chili Cook-off $40 per runner. Online Ocie and Belle’s will registration is open at host the Second Annual runsignup.com. For race Leslie Gaston Memorial information, visit russellChili Cook-off from forestrun.com.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 41 Main St. in Alexander City. Judging will begin Feb. 23 promptly at 11 a.m. The The Main Event cook-off benefits AFE Crescent Circus of Foundation. Tickets are New Orleans will pres$5 at the door for tasters ent a mini circus at The and $100 per entry to the Mill Two Eighty for this contest. Entry includes year’s benefit event for tablecloth, table, tasting spoons and cups. To enter, please the Russell Medical Foundation. The evening will feature email Blair Gilliland at etayloeb@gmail.com. roving magicians, knife throwers, mind readers and more, starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $100 and include open bar, Feb. 13 cocktail reception entertainment and a seated and plated Hiss Golden Messenger at Standard Deluxe dinner with entertainment. Tables of 10 seats are available at $1,000. Proceeds will benefit programs and patient Hiss Golden Messenger will perform as part of a winter services at Russell Medical. For tickets, contact Tammy solo tour at the Standard Deluxe Little House in Waverly.

Jackson at 256-215-7459.

Gates open at 6 p.m., and supper will be provided in the FeedShak. Show starts at 7 p.m. A second show will begin at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $30, and seats are limited. For tick- Feb. 25-26 ets or for more information, visit StandardDeluxe.com.

Throw Away Day The Tallapoosa County Commission is sponsoring Throw Feb. 14-17 Away Days, and dumpsters will be available to the public at no charge. The following items are not allowed: liquids Love Letters (including paint, paint thinner, pesticides, etc.), appliances Take your valentine to dinner and a show at Alexander with compressors (including air conditioners, refrigerators, City Theatre II on Feb. 14. Tickets are $70 per person and include a catered dinner, wine and a rose for the ladies, fol- freezers, etc.), tires, betteries, lightbulbs, TVs, computers, lowed by A.R. Gurney’s Pulitzer Prize finalist, Love Letters, propane tanks and hazardous or medical waste. Dumpsters featuring Nancy Hodges and Kenneth Cochran. Dinner will will be located at Alex City Annex, 395 Lee St.; Double 16 LAKE

FEBRUARY 2019

Bridges on Highway 63; Eagle Creek Road and Main Street intersection in Jackson’s Gap; Young’s Ferry Road and Gibson Road intersection; and Union Community Center.

Season-Long Events

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

March 2 HOBO Annual Meeting

The Lake Martin Homeowners and Boat Owners will hold its annual meeting at Red Ridge United Methodist Church at state Route 49 and county Road 34. Breakfast will be provided for all members in good standing, and the business meeting will include elections, along with guest speaker, Auburn University Research Fellow Emeritus Dr. Bill Deutsch. Reservations are required; make a reservation by emailing jesse@lakemartinhobos.com.

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. For information, call 334-857-2008.

Charity Bingo

March 16 13th Annual Ronald Koon Sporting Clay Classic

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.

Register now for this annual Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area benefit to be held at Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sporting Club. Entry for each shooter includes a steak dinner and Calcutta Auction at the Alexander City Elks Lodge at 6 p.m. Friday; practice shoot prior to the event; a shotgun raffle ticket; breakfast, lunch and snacks on the day of the shoot; shotgun shells; a T-shirt and door prizes. The four-man team sponsorship ($700) includes a logo on the welcome banner and leader board and inclusion in event advertising. The two-shooter team entry fee is $350; individuals may enter for $175 each. Sign sponsorships also are available. For registration forms and details, email chadwick.misty05@gmail.com.

March 22 Jon Conlee in Concert

Country music star Jon Conlee will perform live at The Rodeo Club in Dadeville from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Between 1974 and 2004, Conlee charted 32 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts and recorded 11 albums. For more information, visit The Rodeo Club Facebook page.

March 23-24 Lake Martin 100 Trail Race

One of the country’s most popular ultra runs will return to Russell Forest for the ultimate endurance test. This year’s event will include lodging options at Children’s Harbor and a catered pre-race dinner at Harbor Lodge on Friday evening. This run, which took RunUltra’s award for the best 100-mile race in 2017, traverses the forest trails in one of Lake Martin’s most beautiful wooded properties. Runners could choose one of three routes – a 100-mile, 50-mile or 27-mile race. Check out this year’s race schedule, entry fees and other details at www.southeasterntrailruns.com.

March 28 The Charlestones

Alexander City. For tickets, call 256-749-8073.

Alexander City Arts will host The Charlestones, Brink Norton with Male a cappella quartet, at 7 p.m. in the BRHS Auditorium. The group has performed throughout the Southeast, and Norton spent 10 years teaching music in

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

Naturalist Marianne Hudson fills the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads with children and adults for 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.

Clean Community Partnership Cleanups

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

Open Studio

The Artists Association of Central Alabama meets at 11:30 a.m. every Thursday at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex Senior Center and at 10 a.m. on Mondays at the Dadeville Senior Center on Columbus St. Beginners are welcome. For more information, email vkfincher@aol.com.

Music at The Equality Performing Arts Center

The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and other events on the fourth Friday nights of each month at 6:30 p.m. on state Highway 9 in Equality. For more information, contact Wayne Glenn at 334-541-3302.

FEBRUARY 2019

LAKE 17

Lake Martin News Russell Marine to open new facility in Alexander City

In a move that could christen a new era of retail development along U.S. Highway 280 in Alexander City, Russell Lands last month announced its marine division will invest millions of dollars in a new boat dealership, rigging facility and lifestyle store that could open by next spring.

“This represents a $10 million investment in this community by the city, county and Russell Lands,” said Tom Lamberth, the president and chief executive officer of Russell Lands, which owns Russell Marine. “It could be the anchor (of Highway 280 development). It’s going to be a destination facility. It will be first class. If we’re successful, it will send a message to a lot of retailers to come to Alex City.”

Approximately 20 jobs would be created and/or transferred from Russell Marine’s Ridge Marina in Elmore County, according to Russell Marine President Dave Commander.

The new facility would be located in the abandoned building popularly known as the New No. 1 on the former Russell Corporation campus. Saucier Investments LLC currently owns the property, Commander said.

Lamberth said plans call for the renovation of the building to be completed by the end of 2019 and for it to open for the 2020 spring sales season.

“We’re going to buy the building and spend millions renovating it,” Lamberth said. “There is very little upfront money from the city or county, and they’ll recoup their costs in three to five years with the sales taxes. They will be sharing in incremental revenue the city wouldn’t get otherwise. And it will be turning an eyesore into a nice-looking facility.”

Alexander City Mayor Jim Nabors hailed the project, which could draw lucrative business from the Lake Martin community of residents and vacationing boaters.

18 LAKE

“The building will have a ‘wow’ factor,” Nabors said.

“It will give you a reason to stop. They will have outparcels, but they want the building to be prominent. I’m hoping it will expand 280 and create retail sales.

The new Russell Marine super store is expected Obviously, you want that along the to open in 2020 280 corridor.”

Boating Industry magazine named Russell Marine the best in its class nationally in marketing and the No. 3 marine dealer in North America in 2018.

Commander said the clientele could come from across the U.S. “A lot of people would be coming to Alex City,” he said. “We would advertise nationally.”

The facility would primarily sell refurbished boats, do the rigging and include a retail lifestyle shop.

It would encompass 150,000 square feet – 75,000 square feet on the ground floor for rigging and 75,000 upstairs, with 50,000 square feet devoted to selling the refurbished boats and the rest for the lifestyles store. A sampling of the new boats Russell Marine offers will also be available there, along with a design center for customers to design their own new boats.

The rigging operation – which would include the installation of engines, electronics and tops on new and refurbished boats – is using valuable storage space at The Ridge Marina, one of Russell Marine’s four marinas on Lake Martin.

Commander said 600 boats are stored at The Ridge Marina.

“We knew some day we’d run out of capacity for storage, and we have to have that,” Lamberth said. “The rigging can be done anywhere. We sell over 500 boats a year new and used. Most of the time, we take boats in trade, and we were way undersized. To sell boats, we’ve got to offer storage and take trades.” ~ Jimmy Wigfield

Children’s Harbor begins anniversary celebration

Children’s Harbor last month unveiled a new website feature to kick off its 30th anniversary. Since 1989, Children’s Harbor has served seriously ill children and their families through unique, no-cost services at both the Family Center located at the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children in Birmingham and at the Lake Martin retreat facility in Alexander City.

“The 30th anniversary of Children’s Harbor is a momentous milestone for the thousands of families we’ve served since the inception of the organization. Thanks to the unwavering support of so many, seriously ill children and

FEBRUARY 2019

their families have benefited from our one-of-a-kind services more than ever before. We look forward to providing a happy place for these families for another 30 years and beyond,” said Children’s Harbor CEO, Myrle Grate.

The Family Center provides patients and their families a place of respite, comfort and fun. Mental health services are provided to patients and their families through licensed, illness-specific counselors at no cost to the families and without limitations. Other services offered include educational support, scheduled interactive activities, an exercise room, hair salon, nap rooms, library, laundry facilities and play areas.

The retreat facility at Lake Martin boasts 66 acres with extensive water frontage, zero-entry swimming pools, a handicap-accessible tree house, miniature golf, basketball and volleyball courts, canoeing, activity rooms and more for families and children to reconnect and meet other families with similar diagnoses.

These illness populations include children with cancer, organ transplants, autism, serious burns, visual impairments, spinal cord injuries, among others.

Use of the facilities is donated at no cost to organizations that apply annually through a grant process with Children’s Harbor.

Throughout 2019, Children’s Harbor will share stories of patients, parents, siblings, volunteers and supporters who have found their happy place at Children’s Harbor. Follow these stories and learn more about Children’s Harbor’s mission at ChildrensHarbor.com. ~ Staff Report

Year end rains raise water level but damage is minimal

Heavy rains over the holidays brought lake levels halfway to full pool as the New Year dawned on Lake Martin.

Though there were reports of small boats adrift in several areas of the lake, no serious damage was reported, said Michael Sznajderman with Alabama Power Company. ~ Staff Report Riley Frances Boone caught a photo of this jon boat going over the dam at Elkahatchee Creek

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FEBRUARY 2019

10th Annual

Russell Forest Run

T

Last year's runners enter the forest in a race for education

The Russell Forest Run raised $7,500 for local schools last year, and race sponsors hope to do that again – or better – when feet hit the trails for the 10th annual race on Feb. 23.

This trek through the beautiful Russell Forest offers challenges for experienced runners but also is a great first 10K for the novice. The race takes runners over sand, clay and gravel roads designed for runners and bicycles. Racers will start at the Town Green, climb Heaven Hill and skirt Kob’s Knob before turning back to the finish on the edge of the forest.

This run is at the top of the list for runners across the country that return year after year to the 10K and 5K routes that lead to the after-party at The Stables at Russell Crossroads. The post-race party features a famous grits bar, live entertainment, cold beer and attractive awards.

The 10K run will begin at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, and the 5K will start at 7:55 a.m. Prior to Feb. 23, the entry fee is $40 for each race, but on

race day, the fee will be $50 per race.

Race entries and donations to the effort benefit Alexander City Schools Education Foundation, which promotes excellence in education and mobilizes community support for Alexander City school students. ACSEF has provided technology devices and support programs to local school children, grants to teachers and other programs.

Sponsors for the event include Russell Lands On Lake Martin, Russell Medical Total Fitness, The Stables at Russell Crossroads, Russell Do it Center, SpringHouse, Lake Martin Dock Company, Valley Bank, Catherine’s Market, Russell Marine, Kowaliga Restaurant, Sigma, Southern, Coca-Cola, Brooks, 105.1 WRFS, Alex City Grading, LMG and The Bank Walkers.

Register for this year’s Russell Forest Run and find a course map and details at russellforestrun. com. Visit www.acsef.net for more information about ACSEF.

FEBRUARY 2019

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LAKE 23

A Good Bet Auburn University vet students return to the site of a romantic wager for a Smith Mountain proposal

STORY BY JUDITH JAGER PHOTOS BY EAST ALABAMA AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Lynae Bakland and Drew Davis were engaged at Smith Mountain, where their first date included a bet on the trails

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FEBRUARY 2019

D

Drew Davis’ goal for as long as he could remember was to rine (goat) trivia,” Davis explained. attend Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. It Keeping this in mind, Davis reached out to Dr. BJ was a surreal moment when he got the call that he had been Newcomer, clinical instructor of Farm Animal Internal accepted into the DVM program, and he was eager to begin Medicine at AUCVM. He asked if he knew of any individuthe journey toward his dream career. But when classes began, als or farms in the Auburn-Opelika area from which he might it was not the cutting-edge medical facilities, the animals or borrow a goat kid for the proposal. Within a day, Newcomer donning that lab coat that took his breath away; it was a girl found “Hercules,” a handsome Boer goat with a big personalwho had grown up more than 2,000 miles away in California. ity.

Davis, a native of Headland, Alabama, distinctly remembers With Hercules and a small army of close friends and family the moment he first saw Lynae Bakland. on board, Davis only had to convince Bakland to take a hike “It was one of those romantic movie moments where time to the Smith Mountain Fire Tower after a long week of final slowed down and everything else faded out. She walked exams. With some prodding and well-placed suggestions from through the door across the hall with her hair blowing in the Lynae’s sisters and brother, she agreed to go on a sunset hike wind (probably) and immediately had my full attention,” Davis and later eat at Kowaliga Restaurant. said.

This time, she had the surprise of her life waiting for her at Without skipping a beat, he the top of the mountain. learned her name, walked over and Hours before the proposal, friends mustered up the words to speak to had traveled to Smith Mountain to her. string café lights, scatter rose petals “Not knowing anything else about and, of course, set the stage with her, I asked her what her name Hercules. Everything seemed to be meant,” Davis said. “Her blue eyes falling into place until the actual turned to me for the first time to say hike approached the proposal spot.

‘Lynae’ was actually a Norwegian “About three-quarters of the way name meaning ‘little blue flower.’” up, we began to hear an awful yell,” He was smitten.

Davis said.

The two spent their days together He knew it was Hercules, but from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. that fall, learnBakland was clueless about its origin ing the ins and outs of the veterinary or the circumstances surrounding it. world, while never missing the “Lynae later told me she was chance to steal a glance or smirk at worried that a man had fallen from each other from across the room. the fire tower and was injured, so we They eventually exchanged phone hurried up the hill,” he said. numbers after an emergency event Eventually, the group – the couple involving her Great Dane, and they and family members, all trying to spoke nightly. Finally, during their hide their laughter and excitement – Drew Davis included fiancé second semester of vet school, Davis made it to the top of the mountain, Lynae's professional interest made the bold move to ask Bakland where Bakland discovered the in goats in his mountaintop proposal for an official date. source of the yelling: Hercules. The “It was late one Friday evening little Boer goat kid just couldn’t that I decided to ‘go for it’ by making a bet that a Southern stand being left alone amidst the romantic scene Davis had California girl like her couldn’t keep up with a rural Southern arranged.

Alabama guy on an adventure through the woods. We had just “I asked Lynae to read the collar around Hercules’ neck, started to get to know each other, so I really didn’t think if she which had “Marry me?” engraved on the name tag. When she would even come follow me through the woods," said Davis. turned around, I was down on one knee, and she immediately To his pleasant surprise, Lynae agreed instantly and matched said ‘Yes!’” Drew step-for-step on a hike up to the Smith Mountain Fire Their friends came out of hiding, along with Davis’ mother, Tower that night. to join the celebration.

Looking back on that evening, the two both knew that “I’m not sure the evening could have been any more perfect, would be their last first date for the rest of their lives. Over the but I do know one thing; that little guy made it impossible to next two years of courtship and vet school, Davis and Bakland say no,” Davis added. fell in love.

The couple plans to marry in Asheville, North Carolina, in Following a Christmas vacation with Bakland’s family in the summer on the majestic Roan Mountain with their friends California, Davis began to plan the ultimate proposal for his and close family in attendance. future bride. He decided the perfect time to pop the question Following graduation, Davis said, they plan to roll with would be when her family was in town from California for the whatever plans God has in store for them. He hopes to weekend of the Veterinary White Coat Ceremony. With the eventually become a small-animal surgeon specializing in time and date set, Davis knew there was one specific detail that soft tissue and orthopedic surgery; Bakland will focus on he had to incorporate into the proposal. both small and large animals, with a special interest in small “Lynae is well-known by her family, friends and classmates ruminants, which forever will be a reminder of the romantic for loving all things goat and goat-kid related. She has raised proposal on Smith Mountain. bottle babies and could defeat even the smartest expert on capFEBRUARY 2019

LAKE 25

Lake

Newlywed at the

n STORY BY JUDITH JAGER PHOTOS BY PHILIP SMITH & COURTESY OF JUDITH JAGER

Boat rides were more fun than ever

The newlywed summer included lots of time fishing for stripers on Lake Martin

U

The newlyweds hung out at Chuck's with friends

Usually, I am the one out interviewing and telling other people’s love stories around and on Lake Martin, but now I have the pleasure of telling a little piece of my own.

I married my highschool sweetheart, Alex Jager, on June 23, 2018, at First Baptist Church of Talladega with the reception at my family’s property, Selwood Farm. Our friends and family can attest that our wedding day was quite possibly the hottest day of the summer, but it was a dream come true, nonetheless. We had planned to move to Nashville, Tennessee, after our wedding, but Alex wouldn’t start work as a CPA until September 2018, so he and I decided to spend the summer at Lake Martin.

My husband and his family have deep roots in the Lake Martin community. Alex has considered the lake his second home for years now, and I quickly fell in love with the area during my frequent visits when he and I were dating. Our visits usually consisted of weekends and holiday occasions, but summer 2018 was special: We lived like locals at the lake.

There is always something going on at Lake Martin.

Whether it be the dressy Derby Day event at The Stables in early May, Art on the Lake at Children’s Harbor over Memorial Day weekend, Jazz Fest … or just gathering with

26 LAKE

friends and family, Alex and I kept finding ourselves driving to Lake Martin.

The weeks leading up to our big day, Alex and I kept trying to determine where we should spend our wedding night.

We wouldn’t leave for our honeymoon trip until August but had plans to drive to Ponte Vedra, Florida, to spend a week at my aunt and uncle’s beach home the day after the wedding.

“Since Lake Martin would put us at about a six-hour drive from Ponte Vedra, we decided it would be a good idea to stay at my parents’ lake home for the wedding night,” Alex said.

After we left the reception at Selwood, we had a close friend drive Alex and me to his parents’ home at Lake Martin.The morning after the wedding, we got dressed and ready to head to the beach, but before the long drive, there was one place he and I were both dying to eat.

Alex and I both love pretty much everything SpringHouse Restaurant has to offer, but one special breakfast menu item is Alex’s absolute favorite. He claims ‘The Big Nasty’ is the best biscuit he’s ever eaten, and it’s up there on my list, too. The Big Nasty is one big buttermilk biscuit stacked with the juiciest garden tomato, fried

FEBRUARY 2019

After their dream wedding, Alex and Judith spent their first summer as man and wife at Lake Martin

n chicken or steak – depending on the morning – and this indescribably good sauce that only the genius mind of Rob McDaniel could create.

Alex had worked at SpringHouse one summer in college as a food runner and still knew most of the staff. That morning, we were greeted with congratulations on the marriage the night before and friendly conversation while we enjoyed our first breakfast as a married couple.

Fast-forward one amazing week at the beach later, and we found ourselves right back at Lake Martin.

“We had Fourth of July plans with friends and family in place at the lake, so we figured why not just stay,” Alex said.

So we did, and we loved every minute of it. The 4th of July has been and always will be one of my favorite holidays, especially when it is spent at Lake Martin.

There are so many family-friendly events to enjoy for the fourth. Lake Martin kicks off the holiday with the annual Furth of July Boat Parade mid-morning. For the past two years, we have enjoyed watching from Kowaliga Restaurant as we sip, eat and socialize while the parade passes by. In the evening, we love to head down to The AMP on Lake Martin to watch the best and biggest fireworks show in the

Southeast.

After the excitement and crowd died down from the holiday, we got back to enjoying the slow pace of living that Lake Martin offers during the week.

Alex has a knack for somehow always having a project to work on, and this summer he was working on his new duck boat with me by his side. If we weren’t working on the boat, you could find us on the pier or pontoon boat, fishing for striped bass. Lake Martin local Don Etkis was the one who really hooked Alex on striped bass fishing a few years ago.

You could also find us hanging with friends and family at Chuck’s Marina on several occasions. The best was when the restaurant there hosted live music on the weekends. We have loved the new upstairs addition; it has the perfect view of the water.

Whether we were at an event or just enjoying being together, Alex and I agree that spending our first married summer together at Lake Martin was perfect. Even though we love our new Nashville home, we look forward with anticipation to the next time we will return to the lake. The memories made and friendships we have cultivated at Lake Martin will keep us coming back for years.

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Love

Lake Martin at

Friendship and romance come full circle at Lake Martin wedding

STORY BY JUDITH JAGER & PHOTOS BY KEVIN LANIER

28 LAKE

FEBRUARY 2019

A

At only an hour to the north, Lake Martin is an easy drive from the quaint town of Hope Hull, where Travis Campbell stayed planted in his local community. He was especially rooted in his family’s home church, Hope Hull United Methodist, and the small private school, Hooper Academy; however, for more than 50 years, when summer called, the Campbell family answered and traveled to the lake.

“There was always an open invitation to come to the Campbells’ lake house growing up. They pretty much lived there during the summer,” said Hunter Pugh, the son of the Hope Hull minister who served as pastor for a decade at the church.

Pugh met Campbell and his brother when he was just 6 years old, and he remembers always doing something outdoors or at the church with them growing up.

Early one summer weekend of 2007, Campbell invited some friends to his grandparents’ lake house for boating and swimming. The group made plans to meet up with another group of friends from school at Chimney Rock. That group included Olivia Walker.

“I actually didn’t think about hanging out with him because of being a year older. I thought of him as a friend’s little brother from school,” Walker said. “It was funny because that weekend is when I really noticed him.”

Walker and Campbell hit it off that weekend, and it wasn’t long before they were spending every weekend at Lake Martin, taking picnic dates on the boat and hanging out at Harbor Docks and Chimney Rock.

“One of our favorite things to do at the lake was to fish together off the pier or troll at night,” Walker said.

The two dated throughout the rest of their time at Hooper Academy before Walker went off to college at Auburn University in August 2008. Campbell joined Walker at Auburn the following year.

Walker graduated Auburn in 2012 and went on to continue studies in physical therapy at Alabama State University in Montgomery, where she graduated in 2016. Meanwhile, Campbell finished his engineering degree in 2015 and joined the working world, but the couple still found time to enjoy weekends at Lake Martin.

After their Lake Martin courtship, Olivia Walker and Travis Campbell couldn't think of a better place for their special day

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LAKE 29

A map of the lake made a personalized guest record

The post-wedding party at the cabana played into the night The reception was held at Willow Point Country Club

The day was perfect for barefoot children A childhood friend, the minister was ordained just four days before the wedding

30 LAKE

Travis proposed on the last day of a family cruise

FEBRUARY 2019

z The couple married 10 years after their romance began at Lake Martin

In August 2016, Walker joined Campbell and his family on an Alaskan cruise. As they passed through Glacier Bay National Park on the last day of the cruise, Campbell and Walker took in the spectacular views with a walk on the boat deck.

“He said we should go up to the top deck and take our picture in front of the glacier,” Walker said. “As we approached, he grabbed the camera out of my hand and handed it to some random lady just standing there. He asked her to take our picture.

“Next thing I know, he’s down on one knee proposing.

I was so overwhelmed with emotion. I wasn’t expecting it to happen so soon. I was ecstatic.”

Campbell called his old friend Hunter Pugh.

“After I congratulated Travis, he asked if the two of us could talk. He asked me if I would officiate their wedding ceremony,” Pugh said.

Like his father, Pugh knew he wanted to pursue God’s call to become a pastor and serve in the church.

“Since losing Hunter’s dad, Travis thought it would be so special to have Hunter perform our wedding ceremony in his place,” Walker said.

Walker and Campbell knew that they had to have their wedding ceremony and reception at Lake Martin because of their long history here. The couple considered many of the wonderful venues that Lake Martin has to offer but decided to hold their ceremony at Children’s Harbor and their reception at Willow Point Country Club. After choosing their venues, the couple set their wedding date for June 10, 2017 – just four days after Pugh was ordained. The wedding of his childhood friend was the first ceremony that he performed.

“Their wedding was the first event I got to wear my stole as well,” Pugh said.

He used his father’s stole to bless Walker and Campbell’s rings during the ceremony.

“There was no place as special or that held as many memories for Travis and me than Lake Martin, and having Hunter officiate our ceremony was the icing on the cake,” said Walker.

Campbell and Walker said their “I do”s a decade after their first connection in 2007 on Lake Martin.

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W The bride wore sparkly Kate Spade tennis shoes on the big day

White blossoms and spring greenery heralded the happy couple

After the Engagement

A

STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY SOUTHERN LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

After a perfect Smith Mountain proposal, which was featured in the February 2017 issue of Lake magazine, Katheryn Donati and Garrett Dagostin planned the perfect wedding. On May 19, 2018, friends and family gathered to celebrate the couple’s marriage, with a few family members and friends adding their own flair to make the day even more special.

Although the bride grew up in Tuscaloosa and the groom in Opelika, the two met at Auburn and have spent many happy hours visiting the bride’s grandparents, Tony and Jeanne McKinney, on Lake Martin. Their choice of White Acres Farm as the venue gave them a location between Opelika and the lake, plus the Auburn Marriott at Grand National was close by, providing rooms for out-of-town guests and the wedding party.

“The hotel has a great game room with a pool table, so I rented it for the guys to hang out and get ready for the wedding. Garrett’s cousin, Melanie, catered food for the guys while they were in the game room, which was so nice,” said the new Mrs. Dagostin.

Chartered buses transported family, friends, the groom and groomsmen to the wedding venue, while Donati and her ladies prepared for the event there.

“I am a very simple person, but I know what I like

32 LAKE

when I see it. So with lots of help from my mom and grandmother, who just loves a party, we planned the big things ourselves; then, hired Kim Roberts to plan the rest,” she said.

Dagostin chose a misty blue color for the bridesmaids’ dresses but allowed the girls to select the dress styles they wanted, along with their own neutral shoes.

She gifted Kate Spade earrings to her maids at their luncheon, so they could wear them on the wedding day.

The couple steered away from tradition in a few key places. For maximum comfort, Donati wore sparkly Kate Spade tennis shoes with her gown. The groom and groomsmen all sported American flag socks, just to add a patriotic accent to the gray tuxedos.

“Patrick Bruce, a music teacher at Opelika High School, played all of our music on an acoustic guitar and did a wonderful job. I walked in to Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love with You, and we walked out together to Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car,” she said.

“When I think back about the day, I am just so glad at how well planned everything was,” said the bride.

“The day went by so fast. We had close to 300 people there, but I feel like we got to see and talk to everyone.

Nothing went wrong.”

FEBRUARY 2019

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LAKE 33

Soda saves the day

l

When the wedding dress looked ruined after pictures on the dock, the bride's grandmother remembered an old-fashioned remedy

Following the pre-ceremony photoshoot, Baker's dress was covered in dirt and grime

34 LAKE

FEBRUARY 2019

The couple married in August on Lake Martin

l Stonebridge offered a private, intimate setting

Ryan's nephew helped with the proposal

O

STORY BY JUDITH JAGER PHOTOS BY MEGAN MULLINS PHOTOGRAPHY

Olyvia Baker and Ryan Clayton wed Aug. 26, 2017, at the Stonebridge Clubhouse on Lake Martin. The couple had both attended Benjamin Russell High School and graduated from Central Alabama Community College but did not begin dating until years later.

“I had met him in the past through friends, and our families knew each other, but with him being five years older than me I hadn’t been around him in school,” Baker said.

Baker was living with her family in Hackneyville and commuting to nursing school when Clayton returned home from working in Mobile in 2014.

“When I found out he was moving back to help his family it really struck a chord with me. Family is everything,” Baker said.

Baker reached out to Clayton over Facebook to reconnect, which eventually led to Clayton asking her out.

“I think at one point I flat out told him to ask me for my number,” Baker said.

The two quickly bonded over a mutual love for country music concerts, Auburn football and being on the water.

“Most of our courtship was spent on Lake Martin or on the creek,” Baker said.

Talk of marriage began to come up between the couple after dating steadily for three years, but the bride was completely surprised at how the engagement unfolded.

“It happened on the family cruise to Mexico,” Baker said.

He popped the question during the big captain’s dinner on the last night of their trip.

“Someone came over the intercom, and they said they had a lot of weddings happen on their ship, but it’s not every day something like this happens,” she said.

As the waiter brought out a dessert with lit candles, Clayton got down on one knee with his phone facing Baker with a special message on the screen.

“Ryan’s phone had a photo of my (now) nephew holding up a sign that said, ‘Bibby, will you marry my uncle

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LAKE 35

Local florists provided topiaries and white blossoms for the décor

Ryan? from TJ’,” she said.

Clayton said it felt like an eternity passed before he heard the big ‘yes’ from Baker.

“I was so surprised and overjoyed in that moment. It took me a minute to realize what was happening,” Baker said.

Baker said she and Clayton’s deep roots in their hometown and history on the water made choosing a wedding venue easy, but it was Clayton’s love for all things football that determined the month of the wedding.

“I was definitely stressing about the heat. Ryan refused to let us have a wedding during football season, so it really only left the summer months,” she said.

In addition to the heat, a hurricane was expected to roll in the day before the wedding. Despite the daunting storm clouds and Alabama summer heat, everything was in place for Baker and Clayton’s August wedding day.

Baker’s mother and family decorated with florals from Hall’s Opelika, and Grace’s Flowers in Alexander City created the bridal bouquet. The food for the reception was prepared by her grandparents and the former Cecil’s Public House cook, Edward Calhoun.

All that was left to do was snap a few photos of Baker and her bridesmaids, and she would be off to the altar.

“We went down to the little pier with the photographer to have photos taken of me and my bridesmaids,” Baker said. “We finished and walked back up to the ceremony area, and that’s when we saw my dress.”

Dirt and grime had left Baker’s white dress covered with black smudges less than an hour before the start 36 LAKE

of the ceremony. Baker said she and her family were in a panic with no time to have the dress professionally cleaned. That is when her grandmother remembered an old remedy she’d learned years ago.

“My grandmother wanted to try an old trick as a lastditch effort to save the dress,” Baker said.

Baker’s grandmother wanted to use soda water to try to remove the stains, but the closest substitute they could find on short notice was a bottle of Sprite.

“My grandmother, mom and bridesmaids were all on their hands and knees rubbing Sprite on my dress trying to clean it,” Baker said.

Baker said her family was still furiously cleaning her dress as people started to pour into the ceremony area.

Luckily for her, the soda had done the trick, and the hurricane weather she had worried about even brought a cold front to the area without a single drop of rain.

“At the end of the day, I was still getting to marry the man of my dreams, and that’s all that really mattered,” she said.

Exactly one year later, the couple returned to Stonebridge for a new celebration in their lives.

“We took maternity photos at Stonebridge for our firstborn,” Baker said.

The Claytons welcomed baby girl, Mia, on Sept. 6, 2018.

“We are so blessed. Our wedding and reception at Stonebridge Clubhouse was beyond what I could ever imagine,” Baker said.

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The lake provided the perfect backdrop for wedding photos

Simple vintage elements added soft, elegant flair to the day

The nuptials included a sand ceremony as a symbol of becoming one

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LAKE 37

How to throw an Engagement Party The best party on the block happens with the help of the whole block at Lake Martin

The Pecks arranged for some of their 85 guests to stay in neighbors' homes

W

When Lori and Matt Peck’s son, Troy, proposed to Sami Griffith on a remote private island inside Ontario, Canada’s, Killarney Provincial Park, the groom’s parents celebrated with a weekend-long engagement party at Lake Martin for 85 of the couple’s closest friends and family.

“It really came together pretty well,” Lori Peck said. “It all just fell into place. The party ended up being the whole weekend because everyone stayed.

The weather was perfect, and everybody helped out.”

The family has had a presence on Lake Martin’s Paces Peninsula for nearly 50 years. Lori Peck’s parents bought a lot there 48 years ago at the same time that five other friends bought lots on the same street.

Over the years, the families all helped each other build cabins there. Peck and her husband purchased one of those first family cabins, renovated and recently sold it to a couple from south Florida when they purchased another home on the block.

38 LAKE

“Even the new owners said, ‘Come, use the house for the party,’” Peck said. “All the neighbors offered their homes. We booked rooms at the nearby Paradise Bed and Breakfast and borrowed or rented houses up and down the road.”

Family members pitched in with food, as various groups adopted individual meals throughout the weekend. Relatives and friends came in early to arrange flowers and prepare welcome baskets for guests in each of the lodging locations.

“They were mostly coffee baskets with homemade breads and cups and koozies that said, ‘Eat, drink and be engaged,’” Peck said.

To keep preparation simple, Peck used all local vendors. Sonny’s Hot Dogs set up a stand on the lawn, and Yum Yum’s in Auburn catered a low country boil for the party. For dessert, O Town Ice Cream brought a cart and named the flavors for the bride and groom.

FEBRUARY 2019

The bride shows off a hot dog with the works A variety of refreshing beverages was available

A shrimp boil was poured out on the tables

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY SHANE DURRANCE

“Troy wanted to do a real lake party, with swimming and boating, people hanging out at the dock, and it was perfect. The weather was perfect, and the lake was beautiful,” Peck said.

The party was held the weekend of Oct. 5-7, and with the implementation of the conditional fall extension, the water was still at summer pool level.

“It started getting cold after that, so it was the last nice weekend at the lake for the season,” Peck said. “We’re so glad we were able to do it. The wedding will be in Italy, so this was a way that Troy and Sami could celebrate with friends and family who won’t be able to make that trip.”

The two will be married May 12 in Siena, Italy, which is olive oil and wine country where Griffith’s family is from. The wedding will take place on a Sunday, which is considered very lucky in the Italian culture.

Though Troy and Griffith had attended Auburn

Even the family's dogs got in on the fun

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Everyone stayed the weekend, making for a great party at the lake

University at the same time – and even had friends who dated then – they didn’t meet until both had moved to Atlanta after graduation. They met online and then dated for three and a half years before he proposed in July.

Friends of Griffith’s parents have grandfathered ownership of a private island inside the boundaries of Killarney Provincial Park on the Canadian side of Lake Huron. Griffith grew up visiting the remote island every summer, and once they started dating, Troy joined the family trips.

Access to the island requires five hours of hiking and paddling by canoe, and as the group, which this time included the groom’s father, made its way up Great Mountain Lake last summer, one of Griffith’s friends asked her if Troy might propose on this vacation. Sami told her that wouldn’t happen because Troy would want to have the rest of the family around when he popped the question.

Little did she know that the rest of the family was already at the island. They had flown in on floatplanes from the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island on the U.S. side earlier in the day; donned T-shirts designed especially for the occasion and were hiding in the woods off the bank.

When the small flotilla arrived after the long, hot

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paddle, they decided to have a beer before setting up camp. Matt handed out beverages to the paddlers, but when he got to Troy, he passed off the engagement ring. As Griffith turned around expecting to take a beer from Troy, she found him on one knee with the ring in his hand.

“The family came running down from their hiding place, and we all cheers-ed right there. They had champagne flown in, which is an odd treat for such a remote place,” said Griffith, who grew up in Florida and had never been to Lake Martin until she met Troy.

“We had gone up to the lake several times – for holidays or just to enjoy time there. Being from Florida, we have tons of lakes, but Lake Martin is such a nice quality,” she said. “The water is so beautiful; the tree line is so unique. It’s a lake you can sit in all afternoon and talk with everyone.”

As her previous Lake Martin experiences had been ones of quiet relaxation, Griffith had expected the engagement party here to follow suit.

“I thought it would be something simple, but when we showed up, Lori had organized this huge party.

There was a DJ, the ice cream cart, hot dogs, the shrimp boil – such a fun getaway weekend for everyone,” she said. “It was perfect for the engagement party.”

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Wedding

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in Winter

Nothing but her favorite Lake Martin landmark would do for Ryley Scales' winter proposal and wedding STORY BY JUDITH JAGER PHOTOS BY SARAH AND THOMAS BOUTWELL OF T2PHOTOGRAPHY

The setting sun cast a golden light on the bride and groom outside The Stables

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R

Ryley Scales grew up loving every aspect of Lake Martin, but her favorite part of the lake sits right in the center of Russell Crossroads. Although allergic to horses, she always found herself spending time at The Stables at Russell Crossroads and showing it off to family and friends.

“I’m really proud of Russell Lands and everything they have done with that part of the lake,” Scales said.

Scales was born in Selma, Alabama, but calls Alexander City home. She started high school at Benjamin Russell in 2009 and saw the inception of Russell Crossroads that year. After graduating in 2013, Scales went on to Central Alabama Community College for a semester before transferring to Auburn University.

“My dad was a little upset because he’s a huge Alabama football fan, but he was excited for me anyway,” Scales said.

David Corliss decided to attend Auburn on a whim after his cousins convinced him to take a tour of the campus.

“I was deciding between a bunch of schools, but I got into Auburn first, and with my cousins being in Eclectic, I decided to come on down here and fell in love with the place,” Corliss said.

Little did he know Auburn wouldn’t be the only thing he would fall in love with before graduation.

“So pretty much for two years my friend Carter kept mentioning Ryley, but nothing ever came to fruition,” Corliss said.

“Carter is my first cousin, and she kept mentioning David and how she really wanted us to meet,” Scales said.

Finally, one weekend in May of 2015, Carter invited both Corliss and Scales to come to Lake Martin for a friend’s birthday.

“I honestly had no idea she was going to be there, but

then we met out on the boat that day and we’ve been together ever since,” Corliss said.

After that initial meeting, the two spent every weekend at Lake Martin together.

“Pretty much the whole first half of our relationship was spent at the lake,” Scales said.

Scales said she and Corliss enjoyed adventuring all over the lake from hiking the Smith Mountain trails to tying up with friends at Chimney Rock and, of course, hanging out at The Stables at Russell Crossroads.

A year and a half later, graduation for Scales was quickly approaching, and Corliss knew he was ready to pop the big question.

“I knew I was going to marry her the second week of dating. She and I had gone to look at rings that fall, but she had no idea I had actually already purchased a ring,” Corliss said.

With ring in hand, Corliss only had one more thing to cross off his list before he got down on one knee.

“When Thanksgiving weekend came around, I knew I needed to ask her dad,” Corliss said.

Corliss tried to find just the right time to ask permission and finally found time on the day after Thanksgiving.

“Just her dad and I were going to the grocery store, and I figured this would be the only alone time I would get with him that weekend. Well, I couldn’t just bring up something that important in the middle of the grocery store, so on the way back, right before we got to their house, I just stopped dead in the middle of the road,” Corliss said.

He said his nerves were getting the best of him, and he began to ramble on about how much he loved Scales before he could get the question out.

“Finally, her dad just interrupted me and goes, ‘So you’re

The bride chose a simple wedding bulletin complemented with winter greenery

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The rustic Stables loft provided a warm, cozy backdrop for the elegant decorative finishes

The couple wed on a crisp, sunny day in December

Jeff Long's florals focused on a winter theme that didn't look like Christmas

Scales' gown featured a line of delicate buttons

The send-off paid tribute to the couple's Auburn history

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really doing this right now,’ and just smiled real wide, and he said yes,” Corliss said.

Corliss then reached out to Scales’ family and closest friends for help on the big proposal. After throwing ideas around, he thought the perfect time would be the day before Scales’ birthday.

“I knew she wouldn’t expect that,” he said.

“So, a couple days before my birthday, a few of my friends and my sister Hayden invited to take me to lunch at Catherine’s Market to celebrate my early birthday,” Scales said.

Once the group was at Catherine’s Market for

lunch, Scales’ friends kept her entertained so that her soon-to-be fiancé could slip by to get ready for the big proposal at her favorite spot at Lake Martin.

“I actually had to drive right past her to get to The Stables,” Corliss said.

After the group had finished lunch, one of the girls asked if Scales would show the group The Stables.

“She had never been down there before and wanted to see the Clydesdales,” she said.

Scales said as she and her friends approached The Stables she saw a man standing out front.

“As we got closer, I finally figured out that it was

The Stables has always been the bride's favorite landmark, and it was the place where her groom proposed

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FEBRUARY 2019

After the ceremony downstairs at The Stables, the space doubled as spillover for the reception

David,” she said.

He had lined the entire pathway leading up to him with rose petals.

“My friend Mary Ann yelled at me to get out of the car, and I still didn’t really know what was happening, but then as I approached him, he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife,” she said.

After the most amazing proposal at her favorite place, Scales said she knew The Stables would be the perfect wedding venue.

“I have always been set on having a December wedding.

With Christmas and my birthday being in the same month, it has always been my favorite time of year,” Scales said.

Scales said the space was perfect for their Dec. 30 wedding.

“The ceremony was downstairs, and the reception was upstairs, but all of the chairs were put up so everyone could enjoy hanging out in both areas,” she said.

After the ceremony, all of the horses and even a few goats were brought back into the stables for the guests to enjoy.

“That’s the beauty of the venue because everyone had so many things to look at, and the kids loved being able to pet all of the animals,” she said.

Scales said her winter wedding décor was inspired by Garden & Gun Magazine.

“Jeffery Long did amazing with the flowers,” she said.

The florals included heavy greenery mixed with moss and pinecones on the tabletops and around the room.

Touches of white roses, sage leaves and light berries were delicately placed in the bridesmaids’ bouquets. Long complemented the style of the bouquets with the boutonnieres and added in baby pinecones to tie it all together.

“The goal was for it to look wintery without seeming like Christmas décor,” she said.

Twinkle lights, grapevine cone trees and the wedding cake also graced the reception.

Scales’ classic five-tier wedding cake was made by Just a Little Frosting out of Ashland, Alabama.

“I really just wanted it to look like a white winter sweater,” she said.

Kowaliga Restaurant catered the buffet-style dinner, and Music Garden handled the entertainment for the evening.

All of Scales’ wedding plans and visions were accomplished, except one minor detail.

“I had completely forgot about the exit. I was expecting rice since it was an afterthought, but my mom came up with the best idea,” she said.

As the bride and groom prepared to exit the reception and leave for the honeymoon, they heard their friends and family yelling a familiar chant downstairs.

“Everyone was chanting ‘Bodda Getta’ and when we came downstairs everyone had been tossing orange and blue streamers and toilet paper back and forth,” she said.

The “rolling toomers” exit was a unique touch for the two Auburn graduates and a sweet reminder of the origin of their love story.

“If we hadn’t both gone to Auburn, we wouldn’t have ended up meeting as young as we did,” Corliss said.

After their honeymoon to St. Lucia, Scales and Corliss moved to Fairhope, Alabama, where they have begun their careers and started a life together. The two said that they will always find an excuse to head back to Lake Martin any chance they get.

Scales said, “It’s home to me, and it’s where we met. The lake will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

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LAKE 47

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David Corliss' cake was topped with a figurine of his Labrador retriever

Lake Martin life was the theme for Travis Campbell's cake

Ryan Clayton chose to make a tribute to his favorite football team

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u

A house divided, bride Marianne Duncan – an Auburn fan – had to compromise when her new husband, Alex Henry, selected an Alabama theme

The Groom's Cake

G

PHOTOS BY T2PHOTOGRAPHY, KEVIN LANIER & MEGAN MULLINS

Groom’s cakes reflect the passions and pastimes of the bride’s betrothed. The tradition began in 19th century England and was immediately embraced by the American South, where the treat lends a personality all its own to the big event.

From stadium cakes to beer cooler replicas and air-brushed logos, football-themed groom’s cakes are popular here in the heart of the SEC. When Auburn University fan Marianne Duncan fell for Alex Henry, a fan of The University of Alabama, they knew compromise would be a challenge. That compromise began while planning their wedding reception.

“We are a house divided,” Duncan said, “so he had to have his Alabama cake.”

McKinney Cakes in Montgomery created the special two-layer groom’s cake for the reception. Both layers of red velvet cake were surrounded by satin houndstooth and crimson ribbons. The Alabama “A” logo adorned the top, while chocolate covered strawberries decorated with white icing stitches to look like footballs were placed strategically on both layers, along-

side fresh strawberries for added crimson color.

The same strawberry football decoration was employed when Ryan Clayton wed Olyvia Baker at Lake Martin’s Stonebridge Clubhouse just before the season started last August. But this time, they were Auburn footballs – without the crimson accompaniment.

Compromise works. Fans of both teams indulged in the confectionery delights.

Travis Campbell’s cake depicted life at Lake Martin when he married Olivia Walker at Children’s Harbor last June. From fishing poles to Adirondack chairs, the tall tiers of this Southern tradition attest to great times at Lake Martin.

And when David Corliss married Ryley Scales at The Stables a year ago in December, his cake recalled a favorite hobby: duck hunting. The three-tiered chocolate-on-chocolate cake by Pam’s Incredible Edibles was designed to look like a muddy pond. Mallards floated on the different tiers, and a replica of Corliss’s yellow Labrador retriever, Moose, was poised at the top, attentive and ready.

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LAKE 51

From Dream to Reality An open floor plan and natural design make this Trillium home the perfect family getaway

STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY BRYAN CARTER

The new lakeside porch is the Days' favorite place for morning coffee

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Sixteen years ago, John and Heidi Day bought a house on Lake Martin that needed a little boost. Their paint samples and renovation ideas from magazines stacked up in crates, and their online collection of ideas grew over those 10 years, but they took the time to decide exactly what they wanted before they began the remodel.

When the Days hired Kevin and Chris Shubird of WSC Distinctive Builders in Wetumpka to turn their vision into reality, they were ready to go.

Structurally, the house had a sound foundation, but it needed all new windows, and the lake side of the house needed to better sustain the wind and rain from summer storms. The Days also wanted to add a covered porch as an outdoor space on the lake view, and they wanted to update all the paint, floors, fixtures and features.

The original front porch latticework rail was removed, and two stone planter flowerbeds were added in front. The Days chose rocking chairs for one side of the large porch and furniture made from reclaimed boat wood with alternating slats of turquoise, red, white and green for the other side. Bright throw pillows welcome guests onto the porch. Exterior paint is Benjamin Moore Urbane Bronze with Bleeker Beige trim.

The front door and sidelights were replaced with double doors that open to a great room, achieved when a wall separating the dining room from the living area was removed. The original stained glass sidelights now serve as window treatment.

“I was so excited to have the space for both a table and a china cabinet. The table is a new piece we bought that extends to 120 inches, so the whole family can sit together. Although John cringed at first when I told him I was going to use chalk

paint for the china cabinet, he loves it now. I just knew I wanted that piece in the house, and it needed to look different to work at the lake,” Day said.

All new light fixtures were very important to Day, and she especially wanted something special over the dining room table.

After searching in Atlanta, Montgomery and Birmingham, the couple was travelling through North Georgia and happened to stop in a lighting store. They both fell in love with a foyer fixture by Kalco and decided to put two of them over the table.

Interior paint colors are Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan and Sherwin Williams Creamy for the trim. The Days selected No. 2 and No. 3 grade 5-inch oak planks in dark walnut for their new floors.

“We knew with two dogs if we chose hardwoods with more markings and natural character we wouldn’t have to worry about the dogs on the floors. We have been very happy with that choice,” she said.

When their children grew up, the Days downsized from their home in an Atlanta suburb to a downtown condominium and were thrilled to be able to move their extra furniture to the lake after the renovation. A large leather sofa and two armchairs make a comfortable, relaxing space for conversation or watching a football game or movie. Day used drop cloths to make her own slipcovers for the armchairs.

“If they get dirty, I can take them off, wash and dry and put them right back on. I also don’t want people to be afraid to come in the house wearing a wet swimsuit,” Day said.

The Days chose local artist Jim Denney’s wildlife prints and found paddles at an antique store in Wetumpka to decorate the large wall in the room. One of the end tables has a story of its

An inviting front porch replaced a latticework rail at the street level

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The Days added windows to bring the outside in

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Large windows and lake access were added in the master bedroom

At night, the lighting showcases the architectural tresses, timbers and glass

Separate vanities, a large shower and plenty of storage were on the must-have master bath list

own.

“My mom bought that end table at a garage sale and gave it to me when I left home. It’s mahogany that she painted gold; then, I painted it green. She keeps telling me I really need to replace it, but it’s perfect for all our games, and I like that it has a history,” she said.

The original fireplace was not working properly prior to the remodel; in fact, Day explained, when it was taken out, there were actually flame marks behind it. The Days replaced it with a ventless gas fireplace framed by a stone wall and a 6-1/2-footlong hearth. A wet bar area, repurposed from the original space, sits to the right of the fireplace.

The vaulted wooden ceiling, stained in a custom color by the builder, extends at the same height from the great room to a new covered porch. A flagstone path leads from the porch to the dock across the newly landscaped lawn. Stone from the fireplace construction also was used to build a new fire pit near the water.

“We joke now that the porch was really the only thing we needed to add. We love sitting there with our coffee to watch the dogs play and swim,” Day said.

Alongside the new porch, a screened porch adds more living and dining space just off the kitchen, where the Days replaced one wall of upper cabinets with windows to add a view of the lake. They painted the cabinets that remained. The island was doubled in size, and the original bead board that surrounded the island was repurposed for its ends. The countertop granite is Black Pearl, and Minsk Green was selected for the island, which is painted in Sherwin Williams Sealskin.

The tumbled travertine floors extend into a new pantry and 56 LAKE

laundry room, which were added when the side porch was eliminated and enclosed for the reconfiguration of space.

“The floors are perfect for anyone coming in wet from the lake and a great place for wet dogs,” Day said.

The master bedroom on the main level features French doors leading onto the back porch. The soothing wall color is Benjamin Moore Sea Salt, accented with bright pillows on the bed.

The master bath was designed when the other side porch became the closet. The original closet was added to the bathroom space to make the large, luxurious area the couple enjoys today.

Separate vanities at counter-height were a must for the Days, as well as a large glass shower.

“When they pulled out the old soaker tub, we found a raccoon with a real, cozy little nest under there, so I’m really glad we decided to let that go,” Day said.

They selected Typhoon Bordeaux granite with cream, rust and shades of gray for the vanities. Vein cut travertine tile for the floor and tumbled travertine for the shower add natural elements. A tall cabinet separates the vanities and offers lots of storage space. Day found the teardrop chandelier at Pottery Barn, and the vanity fixtures are Kalco.

Upstairs, the Days updated the paint, carpet and bathroom space for the additional three bedrooms.

“I would recommend remodeling to anyone, if they prepare first and make decisions before construction begins. It was really a lot of fun,” Day said, who added, “I did love doing the remodel because we picked the perfect builder.”

Now, they can sit back, relax and enjoy the view.

FEBRUARY 2019

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FEBRUARY 2019

LAKE 57

S

Smilax really shines this time of year.

Its strings of bright green leaves stand out against the bare branches, browns and grays of our wintertime forests around Lake Martin.

Alabama is home to a large number of native smilax vines – the Alabama Plant Atlas website from the University of West Alabama lists 13 different species, though not all are found in our area. Most of them include the words “greenbriar” or “carrion flower” in their common names.

Worldwide, more than 300 species of smilax have been identified.

This one is Smilax laurifolia, or Laurel Leaf Greenbriar, and it is one that you would expect to see around the lake because it grows in wet forest areas, in swamps and along the edges of lakes and ponds throughout Alabama.

This plant is also called bamboo vine and blaspheme vine. Its native range is throughout the southeastern U.S. and beyond – west to Texas and Oklahoma and north along the East Coast to New Jersey. It is also found in nearby islands: Cuba to the south of Florida and the Bahamas to the east of the Carolinas.

Laurel Leaf Greenbriar is the largest Smilax species found in Alabama and can grow 20 to 30 feet long. It is a perennial vine that climbs into bushes and trees using tendrils that coil around branches and anything else it can get a handle on. From a distance, this greenbriar can make a deciduous bush appear to be an evergreen, but once you get up close, it is obvious that bush is bare and the vine that is growing through it is loaded with bright green leaves.

As you might expect from the term “greenbriar,” Laurel Leaf Greenbriar has lots of prickles on the lower part of its stem. The stem is green when young but turns dark as it matures.

This is a plant that has rhizomes, or “runner roots,” at its foundation. The rhizomes are thick and reddish in color.

Leathery green leaves are lance-shaped with a rounded base and pointed on the end. The leaves stay on 12 months a year, and one distinguishing characteristic is that the leaves tend to stand up vertically from the vine on reddish petioles (the stem-like structure that attaches the leaves to the stem). A look-alike cousin, Jackson Vine or Smilax Smallii, lives in drier parts of our area, and its smaller leaves are held out horizontally or droop below the stem. Another identifying mark for Laurel Leaf Greenbriar is that the undersides of the leaves have a distinct vein running through the middle, while lateral veins are not nearly as apparent.

This vine blooms with fragrant, yellowish or whitish flowers with six sepals during the late spring and summer months and produces clumps of shiny black berries. Laurel Leaf Greenbriar produces flowers that are either male or female. It takes two plants growing within pollination distance to create fertile seed.

The vine grows well in many wet environments and can handle acidic, neutral or alkaline soils and anything from full sunlight to dappled shade.

Laurel Leaf Greenbriar stems are edible when young and green and are likened to asparagus, and they can be cooked the same, too.

Native Americans used this plant in a number of ways.

58 LAKE

Smilax

Smilax leaves grow in a vertical pattern

The Cherokee used it to treat sores and burns. The leaves and green stems steeped in water make a tea that has been used to treat rheumatism and stomach issues.

Members of the Choctaw tribe ground up this plant’s root-like rhizome and used it to make bread and cakes. The powdered rhizome of this plant is also used as a soup seasoning.

One of the best uses of this smilax – and others that live here, including Jackson Vine – is in winter flower arrangements. Christmas wreathes made by rolling up a long, leafy smilax vine are traditions in some parts of the South, and it’s common to see this pretty vine included in big showy arrangements for weddings and parties this time of year.

Smilax is a hearty plant that can quickly recover from fire and competes with nearby plants.

FEBRUARY 2019

NATURE OF THE LAKE

BY KENNETH BOONE

It benefits wildlife in at least two ways: by providing cover and berries that are eaten by birds and by providing leaves for hungry whitetail deer to browse over winter.

If you are having trouble identifying smilax species, the University of Florida’s Extension Service has produced an excellent document titled Key to Nine Common Smilax Species of Florida. It can be found at https://edis.ifas.ufl. edu/pdffiles/FR/FR37500.pdf

In winter, smilax leaves often make it look like the bush in which the vine has grown is an evergreen

Information for this article came from the University of West Alabama’s Alabama Plant Atlas website, the North Carolina State University’s Extension Service, the U.S. Forest Service and the University of Florida Extension Service.

FEBRUARY 2019

LAKE 59

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LAKE 61

Help tell our county's story CRATA is raising $50,000 to make Smith Mountain Park an educational center on the nature and history of Tallapoosa County

Contribution Form Name_____________________________________ Date_______ Address_______________________________________________ City_______________________ State_______ ZIP____________ Phone________________________________________________ Email_________________________________________________

Giving Levels

Tax deductible gifts to “CRATA-Smith Mountain Tower Restoration� are greatly appreciated! Please return this form and your gift to: Jimmy K. Lanier, CRATA, P.O. Box 240503, Eclectic, AL 36024 All donors will be recognized in print. All donors of $100 or more will be recognized on a permanent cast plaque. Anonymous gifts at all levels will be respected for confidentiality. Honorariums, memorials and appreciations will be acknowledged per donor direction.

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Teachers' Helper Trail Blazers Vista Viewers Summit Toppers Visionaries Legacy Sponsors

Up to $99 $100-$249 $250-499 $500-$999 $1,000 or more $5,000 or more

Amount enclosed $_____________________

FEBRUARY 2019

TRASH

Where does it come from?

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any of you have asked me recently where the or driven by rain, which runs into creeks that lead to – you trash in Lake Martin comes from – usually right guessed it – Lake Martin. after you hear how much trash has Trash doesn’t just “go away;” it relocates. been removed. The amounts are staggering.

So when plastic bottles and fast food sacks Our last trash pick-up in November 2018 swirl about in the bed of a pickup truck; and yielded 20 tons of garbage. Read that again. then, land by the road, its journey to the lake This is the lake you boat in, swim in and begins. This is why roadside cleanup – or betenjoy for its beauty; yet, without the efforts ter yet, prevention – is doubly important. of LMRA’s wonderful volunteers and eager An odd source includes those who thought supporters, the enjoyment and beauty would submerging tires and other sinkable items diminish greatly. make good fish habitat. Not so. The rubber Over the years, we’ve gathered more than decomposes, spreading poisonous chemicals 100 tons of trash right out of this lake. Sure, in the water as it rots. Thanks to County LMRA there is some satisfaction in doing the service, Commissioner Steve Robinson, who has

BY JOHN THOMPSON but the real goal is to reduce the need. That can helped remove more than 300 tires from Lake only be reached by helping Martin and sent them to be educate those who love the recycled.

These rotting tires, bottles and cans lake, which is the intent of “What Can I Do?” were cleaned out of the back this article.

This is the best question I of a slough during the Renew Our Rivers event in November Sometimes, my response get! First, know that cleanup to the question is met with, and prevention is all of our “I rarely see more than a few jobs, so thank you for caring. plastic bottles or some runYou can start with a visit away raft. How do you ever to www.LMRA.info to find find that much trash?” out about cleanup programs, Hidden in Plain Sight including those at the lake, in Part of that question says neighborhoods and focused our efforts are working, but on roadside beautification. much trash hides in areas You can also join or donate of natural flow – the backs to Lake Martin Resource of sloughs or hidden by Association, which supports logjams that floated there the core of our volunteer for the same reason. The efforts. trash is rarely in plain view, That very question led to and most of us are unable November’s great cleanup to drive by trash and not success, which piled up more remove it. than 1,000 bags of trash If you drive over the U.S. from Lake Martin. LMRA Highway 280 bridge and did not do this alone. look toward the main river, We all owe thanks to you can sometimes spot Russell Lands, Alabama huge flotillas of debris that are made up of limbs and logs Power Company, Wind Creek State Park, Lake Martin that corral manmade litter into a mass. It’s like a big raft of Dock Company, Advanced Disposal and TowBoatU.S. Lake ugly, heading straight for the lake. We attack those sources, Martin for working alongside us to help make this lake – too, as it concentrates our cleanup efforts. our lake – safer and more beautiful.

Some litter flutters off boats or docks, but it is often We’d be honored with your membership, participation or tossed by boaters or campers. Makes me cringe and you, help in spreading the word. too, probably. Yet, there are other causes.

A Surprising Source John Thompson is president of Lake Martin Resource Consider this: Land litter often becomes lake litter.

Association, a nonprofit organization with the goal to beauWhen you see trash at a public boat ramp, it’ll eventutify, protect and make Lake Martin safer for all. For more ally land in the water. Farther away, roadside trash is blown information, visit LMRA.info.

FEBRUARY 2019

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Sales fall in 2018 R

eal estate sales results have been finalThe reason I draw this conclusion is that ized for 2018 here at Lake Martin. the trends we have seen support it. Markets I found all of the below statistics by in which numbers of homes sold are increaslooking at the Lake Martin Area Association ing, prices are increasing, and inventories are of Realtors’ Multiple Listing Service (MLS). decreasing, are usually deemed advantageous These sales represent all agents, all brokerages, to a seller. But that is not what we are seeing at on the entire lake. While sales such as “For Lake Martin right now. In fact, we are seeing Sale By Owner” and direct developer sales are just the opposite. The numbers of homes sold not included, I do think these numbers repreare decreasing. Inventories are increasing. I sent the vast majority of all real estate activity can’t prove this yet, but I think that prices will LAKE PROPERTY on the lake. This sample pool is large enough decrease in 2019.

BY JOHN COLEY by which to gauge trends, I think.

You can’t call yourself a seller’s market The big news is that waterfront home sales when the numbers are rolling that way. fell in 2018 when compared to 2017. Last year, 297 waterAm I predicting good or bad news for 2019? Neither, I front homes were sold on Lake Martin, and 363 were sold think. in 2017. This decrease represents an 18-percent drop. That Personally, I stay away from adjectives like “good” or is a pretty hefty change, though readers of this column “bad” when describing the market. Subjective terms applied should not be too surprised. The sales year of 2018 started to the market as a whole don’t really tell the entire story. It behind 2017 and never caught up. seems to me that most people, even some economists in the The last time we looked at sales results, it was through real estate industry, tend to oversimplify markets by using April 30, 2018. Back then, inventory levels were lower than stark “either/or” language. at the same time in 2017. Because Lake Martin is a seasonal For example, if you are a buyer, and you purchase a market, it is instructive to look at the inventory left over at home in the middle of a raging seller’s market, it is a bad the end of December. Now that the dust has settled, we see thing? Maybe not. Maybe the timing is more dictated that 2018’s available homes for sale was actually higher by your retirement, a job change or something like that. than 2017’s. We ended the year with 190 waterfront homes Conversely, is it bad for a seller to sell during a buyer’s marfor sale; that is 27 percent more than were available at the ket? Maybe not. Maybe it is the right time for that family. end of 2017.

We won’t really know until this time next year. Sales in If we look at waterfront lot sales, we find that 2018 saw 2019 might bounce back and beat 2017, just like 2017 leap69 lots sold. While that represents a 15 percent increase frogged 2015 and became Lake Martin’s highest sales year from the prior year, it still is only the fifth best year since ever. Or (in my opinion, more likely) 2019 will prove to be 2013. the second year of decreasing waterfront home sales.

So what does all this mean? When I step back and look Either way, we still have a strong real estate market sited at 2018 as a whole, I conclude that 2017 was a peak in the on one of the most beautiful locations in the Southeast. real estate seller’s market cycle at Lake Martin. I think 2019 will continue to trend downward to a more balanced market John Coley is a broker and owner of Lake Martin Voice – neither a buyer nor a seller’s market.

Realty. Visit his blog at LakeMartinVoice.com.

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64 LAKE

FEBRUARY 2019

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LAKE 65

Apple Tarte Tatin Ingredients

4 pounds Granny Smith apples 4 tablespoons butter 12 tablespoons sugar 1 batch tarte dough

Tarte Dough Ingredients 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 sticks cold butter 2 eggs 1 cap vanilla extract

Tarte Dough Directions

In a food processor combine flour, sugar and salt and blend well. With the processor on, slowly add the two sticks of cold butter – it is very important that the butter is very cold. Once all the butter has been incorporated, mix the eggs with the vanilla in a small bowl; then, with the food processor running slowly, add egg mixture to the dry mix. Just as the mixture comes together, turn off the food processor. Turn the dough out and knead to form a ball; then, flatten into a disk. Wrap in plastic and allow to rest for at least one hour.

Apple Tarte Tatin

Tarte Assembly Directions

In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter with the 12 tablespoons of sugar and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until an amber caramel forms.

Peel, core and cut each apple into eight wedges. Working clockwise from the outside in, place apples rounded side down into the cast iron skillet directly on top of the caramel. Once you have the first layer down, wedge the skinny side of the remaining apples into place between the first layer of wedges, placing apples in all the empty spaces; then, chop the remaining apple wedges and place them on top of the apple layers.

Set the cast iron skillet to the side while you roll out the tart dough. Roll the dough into a circle just bigger than the cast iron skillet. Dust any excess flour from the dough; then, place it gently on top of the apples. Tuck the edges into the pan and cut three vents in the dough to allow steam to escape.

Bake at 400 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before inverting a large plate or cookie sheet on top of the cast iron skillet; then, flip the skillet over. The Tarte Tatin should turn out easily. If some apples don’t stay in place, simply tuck them back where they belong.

Dust tarte tain with powdered sugar and serve with ice cream. Enjoy!

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Rob McDaniel, executive chef and general manager at SpringHouse Restaurant, earned a bachelor's degree in restaurant and hotel management from Auburn University and is a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute.

FEBRUARY 2019

CHEF’S TABLE

BY ROB MCDANIEL

LAKE 67

Say "I do" to cooking!

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ir, water, shelter and food are the few tangible things that humans need. Eating is essential, and learning to cook with different spices and ingredients and recipes is a great way for couples to spend time together and socialize with family and friends. Food is tradition.

It makes memories and brings people together. In fact, it is hard to imagine a gathering with friends or family without food.

Food could bring pleasure and nourishment. It could be a hobby, and ultimately, food often defines a person’s health, relationships, family life and social life. Food could direct a person toward a life that is harmonious, joyful and fulfilling, especially when it is shared with a loved one.

Cooking together might enrich marriage for newlyweds – and even seasoned couples. Whether it’s an elaborate dinner, an anniversary celebration or an ordinary weeknight meal, cooking for or with your partner is an act of love. Quality time spent in the kitchen creating a meal as a couple is worth the effort and could bring meaning to a relationship.

The benefits are numerous when making the effort to cook as a couple.

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First and most important, Cooking could set you get to spend intenthe pace for bigger and tional time together creatbetter things to come in ing a meal that you both your marriage. When would enjoy. Cooking at something goes wrong in home also saves money, the kitchen it tends to be and it allows the individuamplified and dramatic. als in a couple to invest Learning to handle messes in each other’s health and and mistakes together; well being. and then, cleaning the Couples can make kitchen, will encourage meals more special by teamwork. learning to make each Learn to laugh and HEALTHY LIVING other’s favorite foods. play; then, give and take

BY JULIE HUDSON You could involve your as you cook and eat as a spouse’s family members by asking couple. Cooking together can bring for old favorite recipes. You can preup issues of different cooking styles, pare certain foods for birthdays or cre- knowledge or skill sets and different ate a favorite dessert and begin setting cleanup preferences and routines. If your own traditions with food. you like to clean up as you go, show Cooking together helps couples your partner how you accomplish this learn to share the kitchen. This may task. If one of you is a more seasoned bring some challenges if the space is cook, apply yourself to teach your limited or if one of you is not on the spouse in a positive manner as you same cooking level as the other, but create meals together. this could also bring you together as a The key to a happy cooking partcouple by overcoming those challeng- nership is to be open, accepting and es. Cooking a meal together is a good flexible about dietary preferences and lesson in learning to work together restrictions. Building a life together as with patience while learning to laugh a newlywed couple involves discoverand embrace the moment with your ing your spouse’s likes and dislikes spouse. when creating new memories with FEBRUARY 2019

food and in other areas of your marriage.

As a newlywed, you may be thinking that you are not very confident in the kitchen. Where do you start if you are a novice cook?

Begin with a basic cookbook. One with colored pictures, detailed descriptions and simple recipes could be extremely helpful. Follow the recipes until you gain the confidence to add a twist of your own or even create a recipe with your spouse.

Stick to the basic cooking equipment and utensils. There are some essential tools that will make a big difference in your ability to work effectively together in the kitchen. Keep in mind that all of these kitchen tools can be added to the wedding registry. Your kitchen tools will change over time, depending on what types of foods you and your spouse like to cook.

Knives are a very important utensil category. They do not have to be the most expensive brand, but a nice, sharp chef’s knife, a serrated knife and a paring knife are essential.

Good pans are another important investment. Again, the rule of thumb is that good pans do not have to be the most expensive. Find medium-weight pans with a good nonstick coating. A great starting collection should include a frying pan, stockpot, sautĂŠ pan and perhaps a cast iron skillet.

In addition, start a collection of spices and herbs. This could get expensive, so begin with the basics – salt and pepper, garlic powder, garlic salt, basil, parsley and paprika.

Busy couples often find that cooking in bulk can be advantageous. Use recipes that prepare four to six servings and freeze the servings in individual containers. My husband and I have found that, when schedules are busy and we are tired, it is nice to pull ingredients or full meals out of the freezer.

Like most newlyweds, empty nesters often cook for two, which could be challenging. To resolve this problem, I suggest buying cookbooks with recipes tailored for two people or cut the number of servings the recipe makes by cutting all ingredient amounts in half. If a recipe indicates that it makes six servings, divide all ingredients in half to yield three servings instead.

The most important aspect of cooking with your spouse is to not get

frustrated. Realize that the best cooks mess up recipes and make messes in the kitchen. Cooking together is like most other aspects of marriage; it is a process that will take time and patience, but the memories made in the kitchen are worth it.

From personal experience, I can attest that the kitchen has brought an amazing aspect to my marriage, and I will always cherish that.

Food brings people together: you and your spouse, families and friends.

As you begin your life together with your new spouse, make it a priority to learn to cook with and for each other.

It encourages togetherness, teamwork, conversation and creativity. It allows you to be more intentional and able to embrace the moment. It also builds cooperation and problem-solving skills that could help you weather so many other, bigger problems in your life together.

I hope this article brings endless joy and happiness to your marriage.

Happy cooking!

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

FEBRUARY 2019

LAKE 69

S

omething I find myself doing probably more than loops overlapping each other, those loops can get I’d like is changing my fishing line. Oftentimes, pinched together. The end result is that there are many I change just the size of line on a particular rod weak spots in the line. Picking and pulling at a loop or reel. To some, it might seem pointless to strip all the caused from even a minor backlash can cause a weak line off of a reel that was just spooled up a few weeks or point that can come back to haunt an angler later. If even a few days before. It’s a little bit of work, changthere’s a reel that’s been backlashed severely in practice ing line back and forth, but to get the best results, that’s for a tournament, it’s important to get that line changed what it takes sometimes. out before the first day of the event.

If I’m being honest, I probably don’t change my line Line can begin to show some wear after a lot of castnear as much as I should. We all tend to see just how ing. Even the best quality rod guides still impart some much we can get out of a spool of line, and that can friction on the line as it zings through cast after cast. catch up with us at the most inopportune times.

Fishing in the wind can cause some extra line slap on High quality lines like what I use (Seaguar brand) can the guides and rod blank, too. Over time, the line begins be costly, so it’s important to consider the difference to show a little wear. Tiny white spots may appear peribetween when I should change line and when I have to odically along the line, and some flattening may even change line. be visible. This indicates weakening in the line, and First, let’s consider the have-to conditions: although I’ve been able to fish through a couple more If the line is breaking with much less trips with it in that condition, it would be tension than normal, it’s a good time to best to change. change it. This problem is more common Line twist also could cause major probwith traditional monofilament than fluolems. Line twist is a common issue with rocarbon. I haven’t had this problem in a spinning reels. The spools and rollers are while because I cycle through line so much much improved over models of the past, but between events, but it can be an issue. This they still don’t eliminate twist. Dropping is especially a problem when rods and reels baits vertically can lead to line twist over are used and then put back into storage for time, as they spiral down with each drop. weeks or months between trips. The line can Braid to fluoro leader setups have helped to begin to break down over time after absorbdeal with this problem some because much ing water and drying out, and that means of the twist gets transferred to the braid. The what used to be 12-pound test may actually braid has much less memory, so the negative be weaker than 6.6-pound test and could effects of twist aren’t as noticeable. Swivel BIG CATCHES even be weaker than 2-pound and so on. If leaders can help as well, but there are tradeBY GREG VINSON line seems like it’s breaking way too easily, offs there, too. it’s time to try a fresh spool.

When line twist is bad enough in a spinWhen line gets so low on the spool ning setup, it could lead to loops and knots that I’m not casting as far or as accurately as I know I inside the spool or even at the tip of the rod with enough should, it’s time to make a change. Sometimes, the line slack in the line. One remedy is to pull off a good bit of will get so low that I begin to reach my backing knot. line and run it through something with soft tension, like That’s a real pain to deal with, not to mention that it is a a rolled up towel, to reverse the twist. Some people like very weak point in my link to a fish. If the backing knot to pull a lot of loose line behind the boat to straighten is making it through the reel on the occasional cast, it’s twist but that never worked as well for me. That prodefinitely time to change line. cedure, followed with a good stretch of the line, someFinally, I have to change line if the reel I intend to times helps, but it seems that it’s not long before the use for a particular technique has the wrong type or size twist finds its way back into the spool. of line on it. I can throw a small crankbait on 17-pound In the end, there’s no better remedy for twisted Invis-X, but it’s not going to run right – not to mention line than to go ahead and change it out. Using 10- or that casting distance and accuracy are going be off.

20-pound braid mainline and then fluoro as a leader is a And then there are the times when we should change cost-effective way to get the most out of the line when line but push it a little too far: using spinning reels.

After a major backlash. If you fish with baitcastSometimes, it’s as easy as pulling off a section of ing reels, there are going to be backlashes. It’s just the line that’s been weakened, twisted, etc., until I get far nature of the beast. The worst ones occur when we least enough into the reel where a section of line hasn’t seen expect them. Yep, even KVD has backlashes. Usually, action yet. This can be perfectly good line beneath a this happens when the bait hits something that you were section that’s seen its share of work. totally unaware of early in the cast. Whatever the case, a Just keep in mind that the farther down the reel spool deep backlash can lead to problems later on, even if you you go, the closer you get to the backing knot that we are able to pick it out and get back to fishing. discussed earlier. That’s a must-change scenario.

Fluorocarbon is an amazing line with low visibility, abrasion resistance, low stretch and great sensitivity; Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on however, it does not like to be crimped in any way. the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He lives in When the loose line of a backlash forms with many Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.

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FEBRUARY 2019

When is it time to change the line?

71 LAKE

FEBRUARY 2019

Champagne Cocktail

CHEERS!

BY MARK GILLILAND Clebrate

72 LAKE

FEBRUARY 2019

Champagne Cocktail The origins of this cocktail are unknown, but the first written mention of the Champagne Cocktail appeared in Panama 1855 and the first cocktail book, How to Mix Drinks, written by Jerry Thomas, in 1862.

Ingredients 4 ounces champagne, chilled 1 ounce Remy Martin VSOP 3 dashes Angostura bitters 1 sugar cube

Directions Add a few dashes of Angostura bitters onto the sugar cube and drop it into a champagne flute. Add cognac to flute, followed by gently pouring the chilled champagne. Garnish with an orange twist and a maraschino cherry.

Garnish Orange twist and a maraschino cherry

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T he Best in Home, Garden & Lake Living Essentials FEBRUARY 2019

LAKE 73

I

hope the New Year has already delivered sentation to make it more user-friendly. The blessings. number of rules went from 34 down to 24.

Each of us must work through the chalThe verbiage is easy to understand, and piclenges of change that occur continuously tures support the procedural options. throughout our lives. Work changes, health One of the challenges in bringing new changes, financial changes and relationship people to the game is the time investment in changes are all part of the fabric of the lives playing a round of golf. Slow play is a chalwe live. We seek to accept and adapt to these lenge that has been addressed through some changes, and doing so enables us to grow and of the new rules that have been implemented. move forward in the most positive ways.

Playing ready golf, putting with the flagstick The game of golf is no different, as we remaining in the hole and allowing only three now are adapting to the new rules changes for minutes for lost ball searches will improve golf that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2019. The the pace of play. Other improvements include THE SCRAMBLE game of golf is like other sports that offer up establishing a 40-second span to hit a shot, BY ROB WITHERINGTON and a new option for dropping after losing a a set of rules to be followed. Following these rules allows for participation in a fair and ball in or out of bounds will also keep things equal manner throughout a competitive event. The big dif- moving along. ference with golf is that it is the only sport that asks parCommon sense changes were implemented by removticipants to govern the action as it is being played. Other ing penalties for accidental events. A few examples sports have referees, umpires and field judges, but golfers include double-striking the ball, moving the ball during a have only a set of rules and their honor. It is a sport that search or moving the ball prior to a stroke on the putting embodies honesty and integrity, which is why I enjoy it so green. Allowing golfers to repair spike marks, shoe dammuch. age, indentations from a club or a flagstick and touching Ever since the first known written rules of golf in 1744, the line of the putt are great improvements to the expericontinuous revision and updating of the rules has been one ence. of the enduring traditions in the game. The United States I welcome these changes in the game I love and proGolf Association and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club mote daily. If you desire further information to prepare of St. Andrews became the governing bodies for the rules for the golf season ahead, you can research through the in the 1890s, and since 1952, they have worked together USGA website at usga.org. Don’t forget that your local to produce a single set of rules for golfers everywhere.

PGA professional is also available to support your greater Normally, the rules are revised every four years, and this understanding of the rules and the game. year’s revision is full of sweeping changes.

Have a great New Year and happy golfing!

Since the golfer is asked to self-police during the golf round, the rules need to be easily understood for applicaRob Witherington is the PGA Director of Golf at Lake tion by all golfers. This revision has consolidated some Martin's Stillwaters Golf in Dadeville. rules and eliminated others and has simplified the pre74 LAKE

FEBRUARY 2019

Jerry Purcell 205.382.3417

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Bottom line

We sell more property in the Lake Martin area than anyone else. It’s all we do — and we can’t wait to do it for you.

We’re the Market Leader Lake Martin Waterfront Market Share

53% 75 LAKE

LAKE MARTIN REALTY/ RUSSELL LANDS ON LAKE MARTIN

*LMAAR/MLS Member Firms Sales Volume Data Jan. 2018 - Dec. 2018

Dadeville

256.825.9092

Willow Point 256.212.1498

L a k e M a r t i n R e a l t y. c o m

FEBRUARY 2019

Ourtown

256.212.1498

Legend

63

20

22

280

To Sylacauga

19

Alexander City

Public Boat Ramps 15

9 Churches

7

Camp ASCCA

Flint Hill Church

Camps & Parks

13

Power lines U.S. Highways

3

280

22

County Roads Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek State Park

Pleasant Grove Church

11

COOSA COUNTY

Alex City Boat Ramp

Mt. Zion Church

259 9

128

Russell Farms Baptist Church 63

12 20

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church New Hope Church

Liberty Church

8 22

Willow Point

24

6

9

Equality

4

Seman

Camp Kiwanis

18 The Ridge

1 11

Church in The Pines Trillium

2

The Amp Ko w

ali

14

ga

Ba

y

80

9

Central

90

Union

ELMORE COUNTY Union Church

Red Hill 63

229

Eclectic

Tallassee

16 Kent

76 LAKE

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor

21

34

Camp Alamisco

10

Kowaliga Boat Landing

55

Paces Point Boat Ramp

63

FEBRUARY 2019

Timbergut Landing

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Lake Martin Alabama Marinas

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

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450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

49

Jacksons Gap

42. Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

280

Bethel Church

17

Dadeville

57

280

Camp Hill

Smith Landing

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

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 16 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 17 4. Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 18 4. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Loop, Alex City, AL 35010

53. Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888

7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

19 4. Dark Insurance 256-234-5026

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62. Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

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1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010

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22 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt @ Smith's Marina 256-444-8793

Restaurants 96. SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Pleasant Ridge Church

6. Catherine’s Market 10 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 Lake Martin Baptist Church 49 Church of the Living Waters

11 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Stillwaters

Business & Shopping

5

12 Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075 970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010 Walnut Hill 50 50

13 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481 5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, AL 35010 14 5. Lake Martin Mini Mall 334.857.3900

7995 Kowaliga Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024

49

Advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map for as little as $25. Contact Jessica at 256-234-4281 or marketing@alexcityoutlook.com for more information.

Reeltown

FEBRUARY 2019

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Lake Magazine Distribution ALEXANDER CITY Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Q Campus of CACC 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's Lake Martin 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 Touchless Boat Covers 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 Winn-Dixie The Ditsy Daisy Boutique CHILDERSBURG Piggly Wiggly DADEVILLE Bay Pine Marina Blue Creek Marina City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center Foshee's Boat Doc 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 Renfroes Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 USAmeribank

ECLECTIC 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 Trustmark

EQUALITY

KELLYTON Five Star Plantation MOUNTAIN BROOK Whole Foods Market

RED HILL Citgo SYLACAUGA Good Ole Boys BBQ Piggly Wiggly

TALLASSEE Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce Tallassee Automotive Tallassee Community Library The Tallassee Tribune

WALNUT HILL Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA The Wetumpka Herald A limited number of magazines are placed at these locations.

To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star INVERNESS Winn-Dixie Airwalk Ultimate Trampoline Arena Tree Top Family Adventure

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory Handrails • Guardrails Welded Fence • Custom Art Stairs • Gates Stainless Steel Cable Railing I-Beams • Steel Posts • Stairs On-Site Welding/Cutting Powder Coat • Sand Blasting

WOODCRAFTS

QUALITY, CUSTOM-BUILT

10% OFF

334-332-3435 334-391-0759

78 LAKE

FEBRUARY 2019

1096 Airport Drive | Alexander City AL | 256.392.4866

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory

COACH KRAFT

UPHOLSTERY O’Neal Electric

Complete Marine Upholstery!

Michael O’Neal

256-510-2146 Electrical • Controls DataCom • Security Serving Central Alabama for over a decade!

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

■

■ Floors ■ Carpets Bimini Tops ■ Custom Seats ■ Mooring Covers

Patrick Mason 334-283-6759 676 Dean Circle • Tallassee, AL www.coachkraft.com

H

OLMAN

“WE’RE

F

LOOR

C

OMPANY

THE PROFESSIONALS”

Hardwood Floors Ceramic Tile Carpet & Vinyl Visit our showroom for samples and a free estimate!

Locally Owned for Over 45 Years

256-234-6071

1945 Hwy 280 • Alexander City

Residential | Commercial | Interior | Exterior

256-307-4061 Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

columbus-auburn.certapro.com Mike&Kris DobbsOwners1550OpelikaRoadSuite6Box294�| Auburn,AL36830 EachCertaProPainters ® businessis independently ownedandoperated.

Each CertaPro Painters® business is independently owned and operated.

Performance!

IN-HOME CARE SERVICES

Visit LoveLakeMartin.com

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

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

Paige Patterson

Homemaking... Personal Care... Companionship

Lake Martin innovation Center

205-616-8046

175 aLiant Parkway • aLexander City, aL

www.paigepatterson.com

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(256) 414-6090

Relax. Enjoy. Lake Martin.

Call to order your subscription 256-234-4281

MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2019

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Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A&M Plumbing................................................................69

Hilltop Landscaping........................................................15

Prime Management.......................................................... 6

ACT II...............................................................................22

Hinson Galleries.............................................................49

Pursell Farms...................................................................41

Alex City Guide Service................................................. 8

Hodges Vineyard and Winery......................................48

Renaissance Electronics.................................................. 8

Alex City Marine............................................................73

Holley’s Home Furnishings..........................................84

Russell Lands..................................................................... 3

Beyond Home Care......................................................79

Holman Floor..................................................................79

Russell Medical................................................................. 2

Blue Creek Iron Works................................................78

HomeTown Lenders......................................................69

Satterfield........................................................................... 5

Bolton Cove....................................................................23

Jackson Thornton...........................................................12

Security Pest Control..................................................... 8

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation................................57

Kowaliga Whole Health................................................78

Sherry Johnston, RE/MAX Around the Lake...........22

Cahaba Glass...................................................................15

Lake Martin Dock..........................................................19

Silk Massage Spa.............................................................22

CertaPro Painters..........................................................79

Lake Martin Mini Mall...................................................73

Southern Star Farms....................................................... 6

Coach Kraft Upholstery...............................................79

Lake Martin Realty.........................................................75

State Farm Insurance/ Harold Cochran...................79

Cotney Jewelers.............................................................22

Lakewinds Golf Club.....................................................15

State Farm Insurance/ Karen Channell.....................79

Custom Docks................................................................23

Lamberth & Lamberth..................................................64

Sunrise Dock...................................................................12

Damon Story, Cedar Point..........................................81

Mark King's Furniture...................................................20

Temple Medical Center................................................57

Davco................................................................................79

Memories in Motion......................................................49

The Sure Shot.................................................................22

Deep Water Dock Services.........................................80

Moore Wealth Management........................................83

TowBoat US....................................................................62

Designs by Trish................................................................ 5

Noel Boone.....................................................................79

Walmart...........................................................................79

Docks Unlimited.............................................................. 5

O'Neal Electric...............................................................79

WealthMark Financial Solutions.................................57

First Baptist Church Alexander City........................... 8

Oasis Salon and Spa......................................................22

Wedowee Marine..........................................................66

First Community Mortgage........................................... 6

Odd Jobs..........................................................................65

White Acres....................................................................33

George Hardy D.M.D...................................................... 8

Paige Patterson, Lake Martin Voice Realty...............79

WSC Distinctive Builders............................................57

Gilbert Woodcrafts........................................................78

Pearson's Place...............................................................22

Heritage South Credit Union.....................................14

Precious Memories.......................................................... 8

DEEP WATER DOCK SERVICES, LLC – Licensed and Bonded

Servicing All Of Your Lake Needs • Boat Lift

• Entire Dock Systems

• Seawall

Pile Driving Ser vices For Home Owners and Contractors Only Approved Automatic Boat Cover On Lake Martin With No Overhead Structure

T H E F I R S T B O AT C O V E R Y O U W I L L LO V E T O U S E !

10116 COUNT Y RD. 34 • DADEVILLE, AL For more photos please visit – http://DeepWaterDockCo.com Donald@DeepWaterDockCo.com

80 LAKE

OFFICE: Donald:

FEBRUARY 2019

256.373.3220

334.850.6577 Josh: 256.794.0512

81 LAKE

FEBRUARY 2019

Parting Shot Photo by T2Photography

“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” ~ Dr. Suess

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FEBRUARY 2019

Advertisement

Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits

By Susan Clayton Moore, J.D., principal of Moore Wealth Management, Inc.

T

More than 95% of Social Security recipients don’t maximize their benefits, according to a study by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. Over 40% of Americans file at age 62, minimizing their benefits if they live into their eighties. By minimizing their benefits, Americans are missing out on tens of thousands of dollars of benefits, if not more, according to Larry Kotlikoff, author of a bestselling book on maximizing social security benefits that was published in 2015.

he problem with maximizing Social Security benefits is how complicated it has become and is likely to remain so for the next several years. Susan Moore of Moore Wealth Management, Inc. (MWM) conducts an annual workshop every February on maximizing Social Security benefits that includes recent changes to the rules. The February 2019 workshop will be on Tuesday, February 26 at 12 p.m. at the local office at 51 Clay Street. Please call 256.234.2761 for more information and reservations.

The workshop will cover how the Social Security system works in general. Specifically, the workshop will discuss different techniques to maximize Social Security including when and how to file, how to lessen taxes on Social Security, and special rules that impact widows and widowers, divorcees and spousal benefits. For example, rule changes went into effect in 2016 that result in different options for people born before versus after January 1, 1954. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to maximizing Social Security. It pays to learn how the rules apply to you.

It will also discuss how the cost of living adjustments are figured and how those adjustments impact Medicare premiums as well as potential reforms to Social Security resulting from the solvency issues confronting Social Security and Medicare.

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We conduct a variety of workshops and seminars at MWM. The mission statement of MWM is very simple: “and then some.” We attempt to do what is expected, what is required and then some. The Social Security workshop is part of our monthly “and then some” workshops.

In addition, MWM conducts monthly current events market updates that attempt to explain what is going on in the financial world. If you would like to be on the mailing list or receive email notifications of upcoming seminars, please call 256.234.2761.

Susan Clayton Moore, J.D., is a financial consultant and principal of Moore Wealth Management, Inc., with offices in Alexander City, Auburn, and Montgomery, AL. Managing over $150 million in assets, she has been a financial planner for nearly 35 years. She is affiliated with LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC, the nation’s largest independent broker-dealer* and ranks in the top two percent of their financial advisors based on total production. Contact Susan at 256.234.2761.

Email contact is susan@moorewealthmanagement. com. * Based on total revenues, as reported in Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2018.

Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor.

FEBRUARY 2019

Member FINRA/SIPC

DINNER IS ON US! NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 28TH, EVERY PURCHASE OF $1500 OR MORE WILL RECEIVE A $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO YOUR CHOICE OF

General’s Cafe

OR

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84 LAKE

256.234.4141 334.279.3101 Alexander CityFEBRUARY 2019 Montgomery