January 2017 Lake magazine

JANUARY 2017

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TOTAL FITNESS

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2 LAKE

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Our fitness instructors can customize an exercise regimen for your personal needs. Call Cara Tidwell, Fitness Coordinator, for more information at JANUARY 2017 or visit www.russellcares.com.

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205.789.9526 CEDARPOINTLAKEMARTIN.COM JANUARY 2017

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Staff Chairman KENNETH BOONE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Publisher STEVE BAKER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Managing Editor BETSY ILER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Assistant Magazine Editor LONNA UPTON

lonna.upton@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing/Advertising Director TIPPY HUNTER

tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com

EMILY GREGG

emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com

TABBY EDWARDS

tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com

SCOTT HARDY

scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com

DONNA JONES

donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com

Circulation Manager DAVID KENDRICK

david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com

Creative Services AUDRA SPEARS

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

DARLENE JOHNSON

darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com

HALLIE HOLLOWAY

hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors KENNETH BOONE JOHN COLEY HENRY FOY ERIC REUTEBUCH JULIE HUDSON

CLIFF WILLIAMS LEE WILLIAMS MITCH SNEED GREG VINSON COREY ARWOOD

All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of:

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

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JANUARY 2017

On the Cover Cover: Lucy Shamblin is the cover girl for the 11th Annual Swimsuit and Lifestyle edition of Lake magazine. Though she has lived in several states across the country - including Alabama for two years of high school in Alexander City - upon graduation, Shamblin chose to return to this area for college at Auburn University at Montgomery because she missed Lake Martin.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

JANUARY 2017

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JANUARY 2017

Contents 22. CRATA PROJECT DESIGN STARTED Research phase of new Smith Mountain project is expected to take three months 26. TAKE THE PLUNGE Lake Martin Young Professionals to host a bigger and better Polar Plunge for LMRA 28. 11TH ANNUAL SWIMSUIT & LIFESTYLE ISSUE

Amanda Hall Lucy Shamblin Kennon Reese Prather Blackmon Victoria Stearns John Eardley Emily Pemberton LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES: 9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE

68. FAB FINDS

TO THE LAKE

69. LAKE WATCH

10. LAKE SCENES

70. HEALTHY LIVING

14. WHERE IS LAKE?

72. BIG CATCHES

16. LAKE EVENTS

76. FROM THE CELLAR

18. LAKE MARTIN NEWS

79. PRO TIPS

66. LAKE PROPERTY

e

- edition

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Correction: An article in the December 2016 issue of Lake magazine incorrectly credited Mitch Sneed for the story and photo. “Alabama Water Ski Federation holds Hall of Fame induction at Lake Martin,” and the photo with the story on page 58, were submitted

by Mitch Emmons. We apologize for the error.

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.

JANUARY 2017

LAKE 7

LAKE MARTIN BUILDING SUPPLY

2695 Dadeville Road

8 LAKE

JANUARY 2017

256.234.5500

Alexander City, AL

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

November 2016 November 2013 November 2010

Number of sales

Average selling price

Median selling price

Days on the market

Total houses for sale

Inventory/ sales ratio

14 17 10

$537,574 $430,441 $288,275

$329,500 $383,000 $283,950

199 219 342

254 290 389

9.71 14.03 24.70

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 Lake Martin Realty, LLC. (A Russell Lands, Inc. affiliated company.)

Fishing Forecast

Adopt a Treasured Island

Randy Baker at Fish Tales Bait and Tackle in Alexander City said fishing can be great on Lake Martin in January, even with the not-sogreat weather.

“Basically, if you can handle the weather and stand the temperature, you can catch large numbers of fish this month,” Baker said.

Fish don’t travel as much and tend to group up in the colder water, locking in to one place, he said, usually in deep water near ledges and humps.

“If you can find the baitfish, you can find the fish,” Baker explained.

Stripers, more than other bass, still will roam in the colder weather. Baker said, although they can be caught any time of day, daylight is the best time to catch stripers, and they are easiest to catch in the nastiest weather.

Fishing for largemouth bass, white bass, stripers and crappie will be good all month. Baker recommended fishing the ledges, bluffs, humps and deep water close to the main river and all the way from Wind Creek to Kowaliga.

The most effective lures this month will be jigs and jigging spoons, especially when the days warm up to more than 40 degrees. He also suggested crankbaits, jerk bait and rigs.

“Fishing in January is all about picking the right day,” Baker said.

The Joanne and Bill Walker clan adopted a Sandy Creek island near their Lake Martin home because these islands have meant great joy to their family since 1990. On the Sandy Creek islands, the Beth Walker Wooten and sons Walkers have will help to keep Island W clean held hotdog cookouts, birthday parties, a cousins’ reunion, Fourth of July celebrations, a granddaughter’s bridesmaids luncheon and more. The Walkers say they are honored to adopt “Island W,” as designated on the LMRA map, and they believe it is a nice coincidence that the island's designation begins with a W, as does their family name.

“As our four children, spouses and 11 grandchildren visit, cleanup expeditions to ‘our island’ will become a ritual,” Joanne Walker said.

For information about adopting shoreline sections and Alabama Power Company islands at Lake Martin, visit www.lmra.info and follow the Lake Martin Treasured Mile link under the Projects tab.

Lake Levels During the Last month

Lake Martin's Weather Outlook for January

Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 483.44 Lowest: 483.10 Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and water-related equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.

For up-to-date lake levels, log on to https://lakes.alabamapower.com.

Year to Date

Precipitation: 43.43 inches Avg. high temp.: 78.5 Avg. low temp.: 53.1 Average temp.: 65.7

Our Normal January Precipitation: 5.21 inches Avg. high temp.: 55.2 Avg. low temp.: 31.6 Average temp.: 43.4 JANUARY 2017

January 2017 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the mid 50s with lows in the low mid 30s and about 5.25 inches of precipitation in the month of January. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures and rainfall will remain slightly above average this month.

Information from the National Weather Service.

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LAKE SCENE

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

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Reader Submissions (1) David Blanchard, Sarah Nixon, Rachael Price, Alex Bechard, Daughtry St. John, Jay McKibben and Kate Vacko take a harrowing tube ride on Lake Martin. (2) Mark Laurent shared this spectacular Lake Martin sunset. 3) Best friends Ava Indovina and Mary Tristen Osborn love to hang out by the lake. (4) Tony Johnson sent this photo of a Lake Martin dock on a cold December morning. (5) Lake Martin reflects fall colors on a Sandy Creek island in this photo by Wanda Ryals.

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JANUARY 2017

LAKE SCENE

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

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Reader Submissions (1) Abigail Clark and Anna Claire Howland are braced for a tube ride on Lake Martin. (2) Annabelle Gordon takes a bike ride along the bank at Wind Creek. (3) As Rhett Farrior discovered in taking this photo, autumn is one of Lake Martin's showiest seasons. (4) Sophia Adalyn embraces the whole of Lake Martin. (5) Twins Brooks and Griffin Behenna enjoy the lake with grandparents Eric and Fran Tyler.

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LAKE SCENE PEOPLE AND PLACES

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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Reader Submissions (1) 3-week-old twins Willa Grace and Margaret Hart McClendon visited the lake for the first time with their brother, William, and sister, Virginia. (2) A lone boater takes in a gorgeous Lake Martin sunset in this photo from Jennifer Kissic.

3) Carole Borowski took this photo at Wind Creek in early autumn. (4) Chase, Sierra, Skylar and Lily take a leap in the lake at their grandparents' Silver Hill Road dock near the mouth of Blue Creek. (5) Edward Powell flies the Union Jack from his dock.

JANUARY 2017

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JANUARY 2017

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS LAKE?

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

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Reader Submissions (1) Lake magazine went whitewater rafting on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon with Sandra and John Thompson, Billy and Ann Harrison, Bill and Sandy Thompson, Paula and Steve Arnberg, Mollie and Billy Barrett, Sonny and Scotti Bozeman and George Hardy. (2) Doris Smith and Tommy and Vickie Green took Lake magazine to Amish Country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. (3) Steve and Ann Hester took Lake magazine to Normandy on their summer vacation. (4) Honey and Bear, Gary and Corine Hobbs, took Lake to the U.S. Open Tennis Championships in New York City.

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JANUARY 2017

LAKE LAKE MARTIN MARTIN YOUNG YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS THANKS THANKS THE THE SPONSORS SPONSORS OF OF THE THE 2ND 2ND ANNUAL ANNUAL 2017 2017 POLAR POLAR PLUNGE! PLUNGE!

GOLD Anytime Fitness Dr. Brian Dix - The Women’s Pavilion at Russell Medical Russell Lands On Lake Martin Steve Robinson - Tallapoosa County Commission USAmeriBank SILVER Dark Insurance Russell Do-it Center BRONZE Henderson & Coker Lake Martin Dock Company Lee Marketing Group Morris, Haynes, Wheeles, Knowles & Nelson Russell Marine Russell Medical

Turn to page 26 for all the Polar Plunge details.

JANUARY 2017

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Jan. 7 PATH Trash Walk

Meet at Strand Park at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and assignments for this month’s cleanup and healthy effort.

Volunteers can choose the area where they would like to work or be directed to roads where litter is a problem. For information, please contact John Thompson at 334-399-3289.

Jan. 9-10 Countywide Throw Away Days

registration and bag pick up is 6:30 a.m. The 5K and 8K races start at 8:30 a.m., and the 1-mile starts at 9:45 a.m. at Grandview YMCA on Grandview Road.

Feb. 11 2017 Miss Winter Pageant

The 2017 Miss Winter Pageant will be held at 2 p.m. at the Dadeville High School Auditorium. Rehearsals will take place Friday, Feb. 10, at 5 p.m. Applications may be picked up at Little Lambs and Ivy Day School or by emailing Sherri Williams at misswinterpageant@gmail.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS com. There will be age group competiWHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN tions.

Dumpsters will be available free of charge at five locations around Tallapoosa County This year's Russell Forest Run to benefit local Feb. 11 in this second education will hit the trail early morning on annual Throw Critter Crawl Feb. 25 and will be followed by a post-race Away Day event This 5K trail party at The Stables sponsored by event and 1-mile Middle Tallapoosa fun run take runners Clean Water through a portion of Partnership and the the Alabama Nature Tallapoosa County Center’s (ANC) Commission. grounds to benefit Dumpster locations education programs. include Alexander There will be music, City Annex at food, vendors and 395 Lee St.; a costume contest.

Double Bridges, Shirts are guaranteed U.S. Highway for participants reg63; Old Daviston istering before Jan. School, 22608 30. Early registration State Route 22, is $25 for the 5K and Daviston; Camp Hill Town Hall, 309 Holley Ave.; and Union $20 for the 1-mile. The 5K starts at 9 a.m., and the 1-mile Community Center, 4191 Highway 50, Dadeville. For inforrace starts at 10 a.m. at the ANC Natureplex. Register at mation, email Sabrina Wood at sabrinawood@live.com or www.active.com. For information, visit www.alabamawildcall her at 334-429-8832. life.org or call 334-285-4550.

Jan. 11-18 Scale Back Alabama!

Initial weigh-in and registration begins for the official 2017 weight loss program at Total Fitness in Alexander City.

Each member of the two-person team must lose 10 pounds to be eligible for cash prizes at the end of the eight-week program. For information, contact Cara Tidwell at 256-3297624.

Jan. 14 Polar Plunge

Lake Martin Young Professionals will host the Second Annual Polar Plunge to benefit Lake Martin Resource Association at 10 a.m. at Kowaliga Restaurant. See the article on page 26 for details and ticket information.

Feb. 4 8th Annual Millbrook Mardi Gras Run

Register online at active.com for this 1-mile, 5K and 8K race to benefit the missions work at First United Methodist Church in Millbrook. Early registration is $30. Race day 16 LAKE

Feb. 21 Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Story

From the iconic songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love, faith and family. More than two dozen classic hits, including the title tune, are performed by a multi-talented cast in this portrait of “The Man in Black” that promises to be a foot-stomping, crowd-pleasin’ salute to a unique American legend. Presented by Alex City Arts at Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium at 7 p.m.

Feb. 25 Russell Forest Run

Help to support local education through the annual 5K and 10K Russell Forest Run at Russell Crossroads. There will be prizes for age categories and the famous grits bar and beverages at the post-race party at The Stables.

The 10K race will start at 7:45 a.m., and the 5K at 7:55 a.m. Entry fee for the 10K is $40; entry fee for the 5K is $20. Register at active.com. For information, call Robert Gunn at 256-397-1019.

JANUARY 2017

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Lake Martin News

SMG/OneWater Country's Top Boat Dealer

OneWater Marine Holdings, LLC, which includes Lake Martin’s Singleton Marine Group (SMG) locations at Blue Creek and Parker Creek, took the top spot in Boating Industry magazine’s Top 100 Dealers list for 2016, and Lake Martin’s Russell Marine took the number four spot on the list.

“There may not be a company doing more to shake up the boating industry than OneWater Marine Holdings,” said Boating Industry Editor in Chief Jonathan Sweet.

Over the last six years, SMG has united nine dealer brands under the OneWater name and has grown sales across the company’s 35 locations by 33 percent.

Lake Martin’s two major marine companies have consistently held positions at or Boating Industry named SMG's parent company the near the top of the No. 1 dealer in the nation much-anticipated annual list in recent years. The winners were announced Dec. 8 at a black tie gala in Orlando.

The Top Ten is the only independent ranking of boat dealers in North America and ranks them in business operations, professionalism, marketing tactics, customer service and more. ~ Staff reports

Lake Martin touring bear killed

The male black bear that kept residents in five counties - including the Lake Martin area - captivated last summer as it zigzagged across wooded areas, rivers, lakes and towns has been killed illegally in the Talladega National Forest.

Alabama Conservation Officer Sgt. Michael East confirmed that a 300-pound black bear that still had one of the tags it was given last summer was killed in the Talladega National Forest last week.

Matthew Gage Stewart, 22, of Talladega has been arrested and charged with shooting a black bear, a Class A misdemeanor, after reportedly shooting the bear while hunting with a crossbow. Since there is no open season on bear in Alabama, the man faces a Feb. 7 hearing in Clay County where, if convicted, he could face up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

“It’s kind of a sad end for a bear that certainly kept everyone in Tallapoosa County and all the counties around us on our toes for a good part of the summer,” East said.

“But they checked all the tags and confirmed it is the same bear. We just aren’t used to bears here in Alabama, and we 18 LAKE

are going to have to find a way to coexist. They are just as afraid of humans as we are of them, but sometimes people don’t understand that, and things like this happen.”

The bear made headlines several times over the summer.

He was first spotted in Coosa County, then multiple times over several days in Tallapoosa and Chambers counties and into Lee County before being tagged in Opelika in late June.

Shortly after the bear was tagged and released, there were sightings near Tuskegee and reports of a bear being hit by a vehicle as it crossed Interstate 85. The bear managed to make its way off into the woods beside the expressway.

A few days later, the bear spent an hour at the home of Candis Birchfield in the Union Community. The bear was videotaped eating from a bird feeder in the yard and lounging in the sun.

According to a release from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Wildlife Services, as sightings continue to increase, some have questions about the protected status of black bear. While classified as a game animal in Alabama, there is no established black bear hunting season in the state. Black bears are also protected by state law due to low population numbers, according to the release.

The public is encouraged to report black bear sightings online at game.dcnr.alabama.gov/BlackBear/. Black bear sightings can also be reported to WFF district wildlife offices, or by email to Thomas Harms at Thomas.Harms@ dcnr.alabama.gov. ~ Mitch Sneed

Lake Martin Tavern to rebuild after arson destroys interior

Alabama State Fire Marshal Scott Pilgreen last month confirmed that a fire at a Dadeville area nightclub is being investigated as a case of arson.

Colonel Tom’s Tavern at 10207 County Rd 34 near Dadeville was heavily damaged in an early morning fire Dec. 14. Officials said a call to 9-1-1 came in reporting the blaze at 3:55 a.m.

The interior of the building, which featured walls that were largely plywood, was gutted by the flames. No official estimate was given on the amount of damage, but from the outside looking in equipment, fixtures, seating and appliances appear to be charred as a result of the fire.

The building is located less than a mile from the Paces Point Volunteer Fire Department headquarters, and the flames were knocked down before the exterior walls were totally destroyed.

“We didn’t have any insurance, but we are going to do everything we possibly can to get it back open as soon as we possibly can,” said owner Tom McElroy. “It’s a bad thing to have happen right here at Christmas time, but the people of Tallapoosa County have been awful good to us, and I know they will hang with us through this until we can get back up and running.” ~ Mitch Sneed

JANUARY 2017

Dear Editor, dumping ground, and more than 20 tires were removed several There was a time in the not-so-long-ago past when it was months ago during a PATH Trash Walk. a very popular practice to place automobile and truck tires in We have always received great support from county comLake Martin as structure for fish habitat. These days, this pracmissioners Steve Robinson and John McKelvey who have not tice has been discarded in favor of using more environmentally only helped to pull the heavy tires from the roadsides but also friendly natural products, such as Christmas trees, to attract fish. provided the trucks and manpower to aid in the disposal.

The discarded tires are The recently announced unsightly and are not natural to Tallapoosa County tire-recyTire disposal presents our “Treasured” lake environcling program is exciting news, unique aesthetic and ment. Not only that, but with and we are very appreciaenvironmental challenges today’s accepted standards, they tive of the Tallapoosa County at Lake Martin would be considered an illegal Commissioner for making it dump. available. Not only will this proVolunteers have removed vide an avenue for the disposal tires out of the lake on every of the tires we find, but also, cleanup in which I have been hopefully, it will be the answer involved over the past 15 years. to the illegal dumping that curOn our most recent “Renew our rently exists.

Rivers” cleanup in November, We encourage everyone who we removed approximately 125 cares about Lake Martin and tires from the Wind Creek and desires to protect it for future LETTER TO THE EDITOR Elkahatchee Creek areas. An generations to take the initiaBY JOHN THOMPSON additional 11 tires have been tive in removing these unsightly located in the lakebed at the objects from our Treasured now closed ramp at Double Bridges. These tires are estimated Lake waters. Take advantage of the county recycling program to be more than 60 years old and will be removed prior to and take the time to thank your county commissioner for makspringtime. ing it available.

Tires that have been discarded along the roadsides represent If assistance is required, contact LMRA at lmra@lmra.info. a health hazard. These are mosquito-breeding havens that will John Thompson be there forever if not removed. This same Double Bridges President, Lake Martin Resource Association roadside area next to Highway 63 also has been a popular

JANUARY 2017

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JANUARY 2017

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JANUARY 2017

LAKE 21

Project design started at Smith Mountain Research phase expected to take three months

B

y month’s end, the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association (CRATA) board will have chosen a fabricator for the all-weather signage and wayside exhibits to be constructed for the $159,000 education project at Smith Mountain, said CRATA President Jerry Bynum.

“We met with a graphic designer and took photographs and measurements on the Friday after Thanksgiving and have already started on the information and photos for the signs,” Bynum said. “We expect there will be about a three-month period for the research phase of the project; and then, production will begin on the panels and frames, and we will start building the kiosks.”

The project will add tower signage and wayside exhib-

its to teach visitors to the Smith Mountain Fire Tower and trails about the plant and animal life with panoramic photos and identification of species that can be found in the area.

The panels on the tower and trails will include information about the birds, trees and forestry; geology and soils; the area’s mining history; longleaf habitat; the turpentine industry; astronomy, weather and climate; keystone, endemic and rare species; the cultural landscape from the pre-Columbian period to the present and more.

“By helping people understand the nature around them, we also help them become better stewards of the land and water,” explained CRATA board member Harold Banks.

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.

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 $_____________________

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JANUARY 2017

More than 500 people visited Smith Mountain the day Bynum and Banks toured the project area with the graphic designer.

“Some groups we saw were as big as 25 or 30 people,” Bynum said. “Some came from the lake; some drove in. The parking lot was full all day long. Some stayed two hours, some four, some just one. We talked with several people throughout the day. It was humbling to see how many people came by asking about the project and thanking us for how much Smith Mountain means to them and their families.”

Other board members also have noted heavy traffic at the park during holidays and over most good-weather weekends.

“People come in droves. When they learn we are putting out displays, they all have questions. There is tremendous excitement about the project as people realize it will create an even greater experience for them,” Bynum said.

About half of the project will be funded through an Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) grant in the amount of $87,429.

CRATA will need to supplement the ADECA grant with in-kind contributions and $50,000 in matching funds.

“This is a great opportunity to make a gift in honor or in memory of someone or to show appreciation,” Bynum said.

To make a contribution to the project, send your gift to Jimmy K. Lanier, CRATA, P.O. Box 240503, Eclectic AL 36024.

Our thanks to recent donors Visionaries

Jeff and Cherry Hilyer David M. Forker III

Summit Toppers John E. Thompson Jerry and Cheryl Bynum

Vista Viewers

Virginia and William Huguley

Trail Blazers

Jim and Joyce Reeves Johnny and Laura Thames Ralph and Ann Griswold

JANUARY 2017

LAKE 23

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JANUARY 2017

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Long Term Care LAKE 25

Take the Plunge Lake Martin Young Professionals to host a bigger and better Polar Plunge for LMRA

T

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY MITCH SNEED AND CLIFF WILLIAMS

he 2017 Lake Martin Young Professional (YP) Polar Plunge is less than two weeks away on Jan. 14, and YP/Alexander City Chamber of Commerce liaison Jacob Meacham said this year’s event will be bigger and better than last year’s inaugural plunge.

“Last year, we raised more than $3,000 for Lake Martin Resource Association (LMRA) with this event, and we hope to do at least that again this year,” Meacham said. “LMRA is a great organization. They do a lot of good things for the lake and for the area, and we are glad to be able to support them through the Polar Plunge.”

This year’s Plunge will feature activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kowaliga, located on Highway 63 on Lake Martin’s western shoreline. The $20 ticket price for this year’s event will include food, live music, a live SportzBlitz broadcast and fire pits, as well as the plunge into Lake Martin’s frigid winter water at noon for those who choose to make the run.

Kowaliga Restaurant will close to the public and will only be open to participants and attendees for this special event, which will take place at the beach adjacent to the restaurant, Meacham said. Kowaliga chef Ban Stewart and SpringHouse executive chef Rob McDaniel will host four food tables, which will be included in the $20 ticket price.

The restaurant’s two indoor bars also will be open, and additional cash bars will be stationed throughout the event grounds.

Hosts from SportzBlitz, the local sports talk show, will broadcast live at the event from 10 a.m. until noon, when ticketholders who choose to do so will run into Lake Martin.

“This year, everyone who takes the Plunge will do so from the beach. There will be no plunging from the pier,” Meacham explained. “This is a change from last year, and it’s really a matter of safety. Last year, some of the people who jumped in from the pier had trouble getting out of the water.”

Medical personnel will be on hand at the event, just in case of any emergencies, he added.

Following the Plunge, musical entertainment will be provided by local favorite Hinton/Bloom, and the party will 26 LAKE

continue until 4 p.m.

Any ticketholder can opt to take the Plunge, Meacham said, and more substantial changing rooms will be provided this year.

“Last year, the changing rooms basically were just tents, but we’re putting up plywood structures this year that will offer more privacy,” he said. “Those who plan to take the Plunge should bring their own towels and a change of clothes and shoes.”

Shoes are recommended for the run into Lake Martin’s chilly waters, as the beach is rocky.

All participants will be required to sign a waiver.

“We’re excited to bring the Polar Plunge back to Kowaliga and again support LMRA,” said YP President John Howell. “We started out planning this event last year as just something fun to do, and in the course of planning, had the thought to tie it to a local organization as a fundraiser. With all the work that LMRA does to keep Lake Martin clean, safe and prosperous, we couldn’t think of a better group to support, and Kowaliga Restaurant provides a great atmosphere for a really fun time.”

More than 300 people attended the inaugural Plunge last year, with some 50 participants hitting the water on one of the year’s coldest days. The event raised more than $3,000 to help the organization purchase lighted buoys for safe navigation around hazards on Lake Martin.

Tickets for this year’s event are available in advance online at EventBrite.com and will be available at the gate on the day of the Plunge. Polar Plunge T-shirts also will be available on the day of the event at $10 for plungers and $20 for those who stay dry.

Sponsors for this year’s event include Dr. Brian Dix, Russell Lands On Lake Martin, Tallapoosa County Commissioner Steve Robinson, USAmeriBank, Dark Insurance Agency, Russell-Do-It Center, Henderson & Coker Construction, Lake Martin Dock Company, Lee Marketing Group, Morris & Haynes Law, Russell Marine and Russell Medical.

For information about this year’s Young Professional Polar Plunge, call Meacham at 256-749-6056.

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Scott Hardy, John Thompson and George Hardy head back to the bank after last year's inaugural plunge into frigid Lake Martin waters; Below left: Bystanders watch the plunge from the bank at Kowaliga; Below right: Toasting the inaugural event

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David Ballard makes the perfect cut to open this year's swimsuit and lifestyle special edition; Insets:Victoria Stearns (left) and Amanda Hall are featured models for the annual issue

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11th Annual

SWIMSUIT

+

LIFESTYLE Special Edition

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Amanda Hall Amanda Hall won this year's Miss Outlook title

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A senior at Dadeville High School, Hall hopes to study reproductive endocrinology

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A Dadeville native, Amanda Hall is a busy senior at Dadeville High School (DHS). She is the captain of the varsity cheerleaders and a student council officer as well as a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Key Club, Senior Beta Club and the Family, Career and Consumer Leaders of America.

She was also crowned Miss Outlook 2016 earlier this year.

“I have enjoyed being Miss Outlook because it has helped me be more involved in the community. When I wear my crown, little children want to come and have their pictures taken with me. It has been a lot of fun," she said.

Hall has a small, close-knit family; no one lives more than 90 minutes away, she said. Her sister and brother are both older and have been great mentors to her. She also feels that her parents and her sister’s husband, Tim Evans, an entrepreneur in Alexander City, have given her much support.

She has worked with Evans during the summer on several different projects.

“I always know if I don’t get things quite right, they are all there to help me,” Hall explained. “And a mom is just a girl’s best friend.”

Hall has spent many joy-filled days on Lake Martin with her family and friends. They enjoy boating, tubing, wakeboarding and kneeboarding.

While she looks forward to finishing at DHS this spring, Hall is undecided about her next step after graduation. She is considering Central Alabama Community College, Southern Union and the University of Alabama in Birmingham. She plans to study reproductive endocrinology and hopes to help couples with infertility issues.

“I love children, and I want to make a difference,” Hall said. “I think it would be very rewarding to help a family have a child who thought they could not.”

Also, she said she knows that a medical career would be financially sound and offer a solid foundation and a future for her.

Hall is excited about what comes next in her life, and she has a way to handle stress in the midst of all the changes.

“I know that when one door closes, another one is opening, and that God has a plan for my life,” Hall said. “He will carry me wherever I need to go.”

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The Dadeville native loves being part of a small, close-knit family

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Anna Hoffman, Anne Marie Wendling and Lauren Holcombe take in a great day on the lake with Chase Maynard in a Super Air Nautique G23 from Russell Marine russellmarine.net

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Though she attended BRHS for just the first two years of high school, Lucy Shamblin returned to the Lake Martin area to study at Auburn University at Montgomery upon graduation

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Lucy Shamblin Lucy Shamblin, an 18-year-old Auburn University at Montgomery freshman, was born in San Francisco and is the daughter of Vicki Shamblin of Alexander City and Al Shamblin of Bentonville, Arkansas. She lived in Dallas for a short time after she was born; then, moved to Alexander City when she was 5 years old. Her grandmother, Gloria Sinclair, a retired judge, still lives in Alexander City.

Shamblin attended Benjamin Russell High School for 9th and 10th grades but graduated high school after her family moved to Bentonville, Arkansas. Her love of the lake brought her back to the area for college.

“I missed Alabama and the lake,” Shamblin said.

Shamblin grew up playing violin and trumpet. She loves music classes, and one of her dreams is to go into music production.

She also dreams of working in the area of environmental sustainability. She believes she could help to discover new and efficient ways to cut gas emissions and other things to help the environment.

Shamblin also enjoys modeling. As a student at BRHS, she often modeled for the Little Black Dress boutique, and last month, she modeled for Natalie Rye at Birmingham Fashion Week.

In her time away in Arkansas, Shamblin said, she missed visiting friends on the lake and attending big events and concerts at the Lake Martin Amphitheater.

“I love all there is to do at the lake – especially riding jet skis, boating, rope swings and Chimney Rock,” she said.

Shamblin’s future will definitely include travel, she said.

“I want to travel, to see as much of the world as I possibly can. We can learn so much about life, people and cultures while traveling,” she explained.

At the top of her list are New Zealand, Australia and Greece.

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Shamblin loves music and is considering production as a career choice

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Allison Shockley and Isac Creaseman Holt take an afternoon boat ride in a 2017 Manitou 230 SHP Encore tri-poon from Alex City Marine alexcitymarine.com

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Kennon Reese Kennon Reese grew up in Tallassee as the only boy in a family of four children. He has two older sisters and one younger and jokingly says the struggle is real as the only boy in the family.

Besides playing soccer and running cross-country in high school, Reese wrestled all four years. His high school career in wrestling earned his team a state title in 2014, and he won individual state titles in both 2014 and 2015.

As a sophomore at Central Alabama Community College (CACC), Reese has continued to excel, serving as an ambassador for the college and as student government association president. His passion for athletics led him to major in athletic training at CACC. After finishing his degree at the local community college, he plans to transfer to Troy University to complete his degree in athletic training; and then, go to physical therapy school. Currently, he works as a physical therapy technician to gain more experience in his chosen field.

Reese said he embarked on an experiment when he arrived at CACC and purposely kept to himself the first semester to just watch and learn; he met very few people and did not try to make friends or to get involved. The second semester, he decided to be completely open-minded and meet everyone he could to see if he felt differently about his college experience.

Emily Pemberton and Prather Blackmon cheer as fellow CACC ambassador Kennon Reese leaps from the boat

Fun at the lake is definitely on the agenda for CACC's ambassador team; Inset: Reese loves to make people laugh

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“That experiment taught me that college is what you make it. If you don’t reach out and if you only keep to yourself, the experience will not be good,” he said. “The second semester was amazing.”

His childhood memories of years on the water at Lake Martin include great times with his family and friends. He still enjoys the lake, especially wakeboarding, tubing and jumping off Chimney Rock.

With school, a job and his campus activities, Reese said he still finds time to sing in a contemporary praise band with his church. He learned to play the guitar about a year ago, and he hopes to be able to play guitar with the praise band one day.

Reese said he focuses on one goal to keep his life on track.

“I try to live remembering that we never know what the person beside us is going through,” he said. “I just always try to make people smile.”

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Justin Howard chauffeurs Russell Marine's Dave Commander, his daughter Lisa Peffer, and the grandkids for a thrilling ride on the Aqua Patio AP235 Elite from Russell Marine russellmarine.net

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Prather Blackmon grew up visiting her grandparents at Lake Martin

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The Reeltown High School graduate recommends starting college at CACC

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A business major, Blackmon hopes to transfer to Auburn University before opening her own salon chain

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Prather Blackmon Prather Blackmon is a sophomore at Central Alabama Community College (CACC). She became acquainted with Lake Martin when her grandfather had a house here, and her family had many great times on the water during visits to the lake.

She especially loved attending the Fourth of July Blast fireworks shows.

When she turned 12 years old, Blackmon’s family moved from Auburn to Dadeville, and she was happy to have more time for jet skis and tubing.

“My sister and I were always on the tube. We used to compete to see who could stay on the tube the longest,” she said.

Blackmon said she remembers her grandfather always taking the curves really fast. One day when she was about 15 years old, they hit a wave, and she flew through the air, landing on her face; she actually passed out for a moment. Within seconds, her grandfather was in the water to help her and make sure she was OK. And though the incident could have been more serious, Blackmon said she still loves the thrill of riding the tube.

She graduated Reeltown High School in 2015 where she was active as a cheerleader, serving as co-captain and captain.

She also was active in Key Club, Future Farmers of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Beta Club and said she is glad she chose to attend CACC before jumping into a larger four-year school. She would give that advice to anyone who is considering college after high school, she said.

“I really love the smaller campus and classes. The teachers actually know you and help you. We can have one-on-one attention and help when we need it, but studying is no joke,” she explained.

Blackmon is majoring in business. After CACC, she hopes to finish her degree at Auburn before attending Paul Mitchell Beauty School in Birmingham to earn certification in cosmetology and aesthetics. Her long-term goal is to open her own salon and, eventually, a chain of salons.

Blackmon represents CACC as an ambassador and also works at Willow Point County Club.

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Courtney Findley kicks up the spray in a new Sea-Doo GTI SE 155 from Russell Marine russellmarine.net

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William, Hannah, Charlotte and Mathieu Nader take an afternoon boat ride with John and Nancy Hodges in a new SeaRay 280 SLX from Russell Marine russellmarine.net

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Victoria Stearns prefers life at the lake to the beach near her Naples, Florida, home

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Victoria Stearns Victoria Stearns and her family have celebrated the Fourth of July at Lake Martin for as long as she can remember. Her father, Todd Stearns, is from Eclectic, and her aunt Jackie Stearns, works at Russell Marine and is on the Eclectic City Council, so family ties to the lake are strong.

Stearns was born in Mobile, but her family has lived in Naples, in southwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, for the last nine years. She considers herself a Florida girl, since she has spent most of her time living a “salt life” with her family; yet, she loves Lake Martin and the memories she has of times with extended family at the Lodge at Cocktail Slough.

“Personally, I think lake life is a tad better,” she said.

Her favorite memories are of simple days sunbathing on the dock, riding jet skis or being out on the pontoon for most of the day. The whole family loves going to the Fourth of July concert at the Lake Martin Amphitheater and watching the fireworks overhead.

Stearns is a double major in applied communication and political science at Cedarville University in southwest Ohio.

“I would like to work in a think tank, private sector and/or a public sector setting where there is a fast-paced environment. I want to use my communication expertise to promote listening and beneficial responses to political issues,” she explained.

Stearns balances her rigorous academic schedule with her hobbies: music, singing and thrifting. She is an expert thrift store shopper and said she can find brand new, designer treasures for about 25 cents at several thrift stores near her college. She can spend an entire Saturday just digging for finds at a large Walmart-sized thrift store, she said.

With a passion for politics, Stearns found great excitement studying policy, law and political disciplines last semester, especially since she was interning in Washington, D.C., during the campaign and election.

“One day, I would love to hop in and get involved with a campaign and impact the American public for good,” she said.

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Victoria Stearns had a great time working as an intern in Washington, D.C., during a campaign and election

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Stearns introduced her fiancĂŠ, John Eardley, to Lake Martin

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John Eardley Florida Gulf Coast University student John Eardley is a newcomer to Lake Martin.

He fell in love with the lake after attending family functions at Cocktail Slough Lodge with his fiancé Victoria Stearns and her family a few years ago.

“The beautiful lodge on the lake and the hilly terrain is a great change of pace from the beach and ocean life I’m used to,” Eardley explained.

Eardley was born in Lexington, Kentucky, but grew up playing in the sand and surf at Naples, Florida. Eardley is the middle of five children and has two younger brothers and an older sister and brother. He is an avid soccer player, and although new to the sport only four years ago, he was named captain of his team and voted All-State Goalkeeper in Florida his senior year of high school.

Eardley is a sophomore at Florida Gulf Coast, but he is taking a short break to work full-time at a Naples country club, The Club at Mediterra. He is majoring in finance, an interest he has had from an early age, and he hopes to develop his intrapersonal skills, as well as his knowledge of the world of finance, while he is working toward his degrees. He said he wants to complete his master’s degree before beginning his professional career as a personal financial advisor with a bank or other financial institution.

“I want to focus on stocks and other forms of investment,” Eardley said.

When at the lake, Eardley loves the water, the sun and the freedom of jet skiing. He said he always enjoys the Fourth of July boat parade on Kowaliga Bay, and he loves being anywhere on Lake Martin.

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Eardley intends to build a career as a personal financial advisor; Inset: He proposed to Stearns after these photos were taken

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John and Scotty Howell take a Russell Marine Key West 239 FS with an Evinrude E-TEC G-2 300 HP out for a few hours of fishing on Lake Martin russellmarine.net

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Myles Landers focuses on his jump during a play session at the lake

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CACC ambassador Emily Pemberton gets ready for a day on the boat

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Emily Pemberton Central Alabama Community College (CACC) sophomore Emily Pemberton grew up in Alexander City and graduated from Benjamin Russell High School in 2015. Now in her second year at CACC, she is working on her associate’s degree in science and thinking about teaching elementary school one day.

“My mom is a math teacher, and I love math and science,” she said. “I also love to work with kids.”

Pemberton has worked the last two years for three hours every afternoon at Jim Pearson Elementary School helping children in the After the Bell program. She helps them with homework and skills in which they might be lagging, basic work ethics and character development.

Besides a full load at CACC and working with children, she also works as a hostess as Jake’s Restaurant in Alexander City and represents the community college as an ambassador. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor society, and she has been on both the president’s and the dean’s lists while at college.

Living near Lake Martin added great days to her memories of country life. She grew up mastering four wheelers, driving golf carts and learning to fish and hunt, as well as riding Jet Skis and jumping off rope swings. Now her days in the sun are spent with friends cooking out and hanging out on the water, still enjoying Jet Skis, wake boards and rope swings.

Pemberton was an avid soccer player for 10 years and played at the varsity level in the ninth through 12th grades. She said she really misses it now.

“It would be fun to start a team here. Or I could start a team for kids and coach it,” she said.

Pemberton enjoys photographing people, and she might make it more than a hobby one day. Her Christmas list included just one item: a nice, new camera. She would love to take senior portraits of her sister, as a start, and maybe wedding pictures if she takes her hobby further.

Her best advice to students headed to college is to realize that they will have to study more than they did in high school. She also expressed appreciation for her two years at CACC. “I recommend a community college because the instructors get to know you. I love my instructors,” she explained.

The best advice she has gotten in college came from Shannon Young in the CACC business office, who told her not to stress out and to take one day at a time.

“She told me to pray about it and take one day at a time,” Pemberton said.

Now she lives by those words.

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Pemberton enjoys her work with elementary school children

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Allison Shockley and Isac Creaseman Holt take Alex City Marine's 2017 Laundau 2500 Signature Series across a diamond-studded Lake Martin alexcitymarine.com

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The Renovators’ Special Helpful information from one Lake Martin couple who purchased a fixer upper

H

ome remodeling is popular these days. If you are unaware of this trend, just flip on the TV. Waco, Texas, has the adorable Chip and his wife Joanna. Los Angeles has Christina and whatever male she decides to include on her show.

Going along with the trend of “old to new,” I thought I would write about lake home remodeling for this issue.

When homebuyers come to Lake Martin, they often wrestle with this issue.

“Do I want to buy a brand new home? Or am I up for a remodel of an older home? How large of a remodel

Don and Kristie's open air deck before the renovation

project would I like?” they might ask themselves.

I thought it might be helpful to talk to a couple that has actually been through the process and hear what they have to say.

Granted, their experience is personal and limited to one home.

But, they did put considerable thought into their remodel, and LAKE PROPERTY it might be entertaining and

BY JOHN COLEY enlightening for all.

Don and Kristie are from Birmingham, Alabama.

They bought their home in 2011. It is located on the north side of Lake Martin and was originally built as a fish camp style home with concrete block construction.

It was extremely functional but short on refinement.

The home’s original construction date was listed at 1960, but subsequent owners had made improvements along the way. While Don and Kristie loved the home as it was, they naturally sought to personalize it. Here’s a Q&A of their Lake Martin remodel story:

When you first started your home search, did you want to buy a home that was move-in ready, or were you looking for a fixer upper or a project?

Our first priority was to buy a home with great water frontage with pretty view and a level lot for kids to play. At our price After the remodel, the range, that dictated a fixer upper.

bright, comfortable covered porch is a great place to gather with friends to watch the big game

When you bought it, did you envision fixing it up this much?

Yes, but not with any definitive timeline. It was just as we could afford with money and time. There was no rush because we did not live there full time, so it was nice to do a little and walk away for a bit. Being patient helped us to get to know the house and what we really wanted out of it.

What was your first project, and was that the same project you planned when you bought?

The house was quaint and charming, but we wanted to personalize it to our tastes. We pulled out all

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carpet and baseboards and slowly started to replace with a floating floor and new baseboards. During that process, we took what furnishings came with the house to refurbish pieces with paint and distressing. That helped to clear some stuff and allow for flooring. It also helped us to visualize how to put each space back together from a decorating standpoint.

Which part gave you the most instant gratification?

Paint. Paint will transform a space. If the ceilings in a lake house are not that special, consider painting them the same color as walls. It really opens up a room and makes it feel larger. That is something many people will look sideways at you for suggesting until it’s actually done.

Which part was the least fun to spend money on?

Electricians and plumbers.

Did you experience “project creep,” e.g., “as long as we are fixing X we might as well fix Y?” A tad but not tremendously. To offset the creep, we would look for ways to do things inexpensively but still with good impact, things that we might not otherwise do if it was our primary home. For example, in the kitchen, we had white Formica countertops that were fine for a lake house. But we added the pass-through and purchased a remnant of honed granite for the bar top. Instead of spending thousands on the kitchen countertop, we found Formica that was basically identical to the granite. It only cost a few hundred dollars, and it looks fine for the small space.

How did you budget for this? Did you decide on a total amount to spend and wait until you had it and then start, or did you know that you wanted to do this or that project and just did it?

The rule was, if we couldn’t pay for it out of pocket, we were not doing it. That governed our time and pace. With it being a second home, we were not so antsy to ‘get it done’ immediately.

Anything you would change?

I wish I had peeked at the ceilings in the oldest part of the house during renovation. I always wondered why the ceilings were lower in the old original camp house. Far down the road after interior was done, we were working on the sun porch that required us to reveal part of the ceiling, and it was discovered there was old tongue and groove on the ceiling. It was one of those moments of “who the heck covers this up!”

What was the hardest part of remodeling from afar?

Just having to be patient knowing we had limited time to work on it and making ourselves stop to enjoy the view every now and then.

John Coley is a broker and owner of Lake Martin Voice Realty. He is also the author of the blog Lake Martin Voice at LakeMartinVoice.com.

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FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS

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Formal DR and LR/Parlor, half bath. Spacious open FR w/FP, Eat-in Kit. Lots of... cabinets, granite countertops, hardwood flooring, lovely crown molding and plantation shutters. Lg. master BA w/separate shower, jacuzzi tub and water closet. Lg. laundry room w/cabinets and sink which exits to flagstone porch.

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Alabama tops the list T

USGS ranks state No. 1 in aquatic biodiversity

he first governor of the Alabama Territory state’s freshwater fishes (William Wyatt Bibb) designed the Great from a total of 325 to Seal of Alabama in 1817. Owing to their 332 species. That’s a importance, the major rivers of the state were lot of different fishes, prominently depicted on the seal. Water remains a especially considerhigh priority to this day, as attested by the “Water ing the fact that sevWars” that have raged on for the past couple of eral states only have decades – a conflict between Alabama, Georgia as many as 30-40 and Florida over the rivers flowing across their species of fish. lands.

Some of the stream This conflict may seem a bit odd, given that fish in Alabama rival Alabama and the southeastern U.S. are blessed tropical fish in their beauty, LAKE WATCH with abundant precipitation. At 56 inches per year, most notably the darters. Take

BY ERIC REUTEBUCH Alabama ranks third in average annual precipitaa look at the rainbow darter; it is aptly named. tion among all 50 states, behind Hawaii at 110 Others of equal beauty include the banded darter, inches per year and Louisiana at 57 inches per year. In fact, the the speckled darter, the lipstick darter, the redfin darter, the Southeast is the wettest region in the continental U.S. watercress darter, the holiday darter, the harlequin darter and The number of rivers and streams in the state has been estiour very own Tallapoosa darter, to name a few. Stunningly mated at greater than 77,000 miles for many years. And that beautiful, several of these small stream fishes, which grow to number just got a whole lot bigger; in mid-2016, the Geological only a few inches in length, are highly endangered – some of Survey of Alabama (GSA) recalculated the river/stream milethe rarest fishes on the planet. Some, like the watercress darter, age using new GIS data (USGS exist only in a few isolated springs or National Hydrography Dataset – Best stream sections in Alabama – the only Resolution for Alabama), and the places they are found on the entire new value for our state is a whopping planet.

132,419 miles of rivers and streams.

This treasure of a world-class array Though there are states that have of aquatic species that few Alabamians more river/stream miles owing to their either know about or fully appreciate larger area, Alabama is number one in was the impetus behind the developriver/stream miles per landmass, with ment of the infographic America’s more than 2.5 miles of rivers/streams Amazon – Alabama the Beautiful. for every square mile of area.

Every Alabamian should know of More amazingly, Alabama is also this awesome living treasure that calls number one among all 50 states in Alabama its home, and they should aquatic biodiversity. Alabama has be proud of it. The folks at Alabama more species of fish, crayfish, freshWater Watch hope to get this new water mussels, freshwater snails and infographic and its message out to freshwater turtles than any other state. every school and every student in It is truly a fisherman’s (and an Alabama. aquatic biologist’s) paradise and for Being number one in God’s beautione reason: We have so much water. ful creation of life is truly something Overlay that with a mild climate and to cherish and protect. This is parta tremendous diversity of landforms and-parcel of the mission of Lake or physiographic provinces – includWatch of Lake Martin. As we work to ing the Piedmont, which is the home protect the streams and rivers that flow of Lake Martin – and voilà – a kaleiinto Lake Martin, we protect the lake. doscope of life. For a much more To learn how you can join us in this in-depth and fascinating explanation, effort, visit us at www.lakewatch.org. check out Dr. R. Scott Duncan’s Southern Wonder: Alabama’s Eric Reutebuch is president of Lake Surprising Biodiversity.

Watch Lake Martin.

The GSA recently updated the JANUARY 2017

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Try a basic bowl A healthy meal option for breakfast, lunch or dinner

H

appy New Year 2017! January commemoResearch from the Centers of Disease Control rates the beginning of endless possibilities and Prevention show that more than two-thirds – a time of renewal, slowing down, deof adults age 20 years and older are considered stressing and regrouping. Look back on the past overweight or obese. More than one-third of year to evaluate what to do differently or what to adults fall within the obese category. More than continue doing in the year ahead. Evaluating lifeone in 20 adults have extreme obesity, and almost styles on a continual basis is important in estabthree in four men are overweight or obese. Eight lishing healthy patterns with the intention of aging percent of women have extreme obesity. In our gracefully. younger generation ages 2 to 19, there are 31.8 Although people seem to be busier than ever percent who are overweight or obese, and 16.9 these days, research has shown that people are percent of those are obese. looking for ways to eat healthier. Consumers are These results reflect a situation that is leading HEALTHY LIVING the nation to incur serious health risks. Obesity looking for fresher and healthier alternatives.

BY JULIE HUDSON Food establishments are answering these demands and being overweight greatly increase risks for by changing their menus to offer healthier options. diseases and health conditions that include high This is exciting news because statistics show that the obeblood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease. sity epidemic continues to be a huge concern for Americans.

It is important, as parents and adults, to lead by example, so

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parents can lead their children through healthy lifestyles.

A healthy lifestyle is all about achieving a good balance in life while choosing not to smoke; achieving and maintaining healthy weight; eating healthy; thinking positively; feeling relaxed and stress free; participating in regular exercise; and exhibiting good solid relationships.

It is imperative to set goals and define them. Those goals should be achievable and attainable.

Stick to the basics. Start the day with a healthy breakfast; eat whole grain breads and pasta, and consume a diet mostly made up of fruit, vegetables and grains. Stick to low-fat dairy and lean meat. Keep moving and work on flexibility. Plan to make exercise a part of the daily routine.

Try the “bowls” concept of eating. It is a concept that originated from a Japanese style of eating and has been around for a long time; however, it has recently become extremely popular among restaurants, colleges, fast food establishments, coffee shops and consumers, who are replicating or creating these recipes in their homes. This concept has been the answer for foodservice establishments to serve healthier food options.

A “bowl” can be eaten for any meal, though the concept started as a breakfast idea to help consumers eat a healthy morning meal to get them through the day.

The bowl concept is basically a meal that contains a variety of healthy ingredients that fit into a bowl. Sometimes the ingredients are sweet and other times savory; however, they are almost always healthy.

Each bowl can be customized for a specific person. The ingredients can change, but the basic makeup of the recipes stays the same. Each bowl should contain a whole grain, a lean protein, a healthy fat, a green vegetable, a raw produce selection and a variety of other vegetables.

Imagine how this concept lends itself to an array of colors, textures, tastes. This is probably the main reason bowls are so satisfying. Bowls are offered with a defined recipe or on the “build your own” concept.

Some popular bowl recipes could include a Greek Quinoa bowl made with quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta and olive oil topped with a choice of an egg, chicken or salmon. Another option may be more of a morning bowl using quinoa, vegetables, black beans, baby spinach and poached eggs on top with avocado slices and salsa.

A local fast-food restaurant offers a bowl containing an egg white, turkey sausage, kale and spinach.

Some bowls incorporate quinoa, sweet potato, kale or spinach, egg, various other vegetables and avocado. An Italian breakfast bowl could offer fresh scrambled eggs, red sauce, mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese, all baked in the oven.

A true breakfast bowl would be made with oatmeal, ham, eggs, cheese and scallions. Another breakfast bowl may have steel cut oats with maple ham and egg or steel cut oats with bacon, apple and cinnamon.

Lots of juice bars serve bowls made with superfoods, such as acai berries, tropical fruit, vegetables, granola, seeds and milk. These bowls offer breakfast items that may be slightly more substantial than juice or can pair nicely with juice.

If struggling with healthy breakfast or lunch ideas, try the “bowl” concept. Let that creative mind flow and be surprised at the end product.

May the year ahead be filled with healthy living.

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ne of the toughest decisions we make when that oppor- This smaller-is-better approach to cold-water fishing may even tunity to get on the lake arrives is what to fish with. I explain some of the mass success of the underspins, like the agree with the argument that sometimes less is more.

Fish Head Spin, in winter months. They are especially good And, it’s better to simplify the bait selection. when used with small, soft plastic swimbaits and flukes.

At the same time, I admit to being a borderline “tackle A preference for smaller line size may coincide with a tenhoarder,” but fishing the bait that’s an old tried-and-true with dency to start small in the winter. There’s also a noticeable few results while the other person in the boat puts on a fishdifference in how well an angler can cast smaller line sizes/ catching clinic is tough to handle. Fortunately, my buddies diameters compared to the bigger stuff. Different line types either are good sports, or they can read my facial expressions. have different properties that can affect how they act. Smaller They are usually content to lavish in the quietness line will be more limp and, therefore, will give the of the 20-foot space between us as they ask me to bait more freedom to move as designed. Again, take pictures of their trophies. dropping a bait in the water and watching it on the A few too many experiences as photographer retrieve using different line sizes will tell much. rather than photographed forces me to analyze I like the biggest line I can use without comprowhat’s different. The first thing I look for is what mising the action of the bait. I have to get the fish bait my partner is throwing. I will do the walk of to bite before I’ll be able to get it in. shame to the tackle bag. Nothing to be found like Fluorocarbon is probably my favorite line type that? But just wait. because it’s practically invisible in the water. It’s Next time, I will have some – and maybe a lot also very sensitive, and I think it has less stretch – of “that” bait. Then I will even the score, or so I compared to monofilament. It’s pretty tough and think; thus, I end up with lots of tackle that ended breaks down less over time than monofilament. up being one-hit wonders, if I can even give them The negative side of fluorocarbon is that it’s BIG CATCHES that much credit. relatively stiff compared to monofilament and

BY GREG VINSON Occasionally, one of those suspected one-hit braided line. It can be less forgiving on the cast wonders surprisingly shows consistency and ultiand has more “memory,” as it tends to look coiled mately becomes a “gamer;” at least until the next schooling after it is pulled or cast from the reel spool. Cold weather and experience. So the circle never ends, and we anglers accumulate cold water make this worse and are the reasons many anglers tackle. It’s what we do when we can’t go fishing. switch to monofilament lines during the winter months.

One of the variables that definitely matters is water temperaI prefer to stay with fluorocarbon longer than some anglers, ture. Several years into tournament fishing, I started to notice and I downsize to one or two steps below what I would nordistinct differences in how baits performed in cold water. Not mally prefer. In a situation where I normally go with 15-pound only soft plastics, but hard baits as well.

Seaguar Invis X, I may go to 10-pound. I adjust my hooks and Lure manufacturers design the baits for a mass market that hook setting method and take a little extra caution when landranges to all corners of the United States and beyond. Baits that ing the fish. I like the low visibility of fluorocarbon, and less should float may suspend. Baits that suspend may sink. Soft stretch means it takes a little less force to get a solid hookset. plastic “appendages” may not act the same in cold water as Great properties in deep, clear water. they do in warmer water.

Monofilament is very limp, but I find myself shying away I’m sure it has to do with how the density of water and the because I’ve become so accustomed to fluorocarbon. That density of the bait compare, but that’s taking it too far in my being said, the monofilament is going to give the bait a little opinion. Let’s just say it might pay off to watch how the bait more freedom to move during the retrieve, especially when the acts when it’s dropped in the water. water is cold. Monofilament is less sensitive and a little more Watch it on the retrieve as well. Doing a little R&D is a good difficult to get a solid hookset, especially on a long cast. excuse for going to the lake. I’ve found that some of my baits It tends to be less buoyant than fluorocarbon, so anglers do some neat stuff, and the action may even improve in colder should be prepared to adjust bait selection to make sure they water. Others may be just the opposite. can reach the depths desired.

Bigger baits equal bigger bass, or so I hear. If only it were Sometimes the stretch properties of monofilament can help that simple. Predatory fish typically do not eat as much or as when using crankbaits. It keeps an angler from taking the bait often during the cold. It seems that more than any other time of away from the fish as soon as it strikes. the year, small baits catch more fish and don’t sacrifice much in Braided line is the most limp, in general, especially when terms of quality fish. Big fish will still bite big baits, but using comparing similar line diameters with fluoro and mono. This too big an offering can be costly during the winter. Maybe start can be a big plus when temperatures affect memory in the line. small and hopefully work up in bait size as the bites come to The biggest disadvantage is that it’s more visible than the othfind the right combination for numbers and quality. ers, too. I don’t feel like I get as many bites using braid in clear Smaller soft baits generally have a tighter action, meaning water and especially in open water; although, braid still excels appendages don’t make large twists or flaps; but rather, quick in dense cover, vegetation and even underneath docks where beats that seem to be a plus at times in cold temps. Smaller there’s an element of camouflage. crankbaits have a tighter action and less wobble. At times, this Sometimes the little things can make a big difference, espealso is considered a plus for crankbaits in the cold. My apolocially when dealing with fish in cold water. gies to the Wiggle Wart and Colorado blade enthusiasts, as there are always exceptions to every rule.

Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the Smaller soft baits will typically have thinner plastic in Bassmaster Elite Series and PAA tours. He lives in Wetumpka places that free them up to move more relative to their size. and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.

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Cold Water Fishing

A little R&D could get you in the trophy photo

JANUARY 2017

LAKE 73

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Give Your Heart a Fresh Start The new year is here, so why not make a resolution that gives you and your loved ones peace of mind? We all know that healthy hearts live longer, more active lives.

That starts with a comprehensive cardiac checkup.

February is American Heart Month, serving as an annual reminder of the fight against cardiovascular disease. Kevin Sublett, MD, and his staff at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic of Central Alabama are proud supporters of this fight. We are committed to keeping your heart healthy, so you can live a healthier life all year long.

Our clinic is backed by the world-class expertise you expect from UAB Medicine, offering: • The full spectrum of cardiovascular care • Care from a physician board-certified in interventional cardiology • The latest in cardiac and vascular ultrasound technology, as well as nuclear medicine imaging in accredited laboratories • Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders • Convenient location within Russell Medical Call us today to schedule an appointment!

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11/15/16 10:39 AM

Shelf Life Some wines are best when young while others require more maturity

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L

et’s start by checking in on the vineyards the wine in the bottle and to market. and see what is going on there. As you Current vintages for white wine are 2014 might expect, not much. The vines have and 2015, and the reds from 2013-2014 are just been dormant since about November and will coming in. Reds generally age a couple of years continue to snooze until bud break near the or longer before release. Silver Oak recently end of March. But there is plenty of work to be offered the 2007 Alexander Valley Cab ($96) as done during dormancy to prepare the vineyard a “Library Release,” and it should be consumed for the best possible outcome. now. The current vintage for Silver Oak Alex Trellises and irrigation systems must be ander Valley is 2012 ($75). Lighter reds, like maintained, and many of the larger vineyards Pinot Noir, might last for five years; Cabernet may begin pruning now to have that critical Sauvignon has the best chance for lasting a task completed before bud break. The outlook decade or two. Merlot, Zinfandel, Malbec, etc., for another great year will fill the vineyards fall somewhere in between.

FROM THE CELLAR with optimism as the 2017 vintage begins to In a reputable wine shop, the vintage is not a

BY HENRY FOY take shape. concern. When buying from a convenience store Vintage is the term that identifies the year in where the bottles are standing upright and there which the grapes for a particular wine are actually harvested. is no attendant to answer questions, it might be a good idea To put a specific year on the label, 95 percent of the wine to check that vintage date. must come from grapes harvested in that year; otherwise, the And remember that old doesn’t necessarily mean better. In wine is a mix of more than one year’s harvest and is considaddition to the vintage, the drinkability of some wine, parered non-vintage (NV). ticularly whites, can be determined by the color. The color of Most sparkling wine and Champagne is a mixture of mul- bottled red wine is difficult to discern, but a brownish tint in tiple years’ harvests to achieve a specific and consistent style white wine is a red flag. or blend. For Port and sparklers, a vintage is designated only The reward of enjoying a wine at its peak lies in the recwhen the harvest is exceptional. ognition that it has not gone beyond that point. Using the For most of us, the vintage is not as important as it might vintage as a guide is the first step; sampling and savoring a be for a certified wine geek, but it does convey what has particular wine over a period of time is the next step, as it become essential in our lives, the “sell by” or “best when offers something to which to compare. Some wines are better used by” date. Beer companies and many others are beginyoung, and some are more satisfying with a little maturity. ning to use a “born on” date from which, like wine, consumThat brings us back to the beginning, 2017, and hopefully, ers could estimate the shelf life of a product. the same optimism that is about to stir in the vineyards will Yes, wine has a shelf life, and there are many factors that quickly awaken locally. No doubt, there is work to be done, influence how long an unopened bottle of wine will last. It repairs and preparation made for the best possible outcome starts with the grape variety, often referred to as the varietal. for our community, the region and the nation. In February, All we really need to know is the approximate ageing the vineyards will be in full pruning mode, cleaning up the potential for each varietal. That may sound like a lot, but vineyard, getting rid of the debris, and preparing for new it’s pretty simple. White wines don’t last as long as reds. growth.

Generally speaking, a white wine could be stored for three Finally, there’s something new at Emporium Wine. We’ve to seven years. A Pinto Grigio would be short-lived while added spirits to our inventory with plans to grow that segan oaky Chardonnay might last for twice as long. A desment as the demand warrants. As always, we are here to sert wine, like a Sauternes, could be held for as many as 20 serve and look forward to growth in the New Year. years.

Let’s pause here for a reality check. Is there anybody out Henry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine and Spirits there holding Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling or with the area’s only walk-in humidor, Café 128, Gallery 128 Chardonnay for more than a year? Reds, on the other hand, in downtown Alexander City at 128 Calhoun Street. He can are different, as suggested by the color, which we have disbe reached at 256.212.WINE, on Instagram, Facebook and cussed many times. at emporium128@bellsouth.net.

The color comes from the fermentation of juice in contact with the dark skins. That is where the preservative 256.215.FISH (3474) 2190 Cherokee Road , Alex City, AL www.alexcitymarine.com factors are found. Most red wines can be expected to age gracefully from five to 20 years or longer. There are exceptions, most notably Gamay, the grape Certified Outboard Dealer of Beaujolais, and Lambrusco.

Most consumers have no desire to keep any wine, white or red, until the label falls off. Like the sell-by date on a carton of milk, the vintage date on wine gives us a reliable guide to the drinkCall us today about our ability of a particular wine. Keep in Winterization Specials mind, however, the lag time in getting JANUARY 2017

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Back to Basics

Pro Tips From Lee Williams This time of year is when it begins to get tough to play much golf. While it’s good to get away from the game, it can also be a good time to break a few bad habits. All improvement doesn’t have to be done at the course. Believe it or not, a lot of great practice can be done in your home while watching television. Many top pros use the home method of practice religiously. The reason for this is that they aren’t worried about where the ball will go, thus making it easier to focus on correct fundamentals while not letting the ball’s trajectory dictate how they judge what they’re working on. The most bang for the buck in home improvement golf is working on the setup. To get a correct setup, try to envision the posture of Adam Scott.

It will be hard, if not impossible, to replicate his posture, but the thought of his posture will offer the best of what the body is capable of. Next on the list of importance is correct balance. A lot of weekend golfers struggle with weight distribution in their feet. The correct place to hold weight is in the balls of the feet. It should feel to the golfer as if he could jump straight up from address position. In my opinion, the best way to practice this is to get in and out of the setup over and over and hold the setup position for a few seconds each time. Committing to something this simple over these cold months will develop a great foundation with which to begin the new golf season!

Good Luck!!

Lee Williams, a professional golfer on the PGA Tour, grew up playing at Willow Point Country Club. As an amateur, Williams was a member of the 2003 and 2005 Walker Cup teams, as well as the 2004 World Amateur Team. He is sponsored by Russell Lands, King Honda, Nowlin and Associates, P.F. Chang's, Tempus Jet, Hyatt Adams Golf, Russell Athletic, Titleist, Ameritas Financial Corp. and Southwest Airlines.

JANUARY 2017

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Legend

63

22

22

280

24

To Sylacauga

21

Public Boat Ramps

Alexander City

17

9 Churches

Camps & Parks

Camp ASCCA

Flint Hill Church

14

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

11

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church New Hope Church

Liberty Church 15

20

Willow Point

24

6

7

Equality

Kowaliga Boat Landing

55

4

Seman

63

8

Trillium

20 The Ridge

2

The Amp Ko

wa

16 10

lig

aB

ay

80

9

Central

90

Union

ELMORE COUNTY Union Church

Red Hill 63

229

Eclectic

Tallassee

18 Kent

80 LAKE

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor

23

34

Camp Alamisco

1 9

Church in The Pines Camp Kiwanis

Paces Point Boat Ramp

JANUARY 2017

Timbergut Landing

Lake Martin Alabama

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Marinas 11. Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

22. The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

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

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

49

42. Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

Jacksons Gap

53. Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888

7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

280

62. Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026 Bethel Church

19

Dadeville

280

76. SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Camp Hill

86. Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

57

Smith Landing

9 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Pleasant Ridge Church

10 Harbor Docks Restaurant at Anchor Bay Marina 334-639-4723

2001 Castaway Island Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024

12 13

Business & Shopping

Lake Martin Baptist Church 49 Church of the Living Waters

Restaurants

11 Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075 970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010

Stillwaters

12 Lakeside Mercantile 334-850-6357 8246 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36853

5

15 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt @ Smith's Marina 256-444-8793 1590 Pine Point Road, Alex City, AL 35010 16 5. Lake Martin Mini Mall 334.857.3900

7995 Kowaliga Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024 4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 17 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 18 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 4. Russell Building Supply 19 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 4. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 20 256-794-1333

111 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 4. Dark Insurance 21 256-234-5026

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 www.darkinsuranceagency.com 22. McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583

1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010 23. Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Road, Eclectic, AL 36024

Hotels & Lodging

24 2 Cherokee Bend Bed & Breakfast 877-760-7854

5833 Highway 22 East, Alex City 35010

Advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map for as little as $25.

Contact us at 256-234-4281 or marketing@alexcityoutlook.com for more information.

13 EastLake Coffee @ Lakeside Mercantile 334-850-6357 8246 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36853

Walnut Hill 50 50

14 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481 5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, AL 35010

49

Reeltown

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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 El Rancho Grande 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 Little Black Dress 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 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

DADEVILLE American Motorsports Bay Pine Marina City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center Foodland 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 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 Peoples Bank

EQUALITY Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation

RED HILL Citgo

TALLASSEE Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce The Tallassee Tribune

WALNUT HILL Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA

The Wetumpka Herald A limited number of magazines are available at these locations. To start your subscription, call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281.

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

residential. commercial. interior. exterior.

334-651-0033AL/706-225-8070 GA

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700

columbus-auburn.certapro.com 1550OpelikaRoadSuite6Box294,Auburn,AL36830

haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

Do you want to see your photos in the next issue of Lake? WE DO! Send in your Lake Scene and Where’s Lake photos. Please include the names of everyone pictured, a brief description and your location.

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MAGAZINE

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Lake Martin Business and Service Directory

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

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

A Division of Goldwater Bank, N.A.

248 Inverness Ctr Dr, Birmingham AL

205-995-7283

Call TODAY for quick Pre-approval NMLS #47862 Corporate NMLS #452955

Performance!

Lila’s ENGRAVING

Call me for your FREE home sellers kit.

170 Jefferson Street, Alexander City

256-234-6004

Paige Patterson

205-616-8046

LAKE

334-332-3435 334-391-0759

www.paigepatterson.com

Relax. Enjoy. Lake Martin.

Call to order your subscription 256-234-4281

MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2017

LAKE 83

Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A&M Plumbing....................................................... 75

George Hardy D.M.D............................................. 4

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

Advanced Cardiovascular...................................... 8

Henderson and Coker......................................... 24

Russell Marine.................. 34-35, 46-47, 52-53, 60

Advanced Heating & Air...................................... 24

Hilltop Landscaping............................................... 19

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

Alex City Guide Service........................................ 4

Holley’s Home Furnishings................................. 88

Satterfield................................................................ 15

Alex City Marine................................40-41, 65, 77

Holman Floor......................................................... 83

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

Amanda Scroggins, RE/MAX Around the Lake.........17

Jackson Thornton.................................................. 17

Southern Star Farm................................................ 6

Atkinson Home..................................................... 83

Kowaliga Whole Health....................................... 83

Sparkle Window Cleaning................................... 20

Blue Creek Iron Works....................................... 83

Lake Martin Building Supply................................. 8

SportzBlitz.............................................................. 78

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation......................... 8

Lake Martin Community Hospital..................... 13

State Farm Insurance/ Harold Cochran..........82

CACC.......................................42-45, 48-51, 62-64

Lake Martin Dock................................................. 23

State Farm Insurance/ Karen Channell..........83

CertaPro Painters................................................. 82

Lake Martin Mini Mall.......................................... 87

Tallassee Community Hospital........................... 84

Coach Kraft Upholstery...................................... 89

Lake Martin Young Proffesionals........................ 15

Temple Medical Center......................................... 4

Crew Lending......................................................... 83

Lakeside Marina....................................................... 4

TNT Stone............................................................. 83

Custom Docks....................................................... 20

Lila's Engraving....................................................... 83

TowBoatU.S.............................................................. 5

Damon Story, Cedar Point................................... 3

Mark King's Furniture.......................................... 74

Troy Cable................................................................. 6

DAVCO Development......................................... 83

Mitchell's Upholstery........................................... 21

UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic............................. 75

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

Odd Jobs................................................................. 67

Walmart.................................................................. 82

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

Paige Patterson, Lake Martin Voice Realty......83

Wedowee Marine................................................. 85

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

Prime Management............................................... 25

Williams Plumbing Heating & Air........................ 8

First Realty............................................................... 6

Radney Funeral Home......................................... 21

WSC Distinctive Builders, LLC......................... 79

84 LAKE

JANUARY 2017

242X E-Series

EDGY. EPIC. ENERGETIC. AN ALL NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE WAKE BOAT BOASTING CUTTING-EDGE ENHANCEMENTS. STANDARD FEATURES INCLUDE YAMAHA’S TRIPLE BALLAST SYSTEM, AWARD-WINNING CONNEXT™ INTERFACE FEATURING NEW DRIVE CONTROL AND A POWERFUL 1,000-WATT STEREO WITH SOUND BAR, SUBWOOFER AND 18 PREMIUM SPEAKERS.

FX Cruiser SHO®

ENGINEERED WITH SUPERCHARGED POWER, RIDE™ FOR PRECISE CONTROL, LUXURIOUS COMFORT AND SIGNATURE YAMAHA CRUISER® FEATURES DESIGNED TO DELIVER PURE RIDING ENJOYMENT

www.WedoweeMarine.com 256.357.2045 or 800.780.2045 JANUARY 2017

LAKE 85

Parting Shot Photo by Kenneth Boone

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” ~ Audrey Hepburn 86 LAKE

JANUARY 2017

LAKE MARTIN MINI MALL We Sell The Big Green Egg! Free Set-u p & Deliver y On BGE

Gift With BGE Purchase!

5% Sales Tax

We Believe in Quality Products Wed. - Fri. 10-5 • Sat. 9-4 • Sun. 1-5 7995 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 • 334.857.3900 www.LakeMartinMiniMall.com JANUARY 2017

LAKE 87

Flexsteel Power Reclining Event Available with power headrest & usb ports

POWER RECLINING SOFAS STARTING AT $1195!

Matching pieces available.

®

88 LAKE

256.234.4141 Alexander City

JANUARY 2017

334.279.3101 Montgomery