January 2017 Lake Martin Living

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

Alexander City's Downtown Renovation

LAKE MARTIN'S INNOVATION CENTER The art of nature

January 2017

www.lakemartinmagazine.com Lake Martin Living 1

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2 Lake Martin Living

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Lake Martin Living 3

From the Editor’s Desk

M

y job is to engage readers.

Theoretically and technically, the longer a reader is engaged, the more time that person will spend with the magazine’s advertisers. That’s a fair trade for the reader, and if I do my job well, it’s a good investment for our advertisers.

Fortunately, with issues like this one, engagement is easy.

Start with the cover story about the Lake Martin Innovation Center. By the time you have your hands on this edition of Lake Martin Living, the center will be up and running. Tenants will be moving in and opening their doors; the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will be transitioning their offices to the new facility; and Tallapoosa County will be on another virtual map that tracks economic progress.

The Innovation Center is a very cool tool for this area.

So far in my life, I have been involved with three small businesses: I was an owner in a retail cross-country ski shop in north central Illinois; ran my husband’s construction office before he went to seminary; and had a specialty sewing business that did well. I know from personal experience that what Innovation Center tenant Kelly Adams had to say is spot-on: Starting a business is not easy, but with the chamber’s support, it just got a lot easier.

It’s also a very cool facility. There’s just enough industrial feel to make it edgy and progressive; just enough old wood to make it warm and inviting.

Check out this local move from exciting vision to awesome reality on page 10.

Another story that’s progressive and inviting is the article about renovating downtown buildings. We talked with property owners in Dadeville and Alexander City about the adventure and passion that drives historic downtown restorations. It takes a beautiful mix of nostalgia, vision, maybe a touch of OCD and a lot of patience to take on projects like Alexander City’s Masonic Building and Daine Sharpe’s Dadeville law office.

Read the story on page 26 to find out why it’s always worth it.

If you love art, check out Shane Harris’ unique perspective in this month’s first Alabama Naturalist column. Candidates for the Alabama Naturalist certification each month will share an aspect of the program about which they are passionate, and Harris’ take on the art of nature on page 20 will inspire you to look at the local scenery through more perceptive eyes.

Dave Jennings’ column is not just for golfers this month. Find out what kind of sports fan you are on page 18; let Fred Muenzmay teach you to grow one of the most exotic and romantic flowers of all time on page 14; and on page 32, revisit a historical battle that almost changed the history of our nation.

See? My job is easy. You’re only on page 4, but already you’re engaged.

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor 4 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Managing Editor Betsy Iler Assistant Magazine Editor Lonna Upton Contributors Dave Jennings Luke Robinson Shane Harris Fred Muenzmay Cliff Williams Mark Spencer Ed Collari Susan Foy Mia Osborn Mitch Sneed Magazine Distribution Manager David Kendrick Creative Services Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Emily Gregg Donna Jones Tabby Edwards Scott Hardy Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemartinmagazine.com

Lake Martin Living is published monthly by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Please address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 256-234-4281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

Lake Martin Living 5

ON THE COVER

President and CEO of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Ed Collari opens the door to business growth and entrepreneurial support through the Lake Martin Innovation Center, a collaborative facility on U.S. Highway 280.

Photo by Kenneth Boone.

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26

Masonic Building owner Tim Evans retained some original elements of the building in his current renovation.

IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 13. MONEY MATTERS 14. HAPPY GARDEN 18. FROM THE TEE 20. ALABAMA NATURALIST 34. MEDICAL NEWS 36. OH SNAP! 40. LAKE REGION EVENTS

FEATURES 10. LAKE MARTIN INNOVATION CENTER Opening this month, the new business center welcomes tenants 26. RENOVATING DOWNTOWN Passion, patience and plenty of money yield spectacular results 32. COOSA COUNTY SKIRMISH 1814 battle almost changed the history of the Creek War and our nation

50. THE LAST WORD

Lake Martin Living 7

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8 Lake Martin Living

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AROUND THE AREA

Drought affects local deer hunting This winter's unseasonal weather has taken a toll on the state's most popular game sport, said local Conservation Officer Michael East.

“People just aren’t hunting as often as they have in the past,” East said. “The drought prevented people from planting cover crops, and a lot of people have become accustomed to hunting those green fields. So without them, a lot of people are staying home.”

Fewer people hunting means fewer deer being harvested.

Processors, including Vick Jackson of Outpost Processing in Waverly, are seeing that firsthand.

“It has been slower than normal this year,” Jackson said.

“The numbers being lower has nothing to do with the health of the herd. I think it has more to do with the drought. The green fields that were planted did not come up. The drought did not affect the bow hunters because they are normally hunting over acorns and such. Now is when we are seeing the lower numbers.”

The warm weather had an impact on the activity level of deer and hunters alike. In December, there were 16 days with high temperatures of 65 degrees or above.

"Hunters hate to be hot,” Jackson said.

This year’s season is a little longer than normal, running through Feb. 10 statewide.

This year hunters are required to report all harvested deer and turkey within 48 hours through the state’s Game Check using the Outdoor Alabama app. ~ Mitch Sneed and Cliff Williams

It's Cookie Time!

Beginning Jan. 20, Girl Scout cookies - including S'mores, the year's new campfire-inspired variety - will be available across the area in a sales effort that raises a large part of the program's operating budget and helps young women to develop money management and marketing skills. For information, visit www.girlscoutssa.org.

Hunters Wait on the Weather

Though the herd is healthy, hunters are not spending time in the woods for this year's extended deer season.

Learn something new for free Thanks to a grant and programs from the Alabama Public Library Service, Alexander City's Adelia M. Russell Memorial Library is able to offer a variety of learning opportunities for children and adults, said Library Director Amy Huff.

“It is all free and right at your finger tips,” Huff said.

The Chilton Library and the Merck Manuals are available at home through the library’s website at amrlibrary.net. And library patrons can use the Ancestry Library Edition and

ABCmouse.com in the library.

The Chilton Library gives users access to manuals that could help them to repair cars. It covers most makes, models and years.

The manual also could be used to prepare for ASE mechanic certification.

The Merck Manuals give patrons access to medical manuals while ABCmouse.com is a great tool to help preschool children get ahead with more than 5,000 learning activities and 650 lessons. ~ Cliff Williams Lake Martin Living 9

BUSINESS MATTERS

Lake Martin

Innovation Center

A

s the Lake Martin Innovation Center last week prepared to turn on the fiber internet and welcome budding entrepreneurs, Alexander City’s Kelly Adams was packed and ready to move into the 600-squarefoot room at the facility that will house a business she has dreamed of since childhood. Adams, who owns Beyond Home Care along with her mother, will provide caregiver services for the aged and disabled, a business with which she has been involved since volunteering for her aunt’s service in elementary school.

“Home care has been my niche. Some people like to work with children or pets. I love the elderly,” Adams said. “The Innovation Center is a great opportunity for us. The process of starting a small business is not easy, so having the support of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will be very helpful from a small business 10 Lake Martin Living

perspective.”

Adams’ bonded and insured endeavor will have an office within the 17,000-square-foot facility that once served as the processing center for Aliant Bank, now USAmeriBank. Mark Spencer, Senior Vice President and Central Alabama Area Executive for USAmeriBank, approached the chamber last year about using the space to support local business growth after the processing operations were moved to another location. The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce signed a lease for the property last September and has spent the last five months remodeling to suit the needs of future entrepreneurs, small businesses and visiting executives at the lake.

“One of our main goals as a chamber of commerce is to help foster existing business growth. Through the technological and business resources in this facility, we

STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

will be able to host professional development workshops and seminars on a regular basis to train our local leaders and to strengthen their economic position,” explained Chamber President and CEO Ed Collari.

The availability of training space will help Adams prepare the caregiver staff that will serve her clients.

She will begin screening caregiver applications later this month and will be ready to take on clients by early February.

Collari expected to start moving the chamber operations into the new space this month, after many weeks of work by subcontractors and volunteers who prepared the building for the mission ahead. Chamber board members and staff have painted, installed trims and fixtures and applied floor treatments in the 10 to 12 offices that will accommodate the needs of startup businesses and executive tenants in half of the leased

Growing Business in Tallapoosa County

The Lake Martin Innovation Center is expected to open for business mid-month.

space, as well as the section of the property that will provide offices for the chamber.

The facility on U.S. Highway 280 will offer business and technical support for a variety of interests, from cultivating young talent and incubating new businesses to offering meeting space and the use of technological equipment to executives on a membership basis.

“For a nominal fee, business professionals can access the facility 24/7 to meet clients, host meetings or facilitate conference calls,” Collari said. “This option will be targeted to those who travel through our community on their way to places like Opelika, Auburn, Birmingham or Montgomery, as well as executives on Lake Martin, who hope to prolong their stay in our community by Lake Martin Living 11

being able to access the technological resources provided in this facility.”

The center also will be available for people who work remotely, as it will provide office space for meetings and will be able to help business operators establish local contacts.

The technological capabilities in the facility are a collaboration with the chamber and another of the Innovation Center’s first tenants, WisePoint LLC, an information management consulting company that offers high-end web application services to large corporations.

Jeff Kirk, a partner in the limited liability interest, said the company will occupy about 1,000 square feet of space in the building and will expand their services to meet technological needs of local small businesses, including computer repairs and software package training, as well as a broadcast studio facility that will be set up in the old bank vault space.

The Innovation Center will allow WisePoint the necessary room to grow, said Kirk, who grew up in Tennessee but moved to the area eight years ago after graduating Auburn University.

Within a few months, WisePoint will hire on interns to help with an extension of the company’s services, including PC repairs.

Within two or three years, he expects that the company will provide jobs for up to 10 employees at the Innovation Center.

“Beyond that, we would move to another location in town and make that space available for another business, which is the way it’s supposed to work,” he said.

“We started this company about three years ago. At first, I worked out of my home and for two years have been in an office on Broad Street,” Kirk explained. “But we needed the band width that the Innovation Center will provide.”

WisePoint has been a technology consultant on the high-end fiber infrastructure installation at the incubation center, and Kirk said the advanced capability would meet the needs of other local businesses as well. The advanced capabilities at the Innovation Center will allow local webcast hosting and Youtube broadcast projects for small businesses that might not otherwise be able to afford those services.

Collari said the chamber would launch a full-scale marketing plan to attract Innovation Center clients and members.

“We are looking for entrepreneurs – not just young talent but any age. With Lake Martin here, we have the potential to attract young entrepreneurs as well as experienced individuals who are transitioning into retirement or maybe already have retired but want to keep a hand in business. The Innovation Center could help them do that,” Collari said.

For information about the Lake Martin Innovation Center, contact the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce at 256-2343461.

Finishing Touches

Subcontractors and volunteers seal the concrete floors, place furniture, sweep and install baseboards in the offices and conference areas at the Innovation Center to prepare it for tenants that will move their businesses in this month.

12 Lake Martin Living

FOSTERING GROWTH

F

or more than a decade, workers in Alexander City and the Tallapoosa County area have witnessed an economy in transition. With a lack of manufacturing jobs locally, talented people in our community have looked for employment out of town.

But there also has been positive news as we’ve seen the economy change; many people are seeing opportunities to start their own businesses.

Helping these businesses along is the concept behind the new Lake Martin Innovation Center. When the Innovation Center opens in early 2017, businesses will find the space they need to grow. But growth is about more than space. It’s also about fostering the ability Mark Spencer to take risks, form meaningful partnerships, try new ideas, and take advantage of professional development and educational opportunities.

The Innovation Center will provide flexible office options for younger businesses, along with a place to collaborate with other growing businesses and entrepreneurs. USAmeriBank is leasing its former operations center in Alexander City to the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce for the new 17,500-square-foot center, at the rate of $100 per year for 16 years.

The center will feature office space, conference space and a fiber-optic high-speed internet connection. It also will house the chamber’s office, where the organization will continue to provide educational opportunities and resources for the business community.

The Innovation Center could house 12 to 14 full-time small business tenants at any one time. In addition, people who need temporary workspace can use common work areas and conference space as part of a membership plan.

Since nearly 50 percent of the homes on Lake

Martin are second homes, executives from places like Birmingham, Montgomery or Atlanta who are staying in the area will find these membershipbased resources helpful in working away from the office.

Part of the Chamber’s focus is to attract and retain young talent in the area while supporting existing businesses. And for USAmeriBank, providing the building and collaborating with the Innovation Center – the bank’s new neighbor – is a natural outgrowth of the bank’s community engagement and support of entrepreneurship.

The bank will be available to work with the businesses in the Innovation Center, from providing financial services and products, to offering help with Ed Collari such things as budgeting and business planning.

We see the Innovation Center as a place where established professionals and those just starting their businesses can work near each other and also find opportunities for the kinds of discussion and collaboration that foster new ideas and build successful partnerships.

For example, envision a professional in the finance industry working alongside a tech-savvy entrepreneur skilled at app development making use of the chamber’s resources, such as workshops on marketing, while sharing with each other the skills and knowledge that could lead to a whole new product.

And in turn, we will be helping Alexander City and Tallapoosa County grow a new kind of economy, built on innovation and technology.

MONEY MATTERS

~ Mark Spencer is Senior Vice President, Central Alabama Area Executive for USAmeriBank and serves on the board of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce. Ed Collari is President and CEO of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce.

Lake Martin Living 13

Bird of P Happy Garden

Fred Muenzmay 14 Lake Martin Living

Paradise

I

t was 22 years ago. I was working as a problem solver in the welding industry. One of my accounts was CSX Transportation in Kentucky.

A railroad inspector and I had been working on a system-wide problem, and after six months, we were blessed to find a solution in the mechanical operations of CSX. That year, I received a note from the chief inspector indicating that we had been nominated for the Gordian Knot Award for cutting through the knot, and six months later, I received an invitation to the awards ceremony in Jacksonville, Florida.

The award was given to me by a CSX employee with whom I had formed a friendship over the past year.

At the presentation of the plaque and some nice words, John Rigger CWI presented me with a root from a Bird of Paradise plant he had ordered from Hawaii.

“I thought you needed a greenhouse challenge in your spare time,” he told me.

Rigger knew we had moved to Alabama a year earlier and were in the process of building our first large greenhouse as we looked forward to getting off the road and to retirement.

One year passed before we saw the first green leaf from that root, and it was seven years before we saw our first bloom of the Bird of Paradise.

This plant taught me the meaning of the word “patience” when it came to people and plants.

But as I wrote this article, Lake Martin Living 15

there were some 30 mature plants that bloomed from the resemble those of banana plants. original root cutting, and we have met many folks in this area The Bird of Paradise plant requires very bright light. This who are raise and enjoy Bird of Paradise plants all year round. slant can even be placed in the direct sun if moved into the light This variety of plants, Strelitzia, Bird of Paradise is also called gradually to allow the leaves to slowly adapt. As the seasons Crane Flower (Strelitzia reginae). There are five species of the change, it might need to be moved around the house to give it genus, all native to South Africa. They grow from rhizomes adequate light. Placing a Bird of Paradise Plant close to a south(underground stems) to a height of 3 facing window is always best. to 5 feet and have stiff, erect, leathery, In the spring and summer, the soil concave and oblong bluish green of a Bird of Paradise plant should leaves that may have red midribs. be moist but never soggy. This plant The Bird of Paradise flower was needs less water in the fall and winter. first introduced to Britain in 1773 Water a Bird of Paradise plant from

by Sir Joseph Banks, who was then the bottom, so the soil does not the unofficial director of the Royal become too compact and remains Gardens at Kew (as they were known well aerated. at that time). He named the exoticFeed a Bird of Paradise with a good looking plant Strelitzia in honor of basic houseplant fertilizer at half the Queen Charlotte, wife of George III recommended strength every six and Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, months in the spring and summer, who lived at Kew for many years. when it is actively growing. Never The flower has two erect, pointed fertilize a Bird of Paradise plant in the petals and five stamens. One main fall or winter when it is resting. Excess bract, shaped like a boat, is green food in the soil deposits salts that with red borders. It holds many longburn the leaves. stemmed orange and bright-blue Bird of Paradise grows best when flowers. the temperature is between 65-75 The plant gets its common name degrees during the spring, summer from the exotic appearance of the and fall. In the winter, when the plant Crane Flower inflorescence (flowering head). is resting, keep the temperature 10 Previous pages: Also known at the Crane Flower, the Bird of Paradise blossom Emerging from a horizontal green degrees cooler. If the temperature goes resembles a crane in flight; Left: In its first year, below 50 degrees, the leaves may curl and pink boat-shaped bract in slow the foliage of the plant is lush and green. succession, the flowers look like the and turn black. crest on a bird’s head.

A Bird of Paradise plant does well Each flower comprises three upright orange outer sepals and in basic household humidity. We keep our Birds outside all year three highly modified, vivid blue inner sepals, two of which are except when the night temperature falls below 50 degrees – joined together in a structure that resembles an arrowhead, with usually late November through February. the third sepal forming a nectary at the base of the flower.

A 3-foot or 4-foot Bird of Paradise plant is usually grown The stamens have long, thin filaments surrounded by the in an 18x20-inch pot. A 5-foot to 7-foot plant will require a arrowhead structure with emerging whitish anthers. When a 25-gallon container mounted on wheels for easy placement pollinator, usually a bird, lands on the arrowhead in search of indoors and on the patio. Use a basic potting soil that retains the copious nectar, the anthers are levered clear of the flower, water but still drains well. and pollen is deposited on the feet or breast of the pollinator, Cut off any dead or damaged leaves and stems as close to the which then carries the pollen to another flower. root clump as you can.

The plant’s fruit is a leathery capsule containing numerous The easiest way to propagate a Bird of Paradise plant is by small seeds, each of which has an orange aril (an outgrowth division. from the seed similar to the red sheath or mace that is found The plant is highly toxic, so be sure to keep pets away. around fresh nutmeg seeds) and an oil body, possibly attractive Symptoms of ingestion include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. to birds that may help to distribute the seeds.

Call a local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Bird of Paradise flowers are highly prized and widely Center if symptoms occur. cultivated as ornamentals. The flowers are good for cutting and make exotic additions to floral displays. Individual flowers last ~ Fred Muenzmay of Eagle's Roost Herb Farms is a Master about a week, but a single boat-shaped bract will produce several Gardener and has been in the business of growing organic herbs, flowers in succession. When not in flower, the plant still has vegetables and blueberries for regional and local farmers markets a striking appearance, due to the large glaucous leaves, which for 26 years. Contact him at fmuenzmay@earthlink.net.

16 Lake Martin Living

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Lake Martin Living 17

F

ans of the game respect those talented golfers who excel on the course. Some of these golfers hit the ball so far and so close to the pin, make all of their putts and week after week place high on the leaderboard.

Some golf fans only tune in to the PGA Tour during a major – such as The Masters, US Open, The Open and the PGA Championship – while others tune their televisions to the Golf Channel the moment they wake up to see how the players are doing on the European Tour, followed by the LPGA and the PGA Tour coverage. They finish each day watching the Champions’ Tour golf coverage. These same people have subscriptions to more than a few trade magazines so they can keep up with college golf and all of the developmental tours. The hook of this game can bury deep.

I believe that there are three levels of fans in sports: No. 1 – The fan who tunes in to golf for the Major championships. This fan most likely is a college football fan on New Years’ weekend; a college basketball fan when the “Sweet 16” has become established; a MLB fan during the World Series; a hockey fan for the Stanley Cup; an NFL fan after the Wildcard teams have been determined; and an NBA fan deep into the playoffs. This fan has something to add to the conversation at the watercooler at work – usually perspective on a tremendous play, shot, catch or hit witnessed the night before.

No. 2 – The person who has a deeper love for a game may expand on an event and chat about what a turnaround the game was for a particular athlete who had come from meager beginnings or overcame a physical injury.

No. 3 – This fan is capable of credibly comparing an athlete to one from 10, 20, 30, 60 or 80 years ago.

The No. 1 fan is a sports fan that loves to watch the best players compete. The No. 2 fan pulls for his team no matter what, year in and year out. The No. 3 fan has a deep love for the game. This person, if athletic, most likely excelled in his/her sport. This person is a student of the game.

The greatest athletes know the history of their sports - the evolution of the rules, equipment, athletes, game-management and shot making or defense strategies in team sports. They are aware of the various weather conditions in the different outdoor athletic facilities and turf conditions at the various venues.

The greatest athletes became great not only because they were physically gifted but also because they were mentally prepared for the competitions. They did their homework. These few athletes are students of the game.

The greats in golf – Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer,

Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods and others – were tremendous athletes, but they were/are also students of the game.

Before any of these great players competed in a big tournament, they studied and charted the golf course in depth.

They learned who won previous events on that course. They knew who played well in previous events at that course, and they knew why. The “Greats” study the game, inside and out.

To gain a deep appreciation and become very good at anything takes study, learning the history of the activity or trade in which we choose to excel. In doing so, we just might not repeat errors that others have made; we might learn from others’ accomplishments; and certainly we would approach any sport better prepared to participate and compete.

Oftentimes when I speak to my team, I encourage them to become students of the game, but I’ve learned over the years that the boys are not going to immediately head to the library to check out a dozen books relating to the history of the game.

So over Christmas break, I experimented a bit. I gave them all an assignment to write a paper about three different golf subjects. They had to write two pages on each of their subjects while using three different references for each subject.

The subjects were: a biography of a Tour professional, the golf industry and the history of a golf course.

I chose the subjects and had each team member blind draw for the particular subjects. The Tour Professionals in the hat included Bobby Jones, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Harry Vardon, Patty Berg, Walter Hagen and others.

The golf industry subjects included the evolution of the golf club, the birth of the PGA Tour, evolution of the golf ball, sports psychology in golf, USGA and the R&A, along with others. The history of golf courses consisted of Major venues, including Wing Foot, Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, Augusta National, Oakmont, St. Andrews, The Country Club at Brookline and a few other courses.

This assignment was due upon the students’ return in January.

Along with turning their papers in, each team member will individually stand and speak about the assignments, knowing their subjects well enough to answer a few questions.

These assignments are not designed to keep my players off the streets during their downtime but rather to allow them to learn more about how the game has been shaped. Who knows, they may actually learn to “love” the game of golf.

In working on his assignment, one of my players sent me a text saying he had no idea that Harry Vardon had won so many golf tournaments; he had never heard of him before. In his

A game for the fans

18 Lake Martin Living

From the Tee

words, “Vardon was awesome!”

I feel certain that my players are going to have a new appreciation for the game of golf when they return from Christmas break. I am hoping that it will fire them up just a little more. I challenge you to do a little research on the game of golf as well.

Don’t know where to start?

Begin by sitting down in front of your computer and picking any year for the US Open – the 1949 Dave Jennings US Open Championship, let’s say.

Cary Middlecoff was the Champion.

Middlecoff was also a dentist – yes, really! He beat out Sam Snead in Snead’s third of four runner-up finishes in the only major championship he did not win, though Snead won 82 PGA Tour events. Can you imagine?

There’s a lot to learn out there, and you might get a kick out of what you discover. If you have children or grandchildren, get them involved, too.

Are today’s golfers great? Yes, they are. Are today’s golfers better than the pros in the 1950s? Well, looking strictly at the distances they hit and the scores they shoot today, you would have to imagine so; however, a lot has changed over the years.

Today’s golf ball is amazingly hotter and more consistent than the old balata golf balls. The clubs are more than an inch longer, creating a longer arch in the golf swing and, thus, more clubhead speed. The lofts on the irons are nowhere close; today’s 9-irons are what the 7-irons were when Ben Hogan played on Tour.

Course conditions are not even in the same league. Fairways today are perfect. Unless a ball rolls into a divot, the player’s lie is ideal. Gene Littler had to dig most of his irons shots out of “cuppy” lies in the fairways.

And the greens today are pure. The greens in the 1950s were not as good as our fairways today, and the speed of those old greens wasn’t even close. Persimmon drivers were about the same size as today’s 5-wood, and most of them had a fiber (soft) insert that was secured by brass screws. Even the grips on the golf clubs and the gloves players wore were nowhere close to the high quality we find in today’s equipment.

That makes it hard to really compare apples to apples in this question; however, it is the same great game: Get the ball from the tee into the hole with the least number of strokes possible.

Broaden your horizons and deepen your appreciation for the game; do some research. What the heck, we’re going to have some cold and wet days over these next couple of months when sitting inside with a good book, a search browser or a television documentary is more comfortable than swinging a club.

Deepening your love of the game sure beats the soap operas. ~ Dave Jennings is the men's golf coach at Central Alabama Community College.

Lake Martin Living 19

I

guess you could say I am into fine art. Most people might be surprised to know that about me; that I have an eye and appreciation for it. But you will not find me browsing in a fancy art gallery. Neither do I have a personal collection of exquisite sculptures and paintings. I prefer the simple things – the art of nature.

I have always been fascinated by the great outdoors. It is that natural gallery where I enjoy looking and pondering and studying what I see and discover. I am inquisitive, of course, so minute things grab my attention. When others just pass on by, I have to examine the fine details.

The four seasons are always on display with so much beauty and so many works of art to enjoy. Spring and autumn are my favorites, as they offer more than one can take in. Spring features lovely wildflowers; whereas, autumn displays fantastic fall colors.

Summer and winter are less glamorous but just happen to present the same palate in different perspectives. Summer is so green, lush and alive.

But what about winter? At first glance, one might think the winter landscape is just dull and boring. Yes, there seems to be no life – no leaves on trees and no flowers to enjoy; however, that is Shane Harris where the amazing part begins. Winter unveils areas of nature that would not be noticed during other seasons. The background of the woodlands – the skeleton – can be seen in full detail.

Rocks and boulders are among the most prominent natural artistic features of the winter woodland. The lack of green vegetation to hide them allows the subtle rocks and different types to really stand out. An average rock or two amongst the leaves is okay, but what is truly spectacular are some of the big rock outcroppings on hillsides and along streams and ditches.

They are not found just anywhere, so it’s fun to stumble upon them. And once you do, you just have to wonder how such rock formations got there – and in such unique arrangements. Rocks and boulders are natural sculptures in my opinion.

Another neat artistic item found in the winter woodland is moss. Artistically speaking, moss adds color and texture to the winter landscape. You will find moss growing around trees, on the ground and on rocks. It enhances the areas where it is found and whatever it is found on and provides a stroke of green color where there is none.

At first glance, moss looks like green carpet, but it is actually a collection of small, flowerless plants. It grows in dense clumps that give it a mat, uniform look. A close-up of moss is fantastic to look at. The tiny structures look like little trees and give the

Alabama Naturalist

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Moss

The art of nature

Lake Martin Living 21

Lichen

Needle Ice

Reindeer Moss

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Moss

impression of another world. You can touch this natural art, too, as it is soft to the touch.

The world of lichens may be the most interesting, yet weirdest, works of art found in nature. They are more noticeable during the winter and can be found everywhere.

Lichen are that common, light gray, paper-like stuff that can sometimes be found growing on tree trunks, rocks and other living and nonliving surfaces.

Lichen are complex life forms composed of two organisms – a fungus and an alga. This union or symbiosis produces a long-lived organism that does not look like either the fungal or algal partner.

Both partners contribute to the growth of the lichen. The alga uses photosynthesis, like other plants, to produce food while the fungus supplies water and essential minerals and produces a structure that protects the alga from extreme environmental conditions. Together, they thrive in some of the harshest environments on earth where few other plants and neither partner alone could survive.

Lichen just look bizarre, sort of alien-like. Maybe that is why they are so interesting, especially when examined up close. Lichens come in many colors, sizes and forms. There are three common types of lichens: 1) crustose forms, which are flat; 2) folicose forms, which produce leaflike folds; and 3) fruiticose lichens, which produce highly branched structures with hair or fingerlike projections.

Most lichens in Alabama are gray-green; however, the colors of other species vary from yellow and orange to dark brown.

Reindeer moss is a specific type of fruiticose lichen that is worth singling out. It is blue gray in color and densely

branched with short numerous branchelets. It has moss in its name but is really a large, growing lichen. To me, reindeer moss resembles some sort of coral found deep in the ocean, but it grows in the sun at the top of eroding banks and on poor soil in other areas. Like moss, reindeer moss grows in clumps, is slow growing and long lived.

Reindeer moss is exposed in the winter when all other vegetation around it has died back. It’s just an odd looking feature of nature that you have to check out to appreciate.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the very special handiwork of art that can sometimes be seen during the winter – ice. Yes, I know freezing temperatures and winter weather are not fun in any way in Alabama, but certain conditions can produce some spectacular ice formations and works of art.

Ever seen needle ice? This is made when water in the soil is brought to the surface via capillary action and freezes into a vertical ice column. Though they may not have noticed needle ice at the time, most folks have heard the ground crunch when they walked on it.

There is a saying that “art is in the eye of the beholder.”

Well, these are a few examples of fine art I have observed in our winter woodland. I hope you will take time to appreciate what nature has to offer for our enjoyment, but always remember to give credit to the Creator. He is my favorite artist. ~ Tallapoosa County Extension Coordinator Shane Harris is an avid outdoorsman and student of photography. He can be reached at the local Extension Service Office in Dadeville at 256-825-1050.

Rocks

Lake Martin Living 23

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Call for Valentine’s Day Spa packages and specials.

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Painting Classes, Comissions, etc.

Cottage Gallery 6 Broad St., Alex City 256-392-3933 or 256-496-6532

Lake Martin Living 25

Renovating Downtown Passion, patience and plenty of money yield spectacular results

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

26 Lake Martin Living

“Y

ou never know what you’re going to get,” said Alexander City’s Larkin Radney.

“It’s a ton of work,” Brooks Lamberth added.

“Things go slow, and you automatically have a lot of cost overruns,” explained local contractor Tim Evans.

“Once you start, there’s no turning back,” Dadeville’s Daine Sharpe said.

Still, they all would do it again, and most of them have.

Alexander City native Larkin Radney renovated his first downtown building – the Main Street storefront occupied by Little Black Dress – with his wife Richie 22 years ago.

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“We were not prepared,” he said. “The idea when we began the renovation project downtown was to take the building back to its original look. We tried to take it back to what it originally looked like by the old photographs.

“The thing with a project like that is you never know what you’re going to get. It’s a leap of faith. But we loved doing it.”

Radney said that after removing three layers of linoleum and even some carpet, they discovered that the original floors could not be saved. In addition, the building needed a new heating and air conditioning system, as well as a new roof.

But not all of the surprises were unpleasant ones, he said.

Sometimes, when the decades of remodeling materials have been removed, he’s been surprised at how well preserved some of the building’s original characteristic features really were.

When he renovated the Cloud Nine building with partner Kenny Riley and took out the dropped ceiling, they found a Historic Exposure

Previous pages: In the renovation of the second floor interior of Alexander City's Masonic Building, owner Tim Evans highlights the original architectural details with natural light from the arched windows; Left: Brooks Lamberth mirrored the shape of original window frames in the new awning frames and mahogany doors at 6 Broad St., Alexander City; Below: The Masonic Building renovation continues into its third year of work.

beautiful old tin-stamped ceiling and beautiful wooden floors that no one had seen in 50 or 60 years, he said.

And when the metal façade was removed from the old Carlisle drugstore building in Radney’s exterior restoration, townspeople came to Main Street just to see the building and the exposed vintage signage beneath the siding.

“Some people even found their names where they had written them on the bricks years ago,” Radney said.

In the last five years, 28 downtown buildings have been restored or historically renovated, said MainStreet Alexander City Director Richard Wagoner.

“We’ve received a lot of compliments. Out-of-towners are amazed at our downtown,” Wagoner said. “A major catalyst has been the opportunity to match the projects with Adelia M. Russell Foundation grants. Through the grant program, we can give a store owner a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $5,000 per building, if they want to renovate in accordance with the historic preservation ordinance.”

And in the course of renovation, every dollar counts because every job usually entails more work than the original estimates include, Radney said.

“Expect to replace a lot more than you think,” he advised.

“You never know what you’re going to get into. You’ll do a lot of uncovering.”

Lake Martin Living 29

Lamberth agreed.

For many of those who take on such projects, passion for “Nothing is square. Nothing is straight,” Lamberth said. “With architectural integrity and historic beauty are driving forces, this last one that I did, next to the old Frohsin building on the but return on the investment must also be considered. When plaza, the building was in such bad shape that I basically gutted Dadeville attorney Daine Sharpe renovated the building at 134 it. I had to get down to the bare bones and start from there.”

N. Broadnax St. where his father had practiced law, the location The bare bones meant taking the interior back to the original justified the investment. exterior walls. Lamberth’s crews removed all of the walls, “I am right across the street from the front steps of the electrical, plumbing and windows for the building’s three floors Tallapoosa County Courthouse. It’s the perfect location for an and took out the entire roof structure. attorney,” he said.

“Water is one of the biggest problems with old buildings that It was 1992 when Sharpe took over the building from his haven’t been taken care of,” Lamberth said. “Not only do you father. Once a drugstore with a doctor’s office upstairs, the have to completely the replace the roof, but everything below 100-year-old building was showing its wear. Eight years ago, he that gets damaged as well, so you have to take everything out, decided to remodel the lobby. get down to the wood and get the rotten wood out. Get down to “Well, we got down to the floor and found that there was the bare bones and start from termite and water damage, and there.” we had to go further back into “You learn more about the building and realized the what you’re going to do as flooring was shot throughout. you tear it down and see what We got about halfway back your options are,” explained and got to a bathroom, and the Evans, who renovated his first contractor tapped his foot on downtown building in 2008. the floor and told me he didn’t “Where possible, we try to get know how the commode hadn’t back to the original bricks, fallen through the floor yet,” timbers and beams.”

Sharpe said.

Doing so, he said, means “We tore out the whole these projects take a long downstairs – everything; time – sometimes years – to took it out the front door to a complete. dumpster out front. We took it Defining Design “The Masonic Building While modern materials are used for the walls and lighting, down to the mortar walls and Evans added charm to the Masonic Building interior with a had an architect lay it out, and project has been going on for structural beam from one side to the other. two or three years now. The we built a new office in an old size of the project required all building.” kinds of engineering and permitting on the front end before the Renovating an old office building, Sharpe said, was like first thing could be done. climbing on a bull.

“The more you dig in, the more you realize you have to tear “You get off when the bull gets tired, not when you do,” he something else out. Maybe the floors are rotted, and they all said. need to be replaced, and you didn’t think you were going to have But in the course of the renovations, he found the original to do that. So that costs more money, and there are things you soda fountain that once operated in the drugstore, along with have to do differently because now you can’t afford to do what the building’s original 10-foot doors, which he plans to refinish. you originally wanted to. It all takes time and money.”

And the renovation reflects the building’s history with exposed Lamberth said he was prepared for much of what he found beams and even a fireplace. in the Broad Street building because it wasn’t his first downtown “It’s top notch,” he said. renovation project; he previously restored two houses on Top notch is just what Lamberth was going for with his Calhoun Street, doing much of the labor himself to save money. renovation project as he searched the internet for weeks for “What I really didn’t count on with the building on the plaza just the right mahogany doors for his building. And he made though was how big the building is,” he said. “You’re talking numerous calls and inquiries before he found a shop out in the about a building that is 80 feet by 40 feet – and three floors. middle of nowhere to make the frames for his copper awnings.

It’s close to 10,000 square feet. That’s a lot of square feet. The “It’s the appeal of the architecture. People are drawn to places building is so big that it took a lot more – of everything.” like that. Look at New Orleans. That’s why people go down “Your plans definitely change over the course of the project,” there, for the architecture. It’s the attention to detail. Historic Evans said. “You hope they change for the better as you find downtowns have architectural appeal. You can walk from one architectural and historical characteristics, things that you want building to another. There’s some charm to it. It’s worth saving,” to preserve, so you can capture the building’s essence.”

Lamberth said.

30 Lake Martin Living

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Coosa County skirmish in 1814 almost changed history of the nation STORY BY MIA OSBORN

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New Site historical marker relates the story of a near-turning point in the Creek War. Over a period of several days in the winter of 1814, The Red Stick warriors of the Creek Nation found General Andrew Jackson’s forces in what later became Coosa County and attacked him on all sides. This hellish ordeal very nearly succeeded in breaking Jackson’s troops and rewriting the history of Alabama.

The end of 1813 brought trouble to Jackson’s army, which was made up mostly of men with temporary enlistment periods of 60 days. After major victories in Tallushatchee and Talladega in the fall of 1813, Jackson was forced to dismiss those seasoned fighters and wait for new, inexperienced reinforcements.

By January 1814, Jackson’s forces were reduced to a few hundred untrained recruits and some warriors of the Cherokee and Lower Creek nations that were sympathetic to his cause. Hardship and desertion further whittled his troop numbers, and the green recruits were less than enthusiastic about embarking into the hostile wilderness of the area.

On Jan. 17, Jackson’s men departed Fort Strother in what is now St. Clair County to march south for a raid on the Red Stick village of Emucfau (sometimes spelled “Emuckfaw”) and to meet reinforcements from the Georgia Militia. On that night of Jan. 21 some 203 years ago, Jackson’s forces had already made camp when they discovered three Red Stick scouts slipping through the woods. The troops fired upon them, killing one. Jackson’s own scouts found Emucfau’s 32 Lake Martin Living

location, 3 miles distant, and began forming plans of attack. But the Creek surprised them in the early hours of the morning, making a dent in Jackson’s numbers before retreating into the nearby swamp.

Jackson led some of his men in pursuit, but the Creek doubled back and returned to Jackson’s camp, killing several soldiers and one commander – Maj. A. Donaldson – before being driven off once more.

The battle made Old Hickory reconsider his ambitious goal of taking a Creek stronghold with untrained men.

According to James Pickett’s 1851 book, History of Alabama, the Red Stick warriors “exhibited a ferocity and courage which commanded the serious consideration of Jackson, whose force was weaker than he desired.”

At this point, supplies were already low, and the horses were starving.

Jackson ordered his remaining troops to retreat back to Fort Strother.

The Red Sticks followed them in secret, and two days later, when Jackson’s forces were crossing Emucfau Creek, they attacked again. Historians believe this was the Creek’s best chance to kill Jackson, and they nearly succeeded. That encounter, called the Battle of Enitachopko, has its own historical marker in Clay County.

The misadventure taught Jackson to be more cautious. He and his remaining men recovered at Fort Strother until February, when the arrival of the 39th United States Infantry and 2,000 men from the East Tennessee Militia gave him a force to be reckoned with. Still, Jackson waited, training with his forces and building roads around the Fort until he was sure that his troops had every possible advantage.

Jackson resumed his offensive in mid-March and went on to end the Creek War at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend on March 27, 1814.

The marker is located at the intersection of Highway 22 and Church Street in New Site, across from Roger’s Meat Market with coordinates 33.03628 N and 85.77515 W.

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!

3368 Highway 280, Suite 130 Alexander City, AL 35010 (256) 234-2644 uabmedicine.org/heartcentralAL

Lake Martin Living 33 Heart & Vascular Clinic ad-HEART MONTH-4.8x9.75.indd 1

11/15/16 10:39 AM

Russell Medical wins Gold Seal Surprise inspection yields top marks for local hospital

H

appy New Year! Russell Medical ended 2016 on a high note as Jim Peace, President and CEO, announced that the hospital once again earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for hospital accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal of Approval is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care.

Russell Medical underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite survey Aug. 16-18. During the review, a team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated compliance with hospital standards related to several areas, including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management. Surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

The accreditation was made public on Nov. 21, 2016.

The Joint Commission has accredited hospitals for more than 60 years. More than 4,000 general, children’s, longterm acute, psychiatric, rehabilitation and specialty hospitals currently maintain accreditation from The Joint Commission.

Accreditation is awarded for a three-year period.

Russell Medical first received accreditation by The Joint Commission in 1959.

“Joint Commission accreditation provides hospitals with the processes needed to improve in a variety of areas, from the enhancement of staff education to the improvement of daily business operations,” said Mark G. Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Division of Accreditation and

34 Lake Martin Living

Medical News

Certification Operations, The Joint Commission. “In addition, our accreditation helps hospitals enhance their risk management and risk reduction strategies. We commend Russell Medical for its efforts to become a quality improvement organization.”

Peace said the hospital takes pride in this highly desired recognition, and staff stay ‘Joint Commission Ready’ every day.

“We are pleased to receive Susan Foy accreditation from The Joint Commission, the premier health care quality improvement and accrediting body in the nation,” he said. “Staff from across the organization work together daily to develop and implement approaches and processes that potentially improve care for the patients in our community.”

As February approaches, Russell Medical is preparing to offer three important screenings at special rates during American Heart Month. If you or someone you love has known risk factors for heart disease, such as family history, obesity, stressed lifestyle, history of smoking or diabetes, consider these potentially life-saving screenings. The calcium-score heart scan ($90), stroke prevention carotid artery ultrasound ($75) and echocardiogram ($125) may be scheduled by calling 256329-7826. Appointments are required, and payment must be made prior to the test. Results will be sent to your primary care physician and one of our cardiologists.

Russell Medical reminds you that early detection of heart disease saves lives. Take a moment for your heart; get screened today!

- Susan Foy is marketing director for Russell Medical.

THIS IS COMMUNITY. THIS IS YOUR MUSEUM. THIS IS AUBURN.

JCSM.AUBURN.EDU Lake Martin Living 35

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Hometown Christmas Parade December 12, 2016 Alexander City 1. Amy Young, Allen Tidmore, Margaret Jones, Adam Sharpe and John Jones 2. Sammie, Caitlyn and Maddie Walls 3. Chloe Stidham 4. Luke, Rhett and Cale Hanks and Eva Middlebrooks 5. Destiny Grace and Carson Williams 6. John and Dianne Naler, David and Kolby Hand and Brian and Melanie Fuller

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Christmas in the Park December 10, 2016 Charles E. Bailey Sportplex 1. Martha Sue and Bud "Grinch" Champion

2. Alicia, Lainey and Addie Peters and Audrey, Jake and Alice Owens 3. Louis, Sheila, Joseph, Latasha, Jeffery and Haley Ammons 4. Gary, Melissa and Carlee Tapley 5. Dale and Sarah Smith, Shane Wall, Jennifer Bishop, Heather Jones, Jordan Smith, Shelby Wills, Dallas Smith, Kristen Peterson, Kim Pike and Carolyn Jones

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Dadeville Parade December 11, 2016 Courthouse Square 1. Harper Motes 2. Sara Williams and Shaquille Roberson Jr. 3. Santa Claus and Katie Pritchard 4. Lydia Branch, Connie Huff, Jelene Duck, Josh Huff and Joe Joe Huff

5. Megan Tanner, Hali Weimer, Alexis Lee and Natalie Phillips 6. Aven and Tiffany Sanders 7. Rylyn Young-Jackson 38 Lake Martin Living

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Holiday Hiking December 26, 2016 3

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1. Trine, Russel, James, Larry, Deon, Hayley, Hope and Hannah Whitfield 2. Kelli and Ted Gates 3. Taylor Myland and Andrew West with Mia and Chief 4. Charles and Briana Fulford 5. Jacob Iler

Lake Martin Living 39

THE LAKE REGION

Calendar FEATURED EVENT

Run Time!

Get in shape with local charity races With numerous 5K, 10K and 1-mile fun runs scheduled in the coming weeks, it's a great time to get out and support local non-profit organizations and work off some of that holiday weight that’s been adding up since Thanksgiving.

The season kicks off in just three weeks when you can enter the Paint the Park for Jody Run in Wetumpka or the Millbrook Mardi Gras Run on Grandview Road in Millbrook. The Paint the Park event is a color run that funds a scholarship program established in memory of Wetumpka High School student and athlete Jody Marie Sanford. The Mardi Gras Run raises funds for missions work at

Critter Crawl 2016

40 Lake Martin Living

First United Methodist Church in Millbrook.

The following week, join the Critter Crawl at Russell Forest Run 2016 Alabama Nature Center (ANC) in Millbrook. This trail run takes participants through 5 miles of beautiful forest on the grounds of the Alabama Wildlife Federation. The event raises funds for education programs at the ANC Natureplex.

Two weeks later, choose the 5K, 10K or 1-mile Fun Run through Russell Forest. This race starts at Russell Crossroads and ends at The Stables with a grits bar, beer, music and awards. The Alexander City Education Foundation benefits from entries in this race.

More local races are scheduled throughout the winter and early spring. Check race details for these and other running events at active.com or search for running events in the local newspapers and online.

Running is a great way to take care of others while you take care of yourself.

LAKE REGION EVENTS Jan. 17

The Artist Association of Central Alabama

The Artist Association will meet Jan. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Alexander City First Baptist Church.

Jan. 17

Diabetes Workshop

Durbin Chiropractic at 2036 Cherokee Rd., Alexander City, will host the first Prosperity Again Thru Health (PATH) workshop of the year at 11 a.m. with Standard Process Representative Josh VanFleteren. For information call 256-234-4223.

Jan. 17

Mend Thy Every Flaw

Local photographer Barry Chrietzberg will lead a demonstration on digital photography at this month’s Tuesdays with Kelly program at noon in the second floor Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery at 408 S. Main St., Wetumpka. Beverages and desserts will be provided. For information, visit thekelly.org or email thekelly36092@ gmail.com.

Feb. 4

New Water Volunteer Day

There are a lot of tasks that need to be addressed for spring at the farm, so come on out for a day of work and fellowship from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch wil be provided. Please contact Callan Freese at callanfreese@aol.com to let her know you're coming and help her get an accurate count for lunch. New Water Ministries is located at 460 Civitan Rd., Dadeville.

Feb. 4

Paint the Park for Jody Run

Proceeds from this run, named for Wetumpka High School student and athlete Jody Marie Sanford, will benefit a scholarship program set up in her honor. This 5K run starts at 9 a.m. at Gold Star Park. Registration fee is $35 until Jan. 25 when the entry fee goes up to $40. Sign up at runsignup.com.

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 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 on Feb. 11 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.com.

Feb. 11

Critter Crawl

This 5K trail event takes runners through a portion of the Alabama Nature Center’s (ANC) trail system to benefit education programs. In addition to the 5K run and a 1-mile fun run, there will be music, food, vendors and even a costume contest with prizes for the winners. Early registration is $25 for the 5K and $20 for the 1-mile. No pets, please. Race packets available for pick up Feb. 10 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at ANC in Millbrook. The 5K starts at 9 a.m., and the 1-mile race starts at 10 a.m.; both races start and finish at the ANC Natureplex. Register at www.active. com. For information, visit www. alabamawildlife.org or call 334-2854550.

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 sponsored by

Alex City Arts. More than two dozen of his classic hits, including the title tune, are performed by a multitalented cast, painting a portrait of “The Man in Black” that promises to be a foot-stomping, crowd-pleasin’ salute to a unique American legend.

Johnny Cash’s remarkable life story is told through his music, climaxing in a concert that will both move and exhilerate. Tickets are $15; students admitted free 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 256397-1019.

March 17

Tribute to the Music of the Eagles

A stunning tribute to the music of the Eagles, 7 Bridges Band will perform at 7 p.m. in the Bejamin Russell High School Auditorium. Using no backing tracks or harmonizers, 7 Bridges Band recreates the experience of an Eagles concert from the band’s most prolific period. 7 Bridges Band is a tour de force of talent, combining incredible musicianship, vocal precision and a stage presence that has garnered them national attention.

March 18

Lake Martin Ultra 100

No walk in the park, Lake Martin’s endurance trail race at Russell Crossroads includes distance options at 100, 50 and 27 miles.

Registration for all races is now open at lakemartin100mile.homestead.com.

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Racers arrive from across the country for this uniquely beautiful trail on the ultra circuit. The entire race is run in Russell Forest on carriage paths and gravel roads that are not accessible to automobile traffic. Aid stations will be set up along the trail and this year will include sandwiches, hot soup, hot chocolate, coffee and more. A great race for a beginner ultra runner. Entry fee for the 100-mile race is $200 until Jan. 31 ($220 after the end of January); the 50-mile race fee is $90 until Jan. 31 ($100 after); and the entry fee for the 27-mile race is $45 now ($55 after Jan. 31). See the website for details, schedule and contact information for race organizer David Tosch.

Season-Long Events Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Located on Highway 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m.

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to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children's Hospital. Call 334-8572008 for more information.

Ladies’ Book Club

Ladies 18 and older are invited to participate in the club at Adelia M. Russell Library on the last Thursday of every month. Meet in the conference room at 4:00 p.m. Call the library at 256-234-4644 for each month’s book title.

Electronics Recycling

The City of Alexander City Public Works Department hosts an electronics recycling event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Items accepted include computers, computer mouse, keyboards, modems or routers, CD and DVD players, power supplies, PC mix systems, home or cell phones, printers or copiers, mainframe servers, audio/ video adapters, laptop chargers, cable boxes, nickel cadmium or lithium ion batteries and flat screen monitors

and televisions. CRT monitors and televisions are no longer accepted. For more information, call the Alexander City Public Works Department at 256409-2020.

Charity Bingo

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

Cards are $1 and proceeds benefit local charities.

Music at The Equality Performing Arts Center

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

Real Island Supper

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

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

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

Naturalist Marianne Hudson fills the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads with children and adults to see and listen to her lively nature presentations with critters, insects, snakes and fowl, just to mention a few. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature in the wild and the outdoor classroom.

Your children will love every minute.

Check the calendar at Calendar.

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

Clearance on Select Premium Outdoor Furniture

Recliners starting at $399

Queen Euro Top Bedding Sets starting at $499

Lake Martin Living 43

9

Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

63

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

9

32

Power lines

280

27

U.S. Highways County Roads

20

Alexander City

6

22

36

18

Rockford

Flint Hill Church

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

34

3

49

128

22

COOSA COUNTY

Wind Creek 63 State Park

Horsesh Nation

Jaybird Landing

35

28

Piney Woods Landing

Jacksons Gap

Pleasant Grove Church

11

9

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

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

31 57

37

5

Smith Landing

Willow Point

Seman

4 Camp Kiwanis

17 1 Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

9

33 42

80

16

Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

Church in The Pines

22

29

14

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing 55

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

10 63 26 11

9

Equality

231

25

12

Liberty Church

20

24

Dadev

280

Ko

wa

2

lig

13

Union Landing

aB

ay

Lake Martin 23 Baptist Church 24

15

Stillwaters

30 8

7

40

Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

38 39

Walnut Hill

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

21

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

49

Eclectic Santuck Kent

Reeltown

231

14

ELMORE COUNTY

120

14

41 14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

44 Lake Martin Living

Tallassee 229

MACO COUNT

Marinas

Daviston

1 Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 2 The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

22

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

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

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026 5 Smith Marina 256-444-8793

hoe Bend nal Park

6 Alex City Marine Sales and Service

256-215-3474

2190 Cherokee Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 7 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888

7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

CHAMBERS COUNTY

ville

ON TY

50

Camp Hill

8 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

Restaurants

15 Truman's Seafood & Catfish 334-567-3156

8185 Central Plank, Santuck, AL

Business & Shopping 18 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481

5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, Al 35010 19 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036

230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850

LEE COUNTY

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

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 21 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

Loachapoka

22 Lake Martin Mini Mall 334-857-3900

7995 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

14

30 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853 31 Centry 21 Lake Area Realty 256-825-4800

440 N Broadnax St., Dadeville, AL 36853 32 Ballard Truss INC 256-234-4511

915 Pankersley Rd., Kellyton, AL 35089 33 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454

8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

35 Hilltop Landscaping

Brian Fuller 256-397-4457 • Eric Brown 256-397-2811

256-329-1901 • 1516 Tallapoosa St., Alex City, AL 35010

16 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 19

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

8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

11 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

14 Oskar's Cafe

6684 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

50

28 McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583

1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010

34 Bodyworks Massage & Spa 256-395-0442

282 Dadeville Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

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

2001 Castaway Island Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

Waverly

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

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010

10 SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

12 Homeplate Cafe 256-825-0583

191 East South St., Dadeville, AL 36853

280

26 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

111 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

36 Foshee What's, LLC 256-234-3298

2802 Dadeville Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 37 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt@ Smith's Marina 256-444-8793

Hotels & Lodges 38 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853 39 Creekside Event Center 256-307-1441

7051 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches 40 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820

8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 41 Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 334-252-8618

2602 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078

Dock Builders 42 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443

180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

23 Lakeside Mercantile 334-850-6357

8246 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853

Notasulga 85 81

24 EastLake Coffee @ Lakeside Mercantile 334-850-6357

8246 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 25 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853

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

Lake Martin Living 45

You do the dreaming, We’ll do the rest.

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Guests enjoy: • Professionally designed suites • Chef inspired menu • Limousine Rental Book your event today!

• Holiday parties • Showers • Bridge club • Prayer meetings • Weddings You name it and we will accommodate!

(256) 596-4017 5833 Hwy 22 E, Alexander City, AL 35010 www.cherokeebendbb.com

46 Lake Martin Living

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

Lake Martin Living 47

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

ALEXANDER CITY

Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Que Campus of CACC Carlisle's Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine’s Market Chamber Of Commerce Cherokee Quick stop Citgo Cloud Nine Collegiate Deli Comfort Inn Dark Insurance Darwin Dobbs Days Inn Discount Food Mart Emporium Wine Grace’s Flowers Hampton Inn Holley’s Home Furnishings Hometown Pharmacy Jackson Drugs Jake’s JR’s Sports Bar & Grill Koon’s Korner Koon’s Korner II Lake Martin Building Supply Lakewinds Golf Club Larry’s General Store 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

48 Lake Martin Living

DADEVILLE

American Watersports Bay Pine Marina City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center Foodland Foshee Boat Dock Homeplate Restaurant Harbor Pointe Marina Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Community Hospital Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy Lakeside Marina Niffer's At The Lake Oskar's Cafe Payne Furniture Pearson’s Place Poplar Dawgs Public Library Pug's Place PNC Bank Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 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 To be sure a copy is reserved for you, call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281 for a subscription.

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

Lake Martin Building Supply......................................................................................2 4

Alex City Marine..............................................................................................................1 7

Lake Martin Community Hospital.............................................................................. 2

APCO Employees Credit Union................................................................................... 3

Lake Martin Dock....................................................................................................19, 47

Better Bodies Massage.................................................................................................2 4

Lake Martin Medspa......................................................................................................2 5

Blue Horizon Travel........................................................................................................2 4

Lake Martin Mini Mall...................................................................................................5 1

Bob Alexander Landscaping........................................................................................ 5

Madison House Restoration.......................................................................................2 5

Bodyworks Massage & Spa.........................................................................................2 5

Mark King's Furniture....................................................................................................4 3

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

Millstone Nursery............................................................................................................. 6

C&C Wood Products......................................................................................................4 2

Noel Boone.......................................................................................................................2 5

Cherokee Bend Bed & Breakfast...............................................................................4 6

Prime Management.......................................................................................................3 1

Cotney Jewelers..............................................................................................................2 4

Radney Funeral Home.................................................................................................... 8

Cottage Gallery...............................................................................................................2 5

Red Flag Pest Control...................................................................................................... 6

DAVCO Development...................................................................................................4 7

Russell Lands....................................................................................................................5 1

Designs by Trish................................................................................................................ 6

Russell Medical................................................................................................................5 2

Edith's Boutique..............................................................................................................2 5

Satterfield, Inc........................................................................................................... 5, 25

Fermenter's Market........................................................................................................2 5

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

Four Seasons Irrigation................................................................................................4 7

Studio Sam Hair Salon..................................................................................................2 4

George Hardy, D.M.D....................................................................................................4 2

Southern Star Alpaca Farm.........................................................................................2 4

Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance............................................................................ 4 7

Sparkle Window Cleaning Services.........................................................................4 6

Jackson Thornton......................................................................................................... 1 2

Summer Village...............................................................................................................1 7

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.............................................................................3 5

Tallassee Community Hospital.................................................................................... 5

Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance..........................................................................................4 7

The Sure Shot..................................................................................................................2 4

Kelley’s Heating & Air....................................................................................................4 7

Troy Cable........................................................................................................................... 8

Lagasse Construction Inc............................................................................................4 6

UAB Heart & Vascular....................................................................................................3 3

Lake Martin Living 49

I’ve Tried Everything

Y

In pursuit of a good night’s sleep The Last Word

ou guys mind if I talk about sleep in vows about her having to deal with a human San this column?

Andreas Fault line.

You know, you couldn’t stop me Melatonin has been a slight help on occasion. if you wanted to. Yes, I see the irony in a It’s over-the-counter stuff and natural (or so the column that induces drowsiness as it covers internet tells me), but I need a baby’s handful the topic of sleep. of it to be effective. I have also been prescribed Anyhoo, despite 44 years of practice, I more powerful medication, and it does work but am the world’s worst sleeper. I mean I am not without consequences. just terrible at it.

The first pill I was prescribed worked great, It seems so darn easy, too! How can I but it dang near wiped my memory cleaner than keep screwing up this instinctual activity? I Hillary Clinton’s email. Every morning was a have tried everything to sleep better, too. total re-boot. (Hmm … Now that I think about Luke Robinson my history of embarrassing myself, maybe that For instance, I have tried getting 40 winks with and without the was a good thing.)

TV on. With it on, there are On that medicine, I slept hard. obvious distractions from Real hard. Slept harder than a the light and movement. frozen Cialis diamond at boot Then there is the volume camp. But it got to the point that issue: If the volume is high I couldn’t remember things, like enough to hear clearly, my cousin, even if he was named it may keep me up even “Ginko Biloba.” I was literally more; if it is too low, my forgetting to put pants on before ears naturally try harder I went to Walmart (at least, that to hear what is being said, was my story to the judge in thus creating the same court). insomniac-like effect.

The funny thing is I am Without the TV, my generally not totally awake at mind constantly races like Usain Bolt in a hamster wheel. bedtime. I go to bed early and drift into some not-alert/ “Did I switch over the laundry?” “Could a hover board not-comatose purgatory. My wife would tell you quickly support a man of my carriage?” “What the heck was that I wouldn’t be able to stay up for The Tonight Show Peter Piper going to do with all of those pickled peppers with Jimmy Fallon, even if Kate Upton were guaranteed to anyway?” have a wardrobe malfunction.

The other problem is I am a mover and shaker. Not The problem is, I wake up about every hour or two, in the business sense; in a literal, physical way. My legs checking the clock. There’s usually no reason; I just do it. are like fleshy Red Bull. I shake like a scared maraca 98 It’s pretty frustrating. percent of the day whether I am awake or asleep. I move So, if you have some country, old-fashioned sleep so much that I am a threat to wake myself up from a remedy out there, I am all ears. Daddy is tired. slumber at any given time of the night.

I definitely wake my wife up that way. She does not ~ Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native who also take it well – nor should she. There was nothing in our writes a weekly column for The Alexander City Outlook.

The first pill I was prescribed worked great, but it dang near wiped my memory cleaner than Hillary Clinton’s email.

50 Lake Martin Living

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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 Lake Martin Living 51

TOTAL FITNESS

Summer slim down begins now!

• No contract • No enrollment fees • Aquatic exercise classes & open swim • 2 fitness gyms & an aerobics room • Fitness assessment • Strength training • Personalized health assessment & wellness plan • Only local indoor pool

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Fitness Specialists: Cara Tidwell, Hunter Lewis and Amy Jones

Our fitness instructors can customize an exercise regimen for your personal needs. Call Cara Tidwell, Fitness Coordinator, for more information at (256) 329-7624 or visit www.russellcares.com.

52 Lake Martin Living

• Synergy Seniors • Arthritis • Aqua Fit • Boot Camp • Intense Aquatics • NoodleBlast • Strong Bones • Tabata Water • Strength & Conditioning

LAND AEROBICS • Zumba • Athletic Circuits • Bootcamp Core • Step • Total Body • Cardio 2 Go • Tabata Bootcamp • Booty Camp • Pilates • Linear Progression • Power Step/Axis Transform