Lake Magazine June 2017

JUNE 2017

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Be sure to check out the 13-f t. vaulted ceilings, master bedroom with queen bed and the tiled step-in shower.

Oh yeah, and the view of the lake ! You can’t miss that.

rel a x w ith friends or fa mily in one of the 3 spacious & s t y lish c a bins.

DOCK AT a dedic ated boat slip w hen not pow ering across 44,000 acres of pris tine blue l a k e.

Use a $50 gif t cer tific ate to enjoy a me a l at The L a nding. Or, grill out w ith your tongs out. pl ay on the ta rz a n Boat or ta k e a s w im at the be autiful w hite-sa nd be achfront.

YOUR LAKE GETAWAY IS HERE. eagleslandinglakemartin.com JUNE 2017 Š 2017, Eagles Landing Lake Martin. All rights reserved.

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Letter from the Editor

f it seemed like the traffic both on the water and off picked up last month, that wasn’t just inkling. Most local businesses with lake connections overwhelmingly concurred that the numbers of Lake Martin visitors last month rivaled some of the busiest mid-summer crowds of years past.

Officer Frank Cartwright with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency credited the perfect storm of great weather, low gasoline prices and a full pool.

The big draw created a bit of a stir as restaurants and marinas scrambled to bring in summer help early. Read more about how the early start to the season affected businesses across the board on page 36.

Of course, we know that the “perfect storm” made it easier to get here, but having so much to do when they arrived is the real reason for the super-start.

This month alone, there was the Paddle for a Purpose standup paddleboard race at Children’s Harbor; stargazing at Heaven Hill; and flyboarding.

The Paddle for a Purpose event grows bigger every year as lake lovers discover yet another way to see the lake and spend active time with friends and family.

Learn more about this annual race that raises money for Children’s Harbor on page 60.

At Russell Lands On Lake Martin’s “Stars from Heaven” event last month, stargazers were treated to a tour of the night sky through the telescopes of Columbus University’s Coca-Cola Space Science Center, accompanied by a selection of dishes from SpringHouse and served by Kowaliga Chef Ban Stewart. Lake magazine chairman and photographer Kenneth Boone was along to capture the stars in pictures for the article on page 66. Russell Lands plans another stargazing event this month, so make your reservations before it fills up.

Amy Passaretti met up with Alexander City’s Alexis Goldhagen, who trained as a certified flyboarding instructor and opened Lake Martin Flyboard to take lake enthusiasts to new heights. The story on page 42 explains how Goldhagen uses a Sea-Doo to propel fliers over the lake on what looks like a wakeboard.

Goldhagen, an experienced athlete and skydiver, can show her customers how to perform spins, turns and dips as they balance on the board above the lake.

So climb aboard, Lake Martin. Summer arrived early, and it’s a wild ride!

Betsy Iler Managing Editor

Staff Chairman KENNETH BOONE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Publisher STEVE BAKER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Managing Editor BETSY ILER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Assistant Magazine Editor AMY PASSARETTI

amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing/Advertising Director TIPPY HUNTER

tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com

EMILY GREGG

emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com

TABBY EDWARDS

tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com

SCOTT HARDY

scott.hardy@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 JOHN THOMPSON JULIE HUDSON CLIFF WILLIAMS LEE WILLIAMS

MITCH SNEED GREG VINSON ROB MCDANIEL SAWYER DAVIS LIZI ARBOGAST ALICE SHERBETT BRIAN WOODCOCK

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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On the Cover Cover: Certified flyboarding instructor Alexis Goldhagen takes to the sky – and helps others do the same – as she brings this exciting new sport to Lake Martin this summer. The board is propelled with the help of a Sea-Doo motor, and the rider can learn to dip, twist and turn on the board in mid-air.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

6400 Highway 63 South, Alexander City, AL 35010 docksunlimitedllc.com (256) 203-8400 Check out our Facebook Page: Docks Unlimited

JUNE 2017

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IN-HOME CARE SERVICES

For elderly and disabled individuals needing assistance with activities of daily living.

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

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

Lake Martin innovation Center 175 aLiant Parkway • aLexander City, aL • (256) 414-6090

Because Family Matters...

Choose someone who will take care of yours • Burial & Cremation Options Available • Professional Pre-planning Service

Choose compassion, understanding and care in your time of need...

Choose

Radney Funeral Home PO Box 99 1326 Dadeville Road Alexander City, Alabama 35011 256-234-2511 www.radneyfuneralhome.com

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Langley Funeral Home PO Box 130 21837 U.S. Highway 280 Dadeville, AL 36853 256-896-2571 www.langleyfuneralhome.com

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Contents 26. FISH WORTHY OF ATTENTION The Smith Mountain signage project will call attention to Lake Martin's endangered species 36. SUMMER COMES EARLY Warm weather, low gas prices and a full pool brought summer numbers to the lake a month early this year

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42. FLYBOARDING A certified flyboarding instructor brings this hot new craze to Lake Martin 50. VINTAGE COMFORT A Holiday Shores home lends rustic French country style to Lake Martin 59. LAKE HOUSE OF THE YEAR Russell Lands wins Country Living's award and opens the Longleaf cabin for a Children's Harbor benefit tour 60. PADDLE FOR A PURPOSE Racers take off to raise funds for Lake Martin's Children's Harbor 64. STARS FROM HEAVEN Russell Lands hosts a stargazing party on Heaven Hill with food, fun and telescopes

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:

e

- edition

9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE

74. LAKE Q&A

TO THE LAKE

76. LAKE PROPERTY

10. LAKE SCENES

79. BEHIND THE BOAT

13. WHERE IS LAKE?

80. HEALTHY LIVING

14. LAKE MARTIN EVENTS

84. BIG CATCHES

18. LAKE MARTIN NEWS

86. CHEF'S TABLE

22. GEO 101

88. FROM THE CELLAR

30. NATURE OF THE LAKE

91. PRO TIP

72. FAB FINDS

& GOLF NEWS

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.

JUNE 2017

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

April 2017 April 2014 April 2011

Number of sales

Average selling price

Median selling price

Days on the market

Total houses for sale

Inventory/ sales ratio

39 24 21

$509,472 $526,603 $361,624

$380,794 $333,130 $289,000

133 263 184

311 357 444

10.66 15.81 26.77

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.)

Did You Know?

Five seconds is plenty of time for a boater to get into trouble. With boats approaching from any direction at a variety of speeds, those seconds count, so the BoatUS Foundation last month urged boaters with smartphones to resist texting and emailing at the helm.

Cellphones, alcohol, sun, glare, wind and waves, as well as the vibration of the boat, contribute to a reduction in situational awareness, said BoatUS Foundation Assistant Director of Boating Safety Ted Sensenbrenner, who recommended slowing down, posting extra lookouts and waiting until the boat is safely docked before texting or drinking alcoholic beverages.

Lake Levels During the Last month Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 490.64 Lowest: 484.08 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.

Treasured Mile: Goat Island

The Mask Family has adopted Goat Island through the Treasured Mile program monitored by the Lake Martin Resource Association (LMRA).

The local family resides in Mask Valley, near Martin Dam, and has deep roots in the Lake Martin area with a Mask family cemetery in the community. The family has camped out on Goat Island, many times and their love for the area is the reason they chose to voluntarily pick up litter on the land.

Goat Island is well known for its large goat population and is one of the most frequently visited islands on the lake.

The Treasured Mile program provides beauty and cleanliness to Lake Martin and maintains a healthier recreational environment. Sponsored by LMRA, Russell Lands and Alabama Power Company, there are 78 eligible shoreline segments, and a listing of those available for a two-year adoption can be found at www.lmra.info/treasured-mile.

Lake Martin's Weather Outlook for June June 2017 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the high 80s with average lows in the mid 60s and 4 inches of precipitation in the month of June. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be normal and rainfall will be above average this month.

Year to Date

Precipitation: 24.62 inches Avg. high temp.: 68.0 Avg. low temp.: 42.8 Average temp.: 55.4

JUNE 2017

Our Normal June Precipitation: 4.45 inches Avg. high temp.: 87.7 Information from Avg. low temp.: 65.6 the National Average temp.: 76.7 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) Lucas Dee loves hanging out at Sand Island on Lake Martin. (2) Randy McClendon shot this glorious July sunrise from Cedar Point. (3) Cheryl Gainer McCall found this native wood hibiscus growing in her parents' yard in February. (4) Hayden Harper and Davis Fuller enjoy a yummy dessert at Oskar's. (5) Siblings David, Katie and Michael Blanchard balance on a tube floating on Lake Martin.

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LAKE SCENE PEOPLE AND PLACES

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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Reader Submissions (1) Jennifer Kissic captured the breathtaking AMP fireworks on July Fouth. (2) Hayes Boyd enjoys the lake scenery. (3) Kowaliga Bridge over a peaceful Lake Martin in April photographed by Kyle Thornton. (4) Parker Griffin and his "brother," Patton, enjoy a pajama cruise. Parker is the grandson of Tom and Georgia Weathers. (5) Porter, Tierra and Paxtyn Sandeen and Angela Young visited Big Beach over spring break.

JUNE 2017

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LAKE SCENE

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

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Reader Submissions (1) Garrett Smith snapped a photo of his dog Skipper taking a dip in Lake Martin. (2) Rhett Farrior was up with the sun to catch a photo of this misty morning sunrise. (3) William Currie fishing with Buddy and Captain. (4) Allie and Kellan Heath watch the boat parade with their dog, Kujo. (5) Alex and Cosmo Bringuel tubing on Lake Martin.

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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS LAKE? PEOPLE AND PLACES

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

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Reader Submissions (1) Peggy and Bob Clayton and Vicky and Bill Jones took Lake to Oaxaca, Mexico, for a destination wedding. (2) Rick and Twila Kilgore took Lake magazine on their cruise to Havana, Cuba. (3) Kim and Cheaney Margaret Keel, Byron Meadow, Alivia Wicks, Anna Isbell, Keith Matthews, Taylor Kerby, Luke Meadows, Chelsea Lawrence, Tony Hall, Hamp Isbell, Christy Spivey, Allen Isbell, Beth Barron and Eadie Caver with the Manifold Mercies Mission Team heading to Swaziland, Africa, stopped in South Africa with Lake magazine. (4) Gene and Linda Lawrence, Sheldon and Jackie Darnell and Bill and Sandra Patterson took Lake magazine on their trip to look for Nessie in Loch Ness, Scotland. (5) Alton and Debbie Johnson took Lake magazine on their missions trip to La Carlota, Spain, and are standing in front of the “Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree” in Madrid.

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June 2 - July 12 Kamp Kiwanis Girl Scout Summer Camp

All girls in grades 2-12 are invited to participate in a week of activities and opportunities for adventure. Summer camp options include day camp, two-night sampler camp and weeklong resident camp. For more information, visit www. girlscoutssa.org/camp or call Cheryl Miller at 334-272-9164.

June 3 Introduction to Sailing

Lake Martin’s Dixie Sailing Club will host a free class for those interested in learning to sail, from a sailing basics “chalk talk” to taking wind with a club member. Learn the parts of a sailboat, how to right a boat after capsizing and sail a Sunfish (flotation vests will be provided). Tour the boatyard, meet club members and learn how to be a part of the sailing scene at the lake. A free lunch of hot dogs, chips and June 1 beverages will be provided. Bring a swimsuit, change of dry “Build a Better” World Painting Class clothes, towel and sunscreen, as Adelia M. Russell Library well as a life jacket if you have in Alexander City will host a CALENDAR OF EVENTS one. Event is limited to 60 parpainting class by Bonnie Luckie ticipants. To reserve a spot, call as part of the “Build a Better Keith Bennett at 334-324-9383 WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN World” summer reador email him at ing program. The class cat221@msn.com. is limited to adults, and all supplies will be proJune 5 vided. The class starts at 10 a.m. For registration “Build a Better and information, contact World” Kids’ the library at 256-329Kick-off 6796.

The 2017 sum-

June 3 LMRA Annual Meeting

Hydroservices Manager at Alabama Power Company Jim Crew will be the keynote speaker at this year’s annual membership meeting of the Lake Martin Resource Association in The Harbor House at Children’s Harbor. An 8:30 a.m. breakfast will be available, sponsored by River Bank & Trust, and the meeting will start at 9 a.m. For information, contact LMRA President John Thompson at 334-399-3289.

June 3 Alabama Avenue at Chuck’s Marina

Celebrate the first Saturday night of summer with Alabama Avenue at Chuck’s Marina. The music starts at 8 p.m., but the singing and dancing will go on for hours.

June 3 Discover the Stars

The staff from the Space and Science Center at Columbus State University will set up giant telescopes at The Discovery Center at Russell Crossroads, and the staff from SpringHouse Restaurant will treat participants to some great food served farm table style at 6:30 p.m. Event includes acoustic music, food, brief presentation about the night sky and guided star gazing. Charge is $60 per person, and space is limited to 40 people. To reserve a spot or for more information, call Robert Gunn at 256-397-1019.

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mer reading program at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library kicks off at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex at 10 a.m. for a summer of fun with Cowboy Bruce, The Juggler, Miss Kit’s Bubble School, Students learn to right a capsized Starshine Faces, animal boat at Dixie Sailing Club's tales, balloons, storyIntroduction to Sailing class time, movies, gamer’s club and a teen program with Russell Wright and more. Register now at the library or call 256-329-6796 for more information.

June 5-29 Summer Arts Enrichment

Rising first through seventh grade students are invited to participate in a fine arts program from 7:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Dadeville High School. Students will prepare a skit for presentation to parents, and the summer program includes writing, learning characters and lines and constructing props and costumes, incorporating music, art and drama. Program dates are June 5-8, 12-15, 9-22 and 26-29.

June 8 Ambush Lake Martin

Auburn Football Head Coach Gus Malzahn and Voice of the Auburn Tigers Rod Bramblett ’88 will make an exclusive appearance with Aubie at 6 p.m. at Willow Point Golf & Country Club, 2544 Willow Point Rd., Alexander City.

Sponsored by the Auburn Alumni Association, tickets are on sale now at www.alumni.auburn.edu/ambushlakemartin at $50 for Auburn Alumni Association members and $55 for non-members. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Contact the Auburn Alumni Association for information.

JUNE 2017

June 9-10 27th Annual Jazz Fest

Lake Martin’s biggest musical event of the year kicks off with a free concert at Strand Park in downtown Alexander City on Friday night. Another free concert follows on Saturday at The AMP on Lake Martin.

June 10 15th Annual Lil’ Calypso Art Festival

More than 35 artists will share their talents at Chuck’s Marina from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be live music on the deck by local Auburn americana/rock musician Troi Atkinson. For more information call 256-825-6871.

June 10 National Marina Day

Russell Marine will celebrate with a Customer Appreciation Day at all Lake Martin locations with a cookout and 15 percent off all gear and accessories.

June 11 Sunday Night Supper

Call 256-215-7080 to reserve space at a table for this one-seating dinner service at SpringHouse Restaurant. Scott Burlingame will mix up a tasty seasonal cocktail mingling at 6 p.m., and Front of House Manager and Sommelier Daniel Goslin will plan a small selection of wines for dinner at 6:30 p.m. The dinner menu will include shareable dishes that have been hand-selected by Chef Rob. Cost is $40++ per person (does not include alcohol) and $15++ for children under 12.

June 15 Artists Association of Central Alabama

This meeting, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. will have an open studio and a short demonstration on “skins” and “sandwiches.” at the Senior Activity Center at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City.

June 15 Close Encounters of the Storytelling Kind

Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host Dolores Hydock at noon at the Red Ridge Methodist Church. She will share her close encounters with other storytellers, such as a cooking lesson with Kathryn Tucker Windham and a hair appointment with Dr. Ruth. Friends of the Dadeville Public Library sponsored two earlier presentations by Dolores and are overwhelmed with requests to bring her back to entertain, educate and provide the audience with some laughter. Call 256-825-7820 for more information.

June 16-17 Lake Martin Area Rodeo

The Charles E. Bailey Sportplex Arena in Alexander City will play host to barrel riders, calf ropers, bull riders and more at this rodeo event to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the gate. Advance tickets are available at Tractor Supply, Depot Music & Pawn, Alexander City Parks & Rec, Kowaliga

Whole Health Pet Care & Resort and the Boys and Girls Club Administrative Office. For information, contact Melissa Reynolds at 256-596-0645.

June 17 Miss Lake Martin Pageant

The wearer of the 2017 Miss Lake Martin crown will be decided at the Dadeville High School Auditorium. Age divisions are open for infants through 21 years of age with categories for Baby Miss, Tiny Miss, Petite Miss, Mini Miss, Little Miss, Preteen Miss, Junior Teen, Teen and Miss. Baby Miss to Little Miss competition will begin at 11 a.m.; Preteen to Miss contest will start at 6 p.m. Registration fees are $110$120, and this year’s Miss Lake Martin winner will take home a cash scholarship of $1,000. For information, email misslakemartinpageant@gmail.com.

June 22 Free CPR Class

Learn CPR at a free class from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Adelia M. Russell Library in Alexander City. Class will be presented by the Alexander City Fire Department, and those who complete the course will receive a certification card. Call 256329-6796 for information and registration.

June 26-July 9 Country Living Home Tour

Russell Lands’ Longleaf cabin, the 2017 Country Living magazine Lake House of the Year, will be open for tours from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tour tickets are $15, and proceeds benefit Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin, a camp for seriously ill children and their families. The 2,897-square foot home, designed by Nashville architect Jonathan Torode and located at 321 Paddock Point at The Ridge, is the first home to be awarded the Country Living distinction.

July 1 Alabama Avenue at Chuck’s Marina

Alabama Avenue will kick off the holiday weekend at 8 p.m. with song and dance under the stars at Chuck’s Marina on Lake Martin’s Blue Creek.

July 1 Arti Gras

The Fourth of July weekend at Lake Martin includes an art market showcasing local and regional artisans at Russell Crossroads. Everything from handmade pottery, reclaimed wood decor, watercolor and oil paintings, candles, photography, handmade jewelry to soaps, jams, jellies and more will be on display and for sale on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

July 1 Annual Hackneyville Firework Bash

Hosted by the Hackneyville Volunteer Fire Department to raise money, a fireworks display will be held at the Hackneyville Baseball Field. There will be live music, food and beverages and a raffle. This event is quickly becoming one of the go-to July 4th events.

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July 2 Sunday Night Supper

Call 256-215-7080 to reserve space for this one-seating dinner service at SpringHouse Restaurant. Scott Burlingame will mix up a seasonal cocktail mingling at 6 p.m., and Front of House Manager and Sommelier Daniel Goslin will plan a small selection of wines for dinner at 6:30 p.m. The menu will include shareable dishes that have been hand-selected by Chef Rob. Cost is $40++ per person (does not include alcohol) and $15++ for children under 12.

July 4 Russell Marine Fourth of July Boat Parade

Decorate your boat and join the patriotic crowd at Kowaliga Marina as boats of all size, shape and decoration will parade from Kowaliga Marina to Children’s Harbor, circling just past the lighthouse before making the return trip to Kowaliga Marina. Spectators line the shoreline along the parade route to applaud their favorite boats and contestants.

Registered boats will vie for top honors in the Largest Flag, Tallest Flag, Most Patriotic and Most Creative contests. For information or registration, call 334-857-2111.

July 4 Fourth of July Blast

Find a spot on the grass at The AMP for this annual concert and the Southeast’s Largest Fireworks Show over Lake Martin. Gates open at 5 p.m. The Bank Walkers perform at 6:30 p.m., and Sweet Tea will play at 8 p.m. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. For information, call 256-397-1019.

July 5-Aug. 1 Artists Association of Central Alabama

The Sylacauga Museum features a month-long AACA membership exhibit with a reception July 20, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with food, live music and a “paint around” demonstration at 7 p.m. A painting auction will benefit the museum.

July 10-11 Throw Away Day

Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission place dumpsters at five locations for free use by residents. Large household items can be deposited in dumpsters at the Courthouse Annex in Alexander City; Double Bridges on State Route 63; Jacksons Gap; Camp Hill Town Hall; and Stillwaters. For details, contact Sabrina Wood at sabrinawood@live.com.

July 14 Sun Festival Kick-off at Friday on the Green

Russell Lands On Lake Martin will kick off the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Sun Festival with a special Friday on the Green. The Jonathan Bloom band will play at Russell Crossroads, so bring family, friends, cooler, picnic and your pup on a leash. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m.

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July 21 Sun Festival Battle of the Bands

Russell Lands On Lake Martin will sponsor this annual favorite event at Sun Festival. Get ready for a fun night with family and friends at Strand Park in Alexander City, listening to bands as they compete for the prize – the opening spot on stage for headliner Moon Taxi Saturday night.

July 21-23 Couples Retreat at New Water

Tom and JoAnn Doyle will lead a retreat for married and engaged couples at New Water in Dadeville. Cost is $300 per couple. Lodging is available at Creekside Lodge or tent camping and bunk rooms are available on site at no charge.

For information, visit newwater.com or email Micah Simpson at micah@newwater.com.

July 22 Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run

The 14th annual Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run will benefit local charities as players begin at The Ridge Marina and travel to River North, Harbor Point, Real Island and Kowaliga marinas to collect the best hand of cards.

Prizes for the winning hands and best costumes are awarded at the after-party at Kowaliga Restaurant. For information and to register, call 256-212-1416 or visit russellmarine.net.

July 22 Moon Taxi Sun Festival Concert

American indie-progressive rock band Moon Taxi will headline the Sun Festival concert Saturday, July 22, at Strand Park in Alexander City. Gates open at 6 p.m. with the concert beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets available online at www.alexandercitychamber.com or at the Chamber of Commerce office. For more information and the schedule of Sun Festival events, visit www.alexandercitychamber.com.

Season-Long Events Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

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

Music at The Equality Performing Arts Center

The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and events on the second and fourth Friday nights of each month at 6:30 p.m. in Equality. Country/Western, bluegrass, Southern gospel and instrumental music featured. For more information, contact Wayne Glenn at 334-541-3302.

JUNE 2017

Strand Sessions (June-August)

The Lake Martin Young Professionals host live music at Strand Park the first Thursday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Bring chairs and coolers.

Yoga on the Green

Discover your inner being with free yoga at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads at 7 a.m. Saturday mornings through Oct. 1. Great for beginners and experienced; just bring a mat and water bottle.

Friday on the Green

Wind down the busy work week at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads with live music, lawn games and time with family and friends. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Friday through Sept. 15, except June 10 (Jazz Fest weekend) and July 21 (Sun Festival Battle of the Bands).

Catherine’s Market Wine Tastings

Come by for wine tastings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays through Sept. 15. It’s $5 to sample a variety of wines, and then apply that $5 to your purchase of a wine bottle of your favorite from the night’s sampling.

Crossroads Community Garden Club Pancake Breakfast

The Crossroads Community Garden Club members will be up early cooking pancakes at the Artists Cabin at Russell Crossroads on holiday weekend Saturdays. Help out the garden club and feed the family. For details, visit www.RussellCrossroads.com.

Live Music Sundays at Kowaliga

On the first and third Sundays of May, June and August – and the second and fourth Sundays in July – come enjoy live acoustic music on the deck of Kowaliga Restaurant from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Kowaliga will serve a full menu all day on Wednesdays through Sundays at the lake this summer.

First Sundays Crawfish

One of the best things about summer at Lake Martin is the tradition of the crawfish boil, and on the first Sunday of every month, Kowaliga Restaurant’s Chef Ban will be boiling this Southern favorite, along with all the usual fixin’s, in addition to the regular menu. The crawfish will be available only on the first Sunday of each month from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For information, call 256-215-7035.

Free Driving and Docking Clinics

Blue Creek Marina will host free clinics on Mondays this summer to teach driving and docking a boat. Registration is required, and clinics run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Snacks and bottled water are provided. Bring your own lunch. Space is limited, so call Jennifer or Nicole at 256-825-8888 to reserve your spot. Pontoon clinics will be held June 5, July 10, Aug. 7 and Sept. 11; towboat clinics are scheduled for June 12, July 17, Aug. 14 and Sept. 18; and sterndrive clinic dates are June 19, July 24, Aug. 21 and Sept. 25.

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Lake Martin News

Big Bass Winner

Weighing in at 4.86 pounds, Brad Jones won the Defend Waters Big Fish Award, sponsored by the Alabama Rivers Alliance, and $125 at Wind Creek State Park May 6. The Alabama Water Watch Association (AWWA) hosted the inaugural Lake Martin Bass Classic event and proceeds went to AWWA for use in protecting Alabama's waterways.

With a five-fish limit, boaters went out at daylight and returned for weigh-in at 3 p.m. Registration fees were $125 per boat and began at 2:30 a.m. the morning of the event.

Jones' combined weight for fish caught was 10.47 pounds. Second place went to Chad and Jeremy Miller at 9.07 pounds and third place was awarded to Bill Capps and Andrew Smith with 6.76 pounds. ~Lizi Arbogast Brad Jones' big fish weighed 4.86 pounds for the win

The annual Arti Gras showcases artworks from across the Southeast

Calling all artists

The sixth annual Arti Gras will be a two-day show at The Town Green at Russell Crossroads July 1 and 2. This event features local artists from around Lake Martin who craft jewelry, reclaimed wood decor, paintings, photography, candles, soap and other handmade items.

Arti Gras is accepting applications to participate in this year's festivities and display works for the many patrons who come through. Everything must be original and handcrafted, as Arti Gras is a juried art show and the artist must be the one to exhibit his or her work.

If interested in participating as a vendor, please submit two to three photos of the crafted items, along with an application, which can be found at www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com. Photos and applications should be submitted to Tyler Mitchell at tmitchell@russelllands.com.

Applications must be received by June 16 and the fee for an exhibitor is $100, which covers the entire show.

Space is limited though and vendors will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. This art show will run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more information call Mitchell at 256-212-1443. ~Staff report

Free Fishing Day

Grab a rod and find the perfect public fishing spot June 10 for this year's statewide Free Fishing Day. The Alabama Legislature allows residents and visitors one day to enjoy bodies of water the state has to offer without purchasing a fishing license. This day is part of National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs June 3 to June 11.

This gives anglers the opportunity to test different waters, or a non-angler the opportunity to try a new hobby. Spend the day outdoors with the whole family for a free, fun activity. Visit www.outdooralabama.com to find an available fishing spot or for more information about fishing license requirements. ~Staff report 18 LAKE

JUNE 2017

Local builder sweeps awards

A local Lake Martin builder was WSC's Shubird took honored in the five awards at this year's recent Alabama Remodeler's Excellence Remodeler’s show Excellence Awards show. Kevin Shubird, president of WSC Distinctive Builders, received five prestigious awards from building professionals in a statewide event featuring the remodel of a Birmingham family’s home at Willow Point on Lake Martin. WSC Distinctive Builders won first place in Exterior Remodels, first place in Home Additions and runner up in three other categories, including Whole House Remodel, Best in Show and Residential Specialty Projects.

Faced with a well-located home that had dated designs and structural issues, the owners redesigned and expanded the house. A second story was created to allow for more bedrooms, baths, a game room, TV room and of course, a sitting area with views of the lake.

An observation tower was also constructed with panoramic views to the lake. A new foyer and great room with a bar looking out onto the lake were created. Walls were removed to expand the kitchen and family den, and a former garage was converted into a master suite with vaulted ceilings, bay windows and a private porch and fireplace.

Reclaimed wood was used throughout the home from the ceilings to furniture. This posed a challenge, said Shubird.

“Every beam and piece of wood were different lengths, weights, and widths,” he explained. “It was like putting a puzzle together.”

Hundred-year-old beams from log cabins were used, as well as “skins” from industrial crates.

“This project brought many challenges, but our talented team prevailed with beautiful results and happy clients,” Shubird said.

WSC Distinctive Builders has been recognized previously for projects in the lake area. The builder has received numerous national and state awards, including five first place awards in this same event in 2015 for another Lake Martin remodel in Windermere.

See more at remodelalabama.com.

WSC Distinctive Builders is a limited liability company owned by Kevin Shubird, a licensed homebuilder and remodeler of custom homes for over 40 years. For more information, contact Chris Shubird at 334-567-4715. ~Staff report JUNE 2017

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

BY ALICE SHERBETT

Dear Editor: I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the (Architectural Trends) article (Lake magazine, April 2017). We are fairly new to the lake, sharing the old cabin with our three grown children and five grands. This article fits our family to a tee!

We have just finished a remodel of the master bedroom with a layout that will now sleep eight versus two. We divided the big room with a wooden wall that has queen bunk beds on one side and two twins over a king on the other side.

Thanks for all you do to make “lake living” so much more interesting and enjoyable. ~ Alice Sherbett

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JUNE 2017

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LAKE 21

Lake Martin's Historic

Sand Island

The appearance of Lake Martin's most painted landmark is drastically changing as the lone pine tree dies

22 LAKE

JUNE 2017

P

erhaps Lake Martin’s most painted landmark, Sand Island has struggled for decades to maintain its picturesque existence for artists, picnickers, floaters and skiers, and the little island between Kowaliga and Willow Point now faces another challenge. She’s about to lose her last remaining pine tree.

Known as ‘the little island that could’ in lake lore, Sand Island almost disappeared completely 10 years ago after erosion reduced the island to 20 feet wide and perhaps 65 feet long. It was saved then through the intervention of Mother Nature and the labor and materials of Russell Lands On Lake Martin, the island’s owner.

Though the public outcry was loud and clear as wave action wore away the banks of Sand Island in the early 2000s, no substantial remedy could be performed until a severe drought in 2007-2008 exposed a tremendous sand bar that stretched from the island to the adjacent shoreline. The dry land bridge allowed Russell Lands

crews to drive out to the island and surround its banks with rip rap, which has protected the beloved island and its solitary pine tree ever since.

But now, that landmark pine tree is bedecked in brown needles, and the tree shows no sign of life, save the natural decomposers that live under its bark and the birds that stop there to nibble on them.

Likely the smallest island on the lake, Sand Island sports a sandy shallow beach that is popular among swimmers and soakers, and its convenient location off the banks of Land Between the Lakes (GPS coordinates 32.76510, -85.97503) make it the perfect rest stop for skiers and cruisers.

So artists who yet hope to paint the island with its elegant pine reaching into the blue sky above Lake Martin now have very little time in which to do so before the island’s profile drastically changes once again.

63

Timbergut Landing

22

280

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Alexander City

Camp ASCCA

9 Flint Hill Church 280

49 22

Jacksons Gap Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek State Park

280 Pleasant Grove Church

11

Alex City Boat Ramp

Mt. Zion Church

259 9

63

Dadeville

Bethel Church

128

Russell Farms Baptist Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church

57

280 New Hope Church

20

Liberty Church

Sand Island

24

Camp Hill

Smith Landing Willow Point

Pleasant Ridge Church 34

63 Camp Alamisco

Equality

Kowaliga Boat Landing

Lake Martin Baptist Church 49 Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

55

Seman

Church in The Pines Camp Kiwanis

Trillium

Stillwaters

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor The Amp Ko

wa

lig

a Ba

y

Walnut Hill 50

80

9

Central

90

50

Union

Union Church

Red Hill 63

49 229

Eclectic

GEOGRAPHY 101 Tallassee

Kent

Reeltown

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

JUNE 2017

LAKE 23

24 LAKE

JUNE 2017

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LAKE 25 8/12/16 3:14 PM

Endangered fish worthy of attention Sign project will highlight area’s endemic species

W

hen panel assignments were made for the Smith attention to them; worthy of the space to educate people Mountain Signage Project, it was only natural about them. that Natalie Dudchock was asked to provide the “I think, even though these are very small – they are only research for the endemic species and fisheries. Her father about 2 inches in length – they are such beautiful creatures retired as head of Auburn University’s fisheries department, of God. So colorful and beautifully designed. They all have and Dudchock grew up catching her own bait. that long, slender body shape.”

“I always envied my father’s ability to identify trees The lipstick and Tallapoosa darters, Dudchock said, and creatures,” Dudchock said. “Several years ago, Shane are brightly colored, but the remaining four fish – the Harris at the Tallapoosa Tallapoosa shiner, striped County Extension Service topminnow, Tallapoosa did a nature seminar, and I sculpin and Tallapoosa bass learned so much that when – could easily be confused I saw that he was doing the with bait fish, so educating Alabama Naturalist proviewers and inexperienced gram, I couldn’t imagine a fishermen could play a part better opportunity.” in helping to preserve these The Naturalist course endangered species.

Teachers’ Helper was more hands-on than she In addition to the six expected, but Dudchock saw fish, the fisheries panel will George & Ann Davidson that as an opportunity to include information about Kimberly Shelton immediately apply the matethe yellow elimia snail, the rial being discussed during Tallapoosa pebblesnail and Trail Blazers class time. the Tallapoosa and slackwa“When it came time in ter crayfish.

Phil Penny the class for the assignments The panel also describes Joseph Ernest on the panels, they knew the area of the Tallapoosa Larry Tuggle that I would want the fish,” River Basin and the numshe said. bers and variety of fish speBill & Mary Sue Mims Working with the state cies in the river.

Jimmy K. Sanford fisheries department, Major funding for the in memory of Billy Hardy Auburn University, repsignage project is provided resentatives of the U.S. through a grant from the Geological Survey and othAlabama Department of Vista Viewers ers, Dudchock’s research Economic and Community Jimmy K. & Judy Lanier lead her to include six Affairs – Recreational endemic species of fish on Trail Program to the E.J. Washburn the panel that will educate Cherokee Ridge Alpine Kenneth Mull Smith Mountain visitors on Trail Association (CRATA), Brad & Katie Dunn the local fishery. which must raise $50,000 in “I chose those fish matching funds. To donate because, although we have to the project, please make Summit Toppers such great species diversity your tax deductible gift Carol Ann & William Nicrosi here, these are endemic, payable to CRATA-Smith and they are endangered.

Mountain Restoration and They are rare. They are only send to Jimmy K. Lanier, Visionaries found in the Tallapoosa CRATA, P.O. Box 240503, Jimmy & Lucy Jehle River Basin,” she explained.

Eclectic AL 36024.

“They are worthy of calling

Our Thanks to Recent Donors

26 LAKE

JUNE 2017

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 $_____________________

“Find Your Own Slice of Paradise on Lake Martin” • Friday, June 2nd: Sidney Phelps Duo • Saturday, June 3rd: Alabama Avenue • Friday, June 9th: Chris Posey • Saturday, June 10th: LIL’ CALYPSO 12:30-3:30: Troi Atkinson Evening: Jaycob Curlee & Jonathan Eley

• Friday, June 16th: Blane Rudd • Saturday, June 17th: Shades of Gray • Friday, June 23rd: John Bull & Ed Pickett WINE & WORDS WINE TASTING

• Saturday, June 24th: Rachel Wilson Band • Friday, June 30th: Sidney Phelps (Starting July 4th Celebration of Music Weekend)

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LAKE 27

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JUNE 2017

LAKE 29

A Lost Limpkin?

Shallow wetlands are the perfect habitat for limpkins

30 LAKE

JUNE 2017

NATURE OF THE LAKE

BY KENNETH BOONE

JUNE 2017

LAKE 31

The Lake Martin limpkin snacks on an apple snail

32 LAKE

JUNE 2017

The Nature of The Lake stories feature a plant or animal found around Lake Martin. This month, I’m happily writing about a bird that's almost never seen here.

In mid-May, my son Christopher and wife Mary Lyman were canoeing on Elkahatchee Creek, several miles upstream from where it flows into Lake Martin under the Highway 63 bridge, when they saw an unusual bird.

Christopher is an accomplished bird watcher and he didn’t know what it was. But they got close enough for Mary Lyman shoot a cell-phone photo that she texted to me.

I had never seen the bird either, so I did some research and positively identified it as a limpkin … a bird native to South America all the way down to Argentina, the Caribbean and Florida, with rare incursions into southern Georgia.

Two weeks went by, and I mentioned the limpkin sighting to Willow Point birdwatcher Martha Tucker and her daughter Mary Rachel Tucker, a pre-med student at Auburn University who is taking ornithology as an elective this semester. They both got excited, and I offered to take them on a limpkin hunt.

To be honest, I thought our chances of actually spotting what could easily be the only limpkin in Alabama were slim to none. But I’m always up for an adventure on the water. So one evening, we eased up the very shallow creek to a point where it was about as wide as a single-lane road. There was a patch of water-willow in the center of the creek, and as we neared it, I saw something large and brown moving in the bright green grass. At first, I thought it was a muskrat or a small beaver, then up popped an unmistakable head – the limpkin!

We floated in closer – approaching within 10 feet of the big bird – and it went about its business of hunting for and eating snails like we weren’t even there. We spent at least half an hour and shot hundreds of photos before the light began to fail.

The fact that it allowed us so close is one of the identifying features of limpkins. They are very tame and unafraid of people; there have even been reports of people catching them by hand before that sort of thing became frowned upon.

Mary Rachel said according to the rare bird alert from Cornell University, it is the first documented limpkin sighting in Tallapoosa County ever; however, back in 2000, a limpkin was sighted five times around Smith Lake in north Alabama.

A limpkin is a large shorebird with a long neck, a long, downward-curved yellowish bill and long gray-brown legs with very long toes that allow it to walk on top of floating vegetation. Full-grown limpkins stand close to 2.5 feet tall with a wingspan of around 3.3 feet and a top weight just under 3 pounds.

The bird’s plumage is brown with large white spots on its body and wings fading to white speckles around its upper neck and head, which can make its head look gray from a distance.

A limpkin bill is unique in that it is orange-yellow close to the bird’s face and fades to gray and then dark gray at the tip. The upper and lower bill open slightly near the tip, but the tip itself touches. In many individuals, the tip curves to the right.

Why such an unusual bill?

This bird eats mostly one thing: apple snails. The freshwater snails that make up 70 percent of its diet have rightspiraling shells. As a result, the limpkin’s bill has evolved into a tweezer perfectly suited to plucking apple snails from its shell, which it often does without damaging the shell in as little as 10 seconds. If you find a pile of empty apple snail shells on the shoreline, you’ll likely find a limpkin nearby.

They will also eat other mussels, frogs, lizards, insects and worms in a pinch.

Limpkins are also unusual because they are one-of-akind birds. It’s the only species in its family, Aramidae.

Limpkin cousins in the bird world have been debated for years, but recent DNA testing has linked limpkins to the cranes and rails.

The limpkin is called a lot of things. The word “limpkin” seems to come from the bird’s limping walk as it high-steps through vegetation on the shoreline hunting for snails.

Some people call it the crying bird – because of its haunting call – or carrao, carau, guareao or courlan – local words that sound like its call.

Scientists call it Aramus guarauna, which comes from Aramos, a heron-like bird mentioned by Hesychius, a Greek wordsmith from the fifth century, and guaruana, the Tupi (Brazilian) Indian word for a marshbird.

Whatever you call it, you won't forget its call.

Limpkins make a series of loud, wild-sounding screams, usually at night or when the light is low at dawn or dusk.

The Audubon Field Guide spells it “krrreeeow” and describes it as “a piercing banshee wail.”

Even if you’ve never been around a limpkin, you’ve probably heard it.

In the film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, recorded limpkin wails were used as the call of the hippo griff. It’s also been used repeatedly as a background sound in Tarzan movies and on jungle soundtracks.

Limpkins can be monogamous or a male may have more than one mate. Males are very territorial and will chase off competitors in their breeding grounds.

Limpkins nest near water, sometimes on the ground or in shrubs or even in trees. Their nests, constructed by the males, are platforms made of grass, sticks and shore plants and are lined with softer fibers. Females usually lay four to eight eggs, and both birds incubate the eggs. A day after they hatch, the down-covered young will leave the nest.

They are good swimmers, but spend most of their time patrolling the shoreline with their parents until they are about four months old, when they head out on their own as adults.

Alligators may attack adults; limpkin nests and young are preyed upon by a number of critters, including snakes, birds, muskrats and raccoons.

Limpkin populations have declined in Florida. They were heavily hunted for food at one time; then, their numbers rallied during the 1900s, but now they are threatened by development around wetlands.

And despite what the guidebooks say, every now and then a limpkin may visit the Lake Martin area.

Some information for this article came from Cornell University’s website allaboutbirds.org and the Audubon Field Guide online.

JUNE 2017

LAKE 33

34 LAKE

JUNE 2017

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Busy Early

Summer crowds flock to Lake Martin in May STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

36 LAKE

JUNE 2017

T

he South’s ‘Best Kept Secret’ is out, as local restaurants, Realtors, marinas and even grocery stores last month reported early increases in Lake Martin’s seasonal traffic.

“I am definitely seeing more traffic on the water earlier this year,” said Officer Frank Cartwright, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) patrol officer for Lake Martin.

“We noticed the traffic picking up about the middle of March, and it has been steadily increasing every weekend since then. Usually, it doesn’t pick up until the end of April or the first part of May.” With the increased traffic, Cartwright said, the number of violations he finds also has increased.

“Registration is the number one violation we have noticed. There are other violations of the rules of the road, careless operation – across the board, violations have picked up for this year.”

After-dark traffic has increased, too, as boaters take sunset cruises or ride to restaurants and must drive the boats home later, and Cartwright said it is especially important to boat safely after dark.

“After 10 p.m. is when we find most of the boating under the influence violations,” he said.

“The three most important things are to be courteous to other boaters; leave plenty of room between vessels and have a lookout. Even though it’s every boater’s responsibility to do these things, it’s important to be aware that other boaters may not be attentive to what’s going on around them. They may not be familiar with the vessel they’re driving, or they might be on

their cellphone. With more boats on the water, there are more of these kinds of violations.”

Though the traffic is high earlier this year than in years past, boaters seemed to be making their days on the water shorter this early in the season, said Phyllis Culp at Nibblers Float-thru Grill.

“There have been moments when it felt like it was busier than usual, but not really. The weather is prettier earlier than usual, and people are boating more, but they’re not eating with us yet, though we have seen an increase in sales each week,” Culp said. “I think they are just out for shorter amounts of time.”

During the height of the season, Culp said, the float-thru grill has seen long lines of boats on both sides; to address the traffic safety, they added a personal watercraft delivery service that is available from the Kowaliga area on the west side of the lake to Big Beach on the east.

“A lot of people will phone in their orders for delivery, even if they can see us on the water. It keeps them from having to pull up anchor,” she said.

It might be that folks are making shorter days on the lake and eating on the way back to the dock or perhaps they are going out later in the day, as Kowaliga Restaurant Chef Ban Stewart said the eatery north of Kowaliga Bridge came close to hitting summer numbers of customers in early May. “We’re seeing repeat customers but also more customers who are dining with us for the first time. It really caused us some problems early on because our seasonal help – college and high school kids – were still in school,” Stewart said.

On days in previous years that might have seen 500 to 600 diners, the restaurant has served upwards of 700 and in some cases, nearly 1,000, he said.

“We just had to ask our diners to be patient.

They might have had to wait a little longer for a seat,” he said.

Local grocery stores also are benefitting from the early increase in lake traffic. Don Stacks,

More boats can be seen at popular lake hangouts earlier in the season this year

JUNE 2017

LAKE 37

a manager at Winn Dixie on U.S. Highway 280 in Alexander City, said the store added extra personnel hours on weekends earlier this year to accommodate an increase in customers.

“The flow of out of town company through the beginning of May has been comparable to the beginning of June from previous years,” Stacks said. “From noon on Friday through Sunday, the sales volume on party food is up: chips, beef, charcoal, alcoholic beverages and sodas.”

Stacks, who lives on Lake Martin, said he also has seen more boat traffic on the lake.

“We had such a mild winter this year, except for that one cold snap in early May, that the water temperatures have been up since the third week of April. We were swimming at the end of the April,” he said.

The additional traffic is reflected in large economic purchases as well.

Sales Manager at Singleton Marine’s Blue Creek Marina Justin Shields said the service department has been busy earlier this year, as boaters have brought their vessels in for summerization services much earlier than in previous years.

“That’s an indication of how much sooner people are wanting to use their boats,” Shields said.

“We’re also seeing fresh buyers – people who haven’t owned a boat before are coming in off the street to buy their first one,” he added.

Single family home sales at Lake Martin through April also were on the rise. Total sales volume is $27

million over the same period last year, according to the Multiple Listing Service, reflecting an increase of nearly 40 percent in sales volume and more than 35 percent in the number of home sales transactions. And the summer sales season, typically May through September, hadn’t even started yet.

More traffic also means more trash left in places where it doesn’t belong, unfortunately. John Thompson, the president of Lake Martin Resource Association, which spearheads the litter cleanup effort around the lake in conjunction with Alabama Power Company and Russell Lands On Lake Martin, reported that some areas of the lake where trash is normally found only after the holidays were littered before Memorial Day this year.

“There is a lot more activity on the lake, and we’re seeing the reflection of that, especially around the shoreline and at the boat launches,” Thompson said.

To help with the additional litter cleanup over Memorial Day, Lake Martin’s TowBoatUS captains carried bags and pickers with them on patrol, so they could clean up island and lakeshore areas when not towing or providing other services to boaters.

As more boaters discover Lake Martin, Thompson alerted Treasured Mile volunteers to the increased boat traffic, so they might be extra-vigilant early on to keep this no-longer-so-secret lake playground clean. And ALEA’s Officer Cartwright will put as much time in on the water as he can to deter bad boating habits, enforce the laws and keep boaters safe.

Nibblers has noticed an increase in sales each week this season

38 LAKE

JUNE 2017

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FLYBOA 42 LAKE

JUNE 2017

Alexis Goldhagen does a dolphin trick on her flyboard ducking into the water and rising back out

ARDING

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

JUNE 2017

LAKE 43

N

ow is the chance to see what it feels like to fly. Alexis Goldhagen, a junior at Auburn University, is teaching people on Lake Martin to flyboard with a Sea-Doo, a fire hose and a pair of wakeboarding boots.

“It feels like you’re flying, but it almost feels like you’re floating because something’s pushing you up. It feels like you’re on top of the world,” said Goldhagen, who grew up on Lake Martin.

Flyboarding is a new water sport that started in France about five years ago and has only recently made its way into the U.S. According to Goldhagen, the only other place in Alabama she knows of that offers it is Flyboard Bama in Orange Beach.

After discovering the sport on a family vacation to the Grand Cayman, where it is a growing tourist attraction, Goldhagen instantly fell in love and knew she wanted to share the experience with others on the lake. She then went with her father, Alexander City’s Dr. Paul Goldhagen, to Fort Lauderdale to buy the board and complete a weekend training course with Cooper Riggs, the second-best flyboarder in the world, to become a certified instructor.

“He had to see I could ride it and do basic maneuvers before learning how to fly people and teach people,” said Goldhagen, who decided to make a business out of it.

Lake Martin Flyboard offers 30-minute and hour-long lessons, at $115 and $200, respectively.

According to her mother, Dr. Michele Goldhagen, since Goldhagen wasn’t taking summer classes, she figured this would be a good way to make money and also gain life experience using what she’s learned in her business classes.

“She came up with the business plan and wrote a business proposal. She set up a website, created a logo and followed a marketing strategy,” said Michele, who has also tried flyboarding and found it to be exciting

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(once the initial fear passes, she said).

How it works is a metal U-shaped titanium pipe is attached to a Sea-Doo, which attaches to a fire hose about 80-feet long. The hose is connected to a board outfitted with wakeboarding boots. All the power comes from the throttle of the Sea-Doo, which propels water pressure through the hose. The water shoots out on both sides of the board to lift it straight into the air.

“You want to be standing in the water before giving me the thumbs up that you’re ready. Then I hit the throttle, and that propels you out of the water. You have to squeeze and lock your body and your legs. It’s not a strength or athletic thing; it’s all about keeping your legs straight,” explained Goldhagen.

With the current configuration, someone else drives the Sea-Doo when Goldhagen flies or she drives it herself when flying a student, but she hopes to buy a control that would allow her to operate the power herself, without a Sea-Doo driver.

To get out into the lake from the beach, a flyer poses Superman-style and is propelled through the water by the SeaDoo, which is towed behind. Once the Sea-Doo is hooked up, it loses its ability Goldhagen attaches to steer and is essento her flyboard from tially pulled behind the shores of Willow Point the person on the flyboard. Wherever the flyer is going, the Sea-Doo is going too.

Once up in the air, it is all personal choice and comfort as to how high to go, and the throttle of the SeaDoo can be adjusted accordingly. Goldhagen averages about 15-20 feet in the air but has flown as high as 30.

A beginner will likely start at about 5 feet in the air, even though according to Goldhagen and others who have flown, it feels much higher.

“I am terrified of heights, but once you get up there and get past it, it really helps with that fear. It’s calming. It’s all a mindset, too; your body can do anything,” said William Trout, who is one of about 10 people Goldhagen has already taught.

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William Trout controls the throttle power of a Sea-Doo as Goldhagen flies about 15 feet in the air

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The boots and board of a flyboard are similar to a wakeboard

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As flyers may begin to lose balance, the driver can back off the throttle a bit to bring them back down, which is eventually how they land as well.

“You just need to find the happy medium of balancing weight on the balls and heels of your feet,” said Goldhagen. “But the first time you fall, it doesn’t hurt; it’s just like falling while wakeboarding or skiing.”

Compared most similarly to riding a Segway, it can be helpful to have some water sport experience for flyboarding, but it’s not necessary, said Goldhagen, who has been wakeboarding and water skiing since she was 8 years old.

Goldhagen also is a certified skydiver and scuba diver.

This is likely why flyboarding came easily to the avid sport enthusiast, who has already mastered flyboard spins and a dolphin maneuver that takes her under water and back up again.

“You see how controlled she is? You gotta have real control to do the things she’s able to do,” Goldhagen’s father said.

Both Matthew Montgomery, who also tried flyboarding for the first time in Grand Cayman, and Trout have little to no wakeboarding experience but think anyone is capable of figuring out how to handle a flyboard.

“It looks very difficult because you need to have so much control. But once you get the hang of it you’re eager to see what your limits are and how high you can go,” said Montgomery, who felt the most difficult part was just getting out of the water the first time and finding

a good balance.

Everyone Goldhagen has taught so far has been successful, even if it took more than one attempt to get up and stay in the air.

Paxton Gordon said Goldhagen helped her feel less nervous and walked her through everything she needed to do, and Andrew Williams said her tips and pointers made him feel comfortable enough to get up there the first time.

“If I’m falling she tells me to fight, fight and fight it to stay up there. She wants you to do the best you can,” said Gordon.

The board is pinned in place to be one piece for beginners, but there is the option to split it into two halves, which is what allows Goldhagen to spin and have control to swoop down and do other tricks. Currently, she is working on a backflip, which is more like a side corkscrew, so as to not hit the attached hose.

“I sky dive a lot, but this is a different feeling. You feel higher up than you are. When I was up there, just standing there, you can really see the whole lake. It’s a totally different view,” said Goldhagen. “It reminds me of the Jetsons and flying around with their jet packs. It feels like you’re from the future.”

To learn how to flyboard or for more information, call Lake Martin Flyboard at 863-558-6081 or visit www. lakemartinflyboard.com.

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Vintage Comfort

A Holiday Shores home lends rustic French country style to Lake Martin

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

The west-facing home has an open porch where the family enjoys boat watching

The extra thick walls are rough-cut, tongue-and-groove southern yellow pine

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K

nown for its out of the ordinary style, Dennis and Bonnie Bodine’s home on Lake Martin resembles a French country villa, filled with distinctive vintage finds, eclectic furnishings and paired with a rustic interior.

The Holiday Shores home was built by their son, Jared Smith and his crew from Jared Smith Construction (JSC), in a mere nine months, after the Bodines bought the lot and demolished the existing house. Smith said he’s gotten a lot of attention and business from this house because of its unique structure.

“When we were picking out paint colors for the outside of the house I told them, ‘You better not come back until it’s different from everyone else,’” said Bonnie Bodine, who settled on a Tuscan yellow for the Hardie board and batten siding on the exterior of the home.

The house sits behind a crushed marble driveway and has an extra steep, 13-pitch 29-gauge galvanized steel roof that creates a 24-foot vaulted ceiling inside.

The front casement windows that swing open are 32 inches by 6 feet and had to be custom made to fit in the extra thick walls, which are rough-cut, tongueand-groove southern yellow pine.

The west-facing home on the main lake can be clearly seen through the unobstructed 6 by 8 foot windows throughout, which are free of any drapery to

Bonnie Bodine, Miss Scarlett, Jared Smith and Dennis Bodine

Roosevelt windows came from a church in Africa and needed custom, hand-cut glass

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The Tuscan yellow siding is unique to many Lake Martin homes

Kitchen cabinets are white-washed, rough-cut southern yellow pine

The guest bed is Smith's childhood bed, with an American walnut headboard

The family enjoys drinking wine on the porch while watching the sunset

not impede the view.

“That’s why we live here – to enjoy the view. We wake up in the morning seeing that and go to bed like that,” said Bodine.

The floors are reclaimed wood from the roof of Russell Mills No. 1, cleaned but left untreated, aside from the application of boiled linseed oil and unscented mineral spirits to retain its authentic look. The same wood was used for the dark beams in the living room and was stained to complete the trim around the island in the kitchen and the concrete countertops with their galvanized steel backsplash.

The cabinets are whitewashed, rough-cut southern yellow pine adorned with molding-like pieces of wood from an old church in downtown Montgomery, which Smith had on his farm waiting to be used for something.

The antique reclaimed wood dining table with ornate detailed woodwork on the legs is surrounded by refurbished tufted chairs, and the window above is embellished by a double set of drapes – one that used to be owned by Bodine’s daughter and the other a painter’s drop cloth, which hang from gas pipe curtain rods.

“We re-use everything. We are all about re-purposing,” said Bodine.

The living room’s stone wood-burning fireplace sits below a wooden mantle made of aged and weathered pine to tie in the kitchen and living room area themes.

The Bodines said they love having a real fireplace, and every time it’s even somewhat chilly, they enjoy a fire.

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The guest house is home to Bonnie's workout room with a light up Miss Bonnie's sign

The master bedroom has no window coverings on the lake side for an unimpeded view

The floors throughout the home are reclaimed wood from the roof of Russell Mills No. 1

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The Bodines' style is mixing vintage with practical

The oversized painting hanging above it is a picture of Greek Goddess Iris and a matching statue of the same depiction is in the master bedroom.

“I just loved this painting. There was something about it that kept drawing me to it in the store. It wasn’t until I got home that I realized I had the matching statue head in my room,” said Bodine.

When touring the unique rooms, the Bodines could spend hours telling stories behind each piece of furniture or art methodically placed throughout the home, such as the large wooden bar that came out of an old bar in Mobile. Since Bodine is a fan of vintage and antique shops, the home is filled with statues, lighting, artwork, rugs and a myriad of mirrors in different shapes and sizes, mostly mimicking old European style.

The bath in the front entryway has a tin-tiled ceiling 56 LAKE

aged in the sun after being rubbed with salt and vinegar, and nearly 20 different mirrors, which are Bodine’s favorite décor. She said she buys items she relishes up front because she can always find a spot for them.

“I enjoy mixing vintage with practical. That’s how the French do it. I think it works better than anything. That type of decorating is comfortable,” Bodine said.

The master suite is a prime example of this style with its classic wardrobe from Ireland and a cowhide rug in front of the bed. The bathroom features a solid slate walk-in shower and a claw-foot bathtub under another vast window.

Connected to the master bathroom is any girl’s dream walk-in closet, which was designed and built by Smith. It includes an elegant chandelier over a large center island with cabinets and drawers, surrounded by built-in closet

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The Holiday Shores house is on two lots and includes a guest house

space on all four walls. Nestled under ornaments of classic designer-labeled décor is Bodine’s vanity, and the opposite wall has the washer and dryer.

“We wanted the closet to be a one-stop shop. We wanted everything easy,” said Bodine.

The staircase leading to the grandchildren’s loft-style bedroom is made of Russell Mill wood as well. The space resembles an old fishing cabin with slanted ceilings and rough-cut pine tongue-in-groove walls made of heart-pine center, which is a rare material these days.

The Bodines purchased two lots when building this house and the temperature-controlled garage and guesthouse are connected by a wooden, timber-framed breezeway. Downstairs is Bodine’s workout room complete with a pink light up “Miss Bonnie’s” sign that used to hang in a workout facility she owned. Dennis’ office is in the space

around the corner, surrounded by displays of police badges and gear from his 38 years in law enforcement.

The half bath features a radiator grill from a 1930 Ford Model A turned into a mirror, which was a handcrafted gift from Smith.

“What do you get people who don’t need anything?

Isn’t this just the best?” Bodine said.

It’s evident that the garage is where Dennis’ decorating came into play, complete with vintage Coca-Cola merchandise (one turned into his own ‘hardware store’ with all of his tools), Harley Davidson paraphernalia, including the grandchildren’s first biker outfits in shadowboxes and other antiquated cigar, cigarette and beer signage. The most unusual is the hanging traffic streetlight, which used to be the only one in Frisco City, Alabama – a town with a population of barely 1,000.

Upon entering the guesthouse above the garage, the overwhelming feeling of being transported to Europe is complete with red, rounded French double doors leading out to an intimate balcony with two chairs and a small table, resembling a French café. This space also has a gas fireplace, red leather club chairs, French wardrobes, white washed walls and a mini bar that was a repurposed check out counter from a hotel in New Orleans.

The most unique features are the pentagon-sized Roosevelt windows that came out of a church in Africa, and according to Smith, were a lot of work, as the glass had to be hand cut to fit the shape of the frames. Doubling as another bedroom, the space is home to Smith’s childhood bed with a vast American walnut headboard.

The open porch on the front of the main house is behind an immense Mahogany double door and horizontal cable railings, so that the view of the lake is unobstructed. The retired couple’s favorite activity is eating pizza and drinking wine while watching the boats go by and enjoying the sunset out on the porch.

Originally from Montgomery, the Bodines said they feel blessed to be back in this area where they lived for 12 years before moving to Orange Beach.

“We have always loved the lake. The beach is just not the same, and we really missed this area. We love how everyone knows everyone here, with that hometown feel,” said Dennis.

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COTTAGE LIVING ON LAKE MARTIN

THE MALLARD COTTAGE

PHASE TWO NOW OPEN • Private peninsula with 12 new coveted lakefront lots • New construction craftsman-style cottages with amazing design & detail • Prices start in the mid600’s and include plan customization, cottage, land, seawall, pier & incredible views!

Contact Damon Story for more information.

205.789.9526 CEDARPOINTLAKEMARTIN.COM 58 LAKE

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The Longleaf cabin on Paddock Point will be open for tours to benefit Children's Harbor

Russell Cabin is Country Living’s Lake House of the Year PHOTO BY BRIAN WOODCOCK/COUNTRY LIVING

BIRMINGHAM & LAKE MARTIN, AL – Country Living magazine recently announced the brand’s firstever “Lake House of the Year” show home will be located on Alabama’s scenic Lake Martin. Built by Classic Homes in collaboration with developer Russell Lands On Lake Martin and designed by Nashville architect Jonathan Torode, this stunning lakefront home will represent the ultimate in indoor-outdoor living. The 2,897-square home has four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a screened-in porch.

“The Lake House of the Year will showcase the best of living on the water. Both rustic and refined, it’s a modern-day look at living stylishly on the lake – and I couldn’t imagine a better partner for this project than Russell Lands On Lake Martin,” said Rachel Hardage Barrett, editor-in-chief of Country Living. “The hardest part will be handing over the keys, as I’m about ready to move in.”

The Lake House of the Year will be open to the public for tours June 26-July 9. Tickets cost $15 and are available at the door or online at fundraise.childrensharbor. com/LHOY. Ticket sales will benefit Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin.

Children’s Harbor provides children with serious illnesses and their families a place to be themselves … to have fun and relax – while also receiving no-cost services that make life a bit easier for the whole family.

The Lake House of the Year will be revealed in Country Living’s July/August Water Issue, on newsstands June 20, the magazine’s first-ever celebration of life on the water that will feature gorgeous spaces from sea to shining sea.

“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with the Country Living team to showcase this beautiful home,” said Steve Arnberg, vice president of real estate at Russell Lands On Lake Martin. “Their vision for a classic layout with contemporary touches fits perfectly with our lakefront lifestyle at Lake Martin.”

The classic Russell Cabins, which have only been available as long-term rentals, served as the inspiration for the Lake House of the Year – a rustic past blending with a modern present. Native pine walls, floors and ceilings maintain a cozy feel, with more contemporary touches in the kitchens and bathrooms. Fireplaces feature local stone, and mantels and beams are made from trees harvested on the property. With its natural charm and modern comfort, the design of the cabin provides space for family and friends to gather both indoors and outdoors, providing the backdrop for creating memories that can be cherished for generations.

Sponsors of the 2017 Country Living Lake House of the Year include Sleep Number, Sparkling Ice and Universal Furniture. For more information visit: www. countryliving.com/LHOY.

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Nearly 35 paddleboarders raced in this year's Paddle for a Purpose

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Paddle for a Purpose STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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Racers followed a course designated by buoys set out by the LMRA

t the sound of the horn, nearly 20 lined-up paddleboarders jumped onto their respective boards and took off from the beach of Children’s Harbor to complete a 1-mile course, faced with wind and water obstacles, to race for the best time.

Even with questionable weather, the sixth annual Paddle for a Purpose on May 20 brought out 35 racers in total, with nearly the same number of spectators cheering on friends and family from the shorelines with signs and shouts of encouragement.

The event also included a 3-mile and a 6-mile race, which were open to all skill levels and age groups. All proceeds raised, between registration fees, donations and T-shirt sales, helped to support Children’s Harbor. Each year the event brings in between $8,000 and $12,000 for the cause.

“The main purpose is to raise money for children at Children’s Harbor and get people on campus to experience and see what their money goes toward and what Children’s Harbor is all about,” said Sharon Johnston, organizer of Paddle for a Purpose and owner of Paddle Lake Martin.

Registration was $35 for the 1-mile race and $40 for the 3- or 6-mile races. Entry fees included a T-shirt and post-race lunch. Although most participants were from the Lake Martin area, some traveled from other local lakes and even as far away as the Florida panhandle.

“Every year, it gets bigger and more attention. We bring more and more racers from outside the area. We’re also building the local scene, and more spectators are

The "Love Shack" presented an added challenge for participants by shooting water from a hose

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The 3- and 6-mile racers began at the same time at the sound of a horn

coming to watch. You see a lot of repeat people,” said Johnston.

The courses were designated by buoys set out by the Lake Martin Resource Association (LMRA) and the 1- and 3-mile races were the same, heading toward the island, whereas the 6-mile course headed toward Kowaliga Bridge.

The 1-mile race kicked off first at 9 a.m. Typical for beginners, most of the 1-mile entrants had not raced very often, said Johnston. The fastest time for the men’s division was Mike Payne, who raced onto the beach through the finish line at 14 minutes and 25 seconds; in the women’s category, Heidi Smith came in first, clocking in at 15 minutes and 8 seconds.

The 3-mile race followed the same course, but racers had to do three laps to complete it. Eric Olins clocked in first at 40 minutes and 29 seconds, with Kristine Dobbs taking the fastest women’s time at 46 minutes and 50 seconds.

The 6-mile racers took off at the same time as the 3-mile run, and there was a combined number of 16 paddleboarders between the two courses. According to Johnston, the 6-mile race attracts more experienced racers, and the course heads toward Kowaliga Bridge, which is not only a further distance, but also added an element of wind.

“This adds some technical feature to the 6-mile race.

That wind kicks up and changes direction constantly,” said Johnston. “The 6-milers are really talented. Most of them come from Destin.”

Chris Irons paddled the fastest race during the 6-mile course in 1 hour and 3 minutes, and Bernadette Leach, as the only female in that competition, to complete the course in 1 hour and 7 minutes.

For an extra challenge to boarders, the floating party dock, the Love Shack, sprayed water from a fire hose to create an arch racers had to go under, straight through

or around, depending on their skills and strategy.

The rule was a person had to be standing up for the totality of the race and participants were disqualified if they went to their knees at any time; however, if a rider fell off, he or she could get back up and keep going.

And with the choppy water that day, it did happen to a few.

Trophies were awarded for first, second and third place in each category, which included a separate male and female overall fastest time, a combined 17-andunder group and one for those 50 and over.

“Everybody will place in some way. I try to give everyone something to keep them motivated to participate,” said Johnston.

There also was a separation between classes of boards, whether it was a recreational board or a race board. According to Johnston, a race board is thinner and narrower and not typically used for leisure, while a recreational board is thicker and wider and typically 10or 12-feet long.

The type of workout received from a paddleboard is dependent on the quality of board and the type of paddle being used, said Johnston.

“Paddle boarding uses core strength and balance – it’s a total workout. Even if you’re on your knees it’s a workout,” said Johnston, who has been a paddleboarder for six years.

Hoping to get more people involved in the sport, Johnston also teaches paddleboard lessons, private or group, and rents and sells Bote Boards with her company, Paddle Lake Martin.

“If you’re ambulant, and you can stand up, I can teach you how to paddle,” said Johnston, who also hosts group paddles on the weekends at the lake. For more information or to help sponsor the event, visit the Paddle for a Purpose Facebook page or call Johnston at 334-799-0529.

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Matt Bartow uses a high intensity laser to point out Jupiter

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Stars

from

Heaven Hill STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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S

There were ribeye sandwiches and hamburgers grilled on site by Kowaliga's Chef Ban Stewart

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tars not even in our galaxy can be seen on a clear, dark night with the help of a giant telescope and an astronomer to point it in the right direction.

Matthew Bartow, Educational Services and Business Coordinator from the Coca-Cola Space Science Center at Columbus State University, took a group of nearly 50 spectators on a guided star tour through our night sky at Heaven Hill last month during the “Stars from Heaven” event hosted by Russell Lands On Lake Martin.

Robert Gunn, Russell Lands Director of Events and Social Media, said Russell Lands hosted a similar event about four years ago late in the summer months when it was pretty hot and hazy. Although they had a great turn out, they haven’t held another since.

“It was new then and took some work getting people to know about it, but we have people here for this coming from all over,” said Gunn, who also explained that the date for the May event was moved to earlier in the season to be able to see the stars better.

The event was held at the top of Heaven Hill, a high spot in the Russell Forest with a vast view, beautiful scenery and a catered dinner. Bartow made a brief presentation about stars and the Coca-Cola Space Science Center before showing numerous astronomical phenomenons to the participants.

With four 10-inch diameter Dobsonian telescopes set up, stargazers spotted Jupiter and its four moons, the Hercules globular cluster, the whirlpool galaxy and numerous satellites and constellations.

“There are more stars in the universe than there is sand in the world,” said Bartow.

In May, Jupiter is the brightest light in the sky, although it is a planet and not a star at all. Looking through the telescopes, guests could see it with cloud banding that makes stripes across the surface, along with four of its Galilean moons in a straight line.

“Venus and Jupiter are the day and night planets.

You can see Venus as a really bright star out in the morning right now. Mars is already setting, so you can’t see it because it’s behind the sun during this season,” explained Bartow.

Many objects in the night sky are classified as “M” followed by a number, which was how astronomer Charles Messier named them years ago as he searched for comets. Everything that was not a comet was named by this depiction, according to Bartow. Even though these objects weren’t of interest then, they are known as some of the most fascinating in the sky now, said Bartow.

Stargazers observed the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51), which is difficult to see because of its distance. Upon first glance, it appears dim and hazy, but it has moving spiral arms when viewed more closely. Another impressive entity is the Hercules Globular Cluster (M13), which is nearly 300,000 stars packed together in a small space that orbit our galaxy but are not actually part of it.

“Small is a relative term to the size of an entire solar system or galaxy,” said Bartow.

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Nearly 50 guests ate dinner under the stars

Although unable to witness the bright colors emitted, viewers also saw the Ring Nebula, which is a star similar to our sun that has died and expels its outer layers of gas, which glow due to the immense heat.

Bartow pointed out constellations throughout the sky, including the zodiac signs Taurus, Gemini and Leo the lion, which lie along the ecliptic line; Ursa Major (Great Bear), which includes the Big Dipper; Ursa Minor (Little Bear) incorporating the Little Dipper and the North Star, which is the brightest in that constellation; and Betelgeuse, part of the Orion constellation.

“All stars and constellations are seasonal. With our orbit around the sun, sometimes certain constellations are on the other side,” said Bartow, who explained that not everything can be visible throughout the year and summer brings a lot of good constellations out.

The summer triangle is one of the most notable during this season and is made up of three constellations that appear to be bright stars forming a triangle, also known as an asterism.

Satellites were seen in between numerous shooting stars, but Bartow said it’s hard to tell what exactly they are. The International Space Station and the Hubble Space Telescope never passed by, so it could have been Global Positioning Satellites, space junk or other communications equipment.

“Our orbit is full of trash and leftover rocket parts.

It’s hard to tell what certain things might be,” he said.

Matthew Bartow stands with his 10-inch diameter Dobsonian telescope

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The event was held on Heaven Hill with breathtaking scenery

There were a few things Bartow hoped to point out, but conditions of the sky and weather varied what was available. The Seven Sisters (Pleiades) was too far in the glare of the sun to be seen, the Orion Nebula was too far down in the sky and even the moon did not come out until 11:30 p.m. “Right now the moon is going through some phases, and you can actually see it better during the day,� said Bartow.

For those looking to find their way around the objects in the sky, Bartow suggested downloading a star chart from www.skymaps.com. This tool is 100 percent accurate, updated monthly and can be helpful for people trying to find certain constellations or occurrences. To use, a person must hold the paper over his or her head, which reverses east and west, to be read properly. Instruction on use can be found on the website as well.

The first solar eclipse to cross the U.S. in its totality over the past 26 years will be visible Aug. 21. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, and Bartow recommends everyone make sure to observe it.

Another stargazing event will be held June 3 at the Russell Crossroads Discovery Center and is being catered by SpringHouse Restaurant. For more information, contact Robert Gunn at 256-496-4232.

Matt Bartow talks about the planets, constellations and other cosmic objects to see in the night sky

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Star gazers look through giant telescopes to see Jupiter and four of its moons

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Furnished Model

Willow Glynn, The Abby $1,250,000 Willow Glynn, Cove Cottage $1,197,000 South Ridge Estates, Y Knot $1,750,000 Just completed by RLH Construction. The Abby Bring the family to see this Henderson & Coker Looking for the perfect homesite and lake houseplan? is a 3,219 sq. ft. plan designed by Chuck Frusterio. furnished model home in Willow Glynn. This Mitch Take a look at this stunning design by Bill Farshee. Under Owner’s suite and guest suites on main level Ginn design is beautiful and move-in ready. It construction by Classic Homes, this plan is a unique with spacious living-dining-kitchen and large includes owner’s suite, guest bedroom, bunkroom, design that provides lake views from every room. The covered porch. Lake level offers two bedrooms, and bonus loft room on main level. Expansive open main living area is surrounded by covered lakeside two bathrooms, generous lake-prep room, family kitchen-dining-living area with access to large covered porches. Two owner’s suites on main level and rec room, room, wet bar, second laundry, and spacious porch. Lake level offers 2 guest suites, large family bunk loft and two guest suites on upper level. A detached covered patio for outdoor entertaining. room, covered patio and bar for plenty of lake fun. two-car garage with guest suite above completes this plan.

Russell Lands On Lake Martin Russell Lands On Lake Martin Russell Lands On Lake Martin Emily or Rhonda 256.215.7011 Rhonda or Emily 256.215.7011 Call Rhonda or Emily 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

72 LAKE

JUNE 2017

South Ridge Harbor, Diamond View $1,625,000 Classic Homes, a division of Russell Lands, has just broken ground on the "Diamond View" in The Ridge. This exciting new lake home design by Larry Furlong has it all: four bedrooms, four full baths, two powder rooms, PLUS two Great Rooms...one on each level. Claim your spot next to the stone fireplace and cozy up to spectacular views of Kowaliga Bay! The open kitchen overlooks the living and dining areas making this home perfect for entertaining family and friends.

Call today for more details or to visit this new home project in person!

Russell Lands On Lake Martin Contact Emily or Rhonda 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

000234650r1

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LAKE 73

You are a native of Alexander City. What is your first memory of Lake Martin?

Unfortunately, I didn’t get down to Lake Martin as much when I was a kid. I do remember going to Wind Creek a little bit though. I remember my dad’s side of the family having a picnic on one of the points at Wind Creek a couple of different afternoons during the summer.

pair of Vue Smart Glasses that I’m excited about. They look like normal reading glasses, and Vue uses bone conduction audio technology to transfer stereo sound to your inner ear without the use of ear buds. So, I can listen to music, take calls and get notifications through the glasses. Kickstarter doesn’t have the best reputation for products living up to their hype, but if they work as advertised, they may be my favorite gadget.

We often see you at Russell Lands events with your eyes skyward. What are doing?

I use a drone to capture aerial photography and videography of different Russell Lands events, houses, neighborhoods and other businesses. Drones allow me to get into tight spots I couldn’t get into otherwise. They give the viewer such a unique view of the subject.

What is your favorite spectator team sport and how closely do you follow your team?

I’m a huge U.S. Men’s Soccer fan. I watch every game that I can and attend as many as I can, too, even if it’s the World Cup and the team is playing at 2 a.m. In 2014, I actually had the opportunity to travel with the American Outlaws (the largest U.S. Soccer supporter’s group) to World Cup host nation, Brazil. Through the package I purchased, the group of about 500 traveled to and attended each of the USA’s group matches over two weeks. The team played three matches all over the country. It was truly one of the best experiences of my life!

Did you have to get a pilot’s license or special certification to fly the drone for your job?

My personal drone, as well as the drone that Russell Lands owns, are both registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Thankfully, I don’t have to have a full pilot’s license to operate both drones; however, to fly commercially, I did have to complete the FAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Drone Certification test. It was somewhat long, but if you study, the test is not too hard.

The test is great for best practices.

What else do you do with your job at Russell Lands?

In addition to flying the drone, Jeff Lamonica and myself maintain websites and create monthly newsletters for Russell Lands and its entities. I also shoot stills and video of everything from food to real estate to the different Russell Lands events.

You do a lot of tech stuff for the community as well.

What charitable/civic organizations do you support and why are these important to you?

I’ve been very fortunate in my life. Although I don’t do it enough, I feel it’s important to give back however you can.

Currently, I’m involved with the Alex City Arts Council and the Lake Martin Young Professionals (LMYP). The arts have always been a big part of my life. I love listening to and creating music and film. I feel like LMYP is a tremendous organization that is bettering the community in a number of ways. In the past, I’ve also helped the Lake Martin Area United Way. The United Way and its agencies are tremendous organizations that help our area greatly. I love the quote by Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

So was your favorite toy growing up a techie toy?

I would have to say my mom’s old video camera (I wish I could remember the manufacturer and model). Recording the band I was in and creating other silly videos with friends really gave me the itch to want to learn more about videography and invest in new gear.

What is your favorite console/handheld video game?

I’m not really that big of a gamer. I have PS4, but I haven’t played it in probably a year. I do love my gadgets though. I have a Nest Home Thermostat, an Amazon Echo and a Nest Outdoor Camera at home. Each of these products makes my life better by a long shot. I recently backed a Kickstarter for a 74 LAKE

Do you play a musical instrument? Where did you learn it, and how into it are you?

I play bass guitar. In high school, I had friends that played guitar and drums, and they needed a bass player. It looked like fun, and girls seemed to dig guys in bands. So I bought an Ernie Ball Music Man Bass and started finding tablature for songs online. A friend who was already in a band and an exceptional bass player, Anthony East, was gracious enough to answer questions for me and show me a few tricks.

I’ve played in bands throughout high school, college and since moving back to Alex City in 2006. None of the bands ever took off, but I’ve played with regional country acts, Rexton Lee, and American Idol finalist, Jessica Meuse.

If you could have dinner with any three people – living or dead – who would they be and what would you talk about?

This is tough, but I think I would go with Kevin Rose, Rivers Cuomo and Conan O’Brien. Kevin is someone that I originally started watching on TechTV’s The Screen Savers back in high school. Since being on that show, Kevin has started and been successful with multiple tech-related companies. Rivers is the lead singer for and writes 99 percent of the music for my favorite rock band, Weezer. Conan is just one of the funniest people ever.

Can I get Chef Rob McDaniel to cook the dinner? I’m fortunate to take pictures of his creations for publications, and oftentimes, I get to sample the subject. Everything Rob cooks is outstanding!

You have made some really great videos. If you were going to make a movie, what would it be about and who would star in it?

I love documentaries and specifically sports-related documentaries, like ESPN’s 30 for 30 movies. If I had the time and resources, I’d love to make sports documentaries based on some of the better sports stories related to Alabama high school sports. Before Russell Lands, I worked with the AHSAA Radio Network. We covered high school football, basketball, baseball and more. There are some amazing stories all over the state that I feel would be great documentaries, including several around the Lake Martin area.

JUNE 2017

Lake Q&A:

Justin Clayton

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LAKE 75

The Flaw in Techn I

The difference between 2 feet and 8 feet might be in your app

love technology. Maybe not as much as Kip download the app and have it all on your phone.

Dynamite, but I do love it; however, it does After a little encouragement, he decided to see have its limitations. the home anyway. After all, as I said, it fulfilled A couple of weeks ago, I was helping a poten- two of his other criteria: location and price. tial homebuyer search for a Lake Martin waterWe both had a big surprise on the day we saw front home. The buyer is really into fishing, and the home. The first thing we did was go directly he would like to be able to keep his fishing boat to the dock. As we walked down the stairs, I at the dock for as long as possible throughout the could tell there was way more than 1 to 2 feet year. of depth at the dock. But how much? He had Here at Lake Martin, the water fluctuates brought his ruler so we could be as exact as posa total of 7 feet. During the colder months, sible.

Alabama Power Company draws the lake down, You guessed it – the chart was wrong. The starting in the fall, and brings it back depth at the end of the dock was up in the spring. Buyers that would actually about 8 feet. That’s a whoplike access to their boats no matter ping 6 feet of difference between the the season look for homes with more app and actual. than 7 feet at the dock. We agents Now, 6 feet of difference might tend to call this “year ’round water” not be that substantial when you depth. are trying to hook up with a largeWhile discussing different homes mouth or striped bass. But when you with the buyer, I threw out some sugare buying or selling real estate on gestions that I thought might be just Lake Martin, 6 feet is monumental, the fit for him. One in particular was especially when that 6 feet takes you LAKE PROPERTY in his target area and price range, but from a depth that would be considBY JOHN COLEY he immediately nixed it. ered very shallow (2 feet) to year “Nope,” he said. “The water is not deep round water (8 feet). enough at the dock.”

I have never been able to create an algorithm “Are you sure?” I asked. “Because I know that that shows how much each foot of water depth area in general, and I am pretty sure it has decent helps a lot’s value. Maybe such a magic formuwater depth.” la exists. But I can tell you that no buyer comes “I checked my electronic lake chart that’s on to the lake and says, “I want no water.” Not my fishing boat and the app that comes with it. everyone has to have super deep water, but everyThe app has the water depth for every square one would choose 8 feet of depth over 2, given inch of the lake, and it says the water is only 1 the same price. foot deep at the dock and only 2 feet out in front So, as much as we techies love our data and of it. There’s no way I can get my boat to it most our apps, I urge you to take a lesson from the of the time,” he answered. above. Do not rely on fancy pixels and playthings This sounded crazy to me. I just could not when calculating such an important thing as believe the water was that shallow. I had never water depth. It still pays to be old school in this visited this particular home, but regardless, I area. knew homes in the area, and usually, you rememBring a ruler and be ready to submerge it. Or ber when an entire slough has super shallow make yourself a measuring stick and bring it with water. Because I had never visited it, I hated to you when you are house shopping. Just don’t contradict the electronic chart. try and sell me one.

You may be familiar with these types of maps.

There are a couple of different companies that John Coley is a broker and owner of Lake sell lake maps, and you buy a “chip” to put Martin Voice Realty. He is also the author of the in your depth finder on your boat. Or, you can blog Lake Martin Voice at LakeMartinVoice.com 76 LAKE

JUNE 2017

ology 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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JUNE 2017

LAKE 77

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he stand-up padwhich will glide better dleboard (SUP) is and give more speed per a growing sport paddle stroke. on Lake Martin. It’s a The shorter boards, great form of exercise 8-1/2 to 11 feet, are and a lot of fun. So easier to maneuver and what is there to know handle better in waves about them? There are (paddling into surf). This BEHIND THE BOAT so many different kinds is definitely not the

BY SAWYER DAVIS of SUPs out there; what board for touring or racmakes one different from ing since it is slower, and another? a larger rider would find it quite difficult There are inflatables, soft tops, clasto paddle into the wind on a short board. sics, touring, surfers, racers and even The width of the board is where the ones for specific activities, such as yoga. stability comes from and usually starts I have a friend that paddles all over around 32 inches. If it’s less than 30 the U.S. and the Caribbean racing and inches, it’s going to be relatively unstable instructing SUP yoga. The SUP industry for the average paddler. The SUP yoga is pushing innovation and has grown in boards tend to be wider, ranging in width the past five to seven years. from 33-36 inches. Again, narrower Let’s start with hull shape. There are boards are faster and glide better, so it’s a two types of hulls: displacement hull bit of a compromise. and planing hull. A displacement hull The volume is usually described in has a hatchet-shaped nose. Similar to a liters and requires a little math. You V-shaped hull on a boat, this helps diswant the volume to be twice the rider’s place water. This shape also adds stabilweight in kilograms, so divide the perity to the board in heavier paddlers. The son’s weight by 2.2; and then, double touring and racing SUP boards will typiit. For example, for a 200-pound rider, cally have this type of hull. convert the pounds to kilograms (200 ÷ The planing hull is flat like a tradi2.2 = 91kg); then multiply by 2 = 182 tional surfboard (picture a longboard i.e. liters. The most common size I’ve seen rounded nose). The planing hull is a very sold around Lake Martin for all-around versatile hull, can be shorter or wider and use is the 11-foot with a planing hull. also works well in the surf.

When shopping for a SUP, don’t Next, we go to the length of the SUP. forget about the paddle. A paddler can The desired length depends on what spend as little as $60 on an entry-level a paddler wants to do. A longer SUP, adjustable paddle or as much as $350 for 12-1/2 to 14 feet, is better for going fasta full carbon fiber blade. The cheaper, er. This paddler usually is going to be a adjustable paddles work well for general racer. This board also is typically narrow, recreational use and can be shared with

the entire family. Serious paddlers will most likely want to spend some extra cash to get a better paddle.

The stiffness of a full carbon fiber paddle transfers enegery to the paddle blade, which results in spending less energy paddling and experiencing more powerful strokes. Keep in mind that a good high-end paddle requires cutting the paddle’s shaft to a specific size; and then, gluing the paddle’s handle in place. It’s not difficult, and sizing charts and how-to videos are available online.

Check out Paddle Lake Martin’s Facebook page for information. We just had the Paddle for a Purpose race at the end of May, benefiting Children’s Harbor, but paddlers get together on the water several times during the summer, and newcomers are welcome. ~ Sawyer Davis is a wakesurfer for Victoria Skimboards and grew up on Lake Martin.

256.215.FISH (3474)

2190 Cherokee Road , Alex City, AL

www.alexcitymarine.com

Certified Outboard Dealer

JUNE 2017

LAKE 79

Eat Up!

E

The Power of Edamame

damame (eh-dah-Mah-may) are immature, humans. green soybeans that date back to 200 B.C. In 2000, post-cancer studies on humans demonwhen they were first used for Chinese strated that breast cancer patients actually benefit medicinal purposes. Today, edamame is the secfrom soy intake, as it reduces reoccurrence and ond-most popular soy food behind soymilk. mortality. Presently, the American Cancer Society It was in the 1980s that edamame became states that studies indicate lifelong soy intake in popular in Japanese restaurants during the sushi Asian countries shows no association between boom; then, they made their way into bars as a breast cancer and soy intake. The American substitute for peanuts and eventually into the groCancer Society considers soy to be a cancercery stores in 1994. fighting food. In addition to its cancer fighting The pleasant flavor, described as sweet and properties, 25 grams of soy protein per day has buttery, along with a familiar beanlike pod shape, been shown to reduce the risk for cardiovascular HEALTHY LIVING disease. makes edamame much more appealing than most BY JULIE HUDSON soy products.

Fresh edamame may be somewhat difficult The nutrient profile of edamame is very impresto find; however, frozen shelled or in-the-shell sive. One cup of cooked, shelled beans provides one-third the edamame can be found year round. Frozen edamame is already daily value for protein and fiber in fewer than 200 calories. One cooked and ready to eat as soon as it is thawed. If boiling, cup of edamame in the pod provides 18 grams of protein, and steaming or microwaving the frozen beans, do so only for a few one half cup of shelled edamame provides 10 grams of protein. minutes and sprinkle lightly with salt. Eat edamame cold, room Considered a complete protein, soybeans provide all nine of the temperature or hot. Or toss the edamame pod with a small essential amino acids the body needs. amount of oil and garlic and add crushed red pepper or another Edamame not only serves as a complete protein source but seasoning of choice. The flavor comes off the shell when the also, it is well balanced by the other macronutrients. Protein, edamame pods are pulled through teeth to remove the beans. carbohydrate and fat each provide one-third of the calories from In the shell, edamame stands perfectly on its own as a snack edamame. This makes edamame a perfect snack with just the or in dishes without the shell because it has the ability to pick right balance of nutrients to keep blood sugars in check and up many different flavors. Edamame can be added to salads, enough fiber to make a person feel full. Soy foods in general, casseroles, soups or pastas. It also is a perfect addition to rice, including edamame, are good sources of omega-6 and omega-3 couscous or quinoa. Pureed edamame can be incorporated into fats. dips, used as a sandwich spread or added to avocado in guacaIn addition to all of these benefits, edamame is an excelmole. lent source of thiamin, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copEdamame is a great way to incorporate protein, fiber and per, Vitamin K, folate and manganese. It is a great source of healthy nutrients into the diet. It is fun phytochemicals, particularly isoflavones. Phytochemicals are to eat, easy to prepare, versatile chemicals that are non-nutritive, meaning the human body does and tastes much better than the not need them to survive; however, they have protective and name implies. Edamame is a wellpreventative properties. Plants produce these phytochemicals as received, healthy addition to any a source of protection. diet.

Research has demonstrated that these protective characteristics can be passed to humans. Soy products provide the highest Julie Hudson is a dietitian at amount of the phytochemical called isoflavones in the human the Lake Martin Wellness Center diet. These isoflavones have estrogenic properties that can be in Dadeville. extremely beneficial. In the past, isoflavones have gotten a bad reputation due to the fact that they are classified as phytoestrogens.

The concern came in the 1990s with breast cancer studies, especially estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Studies in rats showed an increase in cancer due to isoflavone consumption; however, what the results did not explain is that other animals process soy very differently than 80 LAKE

JUNE 2017

Edamame Recipes Creamy Edamame Ginger Dip

Serve this creamy dip with raw vegetables, crackers or pita chips 1 cup edamame, shelled, cooked 1 cup mayonnaise, soybean oil based 1/2 cup green onion, chopped 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon ginger, minced 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper Puree all ingredients in a food processor 3 to 4 minutes until smooth. Thin the mixture with water as needed.

Wok Charred Edamame with Soy Ginger Seasoning

Serve as an appetizer 1 tablespoon soy sauce 2 teaspoons fresh ginger 1 teaspoon sesame seed 2 tablespoons soybean oil or vegetable oil 4 cups edamame, in shell, thawed Mix soy sauce, ginger and sesame seeds. Heat soybean oil over high heat in a wok or skillet.

Add edamame. SautĂŠ for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until pods begin to lightly turn brown.

Remove and toss with seasoning.

Avocado and Bean Salad

Serve as a side dish, as an appetizer in a cup or with tortillas, pita chips or Fritos 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed 15-ounce garbanzo (chick pea) beans, drained and rinsed 1-1/2 cups edamame, shelled, thawed 15-ounce can whole kernel corn, drained and rinsed 1 large orange or red bell pepper, diced 12 cherry tomatoes, halved 1 bunch cilantro, chopped 2 large avocados, peeled, pitted and diced Juice of 2 limes 1/2 cup olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 2 cloves garlic, minced Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.

Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Note: After slicing the avocado, toss in lemon juice, then add both to the salad. This will help to prevent the avocado from turning brown.

JUNE 2017

LAKE 81

82 LAKE

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Arti Gras

6th

annual

a juried

art show

A makers market s h owc a s i n g a r t i s a n s f ro m a ro u n d L a k e M a r t i n a n d a c ro s s t h e s ta t e

h o m e m a d e p o t t e ry a n d j e w e l ry, r e c l a i m e d wo o d d ĂŠ c o r, p h o t o gr a p h y, paintings, and more.

s a t u r d ay 10 a m - 5 p m

1ST

&

2ND

s u n d ay 10 a m - 3 p m

Town Green at Russell Crossroads To p a r t i c i p a t e i n A r t i G r a s , c o n ta c t T y l e r M i t ch e l l a t 2 5 6 . 212 .144 3 o r t m i t ch e l l @ ru s s e l l l a n d s . c o m JUNE 2017

LAKE 83

84 LAKE

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Fish the Conditions O

ne of the bigdetails may not seem gest mistakes significant. The more we make as details you notice and anglers is to get caught recall, the quicker up on a particular fishyou’ll be able to make ing spot or a particular a good adjustment. fishing lure. After all, In a recent tournathe two biggest chalment, I had an area lenges in fishing are that was good in praclocating fish and then tice, but when I started finding something they there in the tournawill bite. Naturally, ment, I had very little BIG CATCHES if we have a location success. I moved on

BY GREG VINSON or bait that has been to different places and working out we are noticed that the ones going to start the process there, that were most productive had a but all too often, we try to duplicertain amount of wind hitting cate what happened the day, the them. week or even the year before only Later in the day, the wind to find that things have changed. picked up enough that it started to The fish may not bite that favorite hit the area that I had started on bait as well. Or, they may not even with minimal success. I decided to be at that same spot as before. run to it and make another quick In this case, past experience pass. It was like a completely difmay lead us away from the more ferent day. I caught more than obvious solutions. It’s easier to 20 fish on that same stretch that just go where we did before and had been unproductive earlier in throw what we did before and the event. The wind was the most hope it’s all the same. This could important factor in that case. prove to be a mistake if the condiSome other variables that I felt tions are different. Past experience played lesser roles included the could be working against us in this amount of sun, the time of day and case. the water temperature. There may The best way to take advanhave been more details that I could tage of past experience is to try have missed, but I tried to look to answer the question “Why?” for as many as possible, so I could I’ll be the first to admit that fish quickly recall other places that can be unpredictable, but they are offered similar characteristics. wild creatures that react to their While conditions can dictate environment. If we can relate the how some areas are more producsuccess we have in fishing to some tive than others, they can do the of the things that “seem” to make same for baits that work. If you a difference, we can make adjusthave a good spot that you feel is ments to our locations and presen- holding fish no matter what, like tations and feel confident that they a good brush pile, it may be more give us a better shot at success important to show them the right than just trying the same old stuff bait. every time.

Keep in mind that the first cast The best way to do this is to pay you make to a spot is the most attention to detail, even when the critical. Each subsequent cast is JUNE 2017

an opportunity to blow your cover, so make the early ones count. The best way to do this is to use a bait that matches up well with the conditions.

In early summer, it may be best to throw a topwater over the spot to try and trigger a bite from the biggest fish in the area. But in late fall, it may be best to cast a jig to that spot. If the wind is too much, that’s often when a spinnerbait will do the trick. If you try to use the spinnerbait in calm conditions during the middle of the day, it may not match the conditions well enough.

The best way to build upon your experience early is by keeping a fishing log. There are a lot of ways to do it now; odds are there’s a good phone app to use. In just writing this article, I have felt the need to revert back to my logkeeping to help me identify details that may make a difference.

Pay close attention to the weather and water conditions and take good notes on what worked and why you think it worked. Equally important, take notes on what didn’t work and why you think it didn’t. You can refer back to your log when you look at weather forecasts or for a particular time of year. These notes will give you a great starting point but remember to look for more details that you may have overlooked before.

Soon, you’ll be making good adjustments quicker and keeping yourself on the fish almost all the time. ~ Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the Bassmaster Elite Series and PAA tours. He lives in Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.

LAKE 85

Roasted Zucchini with Sauce Verte Ingredients

2 medium-size zucchini, split lengthwise into eighths 2 tablespoons olive oil salt and pepper to taste Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Once preheated, place a medium well-seasoned cast iron pan in the oven for 15 minutes. Season the zucchini with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Remove pan from the oven, and add the seasoned zucchini and olive oil. Toss quickly, and then place back in the oven for 1 minute. Arrange the zucchini on a serving plate, and drizzle 2 tablespoons of the sauce verte over the top. Serve the remaining sauce on the side.

Sauce Verte

1 cup chopped parsley 1/4 cup chopped tarragon Zest of 2 lemons 2 anchovies chopped into a paste 1 tablespoon chopped capers 1 minced shallot Juice of 2 lemons 3 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 teaspoon chili flake In a medium bowl, mix the lemon juice, zest, anchovy, capers, chili, olive oil and shallots in the bowl. Just before serving, add the chopped fresh herbs and spoon over hot zucchini.

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

CHEF’S TABLE

BY ROB MCDANIEL

86 LAKE

JUNE 2017

At Wind Creek Montgomery, we do it all. From the rehearsal dinner at Itta Bena, to the big event in our spacious Ramblin’ Hall ballroom, to lodging for your wedding party, all you have to worry about is saying “I do.”

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FIND YOUR WINNING MOMENT. 1801 Eddie L. Tullis Rd. • Montgomery, AL 36117 (866)WIND-360 | WindCreekMontgomery.com © 2017 Wind Creek Hospitality

JUNE 2017

LAKE 87

Pour it in, not out 88 LAKE

JUNE 2017

I

f I have told this story before I don’t remember winning Chenin Blanc from that small village in when it would have been, so it probably wasn’t this the Loire Valley, Vouvray. Aromas of pear, pineapple year. I’m pretty sure it has never been in print, but and banana ever so slightly fill the glass, leading to I do like to share it when people say a particular wine refreshing flavors of mandarin, melon and pear on the was terrible. I tell it because I was there, and this happalate. Stainless steel fermentation tanks ensure a lively pened to me. fruit character and creamy mouth feel of the 2016 vinIt was New Year’s Eve somewhere in the tage at $17. early ’90s of the last century. We were at a L’Ecole has been making Chenin Blanc friend’s house and as in previous years had in Washington’s Columbia Valley sinc planned to spend the night and well into the e 1987. The 2014 also is a Vouvray-style next day. Our main course was lamb; I love wine using cold fermentation to enhance lamb. One of the wines I would pour was the floral and fruity aromas and flavors. an exceptional Syrah at about $50, and the Look for orange blossom and grapefruit on other was probably a Cabernet in the same the nose with tangerine and apple on the price range. There was a great deal of mercrisp mineral finish for $16. riment and consumption, storytelling and The Elizabeth Spencer Mendocino laughter and more drinking as we prepared Chenin Blanc is from 2015. It is light both the meal. With the lamb roasting in the FROM THE CELLAR in color and mouth feel. I found it to be oven, I opened the wine to let it breathe. very dry with slight aromas of apple and

BY HENRY FOY Maybe I was coming down with a cold lemon with more minerality than acidity. It or maybe the pungent odor of the lamb or maybe too is a good food wine that went well with roasted chickmuch of something else threw me off. The wine was en at $23. awful, and I poured it out. Poured it out in the sink and Though Chenin Blanc is largely under appreciated without hesitation opened the second bottle. OMG; that and often overlooked, the wines have a great appeal one was just as bad. I probably shouldn’t admit this in and exceptional quality when discovered. That the soil, print, but it is a striking lesson in what not to do when climate and winemakers craft can result in different you think you have a flawed wine. Do not pour it out style wines made from the same grape should not be without allowing adequate time to breathe. That may overlooked. It is important to recognize, as these wines have been all it needed. show, each wine is different and to experience one The first taste of some wines can be a bit of a shock Chenin Blanc is not enough. for the taste buds. Not liking a wine doesn’t mean it Now as a public service, a word about tasting notes is bad. If it is indeed flawed, there will be other signs, in general. I don’t know where they come up with some such as a leaky cork, brownish coloration around the of this stuff, and I can see that reading the descripedges of the glass or an off odor. A dark yellow-brown tions on the back labels can be intimidating. I will have white wine is most likely oxidized and/or past prime. to find some greengages to see what that tastes like.

Colored bottles often make it difficult to see the wine, I know peaches and honey, but I’m ignorant to what but the vintage also offers a clue. Most white wines are barley sugar is (by the time you read this, I will have for early drinking. found out) and I don’t consume enough marzipan or The white wines we’re tasting today will all be in quince to have a flavor profile in my head. So there; if the pale spectrum of straw and amber that is typical you like it, there’s no need to explain. of Chenin Blanc, a very versatile wine that pairs well On the point of consumption: Summer is here; the with summer. The origin of Chenin Blanc is the Loire lake is full and there will be drinking. Enjoy responsiValley of France, which lies some 200 miles southbly. west of Paris. Chenin Blanc is the most planted variety

in South Africa, where it is known as Steen, and it is Henry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine and the only grape used in making Vouvray wines in the Spirits with the area’s only walk-in humidor, Café 128 Loire Valley. At the winemakers’ hand, Chenin Blanc and Gallery 128 in downtown Alexander City at 128 wine can be very dry to sweet. It is the acidity that Calhoun Street. He can be reached at 256.212.WINE, makes Chenin Blanc a summer go-to wine. on Instagram, Facebook and at emporium128@bellDry Creek Vineyard took inspiration for their award- south.net.

JUNE 2017

LAKE 89

90 LAKE

JUNE 2017

Pin High

Pro Tips From Lee Williams When you are watching golf on TV are you learning or just watching? The one thing I always notice when I watch is that most of the golfers know their limitations. Amateur golfers struggle with knowing what they can and can’t do. The effect of this is a higher score than was warranted. If you are serious about shooting lower scores and improving your handicap, I challenge you to pay close attention to the pros the next time you watch TV. I have said this before in my column, and it’s worth repeating; amateurs don’t know how far they actually fly their clubs; and thus, they don’t know their limitations. Tiger always said the secret to golf is being pin high. In order to be pin high, you have to know how far you carry each club in your bag. By knowing your distances, you know what you can and can’t do. These distances will change from time to time, depending on how well you are swinging the club. My distances can change as much as 10 yards from when I’m swinging the club well to when I’m swinging it poorly. Be careful when you are calculating distances that you get your carry distance.

Learning distance control with your clubs is one of the most important parts of playing the game. Tiger thinks enough of this to call it the secret to the game.

I believe it is worthy of attention when you practice and play.

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.

Moncus hits 67 for tournament championship STORY BY LIZI ARBOGAST

Although Benjamin Russell’s golf team fell just short of qualifying for the AHSAA tournament, the Wildcats did come home with one big Dylan Moncus accomplishment at shot 67 the Class 6A South at Oxford Sub State tournament.

Dylan Moncus fired a 67, giving him the honor of individual champion of the tournament, at a tough Oxford course.

“He had a great day and worked very hard to earn that score,” BRHS boys coach Wes Tate said. “As a team, we just left too many shots out there. The boys competed but just came up a few strokes short to move on.”

Benjamin Russell finished third overall – only one spot from qualifying – with a 317 overall. Homewood won with 290 and Spanish Fort’s 308 was good enough for second.

Kylee Reeder notched an 80 for the Wildcats, while Sawyer Scott and Matthew Cush each turned in 85s. Hal Coker carded an 88.

On the girls side, Karlie Royster was the top golfer for Benjamin Russell with a 118, and Mally McInnis followed closely behind with a 123. Logan Johnson and Keegan Wendling rounded out the top four with scores of 128 and 139, respectively.

“Over the course of the season, we saw each one of the girls begin to gain confidence and improve their game,” Wildcats girls coach Mandi Durr said. “Now that the season is over, I expect the girls to make a commitment to practicing so we are not starting back at square one next season. I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching these young ladies and look forward to what the future will bring for our team.”

At the AHSAA Class 6A state tournament in Opelika, Moncus carded a two-day total of 154.

JUNE 2017

LAKE 91

Legend

63

24

22

280

To Sylacauga

23

Public Boat Ramps

19

9 Churches

Alexander City

8

Camps & Parks

Camp ASCCA

Flint Hill Church

16

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

13 20

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church New Hope Church

Liberty Church

7 17

Willow Point

24

6

9

Equality

63

10

Kowaliga Boat Landing

55

4

Seman

Trillium

22 The Ridge

2

The Amp Ko

wa

18

lig

aB

ay

80

9

Central

90

Union

ELMORE COUNTY Union Church

Red Hill 63

229

Eclectic

Tallassee

20 12

92 LAKE

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor

25

34

Camp Alamisco

1 11

Church in The Pines Camp Kiwanis

Paces Point Boat Ramp

Kent

JUNE 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

21

Dadeville

57

280

Camp Hill

Smith Landing Pleasant Ridge Church

82. Alex City Marine Sales and Service 256-215-3474

2190 Cherokee Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Restaurants 96. SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 6. Catherine’s Market 10 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

14 15

11 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Lake Martin Baptist Church 49 Church of the Living Waters

73. Smith Marina 256-444-8793

12 Bezlo's Cafe 334-639-0003

65 Main Street., Eclectic, AL 36024

Stillwaters

16 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481 5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, AL 35010 17 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt @ Smith's Marina 256-444-8793 18 5. Lake Martin Mini Mall 334.857.3900

7995 Kowaliga Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024 19 4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 20 4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 4. Russell Building Supply 21 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 224. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Loop, Alex City, AL 35010 234. Dark Insurance 256-234-5026

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 www.darkinsuranceagency.com 24. McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583

1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010 25. Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Road, Eclectic, AL 36024

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.

5

Business & Shopping 13 Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075 970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010

Walnut Hill 50 50

14 Lakeside Mercantile 334-850-6357 8246 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 15 EastLake Coffee @ Lakeside Mercantile 334-850-6357 8246 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36853

49

Reeltown

JUNE 2017

LAKE 93

Lake Magazine Distribution ALEXANDER CITY

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

Larry’s General Store Longleaf Antiques Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast Queen’s Attic Regions Bank Ridge - Clubhouse Ridge - Marina River North Marina Riverbend Store Russell Home Décor Russell Medical Center Russell Lands Russell Retail Store Satterfield, Inc Senior Nutrition~50+ Center Sho’ Nuff Restaurant Springhouse Restaurant T.C. Russell Airport Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc The Medicine Shoppe The Sure Shot USAmeribank Warren's Appliance Parts Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon

CHELSEA Winn-Dixie The Ditsy Daisy Boutique CHILDERSBURG Winn-Dixie DADEVILLE

American Motorsports Bay Pine Marina City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center Foshee's Boat Doc Homeplate Restaurant Harbor Pointe Marina Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Community Hospital Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy Lakeside Marina Niffer's At The Lake Oskar's Cafe Payne Furniture Pearson’s Place Poplar Dawgs Public Library Pug's Place PNC Bank

Renfroes Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 USAmeribank

ECLECTIC Children’s Harbor Cotton’s BBQ Eclectic Do-It Center Johnson’s Furniture Kowaliga Marina Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store Peoples Bank

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

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation MOUNTAIN BROOK Whole Foods Market

RED HILL Citgo

SYLACAUGA Good Ole Boys BBQ

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

Roofing Services By

993 Yeager Parkway Pelham, AL 35124 O: (205)685-0040 F: (205) 685-0049 www.ApexRoofs.com

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700

Full Service Free Damage Inspection Licensed & Insured

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.

LAKE

MAGAZINE

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com 94 LAKE

JUNE 2017

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory

LAKE MARTIN AMY

H

OLMAN

Call on

Amy Clark

“WE’RE

Broker/Realtor/GRI/ ABR/RSPS

256-749-3333 www.SellingLakeMartin.com

F

LOOR

C

KOWALIGA WHOLE HEALTH

OMPANY

Pet Care & Resort

THE PROFESSIONALS”

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Hardwood Floors Ceramic Tile Carpet & Vinyl

Saturday, June 3, 2017 8 am - 12 pm | $10 each Located at our Vet Clinic:

Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care 8610 Kowaliga Road Eclectic, AL 36024

Visit our showroom for samples and a free estimate!

Locally Owned for Over 45 Years

HOMES FOR SALE

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256-234-6071

(334) 857-1816 Mary S. Battistella, DVM, CVA wholehealthpetcare.com

1945 Hwy 280 • Alexander City

Professional!

residential. commercial. interior. exterior.

Trey Callegan Area Manager Call TODAY for quick Pre-approval!

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

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columbus-auburn.certapro.com

248 Inverness Ctr Dr, Birmingham AL

205-995-7283

1550OpelikaRoadSuite6Box294,Auburn,AL36830

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Paige Patterson

Complete Marine Upholstery!

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

Patrick Mason 334-283-6759

LAKE

676 Dean Circle • Tallassee, AL www.coachkraft.com

205-616-8046

334-332-3435 334-391-0759

www.paigepatterson.com

Relax. Enjoy. Lake Martin.

Call to order your subscription 256-234-4281

MAGAZINE

JUNE 2017

LAKE 95

Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A&M Plumbing....................................................... 79

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

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Advanced Heating & Air...................................... 39

Eagles Landing.......................................................... 3

River Bank & Trust................................................ 40

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

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

Russell Lands.................................................... 83,99

Alex City Marine................................................... 79

George Hardy D.M.D........................................... 31

Russell Marine........................................................ 35

Alexander City Jazz Fest..................................... 64

Harbor Pointe Marina.......................................... 97

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

Amanda Scroggins, RE/MAX Around the Lake.........39

Hilltop Landscaping............................................... 34

Satterfield................................................................ 25

Amy Clark, Selling Lake Martin ...................................95

Hinson Galleries.................................................... 81

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

Apex Roofing....................................................................94

Holley’s Home Furnishings...............................100

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Sparkle Window Cleaning................................... 21

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Blue Creek Iron Works....................................... 95

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State Farm Insurance/ Harold Cochran..........94

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Kowaliga Whole Health....................................... 95

State Farm Insurance/ Karen Channell..........95

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

Lake Martin Cleaning & Painting....................... 39

St. James Episcopal Church................................. 65

C&T Eclectric.......................................................... 8

Lake Martin Community Hospital..................... 41

Tallassee Community Hospital........................... 65

Cahaba Glass.......................................................... 25

Lake Martin Dock................................................. 17

Temple Medical Center....................................... 39

Central Alabama Community College............. 73

Lake Martin Mini Mall.......................................... 28

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

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Lakeside Marina..................................................... 20

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

Chuck's Marina...................................................... 27

Mark King's Furniture................................... 24, 82

UAB Heart & Vascular......................................... 77

Coach Kraft Upholstery...................................... 15

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Walmart.................................................................. 91

Crew Lending......................................................... 95

National Village...................................................... 64

Wedowee Marine................................................. 78

Custom Docks....................................................... 28

Noel Boone............................................................ 94

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

Damon Story, Cedar Point................................. 58

Paige Patterson, Lake Martin Voice Realty......95

Wind Creek Casino & Hotel............................. 87

DAVCO Development......................................... 95

Prime Management............................................... 29

WSC Distinctive Builders, LLC......................... 49

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

Radney Funeral Home........................................... 6

Brandino Brass Co. offers an uncompromising selection of decorative hardware for doors and cabinets, kitchen and bath accessories, lighting, fire balls, mailboxes, gate hardware and much more.

2824 CENTRAL AVENUE SUITE 100 | HOMEWOOD, AL 35209 205.978.8900 | WWW.BRANDINOBRASS.COM

96 LAKE

JUNE 2017

JUNE 2017

LAKE 97

98 LAKE

JUNE 2017

Parting Shot

~ Dr. Suess

“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.”

Photo by Kenneth Boone

Life is Better at The

Ridge.

The Ridge is where lake and life truly meet.

Whether you’re looking for a new getaway in the most pristine homes and homesites available in South Ridge Harbor, a rustic-modern design in Russell Cabins, or a classic farmhouse-style home in Ridge Run, The Ridge offers all this and more.

The Ridge residents have access to an array of amenities, including The Ridge Marina, Beach Park, and The Ridge Club, a 10-acre recreation complex with tennis, cente swimming, and children’s play park. fitness center,

Russell Cabins

Ridge Run

South Ridge Harbor

Homes & Homesites Available 2017 LAKE 99 RUSSELLLANDSONLAKEMARTIN.COMJUNE | 256.215.7011 | LAKE MARTIN, ALABAMA

INJURED

BY YOUR OLD MATTRESS OR SOFA?

CALL ME ALABAMA! RALPH HOLLEY

I AM YOUR

FURNITURE STORE! Every representation is made that the products, prices and service provided by Holley’s Home Furnishings are greater than the products, prices and service provided by other furniture stores.

100 LAKE

256.234.4141 Alexander City

JUNE 2017

334.279.3101 Montgomery