CREATING WATER FEATURES RUSSELL CABINS AT KOWALIGA
LOST GOATS OF LAKE MARTIN
WICKER POINT GOLF CLUB
Hello, Lake Martin!
While I may be a new face to some readers of Lake magazine, I’m no stranger to many in this community. Over the years, I’ve been deeply involved in local initiativeswhether volunteering for community cleanups or advocating for our area’s businesses and attractions through my travel blog. These experiences have allowed me to connect with the heart of Lake Martin, and now, I’m excited to take on this new role as managing editor of Lake magazine. For the past six months, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside one of Lake Martin’s most beloved icons, Betsy Iler. Her mentorship has shown me a level of commitment and compassion for this community that I’ve never seen before, setting a high standard that I’m eager to carry forward as I step into her role.
I’m also thrilled to introduce a new member of our editorial team, feature writer Austin Elliott. A proud native of Alexander City and former pitcher for the Savannah Bananas, Austin’s passion for Lake Martin and sports will bring a unique viewpoint to the stories we share with our readers.
In this annual Builders & Buyers edition, we explore the evolving trends in home design at Lake Martin, showing how both timeless and emerging styles are shaping homes on the water today. Read more about this on page 46.
While rustic charm is making a comeback, luxury living continues to thrive. From whole-house scent systems to therapeutic pools, Scott Underwood, co-founder of Centennial Homes, gives us an inside look at resort-level lake home living on page 54.
In Dadeville, Alabama, talented woodworker Zach Burandt is crafting custom furniture with an unmatched level of precision and passion that is reflected in each piece he creates. After spending nearly 1,000 hours creating a single piece of furniture, his training at Krenov School of Fine Woodworking has transformed his view on woodworking into creating pieces of storytelling art. Learn more about Chisel & Wood on page 38.
Russell Lands, a longstanding leader in creating iconic lake communities, is introducing its newest neighborhood, Russell Cabins at Kowaliga. Discover more on page 26.
Additionally, Explore Lake Martin is bringing one of the lake’s most iconic attractions to life with a new community-wide challenge, Lost Goats of Lake Martin. This reimagined geocaching adventure invites participants to track down 10 goats hidden throughout the community, honoring Goat Island in a way that will spark nostalgia while creating new memories. Read more about it on page 72.
I know I have big shoes to fill with Betsy’s departure, but her dedication to this community and Lake magazine will continue to inspire me as I take on this new adventure with you!
All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 | lakemagazine.life
Shaylee Beck Moore, Managing Editor
Water features add ambience and serenity to Lake Martin homes and in recent years have become more popular. From infinity pools to dramatic lakeside spills and wandering streams, waterfalls and pools are part of the overall design concept for new construction at the lake and play an important role in building a relaxing vibe.
Photo by Kenneth Boone
20. BEST IN STATE GOLF Magazine designates Wicker Point Golf Club as the Best Golf Course in Alabama.
26. NEW RUSSELL CABINS
Russell Lands unveils a new community in the Lake Martin area, embracing iconic local history for inspiration.
32. GO WITH THE FLOW
As outdoor amenities gain popularity at the lake, Mickey Forbus dives into the latest water feature trends for lake homes.
38. CHISEL & WOOD
A chance opportunity in Northern California set the path for Zach Burandt to find his passion in transforming wood into one-of-a-kind works of art.
46. TRENDING BY DESIGN
As Lake Martin homes transform from weekend retreats to permanent residences, three design specialists offer insight on emerging design trends.
54. FIVE-STAR ESCAPE AT LAKE MARTIN
From cascading waterfalls to therapy pools, Centen+nial Homes brings resort-inspired luxury to Lake Martin homes.
72. LOST GOATS OF LAKE MARTIN
Explore Lake Martin rolls out a new community challenge this month, bringing a fun twist to outdoor adventure.
LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:
09. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 11. LAKE SCENES
12. CALENDAR OF EVENTS
16. LAKE MARTIN NEWS 44. LAKE PROPERTY 66. NATURE OF THE LAKE 81. FAB FINDS
82. HEALTHY LIVING 84. CHEF'S TABLE 86. BIG CATCHES
88. FROM THE CELLAR 91. THE SCRAMBLE 98. PARTING SHOT
Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake
Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators
The above numbers are derived from raw sales data from the Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors MLS. The sales noted above are for Lake Martin waterfront residential (single-family and condominium) sales only. This information is provided courtesy of Lake Martin Realty, LLC (a Russell Lands, Inc., affiliated company).
Minimize storm damage at the lake house
Known as part of the Dixie Alley tornado route, Alabama has two tornado seasons spring and fall. But tornadoes can and do occur year round in Alabama, and Lake Martin is no stranger to the damage and loss of life incurred when storms roll through the area.
While last month's tornado caused minimal damage, the April 2011 Super Outbreak took two lake residents' lives, swept the Lake Martin Amphitheater hillside of trees and destroyed an entire neighborhood below the Smith Mountain Fire Tower.
While no one can control the path of such storms, there is much that can be done to prevent the loss of life and minimize the damage potential, even for part time lake residents, said Tallapoosa County Emergency Management Agency Director Jason Moran.
"If you are in the path of the storm, first thing always is to have multiple ways to receive weather information. One of those is a NOAA weather radio. Another source is the Tallapoosa Alert system, which sends a mass notification based on the polygon system," Moran said. "Sign up for these notificaitons."
with no windows. Put as many walls between your safe place and the outside as possible.
Ahead of the storm's arrival, stock the safe place with food, water, medications and anything you'll need in an emergency.
Use the QR code above to sign up for weather alerts from Tallapoosa County.
Next, be sure to have a plan. Prior to inclement weather, identify your home's safe place a space on the lowest level
Weather Outlook for April
April 2025 Forecast
"Have cash on hand. If the power goes out, you won't be able to make purchases with cards," Moran said.
"Also, have a helmet for every person who is sheltering. Bicycle helmets, baseball, softball, motorcycle any kind of helmet."
And be sure to charge electronic devices before the storm arrives.
During tornado season, prepare your lake home's exterior at the end of every visit.
To reduce flying debris, secure all loose objects outside the home. Stow the dock furniture before you leave the lake, in case a storm comes up before your next trip.
"Put away anything that could become a projectile and injure someone or cause damage," Moran said. "Trampolines should be anchored to the ground properly. Boat docks secured. Close garage doors."
To keep up with what's happening at the lake while you are away, monitor the Alex City Outlook Facebook page, where damage reports are regularly posted.
Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the mid 70s with average lows in the upper 40s and about 4 and a half inches of precipitation in the month of April. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be higher than average and rainfall will be lower than average this month.
Year-to-Date
Precipitation: 14.97 inches Avg.
Our Normal April
Precipitation: 4.64 inches
Avg. temp.: 61.8
Summer: 491 MSL
Winter: 481 MSL
Highest: 488.35
Lowest: 484.195
Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit lakes.alabamapower.com.
Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and waterrelated equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.
READER SUBMISSIONS
(1) Tony Johnson watched the supermoon rise at Lake Martin. (2) Cindy Gillani throws a few casts off the dock, causing nary a ripple as the setting sun paints the water with gold. (3) Ann Gordon snapped this photo of a great blue heron on her neighbor's pier. (4) Johnny Spears walking along the shore on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. (5) Ghost Kitty on the balcony enjoying warmer weather. (6) In February, snow temporarily replaced Lake Martin's sandy banks.
April 1
Basics of Pistol Shooting
This course, led by a cerrified NR instructor, provides hands-on training in gun safety, pistol operation, ammunition selection and marksmanship from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lake Martin Machine Gun in Eclectic. Cost of the class is $150 per person. Visit lakemartinmachinegun.com for registration and details.
April 2
Spring Pottery Class
Ring in the season from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at One Oak Pottery in Dadeville by creating watering cans and flower pots for your garden. This workshop costs $50 and is a creative way to get ready for warm days while adding a personal touch to your garden. Visit oneoakpottery.com for details.
April 3
UNwineD at Zazu’s Verandah
Zazu’s Verandah, located on the beautiful Dadeville Square, presents their sixth season of live music inside the Listening Room every Thursday evening starting April 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This event is free to the community, and guests aged 21-plus are welcome to attend. For weekly updates, call 256-307-2188 or visit the Zazu’s Verandah Facebook page.
April 5
Boating Safety Course
Come out to watch or crew a boat for the annual Dixie Sailing Club Punchbowl Regatta
event fills fast because of the limited number of slots available. Contact Lee Cook at Russell Marine’s River North Marina for more information. Call 256-397-1502 or email LCook@russelllands.com.
April 5 & 6
Lake Martin Ultra Run
The Lake Martin 100 returns to Russell Forest on April 5 and 6. Interested ultra runners should visit the Southeastern Trail Runs page. Runners from all over the U.S. and beyond will take a shot at the trails in Russell Forest. There is something for all runners − a 100-mile course, a 50-mile course and a 27-mile fun run. The Lake Martin 100 has been voted the Best 100-mile race in North America and the Best North American Ultra.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN
Alabama Marine Police will conduct a boating safety course at The Ridge Marina from 8 a.m to 3 p.m. to review navigation rules for veterans and help first timers pass the license exam. Hosted by Russell Marine, this course is NASBLA and Alabama Boating Safety certified. Call Rhonda Perry at The Ridge Marina at 256-397-1300 or email her at rperry@russelllands.com to register.
April 5
Women on Lake Martin Boating Class
Hosted by Russell Marine and geared specifically for women, this four-hour hands-on course refreshes women on the basics of boating safety and operation with on-water demonstrations on many of the most popular boats on Lake Martin. The boating class runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This
April 5
Shred Day
Bring up to five boxes of documents − credit card offers, check stubs, banking and loan information, old tax records and more − to the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce office to be shred on site for free from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Presented by Central State Bank. Please remove three-ring binders and binder clips. Call Kim Dunn at the chamber at 256-234-3461.
April 11-13
Dixie Sailing Club Punch Bowl Regatta
The Punchbowl Regatta, one of two open regattas hosted by the Dixie Sailing Club, kicks off on Friday at noon when the DSC gate opens for early arrivals. The Welcome Party from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. features hot dogs, burgers and chips. Bring your own beverages. Saturday begins with brunch, registration and boat launches from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. with the skipper’s meeting at 10 a.m. and the first race warning signal at 11:30 a.m. The day concludes with music, race discussions and a catered BYOB dinner at 5:30 p.m. Races resume at 9 a.m. on Sunday, following 7 a.m. breakfast. Awards will be presented at 1 p.m. Entry fee is $75 for the skipper and one crew member. Additional meals are available for $15 each. Contact Richard at 334-301-4382 or Chris at 314-221-7269.
April 12
Master Gardeners Arbor Day Celebration
The Tallapoosa County Master Gardeners will host the annual Plants in The Park Arbor Day celebration from 9
a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dadeville’s Pennington Park. The event will include guest speakers, kids’ activities, tree giveaways and plant sales from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guest speakers will make presentations on a variety of gardening subjects throughout the day, and food vendors will be on site. For more information visit the Tallapoosa County Master Gardeners Association Facebook page.
April 12
Boating Safety Course
Need your Alabama boating license or just want to review the latest rules and regulations? Alabama Marine Police will conduct a boating safety course at The Ridge Marina, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., to help all boaters, first timers and veterans alike. Hosted by Russell Marine, this course is NASBLA and Alabama Boating Safety certified. For more information, visit russelllands.com/blog/events.
April 12
24th Annual Old 280 Boogie
This festival of music, art, food and Southern culture in Waverly will feature David Ramirez, Carolyn Wonderland, Chatham County Line, Sweet Lizzy Project and The Pine Hill Haints. Gates open at 11 a.m. Tickets are $40 until April 1; then, $50 online and at the gate. Kids 12 and under are admitted free. Visit standarddeluxe.com for details.
April 24
Classroom in the Forest
Coosa County Forestry Department and Coosa County Extension, along with forestry experts from Auburn University will teach attendees about general wildlife information and basic forestry concepts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location to be determined. This program is appropriate for public and homeschooled students. Admission is free. Contact Coosa County Extension for more information.
April 26
Spring Ride
Back Country Horsemen of America will host a 9 a.m. ride at Wind Creek State Park. Ride with friends, the BCHA group or at your leisure. For more information, email BCHAWindcreek22@gmail.com.
April 25-27
Russell Marine In-water Boat Show
See and demo 2025 boat models from Godfrey Pontoons, Nautique ski and wake boats, Sea Ray, Key West, ChrisCraft, Bass Cat and Crevalle and browse the pro shop for lake gear. Visit russelllands.com/blog/events for details.
May 2
Friday On The Green
Local favorite Russell Craig will kick off this season’s Friday On The Green series on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Join the family friendly fun with lawn games and great music. Bring a picnic supper or pick up food at Fanny's, Catherine’s Market
or SpringHouse. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and the pup on a leash. This is a free event every Friday all summer long, except on weekends of RXR Fest, Jazz Fest, 4th of July, Lake Martin Songwriter's Festival and Labor Day.
May 3
AWF Wild Game Cook-Off
Alabama Wildlife Federation will host this wild game competition at 5 p.m. at Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors in Alexander City, so gather your team and finalize your recipes. Cook teams enter for free, and the winner of this competition advances to the state finals at Lanark in Millbrook on August 2. Admission is $50 for you and one guest and includes a one-year AWF membership and subscription to Alabama Wildlife Magazine. Youth under 15 admitted free. Register your cook team and purchase tickets at alabamawildlife.org. For more information, call Heather Buesinger at 334-285-4550.
May 3
Derby Day
Lake Martin Brewing at 82 Court Square in Alexander City will host a Derby Day watch party at 11 a.m., so wear that fancy hat and the seersucker suit, sip on mint juleps and soak in the lively atmosphere during the annual run for the roses. Call 256-397-5747 for details.
Season-long Events
Free Tax Assistance & E-filing
Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama, Inc., at 5030 U.S. Route 280 in Alexander City will host IRS certified volunteers to provide free tax assistance and electronic filing of federal and state income tax forms for seniors at any income level and taxpayers under age 60 with incomes less than $68,000, as well as disabled taxpayers. Make your appointment to drop off your information before April 1, 2025, by calling 256-234-0347. Do not come without an appointment. Bring last year’s tax return, a photo ID for taxpayer and spouse, as well as Social Security cards for taxpayers and dependents, W-2s, 1099s and 1095-A if applicable.
Naturalist Presentations and Guided Tours
Come see Naturalist Marianne and her lively nature presentations at the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature. Check the calendar at russelllands.com/blog/events for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.
Alexander City Kiwanis Club
The Alexander City Kiwanis Club meets at noon every Thursday in the boardroom of the Betty Carol Graham Building on the CACC campus, except on the fourth Thursday of the month. For more information, call Mike Lucas at 256-596-0104.
Pastry & Paint
Join local painter Kay Fincher for a painting event from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at The Grand Bakery on Broadnax Street in Dadeville. All materials will be provided to complete a canvas picture. No previous painting experience in necessary; however, reservations are required. The class is $30 for each person and is limited to 10 participants. Call 256-825-2506 to reserve a spot.
LMYP Game Night
Every third Thursday of the month, grab your crew and meet at The Local at 41 Main in downtown Alexander City from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for games, laughs and exclusive LMYP drink specials. It’s free to play the games, like trivia and bingo and more, and the grand prize is always $50. Visit the Lake Martin Young Professionals Facebook page for more information.
Lake Martin Civitan Club
The Lake Martin Civitan Club meets at noon in the private room at JR’s Grill, 145 Alabama Street, Alexander City, on the second Thursday of each month. For more information, call Audrey Moore at 256-786-0465.
Everything’s Art Classes
From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on alternate Tuesdays, children in grade three through five will learn the elements of art as they complete projects in class with Everything’s Art teachers. Enroll children and complete permission forms at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com/Classes. No fees for Tallapoosa County children. Email Delaine Hanson at delaine.hanson@gmail.com for details.
Artists Association of Central Alabama
AACA artists meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex grounds with a general meeting followed by open studio. Club dues are $20 for the year.
Dulcimer Club
All levels of mountain dulcimer and blending traditional instruments are invited to gather at Dadeville Performing Arts Center from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays to rehearse for performances at a variety of community events. The group plays old-time, gospel and traditional music. Email kim.walls@dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.
Dadeville Community Chorus
Rehearsals will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays at Dadeville Performing Arts Center. Adult music fee is $25. Scholarships are available. To join and order music, email office@dadevilleperformingartscenters.com.
Grief Support
Red Ridge United Methodist Church hosts an on-going grief support program at 10 a.m. lead by Pastor Dorothy Scott and Kay Fincher. There is no charge for participation, and it does not matter if the loss was recent or long ago. For more information, call Fincher at 256-825-2506.
Clean Community Partnership Cleanups
Pick up trash in Alexander City to win money for your favorite charity. Volunteers meet at Strand Park at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. Turn in your collected trash and get points for each person on your cleanup team and each bag of trash you collect. The team with the most points gets a $500 check made out to the nonprofit charity of their choice. Second place is $200, and third place is $200. Contact Michelle West at 256-786-0584 or John Thompson at 334-399-3289 for more information.
In Dadeville, a monthly cleanup is held on the second Saturday of the month, and volunteers can pick up sanitized pickers and bags at 8 a.m. at Dadeville City Hall. There also will be a trash bag drop-off on site. Contact Mickey Forbus at 334-329-0905.
Lake Martin Creativity
This group meets every Monday at 1 p.m. in the downstairs community room at the StillWaters Residential Building. Anyone interested in arts and crafts is encouraged to join. Bring something to work on or come see what others are doing. A monthly fee of $5 is charged to help pay for the use of the space. For more information, contact Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.
Library Storytimes
Storytime for children ages 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City holds themed storytimes every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for preschool-aged and younger children.
Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store
Located on state Route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. For more information, call 334-857-2008 for more information.
Memory Makers Quilt Guild
This group meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex campus. Arrive at 9:30 a.m. and sew until 2 p.m. Bring your lunch or a snack, sewing projects, machines and questions.
Tallassee Lions Club
The Tallassee Lions Club meets every Tuesday at Cozumel Restaurant, across from the football stadium in Tallassee, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Join for an hour of humor, information, civic pride and patriotism. For more information, call Marilyn Speake at 334-283-6864 or email her at marilyn.speake@tcschools.com.
Lake Martin News
Dixie Sailing Club brings the heart of sailing to Lake Martin
There are all kinds of ways to enjoy Lake Martin, but some prefer to do it sailing.
Dixie Sailing Club member Jim Simons, who is also a past commodore of the club, said the sailing club was first established in 1961.
There’s a sense of leisure to sailing even though you might still be navigating. Because of its quieter nature, you can carry on a conversation with your crew or guests. It becomes a social activity.
“When you get in a power boat, you're going somewhere and the phrase we use is when you get in a sailboat, you're there,” Simons said.
But that doesn’t mean they don’t participate in friendly competitions. Every Saturday, if the weather permits, they race at noon from March through early November. Yet, there’s a strategy to racing. Sailboats need the wind, but they don’t go directly into it. You have to find ways to use the wind leg by leg.
“The sail has to be aerodynamic, just like the wing on an airplane,” Simons said. “Same deal in the wind comes past the backside of the sail faster than it comes back on the front side of the sail. Because it's going faster on the backside, that's a lower pressure, and that pulls the boat forward, right? So when you're going into the wind, the wind is actually pulling the boat forward, but at the same time, you've got all this stuff that's on the boat, and everything else, the wind is pushing it backwards. So you can't really go in a straight line.”
Anyone is welcome to come by and watch the sailboat boats race. But if you are interested in sailing, Simons said, don’t just go out and buy a boat. Each boat is a little different and you need to try them out.
If you are an associate member of the club, you can ask sailboat owners if you can sail with them. Simons said this is a great way to experience different boats to see what you might like before you invest.
Sailboats also require a lot of care. Unlike pontoon boats, there are not a lot of commercial repair shops, so many of
the members do repairs and maintenance themselves. It can be a labor of love in a way.
“I've been sailing since I was a teenager and every time you go out, you learn something,” Simons said.
The Dixie Sailing Club offers a couple more ways for people to learn how to sail. The club will have an Intro to Sailing event March 31 and April 1. There also will be youth sailing classes June 10-13 and June 24-27. More information on both of these events can be found at dixiesailingclub.com and its Facebook page.
The club also offers membership. An associate member is $20 per month and for full membership it's $60 per month. Unlike the associate members, a full member can have a boat there at the club. The club is located near New Hope Baptist Church on the lake.
The Dixie Sailing Club representatives were guest speakers at the recent Lake Martin Dadeville Area Kiwanis Club.
~ Abigail Murphy
Kowaliga Boat Ramp scheduled for improvements
The Elmore County Commission approved spending $500,000 at the Kowaliga boat ramp as part of its Quality of Life projects across the county.
It joins projects such as 17 Springs, new turf field at school campuses, a new recreation center in Tallassee, a climbing tower in Millbrook and improvements at Cooters Pond boat ramp on the Alabama River. To make those projects possible the county has partnered with public and private entities. At Kowaliga, the county is partnering with Russell Lands, the Elmore County Economic Development Authority, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Alabama Department of Transportation for a project to improve access and parking and create more boat ramps.
Former commissioner Mack Daughtery was instrumental to the project, according to Elmore County chief operations officer Richie Beyer.
“He really spearheaded all this,” Beyer said. “Steve Forehand at Russell Lands has been very helpful in the process as well.”
There are multiple phases to the project planned with dif-
The Dixie Sailing Club is opening its doors for new memberships
Kowaliga Boat Ramp
ferent partners.
ALDOT is helping create turn lanes from Highway 63 into the parking area. The Elmore County Commission and DCNR are partnering to create better and more parking. At its Monday meeting the Elmore County Commission approved a $500,000 allocation to go along with up to $1 million from DCNR.
“The county and conservation are working alongside ALDOT to get a permit to some improvements on 63 to enhance the access,” Beyer said. “The parking is currently being designed and close to going to bid.”
DCNR has also told county officials it will help fund adding additional boat ramps at Kowaliga.
“Conversation is working with us to go ahead and get the FERC permit for the expansion to the ramp,” Beyer said. “It would take it from two to four. It is duplicating what is there on the other side of the old bridge abutment.”
The additional boat ramps would also see additional docks and piers similar to what is with the existing boat ramps.
After that project is complete, the Alabama Wildlife Federation is wanting to help Elmore County construct a pavilion on the property.
Beyer said the additional boat ramps and pavilion are in future phases of construction.
“We hope to see the parking and access part of the project completed in time for next summer,” Beyer said. “It is
180 Birmingham Rd
Eclectic, AL 36024
334-857-2443
sales@lakescape.com
important for us because this is really the only public access to Lake Martin in Elmore County. The other is an old boat ramp at Castaway but it doesn’t have any parking.”
~ Cliff Williams
Phil Legacy Foundation to Hold Inaugural Gala
The Phil Legacy Foundation will be giving out three scholarships to Dadeville High School students in memory of Phil Dowdell at its inaugural gala on May 7 at The Mitchell House.
Dowdell was a student-athlete at Dadeville High School when his life was tragically cut short during the April 15, 2023, mass shooting. Dowdell’s legacy, however, lives on through the work of the foundation.
The foundation is all about giving back and inspiring youth of all ages to be successful in life and in their community.
“We want to strive to encourage, influence and develop youth in the community and surrounding areas to become better athletes and scholars, to achieve success, both in and outside of the classroom,” the mission statement reads.
~ Abigail Murphy
Lake Martin homeowners seeking to enhance their lakefront from the front door to the waterline with docks, decks, boathouses, hard and soft scapes, irrigation, lighting and other features or to renovate or service existing ones.
Docks & Seawalls
Decks & Patios
Landscaping
Lighting & Electrical
Repairs & Maintenance
AAs if beautiful Lake Martin weren’t beloved enough already, it now has another golf course, with national recognition to boot.
Wicker Point Golf Club was awarded the honor of Best Golf Course in Alabama by GOLF Magazine in January. The award is given to the course in each state that presents the best aesthetic, functionality and difficulty in level of play. Having just opened in the fall of 2023, the golf course is still in its infancy. As the brainchild of world-renowned golf course architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Wicker Point has received much appreciation and awe from many golfers who have played it.
The dynamic duo of Coore and Crenshaw had intended to showcase every square inch in its peak
appearance during their planning and preparation of the design process, utilizing their ample amount of golf experience as the source of creativity. Coore began his career under the guidance of Pete Dye and associates. Crenshaw has seen the top of the mountain when it comes to golf immortality, as he has emerged victorious at the most highly coveted golf tournament in history, the Masters. The two men combined their experiences and expertise in 1985 when they established their presence in the architectural world of the sport with the birth of their firm, Coore & Crenshaw. Aside from Wicker Point, Coore and Crenshaw have had major involvement with some of the most prestigious courses in the United States, such as Kapalua Plantation, Sand Hills Golf Club, Friar’s Head, Cabot
Wicker Point Golf Club recieved recognition for best aesthetics, functionality and difficulty of play in Alabama
GOLF Magazine declares Wicker Point Golf Club
BEST IN STATE
Cliffs and Bally Bandon Sheep Ranch.
The pair of draftsmen have once again exemplified their ingenuity, with Wicker Point being tabbed as the best golf course in Alabama. While Coore and Crenshaw were at the helm of the engineering process, Wicker Point also had several other key players who assisted in painting the picture. Matt Sheppard has become a steady presence of professionalism within the evolution of golf in the Southeast. Sheppard moved to the Lake Martin area in 2010 when he initiated his career as an assistant golf professional at Willow Point. In the three years following, Sheppard assumed his position as the director of golf for Russell Lands and has since cemented a stout resume, currently serving the PGA of America as President of the
Alabama-NW Florida PGA Section.
“We were humbly honored, but by no means did we expect to see this type of national attention in such a short time period,” Sheppard said. “Especially in Year 1, it’s extremely exciting. While all involved knew it was special during the construction process, climbing the mountain in Alabama so rapidly was a pleasant surprise. Typically, courses need time to mature.”
Tucked into the Wicker Point peninsula, the golf course is never limited to just a single perspective. Defined by the natural beauty of its surroundings, Wicker Point boasts trademark features, such as the pine tree perimeters along the fairways, subtle concepts of natural charm, and its creeks and pine straw, with the lakefront scenery making it one of a kind.
STORY BY AUSTIN ELLIOTT & SAMUEL HIGGS
PHOTOS BY BEN SMITH & COURTSEY OF RUSSELL LANDS
“It’s the creativity and imagination of the architects,” Sheppard said. “The golf course really has three distinct, different vibes while experiencing an entire round. You play through young pine plantations for about a third of the holes. You play through a creek bottom, where multiple creeks run through holes for about five to six holes with numerous hardwoods and native wildlife. Then, you have six holes on the shores of Lake Martin. So, you really have three settings that you play through during the course of a round at Wicker Point, which is unique. It doesn’t all look the same, so that’s part of it.”
Both the sport of golf and the Lake Martin area have witnessed a massive increase in popularity in recent years, a perfect storm for a dignified golf course’s debut. Wicker Point is among 246 courses in Alabama and one of the 71 in the state that are private. The award illustrates the magnitude and draw of golf on Lake Martin. Wicker Point is projected to ascend to new heights in the future, having already established itself as a destination location.
to growth in our area, the city and the county. It’s a pretty good magnet for the state as well. There aren’t many treasured lakes as beautiful as ours. This is as valuable an asset as we have, and not just for our company, but in general; that was very important to us. It was a requirement that the lake was going to be involved.”
“It was imperative for us at Russell Lands to have the golf course on the lake,” Sheppard said. “Because the lake is our most valuable asset − a massive key
Wicker Point plans to continue catering to the local community as well as expanding opportunities for major events in the future. The primary focus for Sheppard and his team is to maintain course accessibility for its members. Wicker Point is ultimately identified as an immaculate venue for its members to have the best experience every time they play a round of golf on the grounds.
“But the future is really staying true to our core customs and traditions set forth prior to opening while continuing to improve every day,” Sheppard said. “We built the golf course with the goal of always having the ability to provide accessibility for members. So as far as attracting big tournaments and such, that’s not really our goal. Our goal is to make it the best experience for everybody who steps foot on our property, especially our members, their guests and our future members.”
Wicker Point is located at 295 Wicker Drive in Alexander City. The course is open for the majority of the year, excluding specific times designated for maintenance and housekeeping by the grounds crew.
Golf has seen a rise in popularity on Lake Martin courses
The new community will focus on capturing the essence of true lake living
The new Russell Cabins at Kowaliga
STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE & PHOTOS COURTSEY OF RUSSELL LANDS
FFrom the iconic green-and-brown screened cabins of Lake Martin’s early days to the elegant lake homes of today, Russell Lands has shaped the area’s shoreline for decades. With approximately 120 Russell Cabins, built by Classic Homes, across communities such as Nichols Cove, Rose Point, The Ridge, and The Willows, these homes have become a hallmark of luxury, scenic waterfront views and the essence of lake living.
Now, Russell Lands is bringing a new neighborhood to Lake Martin, creating much excitement in the area.
Releasing to the public in April, Russell Cabins at Kowaliga will bring Russell Lands’ signature cabin design to a classic location—the Kowaliga Peninsula. The new cabins will focus on blending tradition and modern comfort while preserving the area’s natural beauty and rich history.
“We wanted to do something that was all about Lake Martin,” said Steve Arnberg, vice president of
real estate sales at Russell Lands. “And I don’t know anything that’s as much in the DNA of Lake Martin as the Russell Cabin.”
For decades, Russell Lands has been at the forefront of shaping signature lake home communities on Lake Martin. Trillium, one of its original developments, set the standard as a flagship luxury neighborhood, establishing the timeless appeal of lake home elegance.
Then, in the early 2000s, Russell Lands introduced upscale rental cabins in Nichols Cove, just north of Kowaliga Bay. Originally designed as high-end rentals, these cabins quickly gained popularity, attracting guests who wanted more than just a weekend retreat; they sought a home that truly captured the spirit of lake living.
Recognizing this demand, Russell Lands began offering the Nichols Cove cabins for purchase, sparking strong interest from buyers. Their success led to the incorporation of similar designs in Rose Point, The
Ridge, and The Willows, proving that the appeal of these thoughtfully crafted cabins was here to stay.
“When people purchase one of these cabins, they want to keep it because it’s really a good fit for them,” said Arnberg. “So, we knew we needed to expand on these designs and offer them to other parts of our property where it made the most sense to do this.”
Kowaliga Bay was the natural choice for Russell Lands’ latest community. Its prime location not only offers quick water access to iconic landmarks such as Chimney Rock but also provides easy proximity to Highway 63, placing it just moments away from popular destinations such as Kowaliga Restaurant, Russell Crossroads and Church in the Pines.
The area also holds historical significance, with strong ties to Hank Williams and his iconic song, Kaw-Liga. To honor this legacy, Russell Lands introduced two new cabin designs named after elements of the song—the Knotty Pine and Choctaw. The logo
will also feature the headdress of the famous American Indian figure standing in Kowaliga Restaurant.
“If you read the lyrics to Hank Williams’ song, the issue with the Indian is that he’s drawn to a Choctaw maiden,” said Arnberg. “But with his knotty pine heart, he just can’t emote himself the way you’d hope someone would when they see the woman of their dreams. So we’re having lots of play on that.”
Russell Cabins at Kowaliga will offer the signature features that have made previous Russell Lands communities so desirable while embracing the natural landscape and lake-life atmosphere.
These roughly 2,500-square-foot cabins will be designed with a rustic cabin aesthetic, featuring natural wood walls, floors and ceilings, while providing modern comforts such as high-end appliances and luxurious primary suites. Each cabin will include four bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, as well as an additional half-bath.
The designs feature a clever play on Hank William's legendary song
However, the true focus is on creating spaces that encourage family togetherness. Spacious communal areas - both indoors and outdoors - will be designed for families to gather, share meals, watch a ball game or enjoy a quiet moment together.
“One of the things that we found about the cabins is that we can downsize them to make the bedroom just large enough to take a bed and put your overnight stuff in a closet,” said Arnberg. “But really, it’s about the family space, both inside and outside. That element is super important.”
Each home will also provide easy access to piers, as well as ample storage for lake gear, such as inner tubes and life jackets, ensuring that the experience of lake living is fully embraced.
The design and building process is managed by Russell Lands’ construction team, Classic Homes LLC, led by Chad Calhoun, who is renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Buyers will have the option to choose from nine cabin plans, each customizable to meet personal preferences. Russell Lands will oversee all aspects of the completion of lake homes, ensuring quality in the building process while allowing owners to sit back and relax.
“It’s a turnkey process,” said Arnberg. “All the owners have to do is bring the furniture and boat.”
Russell Lands remains committed to preserving the natural beauty and integrity of the land by limiting the number of homes built on the property. The plan calls for fewer than 50 cabins, striking a careful balance between development and the surrounding landscape. With a focus on architectural consistency and thoughtful expansion, the neighborhood will retain its charm and maintain harmony with the environment, ensuring the land’s natural beauty endures for years to come.
Russell Cabins at Kowaliga promises more than just a home; it offers an experience that honors the traditions of Lake Martin while providing the comforts of modern lake living.
“These cabins are 100 percent designed for the lake,” said Arnberg. “It could be that you can retire here or live here full-time, but it’s really about living the lake life.”
The first property release is set for April, featuring just 11 lots. The most popular cabin design, paired with a prime lakefront lot, will start at $2.2 million.
Ownership opportunities for Russell Cabins at Kowaliga are handled exclusively by one of Russell Lands’ brokerage firms, Russell Lands on Lake Martin Real Estate, 256-215-7011, or Lake Martin Realty, 256-212-1498 (Willow Point office) and 256825-9092 (Dadeville office).
Buyers can choose from nine customizable cabin plans
Spacious indoor living areas allow for accommodating lakehouse guests
The lake houses will focus on creating spaces for family gatherings
The plans will include easy accessibility to Lake Martin
Water features add a striking aesthetic that compliments the
beauty of Lake Martin
Go with the flow
Swimming pools and water features get an upgrade on Lake Martin
STORY BY AUSTIN ELLIOTT & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
PPools and water features have now become their own entities in the landscaping world.
Around Lake Martin, waterfront properties are more common than ever and have gained major attention in the real estate industry on the lake.
General landscaping around the lake is already in a transitional process of evolving from the mid-2000s decor to now more of an updated approach. Pools and water features can serve as a symbol or statement of luxury while also providing an aesthetically pleasing and relaxing environment.
Mickey Forbus has been serving real estate around Lake Martin for the last 50 years. Forbus has witnessed firsthand all of the developing trends, styles and preferences of property owners on Lake Martin.
“I started out 50 years ago in the concrete business and then progressed into the swimming pool industry over the years,” Forbus said. “I’ve been building swimming pools for probably 40 years plus, and so we’ve done everything from hot tubs to humongous golf course pools.”
Having all of his combined experiences working with lake house owners and businesses, Forbus has noticed many different specifics within the design preferences of these owners.
“The specialty water features are a big deal—the zero or the negative edges, or the cascades, or the waterfalls; they are big,” Forbus said. “A lot of people go for those if they have a sloping lot where you can do that. We also do a lot of naturalistic fountain features, and sunshine or tanning ledges are a big deal. Just about everyone we build now has something where it’s on a shallow part so that they can have lounge chairs on it and sit out, along with hot tubs or spas.”
A lot of people have shifted toward using stone or boulders to spruce up their pool areas. Stone is widely considered to be a universal tool for landscapers as it is reliable from a functionality standpoint while also benign in aesthetic value as well.
“Probably 85 percent of our work integrates a spa within the pool , waterfalls or some type of natural stone work," said Forbus. "In the last few years, we have imported travertine stone to enhance the beauty and quality of our construction. The travertine stone is cool to the touch which makes the pool experience more pleasurable."
Another common question that could stem from curiosity is: Why have a pool if you live by the lake? The answer is as simple as personal preference. Whether you are fortunate enough to live by the lake or by the Pacific Ocean, having a pool or unique water feature can tie together whatever inspiration it is you have for your property.
“A lot of people don’t like to swim in the lake, even though it's very clean," said Forbus. "They like to be able to see their feet and touch the bottom. It also makes for a really nice area to sunbathe and lounge around. The infinity edges started in
Sun decks and tanning ledges are prominent luxuries in lake homes
Stone is a staple to water features showcased on lake properties
California years ago, and that trend has made its way here, creating a really good look from the lake.”
In the deep Southeast, Lake Martin is surrounded by some of the most beautiful real estate in the country. Opportunity seekers realized that lake side properties could potentially be transformed into impressive landscaped areas. This has created the outdoor lighting surge, thus creating a lot of new business around Lake Martin.
“The lighting industry has changed a good bit. They have gone from the old incandescent bulbs to low voltage LED lights," said Forbus. "This provides for more design capabilities including wall washers, uplighting and color changing."
Over the years, many things have changed in the landscaping world around Lake Martin. However, one concept has remained constant throughout the entirety of it all and that is the commitment to creating a beautiful place to live and enjoy.
Sloped terrain offers unique opportunities for flowing water features
Chisel & Wood
STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
Zach Burandt turned an unlikely hobby into a passionate career
Burandt prefers to work with hand tools to create his one-of-a-kind masterpieces
IIn a quiet workshop tucked away in Dadeville, Alabama, unique grain patterns emerge from slabs of hardwood, shaped by steady hands and a keen eye. There is a rhythm to the work, a harmony between craftsmanship and nature, where each chisel stroke breathes new life into aged timber. Behind every meticulously crafted piece is Zach Burandt, a woodworker whose passion and precision have shaped a business as distinctive as the furniture he creates.
Burandt’s path to woodworking was anything but conventional. Now at 38-years-old, his journey began in Northern Michigan, where he grew up before studying business tourism at Michigan State University. His early career took him across the country, from Alabama to Northern California, exploring diverse opportunities and gathering skills along the way. While in Alabama, Burandt worked for a small nonprofit ministry at Lake Martin, where he initially developed his skill in photography, marketing, web design and communications − each one unknowingly preparing him for what lay ahead.
In 2019, he stepped away from nonprofit work, seeking clarity on his next steps. A temporary move back to Northern California was meant to be a reset − a few months of fly fishing and reflection. But in that quiet season, something unexpected found him.
During a visit to his former landlord, Jim Quinn, Burandt was introduced to a world he had never considered − woodworking.
“I didn’t grow up around tools,” said Burandt. “Because I didn’t grow up around a shop, I could probably count on my fingers the number of times I used a drill before the age of 20.”
Quinn, a custom woodworker, had a workshop on his property, and Burandt’s curiosity about the craft quickly turned into a fascination. He started lending a hand around the shop, taking on small tasks simply to be part of the process.
What began as a casual interest soon deepened into an unexpected passion, each day in the shop drawing him further into the art of woodworking.
“The more I was in the shop, the more I was like, ‘This is so good,’” said Burandt. “So a couple of hours a week turned into a couple of hours a day, which led to the realization that I didn’t want to leave.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic slowed the world in 2020, Burandt saw an opportunity − not just to refine his woodworking skills but to learn the business side of the craft. He immersed himself in books on entrepreneurship, determined to turn his newfound passion into a potential career.
Encouraged by a friend, he took the leap into small business, launching an Etsy store to sell the custom cutting boards he crafted. With little more than a used camera and a secondhand MacBook, Burandt applied the same care and attention to branding as he did to his woodworking, laying the foundation
Burandt prides himself on his meticulous attention to detail
for what would become his full-time profession.
“I was also at a stage in life where, if there was ever a time to take a risk, that was the time,” said Burandt. “And so I decided to start a small side business in woodworking.”
His first projects were simple − wooden cutting boards that were trending at the time. He spent his days crafting and his nights packing and building his brand. By the holidays, orders were pouring in.
Under Quinn’s guidance, Burandt crafted his first piece of furniture − a solid walnut coffee table. Once finished, he listed it on Etsy, and to his surprise, a stranger from San Diego made the purchase. The unexpected sale validated his growing confidence.
That table’s journey to its new home wasn’t without challenges. The first shipping attempt was a disaster, forcing Burandt to rebuild the table and hand-deliver it. He turned the setback into a valuable lesson and now makes it a point to personally deliver each piece whenever possible.
After selling that first coffee table, his business began to grow as more orders came in. A few weeks later, another table sold, followed by a request for a matching TV console. Orders kept coming, turning one project into another, and soon his furniture was being shipped across the country.
“That’s when I went full steam ahead,” Burandt said. “At this point, I knew this was what I wanted to do, so I put all my eggs in that basket.”
Still relying heavily on Quinn’s mentorship, Burandt recognized the need for a deeper education in woodworking.
“I was talking to Jim one day, and the question came up − What is it that I really need?” said Burandt. “It felt like the biggest need I had was a thorough woodworking education.”
With momentum building, he sought formal training, applying to the prestigious Krenov School of Fine Woodworking in Fort Bragg, California. The world-renowned program only admits around 20 students a year, typically based on extensive portfolios.
Burandt had only wooden cutting boards and a single table to show, but pandemic restrictions created a rare opening, allowing him to step into an immersive world of elite craftsmanship.
At the Krenov School, students spend 800 to 1,000 hours crafting a single piece of furniture, refining techniques and
Burandt often crafts his furniture using a singular tree
He crafts his furniture in a barndominium in Dadeville
He describes his core values as simplicity, excellence and heart
developing an intuitive understanding of wood. One lesson focused solely on sharpening a pencil − a seemingly simple task, but one that ensured absolute precision.
“Wood, to me, is not just a material,” Burandt said. “It’s a living, breathing thing. I see my job more as bringing that tree back to life and telling its story than using it as a material to manufacture a product.”
That philosophy became the foundation of his business, Chisel & Wood − a name that reflects his deep respect for traditional craftsmanship. He also draws inspiration from Japanese wood furniture, admiring the simplicity and elegance of its designs.
“I really value the traditional way of working with wood,” said Burandt. “Which, for hundreds of years, was via hand tools. So the chisel, to me, is the manifestation and the representation of that. And in my shop, my favorite place to work is the work bench, where I get to use all of my hand tools.”
After completing his training, Burandt returned to Lake Martin, purchasing 11 acres of raw land to build his home and workshop in Dadeville.
His work is rooted in solid hardwoods − white oak, cherry, mahogany and walnut − sourced from a familyrun sawmill in Pennsylvania. For local projects, he personally selects materials in Birmingham, ensuring every piece begins with wood that has been treated with care and respect.
Burandt specializes in one-of-akind, solid wood custom furniture − dining tables, credenzas, coffee tables, desks, dressers and sideboards. Producing only 10 to 15 pieces per year allows for meticulous attention to detail.
In addition, Burandt often crafts an entire piece of furniture from the same tree, preserving its natural story.
“Every tree has a story,” he said. “If you peel back the bark and look at the growth rings, you can read them - the droughts, the abundance, the storms, the fires. When I can, I like to use wood from the same tree for a piece, because I want to tell its whole story and not just the glamorous parts.”
For larger commissioned projects, he takes what he calls a “scientific woodworking” approach, acclimating his shop to match the humidity levels of his client’s home. He sends hygrometers to measure their space and adjusts his shop’s environment
accordingly. This ensures that the furniture adapts properly, limiting warp or shifts in the wood. By prioritizing stability, he ensures that each handcrafted piece will remain as enduring as the craftsmanship behind it.
“When you buy a piece from me, my core values are what you can expect to see in my furniture,” said Burandt. “I’d say the three words to describe my values are simplicity, excellence and heart.”
From a chance opportunity in a Northern California woodshop to a dedicated career as a fine furniture maker, Burandt’s journey is one of finding his passion in life and persevering with deep reverence for his craft. His pieces are more than furniture; they are living stories, handcrafted with pure joy and built to last generations.
Visit Burandt’s website chiselandwood.org or view his work on his Instagram page @chiselandwood.
Burandt's training included nearly 1,000 hours of work to craft a single piece of furniture
The grass is always greener over the septic tank
3 SECRETS OF SEPTIC TANKS
IImagine the day you’ve always dreamed of is here! Fast forward to July 4, 2025. It’s your first Fourth of July at Lake Martin in the lake home you recently purchased.
You’ve been anticipating this day since you started your search back in April by reading Lake magazine’s Buyers and Builders issue. You did your homework, found a home, closed on the sale, and now, you’re putting the final patriotic decorations up in the yard by the water.
Your family and friends will be arriving in minutes. Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, plus your kids, plus anyone you have ever met are barreling down the highway to be there to enjoy the holiday. Sure, the home will be crowded. But it’s Lake Martin, right? That’s what we do here.
As you set up the last mini-American flag in the grass, your foot sinks down into a spongy mess that you haven’t noticed before. When you pull your foot out, you notice it smells. It smells bad. In fact, it smells horrible.
With great dread, you realize what the smell is.
The septic tank has overflowed. Your wastewater is seeping out. It’s an emergency. Your concern was “red, white and blue,” but now it’s “No. 1 and No. 2.”
Just then, all your friends and family show up, plus a few more guests you didn’t invite surprise!
How could you have avoided this?
A little knowledge goes a long way in buying homes anywhere, but especially in a highly specialized market like Lake Martin.
Almost every home on Lake Martin is on a septic system. A short definition of the process is that all your wastewater and its related solids go into a septic
Contrary to popular belief, septic tanks are rated by the number of bedrooms in a home
tank that is located in the ground on your lot. After it biodegrades somewhat, the liquid leaves the septic tank and goes into another part of your lot called a septic field. There, underground leach lines or field lines distribute the wastewater, where it is slowly absorbed back into the ground.
Those Lake Martin homes that don’t have their own septic tank are part of a community septic system. In that setup, the home’s waste goes into a smaller tank at the house; and then, it is pumped into the community system.
Here are just three of many possible secrets of a septic system that might help you avoid stepping in it on Independence Day. Okay, I realize that these are not really secrets. I was trying to be alliterative.
Septic systems are rated by bedrooms, not bathrooms
When I first started selling real estate here, I learned that septic systems are approved by the health department in the county where the home is located. I also learned that when the county approves a system, it doesn’t look at the number of bathrooms in the house. It pays attention to the number of bedrooms. I guess the reasoning is that it doesn’t matter how many potties are in a home, but how many folks are using those potties.
I have often run into this issue when buyers are considering purchasing a home that they know they would want to expand. A question that a savvy buyer will ask is, “How many bedrooms is this home’s septic system designed to service?” That will tell you if there is potential to expand.
In fact, when my buyers are considering an expansion, the first questions I ask are, “Where is the tank? Where are the field lines? And what is its rating?” The answers to those questions will greatly determine what is possible.
A community septic system still needs inspection
Let’s say the home you are considering is part of a community septic system. Does that mean you can relax and treat it like a sewer system in Gotham City?
Not at all. It is always good to get a septic inspection before a purchase, even in a community septic system.
Most homes that are part of a larger system still have their own mini tank on their lot, and that tank is likely very near the home. And guess how that waste gets from your mini tank out to the community system? A pump.
Guess what happens if your pump fails or if you have an electrical problem that interferes with the pump? Yep, the septic soup is about to be on the menu. If the pump quits working, usually there is an alarm
on it. Those septic pump alarms have a red light and the most ear-shattering, shrill noise. It’s super irritating to hear, but a lot better than stepping in the mess that is brewing. I call those alarms “the party is over” alarm. If you hear it, tell everyone to go home immediately and call a professional.
LAKE PROPERTY
BY JOHN COLEY
Trust but verify
Many a well-meaning seller or homeowner will assure you that there is no need to inspect. If they say, “We’ve never had trouble” trust but verify.
“We’ve owned this lake house since the 1970s. We’ve had three generations raised here and have never had trouble with our tank. You don’t need an inspection.”
I have heard assurances like that only to have an inspector pump the tank and find it full of roots or the tank walls collapsed. I don’t think the sellers were trying to be deceptive. I believe them when they say they have never noticed any problems.
But I have also seen instances where the family cabin hadn’t been used much in the last 20 years, so the system had not been stressed in quite a while. So, when new buyer adds on a wing to the home and invites 50 people to that first Fourth of July party, things get interesting.
If you are a buyer, you need to get your mind right on the importance of septic systems in a Lake Martin home. You are much better off spending approximately $900 for an inspection now and hearing good news than skimping out and discovering bad news later.
If you are a homeowner and haven’t had yours inspected in several years, take my advice and let a professional look at it. Then, spend the money to fix it, if need be. It might not be as flashy as dropping cash on a fire pit or shiplap. It is true that it is a repair you don’t see because almost all the parts are underground.
But trust me, not seeing your septic system is way better than seeing what happens when it fails.
John Coley grew up in the area and has sold real estate at the lake since 2005.
Septic tank inspections before a home purchase may help eliminate future headaches
Trending by Design
Bringing luxury to Lake Martin
STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
LLake Martin’s waterfront homes have undergone a dramatic transformation over the years, evolving from simple weekend retreats into carefully designed residences that accommodate both vacation and year-round living.
Architects Taylor Dawson and Bill Ingram, both of whom have long histories of designing homes in the Lake Martin area, have seen firsthand how changing homeowner expectations have shaped modern lakehouse design.
Dawson, owner of Taylor Dawson & Associates Architecture, has been working in residential design for nearly three decades. After launching his firm in Atlanta in 1995, he moved his private practice to Birmingham in 2001 and has since expanded his work into Lake Martin, where he has designed homes in communities such as The Ridge. Over the years, he has seen a distinct shift in how these homes are used.
“Probably the biggest change over the decades has been that these used to be more of vacation homes,” said Dawson. “Now, houses need to be designed as if they’re permanent residences.”
Balancing Space and Serenity
As more homeowners transition their lake houses into full-time residences, there’s a growing trend toward designs that balance spacious areas for entertaining with more intimate spaces, ensuring the home doesn’t feel too expansive when it’s just the homeowners.
With more than 30 years of experience, Bill Ingram, an Atlanta-based architect, understands the need for this balance. His firm, Bill Ingram Architect, has designed homes throughout Lake Martin’s most
sought-after communities, creating spaces that are both functional and welcoming.
Ingram often incorporates the addition of guest houses in his designs, which offer flexibility to accommodate large gatherings of guests without making the main house feel empty when not in use. These selfcontained spaces enhance the home’s functionality and provide a more private experience for guests.
“A lot of times we will include a guest house in our designs,” said Ingram. “People feel like they have more privacy this way, and then that’s something an owner can just shut off if no one’s using it. I think that works out really well.”
Another trend in lake house design is the integration of expansive outdoor spaces, as outdoor living continues to play an essential role in the Lake Martin lifestyle. Covered porches, dining areas and lounge spaces are becoming a staple, allowing homeowners to entertain large groups or unwind while still enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
“At the lake, you mostly want to be outside,” said Ingram. “But you still want to be together and be able to talk and chuckle with each other. So it’s nice to sit around together on a big sofa or hang around a big table together.”
Unique Opportunities with Sloped Terrain
The terrain plays a crucial role in shaping modern lake homes. At Lake Martin, many properties feature sloped lots, which, rather than being seen as a challenge, are increasingly viewed as an opportunity to enhance home designs.
One of the latest trends in lake home design is embracing the natural landscape specifically, the sloped terrain. This allows for a creative, functional use of space that won’t interrupt the flow of the home but adds dimension to it.
Lake homes are returning to natural and rustic aesthetics
For first-time lake-home builders, the terrain is a key factor to consider when choosing a plot of land or home concept. Dawson emphasizes that designing homes on steep lots requires careful planning but opens up the potential for truly unique structures.
“Terrain can be the most difficult part of designing homes on steep lots, but it can be done,” said Dawson. “A lot of times, the house is going to naturally have a unique design to really craft it well into its setting.”
One of the most popular ways to take advantage of sloped terrain is by incorporating lower-level spaces. Ingram recommends using the natural incline to create guest quarters, game rooms or casual gathering areas that flow seamlessly with the main living areas. This trend not only maximizes the available space but also ensures that privacy is maintained while still offering areas to entertain.
“Particularly at the lake, where you might have sloped property, a lot of times we do end up adding a lower level for a kids’ room or entertaining,” said Ingram. “It just works out naturally.”
By embracing the landscape, today’s homeowners are transforming sloped properties into highly functional and integrated spaces, taking full advantage of their unique features.
Preserving Generational Lake Homes
The landscape of Lake Martin has long been defined by more than just its scenic shoreline - it’s
the heart of generations of families who have built memories on its waters. Today, a shift is taking place as these lake homes, some held in families for 50 to 75 years, are being passed down to children and grandchildren.
Laura Yoder, owner of Crystal Clear Clean and short-term rental consultant, has been transforming Lake Martin properties since 2021. Specializing in interior design for both short-term rentals and private residences, she has worked on approximately 30 homes across Lake Martin, including lake houses and condos. With a keen eye for creating inviting and functional spaces, Yoder helps homeowners preserve the charm of their properties while enhancing their appeal for modern living.
She is also helping the new generations inheriting homes on Lake Martin see a vision of how to transform their lake houses into cozy retreats for personal enjoyment as well as short-term rental locations. Preserving these properties has become a priority, not just sentimentally but practically. Many are turning their lake houses into short-term rentals, allowing the owners the opportunity to cover maintenance and taxes while still enjoying their retreats.
“The trend that I am seeing is that we’re having a lot of change of property that’s being left to children and grandchildren,” said Yoder. “I’m helping people find a way to conserve what their parents and grandparents have worked so hard for.”
Guest houses allow homeowners to feel privacy at the home
Darker color palettes create an intimate aspect to rooms
Outdoor entertaining has become a significant feature in home designs
Interiors Designed with Vintage in Mind
As these homes transition to new owners, so does the approach to interior design. Gone are the bright whites and ultra-modern finishes of the early 2000s. Instead, a return to natural elements is shaping the aesthetic of Lake Martin’s residences.
Warm, muted tones now define interiors, with colors like Sherwin-Williams’ “Dried Thyme,” a rich, earthy green, and “Urban Bronze,” a deep and grounding shade, becoming popular choices. The emphasis is on creating a cozy atmosphere that embraces nostalgia while also remaining timeless.
“It’s not the bright colors anymore, such as the white tones,” said Yoder. “Those are going out. Everybody’s using the darker tones or the natural wood tones in their homes.”
This shift is evident not just in paint choices but in materials as well. Butcher block countertops are replacing granite, and cedar and black walnut are the woods of choice. Cedar offers affordability, while black walnut, though a higher investment, provides durability and a rich, striking grain. Live-edge wood pieces - such as tables, bars and shelving - are becoming key elements in these redesigns.
“The most common type of wood that’s being used is cedar, hands down,” said Yoder. “Cedar and black walnut. Also, a lot of people are going with a lot of live-edge decor in their homes as well.”
Structural elements further reinforce the rustic, nature-inspired aesthetic. Large wooden beams grace ceilings, and natural rock is making its way into fireplaces and accent walls. They are becoming popular choices to incorporate into new homes, blending seamlessly with the wooded surroundings of Lake Martin.
Ingram also sees this as a preference in architectural design.
“Some things to me at the lake are just tried and true,” Ingram said. “Natural materials are just as popular as ever.”
Another interior design trend that is emerging is utilizing nostalgic family relics as décor, such as weathered kayaks and vintage life jackets. These mementos bring the past generations of Lake Martin into the home, creating a meaningful connection between the area’s history and today.
“They have things in the shed that are 50 years old,” said Yoder. “I’m preserving a lot of those items, and we’re utilizing them in the home. Owners are trying to go retro and vintage, kind of bringing old Lake Martin back to life again.”
This resurgence of retro charm combined with timeless natural elements is shaping the next era of Lake Martin’s homes. It’s no longer just about a style; it’s about capturing a connection that spans across generations.
“It’s timeless,” said Yoder. “It’s not so much a style; it’s a feeling.”
Home owners are focusing on featuring nostalgic décor in living spaces
Spaces are being designed with functionality and entertainment in mind
Creating cozy atmospheres has become an emphasis in new builds
Award-winning Centennial Homes brings luxury living experiences to Lake Martin
Sliding doors in the primary bedroom open into a private sitting area
C Five-Star Escape at Lake Martin
STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
Centennial Homes is renowned for crafting exceptional luxury residences that blend elegance with comfort, and its latest project on Lake Martin is no exception. With a vision of creating more than just a home, Scott Underwood and his team have meticulously designed a 5,500-square-foot retreat that captures the essence of a private resort. Every detail has been carefully planned, ensuring a unique and elevated lake-living experience.
Underwood’s passion for homebuilding began long before he co-founded the award-winning Centennial Homes in 2015 with Alan Howard. Even as a child, Underwood felt drawn to designing homes, recalling a
X
dream he had at age 12 that led him to sketch a house he still keeps framed in his office today.
“I tell people that story because I think that God put an interest in me as a kid to do what I do now,” said Underwood. “I have that drawing framed and in my office, and that’s a good reminder that I feel like I’m doing what I was purposed to do.”
His career journey began in 1998 with real estate sales before moving into sales and marketing operations for a builder. A decade later, Underwood branched out into his own business, determined to bring his vision of luxury homebuilding to life. His dedication to the craft has earned him prestigious rec-
Natural stone and custom stained cedar elements bring a lake atmosphere to resort-inspired homes
ognition, including the 2018 Builder of the Year Award from the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders, where he now serves as local president.
Centennial Homes, over the years, has also accumulated numerous awards. As a Russell Lands-approved builder, Centennial Homes has developed luxury lake houses in The Ridge, The Willows and The Heritage,
earning the company the 2024 Parade of Homes Silver Award for Dream Weaver at The Ridge, among many others.
What sets Centennial Homes apart is its meticulous approach to design, creating lavish homes with exceptional attention to detail.
ZFor Underwood, each home is an individual resort tailored to maximize both comfort and elegance while embodying the atmosphere of the surrounding Lake Martin landscape.
“When we set out to design and start one of these homes, we’re not just building a lake house,” said Underwood. “We really take the approach that these are people’s individual five-star resorts.”
This philosophy is evident in the resort-style amenities woven throughout Centennial Home designs, incorporating luxuries in each residence that include bar areas, swimming pools, home gyms, whole-house scent technology, indoor saunas and steam rooms all seamlessly integrated to create an unparalleled experience.
Blue stone flooring and an outdoor chandelier elevate the space
The kitchen features hidden spaces for additional storage
The expansive home was designed for accommodating large gatherings
The bunk room is one of five sleeping spaces
A beverage bar is easily accessible to indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces
Lake inspired décor makes a welcoming atmosphere
Imported tile from Italy and heated floors add to the luxury home features
Visual Comfort lighting features were incorporated throughout the home
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer an uninterrupted lake view
In their latest Lake Martin retreat, the exquisite craftsmanship is abundantly evident. To complement the lakeside setting and incorporate rustic cabin aesthetics, cedar wood elements are used throughout the home. Traditionally known for its rich red hue, the cedar used in the lake house features a custom stain designed by Underwood to give it a more aged and refined appearance.
“Cedar normally has a more red tone,” said Underwood. “I really wanted it to feel a little more aged, so I literally had a custom stain created for the home. It’s not something you can just go buy.”
The great room showcases a thoughtful approach to
Sdesign, featuring soaring 14-foot tongue-and-groove cedar ceilings stained in the custom hue. The flooring, a 9-inch-wide wire-brushed engineered hardwood, adds both elegance and texture. A natural wood-burning fireplace with true stonework anchors the space, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame a breathtaking view of the lake. Every angle was planned with precision to ensure that the view remains uninterrupted.
“The house placement for the great room was really important to us,” Underwood said. “We wanted to make sure that when you look out, you can see all the way to the dam.”
The kitchen is equally striking, outfitted with
Whole-home sound systems and customized lighting add a personal touch to entertainment spaces
Eudora by Kith cabinetry in the “vintage natural” finish. A handmade, real-fired tile backsplash behind the stove adds a tailored detail, while the farmhouse sink, a popular choice, is elevated with a sleek, highend design that adds a contemporary touch.
A growing trend for lake houses is to include hidden storage features throughout the homes. Pullout spice racks were incorporated on either side of the 48-inch Thermador range, while a pull-out drawer microwave maximizes counter space. Additional cabinets tucked into the island also offer extra storage while maintaining the sleek design. A beverage bar with floating cedar shelving connects the kitchen to
the outdoor living spaces, offering a convenient spot for both morning coffee and evening cocktails.
The walk-in pantry, a staple in Centennial Homes designs, functions as an extension of the kitchen. Outfitted with countertops and electrical outlets, it serves as a discreet space for small appliances.
“That’s another extension of your kitchen,” said Underwood. “It can serve as a kind of pseudo scullery kitchen. There is a countertop that’s at counter height, and we’ve generously placed electrical outlets in there. If you want to keep a toaster or other small appliances handy, you can do it without cluttering the main kitchen.”
Each bedroom features unique design elements
The home’s five bedrooms, bunk room and six and a half bathrooms each boast distinct design elements. One suite features arched window frames, while another highlights square paneling painted in “Iron” to create a bold statement.
9-inch-wide wire-brushed flooring was incorporated throughout the home
In the primary bedroom, the lake ambiance is enhanced with cedar beams and tongue-andgroove ceilings. During the framing of the house, Underwood realized that the adjacent outdoor porch’s breathtaking views could be better utilized as a sitting area for the primary bedroom. As a result, it was reimagined to serve as a peaceful retreat for the room.
“Instead of doing windows, we actually put in bi-parting sliding doors that lead out onto the porch,” said Underwood. “It’s been one of my favorite things about that room.”
Luxury continues in the primary bathroom, where heated floors meet large-format porcelain tiles imported from Italy. The spa-like shower features two showerheads, a rain shower and four body sprays, all supported by a dedicated tankless water heater to ensure endless warmth. A discreetly lit shampoo niche keeps essentials tucked away when guests visit, while a high-end Kohler soaking tub offers a tranquil retreat.
In addition, entertainment spaces are a priority in the lake home, ensuring that guests have numerous places to gather and unwind.
“It is great to have that extra entertaining space,”
said Underwood. “With these lake homes, you have to also think about when you do have a lot of company, you’ve got to have places for people to go, even at night when maybe they’re not necessarily on the lake.”
Downstairs, a terrace-level entertainment area features a large sectional, a game space and a bigscreen TV. A dedicated shuffleboard room is made even more distinctive with reclaimed mushroom wood paneling arranged in a striking herringbone pattern.
One of the standout features of the lake house design is the outdoor porch and pool space, paved in bluestone flooring and complete with an outdoor chandelier. Functioning as a covered retreat and pool deck, the porch seemingly extends effortlessly to the pool water’s edge.
“The lake is all about water,” said Underwood. “And this is a continuation of that concept. During the daytime, people are out on the lake, but at night they’re in the pool. It’s also a great place to cool off during the summer.”
The infinity-edge pool blends seamlessly with the horizon, offering breathtaking views of Lake Martin. With the touch of a button, the pool transforms into
Mushroom wood adds a unique feature to the shuffleboard room
Iron color tones were used to make the bedroom features pop
Xa therapy spa, with integrated jets and heating up to 104 degrees. To complete the resort-like experience, a cascading waterfall flows over the edge while customizable lighting shifts through an array of colors, setting the perfect evening ambiance.
A whole-home sound system completes the resort experience, extending even to the front porch.
“If company comes to see you for the first time, you can start setting the mood by having music playing as they pull up in the driveway,” said Underwood.
Strategically placed speakers provide highquality sound in key areas, including the kitchen, primary bathroom, porches, poolside and fire pit. Outside, an in-ground subwoofer ensures rich, immersive audio to enhance the guest experience.
Every detail of this home reflects Centennial Homes’ commitment to luxury, comfort and intentional design. More than a lake house, it is a personal retreat an escape where every day feels like a five-star vacation.
Multiple living spaces allows for accommodating guests
The terrace level offers multiple entertainment spaces
The outdoor patio blends seamlessly into the water's edge
Eastern Redbud
Eastern Redbud flowers are not only beautiful but also edible
BY KENNETH BOONE
NATURE OF THE LAKE
OOne of the first − and most strikingly beautiful trees to bloom each spring in the Lake Martin area is the Eastern Redbud, or Judas tree.
Redbuds are rather small, native, understory trees with hardwood and irregularly shaped branches that produce distinctive purplish blossoms.
Ironically, neither of this tree’s most common names are accurately descriptive. Its blooms are not red, and it’s not native to present-day Israel, which is where Judas Iscariot lived.
According to legend, after Judas betrayed Jesus, he hanged himself from a tree that had lots of tiny white flowers. As the story goes, the tree was so ashamed to be involved with Judas that it blushed, forever tinting its blossoms.
There are a number of trees found around the world in this family. The Eastern Redbud native to North America is known to botanists as Cercis canadensis, while its cousin found in southern Europe and western Asia − including Israel is Cercis siliquastrum. However, when America was
good reason: Eastern Redbuds are specialized members of the legume family. The tiny flowers have five petals a banner petal, two wing petals and two keel petals.
These trees usually have short trunks sometimes multiple trunks and rarely exceed 30 feet tall, though some individuals have grown to 50 feet tall.
Eastern Redbuds begin to leaf out while their blossoms are intact. Leaves are smooth, dull green and heart-shaped with a pointed tip. During fall, they turn yellow and brown before falling.
This tree produces large, flat, bean-like fruit pods up to 4 inches long that each contain up to 10 reddish-brown bean-like seeds. The pods open as they dry, either on the tree or after they have fallen to the ground, to disperse the seeds.
Eastern Redbuds are native to the eastern and central U.S., from northern Florida to southern Pennsylvania and west from southern Nebraska to Texas. They also grow in northeastern Mexico.
settled by Europeans, the Judas tree story proved too memorable to abandon, and our Eastern Redbud is sometimes known as the Judas tree today.
Eastern Redbud blossoms are usually purple, purplish-pink or sometimes even white leaning into magenta shades much more than reds. This tree puts out clusters of tiny flowers on bare limbs even before it produces leaves each March. Because at that time of year very few deciduous trees have any leaves at all, Eastern Redbuds stand out from the surrounding gray and brown forest so well that they can be easily identified from a vehicle traveling at highway speeds. Redbud flowers look a lot like pea flowers for
It can handle a wide range of climates and soil types but prefers welldrained soils that are not too acidic and strong sunlight. It’s often found growing in the same place as dogwoods, which also bloom in early spring. Good places to look for Eastern Redbuds are open woodlands, along the edge of the forest and alongside streams or water sources. Redbud flowers are edible, with a sour taste that can be used to make tea or jelly. They can also be added to spring rolls and breads.
According to the Realtree website, the blossoms are high in Vitamin C. To make tea, Realtree says to gather 2 cups of Redbud flowers and chop them. Add the flowers to 2 quarts of cold water and bring to a heavy simmer in a pot; then, remove the pot from heat and cover. Steep the blossoms for 15 minutes. Add the juice of one lemon, and the tea will turn a light purple color. Sweeten with honey or sugar and serve up the Redbud tea for a first taste of spring.
Boiling Eastern Redbud twigs can also produce a light yellow dye.
Some information for this article came from Wildflower.org, the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Realtree.com.
Eastern Redbuds can be spotted near water sources in early spring
Each tiny flower has five petals and heart-shaped leaves
T Lost Goats of Lake Martin
There is a new challenge coming to the Lake Martin area, one that blends adventure with nostalgia and celebrates a beloved piece of the lake’s history.
The Lost Goats of Lake Martin challenge combines the concept of geocaching with one of the area’s most iconic destinations: Goat Island. This unique initiative, created by Explore Lake Martin, invites participants to explore the area while tracking down goat statues placed in notable locations around the community.
The Lost Goats of Lake Martin aims to pay tribute to the legacy of Goat Island while also highlighting the area’s vibrant culture and attractions.
“The goal was to create something that would unite the community, both locals and visitors, while also supporting local businesses and attractions,” said Katelyn Cotten, marketing specialist for Explore Lake Martin.
This challenge is more than just a game; it is a tribute to the goats that once defined an era of summers at Lake Martin.
For years, Goat Island was an iconic destination where boaters, families and lake lovers gathered to feed and interact with the goats, previously owned and cared for by Ricky and Stacey Baker. The island became a cherished stop for locals and visitors alike, where lasting memories were made for generations.
In 2021, the difficult decision was made to remove the goats from the island permanently. While they may no longer roam the shores, the Lost Goats of Lake Martin challenge ensures that their legacy lives on.
“People who’ve been living in and visiting the lake area for so long know that Goat Island is such a huge piece of Lake Martin history,” said Sandra Fuller, director of Explore Lake Martin. “This was created to unite the community, and help support local businesses and attractions.”
Inspired by geocaching, a global treasure-hunting game where participants use GPS coordinates to find hidden items, the Lost Goats of Lake Martin challenge reimagines the concept with a local twist. Instead of traditional caches, participants will search for 10 uniquely painted goat statues scattered throughout the area, each representing a different location and its significance.
To add to the adventure, Explore Lake Martin playfully frames the challenge around the idea that the goats have wandered from the island and made their
The goats will feature scenic murals influenced by popular Lake Martin destinations and attractions
STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE & PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS
way into the community. Participants are tasked with tracking them down at notable destinations in the Lake Martin area.
“The main goal of the goats is to educate locals and visitors alike on all the great things this area has to offer,” said Fuller. “We also want to drive foot traffic to support local businesses and attractions.”
The statues will be placed in easily accessible, hightraffic locations, such as Strand Park, Charles E. Sportplex, the Square in Dadeville and Wind Creek State Park. With 10 locations total, all destinations selected will be open to the public year-round and offer a variety of experiences, from outdoor recreation to historical exploration and family-friendly activities.
The official mascot of the challenge is Lakey, named after one of the goats that once lived on Goat Island. Lakey's statue will reside at the Innovation Center in Alexander City.
“There is going to be one that lives here at the tourism office named ‘Lakey,’” said Fuller. “He’s going to be our mascot and pay homage to the original Goat Island.”
Each statue will feature hand-painted artwork inspired by the destination it represents. Lakey, for example, will have scenes from Chimney Rock and the Tallapoosa River painted on it, showcasing popular lake-themed attractions.
on each of the goats.
“The goal is to try to draw attention to tourism with this project,” Forbus said. “And I think it will.”
To make the experience even more immersive, the Lost Goats of Lake Martin challenge will be accompanied by an interactive app developed by Payton Natali, sports tourism specialist for Explore Lake Martin. The app will guide players to each goat statue using GPS coordinates, providing clues and trivia along the way.
Participants will also learn about the goats’ different personalities, inspired by the real goats that once lived on Goat Island. Fun details, such as their favorite snack being Cheetos, will add a touch of whimsy to the experience.
Participants are encouraged to seek out 10 goats throughout the community
Beyond creating an engaging community-wide activity, the initiative also highlights the region’s artistic talent by incorporating local artists into the project.
“Lake Martin is known for our goats,” said Cotten. “But we are also known as an arts community. It was important to us to include some of our talented local artists in this initiative.”
Alexander City native Charles Forbus was selected to bring the vision to life through his detailed and expressive artwork. Known for his murals and artistic contributions throughout the area, including his recent work at the Patriot Fueling Center on state Route 63, Forbus was honored to take part in the project.
“I’m flattered that anybody even asked me,” said Forbus. “I know I have built a reputation over time to be able to do these types of things, but still, I’m always flattered. Especially for a project like this.”
The challenge with designing the goats was incorporating imaginative scenes on each one that could properly reflect the different destinations. Forbus’ meticulous attention to detail and natural talents have helped bring the tourism team’s vision to life, hand-painting mini scenic murals
“The app has a GPS coordinate input,” said Natali. “So when you walk up to the goat, it will ask a question such as, ‘What is the theme of Lakey?’ It will be an interactive part of the challenge.”
Players will be able to earn badges as they complete each location and will receive Lake Martin-themed swag upon finishing the challenge.
In addition to the app, a dedicated webpage will be launched to provide more information about the challenge and its participating locations.
“When you go to the Lost Goats of Lake Martin challenge on our website, you’ll get to meet the goats and learn different information about their personalities,” said Cotten. “You will also have the option to download the app from there.”
To further engage the community, Explore Lake Martin is inviting locals to take part in naming the statues. The goats will be introduced to a new location biweekly throughout the year, and residents will have the opportunity to suggest names based on their locations and themes.
“This is just as important for locals as it is for visitors,” said Cotten. “We want the locals to take ownership and pride in our area, how we’re growing, and how Lake Martin is becoming a place that people want to visit.”
The Lost Goats of Lake Martin challenge officially launches in April. Whether you are a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, this challenge is an opportunity to discover the beauty and history of Lake Martin in an entirely new way. Visit explorelakemartin.com for more information.
Forbus is known for his elaborate artwork around Lake Martin
Fight to Protect Natural Lands
LLake Watch has a new president. At the Lake Watch of Lake Martin annual meeting in February, the gavel passed to Bill Butler to begin a three-year term as president of Lake Watch. Past president Matt Campbell will continue to serve as a director.
Citizen support is growing for conservation measures throughout the Sandy Creek area to protect singlefamily shoreline neighborhoods and natural, undeveloped lands. Lake area citizens recognize that ever-expanding, unrestricted commercial development and high-density residential development will not be good long-term planning for Lake Martin. The vast majority of Lake Martin shoreline property is county land where no restrictions apply, so anything goes.
BY MATT CAMPBELL
It is hard to imagine how restriction of development could occur on a lake-wide basis. One neighborhood group, the Homeowners Association of Lake Martin, Sandy Creek Area, Inc., has been active in advocating for a local neighborhood approach. They advocate for single-family residential zoning and a special conservation area throughout the Sandy Creek and Smith Mountain area of Lake Martin.
The proposition is that local government and Alabama Power Company should restrict the issuance of permits associated with commercial development, multi-family, condominium and other highdensity residential development in those traditional single-family residential shoreline neighborhood areas on Lake Martin that identify themselves as wanting to restrict development in their neighborhood. They urge special protection for areas near APC’s natural undeveloped lands. They submit that this shoreline management policy will accomplish a measure of development restraint as part of a com-
prehensive and balanced development plan for all of Lake Martin.
HOA Lake Martin urges that this approach would be particularly appropriate for the Sandy Creek and Smith Mountain areas of the lake. This advocacy also applies to other neighborhoods on the lake, such as the Manoy Creek area, where the single-family residential shoreline neighbors identify themselves as wanting to restrict commercial and high-density development in their neighborhood.
Lake Watch of Lake Martin and Lake Martin HOBOs have declared their support for this mission. We are advocating that the Tallapoosa County Commission, the City of Dadeville, Alabama Power Company and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission develop single-family residential zoning and land-use regulations and Shoreline Management Plan guidelines to preserve our traditional single-family shoreline neighborhoods and add protection to APC’s natural undeveloped areas on Lake Martin, specifically including recognition of a special conservation area throughout the Sandy Creek and Smith Mountain area.
We are urging lake-area citizens to support this mission. To make your support known, you should send a statement of support, with your name and email address, to HOA Lake Martin, P.O. Box 425, Dadeville, AL 36853, or by email to info@lakewatch.org, hoalakemartin@gmail.com or info@ lakemartinhobos.com.
Your support of this mission, as stated above, does not create any obligation for dues, assessments or membership in any organization.
In addition, there are drinking water concerns in the Lake Martin area, and residents are looking for answers. Many residents in the Lake Martin area, particularly customers of drinking water processed
LAKE WATCH
at Alexander City’s Adams Water Treatment Plant, are concerned about an offensive taste and smell in their water. It has been suggested that this is caused by algae.
Officials at the Adams Water Treatment Plant have identified chemical and mechanical changes that might be made at the plant.
Lake Watch and HOBOs are both determined to explore the facts and help get to the bottom of this problem. Is the culprit algae or something else? Does this problem exist in the Lake Martin water source, or is the algae accumulated in the distribution lines? Is this merely a matter of bad taste, or is it an unhealthy condition? What are the scientific, biochemical and engineering responses that may solve this problem?
Alabama Department of Environmental Management is identified as being responsible for state secondary drinking water regulation, a regulation that: a. Applies to a public water system; b. Specifies maximum contaminant levels necessary to protect the public comfort or well-being by controlling contaminants that: 1. Adversely affect odor or appearance of water, thereby causing substantial numbers of persons to discontinue its use; or 2. Otherwise adversely affect the public comfort or well-being; and c. May vary according to geographic and other circumstances.
Lake Watch and HOBOs want this situation addressed by ADEM, Alexander City and perhaps Auburn University so correct solutions can be found.
Thank you for supporting the work of Lake Watch of Lake Martin. Above all, get out on the waters of Lake Martin or the Tallapoosa River. It will make your heart happy!
Matt Campbell is the pastpresident of Lake Watch of Lake Martin.
22
IIn many cultures throughout the world, the egg is a symbol of new life, fertility and rebirth. As we approach the celebration of Easter, hard-boiled, dyed and decorated eggs and perhaps the creation of deviled eggs will once again be a priority. Would you have guessed that in the United States, egg sales will reach around 180 million this month? I would imagine this encompasses baking cakes and desserts, making deviled eggs and eggs for dyeing and hunting. It is said that 1 billion eggs will be hunted over the Easter holiday.
Whether you are scrambling, poaching, hard-boiling, dyeing or making deviled eggs, it is good to know egg essentials. Here are answers to some common questions.
Are dyed Easter eggs safe to eat?
The Cherished Egg
Crack open the secrets of this delicious and nutritious superfood
After you leave the store, refrigerate eggs as soon as possible and store them in the same carton that shows the expiration date.
Do hard-boiled eggs spoil faster than fresh eggs?
Yes, when eggs are boiled, the protective outer coating is washed away, which makes the egg more susceptible to bacteria penetrating the shell and contaminating the egg. Hard-boiled eggs should be stored in the refrigerator and used within seven days.
BY JULIE HUDSON
Yes, if they are stored in the refrigerator and hidden above ground away from dirt. Throw out any eggs that are cracked, dirty or have been unrefrigerated for more than two hours. Eggs should be washed, placed back in the refrigerator and eaten within seven days. Eggs should always be stored in the coolest part of the refrigerator at less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
When you purchase eggs, make sure they are not cracked.
Why does the inside of the hardboiled egg sometimes turn green? Overcooking can cause a green rim around the yolk. This is caused by a sulfur and iron compound in the egg reacting on the yolk’s surface. The green color can also be caused by a high amount of iron in the water. Although the greencolored yolk may not look appetizing, it is safe to eat.
Regardless of the occasion, eggs should be enjoyed without hesitation. Once thought of as a cholesterol monster, we have now shifted our focus to the positive impact eggs can have on health.
Let’s crack open the facts, starting with the nutritional breakdown. One egg contains 75 to 80 calories, 5 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, 0
carbohydrates, 67 milligrams of potassium, 70 milligrams of sodium and 210 milligrams of cholesterol.
Eggs, the yolks in particular, are a very good source of choline. Choline is an important nutrient for cell membranes and fetal and infant brain development. The phytochemicals lutein and zeaxanthin are abundant in eggs, playing a major role in eye health by reducing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Egg yolks also contain Vitamin D, which is essential for bone health. Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin because that is the natural way we acquire the vitamin. Not many foods provide vitamin D naturally, except for egg yolks.
In addition, eggs are rated as a super protein for providing a perfect amino acid profile and the highest protein quality. In fact, eggs have a rating of 100 on the biological value scale. All other foods are compared to the egg in regard to protein quality. Proteins are important to our bodies because they are the building blocks that promote muscle mass and bone health. Eggs also provide satiety, which contributes to appetite and blood sugar control, both of which are important for weight maintenance and diabetes. Research continues to show that the cholesterol in eggs does not seem to negatively affect the human body compared with other sources of cholesterol. An example of this is that people
HEALTHY LIVING
typically eat eggs with other foods high in salt, saturated fat and cholesterol, such as bacon, sausage, cheese and butter. These foods are known to increase heart disease and cholesterol and should be eaten sparingly.
An egg on its own is a nutritious option any time of the day. Most healthy people can eat up to seven eggs a week without affecting their heart health. You may choose to eat only the egg white and not the yolk, which will provide protein without the cholesterol. Two scrambled egg whites will provide 34 calories, 0 milligrams of fat, 7 grams of protein, 110 milligrams of sodium and 0 milligrams of cholesterol. Compare this to two whole eggs scrambled, providing 150 to 160 calories, 14 milligrams of fat, 12 grams of protein, 94 milligrams of sodium and 420 milligrams of cholesterol.
The American Heart Association states that healthy adults can include eggs as a healthy addition to a well-balanced meal. An important note to remember is that when making an egg dish like an omelet, egg bake, bowl or toast, watch out for those high-calorie, high-fat extras like cheese, bacon, sausage and butter.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans confirm what science has shown: Eggs provide critical nutrition support for brain health and play a vital role in infant development and prenatal
health. As a fundamental first food for babies, eggs are the most concentrated source of choline for brain development. One large egg provides the daily choline needed for babies and toddlers, and two large eggs provide more than half the choline needed by pregnant moms.
Eggs also qualify as a nutrient-dense food and contribute to the health and well-being of Americans of all ages, including preteens and adolescents. Specifically, girls need protein and choline. The high-quality protein is good for muscle repair and bone health. Older adults can be at risk for not consuming enough protein or Vitamin B12. Americans do not get enough natural Vitamin D, for which eggs are one of the few natural sources, providing 6 percent of the daily recommendation.
Eggs are a dietary mainstay, not only good for breakfast but also anytime of the day. The challenge may be to throw out the high-fat biscuit or sugary cereal and try an egg or two to start your day.
Julie Hudson is a certified dietician at Lake Martin Wellness Center in Dadeville.
Roasted Poblano Butter Arancini
ROASTED POBLANO BUTTER
1 pound unsalted butter, softened, not melted
2 poblanos, roasted and peeled
4 to 6 garlic cloves, minced
2 shallots, minced
2 to 3 limes, zest 1 and juice all 1 teaspoon oil
Directions
Roast the poblanos and cover for 15 to 30 minutes, so they steam. Peel off the burnt ends and remove the seeds; then mince. Sweat the garlic and shallots with 1 teaspoon of oil. Add the minced poblanos and toss to mix. Cool down completely before adding the butter. Once the garlic, shallots and peppers are cooled, add the zest of 1 lime and the juice of 2 to 3 limes. Place the butter in a mixer and add the pepper mixture. Mix with a paddle attachment until incorporated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
RISOTTO RECIPE
2 cups risotto
1/2 cup white cooking wine
6 to 7 cups vegetable stock, warmed to a boil. Chicken stock can be used as a replacement.
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 to 4 bay leaves
1 medium onion, diced
3 to 5 green stalks of celery, diced
Fresh mozzarella, cut into marble-sized bites for stuffing risotto
Directions
Bring the stock to a boil first. You will be adding hot liquid to the risotto while cooking. Melt the butter with the olive oil. Sweat the celery and onions until tender.
Add the bay leaves and cook for another minute. Turn the heat to medium and add the risotto.
Carefully watch this step. You will be toasting the risotto. As you are toasting, you will notice the edges turning translucent. When you see a pearl center show, add the wine. Cook all of the wine out. You will hear a light sizzle, and it may start to stick.
Add 1 to 2 cups of the hot stock.
Carefully stir
the risotto until most of the stock has cooked off. Now, add only 1/2 cup of stock from here on. Keep stirring and adding stock until the risotto is nice and tender. It shouldn’t have any crunch to it. Add the butter and stir until absorbed. Adjust the seasoning and cool completely.
COOKING ARANCINI’S
3 eggs, beaten with a splash of water
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups Panko breadcrumbs, or seasoned breadcrumbs
Directions
Warm a fryer to 350 degrees. While the oil is warming, scoop a ball a little smaller than a golf ball size of the risotto and place a bite-size piece of mozzarella right in the middle of the ball. Refrigerate the risotto for 5 to 10 minutes. Place the risotto into the flour, then the egg wash and finally, breadcrumbs. Fry for 8 to 10 minutes, or until a good golden brown. Let them cool for a couple of minutes; they will be hot.
CHEF'S TABLE
BY PETE MCKENNY
Pete McKenny, General Manager and Executive Chef at SpringHouse Restaurant, trained at four-star restaurants and Forbes four-star resorts in Ohio,Washington, Arizona and Vermont before returning to Russell Lands on Lake Martin, where he began his career as chef de cuisine at Willow Point Golf & Country Club.
TOP 5 BAITS PART 1
BY GREG VINSON
LLet me begin by saying I’m always looking for something new in fishing: a new color, a new design, a new action, and on and on. In addition to experimenting with every sponsor product available, I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of money over the years trying to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to tackle selections. Those die-hard anglers out there know that being able to show the fish something different sometimes makes all the difference in the world.
When I noticed an article by Rob Newell in the last 2024 issue of MLF Bass Fishing magazine called “The Must-Have Bass Baits of the Y2K Era,” something stood out. When it comes to go-to lure selections, very little has changed in recent years.
Looking back prompted me to think, “What would my top five bass fishing rigs or baits be right now?” A few stood out immediately, as I’ve found myself trying to get back to the basics lately. Others I struggled with whether they deserved to be in the top five on my list, but they’re certainly worthy of conversation.
Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He lives in Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.
SENKO AND 5-INCH STICK BAITS
I can’t name a single place in the country where any species of black bass won’t eat these baits. Originally designed by Gary Yamamoto after desiring to have a worm shaped like a Sharpie pen, my personal choice these days is the Netbait/Baitfuel Ion. When anglers talk about a 5-inch stick bait, many still call it a Senko, regardless of the brand they’re actually using.
Upon first appearance, the Senko is unappealing, to say the least. No fancy tails, claws or any other accessories. Just a straight piece of soft plastic, slightly tapered at each end. The original beauty of the bait was its action on the fall when rigged weightless. Over time, it’s become apparent that the profile, or size and shape, of the bait just appeals to bass, and it’s effective with many types of rigging options. It’s still hard to believe that with all the wild things that have been designed to catch bass over the years, I’ve decided to put this very simple one at the top of the list.
SHAKY HEAD WORM
If we’re just talking about Alabama, the shaky head might just rival the Senko when it comes to fish catches over the past two decades. At some point, someone decided to take a jig head that was likely designed for a large grub and rig a small straight-tail worm weedless on it. Thus, the shaky head was born.
Once again, like the Senko, this rig is deceivingly simple. Why would something with no tails, appendages and seemingly little action be so irresistible to bass? It doesn’t look like anything we would picture a bass feeding on. Minnow? No. Crawfish? No. Bream? No. Live worm? Not really. Like the Senko, it’s as if the bait is so simple that it triggers an instinctive impulse in a bass’s tiny brain that they cannot overcome.
The magic in this bait is what it does when it lands on the bottom of the lake. Rigging the worm weedless on the jighead also gives the worm an upright posture as the jighead lands. A slight movement of the rod tip causes the head to roll and hop along the bottom, with the worm tail sticking up shaking, wagging and quivering throughout the retrieve.
BIG CATCHES
Talk about opposite ends of a spectrum when compared to my top two. We’ve gone in-depth on the chatterbait in very recent articles lately, and it’s glaringly obvious that it’s here to stay. Unlike the Senko and shaky head worm, a chatterbait, as the name implies, is nothing less than a violent bait beneath the surface. I’ve mentioned before my skepticism when first seeing it around 2005. Boy, was I wrong!
Essentially a jig with an all-important blade at the front, it causes a heavy vibration that can be felt even down to the reel when being retrieved. I once placed an underwater camera in a pool to capture just what the bait looked like underwa ter from a bass’s point of view. To my surprise, when playing the video back, there was audio ing and clicking sound so pronounced that it must rattle a fish’s brain as it comes by.
JIGHEAD MINNOW CHATTERBAIT
3 4 5 JIGS
Jigs actually go back many years and have changed little since their inception. Basically, a jighead with a weedguard and a skirt. Like with silicone skirts, advancements in soft plastics over the years have made them a more common choice for a jig trailer. Some timeless examples are a Zoom Chunk or NetBait Paca Chunk, depending on how much action the angler wants on the back end of the jig.
The beauty of a jig is its versatility. Being weedless, it can be cast and retrieved around multiple types of cover and at multiple depths. It can be flipped or pitched to precise targets or dragged along the bottom on structure. Or an angler can swim it near the surface with a quick retrieve. In just about any scenario, and anywhere in the country, there’s a jig presentation that can catch bass.
This rig has dominated bass fishing most recently with the implementation of forwardfacing sonar. A jighead with a slightly smaller type of small minnow imitation attached. Using forward-facing sonar, bass anglers can present this bait to spe cific fish beneath the surface. The advantage comes in being able to catch fish that are often suspended in the water, cruising without relating to any specific type of cover.
Forward sonar has been used to target bass with all of the baits previously mentioned, but there’s nothing more effective in recent years than a simple jighead with a small minnow imitation. This setup could easily take over the No. 1 spot with time as more anglers become proficient with forward sonar. But it’s already a top five in my opinion and is quickly moving up the ladder.
Well, as of today, those are, in my opinion, the top five bass rigs and baits. Certainly, the time of year has some influence as we break into spring, but one thing stands out simplicity. Four of the five have a very simple design and subtle action that continues to trigger bass despite today’s heavy fishing pressure. Next month, we’ll go into what I’ll call the almost top fives or honorable mentions.
Hidden Gem
HHere we go again. I found another amazing bottle of wine that might easily have been overlooked. As with the Love Hammer Cabernet that I wrote about in the January issue, this too was sitting right there on the shelf getting very little attention, hiding in plain sight, as they say.
The perception of this wine is closely tied to its story. It begins with a 13-year-old Italian boy traveling halfway around the world to join his father in San Francisco, California. Life was different in 1900, and the journey to escape a life of poverty in Italy brought Louis M. Martini to America. From Ellis Island, he headed west with a couple of loaves of bread and some bologna, a trip that took seven days, four trains and a ferry.
FROM THE CELLAR
BY HENRY FOY
After six years of helping his father build his fish and shellfish business, Martini’s sideline attempts at winemaking had been disappointing. Though unable to enroll in wine classes locally, he was determined to know why his wine had spoiled. Under the guise of wanting to visit his mother, he went back to Italy for a semester in Alba. When he returned to the States several months later, he came clean, persuading his father to join him in making wine. They built a small winery behind the house and soon expanded to the outskirts of the Bay Area. They sold their wine by the barrel and jug to many of the restaurant and boarding house clients who were also buying their seafood products.
This was the infancy of domestic winemaking, which had largely grown around the sweet and fortified wines of the British style. Martini’s interest was in the dry wines of his homeland, and many of the seafood customers were fellow countrymen who shared his taste. His ambition was to make good wine.
Winemaking for Martini continued to be a challenge. The Bay Area winery went bankrupt, but he continued to work in the industry. When the National Prohibition Act took effect in 1919, his focus shifted from making wine to selling fresh grapes and juice for home winemaking. The so-called Volstead Act allowed the head of every household to make up to 200 gallons of nonintoxicating (winkwink) fruit juice each year for personal consumption.
The young Italian never believed that Prohibition would last. He thought it was comical and that repeal was certain. In 1932, just before repeal, he counted on it, leasing a winery near Oakville to produce 40,000 gallons of wine. He soon purchased 10 acres in St. Helena to build his own winery. At that time, it was
Napa’s only newly constructed winery until 1966, when Robert Mondavi built his facility − 30 years later.
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Martini produced an abundance of generic wines. They were typically blends and, true to the era, bore little resemblance to the names they were given. In those early days, vintners believed that consumers would buy wines with recognizable names. But what they labeled as Burgundy was likely Petite Sirah; Chianti was actually Zinfandel; Port was far from being Portuguese; Chablis was synonymous with white wine of any variety, and so on. Oddly, Martini is credited with the trend of putting the variety, or the name of the grape, and the vintage on his labels.
The Louis M. Martini label is well-known and revered in the history of California wines. His passion for producing dry red wines paved the way for the fabulous wines that we enjoy today. That was a tall order; the sales from dry wine would not surpass sweet wine sales until 1967 when Martini was 80 years old. The downside of his passion was that by the 1980s, consumers were going crazy for white wines, an unfortunate setback for a winery known as a red wine house. The fact that the Martini Winery had been known as a producer of value wines was also difficult to shake in a market now captivated by the growth of Napa’s cult cabs and ultra-premium producers.
That brings us back to the issue of perception and the association with jug wine and value wines. But here is the reality: Louis M. Martini was a pioneer with a clear vision, and the label that bears his name is the result, like the 2019 Napa Cabernet pictured. Remember that in the January article, I attribute a great deal of satisfaction to the variety, Cabernet Sauvignon, the place, Napa Valley, and the vintage.
The velvety smooth Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 scored 92 points from Wine Spectator with a drink time from 2023 to 2036. With proper cellaring, that’s another eleven years to enjoy this luscious wine. The retail price at release was $50; imagine what that will be in just five years. Now owned by Gallo, the Martini brand boasts several highly rated Napa Valley and single-vineyard releases. The 2019 Howell Mountain cab scored 95 points with a release price of $150; the 2019 Stagecoach Vineyard got 94 points and goes for about $200. Not exactly what we call value wines and a much higher quality than what our perception might imply.
Cheers!
Henry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine, Spirits and Cigars, now celebrating over 20 years of business in downtown Alexander City at 128 Calhoun Street. For current hours, events and information, call 256-212-wine (9463).
Master the Moment
HHello, Lake Martin. The clocks have moved forward, and spring has sprung! Everyone will get busy preparing to enjoy all the outdoor activities that our Lake Martin lifestyle delivers. This time each year, the Masters tournament arrives to inspire all my friends who enjoy the game of golf. This great tour event is hosted at one of the most incredible golf venues in our country − beautiful Augusta National. I have been blessed to be on-site for 25 of my 35 years as a PGA professional, and it is truly heaven on earth for a golfer.
The perfection on the course is matched only by the perfection of the play. So many great players have had so many great “Masters moments” that carried them to victory. In 1935, Gene Sarazen knocked in a fairway wood shot for a double eagle and began the greatness of the Masters. Dubbed “the shot heard round the world,” it became front-page news everywhere and began the greatness of the Masters as we know it.
other golf course like this anywhere. Its greens and its challenges on and around the greens are just super, super tough. So the greens are fun to play in sort of a morbid way.”
In 2005, Tiger Woods hit an unbelievable chip that saw his ball stop briefly on the edge of the cup, flashing the Nike logo, before dropping into the hole. He said that the Masters’ roar that followed was the loudest cheer he had ever heard in his life.
All these professional moments should inspire amateur golfers to seek their own “Masters moments.”
I have witnessed many similar golf shots during my 35-year PGA career. I saw Steve Taylor knock in the first hole-in-one of his career. He, his friend Hugo Heflin and I hugged each other, cheering and celebrating the shot. It might not have been a Masters roar, but we came close.
I witnessed the great Jim Martin knock in a fairway shot on the 18th hole at Stillwaters for an incredible eagle finish to his great day. Larry Birdwell called his hooded 5-iron shot from the left tree line; and then, produced the miracle shot to win his first Match Play Tournament at Stillwaters.
THE SCRAMBLE
My personal favorite is the tremendous back nine by Jack Nicklaus to win his sixth green jacket in 1986. Before I play in a big tournament, I like to watch the YouTube video of that back nine to inspire me to play my best.
BY ROB WITHERINGTON
In 1987, Larry Mize won the tournament with an incredible chip-in on the second playoff hole to send Greg Norman home as a dejected and shocked runnerup.
In 1995, Ben Crenshaw won a dramatic and emotional Masters victory the week after his longtime mentor and golf coach, Harvey Penick, passed away. He never had a three-putt throughout the tournament and broke down in tears after winning. What a Masters moment!
He has been quoted as describing Augusta National in his own way.
“I enjoy Augusta. I enjoy its challenges. There’s no
Last year, in the Club Championship, I was blessed to have witnessed an incredible finish to the senior division. On the final hole, Phil Lindsey was behind the green, facing a tremendously difficult chip. He had a tough lie in the rough, and the contour of the green complex would force his ball to move both left and right on the way to the hole location. Just like Larry Mize in 1987, his chip was perfect, and went into the hole for a birdie and a one-shot victory for the title. I was standing next to Ken Mosley, who at that moment became Greg Norman. His expectation of sudden death disappeared as runner-up became his destiny.
In closing, be sure to watch the Masters coverage this year and let the play inspire you to work on your game in the year ahead. Keep a club in your hand often, practice regularly and create your own “Masters Moments.” Gabby believes in you!
Rob "Gabby" Witherington is a 35-year PGA Professional – retired.
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"Family is a life jacket in the stormy seas of life." ~ J.K. Rowling
