Lake Magazine January 2026

SHINER'S COVE

New designer home development

LAKE MARTIN TURNS 100 Building the world famous Martin Dam

JANUARY 2026

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FEATURED LISTINGS

$995,000

$499,000

The Heritage | 468 Luanne’s Way

NEW CONSTRUCTION

1216 Lakeview Ridge Circle | StillWaters

Lot lines are approximate

FEATURED RENTALS VACATION

LEASED

LONG-TERM

“Catalpa House” Waterfront

“Wisteria” Waterfront

“Lee Lanier” Waterfront

Lindsay Kane GRI | ABR® | RSPS | PSA | e-Pro®

REALTOR® | Associate Broker Property Manager

256.675.6792

JANUARY 2026

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Staff

We Touch the Lives Best of the Nursing Home & People Assisted You Love Living

Chairman KENNETH BOONE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

General Manager TIPPY HUNTER

tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com

Editor-in-Chief SHAYLEE BECK MOORE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Art Director AUDRA SPEARS

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Business & Digital Development Director ANGELA MULLINS angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com

Audience Development BAILY TERRY

baily.terry@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing RENEE TRICE

renee.trice@alexcityoutlook.com

SAMANTHA HIMES

sam.himes@alexcityoutlook.com

ERIN VICKERS

erin.vickers@alexcityoutlook.com

ABBIE CLAYTON

abbie.clayton@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors

Assisted Living & SCALF Short Term Rehab Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Long Term Skilled Nursing Care

KENNETH BOONE JULIE HUDSON GREG VINSON PETE MCKENNY JOHN COLEY HENRY FOY AUDRA SPEARS BILL BUTLER

SAM VISE LIZI ARBOGAST SAMUEL HIGGS CLIFF WILLIAMS GWEN BISHOP SARAH CHASE ANA SOFIA MEYER MATT SHEPPARD

On the Cover Hallie Gordon Craft is balancing life behind the salon chair with time spent on the waters of Lake Martin. A lifelong local, she has built a thriving career while staying closely connected to the people, places and traditions that shaped her.

Photo by Kenneth Boone.

All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 | lakemagazine.life Subscriptions are $75 annually

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Contents 18. OPENING A NEW DOOR TO LAKE MARTIN A new development along the Highway 63 corridor is coming to Lake Martin, with a focus on affordability and elevated craftsmanship.

22. ANNUAL SWIMSUIT & LIFESTYLE EDITION From college campuses to aspiring careers, these students and professionals return to Lake Martin, sharing favorite memories and lasting connections to the lake.

HALLIE CRAFT LUKE HANKS HARLIE THOMAS ANDI FOX MOLLY BARGER LUKE LAWSON KATHERINE HOWORTH

64. LAKE MARTIN TURNS 100 YEARS OLD As Lake Martin celebrates its centennial milestone, explore the history behind the construction of Martin Dam and how it shaped the lake as it's seen today.

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES: 09. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 10. LAKE SCENES 14. CALENDAR OF EVENTS 16. LAKE MARTIN NEWS 72. NATURE OF THE LAKE 76. LAKE PROPERTY 78. LAKE WATCH 81. FAB FINDS 82. HEALTHY LIVING 84. CHEF'S TABLE 86. CHEERS! 88. BIG CATCHES 91. THE SCRAMBLE 98. PARTING SHOT

stay connected: @lakemartinmag

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Molly Barger...

LAKE also features an online edition, available 24 hours a day, free of charge.

This edition is perfect to share with friends and family from anywhere in the world.

View our digital edition today at lakemagazine.life.

JANUARY 2026

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SMALL BU T MIGHTY Advertising for any budget, no matter the size.

256-234-4281

marketing@alexcityoutlook.com

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

Number of sales

Average selling price

Median selling price

Days on the market

Total houses for sale

11 13 16

$ 1,554,944 $ 949,885 $ 493,760

$ 1,300,000 $ 865,000 $ 385,000

123 56 252

125 61 167

November 2025 November 2022 November 2019

Inventory/ sales ratio 5.56 2.60 5.71

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).

Lake Martin 100 Year New Year's Resolutions As Lake Martin celebrates its centennial milestone, here are a few bucket list ideas to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Lake Martin.

Fourth of July boat parade

Participate in Plug Day

Plug Day has become a beloved tradition at Lake Martin every year.

Each fall, Lake Martin’s water levels drop an average of 7 feet as part of the lake’s seasonal drawdown, and 10 feet every six years, allowing for necessary shoreline maintenance. While the quieter winter months have their own charm, the excitement builds again in the spring as the community counts down the days until the dam’s floodgates close once again and the lake begins to rise, signaling the unofficial start of summer and boating season for the Lake Martin community.

Dive into the History of Hank Williams

Lake Martin has a rich history of famous icons that have been inspired by the breathtaking beauty of the lake. One of those legends is Hank Williams, who is believed to have written his hit song “Kowaliga” during one of his visits. See the cabin where he wrote the song with a quick boat ride, or stop by Kowaliga Restaurant, where memorabilia honors Williams’ legacy alongside the iconic wooden Indian. Time the visit just right and catch one of the lake’s unforgettable sunsets while there!

Mark your calendar for some of Lake Martin’s most iconic events, such as the Fourth of July boat parade, fireworks at The AMP or the Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival.

Visit the Martin Dam

No centennial checklist is complete without a stop at Martin Dam. Guided tours are available through Alabama Power with advance scheduling, but even a boat ride past the dam offers an impressive perspective. Watching the rushing water and towering structure up close is a powerful reminder of the engineering feat that made Lake Martin possible.

January 2026 Forecast Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the mid 50s with average lows in the lower 30s and about 5.72 inches of precipitation in the month of January. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be slightly higher than average and rainfall will be below normal this month.

Precipitation: 49.82 inches Avg. high temp.: 77.7 Avg. low temp.: 54.6 Avg. temp.: 66.2

While several communities were submerged during the creation of Lake Martin, one iconic landmark still stands. A grain silo built in 1915 once stored supplies on what was then farmland. When the lake filled, the water rose to just below its base, leaving the structure intact. Today, the silo stands at Wind Creek State Park as an overlook, welcoming visitors to climb to the top and take in sweeping views of the lake from a rare piece of preserved history.

Celebrate with an Event

Weather Outlook for January

Year-to-Date

Climb the Historic Silo

Our Normal January Precipitation: 5.72 inches Avg. high temp.: 56.0 Avg. low temp.: 32.1 Avg. temp.: 44.1

Information from the National Weather Service.

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Last Month's Lake Levels Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 483.86 Lowest: 483.79 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 water-related equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.

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Lake Scenes n People & Places Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com 3

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READER SUBMISSIONS

(1) Patriotic pup enjoys a day on the dock. (2) Brentley Messer captured a stunning Lake Martin sunset Fourth of July weekend in Manoy Creek. (3) Caroline cools off with a quick dip on the dock of Lake Martin. Photo submitted by Carol Lee. (4) Justin Snellgrove paddling with a family geese at Lake Martin.

(5) Hank Jennings enjoying his first boat ride, photo

by John and Amy Jennings. (6) A blue heron was spotted walking along the bank near Coley Creek boat ramp. (7) The sunset over Lake Martin as the October supermoon began to peak.

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Lake Scenes n People & Places Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com 2

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Tony enjoyed starting his day with a calm sunrise over Lake Martin while sipping his morning coffee. (2) Hayes and his pup, Rory, enjoying Independence Day at Lake Martin. Photo submitted by Brock Hodson.

(3) Killa running and jumping though the waves along the shores of an island on Lake Martin. Photo captured by Molly Parker. (4) Johnny Spears and Tiger enjoy a nice sunny afternoon on the pier. (5) Tony Johnson captured this beautiful sunset during a boat cruise near Smith Mountain. (6) Flying high over Lake Martin in a seaplane. (7) A delightful game of golf at Wicker Point Golf Club.

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January 3 Wind Creek Bass Trail No. 4

OGS Tournaments will host Wind Creek Bass Trail No. 4 at Wind Creek State Park. Registration begins at 4 a.m. in the marina store. Cost is $120 per boat, $10 for a big fish pot, $10 for a big spot side pot and $10 for an Average Joe Pot (all voluntary). $150 for all. Registration can be made with cash or check the morning of the tournament or online at ogstournaments.org.

January 10 Written in Stone: Ryan Downing

Kowaliga Restaurant, with proceeds benefiting the Lake Martin Resource Association and its mission to keep the lake clean and pristine. Doors open at 10 a.m., the plunge is at noon. Attendees can enjoy food trucks, live music and service from Kowaliga’s bars throughout the day.

Tickets are $15 for “Plungers” and $20 for “Dockers” who prefer to stay dry while enjoying the amenities.

Tickets are available online through January 14, or at the door. For more information or to register, visit chamber. alexcitychamber.com/events or contact jaden.tuck@ alexandercitychamber.com.

January 24 Dance & Dinner Party with The Emerald Empire Band

Join singersongwriter Ryan Downing of Dadeville for a free concert at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center. Starting at 6:30 p.m., enjoy an evening filled with retroinspired tunes and acoustic melodies.

For more details, contact office@ dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

Join Alex City Arts for a night of music, dancing and dinner at Willow Point Country Club. From 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Russell Lands will enjoy a lively host the 17th annual evening featuring a Russell Forest Run buffet dinner, cash on February 28 bar and the highenergy sounds of one of the region’s CALENDAR OF EVENTS most dynamic bands. Visit alexcityarts.org for more January 11 WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN details or to purchase Animal Sign Class tickets.

Join the Wind Creek State Park Naturalist at the park’s Clubhouse to learn how to recognize the subtle February 7 clues animals leave behind. From noon to 2 p.m., attendees will learn to identify animals just by the signs Wind Creek Bass Trail No. 5 they leave – from tracks in the mud and trampled grass to OGS Tournaments will host Wind Creek Bass Trail scratches on trees and unexpected droppings. Contact the No. 5 at Wind Creek State Park. Registration begins at 4 park at 256-329-0845 for more details. a.m. in the marina store. Cost is $120 per boat, $10 for a big fish pot, $10 for a big spot side pot and $10 for an Average Joe Pot (all voluntary). $150 for all. Registration January 16 can be made with cash or check the morning of the Tom Tyson & Band tournament or online at ogstournaments.org.

Join the Dadeville Performing Arts Center as it welcomes Tom Tyson and his band. Beginning February 7 & 21 at 6:30 p.m., attendees can enjoy a lively mix of old-time favorites and original songs by Pup-Along Hike Tyson. For more information, contact office@ Bring your furry friend and enjoy the great outdoors dadevilleperformingartscenter.com for more details. at Wind Creek State Park. Starting at noon, attendees will embark on a scenic loop around the Campfire Trail.

All dogs must be leased, and owners are encouraged to January 17 bring water and treats for their four-legged friends. Park LMYP Polar Plunge entrance fees apply for day visitors. For more details, The Lake Martin Young Professionals invite the contact the park at 256-329-0845. community to brave the cold for the 10th annual Polar Plunge. Presented by LakeScape, the plunge will be at 14 LAKE

JANUARY 2026

February 13 Fur Ball

Season-long Events

Get ready for a night of elegance and puppy love at the 2nd Annual Fur Ball benefiting Lake Martin Animal Rescue. Held at the Mitchell House at 6 p.m., this special event is the purr-fect way to celebrate Valentine’s season while supporting local furry friends in need. Attendance is reserved for sponsors and includes music by Charlie C. & The Cuzamatics and a steak dinner catered by Scott Blake. To become a sponsor, contact Rhonda Gaskins at 256-749-3644 or Jennie Zinn at 334-380-6250.

February 21 Choral Workshop

Get ready to make some music with the Dadeville Community Chorus. Held at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., this workshop will allow guests to learn new pieces and hone their skills with presenter John Flanery. RSVP To Diane Miller at dmiller5000@hotmail.com before February 1 to reserve a spot.

February 22 Lake Martin Wedding & Event Expo

Get ready to plan your perfect celebration with the 7th annual Lake Martin Wedding & Event Expo at the Mitchell House. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., attendees can meet local vendors and browse a variety of venues perfect for a wedding, reunion or corporate event.

Parking will be at the nearby First Baptist Church of Dadeville. General admission is $10 per person at the door or online at unitedwaylakemartin.org/weddingexpo-attendees. For more information, contact the United Way office at 256-329-3600 or courtney.layfield@ unitedwaylakemartin.org.

February 24 Ultimate Elvis!

Experience the magic of the King of Rock and Roll with a high-energy evening at The Mill Two Eighty from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests can enjoy a barbecue dinner and a cash bar as they sing, dance and relive the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll. For more information, visit alexcityarts.org or find Alex City Arts on Facebook.

February 28 Russell Forest Run

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.

Visit russelllands.com/events for the scheduled subject topics, dates and times.

Acoustic Jam Session

Acoustic musicians of all skill levels are invited to gather on the second Saturday of each month to share music in a fun and welcoming environment. The acoustic jam session is free, and the public is invited to attend, listen or join in. The event takes place at 128 N. Broadnax Street in Dadeville. For more information, contact office@dadevilleperformingartcenter.com.

Nature Trivia Night at Wind Creek State Park

Join Wind Creek State Park on the first and third Friday of each month for Nature Trivia Night. Trivia lovers can test their knowledge on wildlife, plants and conservation from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the clubhouse. This event is a great opportunity to learn something new while enjoying a little friendly competition. Park entrance fees apply for day visitors. For details, email dylan.ogle@ dcnr.alabama.gov.

Covered Dish Social

The Real Island Community hosts a monthly covered dish social on the third Friday of each month at the RIVFD Training and Community Center at 6:30 p.m. at 1495 Real Island Road in Equality. Whether you’re a longtime resident, visiting or new to the area, everyone is welcome to come fellowship. For more information, call 334-857-3233.

Weekly Birdwatching Adventure

Join the Wind Creek State Park naturalist on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. to learn about feathered friends that call Lake Martin home. Park entrance fees apply for day visitors. For details, email dylan.ogle@dcnr.alabama.gov.

Grief Support

Join Russell Lands for the 17th annual Russell Forest Run at Russell Crossroads. Through the support of local sponsors and hundreds of yearly runners, this race has raised nearly $152,000 for the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation. The starting line will be near the Town Green and the finish line will be near The Stables, home of the post-race party and World Famous Grits Bar. The 10K will begin at 7:45 a.m. and the 5K will begin at 7:55 a.m. Visit russellforestrun.com for more information or to register.

Red Ridge United Methodist Church in Dadeville hosts an ongoing grief support program on Mondays at 10 a.m., led by Pastor Mike Butler. There is no charge for participation, and it does not matter if the loss was recent or long ago. Call Mike Butler at 256-412-6945 for more information.

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Lake Martin News TCSO dispatchers would be helpful and calls Echo a godsend.

“We were extremely blessed to be able to get him and get one as perfect as he is because he was the perfect dog to go in here,” Cotney said. “I want to thank (Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett) for letting us have this opportunity because it has been a huge game changer.”

Dispatcher Rachel Dabis has seen the impact Echo has had on herself. She said when dispatchers took a heavy medical call, Echo was right there for her to take a break outside and play with. His presence is always felt in the office.

“I am really thankful to the support that I have here, not only from Echo, but from my supervisor Kim Cotney, the sheriff, everybody here,” Dabis said. “(Cotney) is really big on mental health and I really appreciate that from her. I could not have asked for a better supervisor.”

Sarah Chase

Echo is the newest member of the Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Department

Local pastor releases first book

Lighting up the room, one paw at a time A 5-month-old, furry and four-legged friend has jumped on board as the newest member of the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department.

Echo, a poodle in training to become an emotional support dog for the office’s dispatch team, is currently learning commands, such as sit, high five and come. TCSO communication supervisor Kim Cotney said once his training is completed, he will be registered as a good citizen K-9.

“We have taken him around to some of the businesses to walk through, so people get a feel of him,” Cotney said.

“He has been the most perfect puppy that we could have gotten. If anything goes on, (the dispatchers) turn to him and he helps them through the hard times (and) with the bad calls.”

Echo is meant to provide support to dispatchers, but his presence has lightened up the office for the officers as well. Cotney said everyone brings him toys and takes him outside to play as he has made himself an irreplaceable companion.

“He is funny,” Cotney said. “He is a people person and has not turned away from anybody. I think he owns the place and we just occupy it every once in a while … He makes you feel better. Everybody’s demeanor changes when they walk in and touch him or call him and he comes running. It makes everybody feel a lot better, so he’s not just dispatch. He is family.”

Cotney said she had seen emotional support dogs start to show up more frequently at police stations, schools and even funeral homes. She said she believed getting one for 16 LAKE

Sometimes it takes a lifetime to do the work that you believe God wants you to do.

With the release of his first book, “Sufficient Grace: Experiencing God’s Healing,” that’s exactly what Reuben Prater believes he is doing.

“I’m finally doing the job it feels like God wants me to do,” Prater said.

Along with being a pastor most of his adult life, he has also been in most every type of communications there is, including winning an Alabama Press Association award when he was editor of The Dadeville Record several decades ago.

Prater’s idea for the book arose after being a two-time cancer survivor, he said.

“God tells Paul in the Bible His grace is sufficient,” he said.

For nearly 47 years, Prater had carried a heavy burden he had never told anyone about. The cancer healed this burden, he said.

“When I got cancer, the burden was taken away from me,” Prater said. “I no longer have those issues. The cancer was sufficient grace for me; I was able to heal from

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troublesome times.”

Prater suffered from both prostate cancer in 2014, followed by testicular cancer in 2016.

Now, Prater is already working on his next book.

“It’s dealing with the principle of feeling like you’re in a pit,” he said. “When I had cancer, I couldn’t work; I had to give it up.”

Prater said he went from a sixfigure a year salary to bringing in $17,000 in Social Security disability.

Because he couldn’t work, he turned to Bible study, prayer and working with a mentor.

“This allowed me to understand I would be taken care of,” Prater said.

“I could see a light at the end of the tunnel – God promised He would take care of me.”

“Sufficient Grace: Experiencing God’s Healing” was released December 22 as both a paperback and an eBook. Both versions will be available on Amazon.

Gwen Bishop

THE DU DIFFERENCE E XPERIENCE E XCELLENCE

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RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

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Opening a New Door to Lake Martin STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE PHOTOS COURTESY OF RUSSELL LANDS

A new development is coming to the Highway 63 corridor in 2026

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The secret is out: Lake Martin has become one of the most soughtafter destinations in the region. No longer just a weekend escape, more families are discovering the lake not only as a second-home destination, but as a place to put down roots and live full time.

With the lake’s growing popularity has come an unprecedented demand for waterfront property. Prices continue to rise, and the average price point for a single-family, detached lake home on Lake Martin has now surpassed $1.6 million.

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Shiner's Cove will include waterfront lots and amenities in the new gated community

As high-end communities such as The Ridge and The Heritage have flourished at the upper end of the market, demand has also grown for new lake home opportunities that deliver creative design and craftsmanship at a more approachable price point.

That is where Shiner’s Cove comes in.

The new development is bringing lake home opportunities to the Highway 63 corridor of Lake Martin, offering houses that balance quality and creative design with affordability. Lake-access homes will begin at $700,000, while waterfront properties will start at $1.295 million.

“For people to have a brand new house with a pier on the water in that price point category, it’s a pretty exciting opportunity,” said Steve Arnberg, vice president of real estate sales for Russell Lands.

Located off Highway 63 between Wind Creek State Park and Lake Martin Pizza Co., Phase One of Shiner’s Cove will include 35 waterfront homes, along with a similar number of lake-access properties. The gated community will also have the potential for future expansion.

Planned amenities include a clubhouse and swimming pool, along with utility packages that offer power, fiber and sewer options designed to help keep ownership costs manageable.

The development is led by Wind Creek Land Company with an assist from Russell Lands and Lake Martin Reality. Wind Creek Land Company has a proven record of success across Lake Martin communities such as StillWaters and, most recently, Magnolia Cove.

“The vision for Shiner’s Cove is to create a quality product on the Lake Martin Highway 63 corridor, at a more reasonable entry price point,” said JR Adams, coowner of Wind Creek Land Company. “But we want to uphold the quality and the expectations that are created when you buy a new house in that area of the lake.”

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While affordability is a key focus, standards for design and craftsmanship remain uncompromised, and the setting itself is a defining feature of the development.

“The quality of land is just unbelievable,” Adams said. “The topography is ideal, and the forest has been managed by Russell Lands over the years. But the ultimate amenity for the whole area is – how can you beat waterfront living at Lake Martin?”

Home designs will be led by Centennial Homes, McIntyre Home Builders, Big Sky Builders and Blue Creek Building LLC – the same builders known for custom, multi-million-dollar homes in communities such as The Heritage, The Ridge and The Willows.

Homes will begin around 2,400 square feet and feature four to five bedrooms and three to four bathrooms. Designs will reflect many of the elements seen in Lake Martin’s most sought-after homes, including open floor plans, expansive windows for sweeping lake views, beverage bars and recreational spaces at the lake level.

While home packages will offer curated selections for flooring, tile and lighting, buyers will also have opportunities for customization, including features such as vaulted ceilings.

“We want to bring in the same home builders, the same design teams and the same level of quality to Shiner’s Cove,” said Scott Underwood, co-founder of Centennial Homes. “Quality is our No. 1 priority, and we are pulling in some of the similar design elements of the $5,000,000 homes. This is a great opportunity for someone to get a home on the Highway 63 corridor, which is so coveted, in a good price range.”

Location is another significant draw.

Shiner’s Cove offers close proximity to Alexander City and convenient access to Publix, Russell Crossroads, Catherine’s Market, SpringHouse and Kowaliga Marina – all just minutes away down Highway 63.

This stretch of the lake also offers a quieter experience, one that has become increasingly rare as demand for waterfront property continues to grow.

“The really interesting thing about Shiner’s Cove, to me, is it’s on a part of the lake that you can not only access from Highway 63, but it’s also on a part of the lake where the water is not very busy,” Arnberg said. “I think it creates a great opportunity for people to get on the lake, have a safe boating opportunity, and also have close access to already established amenities.”

New home construction at Shiner’s Cove is expected to begin in 2026.

In a market where lake living often feels increasingly out of reach, Shiner’s Cove is carving out a rare opportunity on Lake Martin, opening the door for more people to call the lake home.

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From sun rays to boat waves, these locals love to unwind at Lake Martin

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Hallie Craft STORY BY SAM VISE & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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An Alexander City native, Craft's favorite memories are centered around Lake Martin

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If one wants to know what’s happening in Alexander City – from the latest trends to the best spots on the water – there’s one chair they need to sit in.

Hallie Gordon Craft, a lifelong resident and local hairdresser, has never lived anywhere else. For the 25-yearold, life is a steady rhythm of snipping shears in the salon and spending downtime on the beloved waters of Lake Martin.

“My grandmother started doing hair when she was 15, so I followed in her footsteps,” Craft said. “I’ve always been good with my hands; hair and makeup just came naturally to me. I originally wanted to do healthcare management, but my family really encouraged me to start doing hair since I had a natural talent for it.”

Craft’s roots in the local business community extend beyond the salon chair. Her father, Scotty Gordon, is a well-known figure in the area as the owner of Cornerstone Insurance and Financial Group in Alexander City. Growing up in a family of local entrepreneurs, Craft’s decision to build her own career in her hometown was a natural fit.

A Benjamin Russell High School graduate, Craft attended Central Alabama Community College before heading to Southern Union State Community College for cosmetology. She currently works at Be.YOU. tiful Salon in Alexander City, though Craft noted the salon will be undergoing a complete rebrand and location change soon.

“I do a little bit of everything when it comes to hair,” she said. “I do women’s cuts, men’s cuts and children’s cuts. I also do all-over color services.”

When she is not in the salon, Craft enjoys spending time with her friends, reading with her book club and working out at Studio West.

“I read all kinds of books, from fantasy to romance to thriller novels. I am not picky when it comes to reading,” Craft said. “I also love exercising, that’s really important to me.”

She also enjoys spending time with her husband, Jackson, whom she met in high school and married in May 2023.

While the salon serves as her professional home, Lake

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Martin has provided the backdrop for Craft’s personal life since childhood. As a lifelong resident of Alexander City, her relationship with the water has evolved from childhood summer days to weekend excursions with her husband.

“I’ve been going to Lake Martin for as long as I can remember,” Craft said. “My family has always had a boat and we’ve gone out on the lake every summer. I even remember going to Aquapalooza when I was 9. We’re just a lake family.”

For Craft, the lake is the ultimate palate cleanser after a busy week of transformations in the salon. It’s a place where the community she serves comes to unwind, and she is no exception.

Whether she is exploring When not in the salon, Craft a familiar cove or simply enjoys spending time on the enjoying the breeze, the water with her husband water remains Craft’s constant escape.

“I love going to Young’s Island and spending the day relaxing with friends and family,” she said. “We usually grab a bite to eat at The Landing at Parker Creek, Stillwaters or Chuck’s Marina. Those are my favorite restaurants.”

For Craft, the enduring appeal of Lake Martin is rooted in its local spirit and the familiar faces found along its shores.

She typically stays toward the Alexander City and Jackson’s Gap side of the water, where according to Craft, “you pretty much know everybody” and every island feels like an open door, creating a clean, fun environment that perfectly captures the hometown heart of the lake.

“There’s a lot to love about Lake Martin,” she said.

“Everyone knows each other, and everyone is so welcoming. My best memories are finding all the rope swings to jump off of with my friends.”

Between her family’s professional legacy and her own thriving career, Craft has built a life in Alexander City that is as stylish as it is grounded. A blend of tradition, talent and deep-seated local love, she remains a vital thread in her hometown’s fabric, proving that for some, the best path forward leads right back to the shores of Lake Martin.

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Craft enjoys spending time with friends, book clubs and working out at Studio West

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Sam Stanley, Tori Granato, Ethan Juve, Sydnee Hamilton and Drake take a sunset cruise in the new 2026 Revel pontoon boat. This pontoon features the midnight package with metallic cosmo black exterior and midnight interior. It is powered by a Mercury 400 Verado.

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Hanks and Thomas met as ambassadors at CACC

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Luke Hanks

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STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

From welding labs to campus leadership, Luke Hanks is shaping a future rooted in science, family and faith near his hometown at Lake Martin.

The 20-year-old Dadeville native is a sophomore at Central Alabama Community College, where he is pursuing an associate degree in science while also earning an associate degree in welding. Together, the two fields suit his hands-on mindset and future career goals, blending practical skills with academic curiosity.

“I like science because it immediately applies to the real world around you,” Hanks said. “I like math and English too, but science is real life, happening right now all around you.”

Hanks graduated from Dadeville High School, where he began shaping his future long before stepping onto a college campus. His passion for welding was discovered

while taking college credit classes at the Edward Bell Career Tech Center in Camp Hill. Through dual enrollment, he completed a significant portion of the program early, making it a natural decision to continue pursuing welding at CACC. Welding coursework focuses heavily on accuracy and consistency, building skills that require immense focus.

Hanks describes the work as challenging but rewarding, especially when precision matters most.

“You can’t have more than one-eighth inch of defects to pass,” Hanks said. “So, you have to be pretty good.”

Beyond the classroom, Hanks has taken on a visible role in campus life at CACC. He serves as a CACC ambassador, a role he earned through scholarships. As an ambassador, he represents the college throughout the community, gives campus tours and assists with student out-

Hanks aspires to become a civil engineer near his hometown at Lake Martin

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reach efforts. He also participates in the CACC Connect program, which helps new and returning students get familiar with campus resources, register for classes and feel confident heading into the semester.

In addition, Hanks is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society, and volunteers as a peer tutor, helping fellow students with foundational courses, prerequisites and welding classes.

The relationships he has built on campus are a highlight of his college experience.“It’s really easy to make friends at CACC,” Hanks said. “Being an ambassador and involved with peer tutoring, I am around a lot of the same people all the time. So, you get really close with others.”

It was also through the ambassador program that Hanks met his girlfriend, Harlie Thomas, another CACC student.

One of the things Hanks appreciates most about CACC is the support system offered by faculty and staff.

“I really like all my professors,” Hanks said. “Miss Farr was my literature professor and my Phi Theta Kappa sponsor. Miss Thornton, the ambassador sponsor, has always helped me if I have questions about classes, registration, financial aid or anything else. She’s a big help.”

When he is not in the classroom or welding lab, Hanks prefers to spend his free time outdoors.

Golf is a lifelong passion of his, rooted in family memories.

Hanks played for Dadeville High School, first picking up clubs as a child after being introduced to the sport by his grandfather, Dale Brasell. He began competing in eighth grade when the high school launched its first golf team, and Hanks went on to win tournaments against local rivals such as Tallassee and Marbury high schools.

“I played golf with my granddad when I was in elementary school,” Hanks said. “I like it because you’ll be able to play it for the rest of your life, and you’re playing against yourself too.”

Many of Hanks’ favorite memories are also tied to Lake Martin, where summers are spent at his grandparents’ house enjoying time outdoors with family. He especially enjoys hunting turkey, deer and ducks with his grandfather, Jerry Hanks, on family land near Sandy Creek; however, fishing together is a cherished tradition between the two.

“Some of my favorite memories at Lake Martin are fishing with my granddad,” Hanks said. “We get together a lot. Their lake house is five minutes from my house, so I’m over there a lot during the summer.”

Whether skiing, riding WaveRunners or relaxing on the water, Lake Martin remains one of his favorite places to recharge.

“It’s hard to put my finger on just one thing I love about the lake,” Hanks said. “It’s just a great place to be.”

An Auburn fan since childhood, Hanks plans to continue his education at Auburn University in fall 2026, following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather. While welding will always be a skill he values, his long-term goal is to become a civil engineer and possibly start his own business. Ultimately, he hopes to stay close to home, pursuing career opportunities in Auburn or with the Department of Transportation in Alexander City.

A devout Christian, Hanks attends First Baptist Church in Dadeville and credits his faith in guiding many of his life decisions as he builds his future near Lake Martin – the place he calls home.

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Hanks favorite Lake Martin memories are spending time with his grandfather

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Thomas is set to graduate with her associate degree in nursing in August 2026

Harlie Thomas STORY BY SAM VISE & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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As a Central Alabama Community College ambassador, 19-year-old Harlie Thomas is dedicated to representing her school – a role that not only introduced her to the community, but also to her boyfriend, Luke Hanks.

Originally from Meridian, Mississippi, Thomas has found a home at the CACC campus in Childersburg, pouring her energy into her nursing studies and embracing the tight-knit social scene anchored by the beauty and familiarity of nearby Lake Martin.

The supportive nature of the local community mirrors the commitment Thomas plans to bring to her professional life. She is charting a path into healthcare, specifically drawn to the profession that places patient interaction at its core.

“I’ve always had a knack for helping people and have always wanted to go into the medical field, so I felt nursing was the best path for me,” Thomas said.

“Nurses get to interact with patients the most.”

She earned her Practical Nursing Licensure in December 2025 and is set to graduate with her associate degree in nursing in August 2026, with the ultimate goal of becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

Thomas is highly involved in the CACC community, holding roles that reflect both her academic achievement and her dedication to service. She is a recognized scholar as a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year colleges, and serves as a campus ambassador.

“Ambassadors handle most events at the college. We go anywhere help is needed,” Thomas said. “If other students have questions or anything, they’re encouraged to contact us since we know a lot about the school.

It ties into me wanting to help people.”

Her passion for academics extends to her tutoring position with the Student Support Services-STEM program, where she directly helps peers in science, technology, engineering, math and health-related majors achieve academic success.

Balancing the intensity of medical training and extracurriculars requires a vibrant outlet, and Thomas finds hers in the arts. She is the creative product of a musical family, and she carries that appreciation for art into her daily life. Thomas’ passions include painting, singing and dancing.

“I danced for eight years. My grandmother was also a dancer, and we’ve always been a family who dances in the kitchen and that kind of thing,” she said. “I also love painting; I paint sceneries and flowers mostly. I love sunflowers the most.”

Thomas’ role as an ambassador was instrumental in integrating her into the community, leading her to meet her boyfriend

who shares the same CACC role at the Alexander City campus. Through this connection, Thomas has found a stable, supportive environment on the shores of Lake Martin. She and Hanks often visit the lake, and Thomas has quickly embraced the local culture and unique feeling of the area.

“I love the community surrounding Lake Martin; everybody knows each other and feels like family,” Thomas said. “I love the views of the lake. Going out on the boat and watching the sunset is my favorite thing.”

When she is not out on the boat, Thomas enjoys camping with her family at Wind Creek State Park and having s’mores by the firelight.

With her artistic passions providing balance and the supportive Lake Martin community grounding her, Thomas is ready to embark on a demanding and rewarding career in healthcare. She is preparing not only to care for patients but also to serve her community, carrying the same dedication she gives her studies to her relationships and her new home.

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Thomas has a passion for painting, singing and dancing

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Thomas enjoys spending time with her family camping at Wind Creek State Park

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Thomas loves boating and catching Lake Martin sunsets

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Andi Fox STORY BY SAM VISE & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

The Alexander City native is currently a sophomore at Auburn University

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Twenty-year-old Andi Fox, an Alexander City native and Auburn University sophomore, is on a path to a dynamic creative career. Pursuing a degree in environmental design and a minor in art history, Fox is building a foundation to shape living and working spaces in major cities and small towns alike.

She’s driven by the desire to merge her creative talents with a career that allows her to bring beauty, functionality and sustainability to a variety of environments. For Fox, one of the most interesting aspects of design is admiring the affects that culture and advances in technology have had on architectural evolution. Her passion Fox is majoring in environmental design and minoring in art history

is also rooted in the idea that one’s surroundings have a deep influence on their well-being.

“Old houses have character, and it is so fun and interesting to look back at different architectural trends,” Fox said. “I never realized until I started taking classes based around it, but our homes, schools, offices, parks and all of our surroundings affect us so much; how you feel, what you do and how you live your life.”

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Fox had the opportunity to shadow an interior designer at Lake Martin this past summer, where she learned valuable techniques to design spaces that are not only beautiful and inspiring, but also personal and functional.

“I learned so much that I haven’t yet learned in the classroom,” she said. “A lot of designing is learning about the client, and really listening to their needs and preferences.”

This philosophy was first instilled not in a classroom, but in Fox’s hometown, where the environment of Lake Martin shaped her idea of community and character.

For Fox, the lake isn’t just a place for summer fun – it’s become a foundation for connection and tradition.

“Lake Martin is a popular destination, and I’ve met people from all over who have ties to the lake,” Fox said.

“Yet, there is a strong sense of small-town community that brings us together, and that will always stay with me.”

It’s this sense of familiarity that makes Lake Martin feel like home. Fox’s memories on the lake are a vibrant blend of walks to Heaven Hill, soaking up the sun with friends, rope swings, family cookouts, Fourth of July fireworks at The AMP and visiting past Arti Gras events at Russell Crossroads with her dad.

As she studies the role of shaping communities through design, Fox is actively involved in creating her own community through extracurricular activities. She is a sister of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, balancing her academic schedule with philanthropic events that benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities. “‘Pie-a-Pi’ is our large fall fundraiser that is so much fun,” Fox said. “You can guess by the name of the event what it entails.”

Her favorite class at Auburn is ENVD 2040: Design, Invention and Society, taught by Professor John Pittari.

“Professor Pittari is awesome,” Fox said. “We touch on urbanism, how we relate to our environment and, as humans, how we should live, evolve and grow. It’s really eye-opening.”

Fox’s connection to design is not just academic – it’s generational. She grew up with a natural enjoyment for art inspired by her mother, who can often be found crafting projects in their home.

“My mom is my inspiration,” Fox said. “She’s so artistic and talented, and so is her mom, my Grammy.”

When she is not in the design studio, Fox enjoys spending time with friends at college and working out.

Exercise and fitness are important to Fox, who is a Greek ambassador for the Auburn University chapter of the Wellness Society, a group focused on organizing and sponsoring health and wellness activities for students including pop-up fitness classes and campus outreach events.

Fox also walks or runs almost every afternoon around campus and is looking forward to completing her first half marathon this spring in Destin, Florida.

Throughout her daily life, music is a constant companion and a favorite part of her routine.

“I like Pink Floyd,” Fox said. “I love Fleetwood Mac.

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My most recent obsession is ‘90s music, but I enjoy all kinds of music – country, classic rock and even musicals.”

Looking to the future, Fox will be traveling to Costa Rica in March 2026 for a mission trip with Onward, a campus ministry at Auburn. It will be her first mission trip outside of the country.

“I’m thankful to have this opportunity to serve with new friends that I’ve grown close to through Bible studies,” Fox said.

She is also looking forward to experiencing other cultures through the Lead Abroad program this summer. She will spend part of the summer in Italy taking classes to earn academic credit and experiencing the culture and rich history of the country first-hand.

“I’m excited to experience different cultures and communities,” Fox said. “I’ve never experienced that outside of the United States. This opportunity of being immersed in Italian art and architecture will enhance my studies.”

That global perspective will shape Fox’s next chapter, as she looks toward post-graduation life in urban areas and small towns similar to Lake Martin, designing spaces that enhance daily life and strengthen a sense of community wherever she goes.

Fox's favorite activities include running and listening to music

Fox looks forward to studying abroad in Italy

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Harlie Thomas is driving the 2026 Yamaha Drive2 Quietech PTV in black, while Shaylee Beck Moore and Sam Vise ride in the new 2026 Club Car Onward 6 in gray and blue

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Molly Barger

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STORY BY SAM VISE & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

When Molly Barger settles behind home plate, she’s not just playing the game – she’s absorbing it.

The 18-year-old Central Alabama Community College softball catcher is known for her commanding presence on the field, a trait she plans to carry directly into the broadcast booth. With aspirations of becoming a sports broadcast journalist, Barger sees her time at CACC as the perfect training ground for both athletics and her future career.

“I originally started my athletic journey with softball and baseball, and from there, I just kept playing softball,” Barger said. “I picked up other sports along the way, but my heart always lied with softball. It’s always something that calms me down, which sounds crazy because sports are wild, but softball is my heart. I’ve always known it to be part of my life and part of who I am.”

What began as a childhood hobby playing T-ball with her cousin has turned into a lifelong passion for the game. That early connection to the diamond taught her discipline and gave her a unique perspective on the sport’s mechanics.

While softball is her constant source of comfort, it is also the subject of her professional future. Barger realized her ultimate goal wasn’t just to play the game, but to discuss, analyze and communicate its nuances to a wider audience.

“Professional softball is so new,” Barger said.

Barger takes the field as a catcher for the CACC softball team

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Barger's favorite way to end her day is with a Lake Martin sunset

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“Really, I have a deadline on how long I can play the sport I love. I always knew I wanted to continue with sports because that’s something I understand in life. I think sports have a deeper meaning; they really bring people together. With sports journalism, I feel like with certain athletes and sports, sometimes you’ll have journalists who never look for anything good. I want to show people the good side of sports.”

Barger is currently building the foundation for this career as a freshman at CACC. She plans to use her time in Alexander City to develop her skills before transferring to a university with a strong broadcast journalism program – potentially in her hometown of Tuscaloosa.

When she manages to step away from the diamond and the classroom, Barger enjoys quiet downtime with simple pleasures. Whether she’s listening to a romance novel or settling in to watch her favorite television shows, these moments provide a necessary break.

Balancing the demands of college athletics and a rigorous academic schedule requires a steady anchor, and for Barger, that is the local community surrounding Lake Martin. While the softball field brings intensity, the lake offers her a relaxing retreat for decompression and reflection.

“The lake is stunning,” she said. “I

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love boating and riding around with my friends and family, but my absolute favorite thing is watching the sunsets over the water; you can’t beat it. That or eating hotdogs.”

As a student-athlete new to the area, Barger has quickly embraced the community. She views the lake not just as a temporary refuge, but as a place to establish roots and traditions, and she is committed to making lasting memories and finding a sense of belonging amongst the waves.

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She aspires to become a sports broadcast journalist

Barger unwinds by reading romance novels and boating around the lake with family

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Turn heads while hitting the water in the 2026 Super Air Nautique in Sahara sand with an admiral blue stripe and a mystic white hull bottom.

Complete with haze grey interior. It is powered by a PCM 450 horse power motor. Featured models: Sam Stanley, Ethan Juve and Tori Granato.

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Lawson spends most of his time representing CACC on the baseball diamond as a pitcher

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Luke Lawson

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STORY BY SAM VISE & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

For 18-year-old Luke Lawson, the crack of the bat ment is to his current team and his studies. and the smell of a freshly cut field are the defining While his focus is fixed on the mound, the classsounds of spring. The diamond is where he spends room and the future courtroom, his connection to countless hours, representing Central Alabama the lake offers him a much-needed outlet from the Community College as a dedicated athlete. But pressures of college life and competitive sports. when he hangs up his baseball jersey, his favorite For Lawson, Lake Martin is more than just a scenic escape isn’t a locker room or another field – it’s the place to relax after a grueling practice – it’s a strong calming waters of Lake Martin. foundation for community, tradition and a sense of Inspired to play baseball by his belonging. father, Lawson has been rounding the bases practically his entire life. He Lawson is a played his way through grade school freshman pursuing at Prattville Christian Academy, an associate degree developing the discipline and competin arts at CACC itive spirit that now define him at the collegiate level. He currently plays as a pitcher at CACC in Alexander City.

“My dad got me into baseball, and he used to coach me in Little League,” Lawson said. “I’ve been in love with the game ever since.”

A driven freshman at CACC, Lawson is planning his future off the field as well. He is set to graduate with his associate degree in arts in 2027. He’s knocking out his core curriculum at CACC, tackling subjects like English, history and math to clear the way for his next step.

He plans to transfer to Auburn University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in law and criminology, aspiring to become a civil lawyer.

“A couple of family friends that I know are successful lawyers, and they like what they do,” he said.

“I feel like I’d be a really good lawyer. I like to argue and prove a point.”

While his academic and career trajectory seem clearly defined, his baseball future remains undecided.

Lawson is unsure if he will continue to play baseball at Auburn, saying he will “see where the sport takes him.” For now, his commitJANUARY 2026

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“I feel like everyone goes to Lake Martin, so I feel like even though it’s big, you know everyone there,” he said. “Everyone’s kind of a local, and everyone in my hometown has some connection to Lake Martin. The people are just so sweet; you can go anywhere and have a good time.”

Lawson has been coming to the lake since he was a child, and his memories on the water are a blend of classic lake fun and family time. He cherishes days spent on the water, whether he’s tubing, finding a good rope swing or simply relaxing with family and friends.

“I love tubing and pulling up to Chuck’s Marina for pizza,” Lawson said. “My favorite memory, though, is probably jumping off Chimney Rock for the first time. I was scared out of my mind, I probably stood for a minute or two before I jumped.”

For Lawson, the rhythm of his life is currently dictated by the baseball schedule and demands of his academic pursuits; however, the tranquility of Lake Martin remains his constant sanctuary. It’s a place where the competitive pressure of the mound and the rigor of the classroom momentarily dissolve, leaving only the simple pleasure of community and water.

Whether he’s hitting a home run for CACC or planning his future in the courtroom, Lawson knows that the familiar, welcoming shores of Lake Martin will always be waiting.

Lawson aspires to become a civil lawyer

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The new 2026 Club Car Onward 6 featured here in gray and blue. Models featured: Harlie Thomas, Sam Vise, Shaylee Beck Moore, Scout and Mary Lyman Boone.

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Howorth is an Alpha Gamma Delta at the University of Alabama

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Katherine Howorth STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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For Katherine Howorth, life is an adventure, and better when it is shared – preferably with friends, sunshine and boat waves. Whether she is headed to class at the University of Alabama or back home to the water at Lake Martin, the Alexander City native has a way of making every experience feel like an opportunity for making memories.

Howorth graduated from Benjamin Russell High School with a deep appreciation for creative arts.

Growing up, she explored a variety of hobbies, from violin lessons to years of dance at Barbara Yates’ Studio of Dance, studying jazz, tap and ballet. Those early experiences helped shape a curiosity and discipline that continue to guide her today.

Now a student at the University of Alabama, Howorth is majoring in biology on a pre-med track, with plans to pursue a career in dermatology.

“Biology and anatomy have always fascinated me,”

Howorth said. “I’m really interested in dermatology and the skin, so that’s mainly my focus.”

While academics are a priority, Howorth has always found balance through her hobbies, especially golf. Inspired by her parents, who played the sport recreationally, Howorth decided to give golf a try and joined the team at Benjamin Russell High School.

“I decided to pick it up spontaneously,” Howorth said. “I enjoyed golf because it wasn’t so serious that it wasn’t enjoyable, and I got to spend time with my friends.

It was really fun.”

Her time on the course included rounds at Willow Point Golf and Country Club and Lakewinds Golf Course, where friendships and fairways went hand in hand.

Lake Martin also plays a steady role in Howorth’s life, especially when she returns home from Tuscaloosa.

“Whenever I am home, I like to go out on the lake,” Howorth said.

“It’s really fun to go out on the boat with friends.”

While many of her childhood peers

Howorth is interested in pursuing a career in dermatology

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chose Auburn University, Howorth decided to pave her own path and attend the University of Alabama. Upon arriving on campus, she quickly connected with the university and the opportunities it offered.

“I wanted to branch out and do something different,” Howorth said. “When I visited Alabama, I immediately loved it.”

That decision also led her to Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, where she quickly found a sense of belonging.

What stood out most to Howorth was the sorority’s encouragement for members to stay involved on campus and in the community. She participated in her first University of Alabama homecoming this past fall, helping build the sorority’s float for the parade by pomping, and recently assisted with Alpha Gam’s annual fundraiser, Beat Auburn Beat Hunger, by donating and helping collect canned goods.

One of her favorite service opportunities through the sorority is Al’s Pals, a university mentoring program where students volunteer in local elementary schools.

Mentors help children with homework, reinforce reading and math skills and take part in enrichment and recreational activities.

“We get to meet the kids, play with them and help them with their school work,” Howorth said. “Seeing the kids is one of the highlights of my week. They’re all so sweet.”

Alpha Gamma Delta also emphasizes academic success, something Howorth values as a biology major.

She appreciates the resources available to members, including house tutors who assist with challenging coursework.

While academics and volunteer work are the foundation of her days, the friendships she has formed within the sorority have become one of the most meaningful parts of her college experience.

“I’ve met so many girls from all over,” Howorth said. “They’ve become my best friends so fast. All the girls are so positive and easy to talk to, and the sorority really wants you to be the best that you can possibly be.”

Her course load currently includes core classes, along with chemistry and psychology, a subject Howorth finds fascinating.

When it comes to role models, Howorth looks first to her parents. Her father, an orthopedic surgeon, played a key role in inspiring her interest in medicine, while her mother’s kindness continues to guide her outlook.

“My mom is really positive and kind,” Howorth said. “So in hard situations, I always try to think of what my mom would do. And my dad is a very hard worker, and I want to go to medical school because of him.”

She also carries a simple piece of advice that has stayed with her through every season of life.

“My dad would always tell me, ‘Be kind to everyone you meet,’” Howorth said.

Beyond the classroom, Howorth loves returning to Lake Martin to unwind and soak up the sunshine with friends. Her favorite memories include long summer days wakeboarding, jumping off rope swings and stopping by waterfront favorites like Chuck’s Marina, The Landing and Kowaliga for socializing and a scenic bite to eat.

“My favorite memories are just the random days on Her favorite Lake Mar tin memories involve hitting the water with friends

the lake in the summer when there is nothing to do,” Howorth said. “You can just go out on the lake with a bunch of your friends and spend the whole day out there.”

True to her adventurous spirit, Howorth hopes to travel after completing her degree, with North Carolina or Houston, Texas, on her list of possibilities. But no matter where her path leads, one thing remains certain – Lake Martin will always call her back home.

Like so many of her best days on a boat, the future may be wide open, but it will always feel better with friends nearby and the water calling her name.

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Long summer days are best spent hitting the waves and catching sunsets at Lake Martin with friends

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Upon the completion of Martin Dam, Lake Martin was the world's largest man-made body of water

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Behind the flood gates of

Martin Dam STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS, KENNETH BOONE AND COURTESY OF ALABAMA POWER & CRATA

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One hundred years ago, the story of Lake Martin was just beginning.

What started as an ambitious project has now become a lasting legacy over the years, turning Alabama’s treasured lake into a popular destination known for watersports, iconic landmarks and generations of families who have made lifelong memories on its shorelines.

As Lake Martin reaches its centennial milestone this year, the beginnings trace back to the vision of one man – and a dam.

expanding the electric system across Alabama and the Southeast, helping shape a new era of industrial and economic growth.

The Cost of Progress

But progress came at a steep price.

The creation of Lake Martin required the flooding of the Tallapoosa River Valley, where communities were already established.

Entire towns were sacrificed to make way for the rising floodwaters, including Susannah (Sousanna), Irma and perhaps the most historically significant lost community, Benson Thomas Wesley Martin The Vision – a prosperous Black-owned town The Martin Dam was the vision founded in 1895 by John Jackson of Thomas Wesley Martin, who Benson and his son, William Benson. served as president of Alabama Power from 1920 to These communities, along with smaller settlements 1949 and chief executive officer from 1949 to 1963. throughout the Tallapoosa River Valley, stood in the Under his leadership, the goal of the dam was to gen- path of what would become Lake Martin. erate hydroelectric power, provide flood control and In preparation for their ultimate destiny, residents support water supply for the growing Alabama region were evacuated and land clearing began in July 1923. of Tallapoosa, Elmore and Coosa counties.

The process was sweeping and dramatic. Houses Originally known as the Cherokee Bluffs Dam, the and trees were burned or razed, while churches and structure was later renamed and dedicated to Martin larger structures were fully dismantled or moved to in 1936. He was viewed as a visionary pioneer in higher ground outside the flood zone.

Two workers pose inside the water wheel of Unit No. 1

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Perhaps the most sensitive part of the evacuation effort was the relocation of cemeteries. Alabama Power undertook a massive operation to exhume and move graves from within the projected flood area. For the town of Susannah alone, approximately 923 bodies were relocated from 12 local cemeteries. Families were invited to witness the disinterment process, which was handled with respect and care.

Today, those towns lie beneath the waters of Lake Martin, becoming submerged pieces of local history that continue to spark legends and folklore. Scuba divers have reported seeing the remains of old roads, building foundations and even a church in deeper sections of the lake, fueling ghost stories that have become iconic tales of Lake Martin.

But not everything was lost.

One iconic structure that withstood the flooding was a grain silo built in 1915 by local farmer Sid Hertzfield, used to store crops from his farm. When Martin Dam was completed in 1926, the rising waters flooded Hertzfield’s land; however, by sheer coincidence, the new shoreline stopped almost exactly at the base of the silo, leaving the structure intact while the surrounding farmland disappeared under the lake.

Today, the silo serves as a scenic observation tower at Wind Creek State Park, where visitors can climb a spiral staircase and take in panoramic views of Lake Martin, all while standing on top of a piece of history.

The Cornerstone Ceremony took place at Cherokee Bluffs in November 1925 The construction of Martin Dam was an extraordinary feat of engineering

Building the Dam

Construction on Martin Dam officially began on July 24, 1923, setting in motion one of the largest engineering efforts the region had ever seen.

The scale of the project was immense. The dam rises 168 feet high and stretches 2,000 feet across the Tallapoosa River gorge at Cherokee Bluffs. It features 20 steel spillway gates, each 30 feet wide and 16 feet high, and required the pouring of approximately 431,000 cubic yards of concrete to bring the structure to life.

Inside the powerhouse, three Francis turbines began operating in 1926, and a fourth turbine was added in 1952 to help provide additional power. When Lake Martin reaches full summer pool, the water stands at about 155 feet deep at the face of the dam, and the spillway is capable of releasing an impressive 134,000 cubic feet of water per second.

In November 1925, construction reached a milestone.

A Cornerstone Ceremony was held to mark the laying of the powerhouse’s foundation stone, an exciting sign of the dam’s progress. The cornerstone was then integrated into the structure, which features brickwork modeled after Alabama Power’s corporate buildings of the era.

The original spillway gates served their purpose for 94 years

Dinner at the temporary village established for dam workers and their families

The Temporary Town

Due to the isolated location of the dam construction, a town was built to support the workforce.

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The No. 4 turbine was added in 1952

The control room has not changed much since the dam was constructed

New spillway gates were installed November 2020

village was constructed by Dixie Construction and included housing, a hospital, a mess hall, a commissary and a recreation hall. Rail tracks were also built to bring in essential supplies, including concrete.

At its peak, the village consisted of 332 structures and held a population of approximately 3,000 people, including workers and their families. After the dam’s completion in 1926, portions of the village were continued to be utilized for permanent staff who remained to operate the dam facility.

Filling the Lake

After nearly three years of construction, the floodgates were officially closed on June 9, 1926, allowing the Tallapoosa River to begin filling the basin into what would become Lake Martin.

The process was slow and steady. The first of the original turbines began operating on August 12, 1926, and on December 31, 1926, the dam officially went into service, marking the completion of the hydroelectric project.

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Still, the reservoir did not reach full capacity until nearly a year and a half later on April 23, 1928.

Yet, the result of the project was extraordinary.

Lake Martin became a 41,150acre reservoir with 880 miles of sprawling shoreline, stretching across parts of Tallapoosa, Elmore and Coosa counties. It borders the four incorporated communities of Alexander City, Jackson’s Gap, Dadeville and Eclectic, helping shape the growth and character of each town.

At the time of its completion, Lake Martin was a phenomenon the world marveled at, becoming the largest man-made body of water in the world and a remarkable feat of engineering. Lake Martin held that title until Hoover Dam was completed in 1936 to create Lake Mead.

Preserving the Treasured Lake

Alabama Power continues to oversee the maintenance and operation of Martin Dam, while also playing a vital role in preserving the land surrounding Lake Martin.

The company owns about 30,000 acres around the lake and protects thousands of those acres as undeveloped land known as the Preserves. One of its most popular spots is D.A.R.E. Power Park, a 30-acre area with a beach, boat launch and hiking trails.

Alabama Power also partners with local organizations on volunteer efforts, including the annual Renew Our Rivers cleanups with the Lake Martin Resource Association. Together, these efforts have removed more than 160 tons of trash and tires from Lake Martin’s shorelines.

“Alabama Power is proud to have been part of the

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Lake Martin community for the past century,” Adam Moore said, superintendent at Martin Dam. “The construction of Martin Dam and creation of Lake Martin was a significant milestone, helping bring reliable power to a growing region of the state, and the surrounding communities continue to make a positive impact in the area. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to celebrate throughout 2026.”

A Century Later

For a century, Lake Martin has grown from a once-dismissed “backwater” location into one of Alabama’s most beloved destinations. It reshaped Tallapoosa, Elmore and Coosa counties; became home to iconic landmarks like Chimney Rock; and has inspired famed artists such as Hank Williams and Taylor Hicks.

The lake has also become a gathering place for generations of families, where rustic cabins have grown into legacy homes, holidays are celebrated and traditions are passed down from one summer to the next beneath unforgettable sunsets.

And it all started with a vision – and a dam.

Information was sourced from Alabama Power Shorelines, Encyclopedia of Alabama and crata.org.

Martin Dam can generate enough electricity to power 45,000 homes

Martin Dam lights up the sky at night

JANUARY 2026

LAKE 69

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LAKE 71

Chain Pickerel NATURE OF THE LAKE

BY KENNETH BOONE

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Chain pickerel are formidable aquatic predators native to almost all of Alabama, including the Lake Martin area, but most people rarely see them.

Shaped like a torpedo and built for fast attacks, chain pickerel have a long body that is just slightly taller than it is wide. This fish is normally about 1 1/2 feet long at maturity, but some individuals have been known to exceed 30 inches long. It has scales on the cheeks and gill covers, but few, if any, scales on top of its head.

Just beneath its eye is a nearly vertical dark stripe that runs down its face between its mouth and gills. Its long, hard, narrow snout is sometimes compared to a duck bill. Chain pickerel have a large dorsal fin located close to their tail fin.

This fish earned its common name because most of its body is covered in a pattern of green, linked ovals or chain-shaped markings. Its body tends to be lighter green on the sides and darker on the top. Chain pickerels have off-white to pale yellow bellies.

In Alabama, chain pickerels are found in every

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river drainage other than the Blackwater and Yellow rivers in the southern part of the state.

Their native range is the eastern Atlantic coastal areas of North America, from southern Maine to Florida and along the Gulf Coast west to eastern Texas. They have been introduced to several Canadian watersheds, the Great Lakes and a few drainages in the western U.S. Chain pickerels like relatively shallow, calm, sluggish, clear water and can thrive in lakes and reservoirs, ponds, swamps and streams. They can handle brackish water up to 22 percent salinity.

Most of the time, chain pickerel are found near some sort of cover, like logs or aquatic weeds.

Young pickerels stay in shallow water near the shore, while adults are usually found in less than 10 feet of water. They are more likely to be in shallow water in the summer and deeper water in the winter.

These fish eat other fish, as well as frogs, snakes, crawfish, insects and small mammals.

Chain pickerel are famous for hiding alongside underwater cover and waiting for their prey to come close, then quickly lunging out, grabbing

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The common aquatic predator hidden in plain sight

their victims with several rows of sharp, angled teeth.

Few anglers target chain pickerel in Alabama, but since the fish eats almost everything a largemouth bass will eat, it is sometimes caught accidentally by fishermen using topwater baits and minnow imitations.

Michael P. Ryan of Bay Minette caught Alabama’s 6-pound, 6-ounce state-record chain pickerel in Dyas Creek in Baldwin County, part of the Perdido River system, on June 24, 1976.

The world record chain pickerel was caught in Homerville, Georgia, in 1961. It weighed 9 pounds, 6 ounces.

This fish goes by a number of common names, including jack, jackfish, snakefish, southern pike, grass pike, federation pike and duckbill. Its scientific name is Esox niger, which means black pickerel or pike, even though its color is predominantly green.

Chain pickerel spawn once a year in winter to early spring. One or two males will swim alongside a female for one to two days, and

when she releases her eggs near underwater vegetation, the males release their sperm. Female chain pickerel have been known to lay up to 50,000 eggs, but it’s more common for them to lay 6,000 to 7,000 per year. The fish use their tails to combine the eggs and sperm, and the fertilized eggs sink to the bottom, stick to the vegetation and hatch in six to 12 days. After spawning, the parents abandon the eggs and the young fish fend for themselves, living on their yolk sac for about a week before they begin to feed themselves. Chain pickerel typically live to be 3 to 4 years old, but at least one wild individual was known to live to the age of 9.

Some information for this article came from Outdoor Alabama, the Animal Diversity Web and Auburn University.

JANUARY 2026

LAKE 73

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lakerealestateandland.com jeanietillisbroker@gmail.com JANUARY 2026

LAKE 75

Real Estate Exposure

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If you’re reading this, truly, I applaud your discipline. I know exactly why you picked up this January swimsuit issue of LAKE, and it wasn’t to read this column. But I’m going to try to make this worth your time.

It sort of relates to the subject of this month’s article: exposure. Not the kind we’re giving the swimsuit models. I mean the exposure we get to modern living at Lake Martin, and the funny contradiction humans have about it.

Recently, two developments have thrown this contradiction into pretty sharp relief: Russell Lands’ plan to finally develop Chimney Rock Island, now being folded into the broader Ridge community, and the proposed LAKE PROPERTY Margaritaville RV park and

BY JOHN COLEY campground. Both have stirred up more conversation than a pontoon with its docking lights ablaze at noon.

Let’s start with The Ridge Island, which is planned for the same area as one of Lake Martin’s most iconic landmarks – Chimney Rock Island. You’ve heard the jokes about the “Bridge to Nowhere” for years. It is that lone span that seemed destined only to make boaters slow to no-wake speeds. But as of late 2025, Elmore County unanimously approved road work to access one side of the island so Russell Lands can expand The Ridge neighborhood there.

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Cue the chorus of, “Wait, are we ruining the quiet lake?” And that, my friends, is where the irony begins.

Then there’s the Margaritaville RV park proposal, which, depending on who you ask, is either the best thing since boat ramps or the harbinger of woe. Various groups near the proposed site have issued statements opposing it, and social media has done its usual valiant job of amplifying every nuance – and then some. Every nuance. Loudly.

Here’s the honest truth: I get it. I do. I love the peace and quiet of this lake too. Yet whenever someone starts waxing poetic about how it used to be, I always picture that person sitting on their boat, feet up on a $400 YETI cooler, checking their smartphone (which only works because someone agreed to put up a tower) and sighing with relief that TowBoatU.S. can be summoned if a mapping app is “wrong” and the boat runs aground – again.

That’s where exposure gets interesting.

People show up at Lake Martin, fall madly in love with its pristine beauty and then, months or years later, some of those same people wonder aloud why more development seems to be happening.

“Why all the new homes?” they ask.

“Why the RV park?”

“I remember when …”

If locals had been that persnickety back in the day, this lake might still be a free-flowing river. In fact, if the folks who lived here in the 1800s had said, “No thanks, let’s not build a dam or roads, we like it just the way it is,” none of us would be debating The Ridge or Margaritaville today. We’d be wondering how to pay taxes to the Creek Indian Nation.

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But here’s another irony: many of the people doing the most complaining arrived here in the last five or 10 years. That isn’t long ago in human history, but it’s long enough to have perfected the art of judging everyone who arrived afterward. It’s a classic phenomenon. Whether at Lake Martin, Montana or anywhere along 30A, everyone thinks they were here first, and everyone who came after is a “newcomer.” It’s human nature. It’s amusing. And I’m not immune to it myself.

And speaking of humor, let’s talk about some of the conveniences people say they want.

RESTAURANTS – Folks will say, “We need a world-class Italian place in Coosa County.” Then, when it’s causally mentioned that it would take a certain population density to support that, suddenly you’re the one who’s not being realistic.

DELIVERY SERVICES – Uber Eats or DoorDash? Great idea, but how many people would drive 40 miles around the lake just for a $3 tip?

CELLPHONES AND TOWERS – No one likes how they look, yet I have never heard anyone say, “There are too many bars on my phone.”

TOWBOATU.S. AND 24/7 MARINAS – Never appreciated until you’re out of gas at sunset.

PUBLIX, ALDI AND LAKE MARTIN GROCERY – Yes, please. But also, can we keep people away, so it never feels crowded?

See the contradiction?

Don’t get me wrong. I have my own gripes. Ask my family about my irritation when I see poor boat drivers or rude litterers. If I’m trying to fly fish and another boat’s wake smacks my little jonboat, I display an embarrassing amount of annoyance and, I admit, I complain loudly. But, hypocritically, I’ll hop on that same big wake boat and roar toward a lakeside dinner or floating happy hour and laugh at how lucky we are to have a place that supports both experiences.

That’s exposure – in both senses of the word.

Exposure to the world beyond our sloughs. And exposure to the everyday give and take that makes a community work.

So as you flip back through the swimsuit section (again), maybe take a moment to enjoy the juxtaposition. We want this lake to remain relaxed and beautiful. But we also want convenience, options and a welcoming place for families eager to make memories – just like you did the first time you saw that big expanse of water at Kowaliga Bridge.

John Coley grew up in the area, and has sold real estate at the lake since 2005.

JANUARY 2026

LAKE 77

Resolve to Maintain Your Septic System

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Happy New Year! I have a resolution suggestion. Resolve to get your septic tank cleaned on a regular basis. While a growing number of lake residents are on a municipal or community system and do not have this worry, the large majority of lake residents still rely on a septic system for their sewage disposal. A properly maintained system does a great job in treating waste, but a neglected one can be a very dangerous source of pollution to our treasured Alabama Lake.

Septic systems have come a long way since being just a large concrete tank set in the ground with a gravity overflow to some gravel-lined trenches. Modern systems will have multiple chambers, often with an aeration chamber, to improve treatment efficiency. The waste may then flow to a holding tank before being pumped to field lines for final treatment as it is absorbed into the soil. Whatever type of system you have, it requires periodic maintenance.

Proper maintenance starts with familiarizing yourself with your system. If you bought an existing house, you may have minimal information on the septic system. Your local county health department maintains permit records, which will show the location and design of your system. These records are generally not online at this point, so

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obtaining a copy of the permit requires an office visit.

The most important maintenance is to have the accumulated solids pumped out of the tank as needed. How often this should be done depends on factors such as the size of the system and amount of usage, but a general recommendation is to have the system pumped every three to five years. If the tank is not pumped regularly to remove accumulated solids, the tank will fill with sludge and the solids will be washed out into the drainfield, which can clog the pipes, requiring an expensive repair job.

Allowing the drainfield to be flooded by excess flow of effluent can also cause problems. If you rent your house out to large groups, or if you’re expecting a lot of family and friends for several days, a recommended practice is to have one or more of your tanks pumped ahead of time. Doing so will provide your system with some excess capacity to handle the increased flow and avoid damage to your field lines.

Another maintenance item is the effluent filter on the outflow pipe from the septic tank.

Basic septic tanks installed after around 2006 are required by the Alabama Department of Public Health regulations to have a filter to keep solids

JANUARY 2026

from reaching the field lines. The filter should be cleaned at a minimum whenever the tank is pumped, sometimes more frequently; however, not all systems have filters. If you have an aeration tank after your septic tank, there is probably no need for a filter.

Another important matter is to pay attention to what you put into your septic system. The ADPH and the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service both have excellent publications online with maintenance tips and long lists of what not to put into the system.

Newsflash: flushable wipes should not be flushed! Why manufacturers are allowed to label them this way is a LAKE WATCH mystery. Also, disposing of

BY BILL BUTLER coffee grounds in the sink is like pouring dirt into your system.

Minimize the use of a garbage disposal. It is estimated such use increases the volume of solids entering a system by about 50 percent, requiring more frequent pumping. Most of what goes down a garbage disposal can be composted instead.

A sailor friend has a sign in his boat that reads, “Do not put anything in the toilet you did not eat.”

Hmmm … Perhaps a little extreme for home use, but you get the point.

Septic systems are designed and permitted based

on the number of bedrooms in a home, not the occupancy. A growing area of concern is homes with modest capacity, possibly with outdated septic systems, rented out to large groups of people for weeks at a time. While Lake Watch does not believe septic systems impacting the lake are a widespread problem at this point, we have responded to a few complaints from residents this past year that appeared to involve discharges from overloaded systems.

One of Lake Watch’s priorities for the coming year is to learn as much as we can about the threats posed by inadequate or poorly maintained septic systems and to advocate with our public officials on the state and local levels to strengthen permitting and maintenance requirements.

Please consider joining us at Lake Watch. Just scan the QR code below or go to lakewatch.org. Also check the website for information on our annual meeting, scheduled for February 22, 2026, at New Water Farms. There will be free food. Guests and new members are welcome.

Bill Butler is a retired attorney, long-time resident of Lake Martin and president of Lake Watch of Lake Martin after drawing the short straw.

Regularly scheduled maintenance will keep your septic system in good working order.

Septic System Diagram

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LAKE 79

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FABULOUS FINDS FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS

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1805 Bulger’s Mill Way • $3,995,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 6 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Hugh Neighbors 256.750.5071 LakeMartinRealty.com

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1205 Trillium Drive, Eclectic • $5,900,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 4 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592 LakeMartinRealty.com

115 Long Leaf Place, Dadeville • $898,500 Beds: 4 • Baths: 3 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Denise Cochran 256.786.2484 LakeMartinRealty.com

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120 Shore Line Drive, Eclectic • $429,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 2.5 • Water View & Water Access Lake Martin Realty Mimi Rush 334.399.7874 LakeMartinRealty.com

428 Windy Wood, Alexander City • $1,325,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 4.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 LakeMartinRealty.com

2082 River Oaks Drive, Jackson’s Gap • $2,970,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Adam Yager 205.914.0830 LakeMartinRealty.com

1216 Lakeview Ridge Circle, Dadeville • $499,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 2.5 • StillWaters Lake Martin Realty Lindsay Kane 256.675.6792 LakeMartinRealty.com

JANUARY 2026

LAKE 81

Pasta: A smarter way to enjoy guilt-free comfort food

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Pasta is one of those comfort foods that brings so much joy but causes almost as much confusion. It often gets labeled a “guilty pleasure.” Many people shy away from eating pasta because they feel it will derail their health goals. The truth is that pasta is a highly versatile food – very affordable, easy to customize and without a doubt, able to fit into a balanced, nourishing diet.

Pasta can be chosen thoughtfully and paired with the right ingredients to become a vehicle for fiber, protein, antioxidants and long-lasting energy.

Selecting the healthiest pasta is the starting point. All pasta is not created equal, and there is a wide variety available on grocery store shelves.

The foundation of a nutritious HEALTHY LIVING pasta dish begins with the type

BY JULIE HUDSON of noodle chosen.

Whole grain pasta contains more fiber, B vitamins and minerals than refined white pasta. It digests more slowly, helps regulate blood sugar and provides a feeling of fullness longer.

Legume-based pasta, such as chickpea, lentil and black bean, is naturally gluten-free and packed with plant protein and fiber. These options are great for blood sugar control and for those looking for a

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higher-protein meal without relying on meat.

Vegetable-enriched pasta offers a moderate nutritional boost and more color, though the vegetable content is often lower than expected. Spiralized vegetables can also make a nutritious base for sauces.

As for traditional semolina pasta? It’s important to note there is nothing unhealthy about the pasta we all grew up with. It can be part of a balanced meal. The key is pairing it with good choices and watching portion size.

Balance is key – Let's rethink portion size.

One cup of cooked pasta is considered a reasonable portion for a balanced meal. Restaurant serving sizes are often enough to feed two to three people. Adding protein, healthy fats and vegetables increases your hunger satisfaction without overeating carbohydrates.

The key takeaway is remembering you are building a meal, not just a bowl of plain starch.

If pasta is going to work for the body instead of against it, load it with lots of nutrition. Think of pasta as the foundation, not the star. A well-balanced pasta dish should include the following: Plenty of vegetables – Aim to make at least half the bowl vegetables – roasted, steamed or fresh. Options like spinach, broccoli, roasted squash, tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms and zucchini add fiber, vitamins and substance with minimal calories. The options are endless.

Lean proteins – These help stabilize blood sugar and boost satiety.

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Good choices include grilled chicken, shrimp, white beans, lentils, tofu, ground chicken or turkey or even a small amount of Parmesan for added flavor and protein.

Healthy fats – A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, a handful of olives or toasted nuts, such as pine nuts, pistachios, cashews or pecans, enhances both taste and nutrient absorption.

favorite go-to pasta sauces. The best part is it can be made ahead of time and left to sit in a jar for at least six hours or the next day. It pairs well with any type of noodle, sautéed vegetables and the protein of choice.

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

Choose lighter sauces – This can make the difference between a nutrient-packed meal and a calorie bomb.

Better options include: n Tomato-based sauces, which are rich in lycopene and low in calories n Homemade or light pesto, packed with herbs, healthy fats and antioxidants n Olive oil, garlic and fresh herbs n Yogurt-based Alfredo alternatives for creaminess without heavy cream Use heavy cream sauces, large amounts of cheese and premade sauces high in added sugar or sodium with caution.

Food is not just fuel; it’s an experience to enjoy.

Pasta is warm and comforting. Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite, eating slowly and noticing fullness cues. Make the meal an experience and pair it with vegetables, a cup of broth or a salad to feel satisfied physically and mentally.

There should be no doubt in your mind that pasta can be part of a healthy diet when approached with balance. Pasta becomes a source of energy, a versatile way to include vegetables and lean protein and a satisfying meal that supports health goals rather than competing with them. Healthy eating is not about eliminating favorite foods you love but learning how to enjoy them in ways that nourish the body.

I’m sharing one of my

Lisa's Pasta Sauce Ingredients

5 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Juice of 1 lemon or lime Fresh cilantro leaves, to taste 1 fresh garlic clove, pressed 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated, to taste

Directions

Place all ingredients in a large mason jar with a lid. Shake well and let sit on the counter for at least six hours or overnight. Shake the jar several times before using. This recipe can be doubled or tripled as needed.

To prepare the pasta dish, have vegetables sautéed and pasta cooked. Sauté or grill the protein of choice. Rotisserie chicken works well when time is limited. Heat the sauce in a saucepan, then add the pasta and vegetables.

Serve on a plate, and top with protein and a light sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired. Serve with a mixed green salad. Hint: Leftovers are also great served cold.

JANUARY 2026

LAKE 83

Chocolate Chess Pie

➣ CHOCOLATE CHESS PIE Ingredients

3/4 pound butter 4 1/2 ounces dark chocolate 3 tablespoons cocoa powder 1 1/2 cups whole milk 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 6 whole eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions

Melt the butter and chocolate in a double boiler. Mix the sugar, cocoa powder and salt in a bowl. Whisk in the milk, then the eggs and vanilla extract. Gently fold the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the bowl. Pour into raw pie shells and bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, until just set. The pie should have a slight jiggle to it. Let cool before serving. Makes three pies.

➣ PEANUT BUTTER WHIPPED CREAM Ingredients

4 cups heavy whipping cream 132 grams creamy peanut butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 50 grams cocoa powder 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Whisk until fully incorporated.

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.

CHEF'S TABLE

BY PETE MCKENNY

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JANUARY 2026

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LAKE 85

The BUZZ about less buzz

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For someone in the wine and spirits business, the burgeoning trend toward low- and no-alcohol beverages is a little disconcerting.

Numerous reliable sources, including Forbes, have identified a significant drop in alcohol consumption worldwide. Wine consumption in the United States, for example, has dropped from 9.8 liters per capita in 2010 to 4.5 liters per capita in 2024. Total wine consumption over the same period fell from 29.5 million liters to 20 million liters.

I’m no mathematician, but I do know that 4.5 liters equals six 750-milliliter bottles. Six bottles per person over the course of a year seems a little low until it’s considered that per capita includes the entire population.

The U.S. has a lot of non-drinkers. Portugal, with a population of just over 10 million, shows the highest per capita consumption at 61.1 liters, or about 82 bottles annually. Can we agree that more of the total Portuguese population drinks wine than do Americans? Per capita consumption in France and Italy, as we might expect, is in the low 40-liter range, or about 56 bottles annually per person.

Roughly a bottle of wine per FROM THE CELLAR week – one small serving per

BY HENRY FOY day – would not be excessive.

Although consumption has been declining for some time, only recently have other factors converged to reshape the wine industry and beverage alcohol as a whole. The U.S. wine industry, according to Forbes, is valued at $325 billion. The downside for growers is that thousands of acres of wine grapes have gone unsold. It is estimated that 20 percent of last year’s domestic harvest went unsold, including 30 percent in Sonoma County alone.

Rather than add to already overflowing inventories, tons of grapes are being allowed to rot on the vine, and vineyards are being dug up, including 38,134 acres of vines that were ripped out in California over the past

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year. Much of this, as in other wine producing states, will rest idle as the land rejuvenates and growers seek alternatives.

Several factors contribute to declining consumption, like global and domestic economies, a heightened sense of wellness, rapidly changing social trends and a flood

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of alternative beverages. No doubt the baby boomers carried the beverage alcohol business for years. Some of us partied pretty hard but failed to pass the torch when it comes to the appreciation of fine wine and respect for the social ramifications – good or bad – of drinking.

Generation Z, often called zoomers, is being recognized as the age group shaping some of the current trends. They are highly susceptible to the whiz-bangflash of digital marketing and social media, and apparently have some influence despite their tender age of roughly 16 to 28. Overall, modern consumers’ desire for taste, health and convenience is driving this movement. Probiotic sodas, CBD-infused drinks and lowand no-alcohol beers, wines and spirits are a fresh category for beverage retailers. Is this the next big thing?

No-alcohol wines and beers have been available for some time. The SEAGLASS Pinot Grigio, pictured, is crisp with a clean finish and is better than most lowalcohol wine products. It is labeled “alcohol removed” but still contains 0.5 percent alcohol, as do most nonalcoholic products. Guinness Draught has less than 0.5

percent alcohol by volume. Most major breweries now produce nonalcoholic offerings, with several receiving positive reactions. That is, “It’s OK” as opposed to “That’s a great beer.” Just saying.

The newcomer generating the most buzz (pun intended) is the CBD-infused beverage category. These are fruity seltzers, generally with no calories (Willie’s Remedy is 20 calories), no sugar and no alcohol that contain varying amounts of cannabidiol, or CBD. CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant but is not the same as tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana responsible for creating the sensation of being “high.” The hemp-derived products shown range from 3 milligrams to 5 milligrams of THC per serving. Read labels carefully; a 12-ounce can may look like a single serving but could actually contain two servings per can. Ten milligrams of THC in a can of Brio may be too much for some folks.

In the process of ending the federal government shutdown in November, the status of hemp-derived products has drawn considerable attention. With the success of medical marijuana and the medical breakthroughs and benefits of CBD oils and products, an expanding industry was created. When then-President Donald Trump signed the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act, he essentially, perhaps unwittingly, opened the floodgates; the legislation removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, thus legalizing CBD. Everybody knew the regulations had to be stronger and clearer; the Agriculture Appropriations Bill, signed into law in November 2025, attempted to close some of the loopholes in the 2018 Farm Bill. Changes in the law are tantamount to a federal ban on intoxicating hemp products, effective in November 2026.

Seemingly unaware of the crisis for grape growers, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky is all in a dither, citing the loss of jobs and creating havoc for the hemp industry.

A lot can happen in the next 11 months, and there is no guessing the outcome. Locally, the sale of these products is regulated and overseen by the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. As long as it is allowed, some of the better products will be available.

That could be tough; I never noticed “getting high” in my job description. Your input will be welcome.

Where does this leave wine and spirits? The attraction to low amounts of THC in a pop-top can is just not the same as the pot parties of the 1970s, so I hear. One might feel relaxed and even a little euphoric, but few experiences can match the grace and finesse of discovering and sharing an excellent wine. That’s what we will explore in 2026. Join us!

Drink well and responsibly.

Interested in learning about wine? Henry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine, Spirits and Cigars in downtown Alexander City. Join the mailing list at emporiumwine128@gmail.com, call 256-212-9463 or follow Emporium Wine, Spirits and Cigars on Facebook.

JANUARY 2026

LAKE 87

WINTER FISHING DRESS CODE

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One thing I despise is being cold, but I love fishing in colder weather more.

There was a time when I thought fishing was for the warm seasons and hunting was for the cold, but not anymore. Some of the biggest bass I’ve ever caught on Lake Martin have come during the cold months. A Lake Martin personal best bass at 8.5 pounds came in December one year. The second largest, more than 7 pounds, was in January of another. The fish are generally as healthy as they’re going to be at this time of year, and it’s one of the small windows available on a relatively clear water lake to catch one of these local giants. Cold weather fishing has its challenges. How to dress and prepare can make all the difference in beating the bite of the cold and focusing more on the bite of the fish.

One of the biggest factors in staying warm on a cold day is trapping the warm air from your body but allowing the moisture to wick away and dry. Layering helps with this tremendously. Here’s my personal dress code for cold weather fishing.

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BASE LAYERS

The first layer needs to be breathable and moisture wicking. I start with a moisture wicking, breathable, long sleeve Windjammer shirt by Fish Hook Clothing up top and a pair of Under Armour ColdGear leggings or similar on the bottom. Both are made of moisture wicking and breathable materials that move sweat away from the body.

I’ve found that, depending on how cold it is, a pair of pants with a fleece lining allows me to skip the leggings. If it’s really cold, I’ll do both because keeping the legs warm seems to keep the whole body warmer than just adding more top layers.

SOCKS

Socks are a big one for me. Cold feet make the whole body cold. It’s been a challenge over the years to keep my feet warm while hunting and fishing. The two types of socks I’ve found that get the job done are 100 percent merino wool or battery heated socks. Wool is a great option because it moves moisture and retains heat even if there is some moisture, like sweaty feet.

JANUARY 2026

base layers do their job.

Some extra insulation in the jacket can be helpful though. In fishing, rain jackets are typically waterproof. If not fully waterproof, at least target a material that’s water resistant for tighter knit and fast drying properties. Picture the waterproof outer layer as more of a windproof layer. If there happens to be rain, spray from the boat while running or even a fish splashing water, it helps keep the inside dry.

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Battery heated socks are for extreme cold. They generally offer varying levels of heat. Even being cold natured, the lower setting works well, and the battery lasts much longer. One lesson learned is to wait and turn them on after getting on the water. Turn them on too soon, and sweating can start before ever getting on the boat.

MIDLAYERS

There are two choices I use for a midlayer that create insulation under a jacket. The first is a fleece-lined hooded sweatshirt from Fish Hook Clothing. The extra fleece traps more warm air from body heat. The hood is also nice to have if the day warms enough to peel the jacket.

The other is a quarter zip fleece pullover. Again, the fleece helps trap extra air without feeling too bulky.

OUTER LAYER

The outer layer is more about cutting off cold air from the outside. A good rain suit can do the trick. Many anglers use bib style pants with suspenders to insulate the midsection. Then the jacket goes over the top, and the body is mostly sealed from the outside elements while the warmer

I learned from a friend years ago how much body heat is lost through the top of the head in cold weather. A hood works well at keeping heat in, but a beanie can really keep that warmth in.

I also appreciate a paintball mask, like Save Face, for running in the cold (we used to use motorcycle helmets, haha). It keeps the wind from hitting the face directly and can even be nice for sealing out rain from entering the hood of the rain suit. In tournaments, the show must go on, rain or shine. The only thing worse than being cold is being cold and wet.

It’s difficult to find good gloves that you can fish in.

Eventually, hands are getting wet. Handling fish or just the spray off the reel alone while casting keeps them damp.

Fingerless wool gloves are the best option I’ve found for actively fishing in the cold.

Wool stays somewhat warm even when damp. Fingerless wool gloves can also fit underneath a larger pair of gloves for running the boat. Hands have to stay on the wheel in a bass boat, BIG CATCHES and they’ll get cold quickly during a run.

BY GREG VINSON And finally, footwear. When I hunted frequently, I would seek the boots with the most insulation, but my feet still got cold. Over time, it became clear that socks make the biggest difference, along with wearing boots or shoes that aren’t too tight. Allowing toes to move lets feet breathe and warm themselves at the same time. As with rain gear, waterproof or leather boots help keep the cold air sealed out. Once again, socks are key.

Then it’s just a matter of keeping feet dry.

Last but certainly not least, wear a life jacket on the water this time of year. I often wear an inflatable life jacket

by Onyx for convenience. Falling into the water this time of year can be dangerous, especially with all those layers on.

So, is all this cold weather dress code worth it?

Absolutely. There are fewer folks on the lake this time of year, and it can be quite peaceful on a cold but calm day.

And best of all, it’s the time of year to catch a giant fish!

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.

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The Game of a Lifetime

G

Golf is a game that can be enjoyed by have always stayed with me, and that time all ages, all backgrounds and by people in my life molded me into the person I am from all walks of life. Throughout the today. course of the year, I will write on all things A new addition to junior golf has been golf, from instruction to the latest in techthe launch of PGA Junior League. This nology, to the newest golf apparel. new program was modeled after Little Junior golf has really escalated in the League Baseball and can be enjoyed by past 15 years, just as other youth sports, children as young as 5 years old. We parLittle League Baseball and soccer. In the ticipated for the first time in 2017, and late 1900s, junior golfers that resided in there were some great memories. The the state of Alabama could make a full format of the Junior League is a scramble summer schedule playing events around format, which allows children to play in an our state and never have to leave. My environment with less pressure due to havTHE SCRAMBLE comparison of junior golf to Little League ing a partner. This was fun to watch! The

BY MATT SHEPPARD Baseball and soccer is the ongoing trend to memory that I have in my head was when compete on travel teams. Years ago, there we had a team of two, a 5-year-old and a were All-Star teams in baseball, and that was about 6-year-old competing against two 10-year-olds. They it. Now, almost every sport has an option for children were playing a three-hole match, and after a loss on the to compete year-round and they are encouraged to first hole, our guys ended up tying the match! This was participate on travel teams. It’s almost as if each sport such a great experience for the children. is competing against the The Alabama Golf Association and others. the Alabama-NW Florida PGA Section All sports provide have partnered up and created great learning envia Junior Tour titled the ronments, life long JGA Junior Tour. The memories, team building and life lessons for all parJGA Tour is a wonderful ticipants. Youth sports are instrumental in development “next step” for juniors as children grow into young adults and then mature following competition into adults. in a PGA Junior League The Southeastern Junior Golf Tour is an orgaprogram. As you can nization that runs junior golf events around the see, there are many Southeastern United States. They provide great comavenues for juniors to petitive opportunities for young golfers around the start playing the game. area. Last month, we hosted the Southeastern Junior There are many ways for othGolf Tour’s Tournament of Champions. This event ers to begin to play the game, featured junior golfers ages 13 to 19 that won an event too! Most every golf course on the tour this season. Players and parents traveled has some program to engage from as far away as Ohio to compete in a nationally new golfers, so check with recognized event. These participants competed over your local PGA professional to two days and were followed by some very notable inquire. guests. There were more than 12 Division I collegiate Golf is enjoyed by so golf coaches roaming the grounds and checking out many; it is truly a game of some of the best talent in the South. Parents, coaches a lifetime. After all, you and participants were in awe of such a wonderful golf rarely see a group of 50-yearcourse, the one that we are fortunate to call home. We old dads strap on helmets noticed the gratitude all weekend from these players and pads and head to the and parents.

SportPlex on Saturday mornThroughout the 2017 season at Willow Point, ing to play football! we were able to see more than 300 junior golfers compete on our golf course. The majority of these Matt Sheppard, PGA is the juniors were traveling with their parents, and Director of Golf & Membership that brought back memories of my days as a at Russell Lands and President junior golfer. Those memories from age 12 – Alabama-NW Florida PGA.

JANUARY 2026

LAKE 91

Legend

63

To Sylacauga

Public Boat Ramps

9

★

Points of Interest

T

ALEXANDER CITY

4

17

9

Churches

★

22

280

Alex City Boat Ramp

Camp ASCCA

★

Charles E. Bailey Sportplex

3

280

Power lines U.S. Highways

22

County Roads

31 Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek State Park

★

11

COOSA COUNTY

Wind Creek Boat Ramp 259

9

128

Pirate Island

★Peanut Point 63

16 20

★ D.A.R.E. Park Landing

★

New Hope Church

Young’s Island

★

Liberty Church

30

SmithMount Fire Tower

10 Willow Point

24

7

11

EQUALITY

Paces Point Boat Ramp

63

34

Camp Alamisco

12

★

Kowaliga Boat Landing

20

55

5

SEMAN

★ Camp Kiwanis

80

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor &

Trillium

19

9

The Ridge

1 13

Church in The Pines

★ Hank Williams Cabin 21 ★The Amp

Ko

26

2

wa

lig

aB

ay

★

Chimney Rock 90

UNION

CENTRAL

ELMORE COUNTY RED HILL

★ Martin Dam

63

229

ECLECTIC

TALLASSEE

18 KENT

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JANUARY 2026

Timbergut Landing

Explore

★

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Lake Martin

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

1 2 3

49

4 5

JACKSONS GAP

6 7

280

8 9 10 11

27

57

19

13

28

14 15

280

22

★tain

r

12

DADEVILLE

CAMP HILL Smith Landing

16 17 18 19 20 21

25

14

22 23

49 Church of the Living Waters

24 25

Stillwaters

8 6

26 27

29

28 29

15

30

WALNUT HILL 50

24

23

31 50

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LAKE 93

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"Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine." ~ Buddha

Photo by Kenneth Boone

Parting Shot

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JANUARY 2026