Lake magazine May 2017

2017 Annual Summer Calendar Issue

Old Susanna n Lake Martin’s Favorite Panfish n Summer Sippin’

MAY 2017

LAKE 1

2 LAKE

MAY 2017

MAY 2017

LAKE 3

P

Letter from the Editor

art-time residents and regular vacationers will notice a few changes this summer, along with some things that wonderfully remain the same at Lake Martin.

There’s a new dining option for those long, lazy days at the lake.

Instead of packing your own cooler or coming in off the water to grab a bite to eat, you can grab it on the way out; there’s a new recreation attraction on the east side of the lake in Wind Creek, too; and a great app to help you not only find your way through Russell Forest but also to share your location and interesting things you see along the way. And at Parker Creek, there’s a tiny new option for vacation lodging. Read all about these exciting changes and more on page 46 of this month’s Lake magazine.

Another change you’ll want to keep up with is the latest development on Alabama’s “Water War” with Georgia and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The U.S. District Court case is nearing a decision; keep up with recent proceedings on page 44.

But even in the wake of changes and impending decisions, what remains is that Lake Martin is the best possible place to be in the summer, and this issue of Lake magazine gives you just a taste of it. The annual summer calendar – 15 pages of concerts, camps, art shows, fireworks, great food and even greater fun – begins on page 28. And it kicks off right now – this month. There are fishing tournaments, star gazing parties, sailing lessons and boat driving clinics; paddle races, art lessons, rodeos and a poker run; pageants and scavenger hunts, car shows and local theatre. And if you aren’t paying attention, you could accidentally miss something awesome, so here’s what I suggest: Take a few minutes to check out the whole calendar section – read everything; don’t just look at the pictures. And circle all the activities you don’t want to miss. Then, get out your cellphone and pull up the calendar and make a note on the days of all the events you want to attend. That way, you’ll get a reminder when those activities come up.

But don’t think this month’s calendar is definitive. As much as we tried to include all the information for all of the activities at the lake, it simply wasn’t possible. Some of those plans haven’t been firmed up yet, so be sure to check the calendar for the June issue of Lake to make the same kind of notations on your calendar.

While you’re taking in all these great places to eat and things to do with your friends and family, send your Lake Scenes photos to us at editor@lakemartinmagazine.com, and we’ll include them in a future issue. If you need some inspiration for those photos, turn to this month’s selection on page 10.

We look forward to seeing you on the water this summer!

Staff Chairman KENNETH BOONE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Publisher STEVE BAKER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Managing Editor BETSY ILER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Assistant Magazine Editor AMY PASSARETTI

amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing/Advertising Director TIPPY HUNTER

tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com

EMILY GREGG

emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com

TABBY EDWARDS

tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com

SCOTT HARDY

scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com

DONNA JONES

donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com

Circulation Manager DAVID KENDRICK

david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com

Creative Services AUDRA SPEARS

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

DARLENE JOHNSON

darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com

HALLIE HOLLOWAY

hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors KENNETH BOONE JOHN COLEY HENRY FOY JOHN THOMPSON JULIE HUDSON CLIFF WILLIAMS

LEE WILLIAMS MITCH SNEED GREG VINSON ROB MCDANIEL SAWYER DAVIS ERIC REUTEBUCH

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

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

Betsy Iler Managing Editor 4 LAKE

MAY 2017

On the Cover Cover: It’s summer at Lake Martin, and that means Chimney Rock soon will be the go-to place for a cool dip in the lake. But there's more to do at the lake than swim, boat and float. In this, our annual summer calendar issue, we’ve included 15 pages of fun that are waiting just for you at Lake Martin.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

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

MAY 2017

LAKE 5

6 LAKE

MAY 2017

43

Contents 26. SMITH MOUNTAIN TRAIL TALK CRATA signage will call attention to other hiking and river trails at the lake 28. 2017 SUMMER CALENDAR From now through Labor Day and beyond, there's plenty of fun to be had at Lake Martin 44. WATER WARS Another round to be decided in the 20-year controversy could affect Lake Martin's water levels

56

46. WHAT'S NEW AT THE LAKE New places to go, things to do and help having a good time when you get to the lake this summer 52. BOATING SAFETY Review the rules before you launch your boat into the summer season on Lake Martin 56. RUSTIC ELEGANCE Spectacular views and elegant style characterize a rustic home in this quiet Lake Martin neighborhood 66. KEEP IN MIND A few reminders to help you and your neighbors have a safe and pleasant summer at the lake 87. TRIBUTE TO A GREAT GOLFER Lee Williams remembers Alexander City's Billy Hardy in this month's column

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:

e

- edition

9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE

70. LAKE Q&A

TO THE LAKE

72. LAKE PROPERTY

10. LAKE SCENES

75. BEHIND THE BOAT

12. WHERE IS LAKE?

76. HEALTHY LIVING

14. LAKE MARTIN NEWS

79. LAKE WATCH

18. GEO 101

80. BIG CATCHES

22. NATURE OF THE LAKE

82. CHEF'S TABLE

68. FAB FINDS

84. FROM THE CELLAR

Lake magazine also features an online, digital edition, available 24 hours a day, free of charge. This edition is perfect to share with friends and family and provides you complete access to stories, photos and advertisements from anywhere in the world with Internet access. View our digital edition today at www.issuu.com.

MAY 2017

LAKE 7

8 LAKE

MAY 2017

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

March 2017 March 2014 March 2011

Number of sales

Average selling price

Median selling price

Days on the market

Total houses for sale

Inventory/ sales ratio

39 28 19

$412,251 $488,911 $356,845

$375,000 $375,000 $300,000

146 197 191

302 324 451

10.85 14.45 27.61

The above numbers are derived from raw sales data from the Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors MLS.The sales noted above are for Lake Martin waterfront residential (single family and condominium) sales only. This information is provided courtesy Lake Martin Realty, LLC. (A Russell Lands, Inc. affiliated company.)

Free Fishing Day

Be sure to invite the teenaged grandkids to the lake on June 10, which is this year’s statewide Free Fishing Day. No fishing license will be required to fish recreationally in public waters, so it’s the perfect time to lure the kids away for some face time at the lake and encourage them in a sport that could land them with a love of fishing that will serve up outdoors fun for the rest of their lives. The Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources designates a Free Fishing Day every year, usually coinciding with National Fishing and Boating Week, which this year starts on June 3 and ends June 11. For more information about fishing license requirements, visit www. outdooralabama.com.

Lake Levels During the Last month Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 490.17 Lowest: 488.82 Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and water-related equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

BY JOHN THOMPSON

Dear Editor, On behalf of Lake Martin Resource Association, we offer sincere gratitude to Lake magazine for support of “Treasured Mile.”

The program, which was developed in partnership with Alabama Power Company and Russell Lands On Lake Martin, offers Lake Martin lovers an opportunity to be involved in controlling litter year round.

We knew there were already a number of individuals and families who were actively involved in cleaning some of the heavily used areas of the lake, and this program has allowed an opportunity to identify these volunteers and coordinate the cleanup efforts.

We are extremely happy with the acceptance of the program, and to date, 23 of the 26 islands have been adopted, along with 28 of the 78 segments of shoreline.

Adoptees have included individuals, families, businesses, associations, church groups and organizations. Supplies have been delivered to all, and numerous cleanups have already been reported.

Every person who visits Lake Martin will benefit from this program, and with the enthusiastic support of Lake magazine, we can continually celebrate the success stories.

Sincerely, John Thompson President Lake Martin Resource Association

Lake Martin's Weather Outlook for May May 2017 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the low 80s with average lows in the high 50s and 4 inches of precipitation in the month of May. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be above average and rainfall will be normal this month.

Year to Date

Precipitation: 20.29 inches Avg. high temp.: 64.4 Avg. low temp.: 39 Average temp.: 51.7

MAY 2017

Our Normal May Precipitation: 4.33 inches Avg. high temp.: 81.7 Information from Avg. low temp.: 57.4 the National Average temp.: 69.6 Weather Service.

LAKE 9

LAKE SCENE

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

1

2

4

3

5

Reader Submissions

(1) Spring came early to Lake Martin when the Gainers’ azaleas bloomed at Smith Mountain. (2) The Fuller and Sullivan kids wave from a float on Dead Timbers Bay. (3) Kellan Heath takes in the lake from the driver’s seat. (4) Tony Johnson took this photo of the lake on a cool April morning. (5) Boats return to the marina as a setting sun slips below the horizon in Mary Frances Bloodworth’s photo.

10 LAKE

MAY 2017

LAKE SCENE

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

1

2

4

3

5

6

Reader Submissions (1) Lucas Osorio spends a little lake time with his best friend Lilly at Cedar Point. (2) Hayes Boyd takes a leap into Lake Martin. (3) Blue Creek saw sunshine throughout the light winter on Lake Martin. (4) Michael and Katie Blanchard tubing on the lake. (5) Kyle Thornton captured the beautiful view of Children's Harbor on a sunny day in April. (6) The morning sun set the lake ablaze near Dadeville's Hickory Hill Road in this photo by Rhett Farrior.

MAY 2017

LAKE 11

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS LAKE? Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

1

2

3

4

6

Reader Submissions (1) Tony and Nina Johnson joined grandchildren John and Langley and Neighbors on spring break at Sanibel Island, Florida. (2) Ann and Gary Jordan took Lake magazine on their Eco-Nature vacation to Monteverde, Costa Rica. (3) Robb Pitts, Fran Pitts, Nicky Lopez, Jordan Pitts and Jerry Lopez took Lake to the Revolutionary Plaza in Havana, Cuba, in February. (4) Dr. Edward Hicks and Dr. Dixie Hicks of Equality, AL. took Lake magazine to the statue of Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Museum in Florence, Italy. (5) Maggie and Bobby Hollabaugh, with Barbara Gustafson holding Lake magazine in Seattle, Washington after taking a clipper ride to Friday Harbor. (6) Senior Airman Dillon E. Gulledge, who is on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, took Lake magazine with him on deployment in Southwest Asia.

12 LAKE

5

MAY 2017

MAY 2017

LAKE 13

Lake Martin News The New Face of Jazz Fest

Chad and Chase Schroeder won $10,000 at the Lake Martin Alabama Bass Trail event

Brothers win Alabama Bass Trail tournament at Wind Creek Brothers Chad and Chase Schroeder of Livingston, Alabama, won the Alabama Bass Trail tournament on Lake Martin April 8 with a five-fish bag tipping the scales at 15.49 pounds.

“We found them Friday at practice,” said Schroeder. “We went there Saturday and didn’t get anything but went back about 2 p.m. and caught two of the three big ones.”

The Schroeders' mixed bag came mostly from the south end of the lake in a shallow flat in a creek, and the win garnered the Schroeders a $10,000 payday.

“We really didn’t catch a lot of fish, but the quality was good enough to get the win, and we’re thrilled with the outcome.”

In addition to a topwater approach, they pitched a jig to reel in their limit.

The team of Matt Green and Justin Nunley found spawning bass as well around Kowaliga. While the winners were blind casting their area, the runners-up earned their $5,000 payday by fishing for visible spawners.

“We used a variety of lures to make them bite,” they said.

“We threw swimbaits, jigs, grubs, creature baits and anything else we could at them.”

The team of Kyle Welcher and Chris Haynes finished third with 13.91 pounds; earning $4,000 for their day.

Marty Giddens and Josh Stracner earned $3,000 for their 13.87-pound limit, and Ronnie Faulkner and Michael Johnson rounded out the top five with 13.45 pounds, good enough for a $2,000 payday.

The big bass of the tournament was a 5.53-pound largemouth bass worth $500 to the team of Victor and Blake Harper of Tuscaloosa. ~Staff Report 14 LAKE

Audra Spears, Tallapoosa Publisher’s Art Director, has been entering her designs to the Jazz Fest Art Contest on and off for several years and is thrilled to have finally won.

“I’ve always loved art and done art. This is a big check off my bucket list,” said Spears, who has been with TPI since 2009.

Previously, she worked for Russell Printing, but her love for graphics really flourished when she began working for Find a Home in 2004.

Spears said the design is based loosely off one she entered for the 25th anniversary of Jazz Fest, which did not win but was used for that year’s RXR Fest.

Spending a lot of time admiring old New Orleans posters is what inspired her to create the silhouette symbol on top of the state of Alabama.

For winning, Spears receives a cash prize, a table at Friday night’s event, VIP parking and of course, recognition as the winner with her logo printed on T-shirts and used for promotional purposes.

Even though she’s come in second place a few times, Spears is over the moon to be this year's winner.

MAY 2017

Students Celebrate Water Conservation Wind Creek State Park hosted its Fifth Annual Tallapoosa County Water Festival April 19-20 for 200 students Dadeville, Horseshoe Bend, Stephens Students learn and Reeltown about different Elementary to learn fish species found about water conserin Lake Martin vation.

Staff from the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries captured several species of fish that morning to show students.

“The first year we did this, I was amazed at the number of students who hadn’t been to Lake Martin before,” said Sabrina Wood, coordinator for Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership.

The students attending the water festival made bracelets to learn about the water cycle, did a scavenger hunt to demonstrate the impact littering has on the environment, and caught fish from Lake Martin, showcasing the many species that reside in the local ecosystem. ~ Donald Campbell

MAY 2017

LAKE 15

Women’s Apparel Children’s Apparel • Habitat • Squiggles • Tribal • Kissy Kissy • Renuar • Luigi

Shoes

Gifts

• Chocolat Blu • Bedstu • OTBT

• Earthborn Pottery • Vietri • Casafina

26 Main Street, Alexander City, AL 35010 256-329-9797 | www.cloudninealexcity.com

16 LAKE

MAY 2017

INTRODUCING

EX SERIES WAVERUNNERS PLAYFUL FUN STARTING AT $6,599 535 Eastern Boulevard Frontage Rd Montgomery, AL

(334) 272-6600 powersportsofmontgomery.com

©2016 Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and ride. For more information, visit yamahawaverunners.com or call 1.800.88.YAMAHA. WaveRunner® is a Yamaha brand personal watercraft and not a generic term. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price does not include prep, freight or tax.

MAY 2017

LAKE 17

Old Susanna

63

Timbergut Landing

22

280

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Alexander City

Camp ASCCA

9 Flint Hill Church 280

49 22

Jacksons Gap Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek State Park

280 Pleasant Grove Church

11

Alex City Boat Ramp

Mt. Zion Church

259 9

63

Dadeville

Bethel Church

128

Russell Farms Baptist Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church

57

280 New Hope Church

20

Liberty Church

Camp Hill

Smith Landing Willow Point

Pleasant Ridge Church

24

34

63

Old Susanna

Camp Alamisco

Equality

Kowaliga Boat Landing

Lake Martin Baptist Church 49 Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

55

Seman

Church in The Pines Camp Kiwanis

Trillium

Stillwaters

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor The Amp Ko

wa

lig

a Ba

y

Walnut Hill 50

80

9

Central

90

50

Union

Union Church

Red Hill 63

49 229

Eclectic

GEOGRAPHY 101 Tallassee

Kent

Reeltown

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

18 LAKE

MAY 2017

B

eneath some of Lake Martin’s deepest waters, the Blue Creek town of Susanna was a thriving business center before the construction of Martin Dam nearly 100 years ago. The town appears to have been significant, as other landmarks in the area carry its name, and several old roads intersect at its location on maps of the area that were made prior to 1926.

Located just south of Curry’s Point about 1 mile from the mouth of Blue Creek, Susanna was a stop on the main stagecoach line from Maryland, through Georgia and Alabama and west, according to information in state archives records. It was known to support a school, gristmill, flourmill, sawmill, blacksmith shop, gold mine, post office and church in the mid-1800s.

Chuck’s Marina is a half-mile to the south, and 1 mile north of the town center is Susanna Slough.

The bed of Old Susannah Road that passes Smith Landing in Sandy Creek to the north can be tracked from Dadeville, through Susanna Slough, to the town that was located in what is now Spain Branch.

When the dam was built, several graves in a cemetery at Susanna were reportedly moved to another cemetery off of Centerpoint Road, which lies south of the Blue Creek area. The oldest burial date that could be found in the cemetery during a state archives survey in 2001 was Sept. 30, 1886, but the survey also reported that the information on many gravestones was weathered beyond legibility.

Citing safety, the town was razed in preparation for the backfilling of the Tallapoosa River in the years before the dam was built, and much of Susanna’s history, including where its name originated, apparently was lost.

MAY 2017

LAKE 19

20 LAKE

MAY 2017

Life is Better at The

Ridge.

The Ridge is where lake and life truly meet.

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

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

Russell Cabins

Ridge Run

South Ridge Harbor

Homes & Homesites Available 2017 LAKE 21 RUSSELLLANDSONLAKEMARTIN.COM MAY | 256.215.7011 | LAKE MARTIN, ALABAMA

America’s Favorite Panfish 22 LAKE

MAY 2017

NATURE OF THE LAKE

BY KENNETH BOONE

Crappie MAY 2017

LAKE 23

W

hen the dogwoods start blooming, the crappie reach 18 inches long, with white crappie topping out at start biting.

20 inches.

This bit of accurate outdoor knowledge The Alabama state record is 4 pounds, 5 ounces for has been passed down from generation to generation of black crappie and 4 pounds, 9 ounces for white crappie. fishermen, and in the Lake Martin area, it is so widely Interestingly, the state record white crappie was caught known that the first white dogwood blooms of the year 17 years ago in Lake Martin by Jeremy S. White, who can start a fishing frenzy. landed the trophy fish on May 8, 2000.

For good reason.

The reason that spring is the best time to fish for crapCrappie are easy to catch during the spring, by the pie is that’s the time of year that these fish come together cooler-full. And when cooked up, crappie are arguably in large schools to spawn in depressions or nests, usually the best tasting fish in our lake with white, flakey, clean- fanned out on the lake bottom by the males. Spawning tasting flesh. takes place in the shallows, usually in 1 to 5 feet of Crappie – pronounced “crop-pee” or “crap-pee” by water. Spawning begins in April and can last until early area fishermen – are one of our states’ most popular June. During the remainder of the year, crappie tend to game fish. Its hold in deeper common name, water. which unfortuA female crapnately sounds pie lays between a bit like the 5,000 to 60,000 famous bathroom eggs that hatch in fixture invented less than a week.

by British Crappie priplumber Thomas marily eat smaller Crapper, is actufish, including ally a derivative bass, bream, minof the French nows and smaller word “crapet” crappie; however, which means panthey will also fish. Other comdine on insects, mon names for crawfish and zoothis fish include plankton. papermouth, They ususpeckled perch, ally are found strawberry bass, around strucIn addition to their obvious differences in color speckled bass, ture like sunken variation, Alabama's native crappie species differ calico bass and, in trees, boulders in their number of dorsal spines Cajun Louisiana, and weed beds. sac-a-lait.

Crappie feed Two species of mostly at night, crappie are native to Alabama, the white crappie and the so the best time to catch them during daylight hours are black crappie. They both share the scientific genus name around dawn and dusk. Because they form large schools Pomoxis; the white crappie is Pomoxis annularis and the in the spring, if you catch one crappie you will most black crappie is Pomoxis nigromaculatus. likely catch many more in the same spot.

The two cousins are easy to tell apart.

Most fishermen use minnows, small plastic jigs or As you might guess, the white crappie is white, and it even hand-tied flies to catch crappie. They tend to bite has faint vertical stripes. It usually has six dorsal spines. on a slow retrieve. They’re called papermouths because The black crappie has distinct black speckles on its they have a delicate mouth. Bass fishermen who set side and usually has seven or eight dorsal spines. the hook too hard will often come away empty-handed.

Crappie are native to the Eastern United States, from Instead, when you feel a crappie strike, simply reel him the Mississippi Valley east, but they have been introin gently, making sure to keep your line tight. Larger duced all across the country and into Canada. crappie are good filleted, while smaller fish can be scaled These panfish live primarily in lakes, reservoirs and and cooked whole. Most people in this part of the world rivers, but they sometimes venture up into smaller creeks like crappie fried, but they are also good baked and sauand streams. téed.

According to state biologists, the Tallapoosa River, In Lake Martin, it is legal to catch up to 30 crappie a which feeds Lake Martin, has more white crappie than day, as long as the fish are at least 9 inches long. black crappie, but both are common in our area.

Some information for this article came from outCrappie have big, rounded dorsal, anal and tail fins. dooralabama.com, American Expedition and crappie.net.

Their dorsal fins start high on their backs. Both fish can

24 LAKE

MAY 2017

KICK OFF THE SEASON WITH THE BEST CARE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Lake Martin Sleep Disorders Center We Diagnose & Treat:

• Chronic Insomnia • Snoring • Sleep Apnea • Narcolepsy • Restless Leg Syndrome • Parasomnias • Periodic Limb Movement Disorder • Work-Shift Change Syndrome • Nocturnal Seizures We accept self or physician-refferals. To find out more or to schedule a sleep evaluation,

Call LMCH Sleep Disorders Center @256-827-1471

Lake Martin Pharmacy’s Delivery Service • Cometitive Prices • Most Insurance Plans Accepted • Gift Shop MON - FRI 8:30-6:00pm • SAT 8:30-Noon Call Lake Martin Pharmacy for more information 256-825-7822 301 Mariarden Road, Suite A

Lake Martin Family Medicine Weight Loss Clinic CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO SMART EATING AND HEALTHY LIVING!

Lose Weight & Feel Great with our Medically Supervised Weight Loss Injections Mic-Compound • Vitachrom • Decrease Appetite, Anxiety, Depression & Mood Swings • Metabolize Fat • Lower Cholesterol • Promotes strong/healthy hair • Increase Energy • Improve Memory • Promotes Sleep • Sternghten Immune System • Slows Aging • Deters Diabetes by Regulating Blood Sugar

No Appointment Needed! TUE & WED 8am-4:30pm • 301 Mariarden Road, Suite F

a division of

- a division of -

201 Mariarden Road, Dadeville, AL 256-825-7821 www.ivycreekhealth.com Hospital

Urgent Care

MAY 2017

Wellness

Pharmacy

DME

Hospice

Home Health

Primary Care

LAKE 25

Smith Mountain Trail Talk Signage project will highlight more than just CRATA paths

I

n addition to the nature displays and exhibits that are in process for the Smith Mounain signage project, there will be kiosks and signs describing other trail opportunities in the Lake Martin area, said Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association (CRATA) board member Harold Banks.

These will include CRATA trails at Overlook Park and the Deadening Trail, as well as new trails now under construction south of Martin Dam at the Yates Forever Wild property, which will open this year.

But CRATA also will showcase the Russell Forest Trail System, an amazing network of trails for hikers, bicycles and horse riders. The Russell Forest system offers access to more than 100 miles of trails that wind through scenic woods, open meadows, streams and rocky outcroppings.

The trails at Wind Creek State Park will be highlighted as well.

These include hiking and horse riding trails that are accessible for a reasonable day-use fee.

And the trail signage will include the quiet, contemplative handicapped-accessible trails at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, where they offer access to one of most pivotal events in the formation of the United States, the Battle of Horseshoe Bend.

The Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail, which is part of the Alabama Birding Trails system and includes several sites throughout the lake area, also will be highlighted in the Smith Mountain signage project now under way.

Alabama Power Company's natural and undeveloped Martin Dam project lands will be noted as accessible, too.

Even the local paddling trails will be get a mention. The Alabama Scenic River Trail, which runs through Lake Martin with designated 26 LAKE

campsites for canoeists and kayakers, and the Harold Banks Canoe Trail on the Tallapoosa River will be included.

"I believe out-of-town visitors will be wowed at the number and diversity of other outdoor recreation opportunities surrounding the lake

and will want to visit often," said Dadeville's Harold Banks, who also is the namesake of the Harold Banks Canoe Trail.

See the donation form at top right to make your contribution to the improvements at Lake Martin’s historic Smith Mountain.

Our thanks to recent donors Teacher Helper

Jim Yerkey Jan & Charles Darwin Arthur G. Kelly, M.D. Steve Bowen Seay, Seay & Litchfield Charles A. Browne Kim & Greg Shelton Mary Belmont

Summit Toppers Phil Vaughn Mr. & Mrs. Thomas H. Keene

Vista Viewers

Virginia & William Huguley

Visionaries

Tallapoosa County Commission

Trail Blazers

John Bennett David & Diana French Jimmy Abbett Richard Morthland

MAY 2017

Guy & Martha Perry Dan & Carol Luehrs Robert & Jean Cockrell Del & Ruth Witherspoon Richard & Harriet S. White Phil & Betsy Keown Moeling/Morgan Family Mr. & Mrs. Ben Trolinger Walter Hutcheson Greg Boring Roger Wolczek Tom & June Nicholson Jane Merrifield W. Larry Ray Rendell Clark Jimmy R. Pemberton Todd Cosper Debbie Langley Louise Cole Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Wellington John E. Hutcheson Perry & Jean Myer Earl Scot Paula & Roy B. Trolinger

Help tell our county's story CRATA is raising $50,000 to make Smith Mountain Park an educational center on the nature and history of Tallapoosa County

Contribution Form Name_____________________________________ Date_______ Address_______________________________________________ City_______________________ State_______ ZIP____________ Phone________________________________________________ Email_________________________________________________

Giving Levels

Tax deductible gifts to “CRATA-Smith Mountain Tower Restoration� are greatly appreciated! Please return this form and your gift to: Jimmy K. Lanier, CRATA, P.O. Box 240503, Eclectic, AL 36024 All donors will be recognized in print. All donors of $100 or more will be recognized on a permanent cast plaque. Anonymous gifts at all levels will be respected for confidentiality. Honorariums, memorials and appreciations will be acknowledged per donor direction.

Teachers' Helper Trail Blazers Vista Viewers Summit Toppers Visionaries Legacy Sponsors

Up to $99 $100-$249 $250-499 $500-$999 $1,000 or more $5,000 or more

Amount enclosed $_____________________

MAY 2017

LAKE 27

April 28-30 Russell Marine In-Water Boat Show

We invite you to come and enjoy a fun day in the sun with the whole family, see the new 2017 boat models, check out all the new gear in the Pro Shop, demo a stand-up paddleboard, and maybe win some exciting prizes too. With more than 50 boats on the water available for demos and another 50 boats on display, there’s something to interest every lake lover. Demo any 2017 model from Sea Ray, Godfrey Pontoons, Nautique, Hurricane, Key West or Sea-Doo, and you will receive a key that just may unlock a treasure chest filled with great giveaways.

April 29 15th Annual Cruisin’ fer Critters

Registration starts at 11 a.m. at DeJa Vu, 121 N. Burbank Dr., Montgomery, for the motorcycle ride and poker run to benefit the Elmore County Humane Society. Each hand is $15, and fee includes event patch, goodie bag, food and door prize ticket, as well as live music, bike/car wash and live auction at event. Best hand wins $250, second best wins $100 and worst hand wins $50. For information contact Joe “Shaggy” Keithahn at 334-5581423 or Sherri Clower-Kirkley at 334-207-3773.

May 5-6 Kiwanis Clay Shoot

Held at Five-Star Plantation in Kellyton, Alabama, teams of four shooters can compete on the 18-station course May 6.

Dinner and an auction held May 5 at The Ridge Clubhouse at 6 p.m. and tickets are $40. For more information or to register, contact Leslie Wingler at 256-397-4113.

May 6 Derby Day at The Stables

Ladies, bring out your hats, and guys, dig out the seersucker for Derby Day at The Stables, a fundraiser for Children’s Harbor. The fun includes great music, refreshments and fun cheering on the favorites and long runs during the “Run for the Roses.” For details, visit www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com/ events.

May 6 AWW Bass Anglers Classic

Lake Watch Lake Martin’s water quality monitoring program will benefit from this first-ever Alabama Water Watch fishing tournament at Wind Creek State Park. Proceeds after payout will be used to purchase monitoring kits for volunteer water testers, as well as educational outreach. For details, visit www.alabamawaterwatch.org/specialevents. Volunteers are needed and should call Michael Freeman at 334-740-1267.

May 6 Relay for Life

Celebrate life at the Tallapoosa County Relay for Life to support local fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City. Join the opening ceremony, survivors' and caregivers' walks, the luminaria ceremony and a closing ceremony with fireworks. For information, visit main.acsevents.org.

28 LAKE

MAY 2017

Lake Martin's

2017 Summer Calendar

MAY 2017

LAKE 29

May 11 Joe Purdy in Waverly

May 20 Paddle for a Purpose

May 13 Tallapoosa River Bass Bash

May 20 Union VFD Spring Festival

The thought-provoking troubador will make a stop in Waverly to play the Little House at Standard Deluxe. Only 50 tickets available. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at standarddeluxe.com; then check in at the Will Call window on the day of the show. Visit the website for information and check out this summer's schedule at Standard Deluxe.

Conventional and fly rods will be allowed in this fun tournament from Horseshoe Bend to Jaybird Creek to benefit Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing.

Starting at 6 a.m. participants will float and fish for the combined length of three fish. Contact Drew Morgan for details at drewrmorgan@gmail.com or 334-797-7362.

May 18 Artists Association of Central Alabama

The May general meeting will feature an open studio and a demonstration by Dottie Holdren on textures for a future workshop. The meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City.

May 13 Stars from Heaven

The staff from the Space and Science Center at Columbus State University will return to Heaven Hill with giant telescopes. Russell Lands will fire up the grill and serve ribeye sandwiches and have soft drinks available, or you can bring your own beverages. The gathering will include acoustic music, great food, a brief presentation about the night sky and guided star gazing. Space is limited to 40 people, and tickets are $25. Call Robert Gunn at 256397-1019 for tickets and information.

May 18 Arts Association

The Artists Association of Central Alabama will travel to the Birmingham Museum, and a carpool will meet at the Sportplex Senior Center at 8 a.m.

30 LAKE

The second race in this year’s Stand Up Paddle Board race series will benefit Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin.

Check-in is 7:30 a.m. with a pre-race meeting at 8:30 a.m. and the 1-mile start at 9 a.m. Start and finish lines at Children’s Harbor. For more information, contact Sharon Johnston at 334-799-0529 or sharon@paddlelakemartin.net.

The Union Volunteer Fire Department will host the 35th annual Spring Festival from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come out to gather with the community and The Miss Lake Martin Pageant is open meet the firefightfor ages infant to 21 years old ers and department staff. The event will feature arts and crafts booths, music, a flea market, a bake sale, breakfast and BBQ lunch plates, Military Working Dog demonstrations, face painting, a bouncy castle and a cash raffle for $20 per ticket. For more information, please call the fire department at 256-8250016.

May 20 Enitahatchabee Day

Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends Association will hold a reunion at the Bibb Graves Community Center in Millerville. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Trade Day shops will be open until 2 p.m. Bring family, friends, smiles and cameras for a day of music food and laughter, a silent auction, cake walk and 50/50. For information, email Ben Wood at woodb1950@ centurylink.net.

May 20-21 Hatchet Creek Festival

A two-day float down Hatchet Creek in Coosa County for ages 12 years old and up. $40 registration fee due by April 30 and includes shuttle for camping gear to the campsite, driver’s shuttle from the take out location, supper and breakfast at the campsite and a T-shirt. One hundred person maximum capacity.

For information contact the Coosa County Extension Office at 256-377-4713.

May 25-26 Artists Association of Central Alabama

Join the Textures, 7 by 7 workshop on Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Substrate furnished; attendees bring acrylics and brushes. Cost $40 plus supply fee. Location TBA.

MAY 2017

May 26-28 RXR Fest

Bring chairs and coolers, family and friends for a great free weekend of music and fun at The Town Green at Russell Crossroads. The line-up includes Airside from Memphis, Tennessee, at 6 p.m. on Friday, followed by Lamont from Tuscaloosa. The Bank Walkers and Raquel Lilly will perform Saturday night, and Sunday will feature Jordy Searcy at 6 p.m. followed by the Jonathan Bloom Band. For information, call Robert Gunn at 256-397-1019.

May 27-28 Art on the Lake

This annual art show at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin showcases the works of artists from throughout the Southeast. Canvas, jewelry, pottery and sculpture are available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the camp for seriously ill children and their families. For information, contact Vicki Tuggle at 334857-2021.

May 28 Sunday Night Supper

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

June 2 - July 12 Kamp Kiwanis Girl Scout Summer Camp

All girls in grades 2-12 are invited to participate in a week of activities and opportunities for adventure. Summer camp options include day camp, two-night sampler camp and weeklong resident camp. Registration is open now until May 1. For more information, visit www.girlscoutssa.org/camp or call Cheryl Miller at 334-2729164.

Paddleboard Safely More than 2 million Americans went paddleboarding in the past year, and as the activity becomes more popular on Lake Martin, the Alabama Marine Police Division encouraged paddlers and boaters to be aware of each other’s presence and take proper safety precautions.

Safe boating practices apply to paddleboarding, as well as boating; any paddleboarder under 8 years old must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the board.

More safety tips include: n Avoid congested waterways n Be certain of your swimming capabilities n Be aware of local regulations and navigation rules n Be aware of winds, terrain, current and other lake conditions n Know how to self-rescue or tow another board n Never paddleboard under the influence of drugs or alcohol n Never paddleboard at night n Take a safety course n Always wear a life jacket n Get the kids to take the free paddling safety course at www.boaterexam.com/paddling before allowing them to take the board to the lake.

For more information about paddleboarding safely, visit www.coastguard.dodlive.mil.

June 3 LMRA Annual Meeting

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

June 3 Introduction to Sailing

Lake Martin’s Dixie Sailing Club will host a free class for anyone interested in learning to sail, from a sailing basics “chalk talk” to taking wind with a club member. Learn the parts of a sailboat, how to right a boat after capsizing and sail a Sunfish (flotation vests will be provided). Tour the boatyard, meet club members and learn how to be a part of the sailing scene at the lake. A free lunch of hot dogs, chips and beverages will be provided. Bring a swimsuit, change of dry clothes, towel and sunscreen, as well as a life jacket if you have MAY 2017

LAKE 31

T

he ever-popular 27th Annual Alexander City Jazz Fest is scheduled for the weekend of June 9 and 10.

This year's free, two-day event will be held at Strand Park in Alexander City Friday night and the Lake Martin Amphitheater (The Amp) Saturday.

Friday night’s line up consists of The Sofia Goodman Group, Randall Bramblett and headliners Delta Rae. The Sofia Goodman Group is making its inaugural appearance at the festival. It is a jazz funk group led by drummer Sofia Goodman based out of Nashville, Tennessee. According to her website, it was her performance with Esperanza Spaulding in Boston in 2005 that motivated her to perfect her craft.

Randall Bramblett has made various performances at Jazz Fest in the past and has musical influences across the board, mostly based in soul and R&B. Bramblett's talent ranges from keyboard, sax and vocals, and he has worked both as a solo artist and a member of many bands. With 10 albums under his belt, Bramblett also has toured with artists such as Gregg Allman, Widespread Panic and Steve Winwood.

This year’s final act of Friday will take the stage at 9 p.m. Delta Rae is a Southern rock pop six-piece band from Durham, North Carolina, and is known best for its latest country single, A Long and Happy Life. Delta Rae formed in 2009 and has been a favorite for years at festivals such as Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. The band will hit the road this summer for a 50-date headline tour.

Saturday night at The AMP will feature shadowood, a five-piece band based out of Atlanta, Georgia, and self-proclaimed acoustic rock with influences from Vertical Horizon, Barenaked Ladies and Guster.

The rest of the lineup has yet to be announced for Saturday's show. For more information and updates, check out the official website alexcityjazzfest.com.

32 LAKE

27th Annual celebration of music returns to alexander city

shadowood

Randall Bramblett

MAY 2017

Thousands of concert goers attend the annual Jazz Fest in Strand Park Delta Rae

Sofia Goodman Group

MAY 2017

LAKE 33

one. Event is limited to 60 participants. To reserve a spot, call Keith Bennett at 334-324-9383 or email him at cat221@msn. com.

June 3 Discover the Stars

The staff from the Space and Science Center at Columbus State University will set up giant telescopes at The Discovery Center at Russell Crossroads, and the staff from SpringHouse Restaurant will treat participants to some great food served farm table style at 6:30 p.m.

Event includes acoustic music, food, brief presentation about the night sky and guided star gazing.

Charge is $60 per person, and space is limited to 40 people.

To reserve a spot or for more information, call Robert Gunn at 256-397-1019.

June 11 Sunday Night Supper

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

June 15 Artists Association of Central Alabama

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

June 3 Alabama Avenue at Chuck’s Marina

June 16-17 Lake Martin Area Rodeo

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

The Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City will host barrel riders, calf ropers, bull riders and more at this rodeo event to benefit the Boys June 8 and Girls Club of the Lake Ambush Lake Martin Martin Area. Gates open at 5 Auburn Football Head Coach p.m., and the show starts at 7 Gus Malzahn and Voice of the p.m. Tickets are $7 in advance Auburn Tigers Rod Bramblett The best poker hands and best or $10 at the gate. Advance ‘88 will make an exclusive costumes earn prizes during the tickets are available at Tractor appearance with Aubie at 6 p.m. annual Lions Charity Poker Run Supply, Depot Music & Pawn, at Willow Point Golf & Country Alexander City Parks & Rec, Club, 2544 Willow Point Rd., Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Alexander City. Sponsored by Care & Resort and the Boys and Girls Club Admin Office. For the Auburn Alumni Association, tickets are on sale now at information, contact Melissa Reynolds at 256-596-0645. www.alumni.auburn.edu/ambushlakemartin at $50 for Auburn Alumni Association members and $55 for non-members.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact the Auburn June 16-17 Alumni Association for information.

2017 Lake Martin Slalom Clinic & Water

Ski Tournament

June 10 National Marina Day

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

June 10 Lil’ Calypso

The 15th Annual art festival will be held at Chuck’s Marina with more than 50 vendors showcasing their artwork. There will be live music and Chuckwalla’s Pizzeria will be open. Admission is free, but attendees can make a donation to the Union Volunteer Fire Department.

34 LAKE

Competition is open to novice slalom skiers in this annual event at the slalom course at Porter’s Branch.

U.S. Senior World Team member and Alabama State record holder Bob Schouten, along with state champion and nationally ranked competitor Payton Phillips and 2016 Girls 2 State Champion Kate White, will teach a clinic Friday. Only 30 participants will be taken for the clinic. The tournament will begin at noon on Saturday.

Spectators are welcome. For information and entry, email Bob Schouten at alabamawaterski@gmail.com or Doug Hamrick at dhamrick@russelllands.com.

MAY 2017

Crowds gather at Hackneyville's Fourth of July Celebration

Rexton Lee at Hackneyville's Fourth of July Celebration

June 17 Miss Lake Martin Pageant

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

July 17 Summer Concert

The First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir will present its annual summer concert at 5 p.m. in the sanctuary of the church at 372 Jefferson St., Alexander City. The program will offer a mix of traditional music with Broadway and show tunes. Admission is free.

July 1 Alabama Avenue at Chuck’s Marina

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

July 1 Arti Gras

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

July 1 Annual Hackneyville Firework Bash

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

July 2 Sunday Night Supper

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

July 4 Russell Marine Fourth of July Boat Parade

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

MAY 2017

LAKE 35

Sun Festival in Alexander City features the best of summer living at the Gateway to Lake Martin.

Swimming, sailing, paddling, car shows, scavenger hunts, hot dogs, pie, pretty girls, fresh produce, art projects, plays, trivia and more highlight the schedule this summer.

A

lexander City’s Fifth Annual Sun Festival is a highly anticipated weeklong celebration throughout the community and around Lake Martin that includes a full range of activites for all ages.

Kicking off the week July 14 is Friday on the Green and the newly formed ACT II, presenting the play Our Town. The popular Jonathan Bloom Band will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. at Russell Crossroads’ Town Green, where there will be lawn games for the kids and plenty of room to share a picnic with friends and family.

Coolers and dogs on leash are welcome.

Alexander City Theatre II (ACT II) will present Thornton Wilder's Our Town at The Arbor on Green Street at 7 p.m. that same night. This Pulitzer Prize winning play focuses on the warmth and sincerity of smalltown life and will be performed by local townspeople and directed by Patti Smith.

Festivities begin early on Saturday morning with the MainStreet Farmers Market and a Slip-n-Slide 5K. And Sunday afternoon, the action will move to the lake with fishing, canoeing, sailing, beach volleyball, paddleboard races and a hot dog eating contest. And at 7 p.m., ACT II will present another showing of Our Town.

Back by popular demand again this year is the Pie in the Sky Treasure Hunt. This contest begins early on Monday morning when the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce presents a daily clue. Decipher the riddle and find the medallion to win a check for $200 and be entered in the $1,000 drawing at the end of the week.

Check out the Kidsfest at the Adelia M. Russell Library and "Hang at the Home" later that same day before the dog parade. And bring a lawn chair for 36 LAKE

MAY 2017

the Lip Sync Battle in the Park at 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday’s activities include bingo, a movie and a glow-in-the-dark golf tournament, and on Wednesday, July 19, there will be a faith celebration.

Thursday brings a full schedule with a celebration of America's heroes, Kidsfest art activities and sundae-making fun in the afternoon. New to the Sun Festival schedule this summer is the Young Professionals Trivia Night, so start putting together a trivia team now.

ACT II starts a second weekend of their summer production with a 7 p.m. show at The Arbor. Matinee performances of Our Town are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m.

On Friday, kids will get Wet ’n Wild with the final Kidsfest program, and everybody will get a sweet treat at the pie baking contest.

Then, be sure to set up at Strand Park for the Annual Sun Festival Battle of the Bands at 7 p.m. on Friday. The winner of this contest will open for Moon Taxi in the closing events on Saturday night.

The final day of Alexander City’s celebration of summer will start with a motorcycle ride and show, along with a car show and an event hosted by Prosperity Again Thru Health, as well as pontoon boat rides in the morning and afternoon on beautiful Lake Martin. Check out the Jeep show and games tournament before taking in the Moon Taxi concert – the final event in this year’s festival.

Moon Taxi, a five-piece Nashville band, has hit the national scene with appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Seth Meyers and Conan. This popular festival band has played at Bonnaroo, Hangout Festival, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and more. And as the group plans to release a new album this summer – their fourth – the Sun Festival audience just might be the first to hear this new selection of their music.

As the festival grows, new activities are added every year to make the most of living it up on Lake Martin and in Alexander City for the summer.

For information about Sun Festival, contact Kim Dunn at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, and look for the complete schedule of Sun Festival activities in the July issue of Lake magazine.

MAY 2017

LAKE 37

Charles, Sharon and Kitty Denton enjoy Friday on the Green at Russell Crossroads

Friday on the Green S

tart each weekend enjoying the weather on the Town Green with live music, fun activities and friends and family.

The fifth annual Friday on the Green series is the perfect way to kick off the weekend at Russell Crossroads from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. between May 19 and Sept. 15.

An array of musical acts are lined up, from local favorites, such as Jonathan Bloom and The Bank Walkers, to lesser known artists, and can be enjoyed by all, as this is a free event and family friendly environment.

It’s a chance to socialize with neighbors, keep children active and meet new people. There will be free activities, including ladder golf, hulahoops, beanbag toss, bocce ball and sidewalk art.

Don’t forget to bring a cooler with food and drinks, a chair or blanket and the desire to have a good time.

Friday on the Green will not be held May 26 during RXR Fest or June 9 during JazzFest.

For updates, links to artists’ pages and possible schedule changes, check the website www.russellcroassroads.com.

38 LAKE

Friday on the Green Schedule MAY 19 JUNE 2 JUNE 16 JUNE 23 JUNE 30 JULY 7 JULY 14 JULY 28 AUG. 4 AUG. 11 AUG. 18 AUG. 25 SEPT. 1 SEPT. 8 SEPT. 15

MAY 2017

Jonathan Bloom Richard Murray & Rusty Brown Joe Bagley Jilla Webb & Kurt McKinney Britt Johnson Sid Phelps Jonathan Bloom Band shadowood The Bank Walkers Chuck Lofton & Kurt McKinney shadowood Britt Johnson Jilla Webb & Kurt McKinney Sid Phelps Jonathan Bloom

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

July 4 Fourth of July Blast

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

July 5 - Aug. 1 Artists Association of Central Alabama The Sylacauga Museum features a month-long AACA membership exhibit with a reception July 20, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. with food and live music and a “paint around” demonstration at 7 p.m. A painting auction will benefit the museum.

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

July 21 Sun Festival Battle of the Bands

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

July 21-23 Couples Retreat at New Water

July 10-11 Throw Away Day

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

July 10-14 Kitty Dark Arts Camp

This annual week-long workshop is held at Radney Elementary School and gives children grades 1 through 6 the opportunity to learn drama, music, mixed-media art, mosaics, drawing and painting and creative movement. Cost is $125 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact Jamie Dark at 256-329-9816 or jamiewdark@yahoo.com for more information.

July 14-23 Our Town

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

See the Alexander City Theatre II (ACT II) production of Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize winning classic, Our Town, at The Arbor, 310 Green St., at 7 p.m. July 14, 15 and 20 and 2 p.m. July 22 and 23. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door and from ACT II board members.

Tom and JoAnn Doyle will lead a retreat for married and engaged couples at New Water in Dadeville. Cost is $300 per couple. Lodging is available at Creekside Lodge or tent camping and bunk rooms are available on site at no charge. For information, visit newwater.com or email Micah Simpson at micah@newwater.com.

July 22 Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run

The 14th annual Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run will benefit local charities as players begin at The Ridge Marina and travel to River North, Harbor Point, Real Island and Kowaliga Marina to collect the best hand of cards. Prizes for the winning hands and best costumes will be awarded at the after-party at Kowaliga Restaurant. For information and to register, call 256-212-1416 or visit russellmarine.net.

July 22 Moon Taxi Sun Festival Concert

American indie-progressive rock band Moon Taxi will headline the Fifth Annual Sun Festival concert on Saturday, July 22, at Strand Park in downtown Alexander City. Gates will open at 6 p.m. with the concert beginning at 7 p.m.

Tickets are available online at www.alexandercitychamber. com or at the chamber of commerce office. For more information and the complete schedule of Sun Festival events, visit www.alexandercitychamber.com.

MAY 2017

LAKE 39

Aug. 13 Sunday Night Supper

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

Aug. 3-6 Art & Faith Retreat

close as concert goers of all ages gather at The AMP for the final event of the year. Visit www.theamponlakemartin.com, keep an eye on The AMP Facebook page or call 256-397-1019 for information about this year’s event.

Season-Long Events Strand Sessions (May-August)

The Lake Martin Young Professionals host live music at Strand Park the first Thursday of each month.

Entertainment is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Yoga on the Green

All artists, makers and creatives will be renewed through this weekend of hands-on making and guided discussion at New Water Farms on Lake Martin at 460 Civitan Rd., Dadeville. For information, call 205-725-1460.

Aug. 19 Alabama Avenue at Chuck’s

Discover your inner being with free yoga at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads at 7 a.m. Saturday mornings from May 28 to Oct. 1. Great for beginners and experienced; just bring a mat and water bottle.

Catherine’s Market Wine Tastings

Alabama Avenue will spend the night at Chuck’s Marina on Lake Martin to end the summer with singing and dancing. Music starts at 8 p.m.

Come by Catherine’s Market for wine tastings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays from May 19 to Sept. 15. It’s $5 to sample a variety of wines and then apply that $5 to your purchase of a wine bottle of your favorite from the night’s sampling.

Sept. 3 Labor Day Weekend Concert

Crossroads Community Garden Club Pancake Breakfast

The summer concert series at The AMP comes to a

40 LAKE

The Crossroads Community Garden Club members

MAY 2017

will be up early cooking pancakes for all to enjoy at the Artists Cabin at Russell Crossroads. Help out the garden club and feed the family. For details, visit www.RussellCrossroads. com.

Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children's Hospital. Call 334-8572008 for more information.

Santuck Flea Market

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

Sunday Sounds at Kowaliga There will be acoustic music on the deck from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Kowaliga Restaurant this summer!

Check out your favorites local artists on these dates:

First Sundays Crawfish

MAY 7 MAY 21 JUNE 4 JUNE 18 JULY 9 JULY 23 AUG. 6 AUG. 20

Rexton Lee Anne E. DeChant Kyle Wilson Maggie Renfroe Jonathan Bloom Sid Phelps Richard and Rusty Matt Smith

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

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

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

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Located on Highway 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of

The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month. The Santuck Flea Market is located at 7300 Central Plank Rd., Highway 9 in Wetumpka.

Music at The Equality Performing Arts Center

The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and other events on the second and fourth Friday nights of each month at 6:30 p.m. on Alabama Highway 9 in Equality.

Country/Western, bluegrass, Southern gospel and instrumental music featured. For more information, contact Wayne Glenn at 334-541-3302.

Charity Bingo

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

Cards are $1 and proceeds benefit local charities.

Volunteer Days at New Water Farm

Join the fun at New Water Farms on the first Saturday morning of every month to dig in the dirt, pull weeds, harvest produce and a host of other gardening activities.

Gather at 9 a.m. and work until 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided for volunteers. Contact Callan Freese at callanfreese@aol.com to let her know you are coming or for more information.

Free Driving and Docking Clinics

Blue Creek Marina will host free clinics on Mondays this summer to teach driving and docking a boat.

Registration is required, and clinics run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Snacks and bottled water are provided. Bring your own lunch. Space is limited, so call Jennifer or Nicole at 256-825-8888 to reserve your spot. Pontoon clinics will be held May 1, June 5, July 10, Aug. 7 and Sept. 11; towboat clinics are scheduled for May 8, June 12, July 17, Aug. 14 and Sept. 18; and sterndrive clinic dates are May 15, June 19, July 24, Aug. 21 and Sept. 25.

MAY 2017

LAKE 41

Furniture + Accessories Best selection of outdoor furniture in AlABAmA LLoyd FLanders • Winston BroWn Jordan summer CLassiCs • GLoster u W h a r r i e • P o L y -W o o d W i n d h a m • oW L e e Crimson CasuaL Jensen Leisure • Woodard noW oFFerinG a neW CoLLeCtion oF indoor Furniture & LiGhtinG From GaBBy

5549 D erby D rive , b irmingham , aL 35210

205.836.2933 bLackjackgarDens.com

o pen m on -s at 10

am

-4

pm

CUSTOM DOCKS

SITE PREP • INSTALLATION MAINTENANCE

20+ Years of Guaranteed Service

Custom Docks, Decks, Seawalls, Boathouses, Lifts, Excavation, Grading, Drainage, Trenching

Office (256) 268-8309 | customdocksllc.com 42 LAKE

MAY 2017

Worship on the Water Church in the Pines Summer Service Schedule 9 a.m.

MAY 7 Gerald Hallmark – Retired Baptist, Alexander City MAY 14 (Mother’s Day) Shane Dismukes – Wayside Baptist Church, Alexander City MAY 21 John Mann – Retired United Methodist, Dadeville MAY 28 (Memorial Day Weekend) George Mathison – Auburn United Methodist Church JUNE 4 Hamp Greene – Church of the Highlands, Birmingham JUNE 11 Gates Shaw – Retired Christ Episcopal Church, Fairfield JUNE 18 (Father’s Day) Karl Stegall – Pastor Emeritus, First United Methodist Church, Montgomery JUNE 25 Chuck Roberts – Peachtree Prebyterian Church JULY 2 (Fourth of July weekend) John Ed Mathison – John Ed Mathison Leadership Ministries, Montgomery JULY 9 James Cullins – Retired, Church of Christ, Alexander City JULY 16 Sherry Harris – Senior Pastor, United Methodist Church JULY 23 Charles Gattis – Retired United Methodist JULY 30 John Verciglio – Senior Pastor, First United Methodist, Alexander City AUG. 6 Wren Aaron – Church of the Highlands, Auburn AUG. 13 James Cullins – Retired, Church of Christ , Alexander City AUG. 20 Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church Speaker, Wetumpka AUG. 27 Jeremiah Castille – Jeremiah Castille Ministries, Birmingham SEPT. 3 (Labor Day) Mickey Morgan – Retired, United Methodist, Birmingham SEPT. 10 Brian Erickson – Senior Pastor, Trinity United Methodist Church, Birmingham SEPT. 17 James Cullins – Retired, Church of Christ, Alexander City SEPT. 24 Mike Holly – Associate Pastor of Bluff Park United Methodist Church, Birmingham

Guest Preacher Living Waters Schedule All Services: Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

MAY 28 JUNE 4 JUNE 11 JUNE 18 JUNE 25 JULY 02 JULY 09 JULY 16 JULY 23 JULY 30 AUG. 6 AUG. 13 AUG. 20 AUG. 27 SEPT. 3

Rev. Carmen Falcione – Montgomery – Memorial Day Opening 9:00 a.m.

Rev. Jim Pate – Dadeville Rev. James Cullens – Alexander City Rev. Faron Golden – Dadeville Rev. Al Perkins – Montgomery Jamie Langley – Birmingham – Message in Music & Song Rev. Paul Messer – Dadeville Rev. Sam Henderson – Gainesville, Georgia Rev. K.G. Jones – Tuskegee Rev. David Carboni – Birmingham Rev. Rusty Hutson – Auburn Dean Collins – Lanett Rev. Tommy Greer – Carrollton, Georgia Billy Coleman – Vinemont Dr. Joel Richardson – Newnan, Georgia – Labor Day Closing

*** Communion is served on May 28, July 16 and Sept. 3 *** Dress is casual. Address is 782 Lakeview Ridge across from the Golf Colony Villas – a short distance from the Harbor Pointe Marina in StillWaters. Arrive by car, bike, golf cart or boat.

GPS Coordinates N 32º 44.554’ W 085º 48.867’. Check out the website at www.colw-sw.com.

New Water Worship Services – Open-air chapel services at 460 Civitan Rd., Dadeville, on May 28; July 2; Aug. 6; and Sept. 3.

Episcopal Services at Church in the Pines – 12 p.m. - June 11 and 25; July 11 and 25; Aug. 13 and 27. Dress is casual.

MAY 2017

LAKE 43

(256) 234-6366

(256) 839-6711

Water

(256) 825-9244

Another round to be decided could affect Lake STORY BY BETSY ILER

(334) 864-8854

B

We touch the lives of the people you love Assisted Living Short Term Rehab Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Long Term Care 44 LAKE PM16_HalfPg_Magazine8.2016.2.indd 1

riefing in the next phase of Alabama’s Water Wars with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) is expected to begin within the next 60 days, said Russell Lands On Lake Martin’s Vice President and Legal Counsel Steve Forehand. The case could dramatically affect water levels on Lake Martin.

Alabama Power Company and the State of Alabama had filed separate suits against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last year, challenging portions of the COE’s recently updated water control manual for Lake Allatoona. Those cases were consolidated by the U.S. District Court, and early this year, Russell Lands and Lake Martin Resource Association (LMRA) filed motions to intervene in the case. Their motions were granted last month.

“Now, the judge will start moving the case forward,” Forehand explained. “It’s different than a typical proceeding. Under the Administrative Procedures Act, there are not witnesses to be called or testimony given. There will be a review of the record, and the judge will consider the various arguments and make a ruling.

“This is an action that could have some pretty significant detrimental impact, and we owe it to our membership to have a seat at the table, to protect the interests of our members and the interests of the lake.”

The City of Montgomery and the Water and Sewer Authority of the City of Mobile also have intervened as parties in the case, which includes the State of Georgia, the Atlanta Regional Commission and the City of Marietta Water Authority.

“We are confident that the State of Alabama and Alabama Power Company will do a very good job of protecting Lake Martin and all the waters in the state, but there may be certain issues that come up where the State or the power company may not be able to advocate as strongly for Lake Martin as we would,” Forehand said.

One of the central objections in the case deals with changes in the operations of Lake Allatoona. In its new water control manual, the COE reallocated water storage to recreational and drinking water, neither of which was a recognized purpose in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license for the construction of the dam that created Lake Allatoona. The lake is fed by the Etowah River, which merges into the Coosa River downstream of

MAY 2017 8/12/16 3:14 PM

Wars

in 20-year-old controversy Martin’s water the Allatoona dam.

The COE has suspended releases from Lake Allatoona; though the COE has stopped hydroelectric power generation there, the intention is to keep that lake full until November, long past the time when parties downstream will need the water.

In effect, this action has shifted the burden of flow requirements on the Alabama River to the Tallapoosa River, which jeopardizes the flow and pool level in Lake Martin.

In addition, Forehand said, the COE’s estimation of adverse impacts on downstream users seems to be flawed. For example, the COE used contractual withdrawal limits in computing adverse downstream impacts of the COE water control manual. Marietta has consistently exceeded those contractual limits for more than 20 years with no enforcement by the COE. Using contractual limits for the baseline of adverse impacts to downstream users greatly understates the actual adverse impact because Marietta has not been forced to abide by the withdrawal contract.

Though the State of Georgia and the city interests of Atlanta and Marietta have challenged the COE as well, their argument is that the COE did not go far enough in directly guaranteeing a reallocation of water storage.

These interests want the water control manual to specify that the water storage be absolutely for drinking water use, Forehand said.

Upstream of Lake Martin, Lake Weiss has already felt the effects of the new COE manual. Largely an agricultural area, last summer’s drought had serious detrimental effects on production with no water releases from Lake Allatoona, which remained full despite the hardship on other areas in the watershed.

If allowed to continue, this trend could have severe effects on Lake Martin, including the availability of water for recreation and protection of the area’s ecological stability, both of which greatly affect quality of life, as well as economic stability, in central Alabama.

“The first round took 19 years,” Forehand said. “In the meantime, we must operate under the new water control manual. In a year with plenty of rainfall, we may not notice it very much, but in a low precipitation year, it could have an impact on recreation, real estate values and employment. Lake Weiss has already felt that.”

MAY 2017

LAKE 45

WHAT'S NEW at THE LAKE

Get Gas Anytime

The Ridge replaced old gas pumps with new 24-hour models in the off-season

46 LAKE

Boaters of Lake Martin will have more gas accessibility as more marinas incorporate 24-hour services.

Even though Russell Marine has provided this service for nearly eight years, the outdated pumps received an upgrade, and the trend is spreading.

There are two new self-serve gas pumps with new technology, at Kowaliga Marina and The Ridge Marina, which receive the most traffic, according to President of Russell Marine Dave Commander.

Even though these locations are open seven days a week, until 5 or 6 p.m., a lot of boating happens at night, and more people can be serviced.

“We have a beautiful lake, and every year more and more people are coming through, so this is a great way to accommodate them,” said Commander, who also said there are new courtesy docks at both locations.

The Singleton Marine Group has installed four new 24-hour gas service

pumps, each at its Blue Creek Marina and Parker Creek Marina locations, which expands availability on the lake.

“So many boaters stay on the water late, and we like to provide a service for them. We almost see a double in sales after hours,” said Matt Clark of Singleton Marine Group.

The new pumps will feature high definition displays of boat brands and services offered by the marinas.

All pumps are fairly easy to use and accept payment by credit card.

Clark said that renovations of Parker Creek’s interior are complete, as the building was entirely gutted and turned into a new pro shop. They have also added additional docks.

“Everything was very outdated. It’s the same building, same footprint, but we painted the outside, changed the exterior lighting – it’s a totally new thing. We expect a lot of traffic as a result,” said Clark.

Lake Martin Jungle Float Jump, bounce and swing into Lake Martin at its newest attraction: Lake Martin Jungle Float, located offshore in Wind Creek.

Casey McQuinn and his father David live in Columbus, Georgia, but spend summer weekends at their house on Lake Martin. They saw a perfect niche for new tourist entertainment and purchased a Tarzan boat, which operates in the eastern section of the lake.

“I saw a video on Facebook, and I thought it was an awesome idea, so I started researching it and realized we could make some money doing this,” said McQuinn.

The floating water park will be housed at the Wind Creek marina and towed out to anchor about 30 yards from shore each day in about 20 feet of water.

“There are new people coming in every week that don’t live in the area and are looking for extra things to do,” said McQuinn. “We are not affiliated with Wind Creek State Park, but we’ve spoken to them and Marine Police, and they seem cool with it.”

Participants will swim out to the boat and must sign a waiver form, and purchase tickets, which can be found online or completed on site.

Pricing will be $15.90 per hour, but McQuinn is running a half-price promotion until May 18 for those who

like and share his FB page. There also is discounted pricing for weekly passes, which allows two hours a day, five to seven days a week, depending on weather.

The boat, which arrived in pieces, was assembled April 21 and opened for business the next day. From now until May 26, the float will operate Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Starting May 27, it will operate at the same time seven days a week.

Attractions include the Monkey Jump: a 6-foot platform leap; Gorilla Jump: a 14-foot high dive, with a diving board; Gorilla Bounce: 12-foot high trampoline; and Tarzan Swing: a 12-foot swing out into the water.

The boat accommodates 40 people, and participants must receive a guardian’s waiver signature if under 17 years old. Participants 7 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult, and kids under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times.

“I just want people to have fun at the lake and have a good time. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the other location, and everyone I’ve told seems really excited this is happening,” said McQuinn.

For information, visit the website www.lakemartinjunglefloat.com or Facebook page for Lake Martin Jungle Float.

MAY 2017

Paradise Lake Events has a new name this summer – and a new owner. Kim Morse purchased the company last year and changed the name to 1028 Catering to honor her daughter, whose birthday is Oct. 28. In addition to exclusive catering services at Creekside Lodge at Blue Creek, Morse offers off-site catering for weddings, corporate events, private parties and catering to go.

Her menu includes popular recipes from her predecessor, as well as family favorites from her mother and grandmother.

“I love food and love entertaining. My grandmother owned a restaurant across from the courthouse in Dadeville, and I grew up under the counter,” said Morse. “So when the opportunity came up for me to start catering, I took it.”

The take-it-with-you menu for pick-up or delivery includes party trays, beach party bags and boxed lunches to accommodate every event, from an upscale meet-and-greet in the office to an island party at the lake. And for the occasional chilly night at the fire pit, she offers a variety of soups by the quart.

“We use local products as much as possible,” said Morse. “And we are happy to accommodate food allergies and special diets.”

Orders are accepted as late as 24 hours in advance at 334-3193327; visit 1028 Catering at 7051 Highway 49 South in Dadeville and check out the website at 1028catering.com.

WHAT'S NEW at THE LAKE

1028 Catering

Kim Morse prepares a deli beach bag for a lakeside picnic

MAY 2017

LAKE 47

WHAT'S NEW at THE LAKE

Russell Lands App

It’s easier and safer to stay connected while traveling the 100 miles of hiking trails available in Russell Forest with the release of the Russell Lands app version 1.

“We have a printed map of our trails we continually update, but with today’s technology it just makes sense for us to have a tool for those out hiking to know where they are, where they’re going and where they’ve been,” said Robert Gunn, Russell Lands Director of Events and Social Media.

The free app soft released to both iPhone and Android users on March 10 and uses cellphone GPS location to indicate where a person is and to track the route taken.

Distance traveled and history of hikes features allow users to track personal data or share routes on social media. Weather and lake events information are additional bonuses with the app, which was designed by Resorts Tapped LLC and features a six-button home screen, including a security link in case of emergencies on the trail.

“You can share your location or see a friend’s location on the map, and if you see something cool on a certain route you can let them know,” said Gunn.

Even though there is already a safety component at the trails, which requires a person to check with the security guard upon arrival and departure of a hike, this technology also provides guidance to prevent getting lost. Hiking trails are open and free to the public, but there is an application process for use, along with a form and agreement to sign.

“The official launch release will be on Derby Day at The Stables May 6, but the app is available for download now,” Gunn said.

Live Music at Kowaliga

Live music, good food and warm weather come together at Kowaliga Restaurant on the first and third Sundays of the month in May, June and August and the second and fourth Sundays of July.

Jonathan Bloom kicked off the restaurant's inaugural muscial season, which was accompanied by Chef Ban Stewart’s special offering of a plated crawfish boil. According to Robert Gunn, Russell Lands Director of Events and Social Media, the crawfish boil will be a new regular on the first Sunday of each month.

“We had a great turnout. Weather was good; crawfish was great; music was great. There were a lot of people out on the lake. It’s a nice addition to an already

48 LAKE

great dining experience at Kowaliga,” said Gunn.

A mixed genre of artists perform on the various Sundays throughout the summer, from country, rock, blues and Americana.

Gunn said Russell Lands On Lake Martin will try to use as many local artists as possible for the acoustic music set up on the outside deck of the restaurant.

Music will play from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the selected evenings. Gunn said diners will be able to listen from all sides, but the music won’t be so loud as to be disruptive.

See page 41 for the schedule of performers.

MAY 2017

Jonathan Bloom launched the new season of music at Kowaliga last month

The tiny vacation rentals at Eagle's Landing include spacious lakeside porches

The tiny rentals will be ready for guests soon

Vaulted ceilings and granite countertops are among the upscaled amenities

A new high-end, handcrafted, lakefront rental option is coming soon to Parker Creek. Eagle’s Landing at Parker Creek will add tiny home lodging adjacent to The Landing restaurant and just 15 feet from the water.

These deceptively small, 550-square foot tongue-ingroove homes include 12 by 12-foot screened porches, private boat slips and fully furnished amenities for a vacation getaway.

“These homes will sit on beautiful dirt pads facing the absolutely gorgeous view of the water. They will be landscaped with trees separating the homes to give each guest some privacy,” said Herb Winches, owner of the new Eagle’s Landing community. “We also decided at night people would want to spend time on the porch so we made them larger than originally planned.”

The three rentals will run on two programs: four days for $1,200, checking in Thursday at 3 p.m. and checking out Monday at 10 a.m.; seven days for $1,500, checking in Monday at 3 p.m. and checking out the following Monday at 10 a.m.

Pricing for the rentals includes the boat slip use, a $50 food voucher for The Landing restaurant and a free ride on the Tarzan Boat and are fully stocked with appliances, utensils, linens and toiletries, as well as free cable and Wi-Fi. Soon to come are grills and picnic tables, and there is no additional housekeeping charge.

“My wife Betty and I opted not to include the lofts in the design, which allows for beautiful, spacious 13-foot vaulted ceilings all the way through,” said Winches.

All appliances are upscale and include a microwave, stove, full-sized refrigerator, dishwasher and stacking washer and dryer. The kitchens and bathrooms boast marble countertops with ceramic backsplash and walkin showers, and the homes include built-in bunk beds, along with a separate master bedroom with a queensized bed. The space can comfortably sleep four to six people but does not allow pets.

“People aren’t going to believe how spacious these homes are and how much room there is to store things,” said Winches. “We said if we’re going to do this, we’re going to go high end.”

For more information or to rent a tiny home at Eagle’s Landing, visit www.eagleslandinglakemartin. com.

MAY 2017

WHAT'S NEW at THE LAKE

Eagle's Landing Tiny Rentals

LAKE 49

50 LAKE

MAY 2017

LISTED AT

$2,349,000 UNIQUE LAKEFRONT COMPOUND 726 MARIN PARKWAY, DADEVILLE, 36853 Premier Lake Views | 4 Living Quarters | 300+/- ft. Waterfront | 8 Bedrooms | 6 Full, 2 Half Baths | Approx. 2 Acres | 4 Fireplaces | Private Boat Dock FURNITURE INCLUDED. This unique home, at Lake Martin in Alabama, is ideal for multi-generational living or corporate retreat, it boasts 8 beds, 6 full and 2 half baths and generous square footage, which includes main residence and 3 additional guest quarters with 2 being multi-level.

dB Lawn Care Darrell Brooks

Spanning approx. 2 acres, with 300+/- ft water frontage, this getaway property provides the best vantage point for breathtaking lake views. Enjoy the sunset from one of the multi-level decks or cozy up next to the fire with a good book on the screened-in porch. Hop in the car to get to the city and drive approximately 40 mins to Auburn or 2 hrs to Atlanta. Located in a limited lakefront neighborhood with your own private boat dock, 4 fireplaces, steam shower, wine cellar and so much more!

Licensed & Insured

Mention this ad to get a FREE Lawn Care Estimate!

• Mowing • Edging • Weed Eating • Blowing • Shrubs • Pressure Washing

Greater AL MLS #771767 Georgia MLS #8110857

LAUREN CARLSON LORCARLSON@GMAIL.COM 770.301.9279

JOSEY YOUNG & BRADY REALTY, LLC. | 75 JACKSON ST., SUITE 200, NEWNAN, GA, 30263 OFFICE: 770.683.1800 | FAX: 770.683.1801 | jybrealty.com

256.267.0518 MAY 2017

Copyright® 2017 Josey Young and Brady Realty, LLC. If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal opportunity housing provider.

LAKE 51

Boating Safety STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTO BY KENNETH BOONE

52 LAKE

MAY 2017

E

ven though the focus around Lake Martin in the summer should be on having a good time with friends and family, Marine Police Captain Jon Archer recently urged residents to stay alert and follow safety guidelines.

With the summer season shortly under way, part-time residents are returning, increasing the population around the lake, and there will be more events to attend and various water activities to enjoy.

At a free boating certification course held April 1 at Russell Marine, Marine Patrol officers Frank Cartwright and Ty Ray explained that following the rules of the lake could save lives.

“Every policy we follow has someone’s name attached.

It’s all based on something that’s been done before,” said Cartwright, who is the only trooper assigned to the 44,000acre lake area.

BE COURTEOUS

“I know people are coming to the lake for recreation and to have a good time, but they need to practice courtesy. Be polite – things will go more smoothly,” said Archer.

Cartwright reiterated the sentiment and said accidents could be avoided if people practice common sense. Many water safety rules are fairly vague, leaving them open to discretion.

“If it’s going to get you or someone else hurt, just don’t do it. Exercise good judgment,” said Cartwright.

Common courtesy applies to encountering other vehicles as well. A manually propelled boat always has the right of way because it has less movability. Know the rules of when to slow down and give way to other boats. Cartwright said Lake Martin may be organized chaos at times, but incidents can be prevented if boaters stay alert to their surroundings.

“Do not go faster than you’re willing to hit something,” said Cartwright.

GIVE IT A ONCE OVER

Check boats, especially at the beginning of a season.

Before the first use of the season, be sure the boat is in working order by checking safety equipment, life jackets and lights. Also, be sure to examine boat fuel lines for possible leaks and damage. Allow boats to be properly ventilated and keep fire extinguishers in working order, Cartwright said.

“Fire extinguishers do not have a lifetime guarantee. You should check them every year and replace them every three or four summers,” said Cartwright.

Be sure all lights work as well. The boat should have red lights on the left and green lights on the right, with a white light, on the stern, that is required to be visible for 2 miles at 360 degrees.

“Lights are the most important thing on a boat, especially at night,” said Cartwright, who explained that between sunrise and sunset the lights on a boat should always be on.

However, docking lights should not be used when cruising because they could blind other boaters. Cartwright said he makes hundreds of stops in a season due to lights – or the lack of them – and he encouraged boaters keep spares on board or pick up chem-lights, which are great in an emergency.

There should be one life jacket on board for every passenger, and it has to be U.S. Coast Guard approved, in good condition and appropriately sized for the wearer. Children under age 8 must wear life jackets at all times.

“We’re supposed to protect the children,” said Ray. “It’s easier to have a life jacket and not need it then to need it and not have it.”

Check fuel lines at the beginning of the season and make sure fire extinguishers on board are in working order to avoid potential hazards

MAY 2017

LAKE 53

MAKE A FLOAT PLAN

Call someone to let him or her know when going out for a boat ride. Be sure that person knows the location of the ride, registration of the boat, contact information and an estimated time of return.

“About four weeks ago, a bass boater went missing on Lake Martin, and I spent hours searching every crevice, slough and creek out there, and it’s a whole lot of area to cover. Always have a float plan; it helps us do our jobs more easily in an emergency,” said Cartwright.

BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (BUI) Cartwright specializes in alcohol enforcement on Lake Martin due to the loss of a fellow officer who was killed by a drunk driver.

“I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through,” said Cartwright. “Boating under the influence is very dangerous.”

The blood alcohol content legal limit for lake driving is the same as on the road at .08 percent and applies to any kind of water transportation device. The punishment for BUI can result in loss of license, jail time and a great deal of expense. Also, a person can become dehydrated more quickly when drinking in the sun.

KNOW THE RULES

“The boat owner is responsible for all passengers and for who they allow to operate the vehicle,” said Cartwright.

Since the 1994 passage of the Roberson/Archer Act, the age requirement to operate a boat is 12 years or older, while supervised by someone over 21. At age 14, a person can operate fully on his or her own.

Register the boat and renew the registration every year. Make sure the numbers are posted clearly on the sides of the boat as well. Have license and registration on the boat every time the boat is out.

Know what the hazard buoys look like, and know what they mean; be sure to keep 50 yards from them and do not travel between two hazard buoys.

When operating a personal watercraft (PWC), remember that it runs on power steering. Cartwright said those not used to driving PWCs let off the gas to slow down and then lose the ability to steer.

Every boat has on board a plate that states the vehicle’s maximum capacity, in weight or number of people.

If either limit is over the stated capacity, the boat operator could be at fault.

Archer said no specific laws or rules have changed since last boating season. The Marine Police on Lake Martin also cover 32 counties and 14 bodies of water, and there is often an issue of manpower, he said.

Resources and availability are limited and not always immediately available, so it helps when people follow the rules.

“I love this lake, and I meet a lot of great people. I love teaching this class, and I want everyone to leave with all the knowledge you need to be safe on the lake,” said Cartwright.

54 LAKE

MAY 2017

MAY 2017

LAKE 55

A

Peterson added elegant furnishings to rustic finishes in the Willow Glynn cabin

fter growing up in Camp Hill and spending summers on Lake Martin with friends, Linda Bonds Peterson never envisioned she would end up back here. Having been exposed to mostly rustic, small cabins on the lake when she first was visiting, that’s the image she conjured up when deciding to build her own lake retreat.

However, Peterson has a self-proclaimed elegant style and knew she liked the concept but needed to add her own touches. The result is a vast, rustic, yet comfortable five-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom house with a neutral palette on three-quarters of an acre in Willow Glynn, built by Mark Bell.

“Mark was a delight to work with and was instrumental in every aspect of the house. He had to sell me on the beams, and I had to get used to all the wood in the house. But it needed to be less froufrou; I would have made it too formal,” said Peterson, who lives full time in Auburn with her springer spaniel, Otis.

The house, which is set down a steep driveway to the lake, was built with family in mind. There is nothing Peterson enjoys more than having a space where the whole family can come together and hang out. She has two sisters in Auburn, one of whom has her own wing in this house, and a brother in Montgomery, as well as multiple nieces and nephews, and the Willow Glynn home includes plenty of space to accommodate all.

“After looking into nearly every development on the lake, I chose this neighborhood for its peace and quiet.

I didn’t want a traditional house necessarily, but I wanted it to look like it belonged here,” said Peterson, who did incorporate the lake style of hardy plank sid56 LAKE

MAY 2017

Spectacular views and elegant style characterize a rustic home in this quiet Lake Martin neighborhood

Rustic Elegance STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

The quiet neighborhood and beautiful lake views attracted her to the area

MAY 2017

LAKE 57

The screened porch leaves plenty of options for guests seeking solace at the lake

ing in dark green, with rustic shutters, barn-like pecky cypress overlay garage doors and a mahogany craftsman-style front door featuring a hammered copper/ bronze handle.

“Mark was very detailed about all the elements, from the stone columns out front to the tiny adornments on the wooden shutters,” she added.

The lightly glazed gray-toned interior wooden walls and timber craftsman ceiling beams are made of knotty spruce, and there are oak floors throughout the entire house except the downstairs playroom.

Peterson is a fan of open space and likes the 8-foot doorways, vaulted ceiling upstairs and 10-foot ceilings downstairs to avoid the claustrophobic feeling, along with Hunter Douglas window treatments that provide filtered but soft light and do not cover the gray trim woodwork.

Wanting to create as much living space as possible resulted in smaller bathrooms, which have pebbled stonework in the walk-in showers and Broadway tile floors in a herringbone pattern. There are glass sinks in the two upstairs master bathrooms that can be lit from underneath. The half bath, one of the few rooms with any drywall, has a marble sink with an ornate metal base, which Peterson said she has in her Auburn house as well.

The original garage plan was shortened to incorporate an entryway that includes a trash compactor and built-in bench with hooks for jackets and shoes. The 58 LAKE

house has custom-made built-in pecky cypress cabinets throughout for extra storage to keep things clutter-free and reduce the need for extra furniture. The built-ins extend to the ceiling to eliminate wasted space and add an element of striking stature.

“I had to be sold on the pecky cypress too, but I absolutely love it. It has so much character,” said Peterson, who uses the material in her whitewashed kitchen cabinets and bathroom counters with granite tops as well.

The sophisticated, grand furniture she did choose was very methodical and perfectly placed with the help of a buyer out of Montgomery who, Peterson said, knows her style well. From the oversized beveled-mirrored nightstands in the guest room, to the triple-stacking metal-studded chests in one of the masters and the Oriental rug covered ottoman, her style is eclectic and elegant.

“My style is sort of quirky. There’s a lot more of me in the furnishings, which are a little dressier but as casual as I can get,” said Peterson.

This can be seen in the wooden, extendable farm table that is rustic, with touches of woodworking detail to fit Peterson’s style. The kitchen features a dual fuel commercial grade Wolf oven, subway tile backsplash and built-in spruce cabinets on either side of the fridge to blend with the walls and hide small appliances.

Around the corner, there is a built-in pantry and a laundry room/puppy salon, which has a sub-zero icemaker.

The favored spot in the house is the large screened

MAY 2017

Peterson's style adds idyllic charm to the lakeside garden

MAY 2017

LAKE 59

Rustic craftsman finishes retain the home's cabin atmosphere

60 LAKE

MAY 2017

MAY 2017

LAKE 61

A bit of garden whimsy

porch that’s divided into three sections with different styles of furnishings. Peterson’s master bedroom opens to one side with a thick-roped hanging swing bed; there is a middle section with comfortable chairs and a table and a sitting area at the other end near one of the two outdoor wood-burning fireplaces, which adorn a wooden mantle, found by Bell and pulled out of Mobile Bay, with lots of character and age.

There also are two gas-fueled fireplaces located inside, all of which are stone built. The fire rock tile floor in an uneven texture on the screened porch makes for easy cleaning and can also be found on the front porch.

“I wanted the porch to be screened because this is where I do all my living. I’ve had one in every home I’ve owned for the last 20 years, plus it keeps me free from bugs,” said Peterson.

An open dining porch can be accessed from her sister’s wing, with a fenced-in side yard for Otis to run and play. There’s an open porch downstairs as well, with the second exterior fireplace and a cozy sitting area. Around the corner is Peterson’s sanctuary – a small garden filled with petunias, begonias and a flooring of pebbles covered with Dwarf Mondo Grass in a lattice pattern, with the trickling sound of water coming from a birdbath fountain.

The downstairs level, connected by an oak staircase, has a full second kitchen, wrap around tan leather couch and a dining table that was refinished a darker

The upholstered ottoman adds color and style contrast in the main living area

62 LAKE

MAY 2017

stain after years of accumulating dents from slamming dominoes, which she enjoyed playing with her late husband in their home on 12 acres in Virginia.

When he had originally become sick, the need for an elevator became apparent, so Peterson ensured one was installed here for her own future precaution. Presently, she uses it to carry things from one floor to another when they’re too cumbersome to bring down the stairs.

A third master suite can be found on the bottom floor, which leads to an outdoor shower for washing off from lake activities. Originally thinking she wanted a beach area, Peterson decided to extend the seawall at her waterfront instead, for easier maintenance.

There are two nautical-themed bunkrooms, with custom-made furniture, each with the ability to sleep four kids. One of the rooms is made of concrete and doubles as a safe room, and a whole house generator provides back-up security.

With the help of architect Mitch Ginn, Peterson knew what she wanted in her décor and collaborated with Ginn for her desired result.

“I really think I missed my calling. I love designing things, and I love putting a room together,” said Peterson, who also has houses in North Carolina, Orange Beach and now Lake Martin.

This house is currently listed for sale, and for more information contact Lake Martin Realty agent Becky Haynie at 334-312-0928.

Built-in bunks ensure there's plenty of room for Peterson's nieces and nephews

A second living area downstairs accommodates a variety of activities

Bedrooms throughout the home are bathed in light and lakeviews

A flagstone terrace offers an intimate setting for lakeside relaxation

MAY 2017

LAKE 63

Happiness awaits just outside Auburn University. Hidden away in the world-class golf courses at RTJ Grand National, the community of National Village offers everything you’ll need for everyday living.

Reside in award-winning craftsman-style cottages, explore miles of picturesque nature trails, and enjoy multiple fishing and boating options on our lakes. Dive into the resort pools and serve up some fun at the tennis and pickle ball complex. Golfers will love the three courses at Grand National on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Homes from the high $200,000’s to over $500,000 in three distinctive neighborhoods.

FURNISHED MODELS OPEN DAILY FROM the $200’s to OVER $500,000

nationalvillage.com (334) 749-8165

64 LAKE

NEW DESIGNS LOCATED ON THE NATIONAL GOLF COURSE MAY GRAND 2017

Looking for the perfect Lake Martin Area home?

Contact us today.

73 PINE POINT, TRILLIUM

496 WILLOW WAY WEST

419 PINE POINT, TRILLIUM

499 OLD STILL ROAD

5 BR, 4.5 BA • $1,639,500

5 BR, 4.5 BA • $949,000

4 BR, 4 BA • $1,175,000

4 BR, 3.5 BA • $795,000

1227 PINE ROAD

375 WINDY WOOD

4 BR, 5 BA • $999,000

5 BR, 4 BA W/OFFICE • $969,900

1698 CAPSTONE DRIVE

53 SCENIC SHORES WAY

5 BR, 4.5 BA • $649,900

AMANDA SCROGGINS amanda@amandascroggins.com www.amandascroggins.com 256-749-6634

5 BR, 5.5 BA • $625,000

SAMANTHA SPURLIN sam@samanthaspurlin.com www.samanthaspurlin.com 256-786-0650

office 256.329.LAKE (5253) • 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL

The BEST in Home, Garden and Lake Essentials

5% SALES TAX STOREWIDE Free Gift, Set-up & Delivery on Big Green Egg Purchase

Wed. - Fri. 10-5 • Sat. 9-4 • Sun. 1-5

7995 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 • 334.857.3900 www.LakeMartinMiniMall.com MAY 2017

LAKE 65

Animals may scatter garbage from an overfilled trash can

Make sure all trash is secured inside covered garbage cans

Keep in Mind STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN THOMPSON

W

ith summertime right around the corner, there are a few imperative issues that have raised attention for Lake Martin residents to remember, especially if new to the lake or only around part-time. n Be sure all trash is properly bagged and fits inside a closed dumpster or garbage can. Animals smell the food and scatter it all along the road if they can gain access. Also, Advanced Disposal will not take trash left outside a dumpster, so make sure everything is properly contained.

Please don’t make neighbors have to clean up a mess that’s left behind. n When boating, please be cautious of the wake created at high speeds, especially if close to shore. Not only

can this cause soil erosion and wash over seawalls, lawns and patios, but also, children can be knocked into the water or docked boats can bang together, causing extensive damage. The Lake Martin Resource Association (LMRA) urges boaters to travel at idle speed within 100 feet of floating docks, moored boats, swimmers and shoreline. “Watch your Wake, Share the Lake” signs created by LMRA can be purchased by homeowners and placed on piers to remind boaters to slow down.

256.215.FISH (3474)

2190 Cherokee Road , Alex City, AL

www.alexcitymarine.com

Certified Outboard Dealer

Call us today about our Winterization Specials

66 LAKE

MAY 2017

n Know the dangers of electric shock drowning (ESD); what to do if faced with the situation and how it can be avoided. There has been an increase of tragedies around the country surrounding this issue, but consistently checking power sources on all docks and boats can help prevent it from occurring.

If there is a leak or fault, alternating currents can enter the water and electrocute nearby swimmers. To check for a leak, test dock wiring and use a clamp meter to measure the incoming and outgoing current difference. Avoid issues by isolating the alternating current shore power system, installing an isolation transformer and ensuring ground fault protection. A Dock Lifeguard can be purchased as well, which detects electricity at the dock and in the surrounding water. Never swim within 100 yards of a marina and don’t jump in the water to rescue an ESD victim.

The Treasured Lake brings people together to celebrate countless opportunities for entertainment, but be courteous, share the lake with others and stay safe of potential risks.

COTTAGE LIVING ON LAKE MARTIN

THE MALLARD COTTAGE

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

Contact Damon Story for more information.

205.789.9526 CEDARPOINTLAKEMARTIN.COM MAY 2017

LAKE 67

FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS

FABULOUS FINDS

1614 Capstone Drive, Alexander City • $499,000 140 Parson Lane, Jacksons Gap • $539,000 53 Scenic Shores Way, Jacksons Gap • $625,000 Featured in Southern Living Magazine, this home was How about a beautiful 4BD/2Bunkrooms/3BA lake home with Welcome to Lake Martin in the exquisite 5Br/5.5Ba built with attention to detail and solid construction gorgeous views of Lake Martin? Well, here it is! Totally updated w/ home that has spared no expense on beauty & upand workmanship. Two-story, brick features hardwood flooring, lovely cabinetry, SS appliances. 2BD/1BA on grades. Main level living w/ master br, kit w/ stain4BDs/5BAs. Amenities include a stately entrance with main. Upstairs master suite, 2/4-bed bunk rooms, BD/BA and 2nd less steel appl & granite, liv rm w/ gorgeous stone beveled glass/wood door, fancy columns, 2-story FR on walkout level. Concrete flooring, shiplap, barn doors and so fp, laundry rm &oversized covered porch for relaxfoyer w/spiral staircase, beautiful crystal chandaliers, much more.. lovely flagstone walkway to lake. Great boathouse w/ ing or entertaining. Upstairs has 2Br/2Ba w/ sitting unique and lovely crown molding, plantation shutters boat slip and lift, floating dock and deck built on lakeside. Perfect area. Downstairs has 2Br/2ba, kit, den/playroom throughout and much, much more... for entertaining or just plain family fun! A must see! area, lots of storage & covered patio. A must see!

RE/MAX Around the Lake RE/MAX Around the Lake RE/MAX Around the Lake Call Amanda Scroggins 256-749-6634 Call Amanda Scroggins 256-749-6634 Call Samantha Spurlin 256-786-0650 www.amandascroggins.com www.amandascroggins.com www.samanthaspurlin.com

393 Green Street, Alexander City • $59,900 Once Upon a Time this adorable 2 bedroom, 1 bath cottage was carefully crafted...Now it is awaiting new owners. Great updated kitchen and bathroom. Hardwood floors in living room, dining room, & master bedroom. High ceilings with crown molding; so much character throughout!

RE/MAX Around the Lake Call Samantha Spurlin 256-786-0650 www.samanthaspurlin.com

138 Canoe Point, Equality • $839,000 Lot 12 Cedar Point, Equality • $855,000 30 Elysian Way, Equality • $1,100,000 Move in your new home this summer. Currently Proposed new construction of the Mayfly Beautiful 4 bedroom 3.5 bath lake home on profesunder construction, this 4 bedroom, 4 bath home plan designed by CMH Architects. Beautiful sionally landscaped flat lot with approximately 380 is designed for lake living at its best. Upgrades in4 bedroom 4 Bath with open living area. feet of waterfront. Reclaimed wood floors in living clude quartz counter tops, stone fireplace, tank-less Open view. area. Drive-through garage with boat landing.Two water heaters, flagstone fire pit, additional stone Lake Martin Realty docks, one with pontoon and PWCs lifts and a accents, and more. Price includes the lot, home, Damon Story 205.789.9526 personal gas pump,the other with gazebo at beach dock and a seawall if needed. Also includes a floatwww.LakeMartinRealty.com area.Excellent fishing with lighted cleaning station ing dock and boat lift. Just move in and enjoy on dock. Lots of room for entertaining Lake Martin Realty Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 Damon Story 205.789.9526 www.LakeMartinRealty.com www.LakeMartinRealty.com

525 Nicholson Road, Alexander City • $1,150,000 Enjoy Lake Martin like it was meant to be enjoyed.

Create memories in this ''Cabin'' style home.

Located in the cabin community of Nichols Cove with wooded surroundings and nostalgic dirt roads.Convenient to everything. Very private with open views of Kowaliga Bay! If you are looking for a move-in ready home, great location and views, you have found it here! A must see.

Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

South Ridge Harbor, Stone Manor $1,465,000 New South Ridge Harbor gem completed by Newcastle Homes is furnished and ready for summer.

Designer David Smelcer has artfully blended natural stone and wood to create an eye-catching design offering vaulted ceiling and open floor plan with 2 master suites on main level. 3 additional guest rooms on terrace level, 2 family rooms, lake prep room, and more!

Call today to tour the house.

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

South Ridge Harbor, Fairwinds $1,375,000 Newcastle Construction completed this gorgeous lake home designed by David Smelcer just in time for family lake time.

Owner’s suite, guest suite, expansive open kitchen-diningliving area and spacious covered porch all with fabulous lake views. Lake level offers two additional guest suites, rec room, kitchenette and lake prep room. Upper level provides another guest suite and bonus room. With 4,043 sq. ft. on three levels, there are views from most every room.

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

68 LAKE

Willow Glynn, The Abby $1,250,000 Willow Glynn, Cove Cottage $1,197,000 Just completed by RLH Construction. The Bring the family to see this Henderson & Coker Abby is a 3,219 sq. ft. plan designed by Chuck furnished model home in Willow Glynn. This Mitch Frusterio. Owner’s suite and guest suites on Ginn design is beautiful and move-in ready. It main level with spacious living-dining-kitchen includes owner’s suite, guest bedroom, bunkroom, and large covered porch. Lake level offers two and bonus loft room on main level. Expansive open bedrooms, two bathrooms, generous lake-prep kitchen-dining-living area with access to large covered room, family room, wet bar, second laundry, and porch. Lake level offers 2 guest suites, large family spacious covered patio for outdoor entertaining. room, covered patio and bar for plenty of lake fun.

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

MAY 2017

F E S T 2 017 Russell Crossroads May 26 - 28 FRIDAY, MAY 26 6:00 - Airside 8:15 - LAMONT

SATURDAY, MAY 27 6:00 - Bank Walkers 8:15 - Raquel

SUNDAY, MAY 28 6:00 - Jordy Searcy 8:15 - The Jonathan Bloom Band

Get the Russell Lands App!

#RLOLM

#RXRFest

#memorialday

MAY 2017

LAKE 69

Lake Q&A:

Kay Webb

70 LAKE

MAY 2017

Where did you move here from and how did that area compare to Lake Martin?

We moved here after living in Atlanta for 25 years, and these two areas are polar opposites. Lake Martin is so peaceful and relaxing with a smalltown, friendly feel. Atlanta has all the big city things to offer, along with the headaches, like horrible traffic.

Registrar for Mercer University. I have been so blessed to work with students bettering their lives and futures through education.

How long have you been married and how did you meet?

We have been married 35 years. I met my husband at a friend’s house. Although she had set me up with a blind date, I spent the whole time talking to my husband.

And now you have taken a part-time position at the Lake Martin Innovation Center. Tell us about that.

I was looking to get involved in the community and read an article in Lake Martin Living magazine about the Lake Martin Innovation Center. When I called, Ed Collari, the President and CEO of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce and Lake Martin Innovation Center, answered the phone, and the rest is history. I greet guests, answer phones, schedule conference rooms, help with technology set-up for meetings/events, as well as tour potential tenants or co-working members. It is the perfect part-time job.

What did you find of interest about the lake when you first heard of it?

The Russell cabins and how families leased the land and had these wonderful rustic homes fascinated me.

What are your hobbies or interests?

I love to be active and outdoors, so walking, hiking, swimming, gardening and boating are my favorite things. I also love to read and learn.

When did you make your first visit here, and what was your first impression of the lake?

My first visit was in 1981, and I remember being so impressed by the clean, deep blue water and the beauty of the landscape. It was much cleaner and less populated than other lakes I had visited.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

My mother always told me not to put off until tomorrow what you can to today. I tried to incorporate that into my professional work ethic, as well as into my home life. Whether it is getting a project started, cutting the grass or telling my family I love them – just do it!

Where do you live, and why did you choose that location?

If you could have dinner with any three people from any era, who would they be and why?

There are so many amazing figures in history and music, but honestly, I would love to have dinner with the three women who were wonderful role models in my life. I would give anything to have dinner with my mother, who we lost to Alzheimer’s at 71, as she was before the disease – so proud of her grandchildren and loving life and Lake Martin. And with my grandmother, who lived to be 101 and could quote scripture, tell the most amazing stories and cook the best, fried apple pies. Lastly, with my aunt, who is so strong and stubborn, but so smart and loving. I am grateful to have had them in my life.

How did you first hear about Lake Martin?

My husband asked me on our first date to Lake Martin.

We live near Goat Island close to the dam where my husband’s family has had a place for 30 years. We were fortunate to buy property three doors down.

What factors were important in your residence choice?

We wanted to move back to Alabama where we would be close to our families, so Lake Martin was the perfect choice, right in between Birmingham and Montgomery.

How long have you been here, and what places have you visited at the lake so far?

We moved here two years ago and have visited almost everywhere there is to go on the lake, with my favorite being Jim Scott’s amazing gardens.

How do you relax at the lake?

A late afternoon float in the lake is a regular event and sitting on the swinging bed with a good book.

What’s the most fun you’ve had at the lake so far?

The July 4th boat parade. People are so creative, and I love watching them hoot and holler for their favorite boat.

How have you been welcomed to the area?

From the minute we got here, everybody we have met has been so welcoming and friendly. From our wonderful neighbors who we adore, to the folks that work at the Piggly Wiggly – the Southern hospitality has been abundant!

You recently retired; what kind of work did you do?

I spent the last 35 years working in higher education.

I worked for Birmingham-Southern College, Troy State University, Georgia Tech, and for the last 15 years, I was the

Do you have children? If so, where do they live?

We have two daughters. One lives in Portland, Oregon, and the other lives in Atlanta. No grandchildren yet.

What valuable lesson have you learned from a child?

I learned from my children that it is OK to not be perfect. As a parent, you want to do everything right; you want to make all the right decisions; and thus, you want your kids to make all the right decisions. My two wonderful daughters taught me it’s all right to make mistakes, to be you no matter what others think and to love each other unconditionally.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received and from whom did it come?

When I retired from Mercer, I had an employee tell me I was the best boss she had ever had, and that meant a lot to me.

If you were to write a book, what would it be about?

It would be about a 20-year-old young woman who backpacked through all 50 states and about nature and the people she met along the way.

MAY 2017

LAKE 71

R

Days of Our Market

ecently, I read a pretty interesting article in The Wall the Alabama Center for Real Estate in 2016, using every home Street Journal (WSJ). The article was written by Leigh that sold, both waterfront and non-waterfront, the average Days Kamping-Carder and was on page M1 of the Friday, On Market was 177. That is quite a bit higher than the nationApril 14, 2017, edition. The headline was “For Sale… al average of 53 DOM in February.

For Years.” It was an interesting study of luxury homes in the Then I looked at waterfront homes only. I found that in the U.S. The key statistic examined was “Days On Market.” three months ended March 31, 2017, the average Days On Days On Market (DOM) is a figure that is closely tracked in Market for waterfront only homes was 187. I can’t say that I the real estate industry. It is measured from when a home is first was surprised. The 187 here at Lake Martin is a lot higher than listed by a real estate agent to the time when the the nation’s overall luxury market average of 100 sale is closed.

DOM. But, we do follow the nation’s trend in that I don’t know if there is a perfect number here, our luxury sales take longer than the average home but I do think that economists watch trends. If the sale.

DOM in a region or the nation is rising, that could What if I looked at the highest 10 percent of indicate a shift to a buyer’s market. Maybe the sales in the Lake Martin MLS? number of homes available for sale is rising or the When diving into these types of statistics, number of willing buyers is decreasing. especially in a small market like ours, it is easy to Practically speaking, DOM comes into the conend up comparing short-term results to long term versation when an agent is talking with a prospecones. It would not be entirely accurate to compare, LAKE PROPERTY tive seller. The seller might ask, “How long will it say, one summer month’s sales to an entire year

BY JOHN COLEY take to sell my house?” The agent might answer, or five-year trend. Since the WSJ article cited “The average days on market in our area is X,” in February, I wanted to be close to them with my an attempt to estimate. end date. On the same token, we can’t really compare monthly Since the WSJ is a national paper, its focus is usually macro- sales in our tiny market to national statistics. economic – the big picture, coast to coast. The published obserTherefore, I chose to look at an entire year but to end that vation was made in February, and the average DOM for all year on March 31, 2017. In the 12 months from April 1, 2016, homes in the nation was 53 days; however, it was even higher to March 31, 2017, 337 waterfront homes were sold. The top for homes considered to be in the luxury category.

10 percent would be about 33 homes. The top 33 homes sold For those homes, the average DOM was almost double at in that period ranged from $825,000 to two homes that sold for 100 days. Then the author took it a step further and looked $2 million. Those 33 homes had an average Days on Market at the most expensive 10 percent of homes. That portion was of 166. The lowest was a home that sold in zero days, and the 34 percent higher than luxury at 134 days. So the difference highest was one that took 532 days to sell. But the average was between the average home in the U.S. and the top 10 percent 166, or about 11 percent lower than overall waterfront’s 187. was almost triple the amount of DOM. Said another way, it This finding was very curious to me. Up until now, Lake takes almost three times the number of days to sell a top 10 per- Martin has followed the national trend. A home for sale in our cent home than it does an average one. “luxury market” (waterfront) takes longer to sell than the averNaturally, this piqued my interest about little ole Lake age. But we buck the trend when it comes to the top 10 percent Martin. Would we hold to national trends? of highest priced homes sold. The national trend of 34 percent I took a look at the Lake Martin Multiple Listing Service higher DOM than luxury did not hold with us.

(MLS) to derive some answers. Our MLS doesn’t have every I have a theory as to why. The top 10 percent group is pricsingle home sale in the lake area. For instance, a home sold ing homes more accurately. There might be more buyers in that “For Sale By Owner” wouldn’t be included, and occasionsegment proportionally, but that would be hard to measure. We ally developers choose not to publish every sale in the MLS. know we are in a seller’s market, so the overall market direcBut, it does have a very high percentage of waterfront sales – I tion can’t be to blame. The same agents are selling the top 10 would hazard a guess at 90 percent of them. I think it is an percent that are also selling the rest, so that is a constant. That is extremely reliable indicator of value. Besides, local MLSs are how I arrive at price. It is about all that is left to explain it. where newspapers like the WSJ get their information.

I am not surprised that Lake Martin’s Days On Market is I don’t often explore the non-waterfront section of our MLS, higher than the national average. We are always higher in that but this article made me curious. Which type of home has been category, no matter what type of market – a sizzling seller’s or selling more quickly lately? Waterfront or non-waterfront? And a drought-filled doldrum. We have limited supply and about how would that stack up to the national average?

80 percent second home ownership. As my fellow agent John When comparing to the national numbers quoted in the WSJ, Christenberry said, “We deal with buyers that don’t have to buy I decided to use more than one month here at Lake Martin. and sellers that don’t have to sell.”

We are in such a tiny market; monthly statistics can be heavily influenced by one or two outlying sales.

John Coley is a broker and owner of Lake Martin Voice My first step was to take a look at the average home sold in Realty. He is also the author of the blog Lake Martin Voice at our area. According to the numbers reported by our MLS to LakeMartinVoice.com.

72 LAKE

MAY 2017

MAY 2017

LAKE 73

1 DEALER IN NORTH AMERICA

#

Serving Alabama boaters since 1987, we were recently named Dealer of the Year by Boating Industry Magazine for sales and customer service. With the largest selection of the industry’s top-selling brands and award-winning customer service, no other dealer can upgrade your lake lifestyle like Singleton and Rambo Marine.

Best Boats | Best Service | Best Deals Singleton Marine Blue Creek Marina Dadeville, Alabama 256-825-8888

Singleton Marine Used Boat Supercenter Dadeville, Alabama 256-269-0088

Rambo Marine Birmingham Westover, Alabama 205-678-4321

Rambo Marine Huntsville Hazel Green, Alabama 256-828-3590

SingletonMarine.com 74 LAKE

Singleton Marine Parker Creek Marina Equality, Alabama 256-329-8550

RamboMarine.com MAY 2017

Surfing, Skating and Skimming

T

What's what on the water

his may seem simple to some, but I get mixed up because riders are not bound to the asked or see some confusion in the difboard on both. The tricks on the wakesurf ferences between wakeboarding, wakesboard are much like the ones on the skate: kating and wakesurfing. I think most know shuvits; 3-shuvs; backside bigspins; etc. The what wakeboarding is, but when folks mention wakesurfer rides right behind the boat at slow wakeskating or wakesurfing there are more speeds – about 10-11 mph. people confused with them, so I figured a little There are two styles of wakesurfing: surf sport definition might be in order. style and skim style, which are from their BEHIND THE BOAT Wakeboarding is the easy one: Bindings are respective origins.

BY SAWYER DAVIS mounted on a composite or wood core board, The surf style is a reshaped surfboard. It’s and the rider varies in rope length from 55-75 shorter and has different shaped rails that are feet and in speed from the upper teens to mid 20s, depending much less rounded than an ocean surfer. This board has similar on the rider. fin set-ups from ocean to wake on the surf style. They are big, That said, a beginner would typically be at the shortest line deep fins and sometimes have five locations, which allows an length and the slowest speed. A beginner will work on cutting enormous range of options for setting up the board. into the wake for one-wake jumps until comfortable enough I will say, too, that we are seeing the surf style riders get to edge out far enough to pull in and jump one wake, riding more and more of the tricks that were only done on a skim style down the other side, which is known as “going wake-to-wake incorporated into their runs. It’s pretty amazing to see a surf or w2w.” style rider hit a back big or a 3-shuv.

Once a rider progresses and is able to consistently clear his/ The skim style is a modified version of an ocean skimboard. her w2w jump, things usually speed up a little, and the rope The more fins; the tighter the ride; it’s locked in the straight is lengthened 5 feet. This will give the rider more speed and a line, and the single fin would be the loosest. The skim style greater distance to clear in the width of the wake. Progress con- surfboard will typically be shorter and wider, especially in the tinues on this pattern until the rider is comfortable at a 70-foot nose and have more rocker (that means the nose is curved up line. The speed is usually a little more rider choice at that point, more). Skim style boards typically have a single fin, which is some guys/girls pick up a 1/10 of a mile an hour here or there the opposite of a surf style, and it’s long and shallow in comas a personal preference. parison. There are some skim styles that have three fins for an Also, the rider might lengthen the rope more and may want extremely tight ride, but they still are not near that of the surf more speed. If the boat can produce a clean lip and is weighted style on its loosest setup. correctly, the longer rope and more speed equal boosting bigThere are some boards that are designed with sort of a ger, more air and time to do tricks. hybrid of both, which might be a good option for an everyoneKeith Lyman and Randall Harris always come to mind when in-the-boat board, but realistically, a board should be sized for I think about the high-speed rider at long line, like 100 feet of the rider. A small kid will have a rope at 27 mph. Those guys go big, and I’ve talked to some miserable time on a board that’s friends that have driven them; apparently it’s something to see. too large, and the same goes for Wakeskating, I think, is where people get a little confused, the big rider on one that’s too as this sport kind of came and went. There’s still a pro tour, but small. It’s no fun, it is really unfortunate the lack of support the sport has, though and a rider it’s probably my favorite to watch. can’t throw It’s a difficult sport because just like on a skateboard, the the rope rider is not bound to it, like on a wakeboard. The falls on a and surf, skate are both plentiful and painful in the learning process. so getting The grip tape doesn’t befriend skin, but instead removes it the right quite quickly. And hitting the board after separating from it on equipment impact to the water – well, it hurts. Maybe that’s one reason the is pretty sport lost some of its popularity. important.

The boat will still go similar speed and rope lengths in progression of rider, as with wakeboarding. Going wake-to-wake Sawyer on a skate is a bit different than doing it on a wakeboard. A Davis is a rider does wear skate shoes, and the board has grip tape, just wakesurfer like on a skateboard. A rider doesn’t have to wear shoes, and for Victoria I must admit it’s fun to play around barefoot on one, but to go Skimboards and w2w or do most of the tricks, it’s very beneficial to use shoes. grew up on Lake Wakesurfing and wakeskating, I think, get people a little Martin.

MAY 2017

LAKE 75

O

Embrace Whole Food

ne of the hottest and most talked about to avoid the “ultra-processed” foods. nutrition trends right now is “Clean There are several problems with “ultraEating.” The idea of clean eating focusprocessed” foods. Foods that contain geneties on the origin of food and the path it takes to cally modified organisms have been linked to eventually make it to the plate. Clean eating is infertility and cancer; highly processed foods about embracing food in its whole food state have been stripped of their healthy nutrients, or as close as possible to how it is found in and research has shown that highly processed nature, but it can be interpreted in many differfood has additives that stimulate the production ent ways. of dopamine (the pleasure neurotransmitter), Some clean-eating advocates believe only which may lead to an excess of junk food cravwhole foods count as clean eating, though othings and weight gain. ers say that minimally processed foods can be Packaging can be very deceptive at times.

HEALTHY LIVING Some highly processed food can advertise in acceptable. Some clean eaters include food

BY JULIE HUDSON that is organically grown with no pesticides, ways to make them sound so healthy (low sodino hormones or genetically modified organum, low fat). It is important to be an informed isms (GMO). Local and in season produce may also be a consumer when reading claims on packages. big proponent of the clean-eating lifestyle. Clean eating First, it is necessary to recognize that it can be very chalincludes eating foods from all food groups; however, fruit lenging to eat everything raw and fresh from the ground; and vegetables is the foundation. however, work toward choosing foods that have been miniClean eating is not a diet; rather, it is a lifestyle. The idea mally processed. Unprocessed foods include fresh fruit and of eating clean dates back to the 1960s during the evolution vegetables, dried legumes, nuts and seeds and farm fresh of the natural health food movement. It eventually made an eggs. Minimally processed foods include unrefined grains, impact in the fitness world throughout the 1990s and has such as whole wheat bread and pasta, popcorn, steel cut now hit all-time popularity levels within the last year. oatmeal, quinoa and brown rice; frozen fruit and vegetables, The clean-eating concept has been improved and expand- unprocessed meats (choose wild over pastured and pastured ed over the years to reflect these seven core principles: over grain fed), hormone-free dairy and oils.

Choose whole, natural foods and seek to eliminate proSecond, shop the outside walls of the grocery store. cessed foods; choose unrefined over refined foods; include Choose food that has the lowest number of ingredients, if some protein, carbohydrate and fat in every meal; watch out any, on the label. Look at the nutrition label on packaged for fat, salt and sugar; eat five to six small meals throughout foods. Where did this food come from? What kinds of the day; don’t drink your calories; and get moving. ingredients have been added to the food? The ingredient list There are several characteristics that indicate a food has should be short and recognizable. Look for artificial colorbeen processed. Processing can include washing, cutting ings and flavorings that have been added to the food. and peeling, freezing, drying, pasteurizing and even ferFinally, cooking does alter food; however, it is not always menting. Processing includes anything that has been added a bad thing. Nutrients can be lost in cooking; however, there to a food (sugar, salt or fat) to enhance flavor or preservaare situations in which cooking will increase nutrients. It is tives that keep food from spoiling or vitamins to enrich the best to cook in a way that preserves the nutrients and origin food. Processing includes changing a food from its natural of the food that you are eating, such as steaming, quick stirstate. Making applesauce out of apples or removing the frying, baking or grilling. Avoid frying or stewing food in a bran and germ out of whole grains to make refined bread large amount of fat. are examples of processed foods.

Clean eating goes hand-in-hand with the current nutrition Cooking food is a form of processing. Taking raw brocrecommendations of the new Dietary Guidelines. Choosing coli and cooking it. Altering a food to make it taste better is a healthier lifestyle that emphasizes fruit and vegetables, a form of processing. Taking raw kale and blending it into a whole grains, nuts and seeds and lean meats, and reducsmoothie with apples and cucumber. Food that is modified ing added sugars, fat and sodium, helps the body to fight in a lab is also considered to be processed. chronic disease. Feel better and have more energy to carry Just because a food is processed doesn’t always mean it’s out daily activities with clean eating. a bad thing. A lot of times, processing is a necessary step The focus on local farm-to-table is popular, as the food in food preparation. Sometimes, processing removes toxins industry is working hard to inspire and rejuvenate the newand bacteria to allow a certain food to be eaten. est generation of healthy eaters.

Take the examples of pasteurized milk, instant oatmeal or a smoothie containing raw kale, all of which are much betJulie Hudson is a dietician at the Lake Martin Wellness ter choices than eating donuts or hot dogs. The key point is Center in Dadeville.

76 LAKE

MAY 2017

MAY 2017

LAKE 77

242X E-Series

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

FX Cruiser SHO®

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

78 LAKE

www.WedoweeMarine.com MAY 2017 256.357.2045 or 800.780.2045

N

Where have all the fishes gone?

o, I am not nearly pristine. These attempting to are the treasure troves of try my hand as a our state’s rich aquatic songwriter (fortunately). biodiversity, and they are You may recall my chock-full of a beautilast article showcasing ful array of fishes, sevAlabama’s world-class eral found exclusively in assemblage of fishes, Alabama.

332 freshwater species – Some, like the rainnumber one among all 50 bow darter, the stippled states. If you live on the studfish, the slackwater lake, you may wonder: darter and the vermillion LAKE WATCH Where are all the fishes? darter, rival the tropiBY ERIC REUTEBUCH All we see are bass, cal fishes; while others bream, some minnows, exhibit amazing shape, catfish and an occasional carp. coloration and size adaptations to The first thing to note is that the fit in the myriad of stream habitats lake does not represent the natumentioned earlier, such as the freckral environment of our Tallapoosa lebelly madtom, the Atlantic needlefishes. When the Tallapoosa River fish, the pygmy sculpin and Alabama was dammed back in the 1920s, the cavefish. aquatic environment shifted from Several of these are some of the that of a flowing river to a lake envi- rarest fish on the planet. The verronment. million darter, the pygmy sculpin The lake, by its nature, is far less and the Alabama cavefish are all in diverse in types of aquatic habitat grave danger of extinction, while the for both aquatic invertebrates (many slackwater darter is threatened and fish’s food) and for fish. The river the frecklebelly madtom is at risk. has a myriad of bottom types and It would be a tragedy to lose them textures – silt, sand, gravel, cobble forever. bolder, with a myriad of types of Some of these species, such as flow over and around these bottom the largemouth bass, striped bass types – still, meandering, rapids, and crappie, draw fishermen from eddies. Due to its impounded waters, all over the nation to come fish in the lake is pretty vanilla in its habitat Alabama waters, which equals big offerings – stagnant waters, and for bucks. the most part, deep waters, except Some are such precious aquatic for around the shoreline, with a very gems in the state’s premiere aquatic limited variety of habitats. Thus, fish biodiversity that, more and more, are diversity is much, much less in the drawing eco-tourists into the state, lake than it is in the river. which equals big bucks.

But, fear not, the colorful array of Stream species act as 24/7 aquatic fishes has not totally disappeared. health monitors of our streams.

We just need to look a little harder When they disappear, the stream is in the free-flowing sections of the in trouble and of greatly diminished river and especially in the numervalue relative to its water quality and ous streams that feed into the river natural history. and into the lake. These include And they are just such darn beaustreams like Timbergut, Chattasafka, tiful (except for maybe the mud cat) Emuckfaw and Birdsong; streams creatures of God that deserve our that, for much of their length, are protection.

MAY 2017

To read about the fishes of Alabama, both game fish and nongame fish, check out the information and fine collection of pictures at www.outdooralabama.com/freshwater-fishing. To learn more about why our state is so blessed with aquatic life, check out Southern Wonder – Alabama’s Surprising Biodiversity

by R. Scot Duncan. And while you’re at it, consider joining the good folks of Lake Watch of Lake Martin, who make it their mission to protect our Treasured Lake and the streams within its watershed – check us out at www.lakewatch.org.

Eric Reutebuch is President of Lake Watch Lake Martin. Contact him at info@lakewatch.org.

LAKE 79

Topwater Lures One of the Biggest Thrills in Catching Fish

T BIG CATCHES

BY GREG VINSON

here are few more exciting ways to catch fish than with a topwater lure.

Anticipating a strike while watching the bait work along the water’s surface is exciting in itself. Then the water boils, or maybe an explosion occurs. The once-calm water surface becomes more like the inside of a clothes washer. You set the hook ... instinctively.

Oftentimes, this is a mistake because you are reacting to the sound and sight of the fish attacking your bait rather than feeling the bite as you would with a sub-surface lure.

A slight delay on the hookset with any topwater will usually result in a higher hook-up ratio. Maybe the excitement of the topwater

strike is the result of multiple senses kicking in (sight, sound, feel) as opposed to just feeling a fish tugging at the other end. Whatever the case, it’s a rush, and regardless of how many times you’ve had the experience, it’s still thrilling.

Topwater lures come in all shapes and sizes.

Each one with a different purpose and appeal.

Most are geared to make some type of noise on the surface, but the profile and action of the different types is equally important. Some are designed just to annoy the fish until they explode on the bait. Others mimic prey; and still others mimic feeding activity. Here are just a few examples:

Prop Baits Prop baits are some of the original topwater baits. They usually incorporate a “prop” on the nose of the bait or the tail of the bait. More often, they will have a prop on each end. With each pull of the rod tip, the props churn water and throw small wakes across the surface. Prop baits displace a lot of water with each pull but also allow the angler the luxury of keeping the bait in the strike zone for a decent amount of time.

The Nip-a-Did-ee and Devil’s Horse are two very good examples of prop baits that have stood the test of time.

The Crazy Shad and Tiny Torpedo are two personal favorites. They are more finesse type prop baits that still work extremely well.

80 LAKE

Walkers Walking type topwaters take a little more experience to get the side-to-side action that give them their name. Walkers look a lot like cigars, but they are very buoyant. When twitched slightly on a slack line, a walker takes off to one side or the other. Just as the bait loses momentum, another quick twitch will send it darting in the opposite direction.

The side-to-side action mimics the sounds and splashes of a school of fish feeding on the surface. Walkers are great for areas where fish school often. Even if the fish are suspended down deep, the action of the walker can “call them up.” These are often some of the most violent topwater strikes because the fish have built up a head of steam until they crash into the bait at the water’s surface. Some of the most famous walkers are the Zara Spook and the Sammy.

MAY 2017

Soft Plastics

Buzzers The buzzbait is, without question, the most effective topwater for covering water. Since the topwater bite is often associated with early morning feeding frenzies, the buzzbait allows the angler to make the maximum number of casts.

Casting the bait beyond likely targets and retrieving it quickly may yield a violent “flush” that is common with big bass, or a fish may simply stop the bait in its tracks. The Lunker Lure is one of the best buzzbaits I’ve used, especially for big fish. The buzzbait should not just be associated with the early morning bite because it can yield some of the biggest bites during the middle of the day as well.

Whopper Plopper A new topwater that’s recently stormed the market is the Whopper Plopper. It was originally designed by Larry Dahlberg for big exotic predatory species, like Peacock Bass. Smaller versions of the bait were introduced for the black bass anglers, and these smaller versions have quickly taken the tournament scene by storm.

The front two thirds of the bait looks a lot like a walker, but a unique revolving tail gives the bait an extra kick. The end result is much like a hybrid between a super-sized prop bait and a buzzer.

Soft plastics also make very effective topwaters. Toads have flapping legs that mimic the buzz of the buzzbait, but the sound is much more subtle. Strikes can be just as violent as those on buzzbaits or spooks. Unlike the hard baits that have trebles or exposed hooks, the toads are usually tex-posed, meaning the hook point is hidden so the bait is completely weedless.

It’s very effective when you wish you could throw a buzzbait but maybe the vegetation or cover is just too dense for anything other than a soft plastic bait.

The Horny Toad and the Ribit Frog are two of the most recognizable types of toads on the market. The Horny Toad has more of a flapping sound, while the Ribit makes more of a gurgling sound because of the paddle type feet.

Hollow frogs have proven to be very good in and around cover in addition to their original purpose as topwater baits for dense matted vegetation. Hollow frogs can be cast into almost anything and the realistic bodies fool even the wariest of fish.

It’s important to use braided line with Toads and Hollow Body Frogs (sometimes referred to as rats) whenever possible to maximize hook-ups. Each of these baits requires a reasonable pause before the hookset. Couple that with dense cover, and the fish will often have your line stretched through some gnarly stuff as you attempt to drive the hook home. Then you have to work the fish up and out of the cover.

The low stretch property of braid means you’ll get a much more solid hookset, and the small diameter allows you to use a much stronger line. The most common braided line for Toads and Hollow Frogs or Rats is 50-to-65-pound.

These are just a few examples of the types of topwaters on the market today. They are, without question, some of the most exciting methods for catching bass. Even better, they appeal to better quality bass.

MAY 2017

LAKE 81

Coconut Chess Cake

Ingredients

Cake

1/2 cup softened butter 1/2 cup sweetened cream of coconut 3/4 cup sugar 2 eggs 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract 1-3/4 cup all purpose flour 1/4 tablespoon baking soda 1/4 tablespoon salt 1/2 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 cup buttermilk Top 2 pounds powdered sugar 1 pound cream cheese 6 eggs

CHEF’S TABLE BY ROB MCDANIEL

82 LAKE

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cake: Using a kitchen mixer, cream together first three ingredients until light in color and smooth. Add vanilla and eggs and mix on medium speed until fully incorporated.

Scrape sides of bowl and add next four ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated. Scrape sides of bowl once more and slowly add buttermilk. Mix for five minutes on medium speed. Pour mixture into a lightly greased pan.

Top: Cream powdered sugar and cream cheese until light in color and mixture is smooth with no clumps. Slowly add eggs one at a time, mixing after each egg until fully incorporated and mixture is uniform throughout. Scrape bowl after each addition until all eggs are added. Pour on top of the cake layer.

Place cake in preheated oven and bake 40-45 minutes, checking halfway through and rotating pan. Cake is done when it slightly resembles cheesecake.

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

MAY 2017

MAY 2017

LAKE 83

T

he moment we’ve been waiting for – the many with a much lower alcohol content, are economically moments and hours and hours of summertime fun priced ($6.99) and have names that are recognizable and – is pretty much here. It may not yet be as hot as easy to pronounce. it is going to be, but it’s hot enough, and those of us who True rosés may also appear pinkish, but the depth of live here year round are ready for summer. Break out the color is often more of a tint and may range from light bikinis, flip flops and white wine, and let’s get it going. orange to bronze or copper-colored. Alcohol content Why white? Because white wines are lighter than will be in the mid-range around 12 percent and, though most reds with noticeably higher acidity, which makes they may have a hint of sweetness, are typically very dry them crisp and refreshing. The flavors tend to be more compared to a blush wine. Don’t let that dryness keep floral and tropical than red wine, and the alcohol levels you away from rosés; most everything we drink is conof many whites are somewhat lower without sacrificing sidered in wineland to be dry. flavor or zip. Zip is to white wine what wow is to reds, So, our first new wine for the season is a rosé that sort of. also happens to be new to the Lake Martin market. It is a White wines pair well with many of the foods we pretty little light copper or peach colored wine from the enjoy when it is really hot outside. With Bardolino region of northeastern Italy. The lighter foods, we might prefer a light white, primary grape for these wines is Corvina, saving robust whites with more body for which is often blended with Rondinella and hardier foods and choices from the grill.

Molinara grapes, a blend that is also the You can have white wine with a steak or standard for the great Italian Valpolicella red burger if you want. If that’s a new experiwines. The flavors are typically tart with a ence, you may be surprised by the results. hint of cherry and a bit of almond – all very Here comes the hard part. There are so slight and subtle. It is 12 percent alcohol many really good white wines – beyond and should be served slightly chilled. Shelf Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio – that we may price for Le Morette Bardolino Chiaretto not have enough summer to try them all.

(Italian for rosé) is about $19.

But we’re going to try, and we’ll even throw A long-time favorite alternative to in a few Chards and Pinots. And some Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio comes from reds, too. Some of us have to have a certain the Rias Baixas region of Spain. The FROM THE CELLAR Glacian name for the grape is Albarino, amount of red wine to stay sane.

BY HENRY FOY Feel free to add to this list of wines. For but just over the border in Portugal, it is now, it is just a list and may be overwhelmknown as Alvarinho. The wines are similar ing. Over the next few months, we’ll take a few at a to Viognier and Gewürztraminer with clean botanical time and do the look, sniff and taste thing. Rather than aromas and flavors of apricot and peach. Licia is one of hurriedly running through a series of wine shots, we’ll many brands that are available that are typically acidic start with a standard pour of five ounces to experience with a dry finish. Licia ($17) is crisp, well balanced and that wine over a period of time. Crackers and cheese will paired nicely with the Manchego. Of course: Spanish be enough to complement the wine. We use a Spanish wine with Spanish cheese. Great for summer sipping at Manchego and/or Danish Aged Gouda. The process for 12.5 percent alcohol. this is sit, relax, enjoy.

This next wine is definitely new to the market and The list of whites starts with Pinot Gris. It is same different. Greco is an Italian white-wine grape grown grape as Pinto Grigio but from a cooler growing primarily in the Campania and Calabria regions and region, resulting in a different style of wine. More thought to have originated in Greece. With careful cultion that later. Other important white varieties in the vation, Greco is capable of producing rich, fruity wines order in which I think of them are: Gruner Veltliner, with hints of smoke and nuts. It is also often compared Gewürztraminer, Picpoul de Pinet, Muscadet, Sancerre, to Viognier. The Vicus Sannio Greco is a blend of up Vinho Verde, Albarino, Alvarinho, Sauvignon Blanc, to 50 percent Greco with Trebbiano, another favorite Riesling, Assyrtiko, Marsanne, Torrontes, Pinot Blanc, alternative, Falanghina, Fiano and Moscato allowed in Chenin Blanc and a few blends. We could add Blanc de the balance. The color is quite yellow with pleasant citBlanc Champagne, or any sparkling wine for that matter. rus notes of lemon and orange, though right out of the What else? That’s about 16 or so wines that are not fridge, it is too cold, as most of our whites are ($17).

Chardonnay. But first, one more thing: We can’t jump Stock up and let summer begin! from bold reds to crisp whites without a nod to the rosés.

Rosé (roh ZAY) is French for “pink” or “rose-colHenry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine and ored” and usually identifies that group of wines that are Spirits with the area’s only walk-in humidor, Café 128 and somewhat pink. It bears repeating: Not all pink wines are Gallery 128 in downtown Alexander City at 128 Calhoun rosés. What may be rose-colored or pink may be white St. He can be reached at 256.212.WINE, on Instagram, zinfandel or some other blush wine and will usually be Facebook and at emporium128@bellsouth.net. identified as such on the label. These are typically sweet

84 LAKE

MAY 2017

Summer Sippin’

MAY 2017

LAKE 85

86 LAKE

MAY 2017

In Memory of Billy Hardy Last month, Alexander City lost a great man and golfer. The man I’m referring to is Billy Hardy. I can remember when I was a kid watching him swing and admiring how he had such a smooth motion.

His tempo never changed from shot to shot. I can also remember the day he came over to me on the range and taught me how to hold the club correctly. He informed me that I could either overlap or interlock. I chose overlap, and I still use that grip to this day.

Mr. Hardy was always trying to improve and, in the process, became very knowledgeable about

how to build clubs and how certain things affect the trajectory and shot shape of the ball. These are things worth learning if you want to reach your peak as a player.

His game had many strengths, but the thing I remember most and what I believe was his greatest strength as a player, was how positive he was about everything. He never let bad shots affect him on the next shot and was always optimistic about what George William "Billy" Hardy may lie ahead.

A solid PRO TIPS

BY Lee Williams attitude on the golf course is as important as the preparation itself. If you aren’t able to get out of your own way, you will never know what your true potential may be. Bob Rotella once told me that I needed to care less. He did not say try less but care less. I needed to improve at shaking off bad breaks and bad shots by caring less about what happened. I recognized this mindset, as I had seen it for years at my home club. Mr. Hardy had many great qualities as a person and a golfer. I am blessed to have spent many days around him, and I believe my golf game was better for it.

Lee Williams, a professional golfer on the PGA Tour, grew up playing at Willow Point Country Club. As an amateur, Williams was a member of the 2003 and 2005 Walker Cup teams, as well as the 2004 World Amateur Team.

He is sponsored by Russell Lands, King Honda, Nowlin and Associates, P.F. Chang's, Tempus Jet, Hyatt Adams Golf, Russell Athletic, Titleist, Ameritas Financial Corp. and Southwest Airlines.

MAY 2017

LAKE 87

Legend

63

24

22

280

To Sylacauga

23

Public Boat Ramps

19

9 Churches

Alexander City

8

Camps & Parks

Camp ASCCA

Flint Hill Church

16

Power lines U.S. Highways

3

280

22

County Roads

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek State Park

Pleasant Grove Church

11

COOSA COUNTY

Alex City Boat Ramp

Mt. Zion Church

259 9

128

Russell Farms Baptist Church 63

13 20

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church New Hope Church

Liberty Church

7 17

Willow Point

24

6

9

Equality

63

10

Kowaliga Boat Landing

55

4

Seman

Trillium

22 The Ridge

2

The Amp Ko

wa

18

lig

aB

ay

80

9

Central

90

Union

ELMORE COUNTY Union Church

Red Hill 63

229

Eclectic

Tallassee

20 12

88 LAKE

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor

25

34

Camp Alamisco

1 11

Church in The Pines Camp Kiwanis

Paces Point Boat Ramp

Kent

MAY 2017

Timbergut Landing

Lake Martin Alabama

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Marinas 11. Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

22. The Ridge Marina

256-397-1300

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 33. River North Marina

256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

49

42. Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

Jacksons Gap

53. Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888

7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

280

62. Parker Creek Marina

256-329-8550

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

21

Dadeville

57

280

Camp Hill

Smith Landing Pleasant Ridge Church

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

2190 Cherokee Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Restaurants 96. SpringHouse

256-215-7080

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

256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

14 15

11 Kowaliga Restaurant

256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Lake Martin Baptist Church 49 Church of the Living Waters

73. Smith Marina

256-444-8793

12 Bezlo's Cafe

334-639-0003

65 Main Street., Eclectic, AL 36024

Stillwaters

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

334.857.3900

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

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

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

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 224. The Stables at Russell Crossroads

256-794-1333

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

256-234-5026

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

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

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

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

5

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

Walnut Hill 50 50

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

49

Reeltown

MAY 2017

LAKE 89

Lake Magazine Distribution ALEXANDER CITY

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

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

CHELSEA Winn-Dixie The Ditsy Daisy Boutique

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

CHILDERSBURG Winn-Dixie DADEVILLE

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

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

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

H

OLMAN

“WE’RE

F

LOOR

C

OMPANY

THE PROFESSIONALS”

Hardwood Floors Ceramic Tile Carpet & Vinyl

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700

Visit our showroom for samples and a free estimate!

haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

1945 Hwy 280 • Alexander City

90 LAKE

Locally Owned for Over 45 Years

256-234-6071

MAY 2017

Five Star Plantation MOUNTAIN BROOK Whole Foods Market

RED HILL Citgo

ECLECTIC

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

KELLYTON

SYLACAUGA Good Ole Boys BBQ

TALLASSEE Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce The Tallassee Tribune

WALNUT HILL Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA

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

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory

WANT LAKE MARTIN???

Call on

Amy Clark Broker/Realtor/GRI/ ABR/RSPS

256-749-3333 www.SellingLakeMartin.com

HOMES FOR SALE

™

COACH KRAFT

Professional!

Trey Callegan

UPHOLSTERY

Area Manager Call TODAY for quick Pre-approval!

Complete Marine Upholstery!

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

A Division of Goldwater Bank, N.A.

248 Inverness Ctr Dr, Birmingham AL

Patrick Mason 334-283-6759

205-995-7283

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

Handrails • Guardrails Welded Fence • Custom Art Stairs • Gates Stainless Steel Cable Railing I-Beams • Steel Posts • Stairs On-Site Welding/Cutting Powder Coat • Sand Blasting

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

Roofing Services By

residential. commercial. interior. exterior.

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

columbus-auburn.certapro.com 334-332-3435 334-391-0759

Performance!

Call me for your FREE home sellers kit.

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

LAKE

■

Full Service Free Damage Inspection Licensed & Insured

1550OpelikaRoadSuite6Box294,Auburn,AL36830

Paige Patterson

205-616-8046

www.paigepatterson.com

Relax. Enjoy. Lake Martin.

Call to order your subscription 256-234-4281

MAGAZINE

MAY 2017

LAKE 91

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

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

Paige Patterson, Lake Martin Voice Realty......91

Advanced Heating & Air...................................... 73

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

Prime Management............................................... 44

Alex City Guide Service...................................... 73

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

RE/MAX Around the Lake.................................. 73

Alex City Marine................................................... 66

George Hardy D.M.D........................................... 51

Renaissance Electronics....................................... 51

Amanda Scroggins, RE/MAX Around the Lake.........65

Harbor Pointe Marina.......................................... 83

Russell Lands.......................................................... 21

Amy Clark, Selling Lake Martin ...................................91

Hilltop Landscaping............................................... 16

Russell Marine........................................................ 55

Apex Roofing....................................................................91

Hinson Galleries...................................................... 6

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

Artic Heating & Air.........................................................50

Holley’s Home Furnishings................................. 96

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

Big B Bar B Que...............................................................77

Holman Floor......................................................... 90

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

Black Jack Gardens..........................................................42

Home Place Mortgage........................................... 8

Singleton Marine/Rambo Marine....................... 74

Blue Creek Iron Works....................................... 91

Jackson Thornton.................................................. 92

Sparkle Window Cleaning................................... 13

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation....................... 73

Josey, Young & Brady Realty................................ 51

SportzBlitz.............................................................. 86

C&T Eclectric........................................................ 73

Kowaliga Whole Health....................................... 90

State Farm Insurance/ Harold Cochran..........90

Cahaba Glass............................................................ 6

Lake Martin Community Hospital..................... 25

State Farm Insurance/ Karen Channell..........91

CertaPro Painters................................................. 91

Lake Martin Dock................................................. 15

Tallassee Community Hospital........................... 27

Chuck's Marina...................................................... 40

Lake Martin Mini Mall.......................................... 65

Temple Medical Center....................................... 51

Cloud Nine............................................................. 16

Lakeside Marina..................................................... 77

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

Coach Kraft Upholstery...................................... 91

Magic City Wine Fest........................................... 93

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

Crew Lending......................................................... 91

Mark King's Furniture......................................3, 20

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

Custom Docks....................................................... 42

Montgomery/Yamaha........................................... 17

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

Damon Story, Cedar Point................................. 67

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

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

DAVCO Development......................................... 91

Noel Boone............................................................ 91

Wind Creek Casino & Hotel............................. 95

DB Lawn Care....................................................... 51

Odd Jobs................................................................. 45

WSC Distinctive Builders, LLC......................... 52

92 LAKE

MAY 2017

MAY 2017

LAKE 93

Parting Shot Photo by Kenneth Boone

“Anyone can hide. Facing up to things, working through them, that's what makes you strong.” ~ Sarah Dressen

94 LAKE

MAY 2017

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

For more information please contact: sales@WindCreekMontgomery.com or call direct at (334) 567-1283.

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

MAY 2017

© 2017 Wind Creek Hospitality

LAKE 95

HURRY 30-50% off! Quantities are limited! When they’re gone, they’re gone!

MODEL

MODEL

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

SAVE

SAV E

CLOSEOUT CLOSEOUT HUNDREDS

HUNDREDS O N O P T I M U M M AT T R E S S E S ™

*

O N S E L E C T S E A LY A N D S E A LY P O S T U R E P E D I C M AT T R E S S E S* ®

®

F E AT U R I N G OptiCOOL®

OptiC O O L

®

GEL MEMORY FOAM

*Offer valid while supplies last.

Not valid on previous purchases.

See store for details. Copyright 2017 Sealy, Inc. All rights reserved.

96 LAKE

256.234.4141 Alexander City

*Offer valid while supplies last. Not valid on previous purchases. See store for details. Copyright 2017 Sealy, Inc. All rights reserved.

MAY 2017

334.279.3101 Montgomery