Lake Martin Living July 2016

Fun is On at Sun Festival - Fourth of July in Pictures Game Check Now Mandatory

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From the Editor’s Desk

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don’t know if anyone else has noticed, but it’s pretty hot outside. It’s so hot the cows are giving evaporated milk, as my grandma would say. The July sun can make it hard to get out and moving, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do what moves you.

Our region has opportunities to explore every interest and hobby, from outdoor adventures to artistic pursuits.

The sun is such a presence in this month that Alexander City named a whole celebration after it. Now going into its fourth year, Sun Festival (introduced on page 24) is gearing up for eight days of fun for the whole family. Check the schedule of events for the week of July 23. You’ll find music, dancing, games, treasure hunts, pageants, parades and fireworks, just to name a few. Sun Festival has it all.

With dozens of activities spread out over the week, there will be plenty of chances to get out and about and still get to rest in the shade.

If you’re brave enough to spend all day outdoors, a splash in a scenic river could be a welcome reward. Since the opening of the Harold Banks Canoe Trail, river tourism has perked up for folks looking for an escape in the great outdoors. Our cover story highlights the services available to help this new wave of river goers. Chuck Browne turned his lifelong love of kayaking into a river tour, rental and ferrying business that creates adventures for all skill levels, from gentle family canoe trips to pulse-pounding rapids.

Of course, there is such a thing as too much fun. Ken Cowart of the Alexander City Rescue Squad offered his advice on what to do if you find yourself up the proverbial creek. Read all the details on page 30.

Hunting and fishing are ever-popular outdoor activities in Alabama. On page 44, Fletcher Scott outlines new Game Check regulations that will affect the upcoming hunting season and help to provide the state with more information to ensure many plentiful hunting seasons to come.

If indoor hobbies are your pursuit of choice, there is plenty to occupy your time, as well. The Lake Martin Living Art and Photography Contest returns for its 12th year, so artists of all stripes should start preparing their best representations of life in the waters and woodlands of our beautiful area. See last year’s winners and learn how to submit your own works on page 40.

No matter your passion, July in our area has something to make you hot under the collar. Just make sure that feeling is really passion and not heat stroke.

All the best,

Mia Osborn, Assistant Editor

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Lake Martin Living Editor & Publisher Kenneth Boone Managing Editor Betsy Iler Assistant Magazine Editor Mia Osborn Contributors Dave Jennings Luke Robinson Fletcher Scott Susan Foy Fred Muenzmay Cliff Williams Mitch Sneed David Granger Cathy Higgins Teresa Grier Magazine Distribution Manager David Kendrick Creative Services Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Emily Gregg Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemartinmagazine.com Reader Advisory Board W.L. “Buddy” King Fred Dobbs Ann Goree Donna Burkett Reggie Dean Feel free to contact members of our Reader Advisory Board.

Lake Martin Living is published monthly by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Please address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 256-2344281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

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IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 10. BUSINESS MATTERS Kona Ice 14. HAPPY GARDEN 16. FROM THE TEE 18. OUTDOOR LIFE 46. MEDICAL NEWS 49. MONEY MATTERS 50. OH SNAP! 56. LAKE REGION EVENTS 66. THE LAST WORD

FEATURES 22. RODEO TO ROUND UP SUPPORT L ocal Boys and Girls Club celebrates 25th anniversary with rootin' tootin' fundraiser 26. SUN FESTIVAL W hat's new at this year's annual celebration of summer in Alexander City 32. ARTISTS, GET READY I t's time again for the annual Lake Martin Living Art & Photography Contest 34. ADVENTURES ON THE RIVER C anoe and kayak rentals, ferrying and rescue services attract paddlers to new trail

32 “Regatta Time” by Langley Tolbert is just one of the many beautiful entries submitted to our Art and Photography contest in the last 12 years.

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40. JULY FOURTH PHOTO ROUNDUP A look back at an explosive good time 44. GAME CHECK W hat hunters need to know about new Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries rule

ON THE COVER

Kayakers on a river tour hosted by Chuck Browne’s Off the Beaten Path Alabama lift their paddles in salute to the new adventures available on the Harold Banks Canoe Trail, which is rated among the top five paddling routes in the state.

Photo by Kenneth Boone.

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AROUND THE AREA

Bobcats and Bears sighted

Not Here Kitty

Cindy Amason saw this bobcat prowling around her Maplewood home on two separate occasions this spring; other residents also saw the cat.

June saw some startling wildlife sightings in Tallapoosa County, as residents saw a bobcat outside their home and several reports of a black bear tracked the animal across the area. Conservation officers said the presence of the wildlife is normal and instructed residents to keep a safe distance.

Cindy Amason saw a bobcat so close she caught a picture as the cat prowled around her house and even spied inside through windows. The bobcat was about 18 inches high and weighed approximately 25 pounds.

The 6-foot tall, 300-pound black bear traveled east across the county from Carlton Road to Midway Circle.

Conservation officers said the animal most likely was migrating through the area, as later sightings were reported near Auburn. ~ Mitch Sneed and Cliff Williams

Bearing East Across the County

Randy Stroup watched this bear swim across the Tallapoosa River south of the Highway 280 bridge, climb onto the bank and disappear into the woods.

A Sad Farewell

The bench outside the Alexander City Police Department where he used to sit was decorated with flowers early last month as a memorial to Thomas Jacob “Toot Toot” Marbury Jr., who passed away June 1.

“It is just amazing how many people he touched,” said Marbury’s sister Alice Thomas-Hall. “We have just been overwhelmed by the Gathering Roses outpouring of love and support Local residents left fresh flowers, ribbons and from everyone. It’s just been American flags on the amazing to see and hear what bench where Marbury often he meant to the people he met.” greeted passersby.

Marbury, 68, was hit by a truck on May 22 as he crossed Tallapoosa Street. More than 400 people attended the funeral of the town’s goodwill ambassador. ~ Mitch Sneed

Patriotic Parade

Ralee Windsor, Tommy Farr and Eli Spraggins were among the children, parents and teachers who marched in this year's Green Street parade, a tradition of Jacob's Ladder.

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BUSINESS MATTERS

Kona Ice STORY & PHOTOS BY MIA OSBORN

W

ith daily heat indexes over 100 degrees, kids and adults alike perk up at the telltale jingle of the ice cream truck. But this summer, a new kind of refreshment has been rolling through Alexander City: The Kona Ice truck.

Truck owners Daniel Yates and Lynn Patterson were no strangers to the business of cool summertime sweets when they launched their newest venture in March. The pair own Who’s Diner, Playhouse Cinemas and several other local businesses and actually already had a shaved ice trailer that they parked outside Cherokee Quick Stop, but they decided to upgrade with this latest venture.

“We were already in the shaved ice business,” said Yates, “but the Kona Ice truck was something different.”

Yates went with shaved ice over other summertime treats

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for several reasons, but mainly because there’s less chance of kids turning their shirts into sticky messes.

“We can do ice cream, too. We have the freezers. But ice cream is messy,” said Yates.

The Kona Ice truck has a range of flavored syrups, including Strawberry’d Treasure and Groovy Grape. Guests get a cup of plain shaved ice and make dozens of unique creations at the Flavorwave mixing station on the side of the truck. The cotton candy flavor is Yates’ personal favorite.

“It’s blue, but it tastes just like cotton candy,” he said.

Compared to real cotton candy or other classic treats, Kona Ice is relatively healthy. The flavors are sweetened with a combination of stevia and cane sugar, and the product is approved by the Smart Snacks in School initiative put out by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Another thing that attracted Yates to the Kona Ice brand was its reputation for generosity. Kona Ice has spearheaded numerous community giveback programs. Since the brand’s creation in 2006, Kona Ice trucks around the country have raised more than $35,000 for charities in their local communities. The trucks visit schools and day care centers and return a portion of the money raised to the schools.

Yates’ franchise has been able to take part in these programs, as well.

“We’ve given back $4,500 this year. Schools have us come out to help them raise money,” said Yates.

Between events and Hot Wheels, Cool Treats individual customers from Opposite: Crowds gather the community, business outside Jacob's Ladder daycare for a Kona Ice has been good since the break. Above: Kids of all Kona Ice truck opened for ages love to flavor their own shaved ice treats at the business in mid-March.

Flavorwave station. So good, in fact, that Yates

and Patterson decided to rebrand their old shaved ice trailer into a second Kona Ice option. The truck’s bright colors and cheerful island-inspired music turn heads wherever they’re found, which is all over town. One of the benefits of Kona Ice is that the truck can go where the party is.

“The truck is mobile. It goes to all the parks around here and out to Wind Creek. We’re at any public event we can get to, and we ride through neighborhoods,” Yates explained.

Cotton candy may be Yates’ favorite flavor, but his favorite part of the business is seeing the excitement on kids’ faces when his truck rolls through town.

“Shaved ice is a happy treat. Kids get excited when they see the truck,” he said.

Kona Ice can show up at any party or other event. To find the Kona Ice truck’s location or place a suggestion for where it might visit next, call 256-794-8197 or visit the Kona Ice Facebook page at www.facebook.com/konaicelakemartin.

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Lake Martin Living 13

Young Minds and Dead Heads

Picking blueberries and spent blossoms are daily pleasures in the garden

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Happy Garden

varieties of bushes that produce thousands of few weeks ago, we had 15 girls and berries. Some were red, some white and some boys visit the farm from the Boys blue but not yet sweet. All the youths enjoyed and Girls Club of Goodwater. They hunting for the perfect blueberry. ranged in age from 11 to 14. Many had never As a parting gift, each youth received a seen a greenhouse or a farm before. fruiting tomato plant and instructions for We started the tour by explaining what the planting, as well as an explanation of why a word “organic” meant and how we applied it to tomato is a fruit and not a vegetable. But before growing food, herbs and blueberries. To make they left, we held a lemonade and blueberry these ideas easy to grasp, we used the example party on our porch to end what I hope was a of the elderberry bush located 5 feet from our good outing for these young minds. blueberry bushes.

While the youths were filling their bellies We examined the bushes for insects. The with blueberries, I took a stroll and noticed the blueberry bushes had a few Japanese beetles zinnia garden had many blooms and needed on them, but the elderberry bush sported 50 or some attention. more.

Fred Muenzmay Zinnia flowers (Zinnia elegans) are a colorful That was because hanging inside the and long-lasting addition to any flower garden. elderberry bush was a commercial beetle trap, These popular annuals bring many benefits to sunny which used a scented tablet to lure the beetles. Since the areas with their perky blooms. Zinnias are inexpensive, pollinators were finished with the flowering phase of the particularly when grown from seed. Zinnia seeds should be bushes, the beetles had turned to mating and laying eggs for sown directly into the sunny flowerbed, as developing roots next year. It was the right time to control these garden pests. do not like to be disturbed.

Organically speaking, the traps were the best way to keep If you wish to start growing zinnia plants from seeds from harming the ecosystem with pesticides. The beetles that indoors, plant the seeds in peat pots or other biodegradable died were in a bag under the trap and would be disposed of containers that can be placed directly into the garden later, in a fire pit. so as not to disrupt the roots. Start indoor seeds four to six After we explained organic pest control, each child was given a plastic bag to fill with weeks before the last frost date in your area. Zinnias begin to show growth outdoors when temperatures are above 60 blueberries along with degrees Fahrenheit. instruction for picking.

Space the seeds 6 inches to 2 feet apart, depending on Eagle’s Roost is not a the size of the mature plant. This allows for adequate air U-pick farm, but this circulation around the plants as they grow. Powdery mildew was a delightful exception and other diseases can attack zinnias when they are planted to the rule. Five adults too closely together, especially if they are watered from were required to keep the above, trapping moisture on the flowers and leaves. While excitement down. the widest range of zinnia colors and heights comes from Eagle’s Roost carries five 14 Lake Martin Living

planting seeds, this popular flower is usually available in starter packs at local garden centers.

Zinnia care should include watering at the base of the plants. A soaker hose is ideal for keeping foliage and petals dry while providing much needed irrigation. Zinnias prefer to be watered in the early morning, which allows the foliage and flowers ample time to dry before nightfall. For young plants, keep the soil moist but not soggy. Mature zinnias require less watering, as grown flowers are somewhat drought tolerant. With proper placement and correct watering, zinnias provide long-term color and beauty in the summer flowerbed.

Growing zinnia plants benefit from deadheading – the removal of faded or dead flowers from plants – as well as the removal of healthy flowers for use in cut flower bouquets.

Clipping the plants back often results in more abundant blooms and bushier, more attractive plants.

In fact, most annuals and many perennials will continue to bloom throughout the growing season if they are regularly deadheaded. Deadheading maintains a plant’s appearance while improving its overall performance.

Deadheading is an important task to keep up with in the garden throughout the growing season. Most flowers lose their attraction as Garden Glory they fade, which The Zinnia is an easily grown, brilliant spoils the overall addition to a sunny garden plot. appearance of a garden, as well as

individual plants. As flowers shed their petals and begin to form seed heads, energy is focused into the development of the seeds, rather than maintaining the beauty of the flowers; however, regular deadheading keeps the plants’ energy focused on the flowers, resulting in healthier plants and continued blooms.

If you’re like most gardeners, deadheading may feel like a never-ending chore, but the new blooms spawned from this task can make the extra effort well worth it. Second blooms are longer lasting than the first and many times are larger.

Some of the more commonly grown garden plants that reward this effort with a second bloom are bleeding heart, phlox, delphinium, lupine, sage, salvia, veronica, Shasta daisy, yarrow, coneflower and, of course, zinnia.

A final thought: If deadheading still seems too tedious, look at it and other garden chores as opportunities to reduce stress. Try talking to your plants. They can’t talk back, and when you vent anger through physical engagement with the soil, you are always in charge. Birds and other natural sounds are your companions in the garden. Lastly, the beauty resulting from your efforts is a great reward that can leave you with an air of peace and accomplishment. ~ Fred Muenzmay of Eagle’s Roost Herb Farms is a Master Gardener and has been in the business of growing organic herbs, vegetables and blueberries for regional and local farmer’s markets for 17 years. Contact him at fmuenzmay@ earthlink.net.

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2016 U.S. Open M

Trials of the Televised Tournament From the Tee

y first recollection of watching golf Approach shots into the greens during the on television was the 1962 U.S. championship reacted a bit unexpectedly. Most Open, when Jack Nicklaus beat held quite well if the shot had a high enough Arnold Palmer at the Oakmont Country Club. launch. But sticking the launch was the least of Palmer was the favorite and most everyone the players’ worries. Trying to figure out how watching the coverage – aside from members their golf balls would roll on these treacherous of the Nicklaus family – were pulling for him greens was a unique challenge, not for the faint to win. I sat in front of our 13-inch black-andof heart. white television and watched all four hours The Fox Network televised the tournament of coverage on Saturday and Sunday with my from Friday through Sunday. Although many dad. Even back then, the U.S. Open concluded avid fans did not like the commentary provided on Father’s Day.

by Joe Buck, Paul Azinger and Brad Faxon, I felt Dave Jennings After playing the regulation 72 holes, that, overall, Fox did a much better job this year Nicklaus and Palmer were tied for the than last year. tournament low score. A tie for the U.S. Open The final round saw a young Irish golfer Championship is decided by playing 18 holes of stroke play named Shane Lowry with a nice lead as he teed his ball, but the following day. Of course, in 1962 that Monday round other golfers – including Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, of golf was not televised, so we had to wait for the evening Scott Piercy and the fresh face of 5-foot-7-inch, 150-pound news to find out that Nicklaus had won the championship.

Andrew Landry – were all breathing down Lowry’s neck.

The world of golf changed on that day, and so did I. Watching the proceedings were Jason Day and Jordan Watching that tournament fired me up; I already liked golf, Speith, the first and second ranked golfers in the world. but that made me pretty darned serious about the game.

Even non-golfers can agree that this was a setup for great This year’s U.S. Open was again held at the Oakmont golf.

Country Club in Pennsylvania. Oakmont is one of the Dustin Johnson is an amazing athlete. His drives blow toughest golf courses in the United States and has hosted a past those of his competitors by 30 to 60 yards, and he number of major events for both men and women. With so always knows where the ball is going. The man has about many top-notch touring professional golfers in play today, zero percent body fat and could certainly play any sport Oakmont was a perfect venue for this year’s U.S. Open. of his choosing. But despite Johnson’s natural advantages, Former Central Alabama Community College golfer he has always been on the wrong side of luck in national Soren Hansen, originally from Denmark, competed this championships. year. Unfortunately, he missed the 36-hole cut, but we are In past years, Johnson has had victory snatched away proud to have seen one of our own on the championship from him in various ways, from last-minute falters with his field. putter to extraordinary plays on the parts of his opponents, This tournament showed its teeth, even through the to the very strange thing that happened to him at Whistling heavy rains that occurred during the first round. The Straits in the PGA Tour a few years ago (you can visit Oakmont greens are amazingly firm and fast; so much so YouTube for that one). that, at times, it feels like trying to putt on a severely warped But this year was different. This year, Johnson came kitchen floor. prepared. On Sunday, he mounted a charge to take the The unique thing about Oakmont is that these difficult lead from Lowry, who soon faltered away his lead. But this conditions are not only reserved for tour players, but takeover was not without controversy. provide an everyday challenge to the club’s members. I On the fifth hole, Johnson made two practice strokes suppose many of Oakmont’s members enjoy golfing there before he grounded his putter behind the ball. As he did for the same reason they might enjoy hitting themselves in so, his ball rolled back a millimeter. Johnson immediately the heads with hammers: It feels so good when they finally backed away and informed the accompanying USGA rules stop. official what had happened.

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The official ruled that there would be no penalty, as Johnson had done nothing to cause the ball to move. He was allowed to play from the ball’s new position.

A few holes later, after reviewing the video of the incident, the head rules official met with Johnson and told him that there was some discrepancy with the ruling, and that he may indeed be penalized one shot, but that they would decide this after the round.

This awful confusion of the rules did a disservice to all the players on the course.

A player in contention in a major golf championship could play the course in many different ways, depending on if he is in the lead, tied or coming from behind. For the remainder of that round, none of the players knew exactly how they stood in comparison to the leader. Johnson did indeed incur a one-stroke penalty, as the USGA officials chose to believe that he could have made his ball move. This final ruling was delivered at least 90 minutes after the fact. By that time, there was no way to investigate whether there may have been a small indention in the putting surface or any other factor that could have caused the ball to roll.

The final ruling, in my mind and the minds of most of the people in the world, was incorrect. But that’s just my two cents. All sports fans are accustomed to poor calls made by referees and umpires. It’s part of the game. In some sports, a team may request that a ruling be appealed by going through the proper process.

There are roving rules officials all over the course during USGA and PGA events. Whatever ruling is given to a competitor at the time of the incident – right or wrong – should be final.

Of course, the player, who is responsible for his score in the game of golf, may have a different opinion. If this is the case, then the player – not the rules committee – should decide on an extension of time while the rules committee reviews the decision.

This crazy situation was a heavy-duty downer in what was otherwise a great U.S. Open. It created a black mark on the game of golf at large. It has made many people question the intent of the game’s governing body.

Golf is an amazing sport and one of high integrity. I do not ever want to see this change.

I hope that in the future, the USGA will handle issues in a cleaner manner.

All of this being said, I do owe a big “atta boy” to the Champion Swing Dustin Johnson won this USGA. Even after Thursday’s year's Open, despite round was washed out, they the controversy of a still managed to complete the confusing penalty ruling. championship on Sunday, with the help of great weekend weather and tireless around-the-clock efforts by golf ’s unsung heroes, the course’s greens staff.

With the exception of the final 90 minutes, this was one whale of a golf tournament. I am happy for Dustin Johnson.

His final drive, iron shot and holed putt on the 18th hole proved that he deserved to be champion.

Much like in 1962, I loved this U.S. Open. Unlike 1962, the telecast began first thing in the morning and went on until sundown, but I still watched every bit of it. It still fires me up. ~ Dave Jennings is the men’s golf coach at Central Alabama Community College.

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Home Sweet Habitat Managing land for wildlife variety

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Outdoor Life

like clumps of grass. This stage may not look like nyone even vaguely interested in wildlife much on the surface, but impressive root systems habitats can improve his or her property develop in the ground. This is where the longleaf through a variety of plantings and a differs from other species of pine, which don’t little habitat manipulation. Not just deer, but also develop these deep root systems. songbirds, quail and turkey can benefit from a few “This helps the tree remain stable in high winds changes made to property. that may topple other species of pines,” Marable said.

Last month, Lake Martin Quality Deer An interesting fact is that, during this grass stage, Management Association partnered with the longleaf pines are practically immune to fire.

Tallapoosa County Treasure Forest Association to “The tip bud is protected by a shock of needles offer a firsthand look at how to make these changes. that burn first, protecting the bud. By the time This Timber and Wildlife Habitat Tour took place at the needles have been singed, the fire has usually Jerry and Genelle Brown’s farm near Hackneyville, passed,” Marable explained. in northwestern Tallapoosa County.

The next stage of longleaf growth is sometimes The tour showed participants how to enhance called the bottlebrush or candle stage. The young wildlife habitat and timber production through longleaf has no branches, but a white bud grows techniques like planting supplemental crops, Fletcher Scott vertically from the tip so that the whole tree thinning stands of timber, prescribed burning resembles a candle. Like the grass stage, the candle and planting native warm season grasses. To stage can last for years. demonstrate these processes, guests visited five sites where Then comes the sapling stage, when branches appear and bark experts explained different habitat improvements. begins to cover the tree, which by this point has grown to be At the first site, Allen Deese of Tuskegee discussed orchards.

8-10 feet tall. Saplings do not have the fire resistance of the tree Deese is the nursery and sales manager with Tuskegee’s Wildlife in the grass stage, but longleaf pines are still very fire-resistant.

Group. He is an expert on growing fruit trees and knows a lot Brown’s trees are nine years old and have already withstood about which types are the best selection for this area.

“I try to find out what will grow and be easy to maintain when two burnings, the most recent of which occurred in February of this year. it comes to fruit trees. Many apples are heirlooms, and their “Longleaf pines evolved with fire and actually need it. It exact origins are a mystery. Of those we do stock, all are grown at reduces competition and opens up the understory, which is our nursery. Their production, hardiness and disease resistance beneficial to wildlife,” Marable explained. are known,” Deese said.

Brown had no worries about the effect of fire on his longleaf The trees at this tour stop were planted by Jerry Brown and pines, but a small patch of grass near the base of a tree caused have been growing five and a half years. The trees were all healthy and full of fruit, though they did show some fire blight (a him some concern.

“I had a patch of cogon grass growing right beneath one of my fungus that causes leaves on the tips of some branches to wither). pines. Its existence was confirmed by biologist Joel Glover of the “As most apple trees mature, they become more resistant to Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,” blight, so these trees should survive with no problem,” Deese said Brown. said.

Cogon grass is an exotic perennial grass from Southeast Asia.

The trees included Yates, Arkansas Blacks, Gala, Autumn It grows from a rhizome that sends up closely-packed grass Rush and Anna apples. Crabapple trees included Calloway and shoots. These shoots prevent anything else from growing and Dozier varieties.

“They have all produced very well over the years,” Brown said. push quail and other ground-nesting birds from the area.

The best way to get rid of cogon grass before it gets established In January 2007, Brown planted a stand of longleaf pines next is to apply a strong herbicide. Brown used Imazapyr (Arsenal) to to the orchard. Kyle Marable, an Alexander City-based biologist treat his outbreak. for the Alabama Wildlife Federation, explained the growth “It killed the grass but also killed one of my trees. That is why stages of this famous local tree. you need to be observant and watch for the appearance of the For the first several years of their growth, longleaf pines look 18 Lake Martin Living

Benefits of the Burn

Top: Broad-leaved forbs make up about 70 percent of the deer's spring and summer diet; Right: These plants appear as first-year growth after the area has been burned.

grass. If caught early enough, you can get rid of it,” Brown said.

The next tour stop was a strip of wildflowers Brown planted in 2015. Many of the flowers re-sprouted this spring. Marable explained how planting wildflowers benefits a variety of wildlife.

The flowers attract pollinators such as butterflies, bees, beetles, caterpillars and ants. These pollinators then attract turkey and quail, which love to snack on the protein-rich bugs. Young birds also use the plants as cover while they feed.

“I usually leave the wildflower crops standing in the field until late fall or early winter. The flower seeds are eaten by all kinds of songbirds like goldfinches, sparrows, warblers, cardinals and many others,” Brown said.

The group continued to the ford at Harbuck Creek to view a hillside with a recently burned stand of pines. Ted Devos, a wildlife biologist who runs his own company, Bach and Devos, explained the benefits of prescribed burns.

One half of the hillside was burned in June 2015, and the other in February of this year. The June 2015 half showed a year’s worth of growth, such as sweet gums, poplars and blackberry bushes. Perennial plants already sprouting included beggar’s lice and ragweed. On the February 2016 side, the plant growth was more open and full of annual blooms. Plants such as milk-peas, partridge peas, poke weed, asters, native lespedezas and varieties Lake Martin Living 19

of desmodium were sprouting everywhere. Broad-leaved forbs like these make up about 70 percent of a deer’s diet in the spring and summer.

Also on the February side were some completely open areas with exposed soil, which are good for young quail and turkey hunting for insects.

“Burning on a rotational basis allows you to create several successional habitats in the same area,” Devos said.

A good example of this effect could be found right across the road from the hillside in a stand of 30-year-old loblolly pines that had been thinned and also burned in February.

“Notice how open it is, which lets in a lot of light. This is key to starting that explosion of new growth,” said Devos. “On places that are burned on a rotational basis, you don’t have to worry about fires getting too hot and out of control because the fuel load is constantly being reduced.”

For its last stop, the tour traveled to another orchard on the edge of an open field. Devos wanted to show everyone the nearby pine trees that were about the same age as the ones on the previous stop. These pines were smaller in diameter and grew much closer together, shading the forest floor and creating a virtual desert.

“This stand of timber is losing its value to wildlife, as well as its monetary value to the landowner,” said Devos. “It needs to Touring the Outdoor Classroom

The Timber and Wildlife Habitat Tour stopped at five sites to learn land management skills that could benefit wildlife.

20 Lake Martin Living

be thinned so the other trees can grow to marketable size and early successional growth can begin to benefit wildlife. This is a perfect example of how you don’t want to manage a stand of timber. Make it productive to you, as well as to wildlife,” he added.

From there, the group walked across the orchard to an open field. Kyle Marable identified some of the types of native warm season grasses planted there, including big bluestem, little bluestem, eastern gamma grass, switch grass and Indian grass.

Marable explained that all of these grasses are desirable in early successional habitats, much more so than non-native cool season grasses like fescue and bahiagrass, which tend to spread.

Native grasses often grow in clumps, which keeps them from spreading and crowding out other plants. This is beneficial, since it allows forbs and legumes to grow in open areas.

Native warm-season grasses make excellent fawning cover for white-tailed deer. In addition, the sparse areas between clumps allow young quail and turkey to move about more easily as they locate insects to eat.

Tour participants left with a greater appreciation of how dynamic and changing the successional stages of fields and woodlands can be. Property can be changed to suit a variety of goals that can be beneficial for wildlife, as well as the landowner, and it doesn’t take long to see the results. ~ Fletcher Scott is a retired science teacher who enjoys nature and photography.

Lake Martin Living 21

Rodeo to round up support for local Boys and Girls Club STORY BY MIA OSBORN PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY MELISSA REYNOLDS

J

unior cowpokes, rejoice! The Charles E. Bailey Sportplex this month will host two nights of rodeo fun to support the Lake Martin Area Boys and Girls Club.

“We’re very excited. We hope to make it a real festival for the kids,” said Melissa Reynolds, executive director of the local organization that funds mentoring and scholarship opportunities for children.

Part of the 25th anniversary celebration of the club, the rodeo will start Friday, July 22. Gates will open at 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights, with the rodeo activities beginning at 7:30 p.m. The event will include a rodeo expo area, kids’ activities, concession stand snacks, souvenirs and more before the show begins.

Cowboys and girls from the Bar W. Rodeo Company of North 22 Lake Martin Living

Carolina will perform traditional rodeo feats, such as bull riding, calf roping and barrel racing.

Guests can save money and time by skipping the gate and purchasing tickets in advance. Pre-show tickets are available at Depot Music and Pawn; the Alexander City Parks and Recreation Office; Tractor Supply, and the Boys and Girls Club office on Cherokee Road. Pre-show tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for kids aged 15 and under. Tickets at the gate will be $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

Reynolds has worked with the club for more than 15 years, starting as a volunteer. This will be her first year organizing the rodeo, but she is confident it will be a success. The sport of rodeo already has a rich tradition in the Alexander City area.

“There are a lot of rodeo enthusiasts in Tallapoosa County,”

Ride 'Em, Cowgirl

Opposite: Young girls dream of futures on the rodeo field; Above: There will be a variety of activities for kids to enjoy, including mechanical bull rides.

said Reynolds. “In past years, over 3,000 people have turned out for the event.”

This year’s rodeo attendance could rival that head count, as it will also be the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Lake Martin Area Boys and Girls Club.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America have been a force for youth development in communities across the nation for more than 150 years. Their aim is to provide a safe place for children to learn and grow by providing mentorship and educational opportunities.

The proceeds from the rodeo will go to the Lake Martin Area Boys and Girls Club to fund scholarship opportunities, including a teen program scholarship, which will help a deserving local high school graduate go to college.

“The club is a wonderful organization that helps boys and girls get the support they need. It helps parents, too,” said Reynolds.

The rodeo may also help local teens in another way. The event is in need of volunteers, and helping out during the event would fulfill the community service hours required by local high schools.

For more information about the rodeo or to volunteer, contact the Lake Martin Area Boys and Girls Club at 256-2344757.

Lake Martin Living 23

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STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE, MITCH SNEED & CLIFF WILLIAMS

Sun Festival 60 Events and Jana Kramer!

26 Lake Martin Living

S

un Festival will turn up the live music at the fourth annual celebration of summer in Alexander City, a weeklong event that will include more than 50 community-wide activities between July 23 and July 30.

“We will have live music at different events on six days this year,” said Kim Dunn, director of marketing and special events at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, which coordinates the efforts of several hundred volunteers to host the annual festival.

The event kicks off on Saturday, July 23, with the Miss Sun Festival Pageant, where judges will crown the festivals’ spokesmodels. These young ladies will have a presence at Sun Festival events throughout the week.

And after dark, festivalgoers will hit the ground running when the 5K Glow Run starts at Strand Park downtown.

But the event kicks into high gear Sunday afternoon with live entertainment by Richard Murray and Rusty Brown at Wind Creek State Park. The park will host Family Day at the Lake this year, an umbrella event that includes a Hook ‘Em at Sun Festival fishing event; canoeing, kayaking and sailing lessons; a beach volleyball tournament; mini-triathlon; paddling race; block party and hot dog eating contest.

The Pie in the Sky Treasure Hunt – a Sun Festival favorite – will return again this year at 6:05 a.m. Monday, July 25, with a riddle to solve, a medallion to find and $200 to win every day all week long. The winners of the daily treasure hunts will be entered to win $1,000 in a grand prize drawing on Saturday, July 30.

Additional events throughout Monday will get kids up and moving and decorating sidewalks with chalk art. Monday’s schedule also includes a dog parade and visits with elderly local residents.

Monday evening’s Boot Scootin’ Boogie at Strand Park will feature live music for two-stepping around the dance floor to favorite country tunes.

There’s fun and games Tuesday afternoon with Bingo prizes and sweet treats at Jake’s on Broad, a new-release movie at Playhouse Cinemas and a team colors competition at Strand Park. Lakewinds Night Lights Golf Course will host Opposite Page: Jana a glow-in-the-dark Kramer will headline this year's final concert. tournament, and the music

will wind up again at Strand Park with a live band from Montgomery for some Motown Madness.

Wednesday’s events include a PATH Finders awareness and education forum with Lake Martin Idol winner Baylie Kizziah who will share her own experience with music and long-term care patients. There will be a lip sync battle at the Strand Park stage, as well.

On Thursday morning, the Airport Pavilion will host water games and ice cream for all ages, and letters from local residents will be delivered to veterans at the Bill Nichols Home. Letters can be dropped off at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce office at 120 Tallapoosa St. Last year’s popular Build Your Own Sundae event will return to Carlisle’s Drugs Thursday afternoon, and a sunset hike to Heaven Hill in Russell Forest might be just the right activity to shed those ice cream calories.

Thursday evening, the Celebrate the Son concert at Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium will feature the Gold City Quartet.

Bring a non-perishable food item for a local food bank to be admitted to the concert.

Strand Park also will host Matt Papa for praise music at Strand Park.

Friday will be Darlin’ Let’s Eat Out night, as local restaurants plan to offer specials for diners prior to the annual band battle at Strand Park. The winner of the band battle will open for Jana Kramer, the headliner for Saturday’s Sun Festival Concert and Fireworks Show at the sportplex stadium.

Saturday morning, Broad Street Plaza will be the place to find tasty concoctions from local celebrity foodies, including kids aged 8-12 who enter this year’s PATH Healthy Recipe Challenge. The chamber will host a car show and a motorcycle ride and show.

At the lake, Saturday’s activities will include two-hour pontoon cruises, and the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex will host a summer tailgate party and cook-off before the Jana Kramer Concert and Fireworks Show.

Sun Festival Comfort Colors T-shirts and tank tops, designed by John Denney, are now available at the chamber office for $20 each.

For event details and other scheduled activities throughout the week or to volunteer to help with scheduled activities, visit the Sun Festival Facebook page or the chamber of commerce website or call the chamber at 256-234-3461.

Lake Martin Living 27

28 Lake Martin Living

Celebrate the Sun

Clockwise from top left: Local children work on their Monster Mural creations on a downtown sidewalk; Fireworks explode above last year's final Sun Festival concert; Miss Sun Festival Pageant queens take in the chamber of commerce car show; PATH Lake Martin will sponsor a healthy recipe challenge for kids aged 8-12, and the author of the best recipe will get to take a trip to Washington, D.C.; Battle of the Bands victors win the right to open for headliners at the Saturday night concert; David Nail performs at the 2015 Sun Festival finale.

Lake Martin Living 29

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Lake Martin Living 31

Artists, Get Ready Art and Photography contest returns STORY BY MIA OSBORN & ARTWORK BY MIMI GRESHAM AMERSON

I

Award Winning Talent

Winners from the 2015 contest include a fawn painted by Barbara Kazmierczak (above), Mimi Amerson's "Double Strut" (opposite above) and Steve Taylor's watercolor of weathered stumps (opposite right).

32 Lake Martin Living

t’s time to clean the paintbrushes, sharpen colored pencils and focus the camera lens on the annual Lake Martin Living Art and Photography contest. Entries can now be submitted for this year’s competition, which will showcase the work of local artists and the beauty of East Central Alabama.

Entries will be anonymously judged on creativity, skill, and how well the subject matter captures the essence of life in the area. There are no prizes, but the first place winner will have his or her artwork featured as the cover of our October magazine issue.

Every entrant will have at least one piece featured in a special gallery section inside the magazine.

Each artist may submit up to three pieces of art.

Each piece may be in a different medium, or they may all be the same. The most common media are paints, pastels, pencils and photography, but artists are welcome to submit works in non-traditional media – such as fabric art or stained glass – as long as they are ready to hang on the walls of Gallery 128/Emporium Wine at 128 Calhoun St. in downtown Alexander City.

To enter, artists should bring their works to the Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., office at 548 Cherokee Rd. in Alexander City by 5 p.m. on Sept. 23. Entries brought after the deadline will not be accepted. All

pieces should arrive ready to hang. There is no entry fee, but each piece should have the artist’s name, address and telephone number written clearly on the back, along with the name of the piece (if it has one).

Entries will be displayed at Gallery 128 the following month.

The public can stop by to view the entries from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturdays. Oct. 4-7, visitors to the gallery can cast votes for the People’s Choice award.

Winners will be announced in the October issue of Lake Martin Living magazine, which is available through subscription or for free at local businesses after the 15th of the month.

Artists should pick up their works from Gallery 128 after the show closes at the end of October. Artists are asked to retrieve their works as soon as possible.

Neither Lake Martin Living nor Emporium Wine/Gallery 128 are responsible for artworks entered in the contest and reserve the right to withdraw any entry from the exhibit for any reason.

For more information, email editor@lakemartinmagazine. com or call 256-234-4281.

Lake Martin Living 33

Adventures

34 Lake Martin Living

on the River Harold Banks Canoe Trail is now more accessible than ever STORY BY MIA OSBORN & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Lake Martin Living 35

W

hen friends aaked veteran paddler John Thompson to take them on a float trip down the Tallapoosa River, he called Chuck Browne at Off the Beaten Path Alabama.

"I didn't have any boats or equipment for taking people out and getting them back and forth from the launch site to the take-out. I couldn't have managed the trip without an outfitter," Thompson said.

Chuck Browne started Off the Beaten Path Alabama in the summer of 2015, after his retirement from the Lee County Extension Office.

“I never planned to have a kayak business, but last summer it just happened,” Browne explained.

One of Browne’s last jobs as an extension agent was to help develop a map for the Harold Banks Canoe Trail. For the project, Browne was able to draw on his more than 40 years of experience traversing the waterways of the deep South. In the midst of the project, Browne got a sudden opportunity to purchase a large inventory of kayaking and canoeing Family Business Previous Page: Kayakers paddle equipment. He felt called the calm waters of the Tallapoosa; to use his retirement to Above: Ferry service owner Chuck help others discover his Browne and his son, Trevor. favorite pastime.

“It was a soul searching thing. I said to myself, ‘I just retired.

Do I really want to open a business?’ But there is no other service like this around,” he said.

Browne sets up river trekkers with canoes, kayaks or inner tubes, depending on party members’ needs and the type of experiences they want.

Browne enjoys helping first-time visitors to the area’s waterways determine what kind of craft will be best for them.

Though many people associate rivers with canoeing, kayaks are often a better bet, he said.

“Canoes aren’t suited for fast moving waters like the Tallapoosa River or Saugahatchee or Hatchet Creeks. They’re too big and bulky. Kayaks and tubes do real well there, but canoes don’t,” he said.

According to Browne, the niche for canoes is in the calmer, deeper waterways, which makes them ideal family crafts.

“My thought was to offer canoes as service to families. Say they’ve got a condo at Stillwaters or they’re spending a week at 36 Lake Martin Living

Wind Creek with kids or grandkids and want to go exploring,” said Browne.

Once a group has chosen the right crafts and destination, Browne uses his van and trailers to ferry them, so parties can leave their vehicles in a safe place and be returned to them later, after their adventure is done.

Thompson’s group parked a vehicle at the Jaybird Landing take-out point. Browne met them there and drove them to the launch site with kayaks in tow.

"We had a great time going down t he river, and when we finished our four hour paddle, we called Chuck to meet us at the take-out," Thompson said. "He retrieved all of his equipment, and we just drove on home from there."

For those unfamiliar with the area, Browne and his three sons also offer guide services. He planned this branch of the business as little more than an afterthought, but it has been surprisingly popular.

“A lot of people have been using the guide service,” he said. “I didn’t expect that.”

But plenty of river adventurers decide to take to the water alone. In some cases, this can lead to danger. For those who find themselves up area creeks without their paddles, Ken Cowart is a hero. Cowart is president of the Alexander City Rescue Squad. This volunteer-based, non-profit organization saw three or four calls to rescue stranded river tourists last year.

That number is predicted to rise in 2016, owing mainly to the popularity of the Harold Banks Trail. But there are many other factors at play.

Cowart said many people get into trouble on the water by underestimating how long it will take to make a certain trip.

“People think you can go from, say, Horseshoe Bend boat ramp to Jay Bird Landing in a couple of hours. To do that, you have to be paddling wide open, nonstop. Right now, with the water down, you may have to go from one side to another to get over rocks, which adds time.”

Those who don’t give themselves enough time to complete a trip could be lost in the dark on the water. That was what happened to the group of college students Cowart and his volunteers aided last month, after their tubing trip took longer than expected.

To avoid this situation, groups should try to start their river trips at least two hours earlier than they think will be necessary.

Having a dry cell phone with which to call 911 is also very

helpful.

“If you get out on the water, make sure you have safety equipment,” Cowart said.

This includes flashlights and a waterproof container for a cell phone and/or GPS device. But even if travellers do manage to keep their electronics dry, there are many places on local rivers too remote to have phone service. If there is no chance of making a call, Cowart advised stranded parties to get themselves on dry land and stay put, especially if night is coming on.

“If you can make it to a bank, just stay there until somebody realizes you’re missing,” he said.

In the future, Cowart wants to make it easier for stranded parties to communicate their whereabouts by placing signage along the waterways, so people who aren’t familiar with the area will better know where they are. Cowart was inspired by the waterways in Randolph County, where mile markers are used to help tourists pinpoint their locations.

“I’m talking with folks to see what we can do to put up signs,” Cowart said. “Right now we have just five rescue kayaks. I want to get five more so we’ll have two teams of five.”

The kayaks are useful to rescue teams because they can be easily transported over land if needed.

As tourism continues to climb, Tallapoosa and Coosa counties will continue to benefit from these and other organizations that will help paddlers safely enjoy the scenic beauty of the Harold Banks Trail.

Making a Splash

Right:Kayaking is second nature for John Thompson, who took a group of paddlers out on the new water trail; Below: Ripples of rapids liven up the float trip for adventurers.

Lake Martin Living 37

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A Celebration!

From boat parade to fireworks, the Fourth of July in pictures Lake Martin Living 41

Star-spangled Weekend

Previous pages: Russell Marine's Boat Parade drew a crowd of spectators on the lake. This page (clockwise from top left): Rexton Lee entertained a crowd of some 3,000 at Hackneyville's fireworks show; Mike Smith and Zachary Robinson kept the burgers coming at the Alexander City Celebrates Freedom event on the BRHS lawn; Arti Gras drew a crowd at Russell Crossroads; Kim and Blair Morse danced and twirled on the Lake Martin Amphitheater lawn; Sweet Tea Trio had the crowd on their feet before and after the fireworks show at the lake; Opposite: Russell Lands hosted a spectacular fireworks event at Lake Martin Amphitheater.

Photos by Kenneth Boone, Mitch Sneed & Cliff Williams.

42 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living 43

Hunting for Data Game check goes mandatory to manage deer populations STORY & PHOTO BY FLETCHER SCOTT

E

ach year around July, hunters eagerly look forward to the Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest. They carefully scan each page to see the changes from the previous season: Bag limits, season length, hours of hunting and un-antlered deer harvests.

This year brings a sweeping change: A new system of mandatory reporting of deer and turkey harvest will be implemented in Alabama and Mississippi for the 2016-2017 hunting season. Mandatory reporting is already on the books for Georgia and Tennessee.

A Florida-based company, Southwick Associates, recently published a report citing figures from a recent hunting and fishing survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.

According to that survey, the number of Alabama hunters aged 16 and up is 535,110.

Even though hunting license sales have remained flat in recent years, hunting is clearly popular. And hunters pay for science-based management of Alabama’s wildlife resources.

‘Science-based’ is the key there. If you are going to preserve

44 Lake Martin Living

Reporting Harvests Will Be Required

Beginning this year, deer harvest reports will be required for Alabama hunters.

an activity, such as hunting, so future generations can enjoy the sport, you must absolutely make science-based decisions that affect wildlife.

Sport hunting (also called harvesting game) is a vital component of proper wildlife management. Many of the decisions made to benefit wildlife will only work if hunters in Alabama understand why these decisions are made and how they can become a part of the solution.

Enter Game Check. Chuck Sykes, Director of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division for the State of Alabama (WFF), has long known that Alabama has no real way to know what is being harvested in the state. In past years, only a glimpse of harvest records could be established using data collected at State Wildlife Management areas. These areas do collect data – including the weight, sex and age of harvested deer – but

it is only a reflection of that particular area, not the state as a whole.

All of this is about to change with the implementation of Game Check. Game Check is a system of mandatory harvest reporting for every deer and turkey killed. The data it will provide could have huge implications for hunters in the state.

It will allow wildlife biologists to monitor trends in deer populations throughout the state. Physical condition, sex of harvested deer, hunter success rates and overall harvest numbers are just some of the items that could be gleaned from Game Check data. This would allow more accurate decisions to be made concerning wildlife management. The data could also be used to set bag limits and seasons dates.

As an example, look at the recent data collected on rutting periods. Hunters in many areas of the state have seen deer seasons end without ever having the opportunity to hunt during the rut. Because of scientifically gathered data, deer season will now be extended into February for most of the state. This change would not have been possible without hard scientific evidence.

If hunters buy into the system and provide harvest data, wildlife officials will be able to make more informed decisions about deer populations across the state. It is possible that seasons and bag limits could be micro-tuned for a particular county or other small areas.

Currently, voluntary Game Check data makes up less than 10 percent of what is actually harvested. Biologists don’t have a record of harvest data to tell them where deer harvest numbers are especially high or low. Previously, without any data, biologists were forced to make guesses about deer herds and harvest size.

Game Check will fix this problem. Additionally, with the new Game Check cell phone app, hunters can go online and see for themselves a map of Alabama along with the harvest numbers for each county.

Game Check will not solve all of the state’s problems managing deer populations. Other problems are on the horizon, such as Chronic Wasting Disease and the huge increase in feral hog populations. Solving these will take time and information. But Game Check will be the first attempt the state has ever made to collect wildlife data statewide in a fast, timely and accurate way. I encourage participation in this process. Our wildlife resources are too valuable to squander on poor decision making from lack of data.

If you want to know more about Game Check, go the Outdoor Alabama website for a downloadable harvest record form and Game Check’s toll free number. You can also download the Outdoor Alabama Application.

To help hunters understand how the system will work and what information needs to be reported, Sykes will present a program about it at the Betty Carol Graham Center on Aug. 18 at 7:00 p.m. All hunters and interested parties are invited to attend this free event.

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Knees in the News

Ambulatory surgery at RMC lets patients recover at home

T

Medical News

the cut. Becker’s is a nationally recognized his month’s column starts with healthcare industry trade publication. For an exciting new development in the purposes of its list, Becker’s defined a our surgery department at Russell “community hospital” as one with fewer than Medical Center (RMC). Dr. Paul Goldhagen, 550 beds and minimal teaching programs, an orthopedic surgeon with Bone and and did not include critical access hospitals.

Joint Specialists in Alexander City, recently In addition to the Becker’s listing, Russell started performing ambulatory total knee Medical Center has received several replacement surgeries. With the ambulatory accolades recently, including: Healthgrades procedure, no hospital stay is required; Outstanding Patient Experience Award for patients can go home three to four hours 2016; the title of Blue Distinction Center for after surgery. Candidates for this avant-garde Maternity Care; Tier 1 designation from Blue surgery will benefit from recovering in the Cross Blue Shield of Alabama; and a ranking comfort of their own homes.

Susan Foy as one of iVantage Health Analytics’ Top To help ambulatory knee replacement 100 Rural and Community Hospitals in the patients have easy and successful recoveries, United States.

RMC employs highly skilled physical therapists, “We are flattered and extremely proud of the efforts who provide an outpatient regimen tailored to each patient’s specific needs through recovery. For additional of our physicians and staff who are responsible for us achieving these designations,” said RMC President and information regarding the ambulatory total knee CEO Jim Peace. “These rankings reflect the hard work, replacement, contact Bone and Joint Specialists at 256professionalism, employee passion and commitment 329-9133. to quality healthcare that is the driving mission of our In addition to new procedures, Russell Medical organization.”

Center also sports a new face in its hallways. RMC is One of these passionate workers was recently proud to welcome Dr. Regina K. Phillips to the medical honored for his service on the Alabama Council of staff. Dr. Phillips will serve as medical director for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at RMC, located Hospital Trustees (ACHT). Congratulations are due to RMC Trustee Hugh Neighbors III, who has been at 55 Alison Drive in Alexander City.

ACHT board chairman for the past two years. Incoming A native of Demopolis, Alabama, Dr. Phillips has chairwoman Mary Louise Guerry-Force, M.D., practiced in the state since completing her medical presented Neighbors with an honorary plaque during a training. She earned her medical degree at the recent ACHT meeting.

University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed ACHT is a statewide council that supports hospital her internship at Medical Center of Delaware in Newark trustees through educational programs, publications and her residency at Emory University Hospital in and networking. The organization is an affiliate of the Atlanta.

Alabama Hospital Association, the state’s only trade Dr. Phillips is passionate about patient care and organization for hospitals. ACHT is comprised of providing the most advanced therapies available to heal wounds as fast as possible. There is no physician referral trustees from facilities all across Alabama.

From time-saving procedures to life-saving required to make an appointment at Wound Care and physicians, there’s plenty to celebrate this summer at Hyperbaric Medicine at RMC. Give them a call at 256Russell Medical Center. And judging from all the recent 215-7450. awards and recognitions, the rest of the world has begun In other exciting news, Becker’s Hospital Review has to see the quality of care we can provide. named Russell Medical Center in its list of 100 Great Community Hospitals. Of the 100 hospitals recognized ~ Susan Foy is Marketing Director at Russell Medical across the nation, Russell Medical Center was the only Center. community hospital in the state of Alabama to make 46 Lake Martin Living

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Lake Martin Living 47

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

236 Seven Bark Trail, Jackson's Gap • $395,000 Cozy 4BD/2.5BA home located in Columbine of River Oaks, nestled in a private cove. Master suite on main, updated kit. w/SS appliances, hardwood floors, stone FP w/gas logs. Bonus room downstairs could be den/office/ playroom. All BDs have great lake views, great storage, new boat lift and decking, concrete drive and parking, and fenced dog run. Well maintained and move in ready!

RE/MAX Around the Lake Contact Samantha Spurlin 256.786.0650 www.samantha spurlin.com

South Ridge Harbor, Stone Manor A new gem completed by Newcastle Construction! Architect 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. Three additional guest rooms on terrace level, 2 family rooms, lake prep room, and more! $1,465,000 Tour the house, take in the views, and meet the builder.

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

650 Shoreline Drive, Alexander City • $569,500 48 Bear Lane, Dadeville • $899,000 205 Woodside Drive, Jackson's Gap • $330,000 4BD/4.5BA home features open dining/living, Spectacular like NEW 6BR/4.5 bath, 3-story lake home on Sometimes it's all about the lake house and here it is. This SS appliances w/ Subzero refrig., granite countertops, perfect water, flat lot, beautifully landscaped, private boat move-in ready property features an open concept great hardwood floors. Master suite & lg. covered deck on main, ramp, boat house and much more. Large open concept room with vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace. You will walkout to screened porch on basement level. Screened GR, kit. & dining. Multiple living areas. Poured concrete find 4 bedrooms and 3 baths with an additional lower level porch opens to spacious deck! Great dock w/boatlift. decks with poured wall foundation and great views from den. Enjoy the lake views from the screened porch as well Storage/workshop bldg. Nice landscaping. Perfect location. many of the bedrooms. Very private setting - well screened as the lakeside decks. A concrete golf cart path provides Great lake home! to eliminate views you don’t want. Very upscale. additional access to the private boat dock.

RE/MAX Around the Lake Lake Martin Realty Lake Martin Realty Contact Amanda Scroggins 256.749.6634 Randall Rogers 334.707.5804 Judy Ward 256.794.0779 www.amanda scroggins.com www.LakeMartinRealty.com www.LakeMartinRealty.com

48 Lake Martin Living

Plan your lifestyle Simple practices are key to achieving retirement goals

A

MONEY MATTERS

Consider factors that might affect how much mericans are living longer, which will be needed for retirement. For example, means saving for retirement is more larger medical bills may be expected, but lower important than ever. taxes are expected after retirement. And try Studies show that in the next 10 to 20 years, to eliminate as much debt as possible before government retirement funds could be severely entering retirement, like a mortgage, car loans depleted. People won’t be able to rely as much or credit card debt. on Social Security in retirement and will need The average American will spend about more of their own funds to supplement their 20 years in retirement, according to the U.S. retirement income.

Department of Labor. So it’s never too early At the same time, fewer companies are to start planning how to live comfortably after providing pension or retirement programs, retirement. and those that do are contributing less to Teresa Grier their employees’ plans. In a typical 401(k), for ~ Teresa Grier is Vice President, Retail example, the employee now puts in almost all Market Manager for USAmeriBank. She is of the money, not the employer. based in the Alexander City Main Office. She can be With these factors in mind, it’s important to start reached at 256-329-7446 or trier@usameribank.com. thinking about saving for retirement well before the time actually comes to retire. Those who are concerned about saving enough for retirement might consider these simple practices now: Understand how much money will be needed in retirement. The rule of thumb is to replace 70 to 90 percent of pre-retirement income. For example, a person who makes $50,000 a year before taxes would need $35,000 to $45,000 a year in retirement income to keep the current lifestyle.

Start saving now. Start by putting 10 percent of gross income into a retirement fund. Review the savings plan every two to three years and adjust it based on annual earnings growth and other retirement plans. Talk with a financial expert about what type of plan will work best. Some servicers offer both traditional and Roth IRAs and can help to best fit future needs.

In saving, continue to think about the type of lifestyle desired in retirement. For example, while some We’re Celebrating our 10th Anniversary, Thanks to our Great Customers. retirees look forward to quiet living in a low-cost part of the country, others want to take the opportunity to travel Serving Central Alabama more.

Red Flag Pest Control

Has your home been inspected lately?

256.825.0430 9856 Hwy. 280, Jackson’s Gap 1.888.943.0353 Lake Martin Living 49

OH SNAP! 1

2

5 4

6

Celebrate Freedom July 3, 2016 Benjamin Russell High School, Alexander City 1. Grace Patterson and Morgan McCullars 2. Virginia Nolen 3. Brady Patterson 4. Shelby and Mikey Dew and Miracle Vickers 5. Chris Wilson and Nathan Johnson 6. Tanya McCullars and Jessica Wallace 7. Martha McClellan and Sue Keller 50 Lake Martin Living

7

3

OH SNAP! 1

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4

Summer Reading Kick Off 5

June 6, 2016 Charles Bailey Sportplex, Alexander City 1. Aliyah Roseman 2. Hannah Dean, Clark Dennis and Courtland Fisher 3. Brantley Calhoun, Ryann Ruffin and Coven Holt 4. Georgia and Gamble Dennis 5. Stephanie and Lynley Forbus

Lake Martin Living 51

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Russell Marine Boat Parade July 4, 2016 Children's Harbor 1. Kellie and Lelia Neil 2. Jessica McCausland and Claire Fisher 3. Wanda Coker, Camden Adair and Hudson, Rachel, Lola Grace and Cole Whiteard 4. Ben and Sarah Kate Stallworth 5. Tyler McIntyre and Trace Trimble 6. Gentry, Steve, Shannon and Harper Williams 7. Riley Brunson, Frances Morris and Porter Brunson 8. Ken Tabata, Tori, Eric and April Love and Chase Dawson

52 Lake Martin Living

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MainStreet Farmer's Market July 2, 2016 First Baptist Church, Alexander City 1. Jayden and Maya Robinson and Peyton Rogers

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2. Ben Chapel and Stella 3. Colvin and Hvala Collari 4. Courtney and Kristy Champion and Margaret Bailey 5. Jane and Tim Wishum 6. Ella MacFiggen 7. Fred and Barbara Muenzmay and Wayne Garner 8. Christy and Chloe Prickett

Lake Martin Living 53

OH SNAP! 1

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26th Annual Jazz Fest June 10, 2016 Strand Park, Alexander City 1. Sae mi Park and Jung wi Ryu 2. Nicky and Audra Spears 3. Jeremy Smith 4. Connie Allen, Regina Wilson, Kathy Thomas and Elaysha Phillips 5. Rob Iler and Galina and Natalie Durden 6. Leslie and Lisa Gruner 7. Sam Worthy and Emma Forehand 8. Pavela Looney and Grayson Johnson 9. Telissia Stone, Tony Poole, Debra Moon, Minnie Thomas and Carliss Poole

54 Lake Martin Living

9

Your Lake Lender.

Melanie Foshee is now at River Bank.

A proud Alexander City native and a lover of lake life, Melanie has 18 years of local banking experience. Now she is at River

Bank, focused on helping families with their dream of primary

and second homeownership in Tallapoosa County and the Lake

Martin area. So when you find that special place for your family to play, grow and dream, call Melanie for service and products only a true community bank can deliver.

RIVERBANKANDTRUST.COM Member FDIC NMLS 405629 Equal Housing Lender

Mortgage Loan Officer Melanie Foshee NMLS 419398

3617 U.S. HIGHWAY 280

ALEXANDER CITY, AL 35010

256.329.0500

Lake Martin Living 55

THE LAKE REGION

Calendar FEATURED EVENT

John Conlee in Dadeville Country music legend to perform at Rodeo Club

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ountry music legend John Conlee (Mr. Rose Colored Glasses), a regular performer at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, will perform on Friday, July 29, at 9 p.m. at the Rodeo Club Lake Martin Event Center in Dadeville.

During Conlee’s 40-year career in country music, he has brought to audiences such classic songs as: Rose Colored Glasses (his signature song), Friday Night Blues, Backside of 30, Common Man, Miss Emily’s Picture, I Don’t Remember Lovin’ You and more.

Overall, there have been 32 single releases throughout the years with 26 of them charting in the top 20 or better. Eight of those 26 have reached the coveted No. 1 spot on the national country charts.

Conlee’s fans are excited that he has returned to radio with singles Walkin’ Behind The Star and Bread and Water, released on his own RCR (Rose Colored Records) label.

Walkin’ Behind the Star was written by Nashville recording veterans Ronnie Scaife and Phil Thomas, and the lyrics were inspired by Phil’s

56 Lake Martin Living

grandfather and great-grandfather, both of whom served in their local sheriff ’s department. The song had yet to be cut until recent events made it timely.

The song was pitched to the Grand Ole Opry star, who was touched by its honesty.

“Recent deadly attacks against the people who keep us safe is unprecedented in America, and I wanted to sing this song in honor of their sacrifice and willingness to serve,” Conlee said.

The new CD will feature new material, along with many of Conlee’s latter classics.

Conlee recently celebrated the 37th anniversary of his breakthrough hit Rose Colored Glasses, and can be found on tour throughout 2016 as well as on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, where he has been a member since 1981.

Tickets can be purchased at Kowaliga Country 97.5, The Rodeo Club, online at www.itickets.com or call 800-965-9324.

LAKE REGION EVENTS July 16

Summer Book Sale

The Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host a book sale in the library basement at 205 N. West St. from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Friends will supply plastic bags for you to fill to the brim for $5 each or buy two bags and get the third one free. Books include fiction, nonfiction, classics, art, romance, cookbooks, decorating, self-help, religion, history and politics, beautiful coffee table books and books to read to your children this summer. We also have several boxes of books recently donated for children and young readers. All proceeds go to improve the library. Call 256-825-7820 for information.

July 16

50th Anniversary Celebration and Exhibit

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park will hold a free event celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. During the day there will be kids’ activities and a special 50th anniversary Junior Ranger event. Beginning at 6 p.m. there will be a program for the unveiling of the two new exhibits: a commemorative pendleton blanket given by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation during the Bicentennial and an authentic dug out canoe. The event is set to last from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

July 16

Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run

The 13th annual Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run will begin at The Ridge Marina and end at Kowaliga Restaurant to raise funds for local charities. Participants will travel from The Ridge Marina to River North, Harbor Point, Real Island and Kowaliga Marinas to collect the best hand. Prizes will be awarded at the after party at Kowaliga Restaurant.

July 22

Friday On the Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature Jonathan Bloom from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

July 22-24

Russell Marine's End of Season Blowout

Enjoy live entertainment with Jonathan Bloom from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, along with a Kowaliga Restaurant cook-out, at Kowaliga Marina during the boat show blowout. For information, visit RussellMarine.net or call 334-8572111.

July 22-23

Boys and Girls Club Rodeo

Come celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Lake Martin Area Boys and Girls Club with a two-night rodeo at Alexander City’s Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. Festivities will kick off Friday, July 22, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and the rodeo starting at 7:30. Cowboys and cowgirls from the Bar W Rodeo Company will perform barrel racing, calf roping, bull riding and more. There will be kids’ activities and a rodeo expo area.

Proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club.

Pre-show tickets can be purchased at the Boys and Girls Club office, Tractor Supply, Depot Music and Pawn or the Alexander City Parks and Recreation Office. Tickets are $7 each for adults and $3 for kids ages 15 and under. Tickets may also be purchased at the gate at $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

July 30

Summer Reading Finale

Meet for lunch and games at 10 a.m. at the Sportplex gym for the Mamie Place Children’s Library summer reading program finale. Call 256-234-4644 for information.

July 30

ACHRC Show

Alex City Horse Riding Club will host a horse riding show at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex at 1 p.m. For more information email achrcmail@yahoo. com.

Aug. 5

Friday On The Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature The Bank Walkers from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

Aug. 6

Russell Marine’s Riverfront Wake Battle

The best wakeboard and wakeskate riders in the Southeast will battle it out for $7,000 in prizes at the Riverfront in Montgomery. For information, visit www.RussellMarine.net or call 256-7941397.

Aug. 12

Friday On The Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature Sid Phelps from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

Aug. 13

ACHRC Fundraiser

Join the Alex City Horse Riding Club at the club arena of the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex at 1 p.m. as they welcome the East Alabama Horsemen’s Association for this fundraising event. To learn more visit www.achrc.com or call Andy Housch at 205-334-4882.

Aug. 19

Friday On The Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature shadowood from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, Lake Martin Living 57

lawn games and time with family and friends.

Aug. 26

Friday On The Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature Richard Murray and Rusty Brown from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

Sept. 2

Friday On The Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature The Bank Walkers from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

Sept. 3

Russell Crossroads Community Garden Club Pancake Breakfast

The Community Garden Club members will be up early cooking

58 Lake Martin Living

pancakes for all to enjoy from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. on holiday weekend Saturdays. Come by the Artist’s Cabin and feed the family and help out the garden club.

Sept. 4

Labor Day Weekend Concert at The AMP

The summer concert series at The AMP comes to a dramatic close as concert goers of all ages gather for the final event of the year with Rexton Lee, The Bank Walkers, The Alabama Gamberlers and The Vegabonds. The AMP has hosted quality entertainers like Blue’s Traveler, Sister Hazel, Trotline, Shooter Jennings, Corey Smith and others for the unofficial end to the summer. This year will be no exception. Keep an eye on The AMP on Lake Martin on Facebook, www. theamponlakemartin.com or call 256397-1019 for details to come on this year’s concert event.

Season-Long Events Friday On The Green

Wind your busy week down on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads with live music, lawn games and time with the family and friends through Sept.

23. Bring your coolers, blankets and chairs, kids and pets and enjoy the music free of charge from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. every Friday except July 29 (Sun Festival’s Battle of the Bands).

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

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

Your children will love every minute.

Check the calendar at Calendar.

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

Yoga On The Green

With The Stables as a back-drop, the Town Green is the perfect place to discover your inner being through yoga at 7 a.m. every Saturday from Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 1. Great for beginners and the experienced; just bring your mat and water bottle.

Wine Tastings

Come by Catherine’s Market at Russell Crossroads for wine tastings on Fridays from May 13 through Sept. 2 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sample a variety of wines for $5, and then apply that $5 to your purchase of a bottle of your favorite flavor from the night’s sampling.

Strand Sessions

Free live music and fun await in Alexander City’s Strand Park each Thursday through August 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. Bring coolers, chairs and blankets and enjoy this hometown concert series sponsored by the Lake Martin Young Professionals.

Trade Day, Millerville

Find clothes, dishes, artwork, antiques and flower arrangements, refreshments and military uniforms at the Millerville Trade Day the third Saturday of every month from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Bibb Graves School on Highway 9. For information, call Doris Stewart at 256-839-5254.

Church of the Living Waters

Everyone is invited to attend services by guest pastors all summer long at Church of the Living Waters at Stillwaters. All services begin at 9 a.m. and are casual in attire.

Communion will be served Jul. 17 and Sep. 4. Come by boat, car or bicycle and worship on the water!

For details, call 256-825-9808.

Healthy Hearts Make More Memories More moments mean more memories.

More time with grandkids and family.

More days on the lake. More sunsets.

Kevin Sublett, MD, and the staff at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic of Central Alabama are committed to keeping your heart healthy, so you can keep on making memories.

The clinic is backed by the world-class expertise you expect from UAB Medicine, offering: • The full spectrum of cardiovascular care • Care from a physician board-certified in interventional cardiology • The latest in cardiac and vascular ultrasound technology, as well as nuclear medicine imaging in accredited laboratories • Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders • Convenient location within Russell Medical Center Call us today to schedule an appointment!

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

Lake Martin Living 59

9

Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

63

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

23

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

9

Power lines

21

280

20

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

County Roads

13

Flint Hill Church

22

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

10

Rockford

3

49

128

22

COOSA COUNTY

Horsesh Nation

Jaybird Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

Piney Woods Landing

Jacksons Gap

Pleasant Grove Church

11

9

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

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

5

Smith Landing Willow Point

24

Seman

Camp Kiwanis

Church in The Pines Trillium

1 Children’s Harbor Ko

wa

15 11 22

9

Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

The Amp

2

lig

9

25

Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

Stillwaters

24

Union Landing

aB

ay

Walnut Hill

27

80

Lake Martin 16 Baptist Church 17

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing

4

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

6 63 19 7

Equality

55

18

8

57

Liberty Church

20

231

Dadev

280

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

14

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

49

Eclectic Santuck Kent

Reeltown

231

14

ELMORE COUNTY

120

14

26 14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

60 Lake Martin Living

Tallassee 229

MACO COUNT

Marinas

Daviston

11. Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

22

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 42. Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

hoe Bend nal Park

52. Smith Marina

Home of Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt 256-444-8793

Restaurants 66. SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

CHAMBERS COUNTY

ville

ON TY

50

Camp Hill

76. Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 86. Homeplate Cafe 256-825-0583

191 East South St., Dadeville, AL 36853

Waverly

12

4. Russell Building Supply 18 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 4. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 19 256-794-1333

111 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 20 . Dark Insurance 256-234-5026 www.darkinsuranceagency.com

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 21. McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583

1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010 22. Kowaliga Whole Health & Pet Care Resort 334-857-1816

8610 Kowaliga Road, Eclectic, AL 36024

Hotels & Lodges

Business & Shopping

24 34. Creekside Lodge & Conference and Event Center 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36861

4. Patterson Air 11 256-825-8600 334-850-3500

8400 Kowaliga Road, Lake Martin

4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 13 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 14 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

LEE COUNTY

4. EastLake Coffee @ Lakesdie Mercantile 17 334-850-6357

8246 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36853

34. Cherokee Bend Bed & Breakfast 23 877-760-7854

5833 Hwy 22 E, Alex City, AL 35010

4. Hodges Vineyards and Winery 12 256-896-4036

230 Lee Road 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850

50

4. Lakeside Mercantile 16 334-850-6357

8246 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36853

96. Harbor Docks Restaurant at Anchor Bay Marina 334-639-4723

2001 Castaway Island Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024

10 5. Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481

5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, Al 35010 280

4. Lake Martin Mini Mall 15 334-857-3900

7995 Kowaliga Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024

Churches 25 34. Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820

8091 County Rd 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 26 34. Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 334-252-8618

2602 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078

(12 miles South of Lake Martin)

Dock Builders 3. Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc 27 Marine Construction Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443

180 Birmingham Road, Eclectic, AL 36024

Loachapoka 14

Notasulga 85 81

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

Lake Martin Living 61

62 Lake Martin Living

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

Serving all your favorite Seafood...

Come taste our Snow Crab!

THURS - SAT 5 - 9pm 334.567.3156 Richard Thorton, Owner 8185 Central Plank, Santuck, AL

“HWY. 9 SINCE ‘89”

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

To Advertise in the Business Directory section of Lake Martin Living please contact one of our Sales Representatives @ 256-234-4281 Lake Martin Living 63

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

ALEXANDER CITY

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

64 Lake Martin Living

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

DADEVILLE

American Watersports Bay Pine Marina

City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center Foodland Foshee Boat Dock Homeplate Restaurant Harbor Pointe Marina Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Community Hospital Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy Lakeside Marina Niffer's At The Lake Oskar's Cafe Payne Furniture Pearson’s Place Poplar Dawgs Public Library Pug's Place PNC Bank Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 USAmeribank

ECLECTIC

Children’s Harbor Cotton’s BBQ Eclectic Do-It Center Johnson’s Furniture Kowaliga Marina

Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store Peoples Bank

EQUALITY

Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation

RED HILL Citgo

TALLASSEE

Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce The Tallassee Tribune

WALNUT HILL

Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA

The Wetumpka Herald A limited number of magazines are available at these locations. To be sure a copy is reserved for you, call David Kendrick at 256-2344281 to start your subscription.

AD INDEX A&M Plumbing............................................................... 7

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art......................24

Red Flag Pest Control.................................................49

Alex City Taxi & Shuttle.............................................63

Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance...............................63

River Bank & Trust........................................................55

Amanda Scroggins RE/MAX Around the Lake......13

Kelley’s Heating & Air.................................................63

Russell Lands.................................................................25

Bob Alexander Landscaping..................................... 8

Lacey Howell, RE/MAX Around the Lake............39

Russell Medical Center..............................................68

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation.............................. 7

Lagasse Construction Inc.........................................13

Satterfield, Inc.............................................................39

C&C Wood Products...................................................49

Lake Martin Community Hospital.........................21

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

Carlisle's..........................................................................23

Lake Martin Dock.................................................23, 63

Tallassee Community Hospital...............................58

Central Alabama Community College.................62

Lake Martin Mini Mall................................................31

Truman's Seafood & Catfish.....................................63

City of Wetumpka......................................................... 5

Lakeside Concierge....................................................63

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

DAVCO Development................................................63

Lou Belles.......................................................................12

UAB Heart & Vascular.................................................59

Designs by Trish............................................................. 7

Mark King's Furniture............................................... 2-3

Ware Jewelers...............................................................67

Four Seasons Irrigation.............................................63

Millstone Nursery.......................................................... 7

Wind Creek Casino......................................................47

George Hardy, D.M.D................................................... 7

Music Depot..................................................................63

Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance......................71

OB-GYN Associates of Montgomery....................30

Hillview Memorial Park...................................................39

Odies Deli.......................................................................12

Interscapes...........................................................................13

Prime Management....................................................45

Jackson Thornton.......................................................30

PrimeSouth Bank.........................................................38

Lake Martin Living 65

On the Road Again

Driving to Distraction

S

The Last Word

it difficult to carry on a conversation, which is how of hands: How many of you reading kind of the goal (and which kind of gets me in this article run? Not out of necessity, trouble with the wife occasionally). but just for exercise? There are so many That’s right, I’m a real people person. beautiful spots to run around here that I’m I came by my desire for escape honestly. sure many of you do.

My grandfather was the same way; he just Now, how many of you run to the point of used different tactics. At family gatherings, he getting a “runner’s high?” Please don’t raise would randomly announce that he was “going your hand if you run because you’re high. That outside to smoke a cool pipe.” That phrase sounds like a misdemeanor, at best. really meant, “I have to get the heck away from I’m raising my hand right now. That’s you people for a while.” Everyone knew this, because I get runner’s high myself. I just and no one cared. They understood he needed choose to do it while driving. I have discovered Luke Robinson a moment. that achieving a runner’s high is much easier Everybody needs an escape once in a while. and more enjoyable while I am sitting down.

Perhaps you See, I drive. A like to bicycle lot. Like, almost trails, work in a as much as a quick nine at the cross-country golf course, or trucker hopped go antiquing in up on Red Bull Eclectic (which, and goofballs. itself, is kind of In Dr. Seuss antique). Those terms: I drive are just three of for fun. I drive the fantastic perks for work. I have of living where we logged more do in Alabama: miles than There are lots Captain Kirk. of places to get Most of my away from it all, driving is out of without going necessity: sales very far. trips, picking Of course, if you up the kids from are of the millennial generation, you may stare at your Ohio, visits to Birmingham to be with my wife, et cetera. iPhone until everyone gets frustrated about being ignored Sometimes, though, I just like being in the car while it and leaves you alone. That works, too. moves in a straight forwardly direction. It’s my escape. I As you have no doubt concluded, there is no point to get in my vehicle and mentally check out while listening this month’s article. No moral. No ironic twist. It’s just my to sports talk radio. way of letting you know that if you pass me in the car and Don’t be scared; I am still incredibly aware of my I don’t wave, it’s not because I don’t like you. surroundings. It’s not like I’m just in the car hoping to I mean, I might not like you. But while driving, I ignore make it to my destination while driving all willy-nilly. everyone equally.

But like many of you, I do get lost in the moment on long trips. Eventually, I will come to notice, “Hey, I just drove ~ Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native who also 150 miles. I don’t remember any of that!” writes a weekly column for the Alexander City Outlook.

I am so accustomed to drifting off in the car while I’m alone that, even when someone is with me, I like to put on my earphones and pretend they’re not. This habit makes 66 Lake Martin Living

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