Lake Martin Living June 2016

Lake Martin Living 1

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From the Editor’s Desk

J

une is a month to celebrate. Sandwiched as it is between Memorial Day and Independence Day, the month is full of reminders to savor national freedom. Meanwhile, summer vacation is in full swing and the long days give us plenty of time to enjoy personal freedom, as well.

This June, Lake Martin Living magazine celebrates the people who have contributed to the greatness of Coosa and Tallapoosa counties in the past and present, as well as those yet-unknown folks who will guide us into a brighter future.

Page 50 tells the story of Bird Harrison Young, an 18th century citizen of Tallapoosa County with so much personality that author Johnson J. Hooper was inspired to create the devious character Simon Suggs, whose misadventures have entertained generations of readers and put our area on the literary map.

Hooper’s book is largely forgotten now, and the man who sparked it even more so. But thanks to a tip from a Lake Martin Living reader and information from one of Young’s far-flung descendants, we were able to shed some light on the life of this infamous man, who is as much a character in death as he was in life.

No group has done more to shape this country than its military. From the American Revolution to the modern day, the brave men and women of our armed forces have done the hard work of defending our nation and shaping its character. Page 31 showcases a group of local veterans who for years have gathered each Memorial Day out of respect for those who did not return home from war. These men have never sought recognition for their actions; it wasn’t until a passer-by stopped to take a photograph of them and sent it to our office that their yearly ritual came to light.

This issue also recognizes those talented residents who have used their creative gifts to bring recognition to our area. Brian Deis of Dream RC Planes has combined artistry and technical skill to make some of the most incredible radio-controlled planes ever seen from his Dadeville workshop. You can admire his work on page 38.

Another Dadeville resident, Bucky Heard, has already left the state to follow his bliss: Using his vocal talent to perform tribute acts to the biggest stars of Rock and Roll. He now works in Las Vegas as one of the Righteous Brothers. The tale of his rise to Rock royalty begins on page 26.

Page 32 starts the story of Alexander City’s Robert Howard, another local whose skill is set to take him far away. In Howard’s case, the skill is his incredible speed in freestyle swimming. The University of Alabama freshman is aiming for the Olympic trials at the end of this month and could soon find himself in Brazil for the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

With such a wealth of characters past and present, our region should have plenty to celebrate this summer. We at Lake Martin Living wish you all the best as you enjoy the season.

Mia Osborn, Assistant Editor 4 Lake Martin Living

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 Robert Hudson Kay Thomas Karen Jennings Brantley Newton Marilyn Greene Magazine Distribution Manager David Kendrick Creative Services Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Kim Morse 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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Lake Martin Living 5

IN EVERY ISSUE 8. AROUND THE AREA 10. BUSINESS MATTERS The Rehab Center at Dadeville Healthcare 14. HAPPY GARDEN 16. FROM THE TEE 18. OUTDOOR LIFE 55. MONEY MATTERS 56. MEDICAL NEWS 57. OH SNAP! 64. LAKE REGION EVENTS 74. THE LAST WORD

FEATURES 24. PUBLIC SERVANTS F ormer politicians weigh in on what makes a good leader 26. A RIGHTEOUS BROTHER H ow Tallapoosa County native Bucky Heard became part of the musical duo 31. A DAY TO REMEMBER A chance encounter brings home the real meaning of Memorial Day 32. ROBERT HOWARD M eet the teenaged swimmer poised to make a splash at Olympic trials 38. BRIAN DEIS H ow one man turned his love of RC planes into a thriving business 46. PERFORMING ARTS PREVIEW L ocal arts groups announce upcoming shows

38 An RC plane built by Dadeville's Brian Deis takes to the summer sky while a full sized version zips past in the background.

6 Lake Martin Living

49. FIREWORKS GUIDE W here to get the most bang for your buck this Independence Day 50. ALIAS SIMON SUGGS F or the area’s most infamous scoundrel, truth is stranger than fiction

ON THE COVER

Robert Howard trains six days a week in his pursuit of Olympic gold. Here, he demonstrates his freestyle stroke in the pool at the Univeristy of Alabama's Aquatic Center. Photo by Kenneth Boone.

Lake Martin Living 7

Hugs and Kisses

Jennifer Oxford was reunited with her puppy, Finn, four days after the crash that separated them.

Dog thrown from car reunited with owner A shepherd-hound mix named Finn was found alive and well four days after the accident that ejected him from his owner’s car.

Jennifer Oxford of Birmingham was traveling on Highway 280 near Kellyton when her vehicle left the roadway and began to roll.

During the crash, the vehicle’s sunroof popped open and Finn, Oxford’s 5-month-old dog, was ejected from the vehicle. After she got free of the wreckage, she realized that her dog was gone.

Dogs often come back to the last place they saw their owner, so Oxford left some food, water and something that Finn would recognize in the area. Then on the morning of May 11, local firefighter Craig Dunham saw Finn on the opposite side of Highway 280 from where the crash occurred. Oxford was elated.

“I can’t tell you how relieved and excited I was,” said Oxford. “He was in pretty good shape too, just one minor laceration. He’s been checked out and will be home snuggling with me tonight.”

She was very grateful to all who helped in the rescue.

“I will never be able to thank everyone enough.” ~ Mitch Sneed 8 Lake Martin Living

AROUND THE AREA

AACA announces Cotney scholarship The Alabama Animal Control Association (AACA) will never forget Kelly Cotney, the former animal control officer for Alexander City who died as the result of an automobile accident in December of last year.

The AACA in April named a scholarship in Cotney’s honor. The scholarship will allow a member of the AACA, who would not otherwise be able to afford to attend the annual AACA Training Conference, to do so and earn continuing education units to help the animal control officer improve his or her skills and perhaps further their career.

The announcements of the scholarship’s being named in Cotney’s honor and the first recipient

were made at the annual training conference at Guntersville State Park.

Rebecca Cotney, her husband, Larry, Kelly’s sister and niece, Renea Rose and Jocie Cotney, and Alexander City Police Department Animal Control Officer Ken Vernon were all in attendance for the announcement.

“I think this is something that Kelly would have really appreciated,” said Rebecca Cotney.

Cotney worked as an animal control officer for the City of Alexander City for eight years. She loved animals and was, even outside her on-the-job role, an advocate for their proper care and treatment. ~ David Granger

Kelly Cotney

Local teams sweep robotics competition A trio of Alexander City robotics teams placed in May’s National WWII Robotics Challenge at the National WWII Museum’s U.S. Freedom Pavilion in New Orleans.

The teams from Central Alabama Community College (CACC), Radney Elementary School and Faith Christian Academy were among more than 40 teams from Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi who competed in the competition.

The CACC team tied for top honors in the robot competition and the Faith Christian Academy team placed second. Radney Elementary’s robotics team placed second in robot design and Faith Christian placed third.

“We had a pretty good showing,” said Nick Nicholson, a retired CACC professor who coaches the CACC Legonators

and helps with the Radney Legotrons. “We hope that we can keep the kids interested in robotics for a long time.”

Legonators’ Danny Jeong designed and demonstrated the group’s winning robot. He quickly made his way through the tasks on the field, changing the robot’s Lego-made implements as needed.

Proper alignment of the robot proved key in tedious tasks like building an airstrip on an island. The robot rolled out and straightened the “airstrip” so planes could land. The robot also turned a radar dish to search for enemy planes, crossed the equator, removed malaria-carrying insects from an island and more. ~ David Granger Into the Future

Teams from Faith Christian Academy, Radney Elementary School and Central Alabama Community College display their awards at a ceremony following the National WWII Robotics Challenge in New Orleans.

Lake Martin Living 9

BUSINESS MATTERS

The Rehab Center at Dadeville Healthcare STORY BY MIA OSBORN PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRANTLEY NEWTON

T

here is a new option for those recovering from surgery or illness in the Dadeville area. Dadeville Healthcare Center (DHC) recently opened a new wing on its East Lafayette Street building, which will serve the needs of patients who need a short-term rehabilitation experience close to home.

The aptly named Rehab Center at Dadeville Healthcare is dedicated to the unique deeds of short-term care. It even maintains a separate entrance from the long-term care section.

Patients at the Rehab Center will be housed in private suites, each of which includes a 40-inch flat screen television and private bathroom with a full shower. Rehabilitation therapy takes place in the Rehab Center’s state-of-the-art therapy gym.

“Dadeville Healthcare Center’s staff is committed to providing the best care available to the residents of our community,” said Administrator Kim Russell.

10 Lake Martin Living

Russell presided over the Rehab Center’s ribbon cutting on April 20. She was eager to share news of the new addition and the services designed just for short-term patients.

“We recognized a need in this community for more distinction between long-term care residents and a patient that needs a little therapy to regain independence before transitioning home from a hospital stay,” said Russell.

It is these types of patients who will benefit from Dadeville Rehab’s unique treatment program.

“Nationwide, an average rehab stay is 41 days,” said Prime Management’s Brantley Newton, regional operations consultant for DHC. “We don’t work on Grand Opening length of stay, but on when Above: A crowd attended you can gain functionality.” the Rehab Center’s ribbon The Rehab Center cutting ceremony in April.

measures a patient’s functionality by assessing how well they complete activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs include eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring (mobility) and continence. Therapy at RHC focuses on patients reaching their maximum potential in each category.

Kim Longstreet, DHC’s rehab director, said, “We want patients to achieve their highest level of independence before they discharge home. By accomplishing these goals, the patients are less likely to have setbacks in their recovery, such as a fall that may require them to be re-hospitalized.”

The Rehab Center’s therapy gym is equipped to help patients with every aspect of recovery, including physical, occupational and speech therapy. There is also an occupational therapy kitchen with a clothes washer and dryer, meant to help patients regain independence by practicing the everyday tasks of cooking and cleaning for themselves.

“By having the kitchen in our gym, our therapists can evaluate the patient’s abilities in this environment and implement a plan to help improve their function and safety awareness with these tasks,” said Russell.

Russell believes DHC will provide an alternative for locals who would otherwise drive to Renovated for Recovery cities more than an hour away for Right: The Rehab Center their rehabilitation needs. was planned as a series of suites, each with its “We envision this center serving own bathroom and full people from the surrounding shower; Below: One of community and farther away,” she the center's spacious private bedrooms. said.

Most of the patients at The Rehab Center are 65 or older and covered by Medicare Part A or a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Newton said many people believe that Medicare only covers 21 days of rehabilitation. In reality, if a patient has been in a hospital for a minimum of three nights – discharging on day four – then Medicare will cover up to 100 days spent in a nursing facility, but a patient is required to pay a daily copay for days 21-100.

“Many people have a supplement – a.k.a Medigap – policy through companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield, AARP and Tricare that will cover this copay in full. If not, they may be eligible to apply for Medicaid to assist with these costs,” Newton explained.

The Rehab Center at Dadeville Healthcare is located at 385 E. LaFayette St. For more information or to schedule a tour, contact the facility at 256-825-9244 or call Prime Management’s Regional Marketing and Admissions Director Ryan Murray at 256-496-2134.

Lake Martin Living 11

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What makes an urban gardener?

M

Happy Garden

to production horticulture: Both deal ore than once in the past few with the growth of fruits, vegetables months I have been asked, and other plants for harvest, aesthetic, “What is an urban gardener?” architectural, recreational and Simply put, an urban gardener is psychological purposes. But the value anyone who practices urban – or in the of plants in urban environments may case of our area, suburban – horticulture. extend even further.

Urban horticulture is a relatively Today, urban horticulture has several new field of study that deals with the components, including community relationship between plants and the urban and market gardens, small farms environment: specifically, the functional and farmers’ markets. The growing use of horticulture to maintain and and sharing of food has become an improve a surrounding urban area. increasingly important aspect of In my view, the urban gardener is one community development. Another result who uses shrubs, trees and florals, along of urban horticulture is the food security with earthen structures and architecture, Fred Muenzmay movement, where locally grown food to create a place of beauty for rest and is given precedence through programs fulfillment of desires. But you will not find such as Grow Alabama, which provide low-cost and that definition in the dictionary. nutritious food.

With the rapid expansion of cities in the 21st Urban horticulture can benefit all of the many century, people have begun to recognize the need diverse groups that make up our area. Tallapoosa for green spaces. Urban horticulture has recently and Coosa counties are a melting pot: Professionals gained momentum. It has an undeniable relationship

14 Lake Martin Living

from Atlanta, Birmingham, Mobile and Montgomery who maintain summer homes near the water; retired members of the armed forces, many of whom have lived in foreign countries and brought their experiences home with them; and families brought here from abroad by the expansion of automobile plants from Germany, Korea and Japan, bringing different views of gardening and food along for the ride.

There are already many good examples of urban horticulture in Coosa and Tallapoosa counties, from new homes in the summer resort areas to surrounding small towns to rural countryside. Look closely and you will find exterior designs that take into account natural and manmade elements, such as the effects of erosion, sun exposure, views and functionality of structure.

Like most property surrounding a body of water, our area is full of natural hills formed by erosion and seasonal changes. Incorporating this sometimesdifficult terrain is a common problem for gardeners of all backgrounds.

Pest control is another problem shared by urban and rural gardeners alike. In our area, one of the most common problem-causing pests is white-tailed deer.

The easiest way to keep deer from interfering with your garden is to plant flowers, herbs, and shrubs that deer don’t find appetizing. This list includes aster, barberry, broom, Black-eyed Susan, cactus, coneflower, daffodil, fern, wild ginger, American and Winterberry holly, hyssop, Jack-in-the-pulpit, larkspur, mint, rosemary, snapdragon, small globe thistle, strawflower, sweet alyssum, tarragon, thyme, willows, yarrow and zinnia.

In addition to common problems, the gardeners in

Driving to Distraction

Above: Kids learn about soil composition at a recent garden work day; Left: volunteers were on hand to teach children the right way to plant.

our area have access to the same resources. Alexander City presently has three locations dedicated to the practice of urban horticulture. We tend these gardens with help from the Prosperity Again Through Health (PATH) group, which is based in Alexander City. The plan is to utilize these gardens as teaching tools for children and young adults. Such areas can support social, cultural and artistic events and contribute to the rebuilding of local community spirit.

Eat smart, keep well and be well. ~ 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.

Lake Martin Living 15

ALIEN GOLFERS The great debate between local and foreign student athletes

W

from fundraising. I was truly blessed when I elcome to another warm and sunny first arrived as the CACC Men’s Golf Coach Alabama summer, friends. It’s that when Annette Ferguson – daughter of CACC time of year when we may choose founding father Dr. Byron Causey – allowed to give up those precious hours of morning for the Causey Scholarship to benefit my sleep to get to the course before the temperature international student athletes for tuition, books hits 90 degrees. A word of warning: When and fees. I managed that gift as best I could, doing so, be sure to put on sunscreen! but those funds have finally been exhausted.

For years, I felt that I was immune to the I can proudly say that each foreign golfer sun’s wrath because of my olive complexion. who benefited from the Causey Scholarship Wrong again, Jennings! Just this year, my graduated from CACC; then, transferred to dermatologist removed a squamous cell cancer the university level to earn their bachelor’s area from my cheek. Nothing like a little degrees. I was extremely happy to learn that just excavation followed by cauterization to start Dave Jennings this past semester, J.P. van der Walt earned his your day. Sunscreen has improved drastically master’s from Columbus State University. over the years and there are some products In all, the Causey scholarship has benefitted eight CACC now that won’t leave you feeling like flypaper. Put it on, and golfers. I am very proud of each of these young men. This reapply often. year, Scott Bryan and Lauri Hacklin were the last to enjoy This past May, our Central Alabama Community College (CACC) Golf Team competed in the National Junior College this financial assistance from the Causey Family. Both boys graduated from CACC and have earned athletic scholarships Athletic Association (NJCAA) D-1 Men’s Golf National and academic assistance from nearby universities. Scott will Championship in Melbourne, Florida. The golf course was soon transfer to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, challenging, but despite a few weather delays, we got all four and Lauri to Coastal Georgia University. Both boys were role rounds of golf completed. models in the community, played fine golf for us at CACC This year’s championship was a rude awakening. and were my two lowest-scoring players at Nationals.

We finished in the middle of the pack, which is not a One more point of pride on these two: Along with their comfortable spot for me. It may have had something teammates, they helped CACC Golf earn an accumulative to do with the fact that last year, the NJCAA lifted all GPA of 3.30, earning us Team Academic All-American limitations and restrictions on international student athlete honors again. participation.

Now, we move on to the future. I feel I’ve done a pretty As red, white and blue as I am, I don’t have a problem fair job in recruiting for next year. All of the incoming with other colleges playing more international golfers than players are from the Southeast with the exception of one me. I don’t even have a problem with the fact that under the golfer, Bailey Scifleet. He is from Australia and will be paying Alabama two-year college system, I am not allowed to offer his own way through CACC. Joining Bailey as incoming room and board in my scholarship offers, as do all other freshmen golfers are: Sam Goldasich of Birmingham; Chase states. The one handicap our Alabama junior college athletic programs suffer from is that we are not allowed to offer state- McLelland of Huntsville; Carter Henley of Auburn; Carden McCay of Trussville and Jake Maples of McDonough, funded scholarships to international student athletes, where Georgia. Returning sophomore golfers are: Jacob Morgan every other junior college in every other state may. from LaFayette, Georgia; Reynolds Carl from Cussetta and As an Alabama junior college coach, Steven Wysocki from Flowery Branch, Georgia. All nine of I am allowed to give financial aid to these boys have talent, and I believe they are very coachable. international athletes if the money was generated

16 Lake Martin Living

From the Tee

You can bet they will be putting in the hours necessary for us to be competitive in next year’s national tournament in Garden City, Kansas.

It may sound that I feel international golfers are more talented than our own U.S. boys. I do not; however, I do believe many international student athletes are more committed to their sport and academic achievement than many of our own kids from the U.S. Think about it. Most of our domestic kids don’t want to travel too far from home for college. They lose Mom’s weekend meals, laundry assistance and financial handouts from loving relatives. Meanwhile, the kids who travel across the globe know that this is their one shot to get an education while competing at a high level within their chosen sport. If they don’t do well in both athletics and academics, they could lose their visa and be sent home. For an 18-year-old, that’s a lot of pressure.

I do plan to bring in one or two international student athletes who can afford to pay their own way over the years.

This is a great education for my domestic team players and for most of our college students who have never traveled abroad.

Imagine, if you will, a CACC student from Dadeville who has never traveled outside of the state sitting in class next to a student athlete from Australia, South Africa or Scotland. Wow, talk about expanding someone’s education and imagination.

Today, with the restrictions lifted, the NCAA golfing talent has elevated tremendously. I say with no reservations that the top five junior college golf programs are just slightly out performed by the top 20 NCAA D-1 programs.

NJCAA programs have just flown by D-2, D-3 and NAIA in talent.

I was very proud to see that the individual champions for both NJCAA and NCAA D-1 championships were both Americans; however, in junior colleges, the teams are now much deeper and stronger than in years past. It will be a challenge to stay on top, but I’m just dumb enough to think we can do it. I think it will be fun to watch, and hopefully, you’ll remain supportive of our program as we face these challenges and do our best to whip the competition, just as our Trojans have for these past 49 years.

Oops, the cat is out of the bag. This next year is our golden anniversary. Join us as we celebrate 50 years of Trojan Golf. Go Trojans! ~ Dave Jennings is the men’s golf coach at Central Alabama Community College.

Lake Martin Living 17

Explore the wilderness of your own backyard 18 Lake Martin Living

D.I.Y:

Nature Photography

Lake Martin Living 19

L

ast fall, I had the pleasure of attending my first BioBlitz near Asheville, North Carolina. A BioBlitz is defined as an intense period of biological surveying in an attempt to record all the living species within a designated area. Usually, this is done by groups of scientists, naturalists and volunteers who conduct a thorough field study over a 24hour period.

A project of this magnitude takes a lot of planning and organization. Most BioBlitzes are held in places that have some special status that makes conservation or preservation a priority. For instance, a conservation organization such as the Nature Conservancy may have purchased a property because it contains rare ecosystems, which in turn may contain unusual plants or animals that have not been scientifically described. Further investigation is warranted, and that is where a BioBlitz comes in. A BioBlitz provides a lot of general information that gives some idea of the possibilities for more in-depth studies.

They also help land managers determine the conservation status of the property.

Rather than relying on one or two scientists making occasional investigations, why not invite teams of biologists, herpetologists, mammal experts, botanists and more to catalog as much diversity as possible in 24 hours?

The big advantage of the BioBlitz is the volunteers – many of them students – who work alongside the scientific community to help inventory the property. More pairs of hands and eyes means covering more ground faster. Teams of volunteers are divided into groups to carry out their assignments, with scientists at the lead. Entomologists might lead a team of volunteers into the field looking for insects; herpetologists would lead a group looking in streams and forests for reptiles and amphibians.

In some cases, traps are set to capture organisms. Small mammals, such as mice and voles, can be caught in live traps.

Insects can be caught in pheromone or windowpane traps.

Bats and birds are usually caught in nets, but birds are only 20 Lake Martin Living

netted if banding or a DNA sample is required. For simple identification, experts rely on sightings or calls of birds.

Streams are usually sampled for fish by using kick seines or fine mesh dip nets.

BioBlitzes are done for identification purposes only. If something novel is brought in that requires more study, that organism may be collected and kept; everything else is released unharmed.

Once collection is finished, plant and animal organisms are brought to another group whose job it is to identify and record the species. Microscopes may be required for looking at tiny insects and arthropods.

Many flies and mosquitos can only be identified by tiny details, such as the venation of their wings. Participants may also look at the number of simple eyes and types of pedipalps in spiders. Larger organisms don’t need special equipment to be inspected and photographed. Photography has become a vital part of nature documentation.

Conservation organizations partner with photographers to establish a visual record of plants and animals found at a BioBlitz. In the digital age, nearly everyone carries a camera in the form of a cellphone. You can find photographs of every conceivable plant and animal on the web, especially Facebook. Technology can be Outdoor Studio Top: When shooting used to inform people of the animals in nature, its’ great diversity of living things important to pack light; around us. I am frequently Bottom: Scott’s setup includes a portable asked to identify plants and PVC stand topped with animals that someone captured Plexiglas. in a cellphone photograph.

Photographic protocols for the kind of scientific documentation performed in a BioBlitz have just recently been established. During my work at the North Carolina BioBlitz, I met photographer Clay Bolt, who is on the forefront of nature documentation photography. Bolt’s photographs have been published in National Geographic,

Outdoor Life

Audubon and Scientific American magazines, but what really got the conservation community interested in his work was a program he cofounded with fellow photographer Niall Benvie, called Meet Your Neighbours.

Being a nature photographer, Bolt wanted to capture the essence of organisms in a different way.

“Most organisms blend in with their backgrounds. They like to hide; so many of them are cryptic or camouflaged in some way. By taking away the context of the background, you begin to see what you wouldn’t Fletcher Scott ordinarily notice,” he said. “I like to think that it focuses your attention on the organism itself without any distracting elements.”

The Meet Your Neighbours project was so successful that it has garnered Bolt and Benvie international acclaim, as well as the North American Nature Photographers Association’s 2015 Environmental Impact award. It is now an established photographic format used in documentation work for scientific purposes, nature photography and BioBlitzes everywhere. I encourage readers to take a look at this style of photography on the Meet Your Neighbours Facebook page and website to see what you think.

For my attempt at using this setup of photographing against a white background, I decided to collect and photograph a few reptiles and amphibians. The key to using this technique is being able to set up all your work in the field so you can take pictures and immediately release the specimens. This means equipment needs to be portable, so I kept mine as simple as possible.

For my white background I used a piece of 20-by-30-inch white Plexiglas obtained at a local glass company. Since they come in varying opacities, I used one that allowed some light to pass through. My hand was visible when held just under the plastic. I placed the Plexiglas on a stand made of PVC piping. I glued together the table top but left the legs unglued, so I could remove them for transport. The table legs can vary in length, but mine were 21 inches.

I illuminated my subjects with two speed lights or flashes, one placed above the table and the other beneath.

The flash from above needed to be softened by using a light box or a white reflector. I set my flashes up using the camera flash in commander mode and the other two in slave mode. This eliminated using cables to synchronize the flashes.

Almost any DSLR camera can be used. A dedicated macro (1x1 ratio) lens is not absolutely necessary. Any lens that will focus from 12 to15 inches away will work.

You can test your exposures by placing an object on

the table to shoot. Once this is established, you are ready to photograph your subjects. Finding organisms to use is not difficult. Insects, caterpillars and arthropods are the easiest to locate. You can use fine mesh nets, potato rakes and plastic jars.

The hard part is getting them to remain still long enough to photograph. This is where an assistant is invaluable; the assistant can keep the critters on the table long enough for you to get several exposures. With a little experimentation and this simplified setup, you should be able to make some really great photographs your first try. Who knows, you may find something really interesting.

Humans frequently see even the most rare or unusual plants and animals, but not many realize what they have seen.

Not long ago, I was led by a group of botanists on a field trip to the Bibb County Ketona Glades on Little Cahaba Creek.

During our foray, we were shown an unknown species of Trautvettaria (False Bugbane). As soon as I examined the plant, I remembered seeing it growing in Tallapoosa County.

In fact, I had photographed it at the time. When I showed the botanists my photograph, they immediately wanted to go see it.

A field trip was organized, and I led the group to the plant.

They took specimens back to the Alabama Plant Atlas lab at the University of West Alabama. To their surprise and mine, it was a new species of Trautvetteria! I’m sure many other people saw the plant but passed it by.

The moral of the story is this: Take the time to notice the living world around you. Be curious. Take a picture. Show it to someone who may help you identify it. How can you sleep at night, not knowing what grows, crawls and flies just outside your window? ~ Fletcher Scott is a retired science teacher who enjoys nature photography.

Lake Martin Living 21

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Lake Martin Living 23

The Quest for Better City Leaders

STORY BY MITCH SNEED & MIA OSBORN ILLUSTRATION BY JERRY KING

F

or those who haven’t touched a television, computer or newspaper in the last 18 months, this is an election year. Presidential candidates have already been on the campaign trail for what seems like forever, and candidates for local government will soon join in the fray.

A public servant is defined as any government employee. This definition includes elected officials 24 Lake Martin Living

from the White House down to city government.

It also covers those who work in public health, law enforcement, education and many more fields.

Employees in all these jobs have certain qualities in common: They are – or at least they should be – devoted to the wellbeing of the citizens who fall under their care.

Tallapoosa Publishers spoke to three former

members of city government about the qualities they believe are most important to being a good public servant.

Ben Cleveland, Barbara Young and Don McClellan have all served as mayors of Alexander City. They all have their own stance on how to do the job well.

For Young, the first quality needed was a willingness to put self aside.

“You’ve got to be ready to put a lot of your personal desires and plans aside to do what’s best,” she said.

“You’ve got to be unselfish.”

Young’s 33 years of work in the Alexander City school system formed her view of the public from the perspective of mayor.

“Students were my focus. I learned any time you run for office at any level, you should strive to do what’s best for the people. Everything else flows from that,” she said.

Cleveland said that a successful mayor has to be open-minded and surrounded by good people.

“An effective mayor must be strong enough to make a tough decision,” Cleveland said.

For his part, McClellan said that a good elected official must understand several things.

“Leadership, management and being able to bring people together are very important,” McClellan said.

“You have to be able to build a consensus because rarely is everyone going to agree on every issue. But if you can get people to see beyond personal feelings and see what is really the best for a community, that’s a great start.”

Young’s list of public servant qualities includes honesty, confidence and intelligence. She said intelligence is crucial, especially for someone entering a public office for the first time.

“You need a smart person, though that’s in any job.

If I’m a teacher, I better know what my subject is before I try to teach it,” Young said.

The importance of an open, receptive mind was impressed on Young in her first weeks as mayor.

“I’d already been on the city council for four years,” she said. “But the first month of being mayor, my head hurt because it was so full of things to learn: state edicts, policy manuals. So you have to be willing to learn and to apply what you learn.”

Cleveland said public servants must not only be

intelligent, but also open-minded enough to listen to people who have more expertise in one area or another than they do.

“I've always said that you are only as good as the people you have around you. I think that surrounding yourself with the very best possible people – people with vast knowledge in the areas that they serve – is a must.”

Like Cleveland, McClellan said that surrounding yourself with bright, brutally honest people is vital.

“You need to surround yourself with people who are strong in areas that you aren’t,” McClellan said. “Not only do they need to be smart, they have to be willing to tell you what they know and tell you when they think you are wrong. That honesty among the people you work with can be a valuable thing. The truth is sometimes you are just too close to something and you need people to tell you that.”

As far as the role of money in politics, Young said transparency is key.

“Money is extremely important,” she said. “But if you’re in charge of the budget, you’ve got to understand how money works. And you’ve got to remember it’s not your money. It’s the citizens’ money.

Don’t be afraid to let the public know where their money is going.”

Public servants have an immense amount of trust placed on them by the public, and that trust must be earned through hard work.

Cleveland said the best way to gain trust and respect is simply to listen.

“I think that’s what people want,” Cleveland said.

“They want to know that if they have a problem, you will be there. They want to know that even if you don’t always agree, you will be fair.”

Gaining a reputation for fairness takes time.

McClellan said people who run need to understand that it is a very tough job and the demands often go outside normal hours. He said that if residents have an issue, they want you to know, regardless of the place or the hour.

“It’s not an easy job, and anyone who is considering a run for office should know that,” McClellan said. “But even with that, it can be very rewarding knowing that you helped make your town a better place.”

Lake Martin Living 25

A Righteous 26 Lake Martin Living

Dadeville’s Bucky Heard joins Las Vegas show

L

Brother STORY BY MIA OSBORN PHOTOS COURTESY OF BUCKY HEARD

ooking back, Bucky Heard should have realized he was meant for show business.

“In retrospect, I knew even as far back as kindergarten and first grade. On show-and-tell days, I would always sing for the class,” he said.

The Tallapoosa County native didn’t know that he was taking the first steps in a career that would send him to Las Vegas as part of a famous rock duo. He just knew he was doing what he loved: performing.

Heard sang in the choir at Dadeville First Baptist Church and his high school, Lyman Ward Military Academy. After graduation, he headed for Auburn University to pursue a degree in geology. Things went smoothly until Heard’s junior year, when his musical past came back to haunt him.

“I kind of had an epiphany,” said Heard. “I got a chance to join this rock and roll band. So I scared my parents to death, dropped out of college and went on the road.”

The band toured for a year before Heard found himself back in Auburn, but by then he knew the quiet life of a geologist wasn’t right for him. He transferred all of his geology credits and received his theatre degree from Auburn in 1989.

Life wasn’t easy for a young artist. Heard worked with theaters in Birmingham for a while before he made the choice to work for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

That was where he met his wife, A.J., a ballet dancer and choreographer originally from Winnipeg, Canada.

After leaving Royal Caribbean, Bucky and A.J. found themselves in Branson, Missouri, where Bucky began working in tribute acts.

Heard said that even as a child he enjoyed trying to sing like his favorite artists, so the transition into tribute work came naturally.

“When I was a kid, my favorite band was KISS. I would try to sing like Paul Stanley,” Heard recalled. “God knew what he was doing: He put me in training, and I didn’t even know it.”

Since arriving in Branson, Heard has stood in for John Fogerty, Bob Seger, John Mellencamp and Steve Perry, among others. He said the key to successful impersonation singing is to think less about matching every note and more about staying true to what makes Lake Martin Living 27

to the studio and sang a few songs, and he sent it to some of the performer unique. his friends. Then it just started snowballing, and now I’m a “There are certain things you look for. When doing John Fogerty from CCR, you have to get the growl in there,” Heard Righteous Brother,” Heard laughed.

Since January, Heard and Medley have been performing as explained. “Doing Steve Perry, I just try to concentrate on his the Righteous Brothers at tone and being really specific Harrah’s on the Las Vegas in the way I hit certain strip. Reviews have been words and notes.” glowing. Heard still can’t Recently, Heard began to believe his luck at joining share his skills with others the iconic duo. when his friend offered “I’m onstage going, ‘am him a job teaching voice I going to wake up from at the Tribute Theatre in this?’ I’m singing That Branson. His wife, A.J., Lovin’ Feeling right next to a also teaches dance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer. same theatre, in addition to It’s insane,” Heard said. her regular job as director The gig hasn’t been and choreographer with without its struggles.

Hamner’s Incredible Variety Heard’s wife and daughter Show. The Heard’s 10-yearremain in Branson, and in old daughter, Cydney, has order to see them during also made her show business the week, he spends a lot of debut in Branson, though time in airports. her parents had some “I have the show misgivings before she went Saturday night, then the on stage. shuttle picks me up at 2:30 “It’s not easy to be in the in the morning on Sunday, entertainment business. and I get to Branson by Shows close. You miss 1 in the afternoon. I’m in weddings and funerals.

Branson Sunday and all There’s no 401k, no tenure,” day Monday. Then I get on Heard explained. “I tell my a plane Tuesday and come students, if there’s anything back here.” else you can imagine doing, The Harrah’s show was do that. You have to be planned to run through totally dedicated to make it June 11, but has already work.” been extende to December Heard’s dedication paid After that, the re-formed off last winter, when he was Righteous Brothers have invited to take on the role several options, one of of a lifetime as a member of which involves producing the Righteous Brothers. new music.

The duo of Bobby “Bill’s written a new Hatfield and Bill Medley Righteous Brothers song, created some of the most Unchained Melodies enduring love songs of recent Previous: Heard and Medley on stage in Las Vegas; Above: and he’s releasing another Heard has performed tributes to many rock and roll greats. that was written for the decades, including That Righteous Brothers that he Lovin’ Feeling and Unchained didn’t record, but we just re-recorded it,” said Heard.

Melody. Hatfield passed away in 2003. A few years later, There has been talk of a European tour in the near future.

Medley met Heard in Branson, during a visit with mutual Heard can’t wait to see what happens. friend – and award-winning Elvis impersonator – Dean Z. “I said, ‘just tell me what stage to step on, what plane to Medley and Heard became friends. When Harrah’s Las get on,’” said Heard. “So many times in my life, I’ve rushed Vegas contacted Medley with an opportunity to bring back through things. I’m taking this one day at a time and just the Righteous Brothers, he gave Heard a call. enjoying the ride.”

“Just to see what our voices sounded like, Bill and I went 28 Lake Martin Living

THE LAKE IS THE PART OF US THAT

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30 Lake Martin Living

A Day to Remember O

STORY BY MIA OSBORN & PHOTO BY MARILYN GREENE

ne glance at Lake Martin Living’s May calendar would prove that Memorial Day is a big deal in this region. The last weekend in May was awash with breakfasts, art shows, concerts and sales at local shops. The whirl of activity was enough to make anyone forget what the day is supposed to memorialize.

Few people even know the origin of the holiday.

Memorial Day began with the Civil War. The unheard-of losses of life on both sides of the conflict gave rise to private and public ceremonies commemorating the fallen soldiers.

The holiday grew from there into the three-day event we know now. The modern Memorial Day has become less of a somber time to remember those who gave their lives to the U.S. military and more of an early July Fourth: A weekend-long celebration of patriotism, parties and barbecue to kick off summer.

This article is not meant to suggest there’s anything wrong with barbecue, or spending time with friends and family to exercise the freedoms we all enjoy. But sometimes, ordinary citizens are hit with a reminder of the day’s greater meaning.

That’s what happened to local retiree Marilyn Greene. Greene was driving through downtown Dadeville on Memorial Day morning when she saw seven men gathered around the Tallapoosa County War Memorial on the courthouse lawn.

“I was amazed that these men were out there by themselves, nobody else. They were just in a circle, saluting,” Greene said.

The monument is dedicated to Tallapoosa County residents who lost their lives in both the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Greene was struck by the power of the simple, private scene.

There was no press coverage, no crowd and no desire for recognition. Greene stopped and offered to take a photo of the men. Then she enjoyed a private talk with the veterans.

Honoring the Fallen

Samuel L. Harris, Rusty Evans, Steve Dettloff, Jim F. Hughes, James Burkhalter, Tom Drake and Rush Gavin salute those who gave their lives in military service.

“They were so sweet. One of them talked to me a long time about how, if it weren’t for the people back home, they wouldn’t have been able to do what they did. He was thanking me,” she said.

The veterans were all members of Dadeville’s American Legion Post 143. One of them, Lieutenant Colonel Tom Drake, explained that the group members came from all different branches and ranks of service, but gather every year on Memorial Day to show respect for the fallen.

“We are the ones responsible for the floral wreath that stands permanently outside the courthouse,” Drake said. “We do it to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Moved by the men’s humble attitudes, Greene recorded their names and sent them, along with a copy of the photo, to the Lake Martin Living office in hopes that these everyday heroes would get the recognition they deserved.

"We do it to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice."

~ Lt. Col. Tom Drake

Lake Martin Living 31

STORY BY MIA OSBORN & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

32 Lake Martin Living

Robert Howard Alexander City swimmer reaches for spot on the U.S. Olympic team

M

aybe it’s something in the water. Alexander City has another Olympic hopeful: local swimmer Robert Howard.

Howard’s competitive swimming career was shaped in Alexander City, and the friends he made through his time on the local Torpedoes swim team have not only followed him through his life but also inspired him to be his personal best.

Howard has been swimming competitively since he was 7 years old, when he joined the Alexander City Torpedoes swim team. Now just shy of his 20th birthday, he has been at it for more than a decade and has no plans to slow down.

He joins a growing list of athletes from Tallapoosa County in general and Alexander City in particular who have Olympic aspirations, including gymnast Kylie Dickson, who has since been accepted to the Belarus Olympic team.

Legacy of Greatness Howard trains at the UA Aquatic Center, which is decorated with Howard credits his coaches with encouraging him to strive for perfection. a list of past Olympians.

“I’ve had a lot of good coaching,” he Peter Browne recalled. “The boys became lifelong said. “My first coach was a former Auburn swimmer. friends.”

That kind of inspired me. I realized it was possible to Although he didn’t know it at the time, that swim in college.” summer would change the course of Howard’s His possibilities were further expanded when the life. In addition to making a new friend in Ethan, Browne family came to town. Ethan Browne is the Peter Browne’s coaching inspired Howard to turn same age as Howard. Originally from Tennessee, swimming from a hobby to a passion. the Browne family came to the area in the summer “He understands swimming,” said Howard. of 2008 to spend time at Ethan’s grandparents’ “That was when I realized I needed to move up to a cabin. Ethan’s father, Peter Browne, is a swim coach; different program after the Torpedoes.” he volunteered to help the Torpedoes with their So Howard kept at it, swimming with a club in summer practices, and the two families forged a Auburn throughout his four years at Benjamin connection.

Russell High School to prepare for college. Attending “That summer was one of the best we’ve ever had,” regular swim meets across the southeast also gave Lake Martin Living 33

him the chance to reconnect with Ethan.

“We’re not as much in touch as we used to be, but we’ll hang out and talk at meets,” said Howard.

The friendship continued into college. Howard was accepted to the swim team at the University of Alabama. The school is no stranger to Olympic ambitions. Howard shares his team with several athletes who will serve on the Olympic teams of other countries. But Howard’s dream of qualifying for the United States team represents its own challenge.

“There are a lot of people on my team at Alabama who have qualified for places like Germany, South Africa, Iceland, all these other countries,” Howard explained. “It’s not easier to qualify for another country, but it’s a little different from America because

34 Lake Martin Living

Americans are so competitive.”

The thought of that tough competition helps Howard stick to his rigorous training schedule.

“Coming into Alabama, I didn’t have too much of a training background. Nothing like what I’m doing now,” said Howard.

He trains six days a week for at least two hours each day. His workouts are a mixture of weight training and – of course – swimming.

Speed is crucial to Howard’s Olympic events, the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle. In the summer of 2015, he secured his spot at the Olympic trials by swimming the 50-meter freestyle in 22.98 seconds.

Howard and Browne look forward to seeing each other at the trials, which will be held in Omaha,

Nebraska from June 26 through July 3.

“It’s comforting to know he’ll be there,” said Browne.

“I get nervous around a lot of competition. Having a friend there will make it feel like any other meet.”

Peter Browne says he is proud of both Ethan and Howard’s accomplishments.

“Those boys are both great,” he said.

Browne’s event is the breaststroke. Although he and Howard will be competing for spots on the U.S. Olympic team, they will not have to compete against each other. If all goes well, the friends could soon be travelling to Brazil for a reunion in Olympic Village.

But for now, Howard is trying to stay practical.

“My goal is just to reach the semifinals or finals,” he said. “I would never have thought I could have done

that, coming in.”

Howard would recommend that young swimmers from his hometown join the Torpedoes and progress from there, not letting themselves become discouraged.

“Don’t let anything hold you back,” he said. “If you’ve got the right drive and the right discipline, it definitely isn’t easy, but it’s possible.”

Browne agreed.

“It’s going to be hard,” he said, “but it will be worth it when you make that best time at the end of the season.

It’s worth it for the friends you make. Don’t give up!”

In training

Howard grabs a breath as he practices his stroke in the UA Aquatic Center. Inset: Howard, and Browne’s brother, Jake at an Alexander City Torpedoes meet.

Lake Martin Living 35

36 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living 37

BRIAN DEIS

Builder of the world's largest custom made remote controlled planes works from Dadeville

STORY BY MIA OSBORN PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

38 Lake Martin Living

I

n many ways, Brian Deis’ Dadeville workshop is perfectly normal. Hand and power tools are laid out on countertops; more wait in drawers and cabinets decorated with funny Internet printouts and family photos. The space could serve any number of hobbies; that is, until you notice the miniature World War II bomber on the central table, perfect down to the landing gear and meticulously painted insignias. Or the model Zivko Edge 540, complete with tiny pilot awaiting repairs nearby.

The workshop is the home base of Deis’ Dream RC Planes, where engineering comes together with artistry to create some incredible radio-controlled (RC) flying machines. Deis builds everything from tiny precision planes to the world’s largest RC plane, a 22-foot double decker jet containing 78 pounds of batteries, which took 3,100 hours to complete.

It was time Deis was happy to spend. His business is the result of a lifelong love of aviation. Airplanes were a crucial part of Deis’ childhood. He was born into an Air Force family; as a young man, he spent eight years as a Navy pilot. Deis has enjoyed building and flying model planes since he was a boy. He has also learned to appreciate the wide spread of RC clubs.

“I’ve been doing this all my life, and I’ve never been in a town that didn’t have at least a little club. There are five clubs within two hours of here. There’s a lot of people who fly,” said Deis.

He moved to the Dadeville area in 2000, after selling a business in Ohio. He already knew what he wanted to do with his newfound free time.

“As soon as I started getting weekends off – which I had not had in 20 years – I started setting up the shop and building airplanes.

And people always like them, so I started selling them,” he said.

The business took off. Deis specializes in building custom planes from the ground up, but he also takes in rescue builds – when clients start projects they can’t finish on their Better Building

Deis shows off a project in progress in his Dadeville workshop.

Lake Martin Living 39

own – and performs repairs.

The world of professional RC builders has changed in the 16 years since Deis started his business, mainly due to the rising popularity of the sport.

“Builders used to be 40 percent of the market, and now we’re 5 percent of the market, but that’s just because the market grew overnight,” he said.

This meant no shortage of orders. At one point, Deis ran a thriving build and repair shop through his website, serving a worldwide customer base. But Deis has developed a reputation for his excellent work; over the years, his client roster has narrowed to a few high end RC enthusiasts who keep him and his team of experts busy.

“I’ve collected all the people in America that can build these kind of airplanes, and that’s a total of about five people,” Deis said. “The number of builders is shrinking. The world’s different now. Everybody wants to get in the air quickly.”

When an order for a new plane comes in, Deis takes on the sales role. He works with the client to map out exactly the plane that will fit the client’s needs. This step can take a while.

There are hundreds of varieties of RC planes, each appealing to a different type of pilot.

First are the casual, recreational flyers. Deis estimated these make up about 80 percent of the market. Then there are pattern pilots, who compete to perform perfect flight patterns.

Scale enthusiasts want a plane to be as accurate as possible. The 40 Lake Martin Living

Above it All

Above: Huge model passenger jets like this one are a Dream RC Planes specialty. Facing Page, clockwise from top left: Billy Thompson, 83, flies his Radian motorized glider; Deis guides a plane into the sky; Deis and friends look like giants towering above their aircraft.

fourth group is interested in 3D or stunt flying.

“That’s just really wild, crazy flying,” Deis explained. “I love that market because they crash a lot of airplanes. That makes it easy for me.”

Deis walks his customer through every detail of planning the dream plane, leaving as little room for error as he can.

“My role is to find out everything about the airplane,” Deis said. “Every customer is looking for different stuff. Quality is dependent entirely on what the customer thinks quality is.”

Once the plane’s design is down on paper, Deis sets to work building. Materials can vary, but the vast majority of RC planes are built of balsa wood surrounding a foam core. Then fiberglass cloth is stretched over this skeleton and coated with automotive paint.

Dream RC Planes has received orders for planes of all shapes and sizes, for private clients as well as corporations. He built the model 1751s hanging from the ceiling of BirminghamShuttlesworth International Airport.

Prices for his work vary from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands for high end models.

Deis doesn’t have a favorite type of airplane to build, but he

Lake Martin Living 41

42 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living 43

looks forward to unusual orders.

“If no one’s ever built one before, I like it,” he said.

That attitude leads him to tackle challenges like the 22-foot version of a four-engine jet airliner. Deis said technological innovations have allowed for all kinds of builds that would not have been possible a few years ago. Of course, building these unique projects for others means he has to part with them eventually.

“Once in a while, the client will make a mistake and take a big fall with it. That’s a piece of my life that just went into the ground,” he said. “So I’ll be shedding tears and the client will say, ‘Well, some days are like that’ and they’ll walk away. I’ll trudge home and mope for two or three days afterwards. You fall in love with them after you have them in your shop a long time.”

At the end of the day, Deis is glad to have helped his clients achieve the peace of mind that comes with flying a perfectly made aircraft.

“All my big clients go out and fly to have a peaceful moment because their lives are so hectic,” he said. “When we go out and fly, it’s for adrenaline. We go out and fly crazy and have fun.

These guys just want to go out alone and enjoy themselves.”

Flying High

Previous: Gene Payne flies his Yak 54 on a low pass beside the 'pit crew'; Right: Ron Pierce from Dadeville, holds his Super Cub; Below: At first glance, a photograph of a Deis plane can be mistaken for the real thing.

44 Lake Martin Living

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Lake Martin Living 45

Performing Arts Preview STORY BY MIA OSBORN

A

when they appeared as part of lexander City’s the Alexander City Arts lineup performing arts several years ago, and board scene will be members look forward to seeing bustling this year with a full them again. schedule of plays and musical The ACA’s holiday season acts to entertain and delight local performance will be A Tennessee audiences.

Christmas. This musical duo has “This is one of the strongest strong roots: Meagan Taylor is seasons we’ve had in a while,” the niece of Chet Atkins, guitarist said Frankie Nordlund, secretary for country greats like Elvis of Alexander City Arts, Inc. Presley, Dolly Parton and Perry For years, Alexander Como. Taylor harmonizes with City Arts, Inc., has dhosted Jason Coleman, grandson of performance artists from all American Hall of Fame pianist around the South. Now, the Floyd Cramer. Together, they group is pleased to announce Comeback Kids perform a variety of pop, jazz and that their first 2016 performance Musical comedian act Three on A String will return for this Alexander City Arts, Inc. season. country Christmas favorites. A on Tuesday, Oct, 18, will be musical Tennessee Christmas will come to comedy act, Three On A String.

BRHS Thursday, Dec. 1.

The Birmingham-based trio has The music continues into 2017 with Ring of Fire: The performed since the 1970s. The group was very well received

46 Lake Martin Living

Johnny Cash Story. This portrait of the man in black comes to the stage courtesy of the Wetumpka Depot Players, who have brought 35 years of community theater to Elmore County and surrounding areas. Johnny Cash will tell the story of his life, his faith and his love of music while pulling from his iconic songbook. The performance takes place Tuesday, Feb. 21.

The tempo will swing from country to classic rock on Friday, March 17, when Eagles tribute group 7 Bridges Band takes the BRHS stage. The Nashville, Tennessee, group bills itself as the ultimate Eagles experience.

“From what I’ve seen and heard so far, that’s going to be a very popular performance,” said Nordlund. “It will be held on St. Patrick’s Day, which is also a Friday. We hope that will help draw a crowd.”

The final performance of the 2017 season will be The Marvelous Wonderettes on Thursday, April 13. Birmingham’s prestigious Virginia Samford Theater will send its actors to Alexander City to bring life to this humorous story full of hit songs from the 1950s and 60s.

All performances will take place at 7 p.m. in the BRHS Auditorium.

“We have a good lineup this year and many new members on the arts council,” said Nordlund.

“We want to get word out about our performances and increase our patron list.”

Ticket prices will be announced before each event. Guests may also purchase patron, benefactor or angel tickets, which admit them to every event of the season and entitle them to attend a private wine reception before each performance.

For more information, call Karen Jennings at 256-329-0003.

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 47

Looking to buy, build, or remodel a home this summer?

Let our local team of lenders help you!

Klay Peters

Executive Vice President NMLS #822776 kpeters@primesouthbank.com 334-283-8368

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Brad Mason

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Locations in Tallassee, Wetumpka, and Pike Road 48 Lake Martin Living

Fourth of July

Fireworks Guide STORY BY MIA OSBORN & PHOTO BY KENNETH BOONE

P

repare to wear your sunglasses at night. The area’s two biggest fireworks shows will take place on back-to-back nights this July 4th weekend, so everyone will have a chance to be dazzled while they celebrate the nation’s birthday.

On Saturday, July 2, the Hackneyville Volunteer Fire Department kicks off the holiday with their fourth annual Fireworks Bash starting at 4 p.m. Guests will be entertained by the music of Outshine and Rexton Lee, and a raffle will be held for a Big Green Egg. Sunday, July 3, the Marshall Street Church of God will continue one of Alexander City’s most beloved Independence Day traditions with their Celebrate Freedom event at Benjamin Russell High School (BRHS). This will be the 11th year the church has partnered with local businesses and the City of Alexander City to host a night of music, food and fireworks at the BRHS band field.

Celebrate Freedom is a free event, though guests can snack on hot dogs, snow cones and other vendor fare while they enjoy the show.

Visitors are asked to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on, but coolers are not allowed.

The music will kick off at 6 p.m. with Church and Main. This local gospel group is a crowd pleaser, according to Marshall Street Pastor Rick Levell.

“They have a tremendous following in our area and have done a lot to give back to the community,” said Levell. “ We are excited about having them join us.”

Church and Main will be followed to the stage by headliner Josh Wilson, a nationally acclaimed Christian singer/songwriter who hails from Arkansas. A multitalented musician, Wilson plays several instruments during his performances, including piano, guitar, ukulele, mandolin and the hammered dulcimer. In 2012, the American Society of Composers, Artists and Publishers (ASCAP) named Wilson the Christian songwriter of the year.

The fireworks will begin after dark, or around 9 p.m. Levell expressed his gratitude to all those who have made this patriotic celebration possible.

“It’s a community project and something we just do for the community,” he said. “The community helps out and gets involved.”

July 4th might be on a Monday this year, but that won’t stop the Southeast’s largest free fireworks show.

The Lake Martin Amphitheater (The AMP) will host its 16th annual July 4th concert and fireworks extravaganza over the waters of Lake Martin. The gates of The AMP open at 5 p.m.

The evening’s concert begins at 6:30 p.m. when The Bank Walkers take The AMP stage. These local favorites have become standbys of Russell Lands entertainment. Sweet Tea will follow with a performance beginning at 8 p.m. This trio of country singing young ladies hail from different parts of Alabama but combine their voices into beautiful harmonies that will light up the night sky even before the fireworks begin at 9 p.m. The fireworks show lasts a full half hour, making it one of the area’s longest.

Concert admission is $15, but it’s free to watch the fireworks afterward from the AMP lawn or parking lot or while boating on Kowaliga Bay. The AMP can’t be reached by water, so be sure to commit to one viewing option beforehand.

With music, food and firecrackers aplenty, there’s something for everyone this Independence Day. Lake Martin Living 49

Alias Simon Suggs STORY BY MIA OSBORN

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ird Harrison Young might be the most famous citizen of Tallapoosa County, but almost no one knows him. He became famous under a nickname given to him in the 1840s: Captain Simon Suggs.

The May issue of Lake Martin Living contained an article about the historical marker of Johnson J. Hooper, author of The Adventures of Captain Simon Suggs. Hooper’s account of the hardliving swindler Suggs has entertained generations.

More than 100 years after their publication, Suggs’ escapades were still required reading in literature classes at many Alabama universities.

After the article was published, Gloria Ellison of Alexander City called the magazine with exciting news: Simon Suggs had really lived and was buried in town.

“I’ve been hearing about Simon Suggs since I was a little girl,” Ellison explained. “My grandfather told me about him, that he was a bad man and a thief who went by the name of Simon Suggs when he was committing his crimes.”

Ellison took this writer to see the grave that sparked her grandfather’s stories. It rests in the Dark family cemetery on Old Dark Road, just off Highway 280 in Alexander City. The small, ground-level grave marker reads: “John Bird Young/Alias Simon Suggs/Married Ann Donaldson/Born about 1800/Died about 1880.”

The engraving is faded, and the “John” in the name seems to have been scrubbed until it is barely readable.

It’s a confusing monument, full of vague or – in the case 50 Lake Martin Living

of the name – incorrect information. But it is fitting tribute for a man whose life became so entwined with fiction that over a century later, it seems impossible to separate the two. Some have tried to set the record straight. Lake Martin Living was able to track down a descendent of the real Simon Suggs, who shared a wealth of information about her infamous ancestor.

Julie Coley is an author, historian and tour guide from Wichita Falls, Texas.

She has lived all her life in that state. It wasn’t until her mother passed away that she became interested in her family’s Alabama heritage.

“After my mom passed, I realized I knew nothing about our family,” said Coley. “She kept all sorts of genealogy records she’d filed away. That’s how I started getting into it.”

Coley organized her mother’s information and began to trace her family’s line, from their arrival in Texas in the late 1800s further back to Alabama.

That was when she realized she was the great-greatgranddaughter of Bird Harrison Young, who inspired the character of Suggs.

Tracing the real story of Bird Harrison Young was a challenge that took Coley years. There are gaps between history and fiction, starting with the incorrect name on Young’s grave marker. The mistake probably stemmed from the fact that John was a common name in the Young family: Bird and both of his brothers all named their eldest sons John, which may indicate that it was the name of their own father. Coley hasn’t been able to find the identity of Young’s father, though she has heard

he was a minister. That rumor is in agreement with Hooper’s account of the elder Suggs as “an old ‘hard shell’ Baptist preacher; who, though very pious and remarkably austere, was very avaricious."

Records agree Young was born in Georgia, but they don’t agree on when. The book Alabama: Her History, Resources, War Record and Public Men 1540-1872 gives his birth year as 1803, while the Young family Bible lists his birth as May of 1794. Young’s grave marker makes the best of the confusion: It simply states he was born around 1800.

Young moved to the Alabama territory in the 1810s, and by 1833, he had settled on 600 acres of land in Tallapoosa County, just north of Youngsville (which would later become Alexander City). Around the same time, Young married a woman named Ann, whose maiden name is variously recorded as Donald, McDonald and Donaldson. The couple had six children, including Harrison “Rac” Young, Coley’s greatgrandfather.

In the early 1800s, Young fought in the Creek wars under Andrew Jackson. In times of peace, he held several jobs in Tallapoosa County, including constable, justice of the peace and the county’s first tax collector.

Young was also a census taker at one point, which may have been Mystery Man how he first Previous: This photograph shared met Johnson J.

by Julie Coley is believed to be Hooper. Hooper’s the only existing portrait of Bird Harrison Young, who inspired the first published character Simon Suggs. story, Taking Below: Many facts of Young’s life the Census in are open to debate, including the Alabama, records dates of his birth and death.

his humorous experiences in the same job. It is possible they met at work, but Hooper may also have come to know Young through his reputation, which was already well-established.

Hooper’s book of Simon Suggs’ adventures was published in 1845. In 1847, Young ran for the role of Doorkeeper of the Alabama State Senate. The position of doorkeeper entailed being the senate’s law enforcer; evidently, Young was not elected. It is worth noting that the 1847 document calls Young “The original Capt.

Simon Suggs,” proof that Young’s connection to the fictional character was already famous enough to have made it his nickname.

“Honestly, I don’t know if he was a good man,” Coley said. “From what I’ve heard, he might have been a thief, but everybody loved him. He wasn’t a rich man by any means. I think he did what he had to in order to survive.”

No matter the extent of Young’s crimes, his personality was apparently enough to make him many friends.

One acquaintance called Young, “a plain man of much vitality, and a native talent, a well-known citizen and a popular man of noted character."

Young’s character was notable enough that Hooper chose to immortalize him in fiction. Although the true details of Tallapoosa County’s most famous swindler may be lost to history, parts of his personality can still be found in Hooper’s book.

“He was a schemer,” said Coley. “But Hooper wouldn’t have written about him if he wasn’t a likeable character to begin with.”

Lake Martin Living 51

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Demos, lessons and rentals available with Sharon Johnston.

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Lacey Howell

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Lacey Howell

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O: 256.329.LAKE (5253) • 5295 HWY 280, Alex City, AL Lake Martin Living 53

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2095 Old Kellyton Road, Alexander City • $749,000 45 Ridge Crest, Alexander City • $1,640,000 Magnificent large home sitting on 27 acres in the city Amazing NEW construction- SOLD newly furnished-- 6 limits of Alex City. House has spectacular trim throughout bedroom, 7 bath Bill Farshee designed home is a must see. with wood beams, real slate floors in the kitchen, breakfast The home features huge lake views from 3 levels multiple room, den, sun room and entrance. Kitchen is complete living areas, 6 decks . +/- 4500 square feet heated. Post and with Thermador 6 burner range, grill, large oven, separate beam deck, approximately 30 foot tall vaulted great room, smaller oven, warming drawer and microwave. Sub Zero +/- 6500 square feet under roof. Refined rustic design with refrigerator and 2 cooling drawers. Wet bar with icemaker. some old world charm. Pressure treated cedar shake roof.

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54 Lake Martin Living

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I

Start investing today

f you are thinking about getting into the real estate investment market, now is a great time to do so. With interest rates at historic lows and property prices still recovering in many areas of the country, 2016 may be the perfect time to get started in real estate investing.

We’ve pulled together our top three reasons why now is a great time to invest in real estate.

MONEY MATTERS

Karen Jennings

People will always need places to live

As we’ve learned over the past decade, the real estate market will fluctuate, but one truth that remains constant is that people will always need places to live and call home. Some areas will have a greater need for rental units, especially if they have natural population draws like beaches, universities, lakes or other attractions, but there are also plenty of people and families who want to live in more rural areas with larger backyards and less traffic.

Whether you’re thinking about investing in a multi-unit apartment building, a duplex, townhouse or condo or a traditional single-family house, there is someone out there looking to rent your style of property. Why not let someone else pay your mortgage while you build equity and a steady second source of income?

Interest rates are still at historic lows

Interest rates on mortgage loans are still at historically low levels.

This means that over the lifetime of your mortgage loan, you will save thousands of dollars over what you would have paid in total with the rates of just a few years ago. On a $250,000 loan, the difference of just 0.5% can mean a savings of more than $25,000 over a loan term of 30 years, which is no small sum of money.

Additionally, many federallybacked loan programs like FHA loans may allow you to purchase investment properties, especially if you plan to live on the property, such as in a multiunit apartment building. These programs offer competitive loan interest rates, as well as features like low down payment options.

Kay Thomas

Real estate investing can be tailored to you

Whether you have dreams of becoming a real estate mogul or just want an extra source of income, real estate offers investors flexible investing options.

Some people want to manage large multi-unit buildings, while others are more interested in buying duplexes and renting out one side to cover the mortgage, then using that increased equity to buy a larger home, a vacation property or something else.

Others are interested in purchasing a beach or lake house to rent out seasonally to offset the costs of owning a second property.

Whatever your motives for investing or your desired outcome, you can likely find a good match within the real estate market. ~ Contact Karen Jennings and Kay Thomas at Thomas Mortgage, 124 Calhoun Street, Alexander City, AL 35010, or call 256-3290003.

Lake Martin Living 55

Surviving and Thriving A

Medical News

Coordinator Janet Gilliland at 256-329-7177. ttention female cancer survivors: Would In addition, PATH FINDERS – a group of you like to get physically active and community volunteers committed to informing provide feedback that could help other the public about Alzheimer’s Disease – also meets cancer survivors get active? Researchers from the monthly. Janice Lynn of our local Prosperity University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), in Again Thru Health (PATH) group leads this collaboration with Russell Medical Center, are group. looking for women with a history of cancer to PATH FINDERS has recently launched a participate in the Find Your BEAT program. The Music & Memory program, which provides goal of the program is to help women increase iPods to nursing home patients suffering from their physical activity for improved health and dementia. Many patients are soothed by listening wellbeing. to personalized playlists of beloved songs from Participants must be 18 years of age or their past. Throughout the month of June, Russell older and reside in or near Tallapoosa County.

Susan Foy Medical Center Auxiliary is encouraging people Volunteers will be asked to attend several sessions to drop off iPod shuffles or iTunes gift cards where researchers will collect information about at the information desk in the front lobby of the hospital. their thoughts on exercise-related topics. Volunteers may Please tell the volunteer at the desk you are making a also be asked to participate in a BEAT Cancer physical donation to the Music & Memory program. These gifts will activity program, which will include supervised exercise be given to PATH FINDERS, which will in turn personalize sessions with a trained professional, group exercise individual playlists for patients in the Adams Nursing Home education sessions, instructions for exercising at home and Memory Care Unit. For more information regarding PATH counseling sessions with an exercise professional.

FINDERS or the Music & Memory program, please contact To learn more about the study, please contact the UAB PATH President Ella MacFiggen at ellafish62@gmail.com.

Exercise and Cancer Research Team at 205-934-5466 or Also this month, Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine moveforward@uab.edu. Or contact Jak Korte, director of at RMC is helping to raise awareness of chronic wounds.

Total Fitness at Russell Medical Center, at 256-329-7137 or Chronic wounds affect an estimated 6.7 million people jkorte@russellmedcenter.com in the U.S., and incidences are rising. According to Karen June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.

Treadwell, director of Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, which is a general term for a decline in mental stability severe enough at RMC, this alarming increase is fueled by an aging population and increasing rates of diseases and conditions, to interfere with daily life. The statistics are staggering. such as diabetes, obesity and the late effects of radiation In Alabama, approximately 89,000 people are living therapy. If left untreated, chronic wounds can lead to with Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to rise to diminished quality of life and possible amputation of the 110,000 by 2025, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. affected limbs.

Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in our state.

“The incidence of chronic wounds, especially foot ulcers, Medicaid costs associated with Alzheimer’s in Alabama will increases among those with diabetes, who are 10 times more reach $808 million this year, and the number of caregivers likely to require amputation at some point in their lives,” will exceed 302,000.

The Russell Medical Center Auxiliary has been supporting Treadwell said. “People with wounds that have not improved with traditional methods of treatment may benefit from a caregivers of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients for two visit to our center, which is supervised by specialty trained decades. The Emily Gilbert Dementia Support Group for wound care staff.”

Families and Caregivers meets on the third Monday of each To schedule an appointment at the Wound Care & month from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the community room of Hyperbaric Center, please call 256-215-7450. No physician the Professional Building. Meetings are facilitated by Gloria referral is required.

Myers, R.N., a retired nurse who is highly trained in the Alzheimer’s disease process, and particularly in the coping ~ Susan Foy is Marketing Director at Russell Medical skills for the caregiver. Sharing support and information Center. among caregivers is the primary emphasis of this group.

For additional information, contact Volunteer Services

56 Lake Martin Living

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PATH Garden Work Day 6

May 9, 2016 PATH Garden, Alexander City 1. Alese Pike and Laurie Barrett 2. Stephan Tomlin and Dorothea Walker 3. Jayne Funderburk 4. Harper Elliott, Ryder Mobley and Janice Lynn 5. Gary and Kay Thomas 6. Cam Thompson and Kennedi Hoyett

Lake Martin Living 57

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Parent’s Night May 16, 2016 Mamie’s Place Children’s Library, Alexander City 1. Caroline Fisher 2. Reasia Brooks 3. Kathryn Reed and Lauren Pierce 4. Bella, Buddy and Misty Westbrook 5. Luke and Anna Marie Fisher 6. Ashley, Addyson and Alayna Manley 7. Bret, Taylee and Amber Rhodes

58 Lake Martin Living

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Paddle for a Purpose May 21, 2016 Children's Harbor 1. Catherine and Stefanie East 2. Sydney Jenkins and Ella Hornsby 3. Sharon and Karley Earl 4. Melissa, Kyle and Delaney Jo Tindol 5. Mark, Izzy and Sophia Jenkins 6. John, Abby and Isla Melton

Lake Martin Living 59

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Union VFD Festival May 21, 2016 Union Volunteer Fire Department, Dadeville 1. Julie Brock 2. Dawn De La Cruz 3. TSgt Jack Carr 4. Kenny Franklin, Beth Roberts and Ryan Johnson 5. Gary, Kacie, Gracie and Sandy Youngblood 6. Mike Pearson 7. Sheila Duffield and Melanie Cosby 8. Amilia and Talan Boone and Eberest

60 Lake Martin Living

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Lakeside Mercantile Pop-Up Shop May 27, 2016 Lakeside Mercantile, Dadeville 7

1. Dana Lee and Diana Neal 2. Jerry Peters 3. Susan Chidsey 4. Denise, Ann and Terry Robinson 5. Holland and Alyssa Kate Jackson 6. Paula Hornsby and Killian Mollner 7. Dawn Pearson, Barbara Riterman and Carley Pearson

Lake Martin Living 61

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Friday on the Green June 3, 2016 Russell Crossroads 1. Jessica Gibson, Lauren Hughes and Kimberly Cole 2. Charles, Sharon and Kitty Denton 3. Mike and Tracey Donahoo 4. Kevin and Anna Speaks and Daisy and Sawyer Pike 5. Mary Stone and Rocky

62 Lake Martin Living

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THE LAKE REGION

Calendar FEATURED EVENT

Arsenic and Old Lace T gentlemen. They are visited one night by their evil nephew, Jonathan (Mark Shafer), and his colleague in crime, Dr. Herman Einstein (Keith Garrett), a plastic surgeon. Another nephew (Rodney Meadows) adds more insanity to the production, as he thinks he is President Teddy Roosevelt and buries the poisoned gentlemen in the home’s basement, believing them to be Yellow Fever victims.

The task of ousting Jonathan and Einstein and ending his aunts’ shenanigans falls to a third nephew, the uncharacteristically sane Brewster, Mortimer (“Mac” Tyson), along with his fiancée (Mia Osborn) and a host of Brooklyn police officers (Adam Tucker, John Bowden, Larry Jennings and Randy Adair). Also making appearances are the local priest (Doug Roberts) and a potential victim of the sisters’ intended mercy (Scears Barnes).

Directed by ACT II President Betsy Iler, the production will be performed at 7 p.m. July 14 and 15 and at 2 p.m. July 17 at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium.

At $10, tickets will be available June 27 at the following local outlets: The Alexander The Play's the City Outlook, Carlisle’s, Cloud Nine, Little Thing Black Dress, MainStreet, Henry’s and the ACT II will Alexander City Chamber of Commerce. For soon bring Kesselring's more information, contact Karen Jennings at dark comedy karenjennings124@gmail.com or call her at to life on the 256-496-2424.

BRHS stage.

ickets will go on sale at the end of this month for Alexander City Theatre II’s (ACT II) summer production of Joseph Kesselring’s Arsenic and Old Lace, an insanely hilarious dark comedy set in Brooklyn in the 1940s.

This widely popular community theatre favorite invites audiences into the living room of the notso-sane Brewster sisters (Patti Smith and Skye Walker) who include among their many charities the poisoning of lonely, elderly

64 Lake Martin Living

LAKE REGION EVENTS June 16

Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

Lake Martin Area United Way will sponsor the 2016 Day of Action to help spruce up educational facilities in our area.

Alexander City Middle School, Jim Pearson, Central Elementary and Reeltown High School will all benefit from this program.

Sign up with the United Way to help clean, landscape, paint and more. For information, call 256-329-3600.

July 1-31

United Way Day of Action

June 17

Friday On The Green

Eighth Day Escape

Visit Wind Creek State Park and take part in the Eighth Day Escape photo contest. Visit www.alapark.com/explorer for complete rules and entry forms.

July 2

Fireworks Bash

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature Richard & Rusty 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.

The Hackneyville Volunteer Fire Department will host its 4th annual Independence Day celebration and fireworks show from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 9461 Highway 63 North outside Alexander City. Kowaliga Country 97.5 will be on site, and guests can enjoy live music from Outshine and Rexton Lee.

June 21

July 2

Art Association of Central Alabama

Meet from 9:30 a.m. until noon at the First Baptist Fellowship Hall, Alexander City. Artistic technique in painting, drawing and other arts taught at each meeting. For information, call Martha McKnight 256-825-6503 or Jerri Hallmark 256-825-0595.

June 24

Friday On The Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature Britt and Kurt 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.

June 24

Wine and Words

Chuck’s Marina will hold its 7th annual Wine and Words fundraiser to benefit the Friends of the Dadeville Public Library at 6 p.m. Sample signature wines while listening to live music from Russell Craig and browsing books for all ages. Admission is a minimum $5 donation to Friends of the Dadeville Public Library, who will recieve all of the proceeds. Come enjoy a great time that brings local readers and the summer lake community together! For more information, contact Jane Garrett-Harris at 334-233-0724.

June 25

Art Association of Central Alabama

Meet from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. for an art workshop at the First Baptist Fellowship Hall, Alexander City. Artistic technique in painting, drawing and other arts taught at each meeting.

For information, call Martha McKnight 256-825-6503 or Jerri Hallmark 256-825-0595.

July 1

Friday On The Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature Rexton Lee from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

Russell Crossroads Community Garden Club Pancake Breakfast

The Community Garden Club members will be up early cooking pancakes for all to enjoy at the Artist’s Cabin from 8 a.m until 10 a.m. on holiday weekend Saturdays. Come by and feed the family and help out the garden club.

July 2-3

Arti Gras

Russell Crossroads once again will host this juried art show on the Town Green. Browse the tents and find that perfect piece for your lake home. There will be handmade pottery, photography, furniture, watercolors, oil paintings, reclaimed wood décor, jewelry, soaps, jams, jellies and more from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For information, call 256-212-1416.

July 3

Celebrate Freedom

The celebration begins at 6 p.m. on the lawn of Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City. Celebrate the Fourth of July with a free concert and fireworks show at dark. Food vendors will be available. No private coolers allowed.

July 4

Russell Marine Fourth of July Boat Parade

Decorate your boat and join the patriotic crowd at Kowaliga Marina as boats of all sizes, shapes and decorations parade from Kowaliga Maina to Children’s Harbor, circling past the lighthouse and making the return trip. Spectators line the shoreline along the route to applaud their favorite boats and constestants. Registered boats will vie for top honors for Largest Flag, Tallest Flag, Most Patriotic Crew, Most Creative and Best Overall. Boat parade starts at 10 a.m. Call 334-857-2111 to register or for information.

Lake Martin Living 65

July 4

Fourth of July Blast

awarded at the after party at Kowaliga Restaurant.

July 22

Find a spot on the grassy hillside at Lake Martin Amphitheater for the 16th annual Fourth of July Blast, as Russell Lands hosts the Southeast’s largest fireworks show over Lake Martin. Gates open at 5 p.m. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. The Bank Walkers and Sweet Tea will entertain, and the fireworks start at 9 p.m. Call 256-397-1019 for information.

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.

Alabama Avenue at Chuck’s

Boys & Girls Club Rodeo

July 4

Alabama Avenue is so excited to kick off 4th of July weekend at Chuck’s Marina on beautiful Lake Martin! Celebrate the grand opening of the new Chuckwalla pizza kitchen as you spend your Friday night singing and dancing under the stars.

July 8

Friday On the Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature Joe Bagley 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 9

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.

July 15

Friday On The Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature Jilla Webb and Kurt McKinney 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 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, non-fiction, 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

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 66 Lake Martin Living

Friday On the Green

July 22-23

Come celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Lake Martin Area Boys & 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 & Girls Club.

Pre-show tickets can be purchased at the Boys & Girls Club office, Tractor Supply, Depot Music & Pawn or the Alexander City Parks & 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’s 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.

Season-Long Events Strand Sessions

Free live music and fun await in Alexander City’s Strand Park each Thursday from May 5 through August 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. Bring your own coolers, chairs and blankets and enjoy this hometown concert series sponsored by the Lake Martin Young Professionals.

Bowling Pin Shoot

The Alexander City Shooting Club holds competitive bowling pin matches on the third Sunday of each month from April through October. Everyone is welcome to the range at Coley Creek Road to watch for free. Cost to participate is $10 per shooter per gun. Matches begin at 2 p.m. Upcoming dates are May 15, June 12, Aug. 14, Sept. 18 and Oct. 16. For more information, call Woody Baird at 256-329-0080 or visit www. alexandercityshootingclub.com.

Library Storytime in Dadeville

Storytime for children ages 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Library Storytime in Alexander City

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library holds themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Movie Days at Mamie’s Place

Watch a kid-friendly movie at Mamie’s Place Children’s Library on the first Tuesday of each month. The show starts at 10 a.m.

Electronics Recycling

The city of Alexander City Public Works Department will host an electronics recycling event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month in conjunction with the Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership. There is a $10 fee per television. For more information, call Sabrina Wood at 334-4298832 or Amanda Thomas at 256-409-2020.

Santuck Flea Market

The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month except January and February. The Santuck Flea Market is located at 7300 Central Plank Road, Highway 9 in Wetumpka.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Located on Highway 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children's Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

Charity Bingo

Play charity bingo at Jake's Restaurant at 16 Broad St., Alexander City at 6 p.m. every Thursday night. Cards are $1 and proceeds benefit local charities.

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. Come by boat, car or bicycle and worship with us on the water!

June 19 – Rev. Jim Pate June 26 – Rev. Sam Henderson July 3 – Brandon Morgan July 10 – Rev. James Cullins July 17 – Rev. Rusty Hutson

July 24 – Mike Loken July 31 – Rev. K.G. Jones Aug. 7 – Rev. Ed Hornig Aug. 14 – Rev. Tommy Greer Aug. 21 – Dr. Roy Hornsby Aug. 28 – Dr. Joel Richardson Sept. 4 – Rev. Carment Falcione

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.

Friday On The Green

Wind your busy week down on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads with live music and lawn games through Sept. 23.

Bring coolers and chairs, kids and pets and enjoy the free music from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Friday except June 10 (Jazz Fest) and July 29 (Sun Festival’s Battle of the Bands).

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.

Red Flag Pest Control We’re Celebrating our 10th Anniversary, Thanks to our Great Customers.

Has your home been inspected lately?

Serving Central Alabama 256.825.0430 9856 Hwy. 280, Jackson’s Gap 1.888.943.0353 Lake Martin Living 67

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

68 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

270 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

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

Loachapoka 14

Notasulga 85 81

Lake Martin Living 69

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

70 Lake Martin Living

3617 U.S. HIGHWAY 280

ALEXANDER CITY, AL 35010

256.329.0500

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 71

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 Aliant Bank 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

72 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 Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon

DADEVILLE

American Motorsports Aliant Bank 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

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

Jackson Thornton.......................................................22

Prime South Bank........................................................48

Alabama Power.............................................................. 5

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art........................ 2

Red Flag Pest Control.................................................67

Alabama Street Makers Market..............................23

Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance...............................71

River Bank & Trust........................................................70

Alex City Taxi & Shuttle.............................................71

Kelley’s Heating & Air.................................................71

Russell Lands.................................................................29

Bob Alexander Landscaping...................................63

Lacey Howell, RE/MAX Around the Lake............53

Russell Medical Center..............................................76

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

Lagasse Construction Inc.........................................30

Satterfield, Inc.............................................................30

C&C Wood Products...................................................69

Lake Martin Community Hospital........................... 3

Shoppes of Queen's Attic.........................................23

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

Lake Martin Dock.................................................17, 71

Southern Sash..............................................................53

Central Alabama Community College.................12

Lake Martin Mini Mall................................................52

Southern Swing...........................................................30

Cloud Nine.....................................................................23

Lakeside Concierge....................................................71

Tallassee Community Hospital...............................73

DAVCO Development................................................71

Little Black Dress...................................................23, 53

The Coffee Corner......................................................... 8

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

MainStreet......................................................................23

The Rehab Center @ Dadeville Healthcare........13

Emporium Wine...........................................................23

Mark King's Furniture.......................................... 36-37

Trinity Custom Homes...............................................22

Four Seasons Irrigation.............................................71

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

Troy Cable........................................................................ 7

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

Music Depot..................................................................71

UAB Heart & Vascular.................................................47

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

OB-GYN Associates of Montgomery....................63

Ware Jewelers...............................................................75

Hillview Memorial Park...................................................63

Prime Management....................................................13

Wind Creek Casino......................................................45

The Swing Bed Program AT COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

805 Friendship Road Tallassee, AL 36078 (334) 283-6541 www.chal.org

Community Skilled Care and Rehab Helping Patients Transition from Hospital to Home When Rehabilitative Care is Needed.

• Generalized weakness • IV medication therapy • Recovery following an accident • Rehabilitation following surgery, stroke, or heart attack.

• Rehabilitation following acute care inpatient hospital stay

Why Choose Community Skilled Care and Rehab?

• Low patient to nurse ratio • 24-hour physician in-house • Dietary, nutritional, and social services • Team approach to recovery & discharge • Coordinated & planned activities program • Nursing care provided by experienced RNs and LPNs • Physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapy

For more information call: (334) 283-3857 or E-mail: swingbed@chal.org

Community Skilled Care and Rehab A division of

Community Hospital Lake Martin Living 73

Luke Goes Back to School

A

Gettin’ Sassy with Sassano The Last Word

Emily: Well, that is totally an acceptable lexander City has more colorful, crazy, demographic to place me in. I am as country as country-fried characters than a Foghorn a butter bean, but I also know cool stuff about Leghorn marathon. It would be difficult to bimolecular genetics, botany and biochemistry. I just rank native folks on zaniness because many would like to work my personality into my lessons, but I qualify. But if I had to start somewhere, my money demand structure and discipline. would be on BRHS science teacher Emily Sassano.

Me: Have any of your biological hijinks ever Emily is not your average high school teacher. backfired, Wile E. Coyote style?

At least, not compared to teachers from my own Emily: I am notoriously clumsy. I have fallen off the high school experience decades ago. For example, stage in my classroom– the effervescent Emily is known for using current Me: Wait, you have a stage in your classroom? Do country music hits to explain difficult biological you also teach narcissism, Ms. Science Lady? subjects. Meanwhile, one of my former teachers was Luke Robinson Emily: Yes, I have a stage in my classroom. It’s just so best known for having part of a finger cut off in the the kids can see the examples I use more clearly. classroom’s air conditioner.

Me: Do you have any nicknames? Like Emily “The Sassy Emily is not scared to wear costumes or act out parts Homework Assignin’ Assassin” Sassano? to illustrate her points. She is even rumored to have used Emily: (Blank stare) interpretive dance. She does it all to help young minds soak up Me: I read in a recent Alexander City Outlook article that you crucial elements of scientific education. She also does it because used the Boot Scootin’ Boogie to explain mitosis. I have some she is kind of weird. Good weird, but still weird. ideas for future lessons, if you are interested.

I sat down with this most vivacious and unconventional Emily: That’s okay. I really should be going educator and asked a few questions. Here are back to class. the results: Me: How about taking some other Me: So, Emily, what made you so buck-wild billboard hits and making them more for biology? educational? Like Prince’s Do Me(iosis), Emily: I actually left nursing to be a science Baby. teacher. I never felt like I was in my niche Emily: That’s a little risqué. in a clinical setting. I am a big old geek and Me: How about Paul Simon’s 50 Ways to I thought, hey, why not teach? I have never Leave Your Larva? regretted that decision in 20-something years.

Emily: Are you done?

Me: So you’re a scientist?

Me: Thomas Dolby’s She Blinded Me with Emily: Well, yes.

Science? You could actually throw acid into Me: Then can you tell me what this is on my someone’s eyes or something. right shoulder? It looks malignant.

Emily: That just sounds awful!

Emily: I am a science teacher, not a doctor.

Me: Michael Jackson’s Billie Genome?

And I think that is a gummy bear.

Bruno Mars’ Uptown Fungus? Kenny Me: (Eating gummy bear and nodding) Loggins’ Highway to the Chromosome?

You’re good.

Emily: Just stop. The closest I have ever come Emily: Wow. to any of those terrible ideas is using Under Me: I have heard you described as the Pressure during cardiovascular evaluation or love child of Elly May Clampett from The Cold as Ice in thermodynamics.

Beverly Hillbillies, The Professor from Me: I have never heard of those songs.

Gilligan’s Island and Arnold from Diff’rent Emily: Please leave.

Strokes. Is that fair?

Emily: Who said that? ~ Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native Me: Well, actually, me. Just now. That’s who also writes a weekly column for the where I heard that. I find it pretty accurate Alexander City Outlook. because you’re a little country, really smart and pretty sassy.

Emily Sassano

74 Lake Martin Living

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Lake Martin Living 75

76 Lake Martin Living