Lakeside Living Magazine MARCH 2026

LAKESIDE

Spring

is returning to Logan Martin Lake

Living

u Lakeside Flora & Fauna

u A conversation with artist Morgan Pate

u Pell City’s Gateway Community Garden

See inside for more!

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Renewing Alabama’s rivers for more than a quarter century BETWEEN THE LINES

One of the most significant annual events for the state’s waterways kicks off this month for the 27th year in a row.

The Renew Our Rivers cleanup campaign is back, with more than 25 events slated across the state during 2026. This year’s campaign is scheduled to kick off on March 7 on Valley Creek near Birmingham, and it will come to Logan Martin Lake and the Coosa River five weeks later.

Additional cleanups are scheduled on the Coosa River at Lay Lake, Lake Mitchell, Neely Henry Lake, and Lake Jordan and on reservoirs of the Chattahoochee, Mobile, Tallapoosa, and Dog rivers. The initiative concludes during the November 6-7 weekend with cleanups on the Tallapoosa and Alabama rivers.

“The energy for the program is still there, and it’s even increasing in some instances,” said Mike Clelland, an environmental affairs specialist with Alabama Power, who gauges interest by the number of t-shirts requested for participants and the number of teams put together by local lake associations. “I really think it’s continuing to grow, and we always have younger people involved in the cleanups.”

Since the first cleanup along the Coosa River in Gadsden in 2000, nearly 104,000 Renew Our Rivers volunteers have removed more than 13.5 million pounds of trash from Alabama waterways. The campaign quickly grew and spread to neighboring states. Combined with Alabama, more than 120,000 volunteers have participated in Renew Our Rivers cleanups, removing more than 16 million pounds of trash from Southeastern waterways.

It’s always encouraging to see how this event brings the

Logan Martin community together in a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose as local volunteers take care of their shoreline, and members of the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association say that the lake is cleaner and safer due to the success of Renew Our Rivers.

The LMLPA has taken the lead in the effort over the years and will do so again from April 11-18, when the initiative returns to local waters. For information about volunteering, you can email Danny Norman at tr3hgr52@yahoo.com, and for more information about Renew Our Rivers visit apcshorelines.com and lmlpa.com.

In the meantime, we’re happy to present you with another issue of Lakeside Living. This month, we pay a visit to Pell City’s Gateway Community Garden, chat with Talladega artist Morgan Pate, learn about a new local business with strong connections to the lake, and meet the new Miss St. Clair Area.

And that’s just for starters. As always, thank you for joining us.

Hook, Line & Sinker

Choose a warm, sunny spring day for your next

FISHING EXCURSION

March may be the most changing environmental month for gamefish like bass and crappie.

With the end of winter and cold weather, the warming sun is having a direct impact on all gamefish of the Coosa River. Water temps will rise significantly this month, triggering a yearly natural instinct for gamefish to begin their spawning process. Sometimes, just two weeks of warm spring sun can trigger gamefish to switch from winter mode to spring mode.

The warming of water is a main ingredient for the spawn. The quicker it warms, the more activity you’ll see in the shallows. I have seen waves of bass and crappie appear to the shallows in less than two

days, due to warming water temperature. Picking warm spring days can really help an angler capitalize on some really good fishing.

One of my favorite techniques for spring bass fishing will be the trusty old Senko. Marked by its careless appearance and limited movement, dead sticking a Senko can be very effective for both aggressive and non-aggressive bass. Simply Texas-rig a Senko on a non-weighted wide gap hook and allow the bait to naturally work. Limited movement and a slow twitch will entice spring warming bass. This technique can be fished on just about any rod and reel. I opt for bait cast, 15-pound line, and a medium heavy rod.

needs. Simply pick a spot close to where crappie will migrate towards shallow water, and let the minnow do the work for you. Watching the bobber disappear can really get your adrenaline going. Also, this is a great time of year to take a kid fishing. With minimal needs, a kid can really enjoy catching these springtime crappie. Tight Lines & Strong Hooksets,

C.J. KNIGHT

Crappie will follow warming trends to the shallows as well. I love to use a slip bobber cork and float a live minnow this time of year. This is a great time to fish from the bank with minimal

Redefining lakeside living

Inside the Coosa Concierge experience

Written by CHERITH FLUKER GLOVER

Photography by TUCKER WEBB

For Grant and Liz Stinson, lake life isn’t a weekend escape—it’s a way of life.

Both lifelong residents of the Pell City area, the couple has spent decades immersed in the rhythms of Logan Martin Lake and its surrounding waterways. Grant, who grew up two doors down from his current home in Riverside, says the lake has shaped nearly every chapter of his story.

“My life has revolved around Logan Martin Lake,” he explains.

That lifelong lake connection guided his career path, too. Stinson got his

start working at a local marina before eventually building a long-term career at Rambo Marine in Birmingham, where he worked his way up to general manager. Years in the boating industry gave him a front-row seat and operational experience in what it truly takes to maintain lake life. His experience spans boat maintenance, logistics, and all the countless behind-thescenes moving parts.

But as his career progressed, so did his priorities.

Wanting to be more present for his family, Stinson began thinking about what the next chapter could look like. Around the same time, he noticed a growing trend: more buyers were purchasing lake properties as second homes. He also noticed that as homeowners arrived for weekend stays, they spent much of their time preparing their boats and properties,

leaving less time to relax and enjoy the lake.

Through connections in the industry, Stinson learned about a concierge-style service operating successfully at another lake, which helped shape his vision. Seeing the growing demand at Logan Marin Lake, he recognized the opportunity to bring that same level of service to local homeowners.

On January 20, Coosa Concierge officially launched as a lifestyle management company designed to simplify lake homeownership.

“Our mission is for each homeowner to have a customized plan tailored for their property and their boat,” Stinson says. “And we work closely with clients to develop personalized care that meets their unique needs.

“ The lake has been my home my entire life. I love seeing people enjoy it. ”

-- Grant Stinson

Rather than offering one-size-fits-all services, the company builds individualized care plans based on how each client uses their home and watercraft. To support those needs, Coosa Concierge offers a tiered membership model, with service levels that provide varying degrees of care and oversight.

At the highest level, homeowners can arrive to a fully prepared experience: boats uncovered and fueled, propane tanks filled, and lake toys ready for use. After each visit, Coosa Concierge handles cleanup, storage, and shutdown, resetting everything for the next stay.

watercraft remain maintained year-round.

Beyond pre-arrival preparation, the company offers such services as driveway, dock, and walkway clearing, along with post-storm check-ins, debris removal, and dock furniture care. Seasonal offerings such as spring commissioning, winterization coordination, and freeze protection help ensure both homes and

For an added charge, the team provides shop-and-stock services, purchasing and delivering groceries and essentials based on each homeowner’s personalized list, further streamlining the lake weekend experience.

While other property management companies exist, Stinson believes his boating background sets Coosa Concierge apart.

“There are companies that offer similar services, but few have the boating experience I do,” he says. “I’m really focused on the lake experience.”

Stinson has seen firsthand how much work goes into preparing for a fun weekend on the lake. Those years of observation helped shape the company’s service model.

“I want people to enjoy the lake,” he adds. “I have the experience and skillset. People can trust me.”

Though newly launched, Coosa Concierge has already received an enthusiastic response. Social media engagement has been overwhelmingly positive, and Stinson has begun meeting with homeowners to develop service plans and establish memberships.

“People are excited about how we can help them enjoy the lake more and help them maintain their property,” he says.

The company currently focuses on Logan Martin Lake, with service reach extending toward Neely Henry and Lay lakes. However, expansion is already on the horizon, with interest coming from as far as Lake Wedowee, Smith Lake, and Lake Martin.

Coosa Concierge is very much a family operation.

Liz Stinson plays an integral role in day-to-day operations, managing the company’s shop-and-stock services while also working alongside her husband to prepare boats and homes ahead of each client’s arrival.

The couple blends operational expertise with a hospitalityminded approach, working side by side to handle every detail before homeowners ever pull into the driveway. Their goal is simple: remove the stress from second-home ownership so families can spend less time managing logistics and more time making memories on the water.

“The lake has been my home my entire life,” he says. “I love seeing people enjoy it.”

As lake homeownership continues to rise, the demand for services that simplify and enhance the experience is growing alongside it. Through Coosa Concierge, the Stinsons are helping homeowners trade preparation for presence, ensuring that weekends once spent on logistics can now be spent making memories on the water.

To learn more, visit coosaconcierge.com.

A Garden For ALL SEASONS

Spring planting begins this month at the Pell City Gateway Community Garden

Written by LACI BRASWELL

Photography by TUCKER WEBB

Just across from St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, the Pell City Gateway Community Garden is gearing up for another spring.

Organizers said new seeds will be planted sometime this month, with an array of blooms such as zinnias, begonias, and sunflowers, along with fresh vegetables.

“We start to put seeds in the ground this time of year,” said Renee Lilly, one of the founders of the garden who serves as its director. “The St. Clair County Co-Op donates some plantings.”

The garden was established in 2014 by a group of downtown

business owners who wanted to create a shared space for the community. The project first took root on the old Avondale Mills property before finding its current home across from St. Simon’s.

“We now have the perfect spot,” Lilly said. “It’s just been wonderful to be a part of. We’ve grown so much, not just in what we plant, but in how it has helped people.”

The garden’s impact extends beyond harvest into community outreach and education. It recently expanded its role as both a source of fresh food and a place of healing for families across St. Clair County.

The garden is part of the Open Spaces, Sacred Places network, a national program that recognizes community spaces designed for both reflection and restoration. Through the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, the Pell City site has received grant support to help maintain its designation as a healing and restorative garden, offering visitors a place to relax, pause, and reflect, in addition to its role as a working, food-producing space.

Each Nature Sacred garden includes a wooden bench and

journal, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and leave thoughts behind. Lilly said that quiet element exists alongside the garden’s working mission of growing and sharing food through its routine donations to the Pell City Senior Center and area food pantries.

“A lot of times food pantries only accept nonperishable goods. We are proud to be able to give something of nourishment to those in need,” she explained, adding that the garden’s mission is simple: “To provide body and soul nourishment through cooperative community gardening.”

While not certified organic, Lilly said she takes pride in knowing that the community graden provides produce that is free from chemical treatments.

Plans call for the space to host informal “coffee talks” on gardening, small acoustic music gatherings, cooking demonstrations, and farm-to-table dinners, along with wellness workshops and guided garden tours.

“We want people to understand where their food comes from and how growing your own can help with food insecurity,” Lilly said. “Even just being outside,

moving your body and working in the soil – it’s good for your health.”

Youth involvement with the garden continues to remain a top priority, she added. “We have a Junior Fire Souls program, which is part of the Nature Sacred initiative. Scholarships are also available through the program. We are always looking for volunteers, especially youth.”

Volunteer days begin in early spring, and Lilly encourages checking social media for updates and announcements. “We meet on Saturdays, weather permitting. If it’s colder out, we may not get out there till around 9 a.m. but otherwise we start about 7:30 to 8 a.m.”

For those who would like to support the community garden but are unable to volunteer to work at the site, donations of supplies or money are always welcome. “We always need new gardening gloves every year and buckets,” Lilly said. “We are thankful to everyone who has supported us.”

Community members interested in getting involved or learning more about the garden can call Lilly at 205-5335594 or follow Pell City Gateway Community Garden on Facebook. The garden’s address is 3705 Mays Bend Road.

“After all these years, a lot of people still don’t know we’re here,” Lilly said. “My goal is to change that. We invite the community to come and grow with us.”

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and Photographed

A conversation with Morgan Pate

by BUDDY ROBERTS

erched on a stool in front of her easel, Morgan Pate dabbed at the canvas it supported, adding color to the striking figure she’s been depicting.

“I really want this to have a sense of dreaminess,” she said. “I imagine this young lady is laying in this grass, she’s watching the clouds, not a care in the world. That’s why I have the grass kind of long and swoopy and all the dapples of sunlight. As you’re looking at it, I want the figure and the background to kind of look alike,

kind of floaty, like a dream so that you don’t know where one starts and one stops.”

The painting is her homage to a photograph she saw six years ago on Instagram, a platform that often provides her with inspiration.

“I took a screenshot of it years ago and thought it would be such a cool painting,” she said. “That was in 2020, and I just did a little watercolor painting of it. I didn’t think it was wonderful or anything, but I did think it would be so cool to do as a bigger oil

piece. Six years later, it’s finally happening.”

A self-taught artist who has just begun to display her work publicly and on social media – her first exhibit was last month in Social Circle, Georgia – Morgan continued placing oils on canvas as she spoke about what inspires her art, what she’s learned about color theory, and why she believes everyone is an artist, whether they think so or not.

LL: Can you remember a time when you were not interested in art?

MORGAN: No. I always liked it, and my family encouraged it, which I’m thankful for. My mom loved to paint, so that’s something we did together. I’ve always enjoyed it, and that’s the reason that I do it – simply for the enjoyment of it. And then you meet someone and they say, ‘Oh, what do you like to do as a hobby?’ ‘Oh, I paint.’ ‘Oh, yeah, you have any pictures?’ That’s why I’ve started putting my pictures on Instagram just as an easy way to have a place for it. I’m glad that people seem to like my art, but that’s not why I do it. I do it for my own enjoyment.

LL: What is your definition of art?

MORGAN: I’m not sure it has a definition. It’s a way to express feelings and ideas. Whether you think it’s good or not doesn’t matter. You can get very technical with art, and I think anybody can learn some technical skills and make some good things. But art isn’t all technical, as much as, say, photography is. A photographer needs to know about ISO and different settings.

You can’t just pick up a camera, take a picture, have it turn out blurry, and be like, ‘Oh, that’s just my artistic style.’ You just made a bad picture. But with art, style can trump technique, and when one person says, ‘Oh, I don’t really like that,’ somebody else will like it. That’s why I don’t feel the pressure to perform, so to speak. I don’t have the technical skills to really picture something and know exactly how it’s going to end up in the end. It’s always a surprise. I have an idea, then I just kind of work with it and let it tell me where it wants to go.

LL: What are some aspects of your personality that lend themselves to your art?

MORGAN: Well, I try not to take myself too seriously. I try to stay lighthearted, and a little silly sometimes. I definitely love beautiful things, and I’m very drawn to pretty things, even if it’s something small. If I’m somewhere with friends taking a hike or at a museum, my friends are always having to say, ‘Come on, Morgan, let’s go,’ because I’m always stopping to look at everything. And I love color. I’m trying to learn as much as I can about color theory.

LL: Please define the term.

MORGAN: Color Theory is how colors interact with other colors. So for example, if you took like an orangey red and you put it on a white piece of paper, it might look orange, but if you put green next to it, that green is going to make it more red. It’s

really kind of a trip. Sometimes when you put colors next to each other or if you take colors away, it will change the appearance of the color. If you’ve ever noticed, let’s say, a painting of a night sky with the moon or a sunset, and you might look at the moon or the sun and wonder how did they get that color so bright and intense. I used to try to mix the right color to get that intensity yet I never achieved it. Then I found out it was because the artist made all the colors around the moon or the sun darker. The moon is just white out of the tube, but it’s the only pure white they’re using on the canvas. Using it that way in tandem with the other colors is what makes it appear so intense. Color theory is fascinating, and once you start learning it, when you’re just out and about driving down the road or whatever and you’re looking in the distance at a little hill or mountain, you start noticing the colors of things more.

LL: You said earlier that whether an artist’s work is good or not doesn’t matter…could you elaborate on that?

MORGAN: Many people just don’t even try art because they think they’ll be no good at it. But they shouldn’t be concerned about whether it’s good. What matters is how it makes you feel. If you have a sense of play about it, let go of trying to be perfect, and let things just happen organically, you’d probably be surprised at what you come up with. And you’ll have more fun doing it. You can’t paint like Picasso, but remember that Picasso can’t paint like you. He can’t paint like you because everybody is unique, and every mark that you make is going to be yours. That’s powerful.

THERE SHE IS

New Miss St. Clair Area to represent local communities at Miss Alabama competition in June

Written by FAITH DORN

Kaitlin Glawson is Miss St. Clair Area 2026, awarded the title during the local competition in late January that was the “last chance” preliminary for the upcoming Miss Alabama competition.

“It has been such a whirlwind,” she said. “I’ll never forget when they called my name.”

The new Miss St. Clair Area was crowned January 31, along with Miss River City and Miss Autauga County Fair. The “End of Year Competition” produced

the winners of the final three local preliminary titleholders who will compete for the Miss Alabama title this summer. The competition was hosted in St. Clair County, at Springville Middle School.

Glawson, a senior studying fashion design at the University of Alabama and a first-year MBA candidate, participated in her first pageant at age 5. “It was Miss Merry Christmas. It was at a church, and I wore a Sunday School dress,” recalls Glawson fondly.

She estimates she has competed in 30 pageants since that first experience. Such competitions have been important for her development because they have helped her grow as a person and increased her confidence. She also says that competing in so many pageants has improved her interview and communication skills.

“I was a very shy kid, and I have been able to come out of my shell,” Glawson said. “Pageant opportunities also award scholarships that can change lives.”

She adds that they’ve also taught her to be prepared in any situation. “I did a study abroad program this summer. My backpack had Band-Aids, a Tide pen—anything you can imagine,” said Glawson.

With all of her positive experiences, she has been surprised by the amount of backlash she has seen pageants receive.

“I never realized they received negative reviews until I got older. I would encourage everybody to be a bit more open-minded. Listen to the answers these women are giving about hot topic issues with eloquence, poise, and confidence. Pageants have changed lives and helped people grow. Most people know ‘Toddlers and Tiaras’—which is a very dramatic version of pageants.”

Glawson’s duties as Miss St. Clair Area are wide-ranging. On February 21, she served as the emcee for the Little Miss Helena pageant. She makes appearances at ribbon cuttings and festivals. She reaches out to schools and food pantries in partnership with her community service initiative, “Full Plates Project.” The goal of the initiative is to end hunger one meal at a time.

“The Full Plates Project has been a long

time in the making, because food insecurity is an issue I care about. Almost 900,000 Alabamians, 23 percent of whom are children, go without food for days at a time,” she said. “There are children in local communities who don’t have food on the weekends.”

Glawson has been helping. In 2022, she worked with the mayor of Helena to declare September as Hunger Awareness Month. More than 5,000 canned goods were donated to the Backpack Buddies program benefiting students in St. Clair County.

This year, Glawson will compete in Miss Alabama for the first time. “I am very excited and also very nervous. There is so much preparation to do, and I truly want to make the most of it.”

Although she is excited for the competition and meeting new friends, she remains focused on her goal. “Overall, this is to advocate for food insecurity awareness in Alabama. I hope someone in the audience will want to make an impact.”

Whatever future pageant opportunities may come, Glawson plans to continue to make an impact in the lives of Alabamians living with food insecurity.

SEEING AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS AS A

EUCHARISTIC SYMBOL OF HOPE Lakeside Flora & Fauna

Written by DR. SARAH ELIZABETH MOREMAN

Photographed by TIM BADGWELL

Holding my breath to better absorb Jesus’ words on the almost transparent page of my study Bible, the paper so thin and delicate like the skin of an onion, I read: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Leaning back in my counter-high barstool, I lift my eyes to the window to study the bracts on the dogwood trees, their whiteness a sharp contrast against the shadows of the piney woods.

Somewhere above the trees, beyond what I can see from where I sit, the clouds must be pulling apart, because the sun suddenly bursts through the window, startle-blinding my eyes. I instinctively close them. Then, my hand reaches for the phone, even as my other hand still rests on the pages of Matthew. I quickly move my hand away from the phone, grateful that it is facedown and its temptation for doom-scrolling is lessened. Glancing down at the verse I am still absorbing beneath my splayed fingers, I whisper the words: “weary and burdened.”

Better yet, I need to step outside, to breathe in the fresh air, to ponder the Scriptural words, to take a break from technology, from my phone, from all the chaos ripping through social media platforms, newsfeeds, conversations, and so on. I slide off the barstool and

stand on my bare feet, letting the bottoms of my feet feel the planked wood. The floor needs sweeping, I think as I cross the room toward the door that leads to the deck.

Although the sun is shining brightly, the weather feels a bit cool. Once my hands touch the wide wood rail of the

deck, the wood still a bit damp from the morning dew, I slip a foot between the balusters to take some weight off my legs as I lean forward. A slight breeze rustles through the pines overhead.

It is early in the spring, and the surface of the lake is glassy, vividly reflecting the greens and browns of the trees and the blues and whites of the skies. A movement in the sky catches my peripheral vision, drawing my attention to a V-formation of white birds with long orange-red beaks. They seem to float as they soar low over the water.

I watch as the white-plumaged birds lift their blackundersided wings as they glide into place, joining the others to form a pod. A couple still in the air plunge-dive, filling their gular pouches with water and fish-based prey.

What is it about these soaring aquatic birds, the American white pelican? I muse. As my eyes take in the fluffiness of their plumage and heads, and the raised bumps on top of their sharp beaks, I find myself pondering Jesus’ promise of rest. He

promises rest, and He cares for us. He cares so deeply that He gave His life for our redemption.

Jesus is the pelican in the great love story still unfolding before our eyes, our Redeemer. In Christian tradition, the pelican became a eucharistic symbol: a mother pelican willing to pierce her own breast to feed her nestlings with her blood, nourishing them with her very life. Through His self-sacrifice, offered to atone for our born-into-sin selves, washing us new and pure white like the whiteness of the American white pelican and the dogwood bracts, albeit tinged with blood. Jesus gives his body and blood to sustain us, to grant us lifegiving rest.

Such sacrifice, such generosity, such selflessness that we all need to see in order to have hope. What was intended for evil has been turned for good. To reframe what has been revealed as taking away from others for selfish and prideful gain, we can turn to the One who works all together, both the bad and the good, for good, strengthening us with what

is true and just and shaping us to be more like Christ, to be loving, forgiving, and giving. To care for those who are hurting, to give of ourselves rather than take, and to serve others with sincerity.

As I watch, the pelicans seem to turn themselves inside out, revealing the redness of their gular pouches. This simple yawning act shows the intricate design of God’s creation. The bird stretches its pouch for flexibility and purpose. Every action has a purpose. Every word has a purpose. What has been revealed happens in God’s time, not ours, no matter how unready I felt to pull on my armor to face the harsh openness of reality, the reality of what has been hidden in the darkness

since the beginning of pride.

No more fooling around, no more sweeping under the rug. We sweep the dirt into a pile and ask for forgiveness. The weight of the dirtiness lifts when we hand over the broom to the One who knows where to take the dirt. Only he knows how to make us clean, and he does so through his blood.

Lifting my foot off from the baluster to stand up straighter, my eyes never leaving the pod of American white pelicans gathered peacefully on the water, I nod silently to myself at the revelation forming in my thoughts. The revelation is how I can find rest in Jesus, because his burden is lighter than the heavy broom I have been using. Letting go of the worldly yoke

of that heavy broom, I can step aside and let him sweep away my fears, my stresses, and my pains, trusting that he will fight for what is true, what is life-giving, what is pure, and what is holy.

With the sun warming the back of my head and arms, I feel hope renewing as I continue watching the water birds, the whiteness of their feathers symbolizing the resurrecting purity of hope that we can have in the One who gave his life for us. Easter may be more poignant this year, bringing deeper meaning to the words that Jesus has given: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

CALENDAR OF

MARCH 6

ADULT EGG HUNT

The Sylacauga Parks and Recreation Department is bringing back the popular Adult Easter Egg Hunt. Every Friday this month (March 6, 13, 20, and 27), one prizefilled egg will be hidden in a Sylacauga city park. At 8 a.m. sharp, a photo clue will drop on Sylacauga Parks and Recreation’s social media pages. The first person to track down the egg and return it to the J. Craig Smith Community Center wins that week’s prize. Prizes are provided by such local sponsors as B&A Photography, Live Out Loud Designs, Brown Butter Bakery, and Kristina Erwin Photography. For more information, follow Sylacauga Parks and Recreation on Facebook.

MARCH 13

MARCH 12

THE GREAT GROWN-UP SPELLING BEE

Come watch, cheer, laugh, and support a great cause during this beloved event presented by the St. Clair County Literacy Council. Teams from across St. Clair County will go head-to-head spelling their hearts out in support of adult literacy programs right here in lakeside communities. Hosted by Pell City’s Center for Education and Performing Arts at 7 p.m., the event’s goal is to raise $10,000 to fund tutoring, resources, and opportunities that empower adults and strengthen the community. For more details, visit the event’s Facebook page.

MARCH 13

MAHJONG LESSON SERIES

Sylacauga Parks and Recreation invites community members to learn and enjoy the popular tile-based game of Mahjong through this series, followed by ongoing open-play sessions at the J. Craig Smith Community Center. The lesson series will be held at 1 p.m. March 13, 20, and 27, taught by instructor Cindy Womack. This three-week series is designed for beginners as well as players looking to strengthen their understanding of the game in a relaxed, welcoming setting. The cost is $30 per person. Advance is required and can be completed online at Sylacauga. Recdesk.com or by calling 256-249-8561.

THE ULTIMATE KING OF POP LIVE EXPERIENCE

Talladega’s Historic Ritz Theatre hosts this tribute to the one of the most beloved and influential performers of all time. A celebration of Michael Jackson’s top-charting, award-winning catalog, the show has thrilled crowds and has been described as “magical, high-energy, and a must-see performance.” Showtime is 7 p.m. For ticket information, visit ritztallaega.com.

CALENDAR OF

MARCH 13-14

ST. CLAIR COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION RODEO

This seventh annual event begins at 7 p.m. each night at the St. Clair County Arena (100 Arena Drive, Odenville). Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Presented in collaboration with Broken Arrow Rodeo Productions, the rodeo will feature Kyler “Bam Bam” Collins, Sadie Canup, and Mack Ginn. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for youths ages 5-12, with children younger than 5 admitted free. For more information, follow the St. Clair County Cattlemen’s Association’s Facebook page.

MARCH 28

MARCH 14

DANCING WITH OUR STARS

Now in its 12th year, this event has become one of Pell City’s most cherished community traditions. Dancing With Our Stars is a high-energy fundraiser that brings neighbors together through creativity, collaboration, and generosity. Local dancers and community groups take the stage for a night of entertainment, laughter, and heartfelt performances, all in support of causes that make a real impact in St. Clair County. This year, proceeds will benefit The Education Foundation of Pell City and The Hartzog Foundation. Presented by Metro Bank, the event begins at 6 p.m. at the Center for Education and Performing Arts. For ticket information, visit pellcitycepa.com.

MARCH 28

FIRST RESPONDERS 5K

Presented by the Lincoln Parks & Recreation Department in support of local first responders, this first-ever event begins at 9 a.m. at Randolph Park. Registration is now open, and participants who register will receive a commemorative shirt. Register at lincolnpark.recdesk.com. For more information, call or email Jeff Chappell at 205763-1006 or jeff.chappell@lincolnal.org.

FOURTH ANNUAL SPRING MARKET

Organized by the Riverside Beautification Organization and Local Sister, this event begins at Riverside Landing (230 Depot Street) at 9 a.m. An appearance by the Easter Bunny, an Easter egg hunt, crafts, vendors, food trucks, giveaways, and more. Vendors offering clothing, decor, sweets, crafts, candles, breads, and jewelry will be accepted until March 20. Email rbospringmarket@yahoo.com for an application.

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A Lakeside Living guide to

1 – Poor House Branch Marina

2 – Aztecas Mexican

3 – Jade East

4 – Triple G’s

5 – Jimmy’s Country Store

6 – Pell City Steak House

7 – Oishi Asian Restaurant

8 – Coosa Cafe & Creamery

9 – Daylight Donuts

A – Logan Martin Dam

B – Lakeside Park

C – Stemley Bridge

D – St. Clair Airport

E – Mays Bend

F – Choccolocco Creek

G – Dye Creek

H – Blue Eye Creek

Pell City North of I-20

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15.6 ACRESFULLOFPOTENTIALANDREADY FORITS NEXT CHAPTER.NEARLY3,000 SQ FT WI TH FIREPLACE,OFFICE OVERLOOKINGTHEPOOL AND ACREAGE, SPACIOUS KITCHENW ITHBUTLER’S PANTRY,A ND AMASTERSUITE WITHDUAL BATHS. UPSTAIRS OFFERS 2BEDROOMS,SHARED BA TH,AND BONUSSPACE.BASEMENTSTORAGE PLUS CA NN ING CLOSET

OUTSIDE FEATURES A40X40 SHOP,DETACHED CARPOR TW ITHWORKSHOP, FRUITTREES,LARGE DECK,AND IN GROUNDPOOL. PEACEFULSETTING JUST MINUTESFROMI-20. SOLIDBONES AND WAITINGFOR ITSNEW FAMILY.

IS THE NEWEST ANDNICEST SUBD ON LOGAN MARTIN LA KE.THE DEVELOP ER HAS PRESER VEDTHE BEAUTY OF NATURE WITH ANABUNDANCE OF HARDWOOD TREESAND COVENANTSAND RESTRICTIONSTHAT ESTABLISH QUALITYHOMES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.LOT13AISLOT13 AND PART OF LOT14.WITH BEAUTIFUL HARDWOOD TREES, YEAR ROUNDWATER IN APROTECTED COVE OF THEMAIN CHANNEL

NICLEY REMODELEDHOMEONA QU AINT STREET WITH 3OTHERHOU SES, BEAUTIFUL TR EESAND SHRUBS,W ITH AVIEWOFTHE LAKE. THEHO ME HASA ONE-YEAR-OLD ROOF,LESSTHA N3 YE ARSOLD HVAC,NEW FLOORING, REMOD ELED KITCHENAND BATHS, ALLNEW APPLIANCES. THIS IS A RARE FIND FORTHISPRICE IN SUCH A BEAUTIFUL SETTING.

688 RushingSprings Rd.,Lincoln $555,000

Stunning,fully remodeled2-storyhome with approx.3,912±sq ft,offering4BR/3BA plus afinishedbasement, situatedon1 acrejustminutesfromHonda, Talladega Superspeedway,andLincoln’s shopping& dining. UpdatesincludeNEWHVAC, water heater, flooring,paint, kitchen,andmuch more—move-in ready!

WelcomeHome.Imagine waking to birdsong,sipping yourmorning coffeeon thewraparoundlanai,and watchingthesun rise over your ownfive -acreparadise Thisisn’t just ahouse—it’s a feeling.Abeautifullycrafted custommodernfarmhouse featuring 4bedroomsand 2.5bathroomssitson5+ peacefulacres

11 Pinewell Dr., Cropwell $776,000

Charming3BR/2BA one-levelhomein thehighlysought-afterOliverCrossing subdivisioninthe Leeds/Moodyarea. Zoned forLeedsschoolswithSt. Clair County taxes,offeringboth convenienceand value Features aspaciousfamily roomwith vaulted ceilingand cozywood-burningfireplace.

Seton14±breathtakingacreswith twotranquilpondsand asparklingsaltwaterpool,this3500sq ft extraordinar y cedarestate blendsstrikingarchitecturewith refined modernupdates. Move in Ready!

15 BellbrookDr.,Cropwell $468,000

This4BR/2BA four-sided brickhomeoffers beautifulviewsofLogan MartinLake andislocatedinthedesirable BellBrook subdivision.Thediningareafeatures cathedral ceilings,while thefamily room includes acozygasfireplace.The eat-in kitchen comescompletewithallappliances.

TwoEagles Lane,Odenville

$1,250,000

Thisimpressive4BR/4BA barndominiumoffers5,160±sqft ofbeautifullydesignedliving space, blendingrusticcharm withmodern luxury.Thespaciousprimarysuite features aprivatestudy,his &her walkinclosets,river-rockshower,clawfoot tub,dualvanities,andprivate water closet.Theopen-concept living area showcasesa floor-to-ceiling stone/ woodgasfireplace.

$749,900

400Broadlead Dr., Talladega $85,900

Comeseethis cozy 2-bedroom,1-bathroom home locatedjustminutesfromLogan Martin Lake,Pell City,and25minutestoHonda.Enjoy the convenienceofa brand-newrefrigerator andstove, plusthebonusof afencedbackyard, multiplestoragebuildings,and adetached2-car carport. Thebestpartistheprice!

$629,000

Welcome to thisstunning Southerncharmestate, offering 5+bedroomsand4.5bathswithover 6,000square feet ofbeautifullydesigned living space. Nestled onmorethan17unrestrictedacres, this remarkablehome features aclassicwraparoundporchand asereneprivatelake,creating the perfectblend of elegance, space, andpeaceful countryliving.

Thisprivate,gated6BR/3.5BAhomesitson 11secludedacresandoffers alifestyleof comfortandprivacy. Eachbedroomfeatures itsownprivate balcony,creatinga personal retreatforeveryone.Thegeothermal system providesenergyefficiencyand lower summerutilitycosts.Enjoy outdoorliving withaningroundpoolandcovereddecks

732 RiverBend Cir

Talladega,$890,000

Beautifully renovatedin2020,thisstunning waterfront proper ty offers year-round water accesson alarge,onelevellotwith280 ft of shoreline.Enjoya 2-slopfloatingboathousewith lift, boatlaunchand“Spiderbe Gone”systemson bothhouseandboathouse

MLS2143273

22Eagle PointLane22

Pell City,$450,000

Lakeloton Logan MartinLakemain channel1.25acreswith125 ft of water front. Enjoyaforeverviewand deep,year-round waterper fect for yourprivate dock.Concreteseawall. Neighborhood amenitiesincludea pool,tennis cour t, andboatlaunch. Ideal foryourdreamlakehome! MLS21417238

27 Morning GloryDrive

Pell City,$299,000

Charming3-bedroom,2-bathfullbrickhome indesirable MorningsideSubdivision. Features include aspacious formal dining room,eat-in kitchenwithbreakfastbar,and acoz yscreened porchper fect forrelaxing. Also,thereisagaslog fireplaceingreat room.Enjoyafencedbackyard idealforpetsorentertaining,plus adouble car garage foramplestorage.Aper fect blendof comfor tand convenience! MLS#21424915

607 Fairlawn Circle

Bessember,$135,000

BeautifulfullbrickhomeinHueytownwithclassiccurb appealand moderncomfor t. Thisspaciousfloorplanoffers3 bedrooms,2fullbaths,a welcoming greatroom,anda separateden—per fect forworkorrelaxation. Theeat-in kitchen featuresplenty ofspaceforfamilymealsand gatherings.Enjoy outdoorlivinginthe fencedbackyard with twooutbuildings—ideal forstorage,hobbies,ora workshop.Adoublegarageprovidesampleparkingand storage.Convenientlylocatedclose to shopping.MLS21443212

105 PointAquarius Dr

Alpine,$22,000

Levellotoffering agreat view of aprivatelake,withscattered maturetreesandexcellent privacy. Peacefulsettingideal for acustom home,yet conveniently locatednear agolf courseand justminutesfrom Logan Martin Lake.Arareblend ofseclusion, scener y, and recreation. approximate1/2acre MLS21424404

108 HolidayEstates Dr, Cropwell, $274,000

Beautifully remodeledin2023, thisprivatehomesitsona levelloton adead-endstreet,with peaceful woods as your neighbors.Convenientlylocatednear Publix, acitypark, two gyms,andschools,itofferstheper fect blendofprivacy and accessibility. Inside you’ll find largerooms,aspaciousdining area,stainlesssteelappliances,and aflexiblebonus room. The home featuresthreebedroomsand2.5baths,plusan outbuildingforstorageorhobbies.Enjoy outdoorlivingon thedeck,ideal forrelaxingorentertaining.Somefurniture mayremainwithanacceptable offer.Arare, quiet retreatclose to everything. MLS21441339

Lakeside Chats with CHERITH

What I’m Letting Go of This Season

In a world that measures us by how much we have and how much we’ve accomplished, I’m voluntarily letting some stuff go this season.

Instead of counting how many boxes I’ve checked or focusing on how full my calendar is, I’m choosing to pay attention to what I can release and still remain in the category of “responsible adult.”

If we’re being honest, I plan to see how lightly I can travel through my days. I want to intentionally make space for breathing, for noticing, for simply being.

It feels almost rebellious to loosen my grip in a culture that tells us more is always better. More goals. More growth. More hustle. More proof that we’re doing life “right.” I’ve subscribed to these things for far too long.

But in this season, I’m committed to letting go.

I’m letting go of urgency.

If everything is a priority, nothing is a priority. I’m choosing to move at a rhythm that protects my peace, rather than one that forces me to meet outside expectations. I don’t need to live in a constant state of rush to be valuable. Not every email is an emergency. Not every request deserves an immediate yes. Some things can wait. Some things should wait.

I’m letting go of over-explaining myself.

I don’t need to justify every boundary, every no, every change of heart. I’m learning that clarity doesn’t require a paragraph. “This doesn’t work for me” is a complete sentence. So is “I need a

little more time.” I’m releasing the habit of narrating my choices as if they’re on trial.

I’m letting go of feeling guilty for resting.

I’m going to hold your hands and look you in the eyes when I say this: you do not have to earn rest. You don’t have to exhaust yourself to deserve a quiet afternoon. You don’t have to cross everything off your list before you sit down. Rest is not a reward; it’s a requirement. It’s part of how we stay human.

I’m letting go of tying my worth to productivity.

There are seasons when I’m on fire—creating, producing, moving with momentum. And there are seasons when I’m slower, quieter, more inward. The truth is, both are valid. My value doesn’t fluctuate with my output. I am still worthy when I’m resting. I am still enough when my pace changes.

I’m letting go of the idea that every season has to look like the last.

Just as the world slows in winter and bursts open in spring, I’m giving myself permission to move differently throughout the year. Some seasons are for building. Others are for tending. Some are for dreaming. Others are for simply being.

This season, I’m choosing release over rush. Space over strain. Presence over pressure. And I’m discovering that letting go doesn’t make me less responsible. And it won’t make you less responsible, either.

Let’s let go.

FROMYOUR FIRST HOME

TOYOURDREAMHOME.

StartwithFirstBankofAlabama.

Buyinga homeisoneoflife’sbiggest milestones,and whetherit’syourveryfirstplaceorthe homeyou’vealwaysdreamedof, we’reheretohelpmakeithappen. At FirstBankof Alabama, ourlocalexperts guideyouevery stepofthewaywithcompetitiverates,personalizedservice, and acommitmenttomakingyourdream areality.StartyourjourneyhomewithFirstBankof Alabama—becauseeverygreatstorybeginswithafirst.