Issuu

Lake Martin Living People, events and culture in the Lake Region

Summer Bugs Gorgeous Gardenia Blue Ribbon Beagle Fallen Airman

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2 Lake Martin Living

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From the Editor’s Desk

arbara Cole spoke quietly and with great feeling. Sitting in the chair next to my desk, she told me about a young man from Jackson’s Gap who had lost his life when his plane crashed in a tiny Dutch village in World War II. He was just 21 years old, she said. His name was James Lester Evers. She told me that two years ago, a curious nephew had ventured to that same village to see a plaque on the wall of a charming little chapel. The plaque bears the names of a crew that had sacrificed their own lives for the freedom of Europe – James Lester Evers among them. The nephew returned a year later to hang a photograph of his uncle on the wall of the chapel and was humbled by the gratitude of the townspeople, who held a ceremony of remembrance for his uncle. A historian and writer gave the nephew a tour of the area, Ms. Cole told me, including the crash site, the German battery from which the shots had been fired and the small cemetery where the townspeople had buried the crew. Her story brought tears to my eyes. It wanted to be told, and this issue of Lake Martin Living magazine – the issue released two weeks before the annual celebration of our nation’s freedom – seemed a fitting platform. So I contacted the nephew, Charles Evers, who sent me emails and letters and photographs recounting the story of his uncle. Reading through them became a kind of tribute of its own; the overwhelming gratitude of the people in this village was humbling – even years later and second or third hand. I wept a little more as I wrote the article on page 26, and wanting to make sure I had all the facts right and had spelled all of the names correctly, I sent the article to Charles Evers to review. He sent it to Peter van der Linden, his writer and historian friend in the Netherlands. And when I received Peter’s letter (below), I sat at my desk and cried. I am grateful to Barbara Cole for coming to see me that day, and I hope you will read the story of James Lester Evers in these days as our nation’s anniversary approaches. And I hope you will remember that for 241 years, our individual freedoms have been protected by countless men and women like Staff Sgt. Evers, men and women who gave their lives in fox holes and jungles and on farmers’ fields in tiny villages in countries far from home. And I hope this story lends meaning and perspective to your holiday celebrations.

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor Dear Ms. Iler, My name is Peter van der Linden from the Netherlands. I am in contact with Charles Evers from Vestavia Hills whose uncle was the WWII airman you are writing a story on. I have read the final draft of your story, which Charles send to me and I would hereby like to take the opportunity to compliment you on your work. It has become a very good and well told story, and I look very much forward to read the printed version when it is published. We Dutch are still very thankful to our American and Allied liberators. I personally think these kind of stories need to be told and remembered as to never forget the sacrifice these young boys of the Greatest Generation made to let us live in freedom. It would all be in vain if we would forget. Thanks and with kindest regards, Peter van der Linden 4 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Managing Editor Betsy Iler Assistant Magazine Editor Amy Passaretti Contributors Dave Jennings Luke Robinson Fred Muenzmay Cliff Williams Susan Foy Mitch Sneed Lizi Arbogast Jim Littman Peter van der Linden Shane Harris Magazine Distribution Manager David Kendrick Creative Services Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Emily Gregg Tabby Edwards Scott Hardy Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemartinmagazine.com

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 256-234-4281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

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Lake Martin Living 5

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

12. BREANNA SMITH AT MAINSTREET Get to know MainStreet Alexander City's new director

9. AROUND THE AREA 14. HAPPY GARDEN

28. LOST BUT NOT FORGOTTEN A local airman is remembered with honor in a foreign land

26. FROM THE TEE

34. TOP TALKER Alexander City man wins state's Auctioneer of the Year award 42. BLUE RIBBON BEAGLE Jackson's Gap's 3-year-old Gravel wins Deep South National Championship

18. ALABAMA NATURALIST 46. MONEY MATTERS 47. MEDICAL NEWS 48. OH SNAP! 58. LAKE REGION EVENTS 70. THE LAST WORD

Like his father before him, Shane Harris' son Clay stalks a bug for his summer collection. Photo by Shane Harris

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ON THE COVER

Alexander City’s Chuck Bradley learned the art of auctioneering for an act in a high school talent show. Recently named the Alabama Auctioneer of the Year, Bradley now makes a living talking up the merchandise he touts as the best of the best in the state of Alabama. Photo by Kenneth Boone

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AROUND THE AREA

Dancing in the Rain

Blues in the Park

Thousands turned out for live music at the Sportplex and some found themselves dancing in the wet turf.

Despite the rain and bad weather, the inaugural Blues in the Park concert May 20 was a huge success. The crowd that was estimated at 1,000 people brought tents, coolers, grills, fish fryers, living room rugs, candles for the tables, Tiki torches, umbrellas and their dancing shoes. The event was sponsored by Alexander City and the Alexander City Parks and Recreation Department and held at the Charles Bailey Sportplex, with the help of Tyrone “Iceberg Slim” Oliver and Parks and Recreation Director Sonny Wilson. “It was just an incredible turnout of people who were determined to have a good time,” Oliver said. “It took a whole lot of work from a whole lot of people, but it was just unreal. For it to turn out like that despite the rain, man, the sky’s the limit. Imagine what it would have been like if the weather had cooperated. I think it shows how hungry people are for fun events for the community." “I talked to people from Atlanta, from Franklin, Georgia, Birmingham and one bunch from Mississippi – there were people there from all over," said Wilson. Musical acts at the concert included Willie B, Bill Avery, Stan Butler, Toia Jones and Wilson Meadows. The rain got so heavy they had to cut Jones a little short and Meadows didn’t get to perform. But no one went home disappointed. ~Mitch Sneed

Harris commended for distinguished service Tallapoosa County Extension Service Agent Shane Harris has joined an elite crowd after being awarded the Distinguished Service Award this month by the Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents and Specialists. “It’s a big deal,” Harris said. “You have to have at least 10 years in

extension, and it’s usually given to those in the middle of the career or near the end.” The state is divided into three districts and a committee from each district makes nominations from the district; then, a statewide committee selects from those. ~ Cliff Williams

Shane Harris

CACC Teacher Given Excellence in Teaching Award The Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes excellence in undergraduate education and has been given out annually for the past 10 years. This year, Dr. Jeremy M. Carr, a chemistry instructor at Central Alabama Community College was given the honor from the Office of Research on Teaching in the Disciplines at The University of Alabama. “Our purpose it to recognize good work being done across the state, which often goes unrecognized even though many are aware of its quality,” said Dr. Synthia Szymanski Sunal, Program Director at The University of Alabama. “We average about 125 submissions a

Dr. Jeremy M. Carr

year across categories.” These submissions involve developing an original lesson plan to be evaluated by the Excellence in Teaching Awards Committee. In Carr’s case, his 16-page lesson plan described a creative way to encourage chemistry students to begin honing their laboratory safety skills, a task that many college students find notoriously boring. Carr’s lesson involved video analysis, group discussion and past knowledge/ experience to establish what he called a “safety first” culture among chemistry students. ~Staff Report Lake Martin Living 9

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Lake Martin Living 11

BUSINESS MATTERS

A New Face on MainStreet Get to know the organization’s new director Breanna Smith STORY & PHOTOS BY AMY PASSARETTI

12 Lake Martin Living

Destination MainStreet

our downtown, and they are

As director of the downtown not forgotten.” merchants organization, What began years Breanna Smith will be an ago as a group of people integral part of the growth looking to revitalize of Alexander City.

nique. Family friendly. Traditional. Diverse. Growing. These are all words MainStreet Alexander City’s new director, Breanna Smith, used to describe downtown, and she hopes to spread that message throughout the community. “When people hear MainStreet, I want them to think of downtown Alexander City as a vibrant, thriving, beautiful place,” said Smith, who officially took over as director in May. With her background as a tourism coordinator in Gadsden, Alabama, Smith will remind residents of what Alexander City has to offer and will foster local businesses to help them succeed and the town to flourish. Smith said she’s been laying low to start off because she wants to personally introduce herself to all of the merchants downtown, shake their hands and let them know she is here for them. With a focus on establishing relationships and creating partnerships, she has a plan to spotlight merchants in town and bring awareness to new businesses or perhaps forgotten ones that have been at the core of the community for years. “It’s been fun getting to know all the merchants and walking into different stores to realize how much history is there,” said Smith. “I am trying to do as much as I can for them. They are

downtown aesthetically as MainStreet Operations has now expanded with the help of technology. In her short time as director, Smith’s main focus has been on increasing downtown’s social media presence, expanding the use of social media outlets and having a consistent outreach. Smith said she has already seen an increase in Facebook likes with an average of 1,200 people reached per post and increased Instagram followers in just 31 posts. The main reasoning for this upsurge is from her creation of an official hashtag (#mainstreetac and also #lifenearthelake) that she uses in all posts, and she hopes others will as well when posting about their activities downtown. “We’re going in a new direction, and I’ve taken over working toward getting our website running. The goal is to have an extensive merchant list on the site for accessibility,” said Smith. Another goal Smith hopes to implement downtown is more MainStreet events celebrating the history of the area and more fundraisers with a focus on attracting a younger crowd. She plans to create a welcome package for Central Alabama Community College students to increase awareness around campus and focus on events that would celebrate them and their accomplishments. “It’s such a unique downtown area. You can get out of your vehicle and walk pretty much anywhere. It incorporates all ages from senior citizens, students, moms – and I want to keep expanding on that. It’s a friendly area, and I want to get to know the younger folks and the older folks,” said Smith. Also, the organization is bringing in new tables, umbrellas and benches to the square, so people would be motivated to spend more time hanging out. This was something Richard Wagoner set in motion before stepping aside as director and gearing his focus more on the historical buildings. “Richard and the board are all very dedicated, hardworking and always volunteering their personal time. If they see something that needs to be done, they just take it upon themselves to do it,” said Smith. MainStreet has remained a bit in the shadows for a while, and Smith is hoping to change that by taking credit for things they do. Also, while change and growth are vital to a community’s success, Smith wants to uphold tradition and embrace the history of the town. “We’re headed toward economical growth, and we have nowhere to go but up. We’ve been successful, and we will continue to be successful. It’s the season of growth, and it will become what Alex City is capable of becoming,” said Smith. She urges all residents to step out outside their comfort zones to go into a new place downtown and try something different. The only way to grow is to work together as a community, Smith said. MainStreet Alexander City is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting, marketing, expanding and revitalizing the downtown area to create a centralized location in which people of all ages could spend time. Alexander City has been an accredited Alabama Main Street community since 1990 and is one of 20 towns throughout the state with this designation. Lake Martin Living 13

Gorgeous Gardenia

14 Lake Martin Living

Happy Garden

had a pity party last month, and it was all about my old camera that would not allow me to take the quality pictures that my editor required for the articles that I write. It was kind of like spending five hours repairing your lawn mower when your grass really needs cut, and when you finally get the lawn mower working, it pours down rain. Well, the long and the short of it is that I started looking for a professional camera that would meet the requirements for great pictures. I found the specifications of Fred Muenzmay the level of quality I needed to reach. Now I have purchased a great camera from Nikon, and the pictures are absolutely outstanding. I never realized what details were missing in my old camera. I know you didn’t think I would ever get to gardenias. So now the story starts. Just like all children with new toys, I headed for all the flora and fauna on the farm. I even took a picture of dill, and that’s not really a great plant to take a picture of. The lilies had started to bloom; the roses were poking their heads up and budding; the jasmine is all over the fence, and its fragrance just fills the driveway. I went down to see what the blueberries were doing. Well, with all this rain, the blueberries are living it up, soaking up every drop of rain, and now the pink berries are turning to a light blue purple. By June 20, the sugar will have risen in the plants. The sweetness will have attracted every bird in the area. I know you’re still waiting to read about the gardenias. Down near the blueberries is a 15-year-old gardenia plant standing somewhat around 9 feet tall and maybe 5-1/2 feet wide. This gorgeous plant sits under the pine trees, covering the blueberry plants with this amazing fragrance and creating a little stir with the bees and pollen feeders. This variety of gardenia is Gardenia Augusta/Gardenia jasminoides or it may be jasminoides fortuniana, which is a hybrid of jasminoides and is hardier. I really don’t know which one we have. The following is a short history of why we have the gardenia today. Dr. Alexander Garden, a Scottish physician and naturalist, moved to Charleston in 1752. He corresponded with English merchant John Ellis, who just happened to be a good friend of Carolus Linnaeus, the famous Swedish botanist. Linnaeus had developed the genus-and-species system for scientifically naming and classifying plants. In 1758, Ellis visited a garden outside London to inspect an evergreen shrub thought to be a Fragrant Beauty jasmine and blessed The gardenia is known for its with powerfully scented sweet, intoxicating aroma and shiny, dark green leaves. double white flowers. Lake Martin Living 15

Ellis doubted it was a true jasmine, and Linnaeus agreed. to be effective in treating injuries to the muscles, joints and Ellis convinced Linnaeus to name the new find for his pen tendons. pal in Charleston, Alexander Garden. Enter the gardenia It is important to remember that Chinese herbal (Gardenia jasminoides). Fittingly, in 1762, the New World’s medicine is based upon individual prescriptions developed first gardenia was planted in Dr. Garden’s garden. for each patient’s unique symptoms. Chinese herbs should Gardenias are members of the Madder, or Rubiaceae, not be taken, either individually or in formulas, unless an family. Though not native to either North or South America, appropriate practitioner of medicine is first contacted. they were named for this 18th-century American physician As for outdoor gardenia care, keep in mind that when the and naturalist. gardenia plant is grown outdoors, it generally prefers to be Gardenias were originally found only in China and kept in partial shade. Gardenias also prefer moist but wellJapan, but today there are more than 200 different species of drained acidic soil (testing the soil is another good idea to gardenia, mostly hybrid, in existence throughout the world. see what, if any, nutrients are missing or if the soil pH is too Gardenias are most prevalent in China, Japan, tropical high; test soil before planting, and adjust the pH to a range regions of Southeast Asia of 5.0 to 6.5.) Spend a few and the Pacific islands and dollars for a soil test. South America. With proper I would also check the conditions, gardenias grow plant for pests. A number of into shrub-like bushes or insects attack these plants, small trees that can reach 5 which can cause yellowing. feet-plus in height. Water gardenias regularly, Most species of gardenia, even once the plant has however, are very tender finished putting out blooms. plants that require an Prune the gardenia bush average temperature of at after flowering has ceased to least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, remove spent blooms and sunlight with some untidy branches and to keep protection and just the right the plant in good condition. amount of humidity. Healthy gardenia plants Gardenias are often are better able to withstand rambling plants that form winter weather and will mounds of glossy, dark oftentimes come back green foliage. The leaves stronger in spring. are oval in shape and very I found a few websites shiny. The flowers vary in that answer questions about color from pale yellow with Easy to Grow Blossoms of Snow gardenia plant problems, as I am not a purple markings to creamy Gardenias grow best outdoors in partial shade botanist and rely on expert answers for and moist but well-drained acidic soil; water them white, and they have a plant performance. regularly, even after they are established. classic, heavy, sweet scent Why are there yellowing leaves on reminiscent of green apple my gardenia plant? When to prune a or jasmine. All gardenia blossoms have an almost wax-like gardenia plant? Why won’t my gardenia plant bloom? Should appearance and can be either single or double, depending I fertilize my gardenia plant? on the species. Most gardenias flower in the winter or early What do we do at the farm with our gardenia bushes? spring, and the blossom is followed by the appearance of The answer is, ‘nothing.’ Just follow the above rules of a large, yellowish-red, bitter-tasting berry that contains a what, where and why. crystalline compound called acrocetin. The Alabama climate emulates that of China. Remember The most commonly listed botanical species of gardenia to purchase an outdoor variety and propagate this plant with include Gardenia jasminoides, jasminoides fortuniana, nitida, ease. radicans flore plena, thunbergia and rothmania. A toast to a swirl of blinding white petals of the gardenia Gardenias are widely used as exotic ornamental flowers flower that one whiff is pure intoxicating sweetness that is in corsages, as houseplants and in some regions, as outdoor sensual and invites you to swoon. plants. A yellow silk dye has been made for centuries from Put a few blossoms on your nightstand and enjoy a the chemical compound acrocetin extracted from the summer night’s dream of peace, joy and happiness. gardenia berry. Chinese herbal medicine, however, makes the most A note of thanks for technical information: Clemson extensive use of the gardenia. Its Chinese name is zhi zi. University Cooperative Extension. The traditional medicinal actions attributed to gardenia include calming irritability; cooling blood and clearing ~ Fred Muenzmay of Eagle’s Roost Herb Farms is a away heat (a yin/yang imbalance often characterized by Master Gardener and has been in the business of growing deficient yin); reducing swelling; and moving stagnant blood organic herbs, vegetables and blueberries for regional that has congealed in one place, usually following trauma. and local farmers markets for 26 years. Contact him at Gardenia is considered to be very effective as a hemostatic fmuenzmay@earthlink.net. agent, which means that it stops bleeding. It also is thought 16 Lake Martin Living

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Lake Martin Living 17

Summer Bugs

18 Lake Martin Living

Alabama Naturalist

Shane Harris

he many sights and sounds of summer cause me to reminisce about the good old days of my childhood. As a kid, I spent many of those summer days outdoors playing and exploring. That decision was influenced mainly by my mother; she would run me and my sister out of the house on summer days to find something to do, so she could get her housework done. Thus, my main form of entertainment growing up consisted of being outdoors and learning about nature. My fondest childhood memory was that of being a “bug catcher.” As a young boy, I chased and caught insects and put them in quart jelly jars. Let’s just say my sister did not see the fun in that and did not participate. My jar method was an easy and fun way to learn about and collect insects. How else could one get a butterfly or bee to be still long enough to get a good look at it? We had plenty of carpenter bees around my house, going from flower to flower or boring holes in the wood of old buildings. I was easily entertained for hours – watching and chasing them and catching them with nets and jars. It Lake Martin Living 19

Beauty and The Beast

Previous pages: Paper wasps are fascinating to watch as they construct their nest; Clockwise from bottom left: A cicada dries its wings after coming out of its shell; the sting of the red velvet ant (cow killer) is extremely painful; Monarch butterflies are a favorite prize for kids' bug jars; An organ pipe mud dauber carries building material to the nest site.

was here where I first learned a lot about carpenter bees, including which ones to handle and which to leave alone. Those male carpenter bees with the yellow nose like to do lots of buzzing around, but they do not have stingers. They are harmless and fun to hold. But don’t grab just any carpenter bee too quickly without checking because the females have solid black heads and will indeed sting. To catch these, use the jar instead of bare hands. Wasps were also abundant and interesting. I learned quickly not to mess with them, especially certain species, like those orange paper wasps and smaller guinea wasps. They definitely got me in a hurry if I got too close to their paper nests. The same thing applied to yellow jackets and hornets. They were cool to look at in the quart jar, but I left them alone. Dirt daubers or mud daubers, on the other hand, were fascinating to watch. Quick observation taught me they were basically harmless and usually too busy constructing nests to pay me any attention. They are, however, very precise engineers. The organ pipe mud dauber is the wasp that builds vertical nest tubes on bridges, barns, open porches or 20 Lake Martin Living

under the eaves of houses. The pretty black and yellow mud dauber builds nests in cracks, crevices and corners that resemble large dirt clumps. In addition to watching them construct their nests, it was fun to follow dirt daubers and discover where they were getting their mud when it was hot and dry and no puddles were around. Better yet was watching one try to carry a large stunted spider to store in her nest, which is food for her babies upon hatching. Slowly but surely, those determined dirt daubers found a way to get that fat spider up and into their new nests. The most intriguing wasp I remember seeing each summer was the great golden digger wasp. Her larger size, black and orange body colors and the short golden hairs on her head and thorax just made her impressive. This wasp was not aggressive in any way. The female would dig a small tunnel in the ground in our backyard in which to lay eggs. Once completed, the great golden digger wasp would go hunt and catch a grasshopper or cricket and bring it back to her hole. After inspecting and confirming that the tunnel was just right, she would drag her prey into the hole in the ground. Very neat to watch her work. And let’s just say she could move many small rocks that I just happened to put in her way or block her entrance hole – all in the name of research, of course. Speaking of wasps, another impressive insect seen every summer was the solitary “cow ant.” Some folks call it “cow killer,” but its real name is velvet ant; although it is actually is not an ant but a wasp. Lake Martin Living 21

Do not touch or step on this insect because it has a reputation of having a very painful sting, thus its nicknames. The velvet ant is a solitary wasp and does not live in colonies or have a nest. Velvet ants are commonly seen crawling through lawns, along the bare ground or crossing a porch or garage. The female velvet ant does not have wings but is very large in size compared to other wasps or ants. Its body has beautiful orange and black hairs that make it easy to recognize. Males are much smaller and do have wings but cannot sting. The velvet ant does make a unique squeaking sound if stepped on or bothered and poked at with a stick. Other fascinating insects associated with my childhood summers were July flies, June bugs and katydids. Us country folks called the loud buzzing periodical cicadas singing in the trees July flies. Boy, do they sing loud in the summer. Catching one was hard; occasionally, I would find one on a window screen or side of a tree. They were ugly with large wide eyes and large wings. Even creepier to learn was that they emerged from the ground and crawled up on trees and fence posts to turn into adults. We are all familiar with their brown cast exoskeletons or “shells” that they leave on the sides of trees upon pupating into adults. Just plain weird. Katydids like to hang out in the trees and sing during the hot summer nights. Occasionally, I would wake up and find one on the porch in the morning. Where’s my jar?! With their large black mandibles, katydids will indeed try to bite but not hard. Just have to know how to hold

them. They never were in a hurry to go anywhere, so I could just let them crawl on my arm or lap. Katydids have thin legs and can really cling to items. Holding them long enough or picking them up again and again when they tried to escape would usually get them to chirp loudly or bite. Always wondered what ugly names those katydids were calling me. Lastly, a summer day would not be complete without catching a “June bug.” June bugs are green June beetles; adults are velvet green with orange or rust stripes along the outer margins of the wing covers. Some of you will know where I am going with this. Yes, I did, indeed, tie a string to the leg of more than one June bug and watch it fly around and around in a circle. I am proud to say my grandmother introduced and taught me that. Tying a string to a wiggly beetle takes patience. Be still! Sadly, I don’t see as many June bugs as in the past. Sure was fun catching them and watching them go. Those childhood memories of summer days of bug catching were great. I’m an adult now and much older, but the curious kid is still in me. I still have this awe and fascination of insects; I still chase and catch bugs, except now I get paid to do it for a living. Have you a quart jar ready this summer, just in case. Never know what bug you might find. If you’re not learning, you’re not living. ~Shane Harris is the Tallapoosa County Extension Agent. Contact him at 256-825-1050.

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Dance with the girl you brung Benefits of the Homegrown Golf Swing

From the Tee

he title of this article may not be perfect Coach Malloy is well aware and respects that not grammar, but it sure holds true in golf everyone’s swing is the same and, in fact, some when it comes to your swing and abilities. players whose swings are quite unique can actually ‘Dance with the girl you brung’ basically suggests perform better day in and day out. that you trust what you’ve got, and you use it to the If an accomplished golfer was to have an best of your ability. upcoming match with Braden Thornberry and This article was written during Memorial Day could see his swing in slow motion, he may request weekend. I couldn’t help myself, being a golf to double the bet; however, this would only cost junkie, becoming mesmerized by all of the good more in losses because this kid knows his unique golf on television that holiday weekend. The one golf swing and has 100 percent confidence in tournament I was most excited about watching, himself and his swing. aside from the Senior PGA Championship, was the This is very much like Jim Furyk, about whom NCAA National Championship. many people wonder how he has achieved all of his On most weekends, the Senior PGA Tour hosts PGA Tour victories. a number of great older golfers whose swings are The successes that these unique swings have Dave Jennings much different than the cookieproduced are nothing new. Some cutter golf swings that we all of the older readers of this article wished we had: Jason Day, Rory may even remember Miller McElroy, Ernie Els or Adam Barber, who looked more like he Set-up Tips Scott. The Champions Tour is was removing a cardigan sweater full of players who have golf as he made his backswing. • n A good grip swings that are quite different. Barber won 11 times on the • n Feet shoulder width apart One thing about all of these PGA Tour and 24 times on the • n Athletic stance, well balanced between swings is that they are very much Senior Tour. Not too shabby. feet, knees flexed, back relatively straight similar at the impact position; Furyk has only one golf and butt out. they just begin or complete instructor – his dad. Braden • n Ball positioned off the left shoulder for these unique swings differently Thornberry has a self-made right-handed players. than what we see of the “pretty swing, and I don’t think you’re swings.” Bernhard Langer, who going to see it change anytime just passed Jack Nicklaus in soon. Swing Tips Senior Major Championship Another thing I found victories this weekend, certainly refreshing about the way • n Keep head still does it differently. Thornberry plays is that he • n Keep feet on the ground After the telecast of the Senior wastes no time in playing his • n In the backswing, turn the back to the PGA Championship concluded shot after he has committed to target on Memorial Day, the NCAA what he wants to do. On No. 18 • n Keep weight between the feet – not D-1 Championship Stroke Play in the final round of the NCAA allowing the weight to roll outside the feet concluded. In the stoke play Stroke Play tournament, Braden • n Finish with the belt buckle facing the portion of this tournament, the had left his second shot just target and hold the finish. top eight teams continue on to short of the green on this tricky “Team Match Play” where the par 5. Braden plays so fast that team champions will be decided; the cameraman could not get his however, the Individual NCAA camera turned quickly enough Medalist (National Champion) is to see Braden hit his chip shot. decided through the stroke play portion of the tournament. We did see the ball release to approximately 7 feet from the cup. This year’s NCAA Champion is a golfer from Ole Miss – Braden’s fellow competitors holed their putts out to allow Braden Thornberry. His coach is Chris Malloy, who has been a Braden to have the stage to himself for his birdie putt. With a friend of mine throughout my tenure as the CACC golf coach. two-shot lead, most other players would have taken this 7-footer Coach Malloy does a great job with his young men in helping and analyzed it as long as possible; then, after taking their them to believe in themselves. One thing I really admire about stance, they would most likely have ground over the putt 30-50 Chris, as a coach, is that he doesn’t try to change a player’s seconds. swing to emulate the “pretty swings” if it's a swing that works. Braden read the putt, and it seemed like he drew the putter 26 Lake Martin Living

back before his feet got into their normal stance. The ball rolled into the middle of the cup with perfect speed, and he won the NCAA Championship. A great question to ask would be: “Why does one homegrown golf swing work so well when so many others fail?” A homegrown golf swing that is learned early in life can become repeatable and successful. A homegrown golf swing that is learned from a person who has been an athlete in other sports can also become reliable. The golf swing is an athletic motion, and many things that happen in the golf swing are comparable to other athletic motions. If I had a very young person that wanted to play golf, I would first want him or her to watch a few videos of great golfers swinging clubs and hitting balls. Unless you have a great swing, watching you can give this young golfer the wrong idea of what is right and what is wrong. Most young kids have a keen ability to copy what they see. Give that young person a few clubs that fit him (not cut-offs) and a few set-up and swing tips that he should repeat for every swing; and then, tell them to swing as hard as he can without falling down. Just let your junior golfer swing as hard as he can; let the ball go wherever it wants to go. I can nearly guarantee that on the first day that young golfer will hit a few really solid golf shots, and you will see a young person with a big smile of accomplishment. Let him or her know how great it is that in such a short time he has achieved something that many people search for all their lives. A short note … Allowing your young golfer to swing hard is really important. I have found that as a young golfer evolves, it is much easier to teach him how to slow his swing down for a finesse shot than it is to teach someone with a slow swing to hit it hard to create a high or greater backspin on the golf ball. Also, let him know that golf is not a game of perfect swings and shots, but more-so of managing the golf ball from point “A” to point “B” in as few shots as possible. Very quickly, your young new golfer will begin to create his own golf swing DNA. I suggest that initially you separate your practice time from the time you take your youngsters to learn the game. You don’t want them to become discouraged because they don't hit the ball as far as you. If there is a golf tournament with a championship flight, with good accomplished golfers nearby, take your youngsters out to let them watch these players compete. Depending on their ability to stay focused, they may watch only a few holes or they could be excited about what they sees and want to stay throughout the complete round. Either way, it will give them a taste of good golf; see that bad bounces happen to everyone; and realize a lot of other things that happen in the game that makes it so great. If at all possible, let them play a couple holes soon after the competitions. Your swing is your own; be proud of it. If your swing produces a fade – love the fade and play it. If it produces a draw – love the draw and play it. If you can’t get the darn ball off the ground – see your teaching pro. Your golf DNA may need some alterations. Enjoy the game this summer! ~ Dave Jennings is men’s golf coach at Central Alabama Community College. Lake Martin Living 27

Lost But Not Forgotten A local airman is remembered in a foreign land

STORY BY BETSY ILER RESEARCH & PHOTOS COURTESY OF PETER VAN DER LINDEN

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orget-me-nots stand in relief on the marker at Staff Sgt. James Lester Evers’ grave in the Woods Presbyterian Cemetery a few miles north of Dadeville on State Route 49. “Died in service of his country,” reads the inscription above the engraving of an aircraft propeller and feathered wings – the insignia for the U.S. Army Air Corps that is carved between the numbers 1923 and 1944, dates that indicate a life cut short in wartime. A native of Tallapoosa County, James Lester Evers grew up in the Eagle Creek community. He graduated Tallapoosa County High School in 1941, and he was 21 years old when the American Liberator, the B-24J bomber in which he served as waistgunner, crashed in a field far from home during World War II’s Operation Market Garden. The mission was the real-life basis for 1977’s fictionalized film, A Bridge Too Far, which starred Sean Connery, Ryan O’Neal, Michael Caine, Gene Hackman, Anthony Hopkins, James Caan, Colin Farrell, Liv Ullman, Robert Redford, Lawrence Olivier and a host of other big names in Hollywood. The crew of the B-24 bomber had dropped its supply cargo behind enemy lines and was headed home when it was hit with anti-aircraft fire and lost an engine. The Liberator fell from the sky and landed on its belly in a field near the tiny Dutch villages of Udenhout and Biezenmortel. An explosion upon landing killed nine of the plane’s 10 crew. A local farmer loaded the bodies into a wagon and took them to a Catholic cemetery, where James Lester Evers was buried alongside his comrades in arms. When questioned later as to the whereabouts of the plane’s crew, the townspeople feigned ignorance. After the war, the crew’s remains were moved to another cemetery in Holland, and eventually, James Lester came home to be buried in the red clay where he had grown up. Dadeville native Charles Evers grew up hearing stories about his Uncle James Lester – what a wonderful person he

was and how he had left his engineering studies at Auburn University to defend his country and never came home. “I know my grandmother and the whole family were devastated. My grandmother always kept a picture of James Lester on her dresser as long as I can remember,” Evers said. During a random online search for his uncle’s name several years ago, Evers stumbled upon a website about James K. Hunter, the pilot of the Liberator. More research led him to other websites, the most extensive of which was posted and maintained by Peter van der Linden and included an actual photograph of the plane crash. The website at www.oisterwijk-marketgarden.com/de_crash_ of_the_american_liberator_44-40210 also described a tiny chapel that had been built at Udenhout and a plaque there honoring the crew of the Liberator. When Evers and members of his family visited Europe in 2015, Evers drove to Udenhout and found the chapel. A small photograph of Hunter had been placed beside the plaque. Though he searched, Evers could not find the crash site. After returning to his Vestavia Hills home, he contacted van der Linden, a World War II enthusiast and author who lives in the Netherlands, after returning home, and the following summer, he returned to Udenhout with his brother-in-law, Darrell Watford of Abbeville, for a World War II historic tour. The second trip included two days in the Netherlands with van der Linden, who had planned an itinerary that featured visits to the chapel, the crash site and the Catholic cemetery where James Lester had initially been buried. Van der Linden took them to the site of the German battery that had shot down the plane, the drop zone where the Liberator’s cargo had been delivered and the asylum where the plane’s one surviving crewmember was hidden from the German army. The Long Way Home

Facing page: A second aircraft in the formation captured this image of the American Liberator crashing in a field near Udenhout, Netherlands on Sept. 18, 1944; Left: Originally buried in a Dutch Catholic cemetery, James Lester Evers eventually came home to rest in peace in Tallapoosa County; Following pages: (clockwise from top left) The crew of the American Liberator – James Lester Evers is the last one on the right on the front row; Staff Sgt. James Lester Evers; the little Dutch chapel where the crew is honored with a plaque; a plaque in the chapel bears the names of the Liberator's crew – James Lester Evers is listed second from the bottom.

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Sole Survivor

The only crewmember that survived the crash was tail/waistgunner Staff Sgt. Frank Di Palma, who was blown out of the aircraft during the explosion. Townspeople found him along the side of the road with severe burns. The people that found him took him to an asylum in nearby Biezenmortel, where he was hidden from the German army and his wounds were treated by local doctors. The asylum was an institution for mentally handicapped young children. When the Germans came to investigate the remains of the burned out aircraft two days later, they also stopped at the institution to question the Dutch staff. During the questioning of the residents and staff, the present doctors demanded that the Germans leave the premises because the children were traumatized by the war and could no longer handle the presence of uniformed soldiers. The Germans left the institute without discovering the American that was hidden in the basement. Di Palma stayed unconscious for nearly two weeks, and after he came to, he could not remember the crash. He had burns to his face, hands and legs. The daughter of one of the doctors who treated Di Palma at the asylum recently told Peter van der Linden she witnessed the downing of the Liberator. She remembered an occasion at the asylum when she had looked through the door’s keyhole at this young man from a faraway free country. He was wrapped in bandages. When Udenhout and Biezenmortel were liberated by units of the British army on Oct. 26, 1944, Di Palma was transported to a hospital in Belgium. He spent two more years in a U.S. veteran’s hospital where he underwent several skin transplants. Years later, the doctor and Di Palma met again, quite coincidentally, in the U.S. They discovered they were both working in the same building. Di Palma died in 1989 at 70 years of age.

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Van der Linden had instructed Evers and Watford to meet him at 10 a.m. at a specific spot in Udenhout, where a driver escorted the three to the chapel in a vintage World War II Jeep. Their arrival at the chapel was met by the townspeople who crowded into the little church for a dedication ceremony that included the placement of a photograph of the young James Lester on the wall under the pilot’s picture. A video of the ceremony is available for viewing at wiki. regionaalarchieftilburg.nl/ Familie_gesneuvelde_soldaat_ bezoekt_Udenhouts_kapelletje. A booklet prepared for the Evers family by the local historical society, Heemcentrum ’t Schoor Undenhout Biezenmortel, can be viewed at wiki. regionaalarchieftilburg.nl/images/7/70PLECHTIGHEID_ the_crash_on_%27t_Winkel_versie_25_juli_2016.pdf. “I did not expect such an elaborate ceremony,” Evers said. “I expected four or five people at most and something much less formal. There were video cameras, a local TV station, and reporters there. It was in their Sunday paper the next day. They rang the church bells. It was a very nice ceremony. I really felt a little awkward. I did nothing but buy a plane

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A Piece of the Plane

Left: Darrell Watford and Charles Evers holding a piece of the wreckage; Below: The Liberator flies over fields in Operation Garden Market; Facing page: Dutch historian and author Peter van der Linden.

ticket. I go over there, and they make a big deal about my visit, as if I had done something.” Henk Peters, the president of the local historical society, gave an account of the events surrounding the crash of the Liberator, and his young granddaughter Anne placed a rose on the altar for each of the plane’s fallen as their names were read. Evers placed the rose for his Uncle James Lester. Then a single bugler played the Dutch version of military “Taps.” Following the ceremony, van der Linden took Evers and Watford to the crash site at a nearby farm. “The farm is still owned by the same family. The home was destroyed when the Liberator crashed, but they rebuilt, and today the farm produces ornamental shrubs that are sold throughout Europe. The current owner of the farm was a young boy living in the same farmhouse with his parents,

the owners in the 1940s, at the time of the crash. “They showed us where the plane crashed. We found a piece of the plane, which I brought home with me,” Evers said. “People there are incredibly gracious. They hold Americans in very high regard. And they have done a fantastic job of preserving their piece of World War II history, including maintenance of the Allied Forces burial sites. “I am so grateful to Peter van der Linden for doing all the research on this and posting it online. Without all of his work, we never would have known what happened.” Van der Linden has written a book about the men in the U.S. and British militaries who had to make premature landings in the area during Operation Market Garden. Landing in enemy territory, paratroopers and plane crews were assisted by members of the Dutch resistance to evade capture as the German presence in the area grew. The book, Kampina Airborne (Baverstock and Pasley), is available on the publisher’s website and as an eBook entitled, Escape and Evasion: Allied airborne troops behind enemy lines during Operation Market Garden, and at Amazon.com. For the remainder of their trip, Evers and Watford drove to Bastogne, Belgium, where they visited the site of the Battle of the Bulge; then, on to the Normandy beaches, home of the monumental D-Day invasion. “I kept a journal of the trip, and everywhere we went, people were super nice. I can’t say enough about how kind and gracious they were. They treated us better than you could have dreamed. I am very glad I went,” he said. “I will never forget the sites we saw and the hospitality and gratitude we were shown.” The trip was an important one in the Evers family, which is thankful for the respect afforded James Lester at his death and the honor in which he is held in a foreign land. Grateful that the world has not forgotten the ultimate sacrifice of a beloved son, brother and uncle, whose grave in an unpresumptuous cemetery near Jackson’s Gap, Alabama, is marked with an aircraft propeller, feathered wings and a small American flag.

Kampina Airborne tells the incredible true story of the men from the U.S. 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions, the British 1st Airborne Division and the United States Army Airforce and Glider Pilot Regiment who were forced to make premature landings as they took part in Operation Market Garden. Landing by glider or parachute into enemy-held territory in the Dutch province of North-Brabant, they were assisted by the brave and resolute Dutch resistance to evade capture from a growing German presence in September and October 1944. The book details their personal experiences in hiding, close run-ins with German patrols, the hardships endured by the resistance who helped them and German deserters who joined them, truly epitomising the exploits of the Greatest Generation. This book includes more than 180 photographs, maps and never-before published drawings. Kampina Airborne Author: Peter van der Linden Publisher: Baverstock and Pasley ISBN: 978-0-9935617-2-6 (English)/978-0-9935617-3-3 (Dutch)

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One Fas

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st Talker

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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hat started as an act for a talent show in high school quickly became a career and a passion for Alexander City’s Chuck Bradley, who recently was named Alabama’s Auctioneer of the Year Grand Champion. “A friend of mine from high school, we were buddies, and we do something every year for the talent show. We went to an auction one night, and he said, ‘What are you doing for the talent show? Well, I bet you can learn how to be an auctioneer and do that’,” said Bradley, a native of Rockford. Bradley obtained his auctioneer license from North Georgia School, taking the required 85 hours, and holds licenses in both Alabama and Georgia. “I thought they would teach you how to talk fast, but it was more sitting there every day looking at laws and different rules and regulations,” said Bradley. After completing schooling, he returned to the same auction where he first decided to pursue this path and asked the owner Richard Askew if he would hire him. The auctioneer there at the time didn’t want to work every Friday night, which Bradley said is one of the biggest struggles, so he was able to take over the gig. Bradley has known Askew for about 15 years since he used to work at the stockyard when he was younger. “I went up one Friday night and sold the sale. I was pretty hesitant of it after a while but said, ‘yeah, I’ll do it',” said Bradley, who was still in high school at the time. He’s been doing the same sale every Friday and Saturday night since 2011 at the Clay County Goat and Poultry Stockyard, where items for sale include merchandise, chickens, ducks, rabbits and other small animals on Fridays and goat, sheep and cattle on Saturdays. He also works various other auctions during the week, including Montgomery Stockyard. The most important motivator for Bradley is remembering that he’s working for the seller and being entrusted with his or her livelihood. “For example, people selling cows, that’s high dollar, and that’s their living. So you’re working for the farmer, and he trusts you to get the most money out of that sale. That’s his paycheck,” explained Bradley. Another important factor to consider is having knowledge of what it is he’s selling and how to read the crowd. The ability to interpret people’s actions is key in figuring out the next step as an auctioneer, according to Bradley. “You have to know, will they give it more time? Are they done? Can I get another dollar out of them?” he explained. But none of that matters if there isn’t rhythm. When he first looked into being an auctioneer, Bradley

checked it out on YouTube Making the Sale Previous Page: Chuck and found that every Bradley auctions large auctioneer had his or her animals at the Clay own style. He said not County Goat and Poultry everyone is fast, and the Stockyard; Left: Bradley rapid pace with which keeps a rhythmic tone to people associate auctions engage the audience; comes from what’s being Above: Stockyard owner sold and the crowd present. Richard Askew with Bradley. “Different things require different speeds and rhythms. You want to have a rhythm kind of like a song, like a cadence. A rhythmic auctioneer, that’s a good auctioneer,” said Bradley, who admitted the signature filler word that works best for him is “dollar bidder.” Although just jibber-jabber in between numbers, as he said, it’s those filler words that give rhythm to the way the auctioneer speaks. This is what keeps things fun and interesting and also keeps the audience engaged. A typical week is about three or four days of work, but it can be hit or miss when the sales are held. As much as he enjoys his work and makes a living at it, the toughest part is having a profession that is not plentiful with employees, said Bradley. There is a small number of people with this passion Lake Martin Living 37

and with a certain set of people skills and ability to talk in front of a crowd. As a result, it makes it near impossible to take time off and find someone to cover for him. Also, not getting to spend time with his family and kids can be taxing. “I was a teenager when I started; now I’m 24, and going through this, I never had that Friday night out on the town with friends. Now I’m married with two kids and being gone is a hard thing. I got bills to pay, but that don’t take the place of family time. You can’t put a price on that,” said Bradley. Bradley competed for and won the title of Auctioneer of the Year at a two-day annual conference. There were three judges who scored the contestants on rhythm, personal appearance and poise, bid catching ability and if the judge would hire that auctioneer. The support of his family has been key to Bradley's

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success, he said. His mom, his wife Jill and his children, Hunter and Ellie Kate, were all able to witness his big win. “Everything ties back to the basic fundamentals. It’s about being clear and understanding what you’re selling. I was tickled to death to win it. I never thought I would,” said Bradley. His favorite part of the job is the opportunity to meet new people and give back to the community. Bradley helps auction at charity events when he can, and said it’s a lot of fun to raise money for a really good cause. “What more could you ask for; tens of thousands of dollars for a cause that helps Award Winning kids. Being able to give back Top: Bradley's Auctioneer in that sense puts everything of the Year award; Below: into perspective. It’s priceless Bradley uses the filler word really,” he added. "dollar bidder" to keep the auction moving.

Give Your Heart a Fresh Start The new year is here, so why not make a resolution that gives you and your loved ones peace of mind? We all know that healthy hearts live longer, more active lives. That starts with a comprehensive cardiac checkup. February is American Heart Month, serving as an annual reminder of the fight against cardiovascular disease. Kevin Sublett, MD, and his staff at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic of Central Alabama are proud supporters of this fight. We are committed to keeping your heart healthy, so you can live a healthier life all year long. Our 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 Call us today to schedule an appointment!

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10:00AM KOwALigA MARinA

Boat Parade

5:00PM Gates

The AMP gates open. Begin gathering on the lawn for the concert.

Decorate your boat and win prizes for Tallest Flag, Largest Flag, Most Creative Theme, Most Patriotic Crew, and Best Overall Boat and Crew.

6:30PM Show

17th annual concert featuring Sweet Tea and The Bank Walkers

Show only

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TheAMPonLakeMartin.com

9:00PM

Fireworks

The largest fireworks show in the Southeast

RussellMarine.net

Arti Gras

6th

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s a t u r d ay 10 a m - 5 p m

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Town Green at Russell Crossroads To p a r t i c i p a t e i n A r t i G r a s , c o n ta c t T y l e r M i t ch e l l a t 2 5 6 . 212 .144 3 o r t m i t ch e l l @ ru s s eLake l l lMartin a n d sLiving . c o m41

Blue Ribbon Beagle Gravel wins Deep South National Championship STORY & PHOTOS BY LIZI ARBOGAST

hough Randy Moran of Jackson's Gap and Timmy Holloway of Carrollton, Georgia, have fielded some 12 to 15 champions since they formed a partnership nearly seven years ago, they’ve always come up just a little short when they’ve entered Beagles in national championships – until Gravel, that is. And even Moran thought she might come up short. “I didn’t think we’d ever have a dog as good as Belle, who didn’t win – she’s now a breeder,” Moran said. “But Timmy said, ‘Wait until you see Gravel run.’ I would take Gravel and Belle out, and Gravel couldn’t beat her. Then it was like you turned the light switch on; from one week to the next, she went to beating Belle. It’s unbelievable how competitive these dogs get with each other.” At just 2 years of age, Gravel became a field champion – winning three trials and earning 120 points – meaning she could be entered only in national championships from then on. In March, Gravel was entered in the Deep South National Championship, and out of 49 big females (between 13 and 15 inches), the field was narrowed to just five. The judges ran those dogs for about 15 minutes before “picking up” – or disqualifying – two, leaving Gravel up against two good dogs. “I mean, good dogs,” Moran said. “But I told Timmy that if she runs now like she does at home, she oughtta beat them.” According to Moran, Gravel’s toughest competition was a white dog that loved to run up at the front. But she couldn’t hold the front for too long, and as the dog ran up, Gravel turned the rabbit to the left. They ran the dogs again, and once again, the white dog ran up front and 42 Lake Martin Living

Gravel turned the rabbit to the right. The judges called field trial, signifying the end of the competition. Moran and Holloway thought Gravel had won, but “You talk about nervous; oh man.” The wait between the end of the competition and the announcement of the winner was an excruciating two hours. “The judges won’t tell you anything,” Moran said. “They all know me, and they knew I was tore up and nervous, and when she won, it was a great, great feeling when they called it out. I can’t even explain it.” Moran grew up with hunting dogs with his father, and he returned to the sport 16 years ago. “It’s a real great sport – a clean sport – and I get to fool with the dogs all day,” he said. It’s also very competitive, but Moran and Holloway are pretty darn successful at it. Just take a walk into his trophy room, where ribbons upon ribbons adorn the walls, or his hunting cabin at Horseshoe Bend Beagle Club, where there’s a small stack of trophies. But it’s not just about success or money for Moran; it’s clear he loves his dogs. Each A Winning Run Randy Moran and Timmy dog has a name and a story, and Holloway stand proudly Moran vividly remembers those with Gravel after the stories. 3-year-old beagle took “Gravel, she’s a favorite; the blue ribbon at the Money Man is a favorite. Deep South Nationals. Stoakes is a favorite, ain’t you, Stoakes?” Moran called over to one of his dogs. “Cricket (11-year-old female) has been with me a long time. She’s a good ole healthy dog. I can turn her out in the yard, and she’ll play with the kids, but I turn that rider on, and she’s ready to go hunting.”

Even though Moran’s dogs are technically hunters, he’s more interested in running them in trials and turning a regular hunting dog into a field champion. And there’s so much more that goes into a good competing dog than meets the eye. First of all, Moran has a fantastic setup on his property, where he said the dogs “don’t want for nothing.” Each dog has his or her own spacious kennel and is on a Purina diet and checked regularly for worms and other diseases. During the fall, when the dogs start running, Moran adds extra protein and fat to their diets. The dogs’ training facilities are right on Moran’s property. Usually between ages 3-4 months, the pups are started in a 2-acre puppy pen. “They’ll automatically start running rabbits; that’s just the way they’re bred,” Moran said. “When they start running good, I’ll separate them and make them grow up a little bit.” Moran estimated his property to be about 60 to 70 acres chock-full of wild rabbits, and he has several fenced-in areas with varying terrains in which to train the dogs. Despite all the efforts, it’s still not easy to find a good running dog. “We go through a lot of dogs and raise a lot of pups to find one that competes,” Moran said. But that doesn’t mean the ones not chosen are bad dogs, he said. “It can still be a good dog for people to take and rabbit hunt, rather than compete,” Moran said. “They can be a good dog but still have a small flaw or have small mistakes they make. There’s a fine line on these dogs that compete; they gotta be pretty special.” About seven years ago, Training Up the Pups Moran and Holloway joined With a championship forces; the pair was brought behind her, Gravel together by a particularly is now a top brood female. special hunting dog, Country

Boy. In order to become a field champion, a dog must have three wins and 120 points. When Holloway was looking for a buyer for Country Boy, he had one win. Moran expressed his interest but thought the cost was a bit much. Therefore, a partnership was formed between Holloway and Moran. During his first trial with Moran, Country Boy took first place. He then captured a second-place finish before finally earning his much-needed third victory. After his victory, Moran and Holloway contacted the American Kennel Club to see if he was a field champion, but Country Boy came up with 119 points. They took him to a trial in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he needed just one point, and he won the whole thing. “He was a real special dog,” Moran said. One of the most special things about Moran’s dogs is their friendliness. As soon as Moran turns on his rider on his property, every Beagle is up on his or her feet, ready to hunt. And even if they’re not, Moran still takes care of them. “If they don’t suit me as far as running, we’ll find somebody to give them to as a pet,” Moran said. “I got a real good relationship with the humane society. I tell them I’ve got a dog that’s not working out, and they’ll find a home. And these dogs are gonna love you to death. They grow up like that.” Now that Gravel has won a national championship, Moran said, she’ll be training pups. “She’s still gonna run, but we’ll slack off with her now and let her be a brood female,” he said. Only 3 years old, Gravel has already bred with one of Moran’s top studs, Style. People come from all over the country to breed their dogs with Style, a process involving disease testing and proper scrutiny. But it’s really Gravel and Style’s puppy, Pebbles, who should have high expectations for the future, he said.

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Afford Your Dream Home Today

MONEY MATTERS

hat’s holding back would-be homebuyers? Saving for a down payment is the main roadblock for prospective homebuyers. At the same time, many of these potential buyers are not aware of loan products that can make the amount of their down payment more affordable. The federal government has long had a vested interest in the housing market, both in keeping the building trades working and also keeping the dream of home Jim Littman ownership alive. For that reason, a number of government-supported mortgage products are available. Some products have income eligibility limits, others are limited to eligible areas, and some are available on a more widespread basis.

USDA Rural Development Loans

This loan program allows lenders to provide lowto-moderate income households the opportunity to purchase homes in eligible rural areas. At this time, all areas of Tallapoosa County and Lake Martin are eligible. For households of four or fewer persons, the household income limit is $75,650. These loans are possible with 100 percent financing (no down payment) of the purchase price, and the seller may pay a portion of the buyers’ closing costs. Residential properties must meet all program criteria.

FHA Loans

The Federal Housing Administration was created in 1934 to improve housing standards and conditions, to provide an adequate home financing system through insurance of mortgage loans and to stabilize the mortgage market. Since 1934, the FHA has insured more than 34 million home mortgages, with almost 5 million insured home mortgages outstanding. Borrowers generally pay a 3.5 percent down payment for FHA financing. The maximum FHA loan amount in Tallapoosa County and the Lake Martin area is $275,665. At this time, FHA backs more 40 percent of all new mortgages.

VA Loans

The VA home loan was introduced in 1944 to help military members buy homes after returning from World 46 Lake Martin Living

War II. Since that time, more than 18 million service members have taken advantage of this benefit they’ve earned. VA home loans allow eligible veterans, including members of Alabama’s National Guard units, to borrow 100 percent of a home’s purchase price; no down payment is required. In addition, the seller is allowed to pay all of the veteran’s reasonable closing costs so that minimal out-of-pocket monies are required.

Conventional Loans

Founded in 1938, the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), also known as Fannie Mae, is a government-sponsored company that purchases mortgages from lenders, making more mortgage loan money available in the marketplace. The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), known as Freddie Mac, was chartered in 1970 as a second governmentsponsored company with a similar purpose, which helps to keep mortgage loan money flowing. For down payments of less than 20 percent, the purchase of mortgage insurance (MI) is generally required. Mortgage insurance protects the lender from losses incurred if a buyer fails to make payments on the loan as required; it also allows the lender to sell the mortgage in the secondary mortgage market. Conventional mortgage company loans generally offer up to 95 percent financing (5 percent down payment) without regard to household income or property location. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac encourage mortgage lending to creditworthy low-to-moderate income borrowers, with expanded eligibility for financing homes in low-income and underserved communities. Up to 97 percent financing (3 percent down payment) is available for these home purchases. In addition, a number of national lenders now offer a conventional 1 percent down payment product for the purchase of an owner-occupied single-family home. These loans have income and property eligibility requirements, as well as other minimum guidelines, such as credit score and debt ratio. As you can see, there are numerous mortgage products available with affordable down payments. Again, some products have income eligibility limits; others are limited to eligible areas, and some are available to most homebuyers. Be sure to select a mortgage lender or broker that offers multiple products to find the best fit. ~ Jim Littman is a mortgage loan originator with Home Place Mortgage in Alexander City. He has 33 years of banking experience and can be reached at 256-329-1410.

Wound Center earns distinction

Medical News

ongratulations to Russell Medical’s Celebrating Distinction Russell Medical's Dr. Shirley Lazenby and Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine third-year medical student Sarah Smith with facility, which recently was named a Dr. Regina Phillips, holding the Preceptor Center of Distinction by Healogics, the nation’s of the Year Award from the Via College of leading wound care management company, Osteopathic Medicine. providing high-quality wound care and consulting services to nearly 800 hospitals across that proves a positive and encouraging the United States. experience … a place of hope. A place where Program Director Karen Treadwell said this limbs are saved, function is restored and lives are award reflects the achievement of strict criteria recovered. for two years in a row, specifically relating to What sets the Russell Medical facility apart quality and satisfaction. as a Center of Distinction, firstly, is the specialty “The threshold for patient satisfaction must training for wound care physicians, nurses be 93 percent or higher, and I’m proud to say and operational team members; the use of that our center achieved 95 percent patient comprehensive and proven clinical practice Susan Foy satisfaction,” Treadwell said. “In addition, we guidelines; regular debridement; and the use surpassed the 92 percent threshold for healing of advanced healing technologies like HBOT, with a score of 93 percent – an exceptional score NPWT and biological wound dressings. for our phenomenal team.” Secondly, the center’s close partnership with Russell According to Treadwell, the center treated 372 new Medical provides staff access to additional services and patients, performed 3,410 wound care visits and 1,233 providers. hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) treatments last year. And, possibly most importantly, is the ability of the care The wound care team consists of dedicated physicians and team to transform knowledge, expertise and science from clinicians led by Dr. Regina Phillips, medical director. a healthcare experience into a wellness experience, which “Our focus at Russell Medical Wound Care and provides a people-centered patient experience of compassion Hyperbaric Medicine is providing advanced wound care and caring,” said Phillips. and healing technologies for patients with wounds,” Phillips explained. “We strive to provide this care in an environment ~ Susan Foy is marketing director for Russell Medical. Lake Martin Living 47

OH SNAP! 1

2 4

Russell Marine In-Water Boat Show April 29, 2017 The Ridge Marina 6

1. Robin Berkowitz, Nicki Dozier and Marley McAlister

2. Reyln Culp and John Bowden

3. Alex Gallahar and Courtney Washington 4. Braden Arnold, David Boone, Allie Arnold and Cathy Boone 5. Thomas, Phil and Kim Fraher 6. Linda and Deanna Gross 7. Mary Lee, Traci and Allen Leland

48 Lake Martin Living

8. Britt, Newt, Cole and Reece Hignan

OH SNAP! 1

Derby Day at The Stables

May 6, 2017 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 1. Matt Sauls and Hayes Holliday 2. Ben Russell and Riley Goree 3. Jacob Stevenson 4. Elaine Simms, Betty Barnett and Amy Erwin

5. Linda Foy and Kathi Odom 6. Marianne Hudson and Jasper 7. Kandy and Steve Bolton

7 Lake Martin Living 49

OH SNAP! 3

2 4

Relay for Life 2017

May 6, 2017 Charles E. Bailey Sportsplex, Alexander City 1. Nicole Easterwood and Emily Jones

2. Adlyne Benton 3. Kohl Williams and Brett Franklin 4. Stihl Smith, Cooper Spears, Maggie Bates and Nick Adams 5. Haley Adams, Janet Austin and Christy Johnson 6. Sivana Smith 7. Randy Dawkins 8. Carter Smith, Camden Strickland, Ridge Lovelady and Sam Lee

50 Lake Martin Living

OH SNAP! 3

2 4

Tallapoosa Bass Bash

May 13, 2017 Jaybird Landing 1. Martha and Richard Pike

2. Brandon Medders and Joel Jones 3. Drew Morgan and John Coley 4. Adam and Addison Spates 5. Charlotte Smallwood and Jamie Dabbs 6. Dane Graham and Andrew Painton 7. Chris and Chasatie Whitley

8. Stephan Tomlin, Robin Berkowitz and Tyler Weldon Lake Martin Living 51

OH SNAP! 2

1 5

Stillwaters Family Day May 27, 2017 Stillwaters 1. Amanda Hoffman and Mike and Amanda Simmons

2. Kay Fincher

3. Sandra and Cane Hughley 4. Miles and Ridge Tomlin 5. Matt and Cayson Bunn 6. Corinne Terrell and Doug, Mary Louise and Will Smith 7. Kameryn Mayton, Autumn Simmons and Jazriene Revalde 8. Tim, Grayson, Jackson, Michelle, Mason and Steve Ward 52 Lake Martin Living

OH SNAP! 1

Memorial Day Weekend May 27, 2017 Chuck's Marina 1. Zac and Preston King and Griffin Clark

6 7

2. Hunter, Kay, Barbara and Jaxon Milam and Wyatt Tharp 3. Kathy Freeman 4. Billy and Kimberly Gurubel 5. Jerry Krometis and Jane Garrett Harris 6. Richard Bradford, Janette Lanborne and Janet, Danny, Sawyer, Jade, Sadie and Tara Snyder 7. KK Hines, Jadde Barnes, Scott Hardy, William Huey, Merle, Wesley Lamborne and Rob McClellan

Lake Martin Living 53

OH SNAP! 1

Community Garden Pancake Breakfast

May 27, 2017 Artist Cabin, Russell Crossroads 1. Casey and Henry Lamberth 2. Roger Holliday 3. Hugh Neighbors and John Thompson 4. Ray Peacock and Barbara Barnes

5. Bill Jones 6. Will Ferniany and Dave and Kathy Senseman 7. Jemison (Jr.), Mason, Janie, Walker and Jemison Jones 54 Lake Martin Living

OH SNAP!

RXR Fest May 26-28, 2017 Russell Crossroads 7

1. Denise and Elizabeth Bates

2. Kate Jones 3. Denese and Mark Clark and Connie and James Coleman 4. Kendall and Karlee Teel 5. Kay and Gary Thomas 6. Kim Dunn and Candy Britton 7. John Blythe, Ellen and Mary Elizabeth Bice

8. Neli Rocha, Taisia, Charlene, Dell and Mahima Walker, Bob Parker and Dean Anesi

Lake Martin Living 55

OH SNAP!

3 4

Art on the Lake

May 27, 2017 Children's Harbor 1. Brooks Barrow 2. Emma Ballew with Ava 3. Jim Waldrop and Michael Foster 4. Linda and Ron Speedy

5. Deborah Elliott and Jenny Ballentine 6. Phyllis and Larry McNally, Brittney and J.W. Johnson and Irene Burnell 7. Sawyer Lett

56 Lake Martin Living

OH SNAP!

Build a Better World Kick-off June 5, 2017 Charles E. Bailey Sportplex 1. Britley Beene, Sarah Grace Montgomery and Alex Carter

5 6

2. Cooper Allen, Hunter Gordon, Lillian Pais and Leiam Bishop 3. Bentley Mathis, KK Brown, Annsley Dark and Carson Bishop 4. Lyjadien Davis, Neveah, Riggans, Mankyiah Johnson, Taraji Moss, Cazavion Davis, Kinmore Murphy and Brittney Heard 5. Abiel Cruz, Emily Rodriguez, Arisbee Rodriguez and Serina De la Cruz 6. (Back row) Malikk Goldsmith, KeMarcus Zackery, Tyson Davis, Larjavious Jones and Mercedes Johnson (Front row) Ikcurious Newell, ZaDa McDaniel, Brianna Pina, Shamya Owens, Jatavion Leonard and Cerynity Price

Lake Martin Living 57

THE LAKE REGION

Calendar FEATURED EVENT

Royal Entertainment The Southern Aires return to Equality Performing Arts They sing. They dance. They play instruments. Come see five former Ms. Alabama Sr. America queens (Sara Jo Burks, Dianna Murphree, Belynda Sims, Edwina Chappell and Rita Young Allen) and a former Ms. Missouri Sr. America queen (Peggy Shores) entertain at a free show June 23 at 7 p.m. Performers will entertain audiences at the Equality Performing Arts Center (EPAC), and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Singers, a dancer and a pianist will be part of the show and perform music from Broadway to country to oldies. The show will go until about 9 p.m. with a 20-minute intermission to eat. People are welcome to bring food, which is a tradition that started with the spectators and is done on a volunteer basis. There is no admission charge, but donations are welcome. The EPAC is located in downtown Equality on Highway 9 and hosts shows the second and fourth Fridays of every month. For more information, contact Wayne Glenn at 334-320-6326.

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Dazzling Performance

Sara Jo Burks, Dianna Murphree, Peggy Shores, Belynda Sims, Edwina Chappell and Rita Young Allen will entertain at the Equality Performing Arts Center.

LAKE REGION EVENTS June 15

& Resort and the Boys and Girls Club Office. For information, contact Melissa Reynolds at 256-596-0645.

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

June 17

Artists Association of Central Alabama

June 15

Close Encounters of the Storytelling Kind

Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host Dolores Hydock at noon at the Red Ridge Methodist Church. She will share her close encounters with other storytellers, such as a cooking lesson with Kathryn Tucker Windham and a hair appointment with Dr. Ruth. Friends of the Dadeville Public Library sponsored two earlier presentations by Dolores and have been overwhelmed with requests to bring her back to entertain, educate and to provide the audience with some laughter. Dolores was kind enough to reschedule this presentation after a cancellation last month due to weather concerns. Call 256-825-7820 for more information.

June 15

Art Walk and Downtown After Dark

MainStreet Alexander City along with the Downtown Merchants will host an Art Walk at this month’s Downtown After Dark. Artists will have their art displayed along the sidewalks and inside the downtown shops on Thursday, June 15, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. The works will be for sale and can be purchased from the stores in which they are featured through the weekend. The shops will also feature special sale items for their extended hours from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

June 16-17

Lake Martin Area Rodeo

The Charles E. Bailey Sportplex Arena in Alexander City will play host to barrel riders, calf ropers, bull riders and more at this event to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the gate. Advance tickets are available at Tractor Supply, Depot Music & Pawn, Alexander City Parks & Rec, Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care

Miss Lake Martin Pageant

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

June 22

Free CPR Class

Learn CPR this summer at a free class from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Adelia M. Russell Library in Alexander City. Class will be presented by the Alexander City Fire Department, and those who complete the course will receive a certification card. Call 256-329-6796 for information and registration.

June 22

Day of Action

The Lake Martin Area United Way needs volunteers to help clean up and beautify four local schools for this year’s Day of Action. There will be painting, landscaping, general cleaning and other assignments, and volunteers can work at the school of their choice. Please call Courtney at the United Way office at 256-329-3600 for information or to volunteer or email her at uw211@unitedwaylakemartin.org.

June 26-July 9

Country Living Home Tour

Russell Lands’ Longleaf cabin, the 2017 Country Living magazine Lake House of the Year, will be open for tours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $15, and proceeds benefit Children’s Harbor, a camp for seriously ill children and their families. The 2,897-square foot home, designed by Nashville architect Jonathan Torode and located at 321 Paddock Point at The Ridge, is the first to be awarded the Country Living distinction.

July 1

Alabama Avenue at Chuck’s Marina

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

July 1

Arti Gras

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

July 1

Annual Hackneyville Firework Bash

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

July 2

Sunday Night Supper

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

July 4

Fourth of July Blast

Find a spot on the soft grass at The AMP for this annual concert and the Southeast’s Largest Fireworks Show over Lake Martin. Gates open at 5 p.m. The Bank Walkers will take the stage at 6:30 p.m., and Sweet Tea will play at 8 p.m. The fireworks start at 9 p.m. For information, call 256-397-1019. Lake Martin Living 59

LAKE REGION EVENTS July 4

Russell Marine Fourth of July Boat Parade

Decorate your boat and join the patriotic crowd at Kowaliga Marina as boats of all size, shapes and decoration will parade from Kowaliga Marina to Children’s Harbor, circling just past the lighthouse before making the return trip to Kowaliga Marina. Spectators line the shoreline along the parade route to applaud their favorite boats and contestants. Registered boats will vie for top honors in the Largest Flag, Tallest Flag, Most Patriotic and Most Creative contests. For information or registration, call 334-857-2111.

July 5 - Aug. 1

Artists Association of Central Alabama

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

July 10-11

Throw Away Day

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

July 14-23 Our Town

Alexander City Theatre II will present Thornton Wilder’s classic, Our Town, at The Arbor on the First United Methodist Church Green Street campus at 7 p.m. on July 14, 15 and 20 and 2 p.m. on July 22 and 23. Tickets are $15 and are available at www.act2fineartscenter.com, at the door or at local businesses listed on the website. Email actheatreii@gmail. com for more information.

60 Lake Martin Living

July 14

Sun Festival Kick-off at Friday on the Green

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

Season-Long Events Millerville Trade Day

Bibb Graves School on Highway 9 hosts trade day on the third Saturday of every month from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Find books, toys, models, coins, lamps, original artwork, jewelry, clothing, antiques, glassware, quilts, home decor and more. Refreshments available.

Alabama Wildlife Federation Naturalist Hikes

Every Tuesday and Friday, from 10 a.m. until noon, hike with an experienced Alabama Nature Center naturalist. Learn how to identify birds, plants and animals, splash through the creek or catch insects in the meadow. Admission is $5 per person with a $20 maximum per family. The Alabama Nature Center is at 3050 Lanark Rd., Millbrook. Visit alabamawildlife.org to check holiday closings.

Alabama Wildlife Federation Creature Feature

Every Monday and Wednesday, from 3:30 p.m. until 4 p.m., come learn about Alabama’s woods, water and wildlife. Get up close and personal with some of the creatures you may find in your own backyard, and even some you may have never even heard of. General admission applies and is $5 per person with a $20 maximum per family. The Alabama Nature Center is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. Visit www.alabamawildlife.org to check holiday closings.

Library Storytime in Dadeville

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

Children’s Library in Alexander City

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library holds themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and offers kid-friendly movies on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.

Ladies’ Book Club

Ladies 18 years of age and older are invited to participate in the club at Adelia M. Russell Library on the last Thursday of every month. Meet in the conference room at 4 p.m. Call the library at 256234-4644 for each month’s book title.

Electronics Recycling

The City of Alexander City Public Works Department hosts an electronics recycling event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Items accepted include computers, computer mouse, keyboards, modems or routers, CD and DVD players, power supplies, PC mix systems, home or cell phones, printers or copiers, mainframe servers, audio/video adapters, laptop chargers, cable boxes, nickel cadmium or lithium ion batteries and flat screen monitors and televisions. CRT monitors and televisions are no longer accepted. For more information, call the Alexander City Public Works Department at 256-409-2020.

Santuck Flea Market

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

Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit

The Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony on Lake Martin exhibit is on display at the Alexander City Board of Education building all year long. The BOE is located at 375 Lee St.

$20 on the 20th

The Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce is asking our community to “Spend $20 on the 20th” of each month to help our local economy.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Located on Highway 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the

Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children's Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

Memory Makers Quilt Guild

Meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex campus. Participants come and go between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. with a business meeting at 5 p.m., followed by show-and-tell. Bring sewing projects, machines and questions.

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.

Strand Sessions

The Lake Martin Young Professionals are hosting live music at Strand Park the first Thursday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bring chairs and coolers.

Yoga on the Green

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

Friday on the Green

Wind down the busy work week at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads with live music, lawn games and time with family and friends. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets from 6:30

p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Friday until Sept. 15, except June 10 and July 21.

Catherine’s Market Wine Tastings

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

Crossroads Community Garden Club Pancake Breakfast

The Crossroads Community Garden Club members will be up early cooking pancakes for all to enjoy at the Artists Cabin at Russell Crossroads on holiday weekend Saturdays. Help out the garden club and feed the family. For details, visit www.RussellCrossroads.com.

Live Music Sundays at Kowaliga

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

First Sundays Crawfish

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

Lake Martin Living 61

FABULOUS FINDS

Willow Glynn, The Abby $1,250,000 Just completed by RLH Construction. The Abby is a 3,219 sq. ft. plan designed by Chuck Frusterio. Owner’s suite and guest suites on main level with spacious livingdining-kitchen and large covered porch. Lake level offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms, generous lake-prep room, family room, wet bar, second laundry, and spacious covered patio for outdoor entertaining. Russell Lands On Lake Martin Emily or Rhonda 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

Willow Glynn, Cove Cottage $1,197,000 Gorgeous Lake Cottage! The main level of this Mitch Ginn design has an expansive open kitchen-dining-living space, owner’s suite, guest suite, & an extra pet/office/bunk room... YOU decide! And don’t forget the bonus Loft area. The terrace level contains a generous rec room w/entertainment bar, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, & plenty of storage. Lakeside amenities include sandy beach at the water's edge, concrete seawall, and generous dock system that includes a boat slip. Russell Lands On Lake Martin Rhonda, Emily or Mark 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

South Ridge Estates, Y Knot $1,750,000 Looking for the perfect homesite and lake houseplan? Take a look at this stunning design by Bill Farshee. Under construction by Classic Homes, this plan is a unique design that provides lake views from every room. The main living area is surrounded by covered lakeside porches. Two owner’s suites on main level and rec room, bunk loft and two guest suites on upper level. A detached two-car garage with guest suite above completes this plan. Russell Lands On Lake Martin Call Rhonda or Emily 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

South Ridge Harbor, Diamond View $1,625,000 Classic Homes, a division of Russell Lands, has just broken ground on the "Diamond View" in The Ridge. This exciting new lake home design by Larry Furlong has it all: four bedrooms, four full baths, two powder rooms, PLUS two Great Rooms...one on each level. Claim your spot next to the stone fireplace and cozy up to spectacular views of Kowaliga Bay! The open kitchen overlooks the living and dining areas making this home perfect for entertaining family and friends. Call today for more details or to visit this new home project in person! Russell Lands On Lake Martin Contact Emily or Rhonda 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

Willow Glynn Riverside Cottage $1,224,900 A NEW CONSTRUCTION lake home built by RLH Construction & designed by Mitch Ginn is scheduled to be COMPLETED this Summer. The "Riverside Cottage" has 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 2 living areas and vaulted ceilings in the kitchen and owner’s suite. Enjoy the spectacular water views from both of the spacious covered porches. Russell Lands On Lake Martin Call Rhonda, Mark or Emily 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

684 Long Pine, Eclectic $847,500 Enjoy the peace and tranquility of Lake Martin from this impressive 4bed/3.5bath home on 1.34 acres. Unique features include two fireside family rooms, a luxurious main level master suite and an oversized deck to take in the panoramic lake views. A manicured backyard with a fire pit leads to a boat dock and private pier. The 3-car attached garage allows for easy storage of vehicles and toys! Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

167 Seven Bark Trail, Jacksons Gap $799,900 This pristine custom built Lake Martin home is definitely move-in ready. Tastefully built with 16' ceilings in DR/LR & 14' in MBR & BA. Spacious open floor plan offering large kitchen with keeping room. All bedrooms are on the main level with bonus room on terrace level. Beautiful screened porch and plenty of open decking. Magnificent open views of Lake Martin with 200' of WF. Concrete seawall and pier with additional wood pier with two PWC lifts. Custom boat launch, electric wench, and conditioned storage area for boat. Lake Martin Realty Amy Duncan 256.212.2222 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

287 Cottage Court, Dadeville $395,000 Beautiful lake cottage on picturesque wooded lot. Four large bedrooms and 3.5 bath home in The Cottages of Marina Marin? Yes!! Custom home built in 2007 with approximately 2,900 sq. ft. of living space, wood fireplace, and in great shape. Kitchen has custom, cottage-style cabinets and granite counter tops with stainless steel appliances. Concrete seawall and lakeside rock patio. House is loaded with character and charm. Lake Martin Realty Jerry Purcell 205.382.3417 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

82 Misty Ridge, Alexander City • $1,289,900 A winning combination, Mitch Ginn's, Riverside plan built by Keel and Till, Inc. Spectacular views across the Blue Creek channel! Tucked behind Cypress Island for a great place to swim and enjoy the lake. Beautiful wood finishes, vaulted wood ceilings, stone, upscale kitchen and so much more. Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

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Lake Martin Living 63

Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

Power lines

280

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

County Roads

Flint Hill Church

Rockford

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

128

COOSA COUNTY

Wind Creek 63 State Park

Piney Woods Landing

Jacksons Gap

Pleasant Grove Church

Mt. Zion Church Russell Farms Baptist Church 41 Friendship Church New Hope Church

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

27 57

Camp Kiwanis

12 1 Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

28 39

Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

Church in The Pines

Camp Alamisco

Kowaliga Boat Landing

Pleasant Ridge Church

8 63 22 9

Equality

Seman

Smith Landing

Willow Point

Dadev

280

Liberty Church

231

Horsesh Nation

Jaybird Landing

lig

Union Landing

Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

Stillwaters

26 8

34 35

Walnut Hill

Union

Lake Martin 19 Baptist Church 20

Central

Red Hill

17 63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

Eclectic

13 32 33

Santuck

Kent Reeltown

231

ELMORE COUNTY

120

37 14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

64 Lake Martin Living

Tallassee 229

MACO COUNT

Marinas

Daviston

1 Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111 255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 2 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 4 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741 2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026 5 Smith Marina 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com 6 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853 7 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550 486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

hoe Bend nal Park

Restaurants

CHAMBERS COUNTY

ville

ON TY

Homeplate Cafe 256-825-0583 191 East South St., Dadeville, AL 36853

Business & Shopping

35 Creekside Event Center 256-307-1441 7051 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481 5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, Al 35010

Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567 1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

Lakeside Mercantile 19 334-850-6357 8246 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 20

Notasulga If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map, 85 for as little as $25 call 256-234-4281. Space is limited.

33 Original Grace Boutique 334-639-0125 10 Main Street., Eclectic, AL 36024

Hotels & Lodges

18 Lake Martin Mini Mall 334-857-3900 7995 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

32 Bless Your Heart 334-531-0960 90 Main Street., Eclectic, AL 36024

34 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440 6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

17 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132 1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

Loachapoka

29 Bodyworks Massage & Spa 256-395-0442 282 Dadeville Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

13 Bezlo's Cafe 334-639-0003 65 Main Street., Eclectic, AL 36024

LEE COUNTY

28 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454 8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

12 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035 295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

15 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036 230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850

27 Centry 21 Lake Area Realty 256-825-4800 440 N Broadnax St., Dadeville, AL 36853

31 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt@ Smith's Marina 256-444-8793

26 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133 6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853

9 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070 17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

11 Oskar's Cafe 6684 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Waverly

25 Kowaliga Whole Health & Pet Care Resort 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

30 Foshee What's, LLC 256-234-3298 2802 Dadeville Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

280

24 McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583 1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010

SpringHouse 256-215-7080 12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Camp Hill

23 Dark Insurance 256-234-5026 www.darkinsuranceagency.com 410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010

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

21 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256 350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 22 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333 288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

Churches 36 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820 8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 37 Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 334-252-8618 2602 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078 38 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Dock Builders 39 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443 180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 40 Docks Unlimited LLC 256-203-8400 6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

Recreation 41 Dixie Sailing Club 767 New Hope Church Road Alexander City, Al 35010

Lake Martin Living 65

66 Lake Martin Living

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

Lake Martin Living 67

DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE OF LAKE MARTIN LIVING! 385 East LaFayette Street Dadeville, AL 36853 (256) 825-9244

Subscribe today or visit one of our local establishments each month for a free copy.

Only Minutes from Lake Martin and Alex City!

All Private Suites with Private Bathroom & Shower

New Gym for Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy

In-House Nurse Practitioner & 40” Flat Screen TV’s

ALEXANDER CITY

Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Que Campus of CACC Carlisle's Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine’s Market Chamber Of Commerce Cherokee Quick stop Citgo Cloud Nine Collegiate Deli Comfort Inn Dark Insurance Darwin Dobbs Days Inn Discount Food Mart Emporium Wine Grace’s Flowers Hampton Inn Holley’s Home Furnishings Hometown Pharmacy Jackson Drugs Jake’s JR’s Sports Bar & Grill Koon’s Korner Koon’s Korner II Lake Martin Building Supply Lakewinds Golf Club Larry’s General Store Longleaf Antiques Mark King Furniture Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast Queen’s Attic Regions Bank Ridge - Clubhouse Ridge - Marina River North Marina Riverbend Store Russell Home Décor Russell Medical Center Russell Lands Russell Retail Store Satterfield, Inc Senior Nutrition~50+ Center Sho’ Nuff Restaurant Springhouse Restaurant T.C. Russell Airport Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc The Medicine Shoppe The Sure Shot USAmeribank Warren's Appliance Parts Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon

CHELSEA

The Ditsy Daisy Boutique Winn-Dixie

CHILDERSBURG Winn-Dixie

We Touch the Lives of the People You Love 68 Lake Martin Living

PM16_DadeRehabHalfPg_Mag3.indd 1

5/18/16 3:58 PM

DADEVILLE

American Watersports Bay Pine Marina City Hall

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

ECLECTIC

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

EQUALITY

Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star

INVERNESS

Airwalk Ultimate Trampoline Area Tree Top Family Adventure Winn-Dixie

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation

MOUNTAIN BROOK

Whole Foods Market

RED HILL Citgo

SYLACAUGA

Good Ole Boys BBQ

TALLASSEE

Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce The Tallassee Tribune

WALNUT HILL

Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA

The Wetumpka Herald To be sure a copy is reserved for you, call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281 for a subscription.

AD INDEX A&M Plumbing................................................................................................................. 7 Armstrong-Holley Plumbing......................................................................................6 9 Atkinson Homes.............................................................................................................7 0 Beyond Home Care........................................................................................................2 3 Bezlo's Cafe.......................................................................................................................6 1 Birmingham Zoo.............................................................................................................4 5 Black Jack Gardens........................................................................................................2 3 Bless Your Heart..............................................................................................................1 1 Bob Alexander Landscaping .....................................................................................4 4 Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation.............................................................................. 61 Cahaba Glass................................................................................................................... 23 C&C Wood Products......................................................................................................4 4 Central Alabama Community College....................................................................2 5 Cloud Nine........................................................................................................................2 4 DAVCO Development...................................................................................................6 7 Designs by Trish............................................................................................................... 7 Downtown Girl................................................................................................................2 4 Emporium Wine..............................................................................................................2 4 Fermenter's Market on the Green...........................................................................2 4 Four Seasons Irrigation................................................................................................6 7 George Hardy, D.M.D..................................................................................................... 7 Guy's Heating & Air........................................................................................................6 7 Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance............................................................................ 6 7 Hinson Galleries....................................................................................................................... 2 2 Jackson Thornton......................................................................................................... 1 1 Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance..........................................................................................6 7 Kelley’s Heating & Air....................................................................................................6 7

Lake Home Cleaning & Painting...............................................................................6 7 Lake Martin Community Hospital.............................................................................. 3 Lake Martin Dock....................................................................................................27, 67 Luck of the Draw............................................................................................................4 4 MainStreet Alexander City..........................................................................................2 4 Mark King's Furniture ............................................................................................10, 63 Millstone Nursery............................................................................................................ 7 OBGYN Associates of Montgomery.......................................................................... 8 Original Grace..................................................................................................................1 1 Prime Management.......................................................................................................6 8 Queen's Attic....................................................................................................................2 4 Radney Funeral Home..................................................................................................2 2 Red Flag Pest Control...................................................................................................... 7 Russell Lands.............................................................................................................41, 71 Russell Marine..................................................................................................................4 0 Russell Medical................................................................................................................7 2 Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................................................. 5 Southern Sash................................................................................................................... 8 Sparkle Window Cleaning Services........................................................................... 2 Summer Village...............................................................................................................1 7 Tallassee Community Hospital..................................................................................4 4 Troy Cable........................................................................................................................... 8 Truckworx............................................................................................................................ 5 UAB Medicine..................................................................................................................3 9 Wetumpka River & Blues Festival.............................................................................6 6

ARMSTRONG-HOLLEY

PLUMBING

We Specialize in commercial & reSidential plumbing!

256-392-3809 OFFICE 256-794-0777 CELL Lake Martin Living 69

GO AROUND THE PUDDLE, MA’AM

A new take on Southern etiquette

The Last Word

few months ago in this column, I much. wrote about the challenges of getting And another thing: Sandals aren’t for kids today to say “sir” and “ma’am.” everyone. Yes, we are all living the “lake life” You might say I am the proverbial Southern here in Tallapoosa County. Yes, it gets hotter stickler when it comes to those kinds of than Satan’s fish fry 70 percent of the year. manners. Yes, it’s cool to be comfortable. But some of However, there are some Deep South you folks out there need a pedicure in the traditions that could use a little tweaking. worst way before exposing your hooves to the Some people may think I am being rude and world. Your li’l piggies went to market, all going against etiquette with these “new rules” right – the black market! Just be sure to take below, but read on and judge for yourself. your toes from “French Quarter” to “French If you want a dessert, get you one! I know at Manicure” before heading out to Winn Dixie one time it was commonly accepted that when next time, if you don’t mind. We are trying to one person orders dessert after a meal, anyone have a society here. at the table who wanted a bite could have Luke Robinson one. In fact, waitresses and waiters just began ~ Luke Robinson is an Alexander City bringing extra spoons routinely without being native who also writes a weekly column for the prompted. Alexander City Outlook. Well, I am here to say that if I order a dessert, it’s because I wanted a dessert. If you want a dessert, no one is stopping you; get you one. Sharing a crème brulee or New York cheesecake is as antiquated a notion as laying a perfectly good cape over a mud puddle for a lady (just go around the puddle, ma’am … And stop wearing capes, too; you look ridiculous). I know that the dessert portions are twice as large as they should be, and I know that inhaling 2.5 pounds of lava cake is likely to give me “The Sugah,” but it’s my The Most Comfort body, and I will ruin it if I want to. If, on the off chance, I that Luxury Offers do not finish my dessert, which has happened literally zero times, feel free to gorge yourself on what’s left. Otherwise, what’s mine is mine, and what’s your’n is your’n (Ha! Made you say “urine!”). Also, quit discussing politics on Facebook. Political talk was always a no-no at dinner parties, but for some reason every Facebooker on the planet (i.e., all of Earth) thinks the rest of us want to know his stance – on everything. We know Trump’s hair is bizarre, and Hillary’s pantsTiny Spaces to fit suit collection is unrivaled, and Alabama can’t elect a your BIG Lifestyle governor without some glaring character flaw, etc. But do you really think you are changing anyone’s mind with serious points on the real issues? Isn’t posting your view on social media just a backhanded way to poke friends with opposing outlooks in the eye without actually poking them in the eye? Hey, I dig a good “Luv Guv” joke as much as the next guy, but when you have a 35-paragraph manifesto on climate change underneath the post from your mom atkinsoncottages.com • US Highway 280 in Childersburg, AL about the squash casserole recipe she found, it is a little 70 Lake Martin Living

Life is Better at The Ridge.

The Ridge is where lake and life truly meet. Whether you’re looking for a new getaway in the most pristine homes and homesites available in South Ridge Harbor, a rustic-modern design in Russell Cabins, or a classic farmhouse-style home in Ridge Run, The Ridge oﬀers all this and more. The Ridge residents have access to an array of amenities, including The Ridge Marina, Beach Park, and The Ridge Club, a 10-acre recreation complex with tennis, cente swimming, and children’s play park. ﬁtness center,

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ALABAMA | LAKE MARTIN, Lake Martin Living 71

72 Lake Martin Living