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Lawmen give lessons in church safety Thursday in Hackneyville to start a discussion on church safety. The hope was to help church leaders find ways to remove opportunities for attacks and put plans in There was a time in the not so distant past where security at a church was some- place just in case. Sheriff Jimmy Abbett, Chief Deputy thing few even gave a second thought. David McMichael, Investigator Lt. Bill But in the wake of tragic attacks in Hough, Alexander City Police Assistant Southerland Springs, Texas, Antioch, Chief James Easterwood and Capt. James Tennessee, Charleston, S.C., Wichita, Kansas and Arvada, Colorado, church offi- Orr presented topics such as areas of cials are asking what they can do to protect concern, simple security ideas, sample themselves from outside threats including scenarios and how to formulate plans and committees to prepare for the worst. active shooters. “There is no way that we can cover Eighty people including church leaders and law enforcement officials gathered See CHURCH • Page 3
Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Lt. Bill Hough explains the factors that churches should think about in formulating a security plan.
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Tuggle and Whatley talk 3 mill tax, pre-K budget
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
ACT II ‘Rented Christmas’ takes stage tonight
‘THANK YOU’
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Despite a mixup that kept the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Girls Ranch from coming to Thursday’s meeting of the Dadeville Kiwanis Club for a special Christmas party, the Kiwanians in attendance were educated on some of the latest goings-on with the education budget in Montgomery, thanks to a pair of last-minute guest speakers. State Representative Mark Tuggle and State Senator Tom Whatley were in Dadeville for other business matters, but were more than happy to fill in and speak for a few minutes to the gathered club members. The two spent some time talking about the recent rejected special vote in Tallapoosa County to add 3 mills onto the existing property tax levels in order See KIWANIS • Page 7
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Stephens Beta Club member Jackson Padgett reads a thank you letter to Alexander City Police Chief Jay Turner Thursday morning. Students from the school went all over town thanking first responders and others who went above and beyond during the recent winter storm to help keep them safe.
Stephens students thank those who keep them safe That’s why fourth-graders at Stephens spent a good portion of the day Thursday visiting those who help people in our area. They wrote letters, nowflakes falling from the sky normally make just to say thanks. children giddy as they anticipate building The kids you see here today are members of snowmen, snowball fights with friends and the Beta Club, but they represent the entire fourth the sights that come with the area becoming a grade,” said Stephens teacher Abby Alexander. winter wonderland. “After all that happened with the storm, they all But there were some anxious moments last week just wanted to thank everyone who went out of as an unexpectedly heavy snow came to the area, their way to help.” leaving some without power, stranding some peoStudent Jackson Padgett was chosen to read a ple and creating trouble on area roads. See THANKS • Page 3 By MITCH SNEED Editor
S
The cast and crew of Alexander City Theater II, or ACT II, will be performing its Christmas show, “Rented Christmas,” tonight at 7 p.m. at the Benjamin Russell auditorium. There will also be two shows Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets for the show are $12 for adults, $7 for students and can be purchased at the door. “It’s truly a warmhearted story,” Director Betsy Iler said. “It’s a wonderful, classic Christmas story about family and faith.” The show, set in the early 1900s, tells the story of businessman John Dale, who decides to rent a Christmas, but things do not go as initially planned. The play will also feature 10 familiar carols that the audience will be invited to sing along with as the cast of carolers lead. “We’ve got a wonderful and dedicated cast,” Iler said. “They are believable. They truly make the characters come alive.” Iler said there are 27 different parts on stage for the show, and there are just as many people backstage, helping with costumes, makeup and changing out the sets throughout the show. “It truly takes a community to have a community theater,” she said. “We’re very excited to be presenting this play.”
Santa comes in form of a police officer for area children
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By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Corporal Sheronda Cross and Officer Robert Oliver help Justin Calhoun and Jayveoonna Calhoun picking out toys as the children’s mother Arshonda Spivey looks on while shopping with a cop Thursday afternoon.
Much like children on Christmas morning, Justin Calhoun, Jayveonna Calhoun, Cur’Maria Moon and Shacarra Benson were all bright eyed and happy looking at new toys that would soon be theirs. “Lets see what you got,” Alexander City police Cpl. Sheronda Cross said. “I got a gun,” 6-year old Justin Cross said. “I got a truck.” Only it was Thursday afternoon and the children shopping at Walmart with police officers from the Alexander City Police as they took part in Shop with a Cop. The children were busily wandering the toy section at Walmart, dragging law
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Family tragedy raises concern about history of mental illness
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Directory Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 231 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com
Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Audra Spears Art Director, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com
Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com Grant Peterson Advertising Sales, Ext. 209 grant.peterson@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com
Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Lizi Arbogast Sports Editor, Ext. 228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com
DEAR ABBY: I have a 14-year-old daughter I have raised alone. Her father has never been in her life, nor has he been in the lives of his other children with other women. He has a long history of criminal behavior and mental illness. Although he hasn’t been part of her life, I have done everything in my power to keep her in touch with her siblings. I just learned via the news and social media that her brother who is also 14 (and lives nearby with his grandparents), is being charged with two counts of capital murder. He reportedly shot both his grandparents. He had no other previous issues, and there were no warning signs. I am torn inside trying to figure out how to break the news to my daughter. She’s going through her own teenage issues, and I’m afraid the news
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.
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How to Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by Submit e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com by fax at (256) 234-6550. For more Obituaries or information, call (256) 234-4281.
DEAR ABBY Advice
will crush her. I need to figure this out ASAP, before she hears about it at school or from social media. My other major concern as a parent is, could their father have passed along to her his mental illness? -- SCARED IN THE SOUTH DEAR SCARED: This kind of awful news travels via television, social media and word of mouth faster than lightning. By the time this letter is published, your daughter will have already learned about this family tragedy. Rarely, if ever, does this kind of acting out happen in a vacu-
um. Healthy children and young adults rarely -- if ever -- “snap” out of nowhere. Because you are concerned about the level of stress your daughter is experiencing, please waste no time in scheduling some sessions for BOTH of you with a licensed mental health professional. If this will create financial hardship, contact the department of mental health in your community because through it you may be able to find a therapist who charges on a sliding financial scale. DEAR ABBY: My beloved husband died in 1993 from an AIDS-related cancer. He contracted the disease from a blood transfusion during surgery. I elected to tell only close family members about his HIV. I was still quite young when he died. Now when people ask me why I didn’t remarry, I don’t
know how to reply. I didn’t contract the disease from him, but people are still fearful of the word AIDS. I have never dated or sought a relationship with a man since my husband’s passing. I still love him and have no regrets, but I don’t know what to say. Please help. -- LONGTIME WIDOW DEAR LONGTIME WIDOW: You are under no obligation to tell your life story to someone who asks that question casually. To someone like that, all you should say is what you wrote to me, “I still love him, and I have no regrets.” The rest is nobody’s business. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Obituaries Mr. H. C. Holley
Obie D. Fuller, Jr.
Mr. H. C. Holley 70 of Alexander City, AL died Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at his home. Arrangements are pending.
Funeral services for Obie D. Fuller, Jr., of Alexander City will be held Friday, December 15, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at Wright’s Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jimmy Sims officiating. Burial will follow in Fellowship Cemetery. Family will receive friends at Wright’s Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until time of service on Friday. Mr. Fuller died on December 10, 2017 at Russell Medical Center. He was born on
Final Arrangements Entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Funeral Home.
Sandra J. Carlisle
Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Postal
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
Friday, December 15, 2017
The Outlook
Carlisle
Funeral service for Sandra J. Carlisle, age 70, of Alexander City will be Friday, December 15, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Curtis and Son North Chapel with the Rev. Len Blanchard officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30-11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Donald Wilson Tate 1941 - 2017 Donald Wilson Tate, 76, of Alexander City, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at Chapman Healthcare Center in Alexander City. He was born on July 26, 1941 in Alexander City to Woodrow Wilson Tate and Margie Abrams Tate. Visitation will be Sunday, December
February 21, 1948 to Obie D. Sr. and Ruby Lee Cleveland Fuller in South Carolina. He is survived by sons: Tony Fuller and Jearl Fuller and daughter, Teresa Fuller, sister, Glenda Hooks, six Grandchildren and 16 Great-grandchildren. He loved hunting and his dog “Killer.” He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers and his companion. Professional service provided by Wright’s Funeral Home
She passed away on December 13, 2017 at her residence. She is survived by her son: Robert D. of Warner Robins, GA, daughter: Tabitha D. Wade of Alexander City, brothers: Shaddix Boggs of Sylacauga, Joe Boggs of Tennessee, special niece: Wanda Kay Moore of Sylacauga, grandchildren: Colby Stanley
17, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. The graveside service will follow immediately at 2:00 p.m. at Hillview Memorial Park. Rev. John Verciglio will officiate. Donald is survived by his sister, Jane Carol Smith (Richard), of Camas, Washington; niece, Alyson Short (Daniel), of Camas, Washington; and nephew, Kevin Tate (Jennifer), of Portland, Oregon; and great-nieces
of Opelika, Brittni Bowling of Georgia, Aaron Gaffney of Childersburg, Mason Bowling of Georgia and a very special friend: Linda MaGuirer of Alexander City and a host of other nieces and nephews. Online condolences can be made at www.curtisandsonfh. com Curtis and Son North Chapel will direct the services.
(Rylan and Brinley); and greatnephews (Jackson and Dylan). He was preceded in death by his parents. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
An officer was performing a traffic stop on Washington Street Wednesday evening after observing a traffic violation and then developed probable cause to search the vehicle. William Giovanna Russell and James Lucius were arrested during the stop.
Two arrested following traffic stop By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
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A traffic stop by an Alexander City Police officer netted two arrests Wednesday evening. “An officer was performing a traffic stop on Washington Street Wednesday evening after observing a traffic violation,” Alexander City Deputy Chief James
Easterwood said. “The officer developed probable cause to search the vehicle.” Easterwood said William Giovanna Russell, 22, of Mobile and James Lucius, 21, of Alexander City were arrested during the stop. Russell was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana first degree, receiving stolen property third degree, possession of a weapon without a permit, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with physical evidence.
Lucius was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana first degree, receiving stolen property third degree, possession of a weapon without a permit and possession of drug parapher-
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nalia. Easterwood said the case was being investigated further by the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force and that Lucius and Russell will be transferred to the Tallapoosa County Jail before a bond would be set.
Friday, December 15, 2017
The Outlook
Church
day’s information was about preparedness. “The chances of bad things happening reduce significantly when you are prepared,” McMichael said. “Obviously, there is no way to cover every possible scenario, but you have to start somewhere and reduce the risks. You have to start with a plan and make sure there are people in place who know what to do in the event that something does come your way.” Rev. Scott Railey of Hillabee Campground United Methodist Church began organizing the event, but the interest grew so quickly, that they opted to move it to the Hackneyville Community Center where there was ample parking. “This is something we started before the most recent church shooting in Texas and there was already a lot of interest,” Mitch Sneed / The Outlook Railey said. “But after that the Capt. James Orr, left, speaks to area residents during the discussion on church safety that was held in Hackneyville numbers who contacted us grew on Thursday. The goal of the meeting was to help church leaders find ways to remove opportunities for attacks and quickly. We can’t thank Sheriff Abbett and all his folks, Capt. put plans in place just in case. Orr, Assistant Chief Easterwood someone enters after the service armed security inside the sanc- and said that he would be glad and the folks in Alexander City to work with any church on tuary. begins? Those people can be enough. It was a great program “Those are difficult decisions assessing the existing security your first line of defense.” that gave us all a lot to think that every church needs to work and help make them aware of Other simple things like about.” the options. through individually,” Abbett making sure items of value Abbett said they hope to do Orr walked the attendees said. “You need to do that keeplike sound equipment, musimore of these kinds of seminars through scenarios that tested ing in mind the laws and the cal instruments and money is in various geographic locations their critical thinking skills. locked away where it is not eas- risk factors.” across the county throughout That exercise showed the need Easterwood talked about ily accessed were discussed. the year to make sure everyone to have a plan. options like a security room Abbett even touched on the has a chance to have questions McMichael said all of the with cameras and a landline sensitive subject of having answered.
Thanks
Shop enforcement along as temporary parents. It is something Cross is happy to see, children and law enforcement in a positive light. “It is creating a Christmas for families that don’t have a means to provide gifts,” Cross said. “The goal of the Shop with a Cop program is to create a positive relationship between children and police.” In Alexander City the program is made possible by donations from the community and from the officers themselves. The children are selected through an application process and meet the officers at stores to go shopping. It is something the officers of the Alexander City Police Department will be taking part in over the next few days to give back to those they serve. For Arshonda Spivey, mother of the children Thursday afternoon, it is something special. Something she is truly thankful for because she was unsure what she was going to do for their Christmas. “It means a lot to me,” Spivey said. “I just had a kidney pancreas transplant in October. I wasn’t sure I was going to make it home in time. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do for Christmas. I was hoping to make sure they had something for Christmas. It sure means a lot.”
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everything or give them one set plan that gives you an A. B. C. of what to do to be ready,” Abbett said. “But the idea today was to cover a lot of ground and get some conversations started. Every church is different, so the plan for one church may be different from another. But there are some simple things that everyone can do. This was a good group and we are glad to have been asked to help.” Hough asked those in attendance how many had plans in place. Just three hands were raised. A similar number had security systems and less than a quarter of those at the seminar said they did simple things like keeping doors locked when there are no activities going on at the church. Only two raised their hands when they were asked if they knew where every key to their building was. “That goes to show you that there are a lot of simple things that we do at our homes, that we aren’t doing at our churches,” Hough said. “That’s a good place to start. Lock your doors when no one is there. What kind of windows do you have? Are they easy to break so someone could gain entry? Those are things you should look at. Make sure your windows are locked. If you have ushers or greeters before the service starts, why not have people there in case
letter to Chief Jay Turner of the Alexander City Police Department. “Thank you all for coming out last Friday when it was snowing to help out,” Padgett read. “I was so happy when you went to Benjamin Russell to help take students home. I know you have to work extra hours and we thank you for helping keep everyone safe.” Turner showed a big smile and personally shook everyone in the group’s hand and thanked them for the bundle of
www.alexcityoutlook.com
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letters he said he would share with his officers and staff. “What a great way to start your day,” Turner said. “That really means a lot for these students to take so much time and effort to thank us for what we do. It is definitely appreciated.” That same scene was duplicated at several stops, including the fire department, the school board, Russell Medical and Meals on Wheels to name a few of the stops. Teacher Lisa Peace
said that the thank you notes and song that the children performed while delivering the letters was something many asked to do. “They do so much for us all the time, but during the storm I think a lot of the students really came to realize that,” Peace said. “It was their idea and we were glad to help make it happen.” Peace said students in the fourth-grade all wrote letters and many wrote letters to several groups and agencies.
Stephens students spent some time Thursday visiting those who help people in our area, including the fire department, and wrote letters just to say thanks. Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
continued from page 1
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Top, Alexander City Police Officer Robert Oliver and Corporal Michael Howell help Jayveonna Calhoun, left, Shacarra Benson, Cur’maria Moon and Justin Calhoun pick out toys as the Alexander City Police Department hosted Shop with a Cop at the Alexander City Walmart Thursday. Left, Justin Calhoun, 6, picks out a truck in the toy section. Above, Jayveonna Calhoun, 8, looks for toys.
MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
www.alexcityoutlook.com
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Opinion
Our View
W
The
Friday, December 15, 2017
Santa’s list is a theology of works
A ‘thank you’ J is a great holiday gift e often hear the term “holiday rush” this time of year. With the hustle and bustle of trying to get everything done before Christmas and all that comes with it, it’s easy to lose sight of what is most important. Instead of making sure we have enough presents and being overtaken by the commercialism of the holiday season, it should be a time to step back, and give thanks for all the good that’s come to us. Far too often we do forget to thank those that have helped us along the way throughout the year. Many times, we try and do that with gifts rather than just a simple “thank you” or taking the time to express, in words, what someone means to us rather than what is gift-wrapped in a box. It is the time of the year when we should be kinder and nicer to those that may not be as fortunate as we might be individually. Tallapoosa County has shown it has a big heart and we are glad to call it home. Yes, Tallapoosa Publishers has plenty to be thankful for. So today we pause and thank you all. We here at the Alexander City Outlook thank you for taking the time to be involved in and read our newspapers. We appreciate everything you do to make this truly “your community newspaper.” Whether it’s advertising, writing letters to the editor or opening your doors for us to do a story on something you feel is important, we appreciate your time and ideas. From all the staff at Tallapoosa Publishers, we truly appreciate you and wish you a very Merry Christmas.
Outlook
ust think, it’s only a few days until Santa Claus comes! I know, preachers aren’t suppose to believe in Santa Claus, or even talk about him positively, but I can’t help it. That fat guy was awfully good to me as a kid and I have a sense of loyalty to him because he came through with some mighty good gifts, and just as many memories. I was telling my sweet wife how pumped I am and that I can hardly wait until he arrives with all my new stuff. You know that way wives have of really snatching husbands back to reality? Well, mine just had to bring up that legal part of Santa’s covenant about being naughty or nice. According to her, I’m going to owe the big guy gifts from the three previous Christmases. There is always a serpent in the garden, isn’t there? To counter this negative talk about my behavior, I pointed out that I wanted “naughty” defined. Hey, don’t laugh. It worked for a President of the United States, why shouldn’t it work for me? On top of that, I wanted to know who was Santa’s legal advisor that wrote that morality clause into Christmas? Somehow I didn’t want some little short elf wearing green tights with bells on the ends of his toes dictating how much stuff I got
loved you so much that He gave His Son to save you by grace? We are not given the reward of heaven based on our works of whether DR. GERALD we were naughty or nice, HALLMARK but instead by the blood Columnist bought gift of grace. Only the world wants to buy their way into heaven with their for Christmas. I reminded own abilities. When God her that I never read in the gave the first Christmas paper where some selfrighteous elf was appointed present of His Son, He gave it in love. Unlike to this position in the first our Christmas tradition of place. Plus being a digninaughty or nice, He based fied, retired senior pastor His gift on confession, ought to mean something even to a prissy North Pole repentance and belief. What a wonderful Christmas gift elf. It was about here in of freedom grace provides! I the conversation that she pray that you have come to pointed out I was raving the Father for this everlaston about elves, morality ing gift. and self-justification. After Surely there ought to be a all, according to her, Santa couple of loopholes in this Claus was just the personification of an ideal. I had no Christmas list business. I’d get a lawyer and sue, but idea what that meant, but I knew I was getting ready to those boys are in as much trouble as I am. I guess get cheated out of my hard I’m just going to have to earned Christmas stuff. The more I thought about straighten up and fly right next year. The more I think it, the scarier it became thinking of someone, much about it, I think that was last year’s New Year’s resoless an elf, looking over a lution. list of my naughty or nice Oh well, maybe next life for the whole year. Then year. I thought about all the times Ho, ho, ho, merry I wrote about my wife in Christmas! this newspaper and I saw a couple of gifts going out the Dr. Gerald Hallmark is window. Then I remembered a retired minister who lives all the mean things I’ve said about deacons and a couple in Alexander City. He is of more gifts took flight. Oh currently serving as interim no, I just remembered, oops pastor at First Baptist … never mind let’s just for- Church in Dadeville. His column appears weekly in get the whole thing. Aren’t you glad that God The Outlook.
Mark Tuggle
Clyde Chambliss Jr. represents Senate District 30, which includes portions of Elmore, Autauga, Chilton, Coosa and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached at 334-343-7883 or at clyde.chambliss@ alsenate.gov
Clyde Chambliss
Scripture “One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” —Romans 14:5
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Letters to the Editor
Alabama showed courage and mettle on Election Day Dear Editor, Alabama! So, beautiful and I’m prouder today than ever to be from the great state of Alabama. We beat indecency, suppression and the ideology of the far right. We did it in the most loyal conservative state anywhere, so that tells me that the young voters are growing tired of
the old ways. Also, not to be outdone, there were those of us whose great grandfathers, great grandmothers, grandfathers, grandmothers, mothers and fathers fought and even died for the right to cast ballots to have their voices heard. We were a central part of this and a statement was made. Additionally, mothers
with children in their household under the age of 18 came out and did the right thing. Yes, Alabama is a loyal Republican state, but loyalty had its limits on Tuesday. Alabama voters showed what courage looks like. Jeffery Morgan Gaithersburg, Maryland (Formerly of Alabama)
Memories of Christmas spent away from home Dear Editor,
Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-t7865. Tom Whatley His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
Today’s
The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following.
Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256392-2006 or by email at tughd81@ gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City.
“The key to success for everything in business, science, and technology is never to follow the others.” —Masaru Ibuka
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Steve Marshall was appointed Alabama’s 50th Attorney General. He was appointed in 2017 and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located Steve Marshall at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery.
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Governor Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was sworn into office on April 10, 2017, and can be reached at 334-2427100. Her office is located at the State Kay Ivey Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.
Today’s
The holiday season holds special meanings and stirs vivid memories for everyone. Even in my senior years, I recall Christmases in rural Alabama with a fondness equal to those times. Seeing aging relatives, listening to their stale stories over and over, neighborhood kids singing traditional carols a bit loud and sometimes off key, the abundant food, and of course the gifts, bring sweet feelings and a mist to the eye. I have spent only one Christmas away from home in my 71 years. It was in 1968 in Vietnam. I had volunteered for service after I received
my notice from the local draft board. A mother’s love anxiousness for my well-being was always present before I received my orders for the war zone. As I waited for departure date, there were many tears, reminiscing and uncertainty. I had been on site five months as Christmas 1968 approached. I began to experience loneliness with poignant visions thinking of Christmas back home in Alabama. On Christmas Eve, we read in the media where our troops were “standing down” for the holidays. Yet, our 12-hour shifts continued missions unabated around the clock as usual. We lost three great guys on Christmas Day!
Christmas Eve was hard to bear. I retired to the privacy of my bunk, trying to shut out a bunch of guys singing “Silent Night” continuously. Despite the noise, I finally drifted off into my dreams of home and my own silent night! This Christmas season please remember our troops serving abroad – especially those serving in war zones. Perhaps no other time in their young lives will be as difficult. Please try to seek out a few and send a care package. Nothing you ever do again will be appreciated more May God’s blessing be with you this season. James W. Anderson Talladega
Opinion?
We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 234-6550 or e-mailed to editor@ alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!
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Meals on Wheels provides hot food to those in need By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
There are times when some people may take it for granted that they can go out to the grocery store or a restaurant and enjoy a nice, hot meal of their favorite things. There are those, however, who are not able to get around so easily and obtain plenty of food when they need it. In order to help those who need such assistance, the Alexander City Meals on Wheels delivers plenty of hot, delicious meals to those in need. “The mission of Alexander City Meals on Wheels is to provide hot, nutritious meals, daily contact and support of independence while promoting the social, physical and emotional well-being of the homebound residents of our community who need our service,” Program Director Linda Boone. “We believe that our clients deserve care delivered with compassion, commitment, and dependability.” Based out of an office at Russell Medical Center, Boone said the organization provides local residents in need Monday through Friday, with more than 200 volunteers taking the time to deliver approximately 1,300 hot meals each month. “We occupy an office provided by Russell Medical and prepare meals for a noon time lunch from food prepared in the hospital kitchen,” Boone said. “We are provided these facilities under a complementary and mutually beneficial partnership with Russell Medical.” A large portion of those assisted
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Kiwanis
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EDITOR’S NOTE:
This is the 27th in a series of profiles on the 28 agencies that receive funding through the Lake Martin Area United Way. Currently, the Lake Martin Area United Way is holding its 2018 fundraising campaign, “Team United.” To learn how to help, contact the United Way at 256-329-3600 or at www. unitedwaylakemartin.org.
through Meals on Wheels are senior citizens, but all of those who receive hot food from the group are homebound and unable to cook for themselves, according to Boone. “Our vision is to maintain a nutritional meal service program through visionary leadership and partnerships to ensure the homebound are able to maintain their independence and quality of life,” she added. As a member agency of the Lake Martin Area United Way, the Alexander City Meals on Wheels receives financial assistance from the United Way and its donors to continue providing this valuable service to the homebound residents of Alexander City. “We are fortunate to team with the United Way so we will be able to serve meals to our community’s homebound residents,” Boone said. “Many of our recipients are unable to pay for the cost of their daily meals. This is why we ask for you to give generously when you are called upon for a donation.” To learn more about the Alexander City Meals on Wheels and its important mission, the group can be reached at 256-329-7382.
Donald Campbell / The Outlook
State Senator Tom Whatley and State Representative Mark Tuggle were impromptu speakers at Thursday’s meeting of the Dadeville Kiwanis Club.
System. “When you measure education spending per student at the state level, Alabama spends $6,000, which puts us in the top half of the country,” Tuggle said. “When you combine both local and state spending per student, we drop to 49 or 50 in the country.” Some in attendance suggested there were issues with the way the tax increase had been presented to the public, while Tuggle and Whatley both mentioned how there were places around the state who voluntarily paid higher taxes in order to better fund their school systems, including many of the more affluent communities in the Birmingham area and the city of Auburn. Over the past few years, Tuggle said the state legislature has been increasing the money put into a number of places in the education budget, including the state pre-K program and various math and science initiatives. “We increased the fiscal year 2018 pre-K funding by $15 million over what was appropriated in fiscal year 2017,” Tuggle said. “It has been growing by double digits the last few years,” Whatley added. Tuggle and Whatley mentioned several issues that had been facing the state education budget, including schol-
arships for veterans that were soaking up a lot of the funds allocated to higher education in the state. At one point, the requirements for applying and receiving this form of financial aid were that a veteran had to be 20 percent disabled and have spent one year in Alabama during military service. If these qualifications were met, then any dependents of that veteran, including spouse, were eligible to receive financial aid. This led to a situation where veterans from anywhere in the United States who had spent time training at facilities like Fort Rucker or Maxwell Air Force Base were sending their children and spouses to Alabama for college using Alabama taxpayer dollars. Recently, the state legislature passed a bill raising the requirements for these scholarships to a veteran being 40 percent disabled and having spent two years in the state, a measure both Tuggle and Whatley voted in favor of. As a result of this vote, there are those who have accused both of being against veterans. “We are trying to do the right thing,” Tuggle said. “We have done a lot for our veterans. I could show you every thing I have done to show support for our veterans.” “One thing we will do, we will tell you the truth,” Whatley said.
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Participate in your Outlook by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or logging on to http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/.
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RENTED CHRISTMAS: Alexander City Theatre II will present a heartwarming holiday story in two acts with carols and the reading of the Christmas story from the Book of Luke. The play begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults; $7 for students and are available at the door and on the ACT II website at www.act2fineartscenter. com. COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER: Victory Temple Holiness Church at 237 Aster Street in Dadeville is hosting its annual community Christmas Dinner Dec. 15 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is dine in or carry out.
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Donald Campbell / The Outlook
Food has begun to pile up at the Dadeville Public Library Thursday afternoon as the library continues to hold its holiday food drive to benefit the Tallapoosa Christian Crisis Center in Alexander City. The library will be accepting any non-perishable or canned items from now until the end of the day Thursday.
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RENTED CHRISTMAS: Alexander City Theatre II will present a heartwarming holiday story in two acts with carols and the reading of the Christmas story from the Book of Luke. The play begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults; $7 for students and are available at the door and on the ACT II website at www. act2fineartscenter.com. COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER: Victory Temple Holiness Church at 237 Aster Street in Dadeville is hosting its annual community Christmas Dinner Dec. 15 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is dine in or carry out.
Saturday, December 16
TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends Monthly Trade Day in Millerville on Highway 9 between Ashland and Goodwater will be held on December 16 from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Refreshments are also available. RENTED CHRISTMAS: Alexander City Theatre II will present a heartwarming holiday story in two acts with carols and the reading of the Christmas story from the Book of Luke. There will be two performances of the play - 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Benjamin Russell auditorium. Tickets are $12 for adults; $7 for students and are available at the door and online at the website www.act2fineartscenter.com. BENEFIT SINGING: Bay Pine Baptist Church is hosting a benefit singing and cake auction for the family of Lienna Taylor. Taylor was recently diagnosed with AML Leukemia and is currently at UAB. She has left her job for treatments and her husband is now the sole provider for the family of four. Singing at the end of the cake auction will be Heaven’s Crossroads, Zach Channell and All for Him. For more information contact Charlie Crouch at 256-749-3090. CHRISTMAS PARADE: The town of Camp Hill is hosting a Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 16 starting at 2 p.m. After the parade there will be Christmas festivities in the Edward Bell Gym with Christmas carols, cookies and hot chocolate. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: The Dadeville First United Methodist Church had to reschedule Breakfast with Santa as he got snowed in. It will be Saturday, Dec. 16 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Pancakes, sausage and juice is $5 and it is $5 for a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Sunday, December 17
CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Red Ridge United Methodist Church is presenting its Christmas cantata “How Should a King Come” by Randy Vader and Rose Aspinall Dec. 17 at 9:30 a.m. under the direction of Dr. Kim Walls with a full orchestra composed of professional, amateur and student musicians. Dramatization will depict scenes of the birth of Jesus Christ directed by Marian Darrell Brooks, Owner Edell and Sue Mason. Refreshments and coffee will be served following the Cutting •Edging concert. All are invited. The church is Weed Eating •Mulch located at 8091 County Road 34 at the Weed Control corner of 49 and 34 in Dadeville. Call 256-825-9820 for more information or visit redridgeumc.org. Vicki Cater is pastor. CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: The worship choir at Hillabee Baptist Church will present “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Sunday, Dec. 17 at 5 p.m. to be followed by a Christmas Social.
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Thursday, December 21
SHOP LOCAL LATE: MainStreet Alexander City and downtown Alexander City businesses are hosting Shop Local Late on Thursdays in December. Participating stores are open until 7 p.m. Bring your downtown receipts to Cloud Nine to be entered to win a Christmas gift basket. Spent $25 get one raffle ticket. Spend $50 get two and spend $150 get five. The winner will be announced Thursday, Dec. 21 at Cloud Nine.
Friday, December 22
BLOOD DRIVE: The Amercian Red Cross is hosting a blood drive at Russell Medical in the Community Room from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. All blood types are needed. Appointments can be made at redcrossblood.org. by using the keyword Russell. There will be pizza and t-shirts for those who come.
Monday, December 25
CHRISTMAS DINNER: Comer Methodist Church is hosting a Christmas Dinner Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited to have a hot meal and fellowship. Tickets can be picked up at the Nutrition Center and the Salvation Army. You do not have to have a ticket to get a meal. For more information call 256-2347831.
Saturday, December 30
FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have Family Game Night Bingo from 5:00 until 8:00 Saturday December 30. Begin with hot dogs, pizza, chips, and soft drinks.
Monday, Janurary 8
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Craigger Browne will present “Tribute to Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Jan. 8 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.
January 8-9
THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days January 8-9. Dumpsters will be located at at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.
Saturday, January 13
BOOK SALE: The Friednds of the Dadeville Public Library will host a book sale on the lower level of the Dadeville Library Saturday, Jan. 13 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fill a grocery bag for $5 or three bags for just $15.
Tuesday, January 16
BEEKEEPING COURSE: The 2018 Beginner Beekeeping Course will start Jan. 16 and will be on Tuesdays through Feb. 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Dadeville Recreation Center. Cost is $45 for adults and $35 for students Call the Extension Office at 256-825-1050 and the deadline for registration is Jan. 11.
Sunday, January 21
HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING: The Tallapoosee Historical Society will meet at the Historical Museum on the square in Dadeville on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 2 p.m. Dr. Charles Mitchell will be the speaker. He will present “A Pictorial History of Alabama Agriculture.” While working at Auburn, Dr. Mitchell accumulated lots of old photographs related to Alabama agriculture. Several years ago, he began organizing them and realized that these old pictures could actually tell the chronological story of Alabama’s agriculture from the Creek Indians to modern production. He will share these photographs with the Tallapoosee Historical Society Please make plans to attend. The meeting is open to the public, there is no admission fee and free refreshments will be served.
Monday, Janurary 22
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: E. Paul Jones will present “Reverend Maxwell” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Jan. 22 starting at 1:30 p.m.at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.
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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Monday, January 29
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Marilee Tankersley will present “Wetumpka Impact Crater” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Jan. 29 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.
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Monday, February 5
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Glen Willis will present “Forgotten Alabama” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 5 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.
Monday, February 12
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Peggy Shores will present “Songs from the Heart” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 12 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.
Monday, February 26
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. James Hansen will present “Neil Armstrong” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 26 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.
April 9-10
THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days April 9-10. Dumpsters will be located at at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.
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LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com
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RISING TO THE TOP
Benjamin Russell’s wrestling team on fire this season By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
After starting the year with four losses at the Hoover Duals, Benjamin Russell’s wrestling team looked like it might be in for a long year. But quickly, the Wildcats turned the tables. They posted a victory in their last match of the Hoover Duals, dominating Hueytown to the tune of 57-12 and since then, they’ve been nearly unstoppable. They’ve won 13 of their last 14 matches, falling only to Prattville in a narrow loss, and have jumped out to a 13-5 record to start the season. “Last year, there wasn’t really much coaching, it was just a lot of discipline,” BRHS sophomore 120-pounder Nyshaad Hannon said. “But this year, we’ve got even more disciplined and learned more since coach (Michael) Ransaw has been here and learned a lot more technique.” Benjamin Russell is now under the direction of Ransaw, who wrestled for the Wildcats and has been a big reason for their success. “We’re having a lot more fun this year,” 138-pounder Ryan Spradley said. “Coach Ransaw brought a new energy back to the program ’cause he loves it so much. We’re just a big group of guys wanting to have fun.” But Ransaw isn’t taking any credit for the team’s success. “It’s really nothing that I’m doing, but everything they’re doing,” Ransaw said. “They’re buying into the program, buying into being explosive
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell’s Brooks Parker, top, works against Stanhope Elmore. Parker is one of the Wildcats’ senior leaders this season.
from the bottom, and they’re looking to shoot for takedowns instead of waiting on someone to shoot on them.” There’s a lot of technical things that Benjamin Russell has gotten better on as well. The Wildcats have proven aggressive on their feet, and they’re moving well on the bottom. They’re also doing well getting takedowns when starting from the neutral position.
The biggest thing that’s led the Wildcats to so many victories is getting pins at the individual level. “Our saying is takedown, breakdown, turn and pin,” Ransaw said. “First, we’re looking to get that takedown, then we’re looking for a breakdown or weakness. After that, we’re looking to pin and hopefully that turn will turn into a pin. We’re not stepping in
between each step and thinking about what we’re doing.” BRHS has proven itself with a slew of first-period takedowns this year and has beaten most of its opponents by 20 points or more. “We work on live situations where Coach gives you 30 seconds to try to turn a guy, and if you don’t turn him, he’s gonna get onto you about it,” Spradley said. “We just take
that into the matches and think about him on the side.” What’s pretty incredible about Benjamin Russell’s success is how it’s doing so with such a young team. Conner Burke, Chris Lawson, Brooks Parker, Jy Harvey and Cam Buckner are the only seniors, and most of the team is made up of sophomores. “We’ve got a really strong See WILDCATS • Page 10
Game of the Week
BRHS, Coosa renew rivalry tonight By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
Every year, this is a game both Benjamin Russell and Central Coosa mark on their calendars. Anticipation flies, the stands fill with fans and both teams put on a show in this rivalry matchup and the Outlook Game of the Week. “The girls treat this game as if it’s an area game,” Benjamin Russell girls coach Latreisha Moon said. “They play hard against Coosa, and Coosa plays hard against us. I like to take it as a regular game, but they hate to lose to Coosa. It’s been such a big rivalry for so long, and it comes from the people in the community.” On the boys side, both teams are under the direction of firstyear head coaches, but the meaning of this game certainly isn’t lost on Benjamin Russell’s Lewis Daniel or Central Coosa’s Jeremy Freeman. Freeman definitely knows the rivalry well, as he actually played for the Wildcats during his high school days. But now, he bleeds blue. “This is my team, I love my group and I’m gonna be blue until it’s over with,” Freeman said. “But I love Alex City and they’ve been good to me, so I’ll be remiss if I didn’t mention how much I love Benjamin Russell.” Central Coosa (3-2) is riding high on a three-game win streak and has proven it can play an aggressive defense and put multiple players on the scoreboard. Benjamin Russell (2-3), on the other hand, is still trying to find itself and hasn’t done well against high-pressure defensive situations. “We’re going to stick with what we’ve been doing,” Daniel said. “I know that they are a talented group and they will play aggressive on the offensive and defensive boards, but we’re going
BENJAMIN RUSSELL VS. CENTRAL COOSA Game data: Benjamin Russell Wildcats at Central Coosa Cougars … Non-area game … Friday, girls at 6 p.m., boys to follow. Media coverage: Follow @ liziarbogast on Twitter for live updates from the game. Teams: Both girls teams are riding win streaks; Benjamin Russell (5-2) has won its last four straight, while Central Coosa (4-1) has won three in a row … On the boys side, BRHS is 2-3 after an overtime win over Elmore County, while the Cougars (3-2) have won their last three. Outlook prediction: BRHS girls by 7; Coosa boys by 3. to focus on things we can control and that’s us. They shoot the 3 ball and play aggressive defense, and that’s what we’ll do too.” Like Coosa, which has had big games from Omar Gaddis, Noel Jones, Quin Brooks and more, Benjamin Russell likes to spread out the offensive prowess. Jaden Tuck has had games where he’s been the leading scorer, as have Za Stowes, Alex Doss and Quin Burroughs. The Wildcats should have a height advantage over Central Coosa, but Benjamin Russell has been known to struggle on the boards so far this season. “I always believe in this: The bigger they are, the better we’ve got to play,” Freeman said. “I tell them all the time that size is not what matters, it’s what is beating in between your chest. If you want that ball bad enough, you’re going to get that ball.” Both the Benjamin Russell and Central Coosa girls teams have been playing extremely well as of late, both bringing win streaks into tonight’s contest. BRHS (5-2) has absolutely annihilated its last four opponents with a combined score of 268-119. Jaaliyah Caldwell, has put up
nearly 100 points in the last three games combined, and the Wildcats have been playing a strong post game with the likes of Shay Johnson and Brooklyn Edwards also contributing on the inside. “I just told the girls to do what we’ve been doing and just play as hard as we’ve been playing,” Moon said. “Right now, we are playing real good. It’s not so much that we’re playing bad opponents. We’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing, and if we continue to do that, we’re going to be good against any opponent.” Central Coosa (4-1) does boast a high-octane defense that has given opponents’ fits. The Cougars have held their last two opponents to 31 points or less. Eunique McKinney and Ryesha Whetstone have been the leaders of the pack thus far. But as with every rivalry game, records can be thrown out the window. And with a crowd that’s expected to be electric, it’ll be a game fans won’t want to miss. “This game is about every dribble from start to finish,” Freeman said. “This game is for the fans; it’s our early Christmas gift for the fans, and I love it for them.”
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
Horseshoe Bend’s Cade Worthy has been an essential part of the Generals’ early season success.
4-Point Play
Horseshoe Bend boys off to strong start By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
Horseshoe Bend’s boys basketball team has gotten off to a great start and it has earned the Generals the No. 7 spot in Class 2A in the most recent Alabama Sports Writers Association Poll. Although the Generals dropped a 60-52 decision to Reeltown on Tuesday night, prior to that they were riding a five-game win streak. Their best win of the
season came against Lanett, the Class 2A defending state champion. What’s been helping the Generals to such success has been mainly its defense. The Generals defeated Fayetteville, 57-49, but then turned up the defensive heat and smoked the Wolverines, 59-32, just a week later. “We came out fast with a lot of energy and a lot of enthusiasm, and we played See 4-POINT • Page 10
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The Outlook
Officials find a way to stay in the game but my true love has always been high school ball.” Criticism — often totally unfounded — is what drives MONTGOMERY — Mark young people away from wearing Jones, the Alabama High School the officials’ stripes, Burke said. Athletic Association Director “The fans have become just of Officials, is a former city irate,” Burke said. “Some parents councilman in Jacksonville. His think they know the game because political career began for the same their kids play, but they don’t reason as his time as a high school know the rules. Volleyball is a sports official. mental game for officials. In a “If you think you can do better three-of-five match, we probably and make a difference, jump in have to make a judgment call there and make it better instead on over 500 touches of the ball. of continuing to complain about I don’t know of any other sport it,” he said. “That’s one problem that has to make that quantity of I see in our society. We love to judgment calls.” complain, but we don’t want to Burke said she would like to solve the problem.” see parents get more connected Jones, a veteran of more than to the sportsmanship component 35 years as a football, baseball, of high school sports in the same softball and basketball official, way their children are. is working with associations “We can do something about across the state to encourage sportsmanship for coaches and young people to pick up a whistle players but we can’t say that to and stay involved with sports Submitted / Alabama High School Athletic Association parents,” she said, “Some club as an official. It’s a tough job associations require the parents Football officials stand together during the national anthem. with relatively small monetary to sign a form that says they will rewards, but one that can lead as hecklers can now take criticism starting out sometimes think they other states. Retention of officials show good sportsmanship. They to advancement to college or are required to sign. I know that to larger audiences as anonymous are NBA-ready. Lots of them professional positions. At the becomes an issue as young doesn’t stifle every parent from think it’s coaching to yell at the trolls. high school level, a sports official officials drop out after two to “The role of the contest official officials. Everybody thinks they can influence young people by three years and the major factor in showing poor sportsmanship, but should be perfect, so mom and is essential for high school sports teaching sportsmanship and fair retention is verbal abuse. With the it might make them think about how they are acting.” dad start yelling and grandpa to teach the lessons we know it play. expanding use of technology and Baynes, an Alabama Sports starts yelling at the officials. These social media, the expectations of can teach,” said Steve Savarese, “The selling point to getting Hall of Fame inductee who played officials don’t want to be berated Executive Director of the into officiating is that you really officials have become unrealistic. football, basketball and baseball at AHSAA. “They work tirelessly to all the time, so before they can need to have a sense of wanting Officiating is the one profession Auburn University, also touted the become a good official, they get become the best contest officials to give back to sports,” said Ron that individuals are expected health benefits of being an official. out.” they can be. We are fortunate in Baynes of Mountain Brook, to start as perfect and then get “I left Auburn weighing 225 Greg Brewer, who in 2016 Alabama to have so many who who in his 28-year NFL career better.” pounds,” he said. “I got into retired as the AHSAA’s Director officiated in two Super Bowls and sacrifice so much to become Patsy Burke has been a coaching and I worked out some of Officials after three decades, officials. They come from all retired as the NFL’s Supervisor volleyball official for 20 years, with the kids, but I got up to 245 walks of life. We as a public must developed a sports officiating of Officials. “It’s OK to view it starting only after falling in love pounds. The night I worked my do our part and learn to treat them class for high schools that was as an opportunity to make a little with the sport while acting as first game as an official, I was approved as part of the curriculum statistician for her daughter’s with the respect they deserve. If extra income, but to really make it work, you need to feel a need to we don’t, then we will be facing a by the Alabama Department of teams. Burke went all-in, attending probably not as fit as I should have been. I was not headed Education. Those classes are severe shortage of officials in the get back involved. camps, talking to officials and now offered at more than 35 high reading everything about the game down a healthy path. As an “We call officiating a fraternity. future.” official, you’re motivated to work schools across the state, Jones Jones said most officials want It’s a group of guys who can relate from an official’s point of view. out because you know you put said. to each other. Some of the closest to be in the big games, but they “I listened to those people “The AHSAA is committed yourself in the public eye. When friends I have are guys I officiated must start at the grassroots level. who had been in it a long time,” to addressing the issue of the “A problem we have is that you get to higher levels, you better with. It’s like staying on a team in she said. “I picked their brain. I declining number of officials,” he have been very fortunate to call everybody has to start out on the sports.” be fit or you’ll get run over and said. “It is a nationwide problem junior high level where the play Facing criticism is a difficult get killed! I’m 74 years old now volleyball in the Southeastern and Alabama hasn’t experienced is just not that good,” Jones said. part of the job, Jones said. Social and I weigh less than I did when I Conference, in the Ohio Valley the problem as severely as some “The coaches who are also just media has made it even tougher played at Auburn.” Conference and things like that, STAFF REPORT AHSAA
ASWA BASKETBALL RANKINGS BOYS
CLASS 7A 1. Huffman (10-0) 2. Mountain Brook (8-1) 3. Hoover (9-2) 4. Sparkman (10-2) 5. Lee-Montgomery (6-1) 6. Buckhorn (10-2) 7. Hewitt-Trussville (7-2) 8. Enterprise (7-1) 9. McGill-Toolen (9-4) 10. Gadsden City (5-5) Others nominated: Alma Bryant (9-2), Grissom (6-5), James Clemens (5-4), Oak Mountain (6-3), Smiths Station (8-2). CLASS 6A 1. Ramsay (9-2) 2. Paul Bryant (7-2) 3. Carver-Montgomery (8-2) 4. LeFlore (9-1) 5. Hazel Green (6-5) 6. Helena (9-1) 7. Blount (8-4) 8. Pinson Valley (8-3) 9. Daphne (8-2) 10. Muscle Shoals (4-1) Others nominated: Albertville (7-3), Athens (6-2), B.C. Rain (6-2), Chelsea (6-4), Cullman (8-4), Hartselle (7-3), McAdory (7-4), Pelham (5-4), Shades Valley (6-4). CLASS 5A 1. Lee-Huntsville (3-4) 2. Sylacauga (8-1) 3. Wenonah (10-2) 4. Pleasant Grove (6-0) 5. Guntersville (6-3) 6. Talladega (6-3) 7. Sumter Central (12-2) 8. Eufaula (7-3) 9. Faith Academy (10-5) 10. Brooks (8-0) Others nominated: Alexandria (4-2), Briarwood (4-2), Demopolis (6-1), Headland (7-3), Mae Jemison (5-6), Lawrence County (9-2), Mortimer Jordan (6-4), Scottsboro (6-2). CLASS 4A 1. Oneonta (10-0) 2. Cordova (6-1) 3. Westminster Christian (6-3) 4. Madison Academy (6-3) 5. Escambia County (10-1) 6. Haleyville (8-1) 7. Monroe County (9-0) 8. Andalusia (3-0) 9. West Limestone (8-2) 10. Deshler (6-2) Others nominated: Montgomery Catholic (5-2), Cherokee County (4-3),
Dale County (8-2), LAMP (7-2), St. James (4-1), Trinity (4-1), UMS-Wright (7-3). CLASS 3A 1. Plainview (9-0) 2. Houston Academy (10-0) 3. Piedmont (0-0) 4. Midfield (8-4) 5. Prattville Christian (6-3) 6. Lauderdale County (4-3) 7. Geneva (8-3) 8. American Christian (7-3) 9. Mobile Christian (5-3) 10. Pisgah (4-1) Others nominated: Clements (6-5), Cottage Hill (7-3), East Lawrence (1-4), Hillcrest-Evergreen (1-1), Holly Pond (9-2), West Morgan (4-4). CLASS 2A 1. Vincent (9-1) 2. Section (5-3) 3. Abbeville (7-1) 4. Barbour County (5-3) 5. Mars Hill Bible (6-2) 6. Keith (6-1) 7. Horseshoe Bend (6-3) 8. St. Luke’s (4-2) 9. Westbrook Christian (6-3) 10. Lanett (0-1) Others nominated: None. CLASS 1A 1. Sacred Heart (4-5) 2. Decatur Heritage (9-1) 3. Lindsay Lane (13-0) 4. Georgiana (6-0) 5. R.A. Hubbard (6-4) 6. Meek (8-0) 7. Belgreen (7-0) 8. Spring Garden (3-1) 9. Hackleburg (6-1) 10. Ellwood (4-2) Others nominated: Cedar Bluff (2-3), Coosa Christian (6-3), Skyline (5-5), Whitesburg Christian (5-3). AISA 1. East Memorial (8-0) 2. Evangel Christian (9-1) 3. Pickens Academy (7-0) 4. Macon-East (6-1) 5. Lee-Scott (7-4) 6. Lakeside (7-4) 7. South Choctaw Academy (5-0) 8. Pike Liberal Arts (4-2) 9. Morgan Academy (6-2) 10. Hooper (6-2) Others nominated: Abbeville Christian (3-4), Eastwood (3-2). Editor’s note: The ASWA girls basketball rankings will be in Saturday’s Outlook.
4-Point
continued from page 9
good defense,” Horseshoe Bend coach Chad Kison said. “Our press worked tonight, and we got quick hands that led to easy baskets on the other end. We got after it was the main thing; we didn’t just sit back and sit around and wait for it.” Nalijah Heard has been the leading scorer for the Generals so far, while Trace Meadows has been going to work on the boards.
Reeltown girls get first win
In such a young season, a first victory might not seem like that big of a deal. But for Reeltown’s girls basketball team, which is coming off just a two-win season, its first victory was particularly sweet. Reeltown defeated area foe Horseshoe Bend, 46-35, and used a strong defense to pull away in the late third and early fourth quarters. “(Coach Will Solomon) just told us we had to be more aggressive on defense and fix our pressure defense,” said point guard Taniya Haynes. “It worked out well for us. We were just being aggressive and not getting silly fouls.”
Dadeville boys remain undefeated
After soundly winning two games to start the season, Dadeville’s unblemished record was in jeopardy on Tuesday night. Tallassee led by nine points
Wildcats 10th-grade class,” Burke said. “We already got a junior that’s really good right now with Ryan, and Zay (Hunter) is just a natural-born athlete. We’ve got some good heavyweights, and Damian (Lawry) is in there as a freshman and he’s beating seniors. I just think the talent and athletic ability of these younger classmen is just astonishing.” While there have been a lot of individual triumphs, such as Curtis Norris notching pin after pin at heavyweight and Saxon Coker dominating at 145, Ransaw said the biggest surprise of the season came in the form of Hannon. “I had a coach come to me (Tuesday night) and ask who my 120-pounder was, and he said he liked his spunk,” Ransaw said. “He just keeps
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Dadeville’s boys basketball team has started the season undefeated under the direction of first-year head coach Jesse Foster.
heading into the fourth quarter, but the Tigers slowly but surely chipped away at it and edged out Tallassee, 51-50, to pull to 3-0 on the season. Dadeville scored 79 points in both of its other wins, defeating Holtville and Alabama Christian, 79-50 and 79-55, respectively. All three games so far have been area opponents, so the Tigers are sitting pretty in Class 4A Area 5.
BRHS girls dominating
After losing to Talladega, 69-46, the Wildcats have turned the tables. They’ve absolutely dominated their last four opponents, picking up
continued from page 9
getting after it, and I’ve asked Nyshaad to stay after it and give it 100 percent. (Tuesday night) he kept fighting and caught the guy from Auburn and stuck him and pinned him, all because he never gives up.” Quite a bit of the Wildcats have that fight-till-the-end attitude Ransaw has been looking for, and although they didn’t have as great of a finish as they wanted last season, that’s only motivated them more this year. “We came in this summer and worked real hard,” Spradley said. “We even had some of the football players that were coming in from summer workouts, and they would come in and wrestle with us. We’re really pushing it this year because we want a team state title.”
at least 30-point wins in all three. Their biggest victory came against Smiths Station, 70-26. And it’s not like Benjamin Russell is trying to run up the score; it’s just been playing strong and fast from the get-go. “I don’t like (these blowout wins) because we’re still playing against kids,” BRHS coach Latreisha Moon said following a 68-37 defeat of Sylacauga. “But when you clear your bench and put all your bench players in, there’s nothing I can do about it. It’s good to get some of those other girls playing time.”
LOCAL SPORTS CALENDAR Friday, Dec. 15 High school boys basketball Benjamin Russell at Central Coosa, 7 p.m. Reeltown at Dadeville, 7 p.m. Wadley at Horseshoe Bend , 7:30 p.m. High school girls basketball Benjamin Russell at Central Coosa, 5:30 p.m. Reeltown at Dadeville, 5:30 p.m. Wadley at Horseshoe Bend, 6 p.m. High school wrestling Benjamin Russell at Dadeville, 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 High school wrestling Benjamin Russell at Oxford duals tournament, 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 18 High school boys basketball Talladega at Benjamin Russell, 7 p.m. High school girls basketball Talladega at Benjamin Russell, 5:30 p.m. High school wrestling Reeltown at Dadeville, 2 p.m.
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From the Editor’s Desk
M
adeline L’Engle’s essay on the relationship between faith and art is one of my favorite books. When I first read Walking on Water years and years ago, the author opened my heart and my mind to creativity as prayer and worship, and I have looked at creativity from that faithful perspective ever since. In this issue of Lake Martin Living magazine, I invite you to do the same. Frequently, we find that art is in our blood – more inherited than learned – though experience and training often fine-tune the basic talents with which we might have been born. Such could be the case with Alexander City’s father-daughter team of Mac and Annie Bartol. Workers of leather, metals and paints, the two share an artistic workspace where they encourage and inspire each other and sometimes collaborate on projects. Their talents, they told writer Amy Passaretti, stem from great-grandfather Ralph Erskine, an original partner in New York’s Erskine Danforth furniture company. Read more about their creative process on page 30. Sometimes, it is those close to us who recognize a talent or ability and encourage its development. This was the case for Lance Gilbert, who told us that his parents saw his affinity for woodworking when he was young and encouraged him to learn and try new techniques and tools. Last month, Gilbert and his wife Melinda took a step of faith with his art and opened Gilbert Woodwork and Home Décor on Airport Road in Alexander City. The subject of this month’s Business Matters feature on page 10, their retail store features Gilbert’s finely crafted furniture items, along with gifts, seasonal decorations and home décor. But the application of talent doesn’t always result in a physical work of art. For some, the gift is an ability to turn an idea into a creative strategy that changes the world – like Dadeville native Sidney Z. Mitchell, who did just that. Mitchell combined an aptitude for problem solving with financial acumen and a great marketing plan to develop the electrical power network that keeps our lights on and computers running. Read more about his life and legacy on page 24. These are just a few small samples of local creativity, and I’m sure you will find more of these faith stories if you look for them in music, theatre, photography and other conventional arts, but I encourage you to look for and experiment with other avenues, as well, such as cooking, sewing, crafting, building, gardening – even in writing a magazine. At least, that’s how I look at it.
Betsy Iler, Managing Editor
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 Donald Campbell Jim Littman Jim Denney Alabama Power Coporate Archives Magazine Distribution Manager David Kendrick Creative Services Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Emily Gregg Katie Wesson Scott Hardy Rebecca Carlisle Grant Peterson 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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ON THE COVER
The father-daughter team of Annie and Mac Bartol create handmade, custom-designed artwork in the small backyard shed of their Alexander City home. They collaborate on their unique Erskine jewelry line, branded for a family name that originated with high-end furniture-making in the 1900s. Photo by Audra Spears
6 Lake Martin Living
Mac Bartol created these hanging metal fish out of flattened spoons
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IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 10. BUSINESS MATTERS 16. HAPPY GARDEN 20. FROM THE TEE 36. MONEY MATTERS 37. MEDICAL NEWS 38. OH SNAP! 45. LAKE REGION EVENTS 54. THE LAST WORD
FEATURES 14. GIFT GUIDE P ositively perfect presents available now from local merchants 24. POWER PIONEER H istorical marker a humble tribute to Dadeville native who changed the world 29. MAINSTREET P ick up last minute gift items on Alexander City's Main Street 30. ANNIE AND MAC BARTOL Creativity runs in the family for these Alexander City artists Lake Martin Living 7
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AROUND THE AREA
Build toward Blue Zones
One out of every two local residents does not exercise; one in two has not seen a dentist in the last year; three out of four are obese or overweight; and one in five has been diagnosed with depression, said Blue Zones CEO Ben Leedle during an adminstrative visit last month. But Leedle said there is hope. “Small changes make huge impacts,” he told community members who gathered to learn how the Blue Zones certification could help residents live longer. “We had over 20 one-on-one executive
Live Better, Live Longer in a Blue Zone
Community members gathered at CACC last month to learn about the Blue Zones lifestyle and certification.
level meetings in the community,” said PATH President Ella MacFiggen, who has spearheaded the Blue Zones project in the community. MacFiggen explained that the meetings could help to get information out to leaders that could help with the financial costs of the Blue Zones Project. By next summer, Blue Zones will present its findings. "And we will have a decision to
make as to whether or not we can move forward at that time,” she said. PATH has established several goals if the partnership comes to be, including a 5 percent decrease in Medicaid claims, a 5 percent reduction in the obesity rate, a 10 percent increase in exercise programs, a 5 percent increase in fresh food consumption and a 20 percent increase in volunteerism. ~ Cliff Williams
Help for Entrepreneurs
Russell Medical celebrates Total Healthcare opening
Russell Medical CEO Jim Peace last month opened the new 12,000-square-foot Total Healthcare office, an urgent care facility paired with a family practitioners' office. “We are very excited, but I want you all to know that this isn’t our building. This is your building, and it’s all about being open to you all so you can have access to the care you need when you need it.” ~ Mitch Sneed & Cliff Williams
Representatives from a handful of local startup businesses recently joined Ed Collari and Jacob Meacham of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce at the Lake Martin Innovation Center for a presentation by Dr. LaKami Baker from the Auburn Regional Alabama Launchpad Competition Dr. LaKami Baker organization. “Alabama Launchpad promotes and rewards highgrowth, innovative startup companies,” Baker said. “If we give these businesses the proper resources, they can succeed.” “New, independent ventures, or existing businesses expanding into a high-volume area are welcome to compete,” she said. “The company must be headquartered and maintained in one of these five counties. Entrepreneurs have to fill out an application, submit a three-minute pitch video and a business plan. This can help increase your chances of being successful, and you will gain additional feedback on how to improve on your plan from the judges.” ~ Donald Campbell Lake Martin Living 9
BUSINESS MATTERS
Gilbert Woodcrafts & Home Décor STORY & PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER
T
he Gilbert name has once again appeared on Airport Drive, but this time, the tables have turned, and it’s the second generation that’s turned them. Alexander City native Lance Gilbert and his wife Melinda last month opened a woodcraft and home décor store in the building that once housed his father’s electronics business. Gilbert Woodcrafts and Home Décor opened Nov. 4 at 1096 Airport Dr., where Mike Gilbert once operated Gilbert’s Electronics. The second generation business showcases handmade heirloom quality furniture and a variety of farmhouse and lake home decoration items. The furniture pieces are made by Lance Gilbert while Melinda fills the shelves with trendy finds and assists her husband with the business side. Taking a page from HGTV’s Chip and Joanna Gaines, Melinda has stocked farmhouse, industrial and lake pieces for function and fun. Appliquéd kitchen towels drape the rungs of a ship’s ladder Gilbert made, and milk pitchers line the smooth shelf of a custom cabinet, along with tin trays, wire baskets and whitewashed signs. Burlap Christmas stockings hang from round knobs on a cabinet door, and wooden trees stand on tables, chairs and little red stools. “To open, we stocked a lot of Christmas items,” Melinda explained. Some of the items in the store reflect the faith the couple shares, Melinda said. “We feel very blessed with the opportunity to open this business and with the faith-based community that supports us,” she said. In addition to items she orders from a maker in Georgia, Just in Time for Melinda’s Christmas Lance and Melinda inventory includes estate Gilbert (inset photos) opened sale finds, such their woodcraft as enameled and home décor dishpans and store on Airport small furniture Road the day items in excellent before last month's condition. Chamber of “Those Commerce open pieces go very house event.
quickly. We try to bring in new inventory every two weeks, but we only bring in the nicer items,” she said. Melinda also helps Gilbert with some of the small items he makes for the store. She burns patterns, monograms and logos into his cutting boards, and before their son (now 3 years old) was born, she helped with the painting. Gilbert’s boards and furniture are made with pine, oak, cherry, poplar and mahogany, as well as reclaimed woods, including a few pieces he has made from salvaged Russell Mills wood. A 2000 graduate of Benjamin Russell High School, Gilbert studied cabinetry and furniture making at Southern Union Community College. He worked for a cabinet shop in Auburn for five years before joining a local Hand Crafts, Holidays cabinet shop 10 years ago, and Home Decor but his passion for woodwork In addition to began long before his formal Lance's custom and handmade education. cabinetry and “My mom and dad led me furnishings, the store down this path when I was a features holiday kid,” Gilbert said. “I think they decorations, gifts saw it in me more than I did and a variety of myself.” home décor items. A perfectionist at heart, Gilbert wants his pieces to be
handed down by the families that purchase them, so quality is the most important aspect of each one-of-a-kind work. He admires the workmanship and style of furniture maker Sam Maloof and strives for the same soft feel and smooth lines, whether the item is a large sideboard for the kitchen or a child’s picnic table for a lakeside deck. “I like new challenges,” he said. “I like to design my own pieces, but I also like it when someone brings me a picture of something and adds their own ideas to it.” Though he continues to work full time at the cabinet shop for now, Gilbert hopes to turn the store into a full-time occupation with the help of his family. His mother minds the store every Wednesday, and in addition to keeping the décor inventory fresh, Melinda works store hours as well. Gilbert Woodcrafts and Home Décor is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Call the store at 256-392-4866 or find gilbertwoodcrafts&homedecor on Facebook.
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Lake Martin Living 13
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Prett y
16 Lake Martin Living
Pansy Happy Garden
Fred Muenzmay Lake Martin Living 17
I
t is that time of year to spruce up the house and celebrate the birthday of Jesus and the Christmas season. My wife recently purchased her spruceup-the-entrance-to-the-porch plants. Yes, you guessed it: pansies. We grow the pansies in large, fancy ceramic pots on the stoop entering the porch. She asked me jesting, “How did we ever get involved with all the plants we surround ourselves with?” After an hour or so, I asked her, “Would you like to hear the real story?” Of course, she did. I am sure there are a few old gardeners like myself who had parents or loved ones who taught them that “work builds character.” Some 67 years ago in South Hills (a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), I was working after school and on Saturdays as a weed picker at Hahn Greenhouses. This was one of the largest African violet growers in the state. I rode my bike 2 miles from school to the greenhouse, changed my pants, signed in and was told what greenhouse in which to start working. In those days, that type of glass greenhouse was heated by steam, with hot pipes running under the benches. Getting workers to be in that environment was really difficult, so they used tough teenagers and paid them the same wages they paid the adult workers. One year, my brother was in need of a job and knew I was earning well for a 14-year-old. The boss said he could come to work for a try-out week in the summer. My brother only lasted three days in the 102-degree heat under the benches. When I told him I was writing about the greenhouse experiences, he laughed. You see, I still have to pick weeds, and my brother does not want to help me. This early experience was the beginning of my interest and love for growing plants and flowers. The garden pansy is a type of large-flowering hybrid plant cultivated as a garden flower. It is derived by hybridization from several species in the section Melanium, “the pansies” of the genus Viola, particularly Viola tricolor, a wild flower of Europe and western Asia known as “heartsease.” The pansy got its name from pensee meaning “thought.” It was imported into late Middle English as a name of viola in the mid-15th century, as the flower was regarded as a symbol of remembrance. Pansy and violets both belong to the same genus, Viola. Almost all of these flowering plants are perennials treated as annuals. Their flowers have a long bloom time, usually from spring through frost in cold regions, and they can bloom all through winter in warm regions, including Florida and parts of Alabama where ground temperatures rarely reach a hard freeze. Violas and pansies were cultivated in Europe by many gardeners. The origin of the plants we now call pansy began in Iver, Buckinghamshire, England. In the early 1800s, an inquisitive Lord Gambier and his gardener, William Thompson, began crossing various Viola species. Pansies blooms are fragrant, edible and very desirable in gardens. During the time my wife had the tea room open at the farm, one of our signature salads consisted of edible pansy and David Austin rose petals on a bed of chicken salad over Romaine with fresh herb garnish (flowers and
18 Lake Martin Living
petals must be herbicide- and pesticide-free). The pansy is linked to the viola, its ancestor. Viola is a large genus containing 500 species. The viola family includes both pansy and violets, the former most loved for their perky faces and the latter for their perfume. Cultivated by the Greeks for herbal medicinal use, pansies later inspired William Shakespeare to write of romance. Pansy flowers are single with five petals and are round in shape. Pansy flowers have one of three basic color patterns: The blooms can be single white, yellow or blue; a single color having black lines – called penciling and similar to viola markings – radiating from its center; or – probably the most familiar – having a dark center called a “face.” Some pansies have a delicate perfume-like aroma. Once you have smelled and identified the pansy scent, it is unforgettable. Pansies seem to have more fragrance at early morning and dusk. The yellow and blue pansies seem to have the strongest scent. Garden pansies are grown during the winter in the South and summer in the North. They are very easy to grow. Whether grown from seed or bedding plants, pansies have relatively disease- and pest-free blooms. A plant for all seasons, it is hardy but delicate. The flowers impart a strong flavor and have been used to make syrup and flavor honey and salads. Both the leaves and flowers can be used as garnish, such as on cold fruit, cream soups or salads. The pansy plant itself is compact, not more than 8-9 inches in both height and spread, and bears many stems. The medium green, coarsely notched leaves are oval or heart-shaped. They like full to partial sun. Pansies may also be seeded directly into the garden or seeded indoors. Sow seeds early in the season and cover lightly with 1/8 inch of soil. Water thoroughly once. They germinate slowly. When transplanting pansies into the garden after the last frost date, space them 6 inches apart. They will tolerate a little crowding. If you are creating a garden bed, consider mixing colors. Pansies seldom have problems with insects or disease. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic repellents. If pansies fail to thrive, it is often because the gardener or Nature failed to provide enough water. Mulching around the pansies with 2 inches of organic material will help conserve moisture and reduce weed growth. Water the soil (not the leaves), as watering leaves can create a hostile environment for most plants. Brighten your garden and your life with flowers and plants. Eat well, be well. Some technical and historical information provided by The America Viola Society and Wikipedia. ~ Fred Muenzmay of Eagle's Roost Herb Farms is a Master Gardener and has been in the business of growing organic herbs, vegetables and blueberries for regional and local farmers markets for 26 years. He wishes his readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Email him at fmuenzmay@earthlink.net.
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Another Great Year 2017: One of my favorites
W
From the Tee
I am not a fan of the weather there. The people hat a year this has been! 2017 were very nice and friendly, and it puzzled me will certainly be one that I will that they could be so darn happy when they remember for quite a while. live most of their days amongst 30-mph winds As always, I have two rosters of golf team and near-constant tornado warnings. For the members; half of my players graduate every next couple of years, I know for a fact that we year, and the remaining half joins up with a will be south of Kansas. fresh batch of freshmen. Universities have few This year’s team has gotten off to a years when they have to reload this percentage, respectable start. Of the four tournaments but at Central Alabama Community College, played this fall, we had two runner-up finishes, it’s all part of the job. I’ve been blessed to one third place share this year with a bunch of fine young and a win in our men who do a superb job of representing Helping Hands Pays final tournament at themselves, their families, CACC and you – Russell Medical Foundation Wynlakes Country our community. Executive Director Club in Montgomery In golf, last year was pretty good. The Dave Jennings Tammy Jackson in mid-November. Trojan golfers had four wins and a Region presented a check That’s called Championship victory in April; however, to Coach Dave momentum. I have we had a poor showing at our National Jennings after the high hopes that it carries on to the Championship. The 2017 NJCAA D-1 Men’s Golf National golf team helped spring and that we continue to Championship was played in West Kansas. God blessed me with a benefit improve as the season progresses. in keeping me away from West Kansas for all these years, as tournament event.
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We have a very busy and competitive spring schedule. Please visit the CACC.edu website to find our schedule and keep up with results on Golfstat.com. We hope to make you proud of us. In other activities with the golf program over the past year, I am mostly proud of how the boys finished the 2016-2017 academic year. Your CACC Trojans earned the NJCAA Academic National Champion’s Award. Our boys had the highest grade point average throughout the team compared to any other twoyear college golf program in the United States. This achievement means as much to me as when our 2013 team won the National Championship in Lubbock, Texas. To beat more than 350 other college golf programs in academics is something that I am proud to be associated with. The boys made us all proud. In October, the team assisted Russell Medical Foundation Executive Director Tammy Jackson with the Annual RM Fundraising Golf Tournament that was played at Willow Point Golf and Country Club. Jackson presented the team a check for $5,000 from the Foundation to benefit the golf team. The majority of the money that was raised in this tournament will benefit the UAB Cancer Center at Russell Medical in Alexander City. This is a place where people go to get well, and I can say that convincingly because I am one of the fortunate cancer survivors who was treated so well there. This past May, I said goodbye and good luck to three fine sophomores as they transferred to the university level. Reynolds Carl is now playing for University of Texas San Antonio; Jacob Morgan is playing for the University of Akron; and Steven Wysocki is playing for the University of North Georgia. My present sophomores are in the mode of making their plans to move on when spring 2018 comes to an end. Sam Goldasich has signed early with the University of Alabama
Birmingham. Jake Maples has a few great visits set up and will certainly choose a top-notch competitive program. I also feel confident that my other sophomores Bailey Scifleet and Carter Henley will be playing at the next level, as well. This progression from our golf team to the next level is exciting for these young men, and I am thoroughly thrilled when a good match is made. By the time you hold this month’s Lake Martin Living magazine in your hands, I will have returned from our annual Golf Coaches Association of America Convention, held in Las Vegas. During these few days, I speak with a great number of university coaches in hopes of finding spots for my transferring players, and on occasion, I have been able to make plans a year ahead for my freshmen. This year will be no different. I’ve now been coaching at CACC since 2001, and I have not grown tired of the job yet. That’s not saying that CACC hasn’t grown tired of me; I’m just saying I still love what I do. I hope you all have had the opportunity to meet some of the young men I have brought to Alexander City to play golf at CACC. Signing On There have been some wonderful CACC golfer Sam young men. Now so many have Goldasich signed moved on, started families and early with the UAB are deeply rooted in their careers. golf team. I keep up with most of my past players, and it has been a joy to see how well they all are doing. One thing is for sure; they all have loved their two years here. On behalf of the CACC Trojan Golf Team, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ~ Dave Jennings is the men's golf coach at Central Alabama Community College.
Lake Martin Living 21
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Power Pioneer Dadeville native brought electricity to the nation's households STORY BY BETSY PHOTOS BY JIM DENNEY & BETSY ILER & COURTESY OF ALABAMA POWER COMPANY CORPORATE ARCHIVES
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idney Z. Mitchell may not be a household name, but the work of this Dadeville native enlightened the world some 100 years ago, and today, his ideas continue to impact everyday life across the country and beyond. Mitchell, who was born in Tallapoosa County and raised by his grandmother in Coosa County, was an industrialist and electrical pioneer whose engineering and financial knowledge brought consistency and affordability to the electrical supply business. Mitchell’s mother, Elmira Sophia Mitchell, died when he was 3 years old, and his father, Dr. William Mandon Alexander Mitchell, sent Sidney, along with his brothers John and Reuben, to live with his maternal grandmother, Ann Jordan, the second wife of Reuben Jordan and the woman for whom the Brothers Collaborate to Provide Eelctrical Power to Rural Alabama Reuben Mitchell (left) and Sidney Z. Mitchell established the Alabama lodge at Five Star Plantation Power Development Company - the precursor to Alabama Power was named. At the time, the widowed Jordan was 66 years old Company - in the early 1900s. and owned 350 acres, which the loosed and calls be placed to him as they passed the brothers worked to keep afloat. stations, so he could hear the baying. “Before I was 12 years old she gave me a large field Mitchell made good on his grandmother’s lesson of of cleared land and a mule and told me that by my hard work and making his own way, and at 16 years of own efforts I must fight my way in the world and earn age, he won an appointment to the United States Naval enough to clothe myself and pay my way through the country school,” Mitchell once said of his grandmother. Academy in Annapolis, where he received training in engineering. As a lad, Mitchell loved hunting. When he had Mitchell served on the U.S.S. Trenton. As his established his wealth, he was said to have installed service coincided with Thomas Edison’s invention telephone stations throughout the farm property, and of the incandescent light bulb, Mitchell applied his when he longed for the hunt from his New York City engineering knowledge to the task of wiring the office, he would call the farm and ask that the dogs be
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Trenton. Previously, ships were lit with lanterns and were vulnerable to fire. He left the Navy in 1885 and worked with Edison on the initial experimental lighting of 1 square mile of New York City. Edison then charged Mitchell with the management of the newly franchised Pacific Northwest power operations. In his biographical essay of Sidney Z. Mitchell, Alabama Power Company corporate archivist Bill Tharpe wrote of Mitchell’s financial acumen. “While in Portland, S.Z. met Alice Pennoyer Bell, courted her ardently and after promising her father to dispose of his stock in a local brewery, won Mr. Bell’s approval to marry his daughter. S.Z. kept his word. The day of his marriage, S.Z. transferred his stock in the company to his new wife,” Tharpe wrote. His keen mind also protected the small electric company in the Northwest from bankruptcy. Mitchell set up consolidation guidelines for these electrical companies and replaced small generating stations with larger and more efficient plants that furthered growth and interconnection. He called for the establishment of 24-hour service and then gave electric irons to new customers and toasters to households that used large volumes of electricity. By offering cooking classes using electric ranges and renting appliances to customers, he grew the household market for electricity. Generating power at more efficient plants to meet the increased use, he was able to lower rates and make electric service more cost-effective for working families. Interconnecting the plants provided a more consistent supply of electricity, and his financial management practices led to repeated issues of
Sweet Home Alabama
Born in a historic Dadeville home (above), Mitchell was raised on his grandmother's farm in Coosa County, where a historical marker calls attention to his industrial accomplishments.
Lake Martin Living 25
common stock and bonds to the public, which allowed the company to raise funds for more capital improvements. In 1905, he moved to Long Island where he helped to organize the Electric Bond & Share Company and became its president, tasked with the job of making the collection of small operating companies profitable. Soon after, he and his brother Reuben established the Alabama Power Development Company, the precursor to today’s Alabama Power Company. During World War I, Mitchell served on the War Industries Board and oversaw electrical supply to defense plants. The interconnected generation plants were able to handle the loads needed to meet war demands around the clock. He also was instrumental in the first federal legislation to regulate electrical power, which helped to shield the industry during the Great Depression. When President Herbert Hoover called for electric utilities construction to build for future needs, the construction projects provided sorely needed jobs. In 1927, the newly completed Jordan Dam was named for Mitchell’s mother. The day after the dedication ceremony, Mitchell invited Alabama Power’s Tom Martin, for whom Martin Dam and Lake Martin are named, to hunt with him at his grandmother’s farm. The hunt rekindled his love of the sport and the land, and he began to buy up the property around the farm, increasing the size of the plantation to some 5,000 acres. Mitchell, who was clearly a powerhouse in the political utilities arena, retired for health reasons in
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1933, and two years later, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 created the Securities and Exchange Commission. Though the act provided for the dismantling of pyramid holding companies, the benefits of the interconnected electrical system were well established, and the system developed by Dadeville native Sidney Z. Mitchell survives to this day. “Mitchell commanded respect, admiration, curiosity, and even fear among his peers,” Tharpe wrote. “A tall, dapper man with dark hair and a pencil thin mustache, Mitchell cut a wide page through the world … His honesty and character were beyond reproach,” Tharpe wrote of him. S.Z. Mitchell died in 1944. A historical marker at the intersection of state Route 119 and Coosa County Road 65 is a humble tribute to his passion for his childhood home and the contributions he made to the world we live in today. Some information for this article came from Alabama Power Company Corporate Archives, the American Electric Power Company, Inc., the Alabama Historical Association and the Tallapoossee Historical Society. From Alabama to New York
The dam that created Lake Jordan was named for Mitchell's mother (above), who died when he was 3 years old; though he settled in this Long Island home (below), Mitchell often telephoned his grandmother's farm to hear the baying hounds.
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Annie & Mac Bart ol Alexander City's Father-Daughter Artists
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STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS
reativity is a personal thing, but for the local Bartol family, the life of an artist seems genetic. More than 100 years ago, Annie Bartol’s greatgrandfather, Ralph Erskine, developed high-end colonial revival Danersk furniture with the company Erskine Danforth. It originated in the foothills of North Carolina, and when Erskine merged with Danforth in the early 1900s, the company opened its showroom in New York City. Today, both Bartol and her father, Mac, produce custom-made, one-of-a-kind jewelry under the Erskine name, along with a plethora of other artistic products made mostly from reclaimed pieces in the shared 16-foot by 20-foot shed in their backyard. The handmade sign out front reads ‘Shop, Studio, or Whatever,’ as the pair jokingly disagrees on what to call the workspace. The area could only be described as organized chaos filled with tools and supplies; Green Bay Packers décor; old street signs and other quirky signage; photos of family and custom-designed and handmade pieces created by Bartol and Mac. “It can sometimes be a challenge for us to work together in our small space because two creative minds in one space is one too many. But we make it work. My dad has the experience, so we collaborate a lot, and he
30 Lake Martin Living
teaches me to use new tools and often saves me time by suggesting a better method,” said Bartol, an Alexander City native. As an artist, Bartol works with acrylic paint as her main medium using a bamboo skewer, has a handdesigned jewelry line and produces hand-stitched, custom-designed leather purses, while Mac whittles and works in wood and also creates custom-made leather holsters, scabbards and quivers. “About a year ago, we started on our first collaborative leather project, and when the jewelry line really started moving, I realized we needed to brand it. I suggested Erskine since it’s a family name,” Bartol said. Erskine is Mac’s mother’s maiden name, along with his middle name, and the history of art in the family made it an obvious choice to trademark their work. Most of the initial leather they used was leftover from Bartol’s grandmother, but now they use Tandy leather out of Atlanta and Birmingham, which they cut, dye and texturize, often by running it over with a car or using wire brushes and other tools to distress the material. The pair has an extensive collection of reclaimed accessories; stones, clasps and metal found in consignment shops, thrift stores, estate sales and art
Creative Collaboration
Previous Page: The sign on the pair's workspace; Left: Annie and Mac Bartol work together on the custom designed necklace seen below that Incorporates unique finds, such as amber and mule's teeth, which set apart their jewelry line.
Lake Martin Living 31
shows. Both hoard objects they find, knowing each piece could be used for something in the future. Without previous experience, Mac began making wide leather watch bands, cuffs and beaded necklaces during his college years to make some extra cash. “It was the hippie era in the ’60s. I was in a shoe shop one day, and this guy had extra pieces of leather cut the same, and I had an old belt buckle at home and started thinking. I went home that night and made a 2-inch wide watchband from the leather to fit the watch I wore and attached the belt buckle to the backside. It was a trend that caught on, and soon, everyone had to have 32 Lake Martin Living
one,” explained Mac, who grew up in North Carolina but has spent more than half his life in Alexander City. His hobby took a back seat for many years until he needed a project to occupy his time and mind after retirement. The first project he envisioned was a gun holster, which he sketched out and brought to fruition. “I always see something in my mind before I make it. I know what I want; and then, I put it on paper. I often see something else someone has made, and I put my own spin on it,” added Mac, who used to be a draftsman. While Mac’s projects have remained mostly a hobby, he typically makes things for the house and for his
wife Linda. He also creates gifts for friends and family members. Bartol, on the other hand, has made art her full-time job since 2015. She has a degree in graphic design and art from the University of Alabama but never indulged in the painting side until 2012 when a turn of life events led her to shift her perspective and find an outlet for her emotions. “My parents came to visit me in Tallahassee where I was living at the time and I said, ‘Bring me paint and a canvas right now.’ I just started painting. This was a way for me to process my thoughts. It became very
Unique Tools
Left: Mac Bartol uses a buffer to add shine to his pieces; Right: Annie uses acrylic paint with her bare hands and a bamboo skewer to create her one-of-a-kind artwork, using a blow dryer in between layers to allow paint to dry quickly.
therapeutic,” said Bartol. Both of Bartol’s grandparents on her father’s side were artists, and she had learned some techniques from school but never had any professional training, she said. With
Lake Martin Living 33
Erskine History
Art Comes in Many Forms
All in the Family Henry George Bartol and Carolie Erskine Bartol
Annie’s great-grandfather Ralph Erskine made high-end quality colonial revival furniture, originally crafted in North Carolina in the early 1900s. He partnered with Danforth to create the ErskineDanforth Corporation and for economic and growth reasons the company moved manufacturing operations to Stamford, Connecticut. New York became the location for the company’s office and showroom in 1915. Danersk furniture pieces were handcrafted, ornate, well built and decorative, made from rare woods and sold for an inexpensive price. Ralph was married to Margaret McCullough Erskine. Annie’s paternal grandparents, Henry George Bartol and Carolie Erskine Bartol lived in the foothills of North Carolina and were both artists as well. Henry painted in watercolor and Carolie painted in oils and did sculpture, while both also created handmade lapidary jewelry. Their line consisted of unique stone cutting of semi-precious gems.
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Annie handstitches her custom leather purses as seen above; Facing Page: An original Annie Bartol painting; a custom designed leather gun holster created by Mac.
the use of acrylic paint, typically in a variety of bright colors, Bartol uses only her bare hands and a bamboo skewer to craft distinctive pieces based on her mood. “My grandmother had left me a really nice set of paint brushes, and I didn’t want to get them dirty. I searched my kitchen for something, anything, I could use to paint with and found some bamboo skewers, which is where that all started,” explained Bartol. She began posting her work on social media because she painted so many pieces and was looking for some feedback. Bartol explained she never had the intention of selling her work, but people started reaching out, and it just blossomed from there. She now does shows all over the Southeast and has displayed her work at various locations around downtown Alexander City. “My business has tripled since I moved back to Alexander City, and I get a lot of repeat customers,” said Bartol. “She’s a hometown girl, so she has the local presence, but she’s getting to the point where she needs to branch out,” added Mac. Since her art is so closely tied with the events that have shaped her life, Bartol’s connection with music is essential to her creative process. “With music, I am forced to feel. It’s my motivation, and it gets me in the zone. I have to feel to work. I have a playlist for each type of art I may be working on, and all the songs have meaning from a certain time in my life. It’s about purging and a healthy way to get out feelings I might otherwise keep inside,” Bartol said. Mac has his own choice in songs that hold meaning and create
memories for him, as well, so the two often compete when working together. “In the end, we always laugh, make silly videos and both sing and dance while we’re working. It keeps us focused,” Bartol added. The charming banter and obvious mutual respect allow the father-daughter team to share its vision and sometimes opposing opinions to collaborate on work. “We both are very visual people. If we have something in our heads, we can bring it to life by putting it on paper first. I can explain it to my dad, and he has an idea of what I want because we think alike. Not many other people may understand my thought process,” said Bartol. Mac works with many power tools, such as a drill press, bench grinder and buffer, which he has been teaching Bartol how to use to her advantage. Mostly, the pair will use obscure objects to create the desired effect of a product based on their ideas. “We make a lot of our own tools,” said Mac. “What he means is I’ve ruined a lot of his tools ... but you can do anything with a good set of tools,” said Bartol. Her main tool is a ball peen hammer and anvil, which she uses to flatten, distress and texturize the copper and brass incorporated in her unique jewelry. She prides herself on the originality of her art. “Everything I make is one-of-a-kind and unique in
itself. Nothing is mass produced, and I’ve personally designed and made each piece of art,” said Bartol, who, aside from the help of Mac, runs her business on her own. Mostly, Bartol just enjoys allowing her visions to become reality; however, she has increased her commission work due to demand. She gathers the personal details of a project before starting it and does not sign her name to anything until she meets a client in person with the completed piece. “I prefer to use creative license, but I am always willing to work with people on their ideas. I enjoy it all, nonetheless, because I get to work with clients who see their own vision, through my eyes, come to life,” she explained. Bartol mainly paints abstract pieces, but her portfolio is widespread in the use of medium, size of canvas and inspiration for design. “When I create, I feel everything and nothing all at once... the beauty of it all is being able to express my emotions through my work,” Bartol said. For photos of Annie Bartol’s work, more information about the artist or to request a custom piece, visit her Facebook page, Instagram @anniebartolart or email her at colormeannieart@gmail.com.
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Identity Theft 101
How to handle the Equifax data breach
E
quifax, one of the three major Check your credit reports from credit bureaus, confirmed recently Equifax, Experian and TransUnion for that more than 145 million free at annualcreditreport.com. Accounts customer records were breached in or activity that you don’t recognize a hack that began in mid-May and could indicate identity theft. In addition, continued through July of this year. monitor your existing credit card and Compromised data reportedly included bank account statements closely every names, birthdates, Social Security month for fraudulent transactions. It is numbers, driver's license numbers and important that consumers take a more physical addresses, as well as some credit active role as watchdogs of their own card numbers and dispute documents financial affairs. with personal identifying information. The breach was discovered on July Consider placing a credit freeze 29, and its full impact is still to be or fraud alert on your files with determined. Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. A Jim Littman Data breaches and the theft of credit freeze allows you to restrict access personal information are nothing to your credit report, which makes it new. In August 2013, Yahoo reported more difficult for identity thieves to a massive data breach associated with more than open new accounts in your name; however, a credit 1 billion user accounts. Fortunately, the stolen freeze won’t prevent a thief from making charges information did not include payment card data to your existing accounts. There may be a fee or bank account information. A data breach at associated with a credit freeze. Target during the 2013 Christmas shopping season A fraud alert allows creditors to get a copy of your included the personal information of 70 million credit report as long as they take steps to verify your people; and credit and debit card information, identity. For example, if you provide a telephone including customer names, account numbers and number, the business must call you to verify whether expiration dates may have been compromised. you are the person making the credit request. In 2014, The Home Depot’s data breach impacted as many as 56 million payment cards. Closer to File your taxes early. File as soon as you have home, more than 100 employees of the Alexander the tax information you need before a scammer uses City school system were victimized in 2016 when your Social Security number to file a fraudulent tax their personal information was stolen, and the thief return and receive a refund. Respond right away to filed fraudulent tax returns to obtain refund checks. letters from the IRS. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and mitigate the potential damage done by Other steps to take include watching out this breach. for scams, remembering loved ones and changing passwords and logins. Do not respond to suspicious Find out whether your information was phone calls, texts and emails that ask for personal exposed. Equifax has set up a website (www. information. Identify and assist family members equifaxsecurity2017.com) that allows consumers to who do not have computer access but may be determine whether their information was potentially impacted by the data breach. As always, change compromised. Click on the tab labeled “Am I passwords and logins on a regular basis. Impacted?” in the center of the page. You will need Keeping personal information safe and secure is to enter your last name and the last six digits of everyone’s responsibility. your Social Security number. In addition, Equifax is offering a complimentary identity theft protection ~ Jim Littman is a mortgage loan originator with and credit file monitoring product on its website. Home Place Mortgage in Alexander City. He can be reached at 256-329-1410. 36 Lake Martin Living
MONEY MATTERS
Russell Medical's CRNP Coker joins staff at new Urgent Care Medical News
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ussell Medical proudly announces the opening of its newest service, Russell Medical Urgent Care. The doors opened Monday, Dec. 4, as an expansion of treatment options available to patients on campus. Russell Medical Urgent Care is located on the hill behind the cancer center and is accessed by Highway 280 or Elkahathchee Road. The walk-in clinic treats injuries and illnesses requiring Susan Foy immediate care but not serious enough to require emergency room visits. Tammy Coker, certified registered nurse practitioner, comes to the urgent care clinic from another Russell Medical rural care clinic, Health Partners of Goodwater. Coker has long tenure with Russell Medical and has worked in various clinical areas, including the Emergency Department and cardiac cath lab for 15 years. She and her family are very active in the community, and she is happy to be the first CRNP rendering care in this new location. Russell Medical Urgent Care is open seven days a week to accommodate non-emergency room emergencies. Patients can visit Russell Medical Urgent Care if they have sinus/ear infection; cold or flu; bronchitis; diarrhea, nausea, vomiting; upper respiratory infection; allergies; sports injuries and sprains; cuts and lacerations; minor burns; hemorrhoids; conjunctivitis/eye infection; skin rash/poison ivy; minor fractures; urinary tract infection, and other acute ailments. Go directly to an emergency room for head trauma; broken bones; high fever; loss of consciousness; fainting; uncontrollable bleeding; seizures; heart attack symptoms; shortness of breath; difficulty breathing; asthma or COPD; sudden change in mental state; life- or limb-threatening injury; severe burn; deep or facial lacerations; or any life-threatening illness. Currently, Russell Medical Urgent Care is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and
New Office
Rural healthcare CRNP Tammy Coker has moved from Health Partners of Goodwater to Russell Medical Urgent Care in Alexander City.
12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The physical address is 3504 Highway 280, Alexander City. For additional information about the facility, call at 256397-7727. From all of us at Russell Medical, may you have a Merry and safe Christmas and a healthy 2018. ~ Susan Foy is marketing director for Russell Medical.
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Cancer Awareness Luncheon Nov. 9, 2017 Betty Carol Graham Center 1. Tammy Pattillo 2. Kay Thomas, Emily Sprayberry, Emily McDaniel, Anna Speaks and Jane Howell 3. Mollie Barrett and Andrea Peacock 4. Bridgett Harrell, Sharonna Hayes and Melissa Reynolds 5. Glenda Jacobs, Jan Rogers and Louann Wagoner 6. Susan Oakes, Yvonne Crispin, Tillie Parks, Flo McIntyre and Lorene Cowhick
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Holiday Open House Nov. 12, 2017 Downtown Alexander City 1. Elizabeth Roberts
2. Kimber Pierce 3. Jordan Jones 4. Donald Campbell
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Blue Zones Reception Friends at Five Nov. 14, 2017 Lake Martin Innovation Center 1. Amy Ward and Ella Martin
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2. Erika Graves and Robert Graham 3. Debra and Greg Griffith 4. Angela James and Sue Pemberton
5. Courtney Layfield and Carla Culligan 6. Janice and Ricky Robinson 7. Gertrude Holmes and Margot Pape 8. Kim Fraher, Dwight and Sherry Henderson and Tammy Jackson
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Nov. 24, 2017 Russell Crossroads 1. Margo, Ellen Elizabeth and John Hunter Allgood
2. Mason, Shannon and Lindsey Mann 3. Ricky Goss, Jaden Barnett and Beverly Goss 4. Lilly and Andy Hudson 5. Betty Hargrave, Roxann Ward, Katie Arce and Mark
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Ward 6. Kara Newby 7. Lee Hamilton 8. Gonzalo and Alex Alonzo 9. Haley Maddox 10. William Trout and Annie Bartol 11. Anita Henderson Lake Martin Living 41
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Farm Federation Banquet Nov. 28, 2017 The Arbor at First United Methodist Church
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1. Joy Johns and Sharon Whitehead 2. Nina and Tony Johnson 3. Neal Kelly and Charles Hall 4. Jayden and Kristi Siggers 5. Stephen, April, Waverly and Jax Chambers 6. Brody Newman, Ka'shiya McKinney, Joe Stallions, Greg Davis, Landon Kelley and Brie Ann Connell 7. John McKelvey, Emma Jean Thweat and George Carollton Jr. 8. Josh Williams and Wilson, Susanne and Steve Hays 9. Bill and Suzy Farrington and Mark Tuggle
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Lake Martin Classic Golf Tourney Oct. 27, 2017 Stillwaters Golf Club 1. Santana Melton, Kevin Speaks, John Ballard, Scott
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Meacham, Ed Collari and Allison Bazzell
2. Rodney, Jason and Chandler Griffith and Mike Emfinger 3. Mike Autry, Keith and Chris Hiett and Mitchell Boles 4. Wayne Knox, Eric Riddil, Travis Harris and Paul Gqarjanski 5. Rob Witherington 6. Jimmy and Josh Henley, Joey Guspierik and Allin Woody Lake Martin Living 43
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Hometown Christmas Parade Dec. 4, 2017 Alexander City 1. Steve Morgan 2. Tina Boyd and Locklyn Blankenship 3. Sam and Bo Duke 4. Hamp Bowen, Elie Kate Worthy and Hadley Bowen 5. Adrien Isaiah Adamson 6. Abbie Campbell, Saylor and JonSawyer Lawhorn, Bryant Campbell, Brandy Lawhorn, Ava Campbell and Bonnie Sharp
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Calendar
THE LAKE REGION
FEATURED EVENT
Take the
Plunge The Lake Martin Young Professionals Polar Plunge this year will include two new events; in addition to great food, photo ops, live music and the daring plunge into Lake Martin, participants will Dash for the Cash and win prizes for the best costumes. The Dash for the Cash will return plungers to the water for a race around a buoy that will be placed off-shore. The first racer to round the marker and return to the bank will win $100. The main plunge event is no contest, except with participants' own wits as they hit the water when the clock strikes noon. Lake Martin Resource Association benefits from ticket sales for the LMYP Polar Plunge, which is now in its third year. In its previous two years, the Plunge has raised more than $8,000, and this year's proceeds will help to fund
the lighted buoy campaign. Tickets are $20 each and are available online at eventbrite.com. The event will be held on the lawn at Kowaliga Restaurant, and the admission price includes four food tickets to be used at Kowaliga's food stations. Kowaliga's indoor cash bars will be open as well. There will be a selfie station for Polar Plunge pictures and live music throughout the event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more about LMYP online at www. lakemartinyp.com. For information about LMRA, visit lmra.info.
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Dec. 16
Jan. 13
Jingle Jump for Camp ASCCA
YP Polar Plunge
The third annual Jingle Jump at the Camp ASSCA swimming pool will raise money for the ASSCA Campership Fund. The goal for each individual is to raise $725, and once the goal is reached, participants will jump into the chilly pool water. For information, contact Dana Rickman at 256-825-9226.
Dec. 17
Red Ridge Cantata
Red Ridge United Methodist Church will present its Christmas cantata, How Should a King Come, with creative concept and narration by Randy Vader and Rose Aspinall at 9:30 a.m. under the direction of Dr. Kim Walls. Accompanied by a full orchestra, featured vocalists will perform with the church choir and the children of the church. Refreshments will be served following the concert. For information, contact Gerry White at 256-825-5072.
Jan. 8-9
Throw Away Day
The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission will team up to provide dumpsters for the disposal of household items at five locations from noon on Monday through Tuesday evening. The dumpsters will be available free of charge at the Alexander City Annex, 395 Lee St.; Double Bridges on Highway 63; Old Daviston School on state Route 22; Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave.; and Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. No liquids, appliances with compressors, tires, batteries, light bulbs, televisions, computers, propane tanks or hazardous or medical waste will be allowed. For more information, call Sabrina Clark Wood at 334-429-8832.
The Lake Martin Young Professionals will host its third annual Polar Plunge at Kowaliga Restaurant to support the Lake Martin Resource Association. Presented by USAmeriBank, the doors open at 10 a.m., and the fun continues until 4 p.m. Entry fee is $20 ($10 for LMYP members), which includes tickets to Kowaliga’s special food stations, live music and plenty of space for kids to play outside. Both of Kowaliga’s indoor cash bars will be open, and the plunge into Lake Martin happens at noon. This year’s event will include a $100 “Dash for the Cash” event swimming out to a buoy and back. Prizes also awarded for best Polar Plunge costume.
Jan. 19-21
Dear Mama: Letters and Music from World War II
To celebrate the grand opening of the renovated Mount Vernon Theatre, the theatre organization has partnered with the Talisi Historical Preservation Society’s Friends of Tuckabatchee to present this original production, which was written by Adrian Lee Borden and is based on true events. For tickets and information, call 334-991-2079 or visit www.mtvernontheatre.net.
Jan. 21
Tallapoosee Historical Society
Dr. Charles Mitchell will present A Pictorial History of Alabama Agriculture, the telling of Alabama’s agricultural story from the Native American Creeks to modern production, at the Historical Museum on the square in Dadeville at 2 p.m. Dr. Mitchell will share photographs he collected during his time at Auburn University during this afternoon
Red Flag Pest Control Pest Control • Termites • Nuisances • Mosquitoes • Carpenter Bees
Happy Holidays and Thank You for Your Support! Serving Central Alabama 256.825.0430 9856 Hwy. 280, Jackson’s Gap 1.888.943.0353 46 Lake Martin Living
program, which is open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
Feb. 3
Gumbo Cook-off
MainStreet Alexander City will host a New Orleans-styled event with a gumbo cook-off, live music and activities for all ages at Queen’s Attic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entry fee is $100 per team and entries must be submitted by Jan. 20. First place winners of the cook-off will get $500 cash, second place will receive $250 and third place takes home $100. For information, contact Executive Director Bre Smith at 256-329-9227.
Feb. 16
Motown Magic
Alexander City Arts, Inc., will present an evening of Motown at 7 p.m. at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium. For ticket information, visit AlexanderCityArts.org.
Season-Long Events Millerville Trade Day
Bibb Graves School located on Highway 9 hosts this 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 décor and more. Refreshments available.
Alabama Wildlife Federation Naturalist Hikes
Every Tuesday and Friday, from 10 a.m. until noon, hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an experienced Alabama Nature Center naturalist by your side. Learn how to bird or identify plants and animals; splash through the creek; or catch insects in the meadow. 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 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 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 kidfriendly movies on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.
Gamers’ Club
Adelia M. Russell Library hosts kids ages 12 to 17 in the conference room on Fridays after school until 4:30 p.m. Bring handheld games or games from home (no games rated M allowed). Participants should be picked up by 4:30 p.m. For information, call 256-3296796.
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 256-234-4644 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.
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.
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.
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, located at 375 Lee St., all year long.
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 showand-tell. Bring sewing projects, machines and questions.
are themed, so call ahead to find out if costumes or certain types of food are in order. For more information, contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724.
Antique Car Cruise-in
On the first Saturday of each month, car enthusiasts cruise into Arby’s parking lot on Highway 280 in Alexander City from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join the fun and enjoy an era of classic cars and classic music.
Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours
Naturalist Marianne Hudson fills the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads with children and adults to see and listen to her lively nature presentations with critters, insects, snakes and fowl, just to mention a few. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature in the wild and the outdoor classroom. Check the calendar at Calendar. RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.
Happy Holidays from
Real Island Supper
The Real Island community hosts a covered dish supper every third Friday of the month at the Real Island Volunteer Fire Department and Community Room, 1495 Real Island Rd., Equality. Everyone is welcome. Admission is $3 per adult; bring a covered dish to share. Some nights
For elderly and disabled individuals needing assistance with activities of daily living.
Homemaking... Personal Care... Companionship Our goal is to keep our clients as active as possible in their own homes to promote overall health and well being. With our personally tailored care plans, you will receive the individual care you need with the dignity and respect you deserve.
Lake Martin innovation Center 175 aLiant Parkway • aLexander City, aL • (256) 414-6090
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9
Goldville 280
Goodwater To Sylacauga
Legend
TALLAPOOSA COUNTY
63
New Site
Public Boat Ramps 22
280
Churches
Camps & Parks
Timbergut Landing
9
Power lines
20
280
19
U.S. Highways
Alexander City
County Roads
15
22
Flint Hill Church
24
Camp ASCCA
Alex City Boat Ramp
13
Rockford
3
49
128
22
Piney Woods Landing
Wind Creek 63 State Park
COOSA COUNTY
Jacksons Gap
Pleasant Grove Church
31
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Mt. Zion Church Russell Farms Baptist Church 32 Friendship Church New Hope Church
259
Bethel Church
D.A.R.E. Park Landing
22 57
24
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7 18 8
Equality
55
4 Camp Kiwanis
Lake Martin Baptist Church
Camp Alamisco
27 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church
10 Church of the Living Waters
The Ridge
11 1
Church in The Pines
Children’s Harbor
Trillium
The Amp
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Stillwaters
21 5
Union Landing
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25 26
Walnut Hill
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23 30
80
Pleasant Ridge Church
34
63
Kowaliga Boat Landing
9
17
9
Smith Landing Willow Point
Seman
Dadevill
280
Liberty Church
20
231
Horseshoe National P
Jaybird Landing
29
Union
90
50
Central
Red Hill
16 63
Union Church
Refuge Church 229
49
Eclectic
12
Santuck
Kent Reeltown
231
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ELMORE COUNTY
120
14
28 14
Lake Martin Region Wetumpka
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Tallassee 229
MACON COUNTY
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
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33. River North Marina 256-397-1500 250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
seshoe Bend tional Park
CON NTY
5 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
24 Foshee What's, LLC 256-234-3298 2802 Dadeville Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
Restaurants
deville 50
Camp Hill
8 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070 17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
28 Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 334-252-8618 2602 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078
13 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481 5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, Al 35010 14 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036 230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850 15 Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567 1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010
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16 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132 1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
LEE COUNTY
Churches
10 Oskar's Cafe 6684 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
Business & Shopping
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26 Creekside Event Center 256-307-1441 7051 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
27 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820 8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853
12 Bezlo's Cafe 334-639-0003 65 Main Street., Eclectic, AL 36024
Waverly
Hotels & Lodges 25 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440 6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
9 Homeplate Cafe 256-825-0583 191 East South St., Dadeville, AL 36853
11 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035 295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
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22 Centry 21 Lake Area Realty 256-825-4800 440 N Broadnax St., Dadeville, AL 36853 23 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454 8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
7 SpringHouse 256-215-7080 12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
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21 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133 6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853
4 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741 2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026
6 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550 486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026
CHAMBERS COUNTY
20 McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583 1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010
29 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, AL 36853
Dock Builders 30 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443 180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 31 Docks Unlimited LLC 256-203-8400 6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010
Recreation 32 Dixie Sailing Club 767 New Hope Church Road Alexander City, Al 35010
17 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256 350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 18 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333 288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010
Loachapoka
19 Dark Insurance 256-234-5026 www.darkinsuranceagency.com 410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010
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Notasulga 85 81
If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map, for as little as $25 call 256-234-4281. Space is limited.
Lake Martin Living 49
To all of our clients in 2017 we thank you for your trust and confidence. 4 Seasons Lawn & Landscape A&M Plumbing Advanced Auto Parts Advanced Heating & Air Alex City Marine Alexander City Chamber of Commerce American Watersports APCO Employees Credit Union Armstrong-Holley Plumbing Aronov Realty Lake Martin Atkinson’s Homes Ballard Truss Better Bodies Massage Beyond Home Care Bezlo’s Cafe Black Jack Gardens Bless Your Heart Blue Horizon Bob Alexander Landscaping Bodyworks Massage Brandino Brass Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation C&C Wood Products C21 Lake Area Realty, Inc., Rhonda Gaskins Cahaba Glass Carlisle’s Central Alabama Community College Cherokee Bend Bed & Breakfast Children’s Harbor City of Wetumpka Cloud Nine Cloverdale Jewelers Coach Kraft Upholstery Coosa Valley Medical Center Cotney Jewelers Creekside Event Center Creekside Lodge Dark Insurance Davco Development DB Lawn Care Deep Water Dock Services Designs By Trish Dixie Sailing Club Downtown Girl Dr. George Hardy Edith’s Boutique
Emporium Wine Episcopal Church of Epiphany Estate Masters Farm Tables of the South Fermenters Market Foshees Whats Curb Market Guy’s Heating and Air Harold Cochran - State Farm Harris Carriage Heart & Vascular Clinic of Central Alabama Henderson & Coker Heritage South Credit Union Hinson Galleries Hodges Vineyard Holley’s Home Furnishings Home Plate Cafe HomePlace Mortgage Jackson Thornton Co Jule Collins Smith Museum Karen Channell - State Farm Kathy McKinley Draperies Kelley Heating and Air Kelley’s Cleaning Service Kowaliga Whole Health Lagassee Construction Lake Martin Building Supply Lake Martin Cleaning and Painting Lake Martin Community Hospital Lake Martin Dock Company Lake Martin Inspections Lake Martin Medspa Lake Martin Mini Mall Lake Martin Realty Lake Pointe Baptist Church Lakeside Mercantile Langley Funeral Home Lou Belles Luckie & Company McDainels Supply Madison House Restorations Mainstreet Alexander City Marble City Family Health Mark King’s Furniture Merle Norman Millstone Nursery Nail’s
Noel Boone OB-GYN Associates of Montgomery Odie’s Deli Offshore Marine & Outdoors One Water Marine Original Grace Boutique Oskar’s Painting By Allen Piggly Wiggly Prime Management Radney Funeral Home Red Flag Pest Control Re/Max Around the Lake - Amanda Scroggins Red Ridge United Methodist Church River Region Dermatology & Laser Russell Do It Center Russell Lands on Lake Martin Russell Marine Russell Medical Center Satterfield Inc Seibel’s Selling Lake Martin, Amy Clark Shoppes of Queen’s Attic Smith Marina Southern Sash Southern Star Farm Sparkle Window Cleaning St. John of the Apostle Studio Sam Sunset Dock Talisi Historical Preservation Society Tallassee Community Hospital The Cottage Gallery The Landing The Sure Shot TNT Stone Touchless Boat Cover Trinity United Methodist Church Troy Cablevision Truckworx Truman’s Seafood Watauga Group Wickles Pickles Wind Creek Casino, Wetumpka Wind Creek Zipline UAB Heart & Vascular
From our family at Lake Martin Living Magazine, we extend our wishes to all for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2018.
548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010 | 256-234-4281 50 Lake Martin Living
BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
Lighting the Way for the Lake & River Region for more than 125 Years
To subscribe call Linda Ewing 256-234-4281 P.O. Box 999, 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010 Lake Martin Living 51
DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE OF LAKE MARTIN LIVING! Subscribe today or visit one of our local establishments each month for a free copy. ALEXANDER CITY
Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Que Campus of CACC Carlisle's Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine’s Market Chamber Of Commerce Cherokee Quick stop Citgo Cloud Nine Collegiate Deli Comfort Inn Dark Insurance Darwin Dobbs Days Inn Discount Food Mart Emporium Wine Grace’s Flowers Hampton Inn Holley’s Home Furnishings Hometown Pharmacy Jackson Drugs Jake’s JR’s Sports Bar & Grill Koon’s Korner Koon’s Korner II Lake Martin Building Supply Lakewinds Golf Club Larry’s General Store 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
DADEVILLE
American Watersports Bay Pine Marina City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center
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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
Bezlo's Cafe Bless Your Heart 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 Original Grace 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 Piggly Wiggly on 21
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.................................................................................... 6
Koon's Catering................................................................................. 1 4
Advanced Heat & Air......................................................................... 2 7
Lake Martin Community Hospital......................................................... 3
Armstrong-Holley Plumbing............................................................... 2 2
Lake Martin Dock.......................................................................... 8, 51
Beyond Home Care............................................................................ 4 7
Lake Martin Mini Mall........................................................................ 1 4
Bezlo's Cafe....................................................................................... 2 7
Mark King's Furniture ....................................................................... 1 9
Black Jack Gardens............................................................................ 2 3
Merle Norman................................................................................... 2 9
Bob Alexander Landscaping ................................................................ 5
Millstone Nursery................................................................................ 6
Brandino Brass................................................................................... 1 3 Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation........................................................... 6 C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 2 7 Cahaba Glass..................................................................................... 2 3 Carlisle's............................................................................................ 2 9 Coosa Valley Medical Center............................................................. 2 8 Cotney Jewelers................................................................................. 2 9 DAVCO Development........................................................................ 5 1 Designs by Trish................................................................................... 6 Emporium Wine................................................................................. 2 9
Mt. Vernon Theatre, Tallassee............................................................ 5 5 Noel Boone........................................................................................ 1 5 OBGYN Associates of Montgomery..................................................... 8 Prime Management........................................................................... 2 7 Red Flag Pest Control........................................................................ 4 6 River Region Dermatology.................................................................. 5 1 Russell Medical.................................................................................. 5 6 Satterfield, Inc.............................................................................. 5, 15 Scotty Gordon/ Farmers Insurance...................................................... 2 9
George Hardy, D.M.D.......................................................................... 6
Seibel's.............................................................................................. 1 5
Guy's Heating & Air........................................................................... 5 1
Southern Sash..................................................................................... 8
Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance...................................................... 5 1
Southern Star Farm............................................................................ 1 5
Jackson Thornton............................................................................. 1 3
Sunrise Docks.................................................................................... 1 3
Kathy McKinley, Draperies................................................................ 2 3
Tallassee Community Hospital............................................................ 5 3
Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance................................................ 5 1
Wind Creek Casino.............................................................................. 2
Kelley’s Heating & Air........................................................................ 5 1
Wind Creek Zipline............................................................................ 1 5
& Healthy New Year! Community Hospital 805 Friendship Road, Tallassee • 334-283-6541 • www.chal.org Lake Martin Living 53
OH, DEER!
Don't they know the rules?
S
The Last Word
eight years with our cars as long as it’s o there I was on your on a county road or occasionally on a average Tuesday, driving highway. Interstates are off limits! At southbound on I-59 near Valley least, I had thought so. Head, just minding my business, alertly The four-point carcass that wound up tuned in to my surroundings behind the 25 yards behind and 15 yards to the left wheel of my 2012 Ford Taurus (Yeah … of me begged to differ. That’s right ... I do pretty, pretty well for Now, my minimal deer knowledge myself ). tells me that early November is when It was around, say, 7:25 in the deer are in the rut. You know – their morning, and I was thrilled to finally be ‘sexy’ time. back in sweet home Alabama. After all, Well, this particular buck must have I had been burning up the road since gotten a text from his main squeeze the previous Thursday; driving from saying, “my parents aren’t home,” ’cause Alexander City to Columbus, Ohio; then, on to State College, Pennsylvania, Luke Robinson he zoomed perpendicularly across I-59 like he was late for a sleigh pullin’. and finally, back home. It had been a I say he was zooming, but the fact whirlwind of a long weekend. is I have no idea. I didn’t see him until he was I had done dang well driving those 1,900 miles, too. No blowouts. No road rage moments. No ‘high approximately 9.56 feet in the air after impact. As a side note, did you know there are an speed driving awards.’ Heck, I only had one guy shoot me a bird. I usually get flipped off more than estimated 1.5 million deer in Alabama? One. Point. Five. Million. That’s 6 million hooves. That’s one that at lunch! deer for every three people in the state. Despite the predictably nasty northern weather, Venison meatloaf for everyone, as far as I am me and my car had held strong, and I was cruising concerned. I am ready to expand hunting season to to an early arrival in Tallapoosa County. 366 days a year, eight days a week and 25 hours a The interstate was wide open. The sun had just day. begun to shine over the pine trees. It was going to The problem is, I don’t hunt. Never have. I am be a beautiful day until … not good at killing anything, except other people’s WHAM! happiness, and I don’t need a gun for that – just my Not the iconic 1980s band, unfortunately unique social awkwardness. (although I do recall having listened to Careless There’s no aspect about hunting that appeals Whisper just a few miles earlier). to me. I am not a vegetarian or a vegan I hit something; or rather, something hit me. or avitameatavegamin (an I Love Lucy reference As I was near an exit overpass, my immediate for the older crowd). I just can’t shoot anything. I thought was someone had dropped a rock or old will stomp a roach into oblivion, but I tear up at television from above onto my hood. I am serious. the idea of running over an opossum. It makes no There are crazy folks that have done such things. sense. As my car scraggled (I know that’s not a word, After this accident, though, you can bet your but it is definitely what my ride did) to the side of the road, and almost as quickly as I had formulated bottom dollar – er, buck – that the next time Bambi comes on, I will be hoping for an alternate ending. my rock-from-the-overpass theory, my brain So here’s a quick shout-out to all the people who pieced together the actual hard, Southern truth: I do hunt: You guys are rock stars. I just need you to had hit a deer. play more concerts ’cause if I am hitting deer on A @#$@% deer! On the ^&*@# interstate, man! the interstates, that means there are just too many Now, I have hit deer before. So have some of deer! you, I am sure. Like getting trapped in a bad conversation at a high school reunion, they are ~ Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native who unavoidable. also writes a weekly column for the Alexander City But we humans have a tacit deal with the deer. Outlook. We are cool with hitting them every four-to-
54 Lake Martin Living
Lake Martin Living 55
56 Lake Martin Living