Betting on Better Golf Keep the Holiday Fire Burning
The Next 100 Years at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park Lake Martin Living 1
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From the Editor’s Desk
M
erry Christmas from all of us at Tallapoosa Publishers. We hope you have a wonderful holiday filled with love and laughter, friends and family, warm hearts and warm homes. And we hope you stay safe. We especially hope the fire of Christmas reigns in your hearts and your hearths but that it remains contained and controlled. I know that sounds a little hokey, but I remember that, in my childhood, fire weighed heavily on my parents’ minds at Christmas. They raised 12 children in a 100-year-old house, where the attic bore scars of a fire that had come long before my family lived there. My mother feared a rekindling of that blaze, and as only a mother can, she imagined its occurrence – whatever the time of day and year, including Christmas. One year, she taught us about the danger posed by a Christmas tree fire. In those days, the Christmas tree didn’t go up until Dec. 23, and it was taken down on Jan. 6 at the celebration of the arrival of the Wise Men on the scene of the Nativity. My mother was diligent about keeping water in the bowl in which the tree stood. I think we had the most drowned tree in town, so when she hauled that fir to the backyard alley and told us to watch how quickly a Christmas tree could go up in flames, we children were expecting a slow burn. But it took only seconds. She tossed a single lighted match on our beautiful Christmas tree, and the fire spread faster than a dozen children could open presents from Santa on Christmas morning. We still remember it all these years later, so when Alexander City Fire Chief Kem Jones told me how fast a stray ember from the fireplace could ignite a tree, I knew she spoke the truth. Please take a few minutes to read the article on page 22 about keeping your home and family safe this holiday season. Right after Christmas, of course, comes the New Year and all of its promise for a bright future. Emily Esleck visited with the creative folks at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park as they celebrated the 100th birthday of the national park system this year, and on page 26, Emily brings us news of what this historic park in our own backyard is planning for the next 100 years. The New Year brings changes at Lake Martin Living magazine, as well. After five years as the most read columnist on our pages, Outdoor Living writer Fletcher Scott will retire with this issue. We have loved featuring Fletcher in these pages and wish him well, and we are excited that, in future issues, writers for the Master Alabama Naturalist program will share their work with our readers each month. As we pause to celebrate the season, we also look forward to sharing your stories in Lake Martin Living magazine – through the New Year and beyond.
Betsy Iler, Managing Editor
4 Lake Martin Living
Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Managing Editor Betsy Iler Assistant Magazine Editor Lonna Upton Contributors Dave Jennings Luke Robinson Fletcher Scott Fred Muenzmay Cliff Williams Kay Thomas Emily Esleck Susan Foy Cathy Higgins Magazine Distribution Manager David Kendrick Creative Services Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Emily Gregg Donna Jones Tabby Edwards Scott Hardy Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemartinmagazine.com
Lake Martin Living is published monthly by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Please address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 256-234-4281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.
Lake Martin Living 5
ON THE COVER
Re-enactors at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park two years ago highlighted the significant historical events at the Tallapoosa County park. This month, Park Superintendent Barbara Tagger discusses what’s ahead for the next 100 years. Photo by Kenneth Boone.
6 Lake Martin Living
IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 10. BUSINESS MATTERS Blue Creek Iron Works
14. FROM THE TEE 30. MONEY MATTERS 32. HAPPY GARDEN 33. MEDICAL NEWS 34. OH SNAP! 40. LAKE REGION EVENTS 50. THE LAST WORD
FEATURES 16. READ TO SUCCEED Former BRHS business teacher publishes a students' guide to success 22. KEEP THE HOLIDAY FIRE SAFE Take these precautions to protect hearth and home this Christmas season 26. THE NEXT 100 YEARS New events, displays and other changes for Tallapoosa County's national park
22
We wish you a warm, safe and joyous Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year. ~ From all of us at Tallapoose Publishers, Inc.
Lake Martin Living 7
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8 Lake Martin Living
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AROUND THE AREA
River Kids and 4-H Team Up Grant Received Area youth will Programs will have more access begin soon to area rivers and to connect creeks soon. River local kids to area rivers Kids in Tallapoosa and creeks. County received a grant from the Coosa Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council. Emily Nichols, specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, said it will be a great fit for 4-H, especially as 4-H begins to expand its programs.
~Cliff Williams
Dadeville’s Denim and Diamonds goes a long way toward helping United Way For the fifth year, the United Way was selected as a beneficiary of the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Denim and Diamonds Ball, held last month at the Lake Martin Event Center. “It’s huge,” Lake Martin Area United Way director Sharon Fuller said. “It takes a lot to meet our goal, from this to other fundraisers and employee donations.” The evening featured a steak dinner catered by Poplar Dawgs and a concert by Lisa and The E-lusion Band. Also, guests enjoyed a silent auction that included a Yeti cooler, golf retreats from Stillwaters and Russell Lands, a fishing trip with Southern Striper, pottery by Judy and Mike and a Gus Malzhan Evening Benefits United Way autographed football, as well as other donated offerings. Denim and Diamonds “The evening goes a long way to helping make our Ball guests enjoyed an evening of food and fun. $530,000 campaign goal,” Fuller said. ~Cliff Williams
Diana Jordan
The best thing to do is focus on joy Russell Medical and UAB MedicineRussell Medical Cancer Center and the Women’s Center featured Diana Jordan at the Tickled Pink Lunch and Laughter 2016 Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon. The nationally renowned comedienne addressed a ballroom filled to capacity with more than 400 people, many of whom donned pink boas for a tongue-in-cheek look at daily life, aging and family. ~ Cathy Higgins Lake Martin Living 9
BUSINESS MATTERS
Blue Creek Iron Works Artistic design and welding company expands in Dadeville
STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY MEGAN MULLINS & NIKKI JOHNSON
10 Lake Martin Living
S
teel fabricator Ronald Johnson can proudly say he has built his Dadeville business, Blue Creek Iron Works, from his garage up. And after doing most of the work himself for seven years – handling estimates, supply pick-up, delivery and installation of the finished product, invoicing and receipts, plus the artistic design and welding – Johnson has added a business partner, employees, a business manager and a building in the last year. From the structural design, staircases and rails of the newly renovated Chuck’s Marina to artwork in Auburn restaurants and new home construction around the lake, East Central Alabama features Johnson’s craftsmanship. Although he doesn’t claim to be an artist, the details of railings and the beauty of commissioned art, burglar bars and gates showcase his artistry. Johnson worked for a steel fabricator until 2007. When home and commercial construction took a dive, he decided to start his own company, fabricating steel in his two-car garage six to seven days a week for six years. At first, he relied on small jobs pushed his way from a larger company and word of mouth from builders and customers. “Taking risks and putting it all out there is what starting a new business is all about,” Johnson said. As business grew, so did his needs. A 14-wheeler could not access his home to deliver the rebar and steel he needed, so he picked up steel from Montgomery in his own truck. He eventually purchased a bigger truck to handle the supply pickup, but getting all of his equipment and the supplies into his garage became increasingly difficult. His wife Nikki and he made the decision to purchase a building on U.S. Highway 280 in September 2015. Johnson said his goal has always been to make his customers happy, and he is proud to say he has 100 percent customer satisfaction. But he does not hesitate to say that long hours of work have kept him from precious family time, and he has learned that the work will always be there. He now chooses to spend time away from the job with his wife and daughter, and this year a bit of the burden was lifted when Johnson added a partner. Ed Horton, a childhood friend who previously worked 20 years as a commercial electrician, said Johnson and he grew up on the same street in Prattville and have remained friends,
Friendship and Business so the decision to work Left: The family business designs, at Blue Creek was easy. fabricates and installs railings Horton said he was and other ornamental iron work; proud of what his friend Above top: Structural design is another specialty; Above lower had accomplished, and photo: Ronald and Nikki Johnson he wanted to help with and Ed Horton are friends and the business. business partners. Johnson’s new partner trained to learn new skills, sand blasting and powder coating, which was a natural progression for Blue Creek Iron Works since Johnson previously had to take his steel to another business for the high quality finish, and he had to wait for his work to be finished on that company’s timeline. Now, he just takes the project across the building, and the work is done on his schedule. “Moving from a job at a big company to a small one had a big risk but a greater reward. Ronald is a master at his craft, and working with him at Blue Creek is working with family,” said Horton. Horton not only powder coats for Blue Creek projects but also he prepares and coats any metal that needs to be taken to
Lake Martin Living 11
its base and then made to look new. His additional projects have included antique wrought iron furniture, wakeboards and signs. To help with the growing family business, Nikki Johnson left her job at the Dadeville clerk’s office to join the company in September. Nikki is excited about being the office manager for Blue Creek. She said she enjoys watching her husband take a project from start to finish, and she is ready to be hands-on with the business but probably not with the rebar. She said she had no idea how much math was involved in the projects – measurements in fractions and decimals – and that her husband’s plans are basically a sheet of math problems. Calculating radius, diameter, circumference, volume, area, slope and angles are all in a day’s work. “Ronald has so much artistic talent. He can take a customer’s idea and just make it happen,” Nikki said. Blue Creek Iron Works has not finished expanding; they have cleared the land behind their building and are considering the addition of a hydraulic lift service center, so they can offer the welding and other services needed for trucks with lifts. The Johnsons said when they decided to start a business, they did not test the water; they just jumped in. Their advice for entrepreneurs: “Believe in yourself. Believe you can do it. Let God take your worries.”
12 Lake Martin Living
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Wager to Win How a friendly bet could improve your game
I
From the Tee
n 1992, I was fortunate to travel to Japan individual bet against one another, and there for golf. On this unique golf trip, I found were also a lot of best ball partner bets as well. myself in a role giving golf clinics and It usually would take 30-45 minutes at the personal instruction to the managers of the end of the round to settle all of the bets we had company that sponsored me on this trip. One made. A poor player could lose a reasonable day during this trip, I was playing in a foursome amount of money. If a golfer played well, he where the other three golfers in the group spoke could win a reasonable amount of money. A nearly zero English, and I certainly couldn’t player rarely would lose or win a whole lot. speak Japanese. It was an interesting round of Regardless, it was a lot of fun with some great golf where the only English phrases that were friends. spoken were: “good shot” and “too bad.” In our area, dogfight points are quite often At the end of the round, we were all seated used in creating matches. This is a great way to Dave Jennings in the grill, and we were joined by a Japanese play because you are always in the game, even gentleman, Tac Shimamura, who served as if you hit a few bad holes. Some groups play a my interpreter throughout the trip. Tac, who game called Gammon, which is a good betting lived in California, was the younger brother of the Japanese game, but you had better know your opponents’ strong and gentleman who sponsored me on this trip. At the table, the weak points to play this game well and not lose your shirt. three men who I had played with began handing me cash, In Europe, they play a game using the Stableford Points and when I picked it up, it tallied to $250. I asked Tac why System of play. Stableford is very much like dogfight points, they were giving me this money. where the biggest difference is that a golfer can lose some Tac said, “You won the bet. You didn’t have any 3-putts.” acquired points in Stableford with a bad hole where in the I had no idea we had a bet or what the bet was, but I will dogfight system he would not. take a win whenever I can. Another fun game is Hawk, which will test a player’s grit. In 1975 and 1976, I played nearly every day in I often play golf with the golfers on the CACC Golf Team. Montgomery. I played most of my golf with a group of When playing with these good young players, I usually play approximately 16 fellows that were all good players. We from the white tees and they play from the blue or black tees. could always count on having at least a foursome during the For a team bet, so that they’re not stuck with the old man all week, and on weekends nearly all of us played. No strokes day, we will usually play a “round robin” match. In a round were ever given. On weekends, nearly everyone had an robin, after each six holes, everyone gets a new partner, and 14 Lake Martin Living
after 18 holes, everyone within the foursome has been partners for six holes. We never play for much, usually a frozen yogurt. In golf, an equitable bet can always be made, even when the players’ abilities are not all the same. When I was in my early 20s, I was playing out of town in a game with fellows I didn’t know well at all. We were playing for quite a bit of money. I played well that day and won more than $3,000. One of the fellows that played had lost $1,000 to me. After everyone had paid off, in a conversation with another one of the players I learned that this guy had recently fallen on hard times. He was behind on child support and had lost his job the previous week. I confronted this gentleman and handed $500 back to him. Whether or not he took any stock in what I told him, I suggested to him, “Take this cash. Give half of it to your ex-wife and use the rest for gas money or food and go look for another job.” Since that day, I haven’t played in a golf match where someone might lose a substantial amount of money or endanger his quality of life. I have found that I can compete just as hard in a $1 or $2 bet as I can in a $200 or $500 bet, and at the end of the round, everyone remains friends. Are these games just a menagerie of ways to gamble or wager? In my thinking, no! What these games are designed for are various means of competing fairly. Learning how to compete, develop the competitive edge and the nerve within these games can prove to be an asset in life. As far as gambling, my father taught me (and I practice and preach this today): “Do not gamble more than what you can comfortably afford to lose.” Lee Trevino professed that real pressure is gambling in a $100 bet with $2 in your pocket. That may be true, but it also could mean the threat of losing golf clubs, becoming someone’s man-servant or getting beaten up in the parking lot by people that didn’t share the same philosophy. Golf is a game that offers equal ground in competition when handicaps are applied. Handicaps are derived from an average of a player’s scores, and the handicap is in relationship to par for the course. In stroke play, a scratch handicap player should offer 10 strokes, and the twosome should have a fairly even game for the day. I personally believe that in match play, 80 percent of the handicap should be used. This would mean that on the eight toughest holes on the golf course, the
scratch golfer would give up a shot, where the higher handicap player would lay zero after his tee shot on these eight tougher holes. I am not pushing gambling games on the golf course, but I am suggesting that players compete in some manner or another during play. Through these competitions with various friends, a player can create some tremendous relationships that can last a lifetime. When playing in the same foursome week in and week out, mix up the partners, so animosity is never created amongst the various players. Create a game or look up different games on the Internet. They may spice up the group’s game next time out. Golf is a great game. Enjoy it with friends and family. Playing well is not a pre-requisite to having fun. Learn the rules and use proper etiquette. For heaven’s sake, never cheat. Let faster players and groups through on the course. Take care of the course in repairing ball marks, raking bunkers and repairing footprints on the green. Invite someone into the group. This new playing companion may end up becoming a close friend, a business associate, customer or future employer. Merry Christmas. I hope that 2017 proves to be a great year for us all. ~ Dave Jennings is the men's golf coach at Central Alabama Community College. Lake Martin Living 15
Read to Succeed Former BRHS teacher writes to help kids win at life STORY BY LONNA UPTON
F
ormer Benjamin Russell High School business teacher Linda Carter finds teenagers witty and delightful, challenging and creative, even after 20 years of teaching; however, she finds a problem with high school curriculum: Teens do not have enough lessons that teach the important character traits they need to be successful. Carter's new book, What I Need 2 Succeed: From A to Z for Teens, is her solution to that problem. When Carter began her teaching career, character education was part of the curriculum; however, through the years, she said, just teaching the material for her class left little time to teach additional material, such as character education. Adding to her desire for more character development in the curriculum, Carter found herself in search of the perfect gift to give to graduating students who served as officers in the Future Business Leaders of America organization that she sponsored. No book 16 Lake Martin Living
seemed to fit the bill. When she became a grandmother, Carter found a source of inspiration. She wanted to publish words of wisdom for her grandchildren. That idea sparked an impetus to begin writing. What I Need 2 Succeed assigns a chapter to every letter of the alphabet. Each letter represents a trait – such as honesty, kindness, optimism, problem solving, trustworthiness and vision – that could benefit students as they focus on becoming successful in business and in life. Chapter One, “Attitude,” begins with a Thomas Edison quote: “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is to try just one more time.” The quote selected for each chapter exemplifies the characteristic for which the chapter is named, and the subsequent story of the person’s character becomes the focus for that chapter. Carter selected and researched 26 men and women of good character to choose the heart of each chapter,
Linda Carter
using quotes and biographical information gleaned from her research (The bibliography at the end of the book is extensive). These biographical examples – which include Walt Disney, Amelia Earhart, Helen Keller, Thomas Edison, Ronald Reagan, Henry Ford and others – speak to Carter’s readers through their struggles and eventual successes. The author said the successful people she selected were often just ordinary individuals who met with extraordinary circumstances that propelled them into the spotlight and sometimes pushed them to move forward and away from failure. “There is always something to learn from the hurdles they faced,” Carter said. Besides pleasing her grandchildren, Carter hopes her book will offer inspiration to teenagers who may feel overwhelmed with struggles that prove difficult to overcome. “I hope the book can help teenagers be successful in life and in their careers,” she explained. Carter currently teaches business classes online. Her book was released this fall and is available at the Alabama Maker’s Market in Alexander City and at Magnolia’s in Sylacauga.
Lake Martin Living 17
Managing the
TREASURE Forest
Timber, Recreation, Environment, Aesthetics, Sustainable, Usable, Resources
18 Lake Martin Living
O
Outdoor Life
n Oct. 20, 2016, the Coosa County Forestry Planning Committee held their annual Forestry Field Day Landowner Tour at Rolling Mountain Plantation in Coosa County. The tour was hosted by the Neighbors family on their property near Hatchet Creek. This property is owned and managed by Phillip and his sister, Heather Neighbors. Both have a deep connection to the property, as it has been in the family for at least a century. Phillip and Heather received their initial education dealing with forestry and wildlife as members of their local Fletcher Scott 4-H organization, which instilled in them the desire to make the property a showcase of good stewardship by managing land to enhance the natural resources already present. With this concept in mind, the Neighbors collaborated with Forester Blake Kelley and Wildlife Biologist Joel Glover to develop a plan that would transform the property into a TREASURE (Timber, Recreation, Environment, Aesthetics, Sustainable, Usable, Resources) Forest. The plan included creating wildlife openings by thinning timber, site preparation for planting loblolly pines and prescribed burning to improve wildlife habitat and reduce fuel stores. Additionally, Sandra, Phillip’s mother, began restoring the old home place, which was built in 1843. She furnished it with period furniture, keeping the décor authentic. The Neighbors family uses two cabins to reconnect with their heritage and enjoy the natural beauty. Hatchett Creek flows through the property and provides an aquatic resource that greatly increases its value to both wildlife and humans. Their efforts paid off, as the property was awarded a TREASURE Forest designation in 2008. The Neighbors have hosted many school children through the Adopt-a-School program and have shared their property with hundreds of kids, giving them the same opportunities the Neighbors once enjoyed. As a result of this giving and sharing in abundance, Rolling Mountain Plantation was selected as the Coosa County TREASURE Forest of the Year for 2012. I looked forward to my first visit to the property. The tour consisted of five stops at selected sites where the group received instruction on a particular subject from an expert. The visitors initially gathered at the host site, where sponsors had tables set up for guests to visit, pick up information and ask questions. Four trailers carried everyone to each stop as they rotated through Rocket Net Rockets drape a net the five designated sites. This over turkey decoys to avoided congestion at each site. demonstrate how the Our first stop was entitled, “Clean research technique Up Your Understory” with Brian works in the field. Lake Martin Living 19
Walker as the instructor. Walker’s specialty is clearing property for wildlife openings or for constructing food plots. Walker uses a Caterpillar 299D for most of his work. It resembles a small dozer with a rotary cutter head up front instead of a blade. It will mulch small trees, stumps and debris left from clear cutting. We were invited to walk around a site he had just mulched. Where a young thick mass of small trees once existed, there was a soft pad of mulch scattered over the cleared surface. “One thing mulching does is preserve topsoils for replanting new trees or creating food plots” Walker explained. “This is unlike clearing with a bulldozer where your top soil is literally pushed off the site. In order to maintain the opening, after mulching the first year, use a herbicide or burn the site the following year.” Walker estimated his prices for clearing around $300 to $350, depending on the site. Walker also noted that it was important to blow the machine out thoroughly before moving it to a new site. “This is to prevent the transport of exotic plants and seeds to another location. We have to be careful with this,” Walker said. Out next stop was “Say No to Shortleaf,” by Douglass McConnell. McConnell has a Ph.D. in Forestry, Wildlife and Range Science from the University of Idaho. This demonstration showed how the size of a tree is not always an accurate estimate of its age. Shortleaf pines growing alongside Loblolly pines clearly demonstrated this concept. “How old do you think this large Loblolly pine is compared to this much smaller shortleaf?” McConnell asked. One in the group spoke up and noted the Loblolly was about 10 years old and the shortleaf was around 5 years old. 20 Lake Martin Living
Mighty Mulch “Actually the Brian Walker explains the benefits shortleaf is about of mulching to forestry landowners. twice the age of the Loblolly,” McConnell said. “The reason for this is due to the fact that shortleaf just naturally likes dry, shallow, nutrient-poor soils. This means the tree grows very slowly and doesn’t gain much mass. It is, therefore, not a tree of choice for the landowner interested in timber production. For this, the Loblolly is the favored tree.” Next up was a stop to listen to Joel Glover talk on “Where Are You? Road Signs and Property Lines.” Glover is a certified wildlife biologist, as well as a game warden employed with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) for 29 years. “Good road signage is a very important safety consideration. I remember a case where a fellow who broke his back and lay on the ground for 36 hours before rescuers got to him. This was mainly due to the fact that nobody really knew how to describe where he was,” Glover said. “I’m often told to ‘stay on the main road and turn at the big oak tree,’ which is basically useless information. “People often use local names that don’t mean anything to us. For example, I recall a story about a guide who took a hunter, new to the area, deer hunting. As they walked along that morning discussing where to place the hunter, the guide noted that right down this hollow was the Boogey Stand. The hunter replied, ‘That sounds like a good place to hunt. Just one thing,’ the hunter asked, ‘Why do you call it the Boogey Stand?’ The guide replied, ‘Well, we don’t really know who owns that property, so if you see someone coming you better boogey!’” Glover also mentioned that cell phone reception is still
sketchy, at best, in many locations around the hills and hollows prepared to be there all day long.” of Coosa County. The 30x50 foot net was placed in a field with decoy turkeys “My advice to property owners is to put signage on all used as substitutes for real turkeys. It was laid out in folds, so interior roads, as well as the exterior roads leading to the the rockets could carry it over the heads of the turkeys. In front property. And don’t forget to leave word with someone at all of the net was a pile of corn, which was used as bait. times if you are out by yourself,” Glover said. “If the turkeys are feeding on the bait, you must wait until The last stop involved Alabama Wild Turkey Research. all of them have their heads down before you fire your rockets. This project is one that is unique to Alabama and involves If not, the net could easily sever their necks,” Stephens warned. not only biologists but also leans heavily on hunter response “Once you fire your rockets, the work begins. You must have to annual surveys sent out by ADCNR. a team of workers in place to run out The responses they received, as well as and capture the birds. They are under the data obtained from their research, great stress, so care must be taken. was published in an annual report the Each bird will be placed in a box department put out called Full Fans to be transported back to the work and Sharp Spurs. station where we can fit them with Heading up this stop were Amy transmitters.” Silvano and Steve Barnett. Silvano is After his talk, everyone moved the Assistant Chief for Research in to a safe area to view the rocket the ADCNR. Through her past work net in action. A long ignition cable with the Alabama Cooperative Fish ran from the rockets to a capacitor and Wildlife Research Unit at Auburn blasting machine. Stephens asked for University, Silvano is well qualified to a volunteer to come forward and fire head up a big research project like this. the rockets. A short countdown was Barnett is the Turkey Project Leader given, and suddenly the blast was for the ADCNR. An avid turkey heard. All rockets fired simultaneously hunter, he co-authored, along with his and carried the net over the decoys. If wife, The Wild Turkey in Alabama in real turkeys were trapped, a lot of birds 2008. would have been scrambling to fly off, “Reproduction rates in wild turkey and the trapping team would have had populations are declining in most to work quickly to gather the struggling southeastern states. We think that may birds. be due to a number of factors, such as When our net demonstration ended, brood habitat, harvesting young adults the crowd was shuttled back to the and poult recruitment,” Barnett said. registration area, where a catered lunch And the Winner Is “I hope our research will help us find Bill Dark was awarded the Helene Mosley waited. Following lunch, several awards TREASURE Forest Award for 2016. answers to these and other questions were handed out, the most prestigious about this amazing wild bird.” of which was the 2016 Central Region’s Before any data can be collected, turkeys must be trapped Helene Mosley Memorial TREASURE Forest award. and fitted with transmitters, so they can be monitored. This year’s winner was Bill Dark from Coosa County. “The decline in turkey populations can only be addressed To receive this award, a landowner has to demonstrate when we have the data to support our observations. In order the completion of several carefully chosen objectives. Of to get good data, we must monitor several populations of these, education is the most important. Winners must show turkeys in various parts of the state,” Silvano explained. “This commitment to and support of activities that promote good can only be done by trapping and outfitting the turkeys with forest stewardship. transmitters, so we can track them.” Land ownership has a special meaning to those that feel a To demonstrate how the trapping is done with a rocket net, commitment to pass their property on in better shape than Ryan Shurette with the United States Forest Service introduced they received it. People have a short time to restore, enhance Ken Gruver and Leif Stephens from the United States and beautify properties. Education is the key to making sure Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services. future generations take loving care of this “borrowed” land. Stephens explained the set up. When we pass on, what we leave behind will be the legacy of “Trapping turkeys with a rocket net is part art and part our existence on this earth. science,” he said. “There are three rules for being successful at doing this. You must pre-bait your site, have plenty of ~Fletcher Scott is a retired science teacher who enjoys nature patience and persevere. Whoever is sitting in the blind must be photography and being outdoors. Lake Martin Living 21
22 Lake Martin Living
Keep the holiday fire burning safely Precautions to take for hearth and home STORY BY BETSY ILER
W
inter at last has come to Tallapoosa County, and as temperatures began to dip below freezing at night this month, friends and family have gathered around the fireplace, added candles to the décor and set out fresh greenery for seasonal celebrations. That flickering flame and the heady scent of pine boughs on the mantel or in a table centerpiece – along with a fresh-cut, decorated tree – feed the joy of the holiday, but take care that they don’t turn the Christmas dream into a nightmare, said Alexander City Fire Chief Kem Jones. “This time of year, we see fires that destroy homes and lives – often because folks just weren’t careful with decorations or didn’t take the time to properly inspect the fireplace,” Jones explained. “Taking a few precautions can make all the difference.” That tree, for example, started drying out as soon as it was cut, which might have been six weeks ago if it was purchased from a commercial lot. “Those stems are so fine that if the tree ignites, it will engulf an entire room in two minutes flat,” Jones said. “That just might be time to get everyone out of the house if they don’t stop to pick up anything on the way out. “Think about it: That tree is in a room with a lot of wood furniture that has been drying out for a long time. It will go up fast.” To minimize that danger, keep the tree – and anything flammable – at least 3 feet from the fireplace or other heat source. The Holiday Hearth “And keep water in the tree Keep packages, rugs stand. That won’t stop it from and the Christmas tree at least 3 feet from that drying out, but it will slow cozy fire. down the process,” Jones said.
“Use lights that are designed for the tree, and don’t use oversized bulbs.” After purchasing the tree, be sure to make a fresh cut on the trunk to clear away wax and sap that may have accumulated, as this buildup would block the tree from taking in water. Then, check the tree at least twice each day to replenish the water supply. When using candles, be sure to place them away from fuel sources, such as curtains, lampshades, bows, furniture and table linens. Make sure candles are stable on a non-flammable surface, and don’t leave them unattended. When leaving the room, make sure they are blown out, Jones said. One of the biggest house fire hazards at this time of year is the fireplace, she said. “Make sure to have a screen, so embers don’t pop out on the floor. That also will help to keep kids and pets from falling in, and don’t overload the andirons,” she cautioned. “Make sure the wood is below the top of the andirons.” While a roaring fire adds heat, light and ambiance, it’s important to remember that wood shifts as it burns. Logs piled above the andirons could roll out and quickly ignite a rug. “Ignite the fire with a safe material,” she added. “Don’t use gasoline or diesel fuel, even if you’re in a hurry. Use kindling, nothing with fumes. Paper works well, and use a match.” If firewood is stored inside, be sure to keep it a safe distance from the fireplace. “And keep a fire extinguisher inside the house and in easy reach of the hearth. Anything can happen,” she said. Even before lighting a fire, there are safety measures Lake Martin Living 23
that should be taken, Jones noted. Among them would be a chimney inspection. “Have the chimney inspected for cracks that may expose fire to the attic or the inside of the house. The flue needs to be solid, so smoke and heat and embers go out. Even gas logs should be inspected to make sure the pilot light is lit, and the gas line is not clogged. Sometimes, dust will stop up the jets,” Jones said. “There are experienced chimney sweeps that work in our area, and some companies that service fire extinguishers also clean or inspect chimneys.” Trent Simmons, one of the owners at Top Hat Chimney Sweep, said only 1/8 of an inch of buildup is enough to ignite a chimney fire. “A visual inspection and running a camera through the chimney system will let you see things that you wouldn’t normally be able to see if you were looking down from the top or from the bottom up,” Simmons said. “You need to be able to see the whole chimney at a 90-degree angle.” A one-time sweep of the chimney by a professional sweep usually would take between two and three hours and cost anywhere from $229 to $389, Simmons said. “They would pretty much do a sweep first, so when they run the camera up, they can see any defects or damage in the system; otherwise, debris or buildup could be covering up a crack or void,” he explained. “All systems need to be inspected annually for structural integrity, and gas systems need to be cleaned and serviced, making sure all safety features with the gas system are working properly,” he said. “The inspection doesn’t cost any more than just doing the sweeping, so it’s worth the extra time.” The best way to maintain a fireplace is to set up a routine maintenance program with a certified sweep company, Simmons suggested. That way, the inspection would take place in summer or early fall, before the season begins. Sweeps are certified for wood, pellet and gas by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, and they can be found with an online search at nficertified.org. The job also can be attempted by the homeowner or a handyman, said Jesse Sides at Lake Martin Fireplace. “I have customers who have done it themselves,” Sides said. One of those is John Glasscock of Mt. Hebron Road, who said the process took him less than an hour. 24 Lake Martin Living
Clean Up The Creosote “I had to order the brushes online because (Top photo) The buildup of creosote is responsible for I couldn’t get the size numerous chimney fires every brushes I needed year; (Above) Wood-burning fireplaces should be cleaned locally,” he said. “You and inpected for cracks and have to measure the defects annually. flue or pipe, and you need brushes that fit. Put plywood over the fireplace opening in the house.” The handles come in 5-foot lengths, and they thread together to create the length needed to clean the entire stack. “Just push down and pull up and use a vacuum cleaner to clean up the mess. Be sure to get on top of the damper,” Glasscock said. Curling up in front a fire on Christmas Eve or lighting candles on a beautiful table centerpiece are part of the fun and magic of the holidays; taking a few extra minutes to make sure those decorative displays are safe could make all the difference for a peaceful, joyous season.
FABULOUS FINDS
Willow Glynn, Cove Cottage • $1,197,000 Ready To Move In! Henderson & Coker just completed this beauty in Willow Glynn. A Mitch Ginn design includes owner’s suite, guest bedroom, bunkroom, and bonus loft room on main level. Expansive open kitchen-dining-living area with access to large covered porch. Lake level offers 2 guest suites, large family room, covered patio and bar for plenty of lake fun. Russell Lands On Lake Martin Rhonda or Emily 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com
South Ridge Harbor, Fairwinds $1,375,000 A must see David Smelcer design and Newcastle Homes is complete and ready to move in. With 4,043 sq. ft. on 3 levels, there are views from most every room. Open living-dining-kitchen, owner’s suite, guest suite and covered porch all on main level. Upper level has guest suite and bonus room. Lake level offers two guest suites, rec room, kitchenette, lake prep room, and covered patio. 2-car detached garage. Call to see this spacious plan. Russell Lands On Lake Martin Emily or Rhonda 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com
South Ridge Harbor, Stone Manor A new gem completed by Newcastle Homes! Designer David Smelcer has artfully blended natural stone and wood to create an eye-catching design offering vaulted ceiling and open floor plan with 2 Master suites on main level. Three additional guest rooms on terrace level, 2 family rooms, lake prep room, and more! $1,465,000 Tour the house, take in the views, and meet the builder. Russell Lands On Lake Martin Emily or Rhonda 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com
36 Wind Trace, Alexander City • $669,000 Come check out this attractive lake home set on a gentle slope to the lake. This 4 bedroom 3 bath home has all you need to enjoy lake living at its best. Lake Martin Realty Hugh Neighbors 256.750.5071 www.LakeMartinRealty.com
59 Toby Lane, REAL ISLAND - $395,000 Super 4 bedroom & 3.5 baths, swimming pool, boat slip, and no yard work. This like new cabin has granite counter tops, master on the main level, covered porch, and new plank wood tile flooring. Lake Martin Realty Jan Hall 256.329.6313 www.LakeMartinRealty.com
122 Lighthouse Court, Dadeville • $798,500 This is one SPECIAL Lake Martin property! Impressive outdoor spaces make this Lake Martin home one that will not last long! Decks, landscaping, views, privacy are all designed to focus on the lake. The home offers living, dining, kitchen, family eating area and 4 bedrooms with the Master and one guest on the main -one of the upper bedrooms is currently a second family room. Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 www.LakeMartinRealty.com
Lake Martin Living 25
The Next 100 Years H
orseshoe Bend National Military Park has big plans to advance community engagement, and park superintendent Barbara Tagger and park ranger Heather Tassin have made it their mission to publicize and promote the 3.1-square-mile piece of history, a hidden gem in Tallapoosa County. Sparking interest in national parks, the 100th birthday of the National Park Service was Aug. 25, 2016. People from all around the area came to Horseshoe Bend to celebrate with a cake and trivia games – free T-shirts went to the winners; however, the idea of the centennial was not so much centered on commemoration but instead, it focused on the next 100 years. The birthday marked the start of a national campaign that will strive to educate youth about the nation’s parks. The overall goal, Tassin said, is to get every kid in a park. “Find your park,” the official campaign slogan, invites 26 Lake Martin Living
American citizens to be more knowledgeable about the park service. As a part of the campaign, Horseshoe Bend hosted School Days for fourth grade students of Clay, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Chambers and Randolph counties. About 1,000 kids rotated between several 20-minute stations for the event. They played stickball, watched the canon fire and observed the carving of the now-finished traditional tribal canoe, among other activities the park offered. It was easy for students to be interested in the park’s history, since the Battle of Horseshoe Bend is part of the fourth grade curriculum. The event was held on the last Thursday and Friday of March, corresponding to the anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend – March 27, 1814. The park was open to the public the following Saturday, and despite rain, 1,500 people turned out for it.
Games the Creeks Played
STORY BY EMILY ESLECK PHOTOS COURTESY OF HORSESHOE BEND NATIONAL MILITARY PARK
“It was a success for us. We had a great, positive response from the teachers,” Tagger said. “They really, really enjoyed the way we had organized it, and they saw that the students got a lot out of it. They learned a lot themselves, and it was very interactive for the students.” In preparation for School Days, Tassin asked for a grant from the National Park Foundation. Through the centennial campaign, Horseshoe Bend received the allocation and funded the transportation for the schools. They also provided 200 pizzas for lunch. “We saw pizzas coming out of our eyeballs,” Tagger said with a laugh. To continue the education initiative, Tassin and Tagger plan to have School Days again in 2017. They also hope to include Alexander City Schools and the rest of Randolph County schools. “We found that a lot of the students had never been to a
national park before, and it’s right here in our backyard,” Tagger said. Looking forward, the park is diversifying their programs, so they will attract people with different interests. Horseshoe Bend started a birding program last year and an astronomy program in October 2016. Tassin said they would continue these programs in 2017. “It’s a challenge in some ways because people don’t want to come see the same thing all the time, and I get that because I wouldn’t want to do that, and I run the park,” she said. A part of the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail, Horseshoe Bend National Military Park provides three to four bird walks per year. In addition, the new astronomy program was a great success with 60 eager stargazers coming out to see the moon, constellations and Saturn, which was visible that night. Tassin also said they are incorporating more natural resources into the programs they offer, as well as developing more cultural programs and working with local tribes to create demonstrations for visitors. The 25-mile Harold Banks Canoe Trail, developed in July 2015, attracts outdoor lovers to the park, and programs revolving around the trail and how it relates to the history of Horseshoe Bend are in the making. The park also conducts outreach programs and partners Lake Martin Living 27 Visitors to the park engage in a game of stickball, much as Creek children played on these same grounds more than 200 years ago.
Park Purpose
Top: The park hosts birdwatching walks several times a year; Left: Fourth graders find seats a safe distance from reenactors who prepare to fire the park's cannon; Bottom: School children are put through the paces of new recruits in the Tennessee militia.
with state parks, such as Wind Creek State Park. Tagger said going out into communities and speaking to groups generates public interest, which drives people to come see the park. There are many Girl Scout and Boy Scout groups around the area, so Tassin said they want to add programs with activities, such as tree identification. Each activity would correspond to a merit badge the Scouts could earn. On Dec. 3, 2016, the park hosted an open house and evening luminary event focused on the National Historic Preservation Act, since it was the legislature’s 50th anniversary. The program highlighted local buildings and treasured places that are on the national register. Visitors drove through the lighted park and learned more about historic hotspots that are important in the area. The history museum exhibits in the lobby and theater area also will soon undergo renovation to make them more interactive for families. The reconstruction of the exhibits would expand the telling of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend to include more of the history before and after the war. Known for the history of the battle itself, the park will add an African-American perspective and cultural sources, such as the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Through program additions and the park service’s education push, Horseshoe Bend National Military Park hopes to attract more and more visitors in the coming year. For more information about park activities, visit the website at www.nps.gov/hobe. Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is located at 11288 Horseshoe Bend Rd. in Daviston. Contact the park at 256234-7111. 28 Lake Martin Living
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W
hen Millennials come home for the holidays copy of his credit report. The mortgage company would pull this year, they’ll have lots of news to share with the report, but it might help the process if he knew what was their families – news about those great jobs on it before starting the process. If the report contained an they landed out of college, the friends they’ve made and error, it would be much easier to fix it before finding a house; new relationships. They may also have new ideas about the rather than dealing with it when trying to close on the loan. future, and often will seek advice from their family members The purchase agreement sets the amount of the offer and about managing finances. usually includes extra details, such as which appliances stay, This often is the time when they see the value in the who would pay closing costs and when possession of the tax deduction for mortgagors and wonder if it’s time to house would be given. The seller (or selling agent) will have purchase their first homes. What do they need the homebuyer sign the purchase agreement and to know? offer “earnest money.” As first-time homebuyers, they would need Earnest money is a deposit that signifies a an accurate idea of how much money they buyer is serious about the offer to purchase the could borrow for their new homes and, most home; it’s usually 3 percent of the asking price importantly, how much they could afford. and is applied as part of the down payment or Sometimes, those two aren’t exactly the same. other closing costs. Earnest money is paid via Affordability should be the metric for a check that the homebuyer’s agent holds onto deciding how much of the purchase price until the offer has been accepted. should be included in a mortgage. One of Title companies could also prepare a purchase the realities of first-time home buying is the agreement. If a buyer chooses not to work with a frustration of finding that perfect home only to realtor, he should seek the advice of an attorney discover that it doesn’t fit the budget, so a young to help him prepare the documents. first-time homebuyer would need to know In the approval process, a good mortgage Kay Thomas what she could afford in payments. A mortgage banker would ask numerous questions about the banker could help with this. buyer’s specific financial needs so that the banker Often, a mortgage lender will tell a potential could match him with the best mortgage. buyer that he is “pre-qualified” for a loan. This could be The mortgage that is best for a buyer would depend on confusing for first-time homebuyers, who might think the buyer’s current financial situation; whether or not that they would qualify for that amount. Not likely. With presituation would be expected to change in the next few years; qualification, little to no information about finances is how long he would expect to stay in the home; and whether verified, and pre-qualified amounts can vary widely from the income level is steady or fluctuating. the amount for which a buyer actually qualifies or even can Almost always, a buyer would need to produce W-2 afford. forms, pay stubs, bank/asset statements and tax returns to What the first-time buyer really needs is a “pre-approval” verify income and risk factors. in which more information, including credit and other The most important thing to remember is that the factors, is checked. This would give a buyer a better idea homebuyer should do his homework and be prepared for of how much he could afford for his first home. With a the process. His best friends are his realtor and mortgage pre-approval, he would be in a better position to negotiate broker. Their goal is to make sure that he finds the right because the seller would know that the offer was more solid, house and the right mortgage. and the homebuyer could avoid wasting time looking at homes outside of his price range. ~ Contact Kay Thomas at Thomas Mortgage, 124 Calhoun A first-time homebuyer may want to obtain and review a St., Alexander City AL 35010 or call 256-329-0003.
MONEY MATTERS
Lay the ground work for buying that first home 30 Lake Martin Living
Annual Tree of Lights funds Medical Auxiliary
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Medical News
e are proud to recognize Dimo understand pregnancy and the birthing Popov, M.D., and the team at process. Baby Boot Camp is taught by Labor Russell Medical for receiving a and Delivery nurse, Jennifer Shurette, R.N., five-star rating from Medicare. The “Dialysis and provides in-depth information covering Facility Compare (DFC) Star Program” is a a range of topics related to labor, delivery, rating system developed by Medicare that breastfeeding and newborn care. A complete assigns between one and five stars to dialysis tour of our spacious LDR birthing suites and facilities by comparing the health of the nursery is also included. patients in their clinics to the patients in This course will be held on Saturday, Jan. other dialysis facilities across the country. 7, in the Russell Medical Community Room The program is intended to help patients find from 8 a.m. until noon. This class is ideal for and compare dialysis facilities in local areas. first-time parents. Don’t miss out; register Each dialysis center is graded on nine today by calling Community Relations at Susan Foy separate health statistics. In addition, each 256-329-7145. facility is ranked compared to the others ‘Tis the season for giving. Each year, nationwide. the Russell Medical Auxiliary raises “I am very proud of the hard work funds for special projects through my team has done to achieve this the Holiday Tree of Lights. With honor,” said Cassey Hear, BSN, RN, a gift of $5 or more, a light is Clinical Manager at the Dialysis placed on the Tree of Lights, Facility. which is located in the hospital And with 2017 right around lobby, in honor or memory of the corner, Russell Medical a special person. That person’s looks forward to unveiling new name would appear on the Tree imaging technology in January. of Lights and in the Book of The Revolution CT scanner was Honor prominently displayed next recently installed and will provide to the tree. The person honored or uncompromised image quality and the family of the person memorialized clinical capabilities across all of our clinical would receive a notification of the areas. The Revolution CT scanner is designed thoughtful gift during the holiday season. from the ground up to meet the needs of all patients Tree lights make special teacher appreciation gifts or by providing leading technologies for whole organ a unique way of honoring a new baby. To purchase a coverage, image quality and speed, which reduces the light, please contact Janet Gilliland, Volunteer Services effect of breathing and other motion. Coordinator at 256-329-7177. Russell Medical performs high definition CT scans At Russell Medical, Christmas is a season of giving, that acquire high quality images using lower doses of loving and celebrating those who are dear. We extend radiation. This new 256-slice CT scanner reconstructs our heartfelt thanks to you, our friends, for allowing 512 slices through a unique image chain hardware and us to take care of your healthcare needs. May you have next generation ASiR-V technology. the gladness of Christmas, which is hope; the spirit of We are proud to offer this cutting edge technology as Christmas, which is peace; and the heart of Christmas, an addition to the imaging modalities in our Radiology which is love. Department. Healthy holidays from your friends at RMC! Russell Medical also is excited to offer a one-day Baby Boot Camp class. This four-hour childbirth ~ Susan Foy is marketing director for Russell Medical. course is designed for busy couples to help them better Lake Martin Living 31
Holiday Dinner Herbs for the Type 2 Diabetic
A
Happy Garden
t Thanksgiving, my side of the is native to India and is regarded as one family watched the contents of of the most important plants used in every dish that was prepared. Ayurveda medicine. Also known as “tulsi,” We have four adults and three children Holy Basil has a pleasant aroma and is with type 2 diabetes. The mothers read available in both red and green varieties, every label for sugar content and asked including Kapoor, Amrita, Rama and us to put candy out of sight. In place Krishna. It grows abundantly around of candy, we offered unsalted nuts and Hindu temples, and although it is native to fresh fruit. And we paid particular India, it is now widely grown throughout attention to desserts. the world. The plant is hairy with multiple Diabetes came up in our branches and small, tender leaves. The conversations, and everyone’s A1C leaves and stems are used medicinally. was compared. I wondered what herbs The leaves of the Holy Basil plant could be added to our meals and contain essential oils that yield methyl consulted the herb library for herbal eugenol and caryophyllene, and they also Fred Muenzmay remedies for diabetics. yield other substances, such as ursolic acid A number of plants, including Holy and apigenin. Researchers have theorized Basil and Fenugreek, have been used to control nonthat the leaves of this plant may improve pancreatic insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes for as long as beta cell function and thus enhance insulin secretion. plants have been included in written history. These Research supports the herb’s benefits to type 2 plants help maintain healthy blood sugar levels diabetics. Studies indicate mean fasting by inhibiting absorption of glucose after meals, blood glucose could be 21 milligrams increasing the efficiency of insulin receptors or per deciliter lower after 30 days use reducing blood glucose levels. with no adverse effects. Anyone taking pharmaceuticals to lower blood Holy Basil primarily has been used sugar will need to use caution when also using the to treat asthma, heart problems, garden as a medicine cabinet. Most of the plants arthritis, respiratory infections and that demonstrate hypoglycemic abilities (the ability stress. to lower blood sugar levels) are powerful enough to Holy basil varieties – except increase the effectiveness of prescribed medications. Kapoor – grow best in full sun It is always a good practice to touch base with a and are annuals in temperate medical professional before making dietary changes. climates. Kapoor, a perennial, Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum, or tenuiflorum) could self-seed. Cover seeds 32 Lake Martin Living
with a layer of fine soil after threat of frost is gone. Holy Basil will bush out if pinched, so the more that is eaten, the more that is produced. This herb also makes excellent tea. Fenugreek (trigonella foenum-graecum) is another herb that has a good track record for lowering the amount of glucose that enters the digestive system after a meal. Aromatic Fenugreek has long been used to treat diabetes, and its abilities are recognized by numerous clinical trials. A member of the bean family, it can be used as a cover crop, increasing the nitrogen content of the soil. Grow Fenugreek in full sun in well-drained, slightly acid soil. This plant is best grown indoors from seed four to six weeks before the last frost. It is best grown in containers. Dried Fenugreek seeds can be chewed or cooked. Some recent studies show that it is most effective at lowering blood sugar when made into a tea. For best results, consume
Fenugreek seeds two or three times a day. The Complete Book of Essential Oils by Valerie Ann Worword provided some technical information used in this article, as well as Mother Earth. ~ 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 25 years. Contact him at fmuenzmay@earthlink.net.
Lake Martin Living 33
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The Little Drummer Boy Faith Christian Academy December 1, 2016 Alexander City 1. Billy Waldrep and Jaxson 2. John and Ellen Philips 3. Dale and Debra Barker and Amanda O’Hare 4. Shelby Patterson and David Easterwood 5. Chad Gilliand, Danah Dark and Melissa and Wesley Jones 6. Nicole Deas and Dave Gallew 7. Coy and Katie Dark 8. Todd Betts and Mike Waters 9. Sandra Stark and Vickie Waters 34 Lake Martin Living
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Main Street Open House November 13, 2016 Alexander City 1. Serenity Grace Wright 2. Cole Walker 3. Keith Garrett (aka shoemaker Hans Lumpert) 4. Billie Grothe 5. Amanda Williams and Doni Dye 6. Joanne Frazier and Sandra Mae Mellott 7. Libby and John Forrester 8. Santa Claus Lake Martin Living 35
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Lighthouse Celebration November 30, 2016 Dadeville Elementary School 1. Amy Taylor, Joy Patterson and Crystal Greer 2. Chris and Robin Landrum 3. Diane Hill and Belinda Siggers 4. Jennifer Stroud and Derick and Ginger Robinson 5. Autumn Hayden and Tommy and Sylvia Howze 6. Juanita Woody and Katrina Golatte 7. Darlene Hartley, Amanda Bevels and Roxy Ragsdane 8. Ashley Stroud, Deambrah Moore, Jessica and Audie Tapley and Leticia Boyd-Walton 36 Lake Martin Living
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Denim & Diamonds November 18, 2016 Lake Martin Event Center 1. Chris Kizziah, John and Sandra Carlisle,
Ron and Patricia Sanford and Mickey Tapley 2. Ed and Marge Shikoski 3. Kevin Henderson and Sue Hunt 4. Steve and Sharon Fuller 5. Brad and Marian Plata, Donna and Andy Moore and Donnie and Karla Teel
Lake Martin Living 37
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BRHS Choral Concert December 6, 2016 BRHS Auditorium 1. Kierra Minnifield and Tamyya Samuele 2. Alexis McCain, Victoria Tucker, Shannah McCloud, Damia Cleveland and Heather Blackburn 3. Hanna Norris and Kailey Pennington 4. Janice Boone
5. Ramona Thornton and Annette Smith 6. Lauren Tidwell and Nicole Easterwood 7. Ashanti and Rhonda Zeigler and Earl Moore III 38 Lake Martin Living
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Jim Pearson Santa Dance December 6, 2016 Jim Pearson Elementary School Alexander City 1. Bentley James and Kelli Stephens 2. Brody and Henley Bice 3. Cannon Gregg and Jaylon McNeal 4. Tyler Taunton and Zander Cumbie 5. Austin Cunningham and Cobee Holley 6. Bryce Rich 7. Madison Moncrief 8. Kailynn Lett, Cameron Shores, Madison Drozinski and Izabella Bowen
Lake Martin Living 39
THE LAKE REGION
Calendar FEATURED EVENT
Shiverin’ Timbers! McCraney-Sottle Arts Council Jan. 14 will present The Missoula Children’s Theatre production of Treasure Island, an original adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s epic novel, at 5:30 p.m. at the Tallassee High School Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. The play follows young Jim Hawkins and his friends as they sail a dangerous sea of adventure with Long John Silver and his pirate band. A mischievous lad, young Hawkins lives with his mother and six sisters in a seaside village on the coast of Maine during the last days of the American War for Independence in the year 1782. Longing for adventure, Hawkins comes under the hypnotic spell of the legendary pirate. While waiting tables, Hawkins finds a treasure map. Along with his ruffian friends, he bids farewell to the village and his parents to serve as a cabin boy for Silver and his hilarious (but unsavory) band. Stevenson wrote this tale of buccaneers and buried gold in the 19th century as a coming-of-age story for boys. Chapters of the story appeared in Young Folks magazine, a children's publication, between 1881 and 1882, and the book was first published in 1883. Missoula Children’s Theater was founded 1988 and since then has hosted more than 1.3 million guests. For tickets to this lively and fun play, call Mona Mills at 334-201-4892. 40 Lake Martin Living
LAKE REGION EVENTS Now thru Jan. 20
America the Beautiful Exhibit
Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery proudly presents this photographic celebration of America’s places, faces and activities, featuring the works of several local photographers. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 408 S. Main St., Wetumpka. For information, visit thekelly.org or email thekelly36092@gmail.com.
Dec. 19-22
Alabama Wildlife Federation Movies
The Alabama Wildlife Federation will show a movie each hour from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Enjoy Planet Earth-Deep Ocean, or An Original Duckumentary. The Alabama Nature Center is located at 3050 Lanark Road in Millbrook. Visit alabamawildlife.org.
Dec. 27-29, 31
Alabama Wildlife Federation Movies
The Alabama Wildlife Federation will show a movie each hour from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. This week enjoy An Original DUCKumentary, which will last 60 minutes. Ducks are true originals. There are more than 120 different species of ducks in all, a fantastical group of complex characters. Ducks have a talent for survival, and life stories filled with personality and charm. The Alabama Nature Center is located at 3050 Lanark Road in Millbrook. Visit alabamawildlife.org.
Dec. 27
Alabama Wildlife Federation Naturalist Hikes
variety of tunes from all genres. Then, at 11:59 p.m., the countdown will begin for the midnight Meteor Strike and Fireworks, sponsored by Wind Creek Wetumpka, to start the New Year with a bang.
Jan. 7
Wind Creek Bass Trail Fishing Tournament
This team points tournament series for black bass is designed for the competitive angler. Entry fee is $130 per boat and includes $10 for the big fish pot, $10 for the average Joe and $10 to the classic fund for May 6, 2017. One place will be paid for every seven boats entered. No membership fee and no pro status restrictions. Supply your own partner and boat. Visit www.ogstournamenttrails.com or call 256329-0832 for details.
Jan. 17
Artist Association of Central Alabama
The Artist Association will meet Jan. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Alexander City First Baptist Church.
Jan. 17
Mend Thy Every Flaw
Wetumpka’s Barry Chrietzberg will lead a demonstration on digital photography at this month’s Tuesdays with Kelly program at noon in the second floor Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery at 408 S. Main St., Wetumpka. Beverages and desserts will be provided. For information, visit thekelly. org or email thekelly36092@gmail.com.
Feb. 4
8th Annual Millbrook Mardi Gras Run
From 10 a.m. until noon, hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an experienced ANC naturalist by your side. Learn how to identify birds, plants and animals, splash through the creek or catch insects in the meadow. General admission applies. NaturePlex General Admission: $5 per person with a $20 maximum per family. AWF is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. Visit alabamawildlife.org.
Register online at active.com for this 1-mile, 5K and 8K race to benefit the missions work at First United Methodist Church in Millbrook. Early registration is $30. Race day registration and bag pick up is 6:30 a.m. The 5K and 8K races start at 8:30 a.m., and the 1-mile starts at 9:45 at Grandview YMCA on Grandview Road.
Dec. 31
2017 Miss Winter Pageant
New Year’s Eve at Copper’s Grill
Celebrate the New Year at Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. DJ entertainment by Marky Mark and Friends, all inclusive dinner priced at $60 for members, $75 for non-members. Limited seating. Call 256-373-3536 for reservations.
Dec. 31
Wetumpka New Year’s Eve Celebration
Shower in the New Year with the Strike of Wetumpka’s Meteor! The celebration will begin with POW/MIA recognition at the Old Elmore County Courthouse. At 9:30 p.m., behind the Wetumpka Civic Center, Shawn Singleton with DJG Entertainment will entertain the crowd with a
Feb. 11
The 2017 Miss Winter Pageant will be held on Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Dadeville High School auditorium. Rehearsals will take place Friday, Feb. 10, at 5 p.m. Applications may be picked up at Little Lambs and Ivy Day School or by emailing Sherri Williams at misswinterpageant@gmail. com. There will be a Baby Miss, Tiny Miss, Little Miss, Junior Miss, Teen Miss, Miss, Elite Miss and Miss Winter Princess.
Feb. 11
Critter Crawl
This 5K trail event includes a 1-mile fun run and music, food, vendors and even a costume contest with prizes for Lake Martin Living 41
the winners. Shirts are guaranteed for participants registering before Jan. 30. Early registration is $25 for the 5K and $20 for the 1-mile. No pets, please. Race packets available for pick up Feb. 10 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at ANC in Millbrook. The 5K starts at 9 a.m., and the 1-mile race starts at 10 a.m.; start and finish at the ANC Natureplex. Register at active. com. For information, visit www. alabamawildlife.org or call 334-2854550.
Feb. 25
Russell Forest Run
Help to support local education through the annual 5K and 10K Russell Forest Run at Russell Crossroads. There will be prizes for age categories and the famous grits bar and beverages at the post-race party at The Stables. Register at active.com. For information, call Robert Gunn at 256-397-1019.
Feb. 18
Russell Medical Foundation Gala
Save the date for this black-tie event to be held at Willow Point Golf and Country Club, and look for more information on this page next month or contact Tammy Jackson at 256-2157459.
Season-Long Events Art Association of Central Alabama
Meet at 10:30 a.m. at Lake Martin Area United Way the third Thursday of each month. Artistic technique in painting, drawing and other arts taught at each meeting. For information, call Martha McKnight 256-825-6503 or Jerri Hallmark 256825-0595.
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) and enjoy an afternoon of fun at the library. Participants should be picked up by 4:30 p.m. For information, call 256-329-6796.
Red Flag Pest Control We’re Celebrating our 10th Anniversary, Thanks to our Great Customers.
Has your home been inspected lately?
Serving Central Alabama 256.825.0430 9856 Hwy. 280, Jackson’s Gap 1.888.943.0353 42 Lake Martin Living
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 334-8572008 for more information.
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 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 256-3298724.
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.
Amateur Radio Club
The Lake Martin Area Amateur Radio Club meets the second Thursday of every month at the Alexander City Church of Christ with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. Interested persons may contact the Club President Tim Mayfield at 256-3291172 or Secretary John Philips at 256212-4063.
$20 on the 20th
The Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce is asking our community to "Spend $20 on the 20th" of each month to help our local economy.
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INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE
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MySumme rVi l l a ge.com
Lake Martin Living 43
9
Goldville 280
Goodwater To Sylacauga
Legend
TALLAPOOSA COUNTY
63
New Site
Public Boat Ramps 22
280
Churches
38
Camps & Parks
Timbergut Landing
9
32
Power lines
280
27
U.S. Highways County Roads
20
Alexander City
6
22
36
18
Rockford
Flint Hill Church
Camp ASCCA
Alex City Boat Ramp
34
3
49
128
22
COOSA COUNTY
Wind Creek 63 State Park
Horsesh Nation
Jaybird Landing
35
28
Piney Woods Landing
Jacksons Gap
Pleasant Grove Church
11
9
Mt. Zion Church Russell Farms Baptist Church Friendship Church New Hope Church
259
Bethel Church
D.A.R.E. Park Landing
31 57
37
5
Smith Landing
Willow Point
Seman
4 Camp Kiwanis
17 1 Children’s Harbor
Trillium
The Amp
9
33 43
80
16
Church of the Living Waters
The Ridge
Church in The Pines
22
29
14
Camp Alamisco
Kowaliga Boat Landing 55
Pleasant Ridge Church
34
10 63 26 11
9
Equality
231
25
12
Liberty Church
20
24
Dadev
280
Ko
wa
2
lig
13
Union Landing
aB
ay
Lake Martin 23 Baptist Church 24
15
Stillwaters
30 8
7
41
Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church
39 40
Walnut Hill
Union
90
50
Central
Red Hill
21 63
Union Church
Refuge Church 229
49
Eclectic Santuck Kent
Reeltown
231
14
ELMORE COUNTY
120
14
42 14
Lake Martin Region Wetumpka
44 Lake Martin Living
Tallassee 229
MACO COUNT
Marinas
Daviston
1 Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111 255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 2 The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300 450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
22
33. River North Marina 256-397-1500 250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 4 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741 2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026 5 Smith Marina 256-444-8793 1590 Pine Point Road, Alex City, AL 35010
hoe Bend nal Park
6 Alex City Marine Sales and Service 256-215-3474 2190 Cherokee Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 7 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
CHAMBERS COUNTY
ville
ON TY
50
Camp Hill
8 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550 486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026
35 Hilltop Landscaping Brian Fuller 256-397-4457 • Eric Brown 256-397-2811 256-329-1901 • 1516 Tallapoosa St., Alex City, AL 35010
39 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440 6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
22 Lake Martin Mini Mall 334-857-3900 7995 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 23 Lakeside Mercantile 334-850-6357 8246 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853
85 81
Hotels & Lodges
16 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035 295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
21 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132 1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
Notasulga
37 Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt@ Smith's Marina 256-444-8793 1590 Pine Point Road, Alex City, AL 35010 38 Cherokee Bend Bed & Breakfast 877-760-7854 5833 Hwy 22 E, Alex City, AL 35010
20 Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567 1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010
14
36 Foshee What's, LLC 256-234-3298 2802 Dadeville Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
15 Truman's Seafood & Catfish 334-567-3156 8185 Central Plank, Santuck, AL
19 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036 230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850
Loachapoka
31 Centry 21 Lake Area Realty 256-825-4800 440 N Broadnax St., Dadeville, AL 36853 32 Ballard Truss INC 256-234-4511 915 Pankersley Rd., Kellyton, AL 35089
11 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070 17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
18 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481 5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, Al 35010
LEE COUNTY
30 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133 6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853
34 Bodyworks Massage & Spa 256-395-0442 282 Dadeville Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
Business & Shopping
19
29 Kowaliga Whole Health & Pet Care Resort 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
Restaurants
14 Oskar's Cafe 6684 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
50
28 McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583 1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010
10 SpringHouse 256-215-7080 12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
13 Harbor Docks Restaurant at Anchor Bay Marina 334-639-4723 2001 Castaway Island Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
Waverly
27 Dark Insurance 256-234-5026 www.darkinsuranceagency.com 410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010
33 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454 8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
12 Homeplate Cafe 256-825-0583 191 East South St., Dadeville, AL 36853
280
26 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333 111 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
24 EastLake Coffee @ Lakeside Mercantile 334-850-6357 8246 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 25 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256 350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853
40 Creekside Event Center 256-307-1441 7051 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
Churches 41 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820 8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 42 Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 334-252-8618 2602 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078
Dock Builders 43 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443 180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map, for as little as $25 call 256-234-4281. Space is limited.
Lake Martin Living 45
You do the dreaming, We’ll do the rest.
385 East LaFayette Street Dadeville, AL 36853 (256) 825-9244
Only Minutes from Lake Martin and Alex City!
A Rustic-themed inn minutes from Lake Martin. Guests enjoy: • Professionally designed suites • Chef inspired menu • Limousine Rental Book your event today! • Holiday parties • Showers • Bridge club • Prayer meetings • Weddings You name it and we will accommodate!
All Private Suites with Private Bathroom & Shower (256) 596-4017 5833 Hwy 22 E, Alexander City, AL 35010 www.cherokeebendbb.com
New Gym for Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy
In-House Nurse Practitioner & 40” Flat Screen TV’s
We Touch the Lives of the People You Love 46 Lake Martin Living PM16_DadeRehabHalfPg_Mag3.indd 1
5/18/16 3:58 PM
BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
Tis the Season for Giving and Receiving! Lake Martin Living 47
DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE OF LAKE MARTIN LIVING! Subscribe today or visit one of our local establishments each month for a free copy. ALEXANDER CITY
Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Que Campus of CACC Carlisle's Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine’s Market Chamber Of Commerce Cherokee Quick stop Citgo Cloud Nine Collegiate Deli Comfort Inn Dark Insurance Darwin Dobbs Days Inn Discount Food Mart Emporium Wine Grace’s Flowers Hampton Inn Holley’s Home Furnishings Hometown Pharmacy Jackson Drugs Jake’s JR’s Sports Bar & Grill Koon’s Korner Koon’s Korner II Lake Martin Building Supply Lakewinds Golf Club Larry’s General Store Little Black Dress
48 Lake Martin Living
Longleaf Antiques Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast Queen’s Attic Regions Bank Ridge - Clubhouse Ridge - Marina River North Marina Riverbend Store Russell Home Décor Russell Medical Center Russell Lands Russell Retail Store Satterfield, Inc Senior Nutrition~50+ Center Sho’ Nuff Restaurant Springhouse Restaurant T.C. Russell Airport Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc The Medicine Shoppe The Sure Shot USAmeribank Warren's Appliance Parts Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon
DADEVILLE
American Watersports Bay Pine Marina
City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center Foodland Foshee Boat Dock Homeplate Restaurant Harbor Pointe Marina Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Community Hospital Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy Lakeside Marina Niffer's At The Lake Oskar's Cafe Payne Furniture Pearson’s Place Poplar Dawgs Public Library Pug's Place PNC Bank Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 USAmeribank
ECLECTIC
Children’s Harbor Cotton’s BBQ Eclectic Do-It Center Johnson’s Furniture Kowaliga Marina
Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store Peoples Bank
EQUALITY
Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star
KELLYTON
Five Star Plantation
RED HILL Citgo
TALLASSEE
Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce The Tallassee Tribune
WALNUT HILL
Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery
WETUMPKA
The Wetumpka Herald A limited number of magazines are available at these locations. To be sure a copy is reserved for you, call David Kendrick at 256-2344281 to start your subscription.
AD INDEX A&M Plumbing.................................................................................................................. 6
Kelley’s Heating & Air....................................................................................................4 7
Alex City Marine..............................................................................................................1 7
Lagasse Construction Inc............................................................................................4 6
Bob Alexander Landscaping........................................................................................ 8
Lake Martin Community Hospital.............................................................................. 3
Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation................................................................................. 6
Lake Martin Dock...........................................................................................................1 7
Buttons & Bows Boutique...........................................................................................2 9
Lake Martin Mini Mall...................................................................................................1 3
C&C Wood Products......................................................................................................4 3
Lou Belle's Boutique......................................................................................................2 9
C&T Electric.......................................................................................................................2 3
Millstone Nursery............................................................................................................. 6
Cherokee Bend Bed & Breakfast...............................................................................4 3
Odie's Deli.........................................................................................................................2 9
DAVCO Development...................................................................................................4 7
Prime Management.......................................................................................................4 6
Designs by Trish................................................................................................................ 6
Radney Funeral Home.................................................................................................... 8
Diane Naler, CPA.............................................................................................................2 6
Red Flag Pest Control...................................................................................................... 7
Fermenter's Market........................................................................................................2 9
Russell Lands....................................................................................................................5 1
Four Seasons Irrigation................................................................................................4 7
Russell Medical................................................................................................................5 2
George Hardy, D.M.D...................................................................................................... 6
Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................................................. 5
Good Ole Boys BBQ.......................................................................................................2 9
Southern Sash.................................................................................................................1 2
Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance............................................................................ 4 7
Summer Village...............................................................................................................4 3
Home Place Mortgage.............................................................................................................5
Sylacauga Country Club..............................................................................................2 9
Jackson Thornton......................................................................................................... 1 2
Tallassee Community Hospital..................................................................................4 9
Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art............................................................................... 2
Troy Cable........................................................................................................................... 8
Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance..........................................................................................4 7
The Swing Bed Program AT COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
805 Friendship Road Tallassee, AL 36078 (334) 283-6541 www.chal.org
Community Skilled Care and Rehab Helping Patients Transition from Hospital to Home When Rehabilitative Care is Needed.
Why Choose Community Skilled Care and Rehab?
• Generalized weakness • IV medication therapy • Recovery following an accident • Rehabilitation following surgery, stroke, or heart attack. • Rehabilitation following acute care inpatient hospital stay
• Low patient to nurse ratio • 24-hour physician in-house • Dietary, nutritional, and social services • Team approach to recovery & discharge • Coordinated & planned activities program • Nursing care provided by experienced RNs and LPNs • Physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapy
For more information call: (334) 283-3848 or E-mail: bnelson@chal.org
Community Skilled Care and Rehab A division of
Community Hospital Lake Martin Living 49
Yes, Sir!
Looking for a little respect
I
The Last Word
f you read this column (and I know them say “sir” could be construed that you do!), you know I have three way I suppose, but try to overlook that. children (Walker, Mary Sanford and I really believe that if they inject this Truitt) who live in Ohio. That’s crucial mild form of courteousness to their info to the rest of the story. conversation, people will remember them Overall, I guess Alabama and Ohio for it in a truly positive way. aren’t that much different. They both In the North’s defense, I will say begin and end with vowels. They both that this past summer my French love football. I am acquainted with State cousins thought that when my children Troopers in both. responded with “sir” to me that it was However, I have noticed a stark cruel and over the top; old-fashioned at difference in what we Southerners best and austerely medieval at worst. Luke Robinson consider an elemental part of growing Is it though? Is it so awful to ask kids up: Teaching our children to say “sir” and to give adults that small amount of “ma’am.” respectful recognition? Not all grownups deserve It’s not an important way to address elders up the respect, I grant you that, but what harm comes there. Northerners just don’t do it, y’all! (They also from the act of saying those pleasantries? don’t say “y’all”, but that’s an article for another Parents seemingly have to deal with zoned-out day.) drones instead of children all day now. Laptops and It’s a constant struggle with the kids and me since Disney Channels and iPods and text messages and I don’t have them but for a few weeks at a time with Pokemons and Playstations; it’s a distracted world several months in between. Our conversations are we all raise children in now. (To be fair, I stay pretty inevitably like this example below up to 10 times a distracted myself with a lot of items on that list). day: Adults deal with a lot when it comes to the youth. Me: Hey, kids, would y’all like to go to JR’s for So why not ask kids to show just a small bit of dinner? admiration? Kids: Yeah. Look, I am no perfect parent. I once let one of Me: Excuse me? my kids sip on a 5 Hour Energy before a night game Kids: We said, “Yeah!” between Alabama and Tennessee because he was Me: Excuse me!?! getting tired. He was 6 years old. (Calm yourself; he Kids (all weakly and defeated): Yessir. didn’t drink the whole thing. Just enough to return This back and forth literally goes on the entire two kickoffs for touchdowns that night.) time we are together. My wife and I desperately try The point is, I mess up a lot. And while making to ingrain into their little minds that it is respectful my kids say “sir” and ma’am” won’t make up for and courteous to use “sir” and “ma’am.” all of my parenting faults, it will, occasionally, put In fact, I have said “excuse me” or “what” so often a smile on an adult’s face when my kids use those after each of their answers that even when they do terms. luck up and throw me a bone with the random “sir,” Then – hopefully – Walker, Truitt and Mary I still say “excuse me” or “what” just out of habit. Sanford would be remembered for the right reasons I even do it to other kids now, like some sort of when they meet people. reflex. Some of these kids I don’t even know, man! I swear my request for their being (what I ~ Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native who consider) polite isn’t about me. This isn’t about my also writes a weekly column for The Alexander City exerting some power over them, though making Outlook. 50 Lake Martin Living
The Ridge is where lake and life truly meet. Whether you’re looking for a new getaway in the most pristine homes and homesites available in South Ridge Harbor, a rustic-modern design in Russell Cabins, or a classic farmhouse-style home in Ridge Run, The Ridge offers all this and more. The Ridge residents have access to an array of amenities, including The Ridge Marina, Beach Park, and The Ridge Club, a 10-acre recreation complex with tennis, fitness center, swimming, and children’s play park. Homes and Homesites Available Lake Martin Living 51
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52 Lake Martin Living