Issuu

LAKE MAGAZINE’S SWIMSUIT EDITION INSIDE! THE

WEDNESDAY

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

SPORTS, PAGE B1

Dadeville’s Jennings dominates January 3, 2018 for Tide in Sugar Bowl.

Vol. 126, No. 2 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

More fallout from synthetic pot Number of recent overdoses rises to at least 9 according to law enforcement officials By MITCH SNEED Editor

Law enforcement and emergency medical personnel have been forced to deal with at least nine adverse reactions to what law enforcement investigators are calling a bad synthetic marijuana over the last week. The most recent “overdose” came Tuesday afternoon outside Koons III convenience store off

Jefferson Street. Sgt. Fred White of the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force said that the two most recent incidents came Saturday and Tuesday. While most incidents have involved individuals in the same general area, Saturday’s incident involved a man who lived on Worthy Road. “It’s just been crazy in terms of the numbers,” White said.

“We saw three or four in one day alone. They’ve slowed down some, this is still a very active investigation and we are working to identify the source of this stuff and do what we can to get it out of circulation.” The drug is a combination of herbs and synthetic chemicals, which are changed continually by manufacturers trying to stay a step ahead of law enforcement See OVERDOSE • Page A3

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Alexander City EMS and Alexander City Police Department personnel check on a man who began acting erratically Tuesday outside Koons III off Jefferson Street. Investigators suspect the man used synthetic marijuana that is responsible for 8 other similar incidents in recent days.

Frigid temps could mean trouble for water pipes

Investigators search for drug store burglar Man wearing hoodie, pajama pants makes off with drugs

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Investigators with the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department are seeking the public’s help in finding the man suspected of breaking into a Dadeville area drug store early Monday morning. According to a release from Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett, a man described as white male broke into Jim’s Pharmacy located on County Road 34 in the strip mall area next to Store 19 at about 3:35 a.m. Monday. The individual used an object that he

SUPERMOON SHINES BRIGHT Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Skywatchers got a glimpse of a spectacular full moon Tuesday morning — the largest the moon will appear in 2018. Dubbed 2018’s Supermoon, the moon was at the closet point it will be to earth this year and made for a stunning sight as it was positioned begin the city water tower just after 6 a.m.

See BURGLARY • Page A3

Library to offer new ‘English Learner’s’ club

Camp Hill murder, robbery probes continue By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Authorities are still investigating and searching for suspects in a murder and robbery in Camp Hill last week. “We are still working on those,” Camp Hill Police Chief Johnny Potts said. The silence of the small town was shattered Christmas morning as more than 15 gunshots rang out on Martin Luther King Boulevard where Bessie Heard, 59, of Camp Hill was killed. Bystanders at the scene said an argument lead to the shooting Cliff Williams / The Outlook though Potts could not comment on the Investigators work the scene of a Christmas case. “We have not really got to a motive,” Day shooting death in Camp Hill.

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Registration opens today for the new English Learner’s Club being offered by the Adelia M. Russell Library in Alexander City. Designed for anyone who may have difficulties in learning to speak English, the club will begin meeting on Feb. 7 for one hour every Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. “We know we have a need for this with our patrons and members of the See CLASSES • Page A3

Today’s

Weather

40 19 High

Low

The cold weather has many hunkering down trying to stay warm. But there may be a reason crawl out from under the pounds of quilts – frozen pipes. Mark Ray with A&M Plumbing says precautions for freezing pipes should be taken in the fall. “Avoidance of frozen pipes should begin well before freezing conditions occur,” Ray said. “At the first onset of cold weather in the fall, make sure that all garden hoses are removed, drained and properly stored. Homeowners should do regular inspections on the inside and the outside of their home to make sure any plumbing lines that might See PIPES • Page A3

Potts said. “The state is leading the investigation.” Responding to the shooting were the Camp Hill Police Department, Dadeville Police Department, Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Not even two days later, three individuals robbed a residence in the town and one suspect was arrested. “We had reports that three armed men, described as black males were involved at a robbery at the residence,” Potts said. “One man was taken into custody after a foot chase. We do have two more suspects See CAMP HILL • Page A3

Lake Martin

Lake Levels

483.95 Reported on 1/2/18 @ 3 p.m.

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Page A2

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Crush on mother-in-law’s new husband stirs family tension

Thursday

35 15 Low

High Sunny

Friday

38 19 Low

High Sunny

Staff

Directory 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 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

Postal

Information (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110)

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

The Outlook

Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@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 Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press.

The Outlook is published five times a week, Tuesday through Saturday mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, © 2011 Tallapoosa Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box Publishers, Inc. 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. Reproduction of any POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.

part of any issue requires written publisher permission.

How to Submit Obituaries

Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com For more information, call (256) 234-4281.

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DEAR ABBY: My son and his wife have been together 10 years. They met and fell in love young. They are only 25 and have two beautiful children. I remarried three years ago, and my son’s wife was instantly attracted to my 54-year-old husband. It’s always uncomfortable for the two of us when they come to visit. She stares at him throughout the entire visit, tries to either sit right next to him or directly across from him, and expects a hug every time they arrive and leave. (We finally put a stop to it because she would wait to hug him last and then hold him extra long.) My husband confided that he’s flattered a 25-year-old gives him that much attention. Three years of this can be very wearing. Anything I can do and NOT lose my son? -AWKWARD IN THE EAST DEAR AWKWARD: Tell your son that it appears his wife has a crush on your husband, and that while he is flattered that

DEAR ABBY Advice

someone so young would find him attractive, her behavior makes both of you uncomfortable. Then let him explain to her that it is time to cool her engines. DEAR ABBY: I have been best friends with a woman for 30 years, but lately our relationship has become strained. If I do something that irritates her, she gives me the cold shoulder and won’t return my phone calls. When she eventually calls back, she’s distant and cold. I was out of the country for an extended period, and when I returned, she was upset with me for not phoning her. Now she’s upset with me because

my husband and I missed an important milestone because of a family emergency. I am tired of her passive-aggressive behavior, and I have come to realize that our lives have taken us in different directions. Mine is family-oriented. Hers is not because she has no children. Am I wrong to feel this way? -- FRUSTRATED IN NEW MEXICO DEAR FRUSTRATED: No, your perception is accurate. Your “bestie” appears to be unusually high maintenance. Rather than allow her to make you feel guilty, realize that not all friendships last forever, and this one may have run its course. Talk to her and express your feelings about this, but be prepared for the fact that it will probably end your relationship. DEAR ABBY: My wife and I are in our 60s. We have been married for some time and are very open-minded. She keeps insisting that she does

not remember her first sexual experience. I would be curious to understand why in the world, unless someone was inebriated, the person would not recall this huge milestone. -- BEWILDERED IN THE WEST DEAR BEWILDERED: Not every question needs an answer. If your wife’s first experience was unpleasant or traumatic, she may have repressed the memory. Or she may simply prefer not to discuss it with you. My intuition tells me that you will have nothing to gain by continuing to push her. If you do, it not only won’t bring you closer; it may do the opposite. 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 Retired Staff SGT. William D. “Chick” McLain Funeral service for Retired Staff SGT. William D. “Chick” McLain will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Wright’s Funeral Home Chapel. Family will receive friends Thursday morning from 11:00 a.m. until time of the service. Rev. Skip Cook will officiate. A private interment will follow at National Veteran Cemetery, Montevallo, Alabama. Chick passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at Bill Nichols State Veteran Home. He was born January 20, 1933 to Cannie Franklin McLain and Mary Lou Luckie McLain

Mr. Claud Culberson, Jr. 1944 - 2018 Funeral Service for Mr. Claud Culberson, Jr., 73, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Ken Griffith and Rev. Wayne Cowhick will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home.

in Butler County, Alabama. William joined the U.S. Navy at the age 18 and served bravely in protecting our country as well as earning many honors and medals. After 20 years of service, he retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1979. William was an avid golfer and bowler. His passion for golfing and bowling went beyond measure. Chick loving precious memories will always be cherished by his step-sons, Phillip Sparks (Heather), Billy Arnold Sparks (Brenda) and step-daughter, Sandra Shurum (Vernon), his brother, Thomas Foster McLain (Lola Faye), his sister, Kattie Hocutt and his step-grandson Phillip Dakota “Cody” Sparks.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 25 years Shirley Elizabeth Sparks McLain and his siblings J.C. McLain and Mary Lois Nelson.

Mr. Culberson passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at UAB Hospital. He was born on November 8, 1944 in Tallapoosa County, Alabama to Claud Culberson, Sr. and Alverine Caldwell Culberson. He was an active member of New Elkahatchee Baptist Church. He enjoyed his time at Russell Corp. where he faithfully worked for 37 years. He loved his family very much, especially his “little man,” Truxton. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carolyn Moseley Culberson of Alexander City; daughters, Lisa

Culberson Iddon (Brian) and Connie Culberson Speaks (Mark), both of Alexander City; granddaughters, Katie Iddon Welborn (Dustin) of Birmingham and Season Speaks Johnson (Dylan) of Alexander City; and great grandson, Truxton Wes Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will announced later by Wright’s Funeral Home.

Willie Strong Willie Strong passed away Sunday, January 31, 2017 at Russell Medical Center. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will announced later by Wright’s Funeral Home.

Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Police Reports Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department January 1

• Roy Carwile of Lilly Avenue in Tallassee was arrested on a warrant for probation violation assault second and was transported to the county jail.

December 30

• James Benson of Tallassee Highway in Tallassee was arrested on outstanding warrants for failure to appear possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. • Vanessa Hubbard of Forest Street in Alexander City was arrested on an outstanding warrant for probation violation. • Mark Kessler of Holiday Drive in Dadeville was arrested for domestic violence assault.

December 28

• A resident at Weatherford Circle in Jacksons Gap filed a report for theft. • A resident at Genie Martin Road in Jacksons Gap filed a report for identity theft. • Patrick Murphy of Peckerwood Road in Jacksons Gap was arrested on a warrant for probation violation and was transported to the county jail.

December 26

• A resident of North Gate Drive in Opelika filed a report for theft of property.

December 25

• A resident of Concord Road in Dadeville filed a report for theft of property.

December 23

• Marcus Kelly of Bishop Street in Alexander City was arrested on failure to appear possession of marijuana first degree and pos-

session of drug paraphernalia and was transported to the county jail.

Violence on South Broadnax Street.

December 23

December 22

• A report was filed for Criminal Mischief that occurred on College Street. • A report was filed for Theft of Property that occurred on North Broadnax Street.

December 21

• A report was filed for Theft of Property that occurred on West South Street. • A report was filed for Burglary and Theft of Property that occurred on Highway 280.

• Steven Hendrix of Hickory Road in Alexander City was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear child support and was transported to the county jail. • A resident of Quail Hollow Point in Dadeville filed a report for theft of property and criminal mischief.

Dadeville Police Department December 25

December 22

December 21

• A Dadeville man, age 30, was arrested on two charges of Domestic Violence on South Broadnax Street. • An Opelika woman, age 28, was arrested on two charges of Domestic

• A Lafayette man, age 35, was arrested on two warrants for Failure to Appear. • A Dadeville man, age 45, was arrested for Public Intoxication on East South Street.

Central Office in Dadeville.

the Commissioners’ Board Room in the courthouse in Rockford.

Public Meetings A DAMS HEALTH & REHAB 1555 HILLABEE STREET • (256) 329-0847

Alexander City Board of Education meets on the third Tuesday of each month.

Meetings are held in the board office at 375 Lee St. or local school at 5 p.m. Alexander City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in the courtroom at the old city hall at 5:30 p.m.

Coosa County Board of Education holds called meetings at least once a month.

Camp Hill Town Council meets the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6 p.m.

Coosa County Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Coosa County Courthouse in Rockford at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday and at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday.

Community Action Agency of Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa will holds its regular board of directors meetings every other month at the

Coosa County Industrial Development Board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in

Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. with a pre-meeting at 5:30 p.m. in city hall. Daviston City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Daviston Fire Department. Goldville Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall.

GOT NEWS? We have nine publications covering the lake & river region.

256.234.4281

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Page A3

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

Pipes

continued from page A1

get exposed are properly and adequately protected from becoming frozen once the weather does turn cold.” Damage is not as prevalent as it used to be. “People are taking better care than they used to,” Ray said. With lake homes sometimes not being occupied during winter months, Ray says damage may not be

found for a while. “Three to four years ago, we were getting calls in March,” Ray said. “They were coming out to get the homes ready for spring break and found their pipes had frozen.” It might not be too late to take some precautions. Some of those protections include closing up crawl spaces under homes during the winter, insulating

Overdose

pipes and spigots, draining water from lines in an empty home, keeping the home’s temperature at a constant 65 degrees and in extreme cold opening up the cabinets in a home that surround pipes to allow warm air to circulate. If a water pipe does freeze, Ray offers a few tips to help prevent further damage. “Turn up the heat,” Ray said.

continued from page A1

who have made many of the ingredients illegal. The concoction is supposed to create the same sensation as THC, which is found in marijuana. It’s marketed on the internet as “herbal incense.” According to a report from the Drug Enforcement Administration, many people are home manufacturing the substance and selling it on their own. That, according to the DEA, makes it almost impossible to know what is actually in the mix. The blends are known

as Spike, Kush and often generically known on the street as “No Show” because the lure is that they aren’t supposed to be detectable in drug tests. With this current batch, White said they are working to see where it originated – a bulk buy from overseas or if it may have been homemade or laced by whoever is selling it locally. “That’s what we are working to determine,” White said. “But regardless this stuff is bad. The chemicals in it are unbelievable. We’ve done

some testing and we’ve found traces of things like herbicides, pesticides, poisons and paint thinner in it. It’s no wonder we are seeing these kind of reactions.” Reactions have ranged from seizure, passing out, being unable to move and convulsions, officials said. While four arrests have been reported, White said he expects there will be more coming. “It’s an active investigation and we are following every lead,” White said. “I wouldn’t rule out additional arrests.”

“Raise the thermostat to 75 or 80 degrees. You need to drive heat into every nook and cranny and to avoid damage and eliminate the chances of another water line freezing. Open all faucets in the house. By relieving the expanding water, you may avoid doing additional damage and to call a professional plumber to assess your situation as soon as possible.”

Burglary

continued from page A1

picked up outside to break through the front glass door, according to the release. Images of the man moving about the store were captured on the store’s surveillance camera system. He was wearing a dark colored hoodie with the drawstring pulled tight to hide his face, a pair of dark pajama bottoms with white squares on them and a pair of black tennis shoes with a white stripe. “The individual was inside the store for approximately 4-plus minutes and exited the rear door,” Abbett said in a

Classes

continued from page A1

community as well,” Library Director Amy Huff said. “The goal for this is for everyone to gain a better understanding of the English language.” The library has not set firm guidelines for how the club will be structured, but will set it up based on the ages of those participating, as well as their specific individual needs. Should there be a great enough response for this, the club may break into smaller groups to ensure that club members of similar skill levels will be placed together to help better focus on the needs of all involved. According to an informational flyer from the library, some of what the club will offer participants is learning more about slang terms and idioms, practicing interview questions and honing their skills through fun activities in a relaxed atmosphere. Huff said that librarian Che Harris would head up the English Learner’s Club. An immigrant to the United States from the Philippines, Harris knows first-hand what it takes to learn a new

language, which is one of the reasons she is heading up the club. “I saw we have a diverse population here in Alexander City,” Harris said. “I know there are some who struggle with the English language. I want to help them bridge the language gap without all the stress of being in a class.” “She really has the passion for this,” Huff said of Harris. “She wants it to be a warm and inviting atmosphere.” The club was designed to make participants feel more comfortable as they learn, giving it a more relaxed and less stressful feel than a traditional class. With this setup, Harris hopes that club members will be able to build up their confidence and feel more comfortable speaking English in public settings. “We will be focusing a lot more on speaking than on writing,” Harris said. “We really want them to be more confident.” Ever since the library first announced

it would be starting this club, Huff and Harris said they have been hearing a lot from people either wanting to learn more about the group or wanting to go ahead and sign up to be a part of it. “Several people have already called up to inquire about the club and to pick up registration forms,” Huff said. “I feel there could be a good turnout for this.” “A couple of my friends have wanted to sign up already,” Harris added. “There have also been people asking about this over at the children’s library.” With no cost to attend and a relaxed atmosphere for all those involved, the new English Learner’s Club at the Russell Library welcomes anyone wanting to learn English as a second language to be able to do so at a comfortable pace without any pressure. “This is definitely something I want to keep doing,” Harris said. “I want the club to keep growing. I invite everyone to come and check us out and see what we have to offer here.”

Ongoing Events DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS: The Bill Nichols Chapter 13 meets every third Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Charles T. “Bud” Porch Center in Alexander City. Chapter Service Officers are available every second and fourth Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m. for claims assistance. RECYCLING: The Alexander City Recycling Facility is located at the Public Works Department at 824 Railey Road. All materials should be dropped off behind the green storage shed on the Public Works lot. The facility is always open for unassisted drop off. Assistance with drop off is available between 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call 256-409-2020 for more information. CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: Every second and fourth Sunday

COOSA VALLEY

at 5 p.m. the Trinity campus of First United Methodist Church will be a caregiver support group. Call 256-786-1685 for more information. TOPS MEETING: Take Off Pounds Sensibly is the short name for TOPS Club, Inc., the original nonprofit, noncommercial network of weight-loss support groups throughout the U.S. and Canada. TOPS offers tools and programs for healthy living and weight management, with exceptional group fellowship and recognition. Established in 1948 to champion weight-loss support and success, we’ve helped millions of people live healthier lives. Come out and visit us. Your first meeting is free. Meetings are held every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Comer Baptist Church, 341 E. Church St., Alexander City, AL. Call (256) 496-4210 for more

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information. READY TO WORK: CACC can prepare you to be Career Ready with a FREE 6 to 8 week Workforce Development Course called Ready to Work. It includes computer self-paced instruction financial planning, reading and math skills, and computer basic skills as well as instructor-led module presentations on communication, problem-solving, job acquisition, operation skills, and workplace behavior. Earn a Career Readiness Certificate and an AIDT Alabama Certified Worker Certificate. The class meets MondayThursday 12:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Career Center located at 1375 Junior College Drive. For more information, call Melanie Veazey at 256-215-4499 or email at mveazey@cacc.edu. OFFICE CAREERS: The Office Careers

Technology program is funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and was created to help dislocated workers learn new employable skills. To qualify for the programs be a dislocated worker (layoff) or a low-income family. Anyone interested in the classes should contact the Alexander City Career Center @ 256215-4494 and ask about the WIA program. Most all dislocated workers automatically qualify for financial assistance. The program is 52 weeks and is open entry/open exit. Students learn at their own pace in a non-traditional classroom setting. Classes begin when students are approved and they may leave when they receive any or all of the certificates offered. Classes are Monday--Thursday, 8:00 a.m.--3:00 p.m. (with a lunch break). All textbooks and class materials

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Camp Hill

continued from page A1

who were involved in this incident and we are searching for them and following all leads. This is still an active investigation so there aren’t many more details we can release at this time.” No one at the residence was injured in the incident. Markee Wilkerson, 30, of Camp Hill was arrested last Tuesday following the chase. As of press time, he was still being held in the county jail. Helping the Camp Hill Police Department with the robbery were the Dadeville Police Department, Jacksons Gap Police Department and the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department. Wilkerson has a lengthy criminal history with a multitude of charges dating back to 2007. Charges range from drug and weapons charges, assault, chemical endangerment of a child, traffic charges and multiple probation revocations. Court records show his most recent charges came on Dec. 12 for drug possession.

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are supplied. Certificates available are receptionist, inventory clerk, data entry clerk, administrative assistant, accounting office clerk, medical office clerk, legal office clerk. COMPUTER LAB: The new and improved computer lab at Cooper Community Center is now open to the community Monday thru Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. LaBrawnski Salter is the new lab facilitator. You can check email, browse the internet, build a resume, complete a project or homework, research, job search and some social media.

released statement. Because it is still an active investigation, no specifics on was targeted in the burglary was released, just that various pharmaceuticals were taken. Anyone with any information about the individual is asked to call the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department at 256-825-4264 or your local law enforcement agency. Individuals can also contact Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP and you can be eligible for a reward.

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These darling puppies & some other dogs were rescued from an abondoned house in the freezing cold and left there without food or water. The puppies are at the vet fighting for their lives, so we are asking for your assistance with the care. Please save the weight circles on the bags of dry dog and cat food and mail to Rescue K911. Moist and Meaty dog food also has weight circles. Drop them off or mail them to Rescue K911 P.O. Box 862 Auburn, AL 36831. They all help & add up fast. Thank you on behalf of the dogs and cats that will beneﬁt from them. This ad is sponsored by Wayside Animal Hospital, Dr. Susan Martin, 256-329-9900. Spay/neuter assistance is available from RESCUE K9-1-1, Wayside Animal Hospital 256-329-9900 or Lake Martin Humane Society 256-234-5533.

Like us on facebook This ad is sponsored by Wayside Animal Hospital, Dr. Susan Martin, 256-329-9900.

Rescue K9-1-1, Inc.

P.O. Box 862 • Auburn, AL 36831 • www.rescueK911.com

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

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Our View

Get involved in the governmental process

s we begin a new year, we hope that more and more of our local citizens will take it as a good time to get involved in things that make a difference here. Why? Because people make a difference. We hear that all the time whether it is local residents spending their money locally or how a smile can change someone’s day. Just as those things make an impact, people can have tremendous influence on the governmental process. It’s often as simple as being aware rather than asleep at the wheel. Knowing what’s going on and speaking up when something doesn’t pass the smell test is how most change starts. We can also make a huge difference in our local community by exercising our rights as American citizens and participating in the democratic process. Now is the ideal time to start thinking about how to get involved in local government. Here are some ways you can make that happen: VOTE: Voters wait in lines to vote for the President, but yet don’t take the time to vote for local officials whose decisions are also important and could hit closer to home. This is a big year for races locally and across the state. If you aren’t registered, do it right now and go to the polls every time they open. If you don’t vote, you can’t complain. You may even want to think about running for an office yourself. ATTEND MEETINGS: The best way to find out what’s going on in your town or city, next to reading this newspaper, is to attend meetings. Usually, upcoming meetings are listed on your town or city’s website bulletin board and we publish them here in The Outlook. From zonings to new laws to how tax dollars are spent, it all starts in a government meeting. COMMUNICATE WITH OFFICIALS: Have a question, concern, or suggestion for your local or state leaders? Give them a call. Send them an email, text or send a smoke signal if you have to. You’ve heard the old saying “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” The issue that matters to you may be off their radar, but by voicing your opinion to the person who represents you, you can put a blip on that screen for them to see. The easiest way to make a difference is to get involved in the governmental process and the power that citizens possess is an awesome thing.

Know Your

Officials

T.C. Coley represents District 1, including half of Coley Creek, the Andrew Jackson subdivision, the southern part of Indian Hill, North Central Avenue, part of Pearson’s Chapel Road, the Northside community and portion of Spring Hill T.C. Coley community. His phone number is 256-212-9316. His address is 2316 North Central Avenue, Kellyton. Steve Robinson represents District 2, which includes the southern part of Alexander City, the Cedar Creek area, Ourtown and Willow Point. His phone number Steve Robinson is 256-654-0047. His address is 300 Heritage Drive Alexander City. John McKelvey represents District 3, which includes Jackson’s Gap, Hackneyville, New Site and Daviston. McKelvey currently serves as chairman. His phone number is 256-794-4405. His address is 1285 Freeman John McKelvey Road, Dadeville. Emma Jean Thweatt represents District 4, which includes Dadeville, Pace’s Point, northern Camp Hill, Buttston, Dudleyville and part of Eagle Creek. She can be reached at 8254207. Her address is 585 Brookwood Circle, Dadeville.

Outlook The

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Emma Jean Thweatt

George Carleton Jr. represents District 5, which includes southern Camp Hill, Red Ridge, Walnut Hill, Union and Pleasant Ridge. His address is 630 Turner Road Road, Dadeville.

George Carleton Jr.

Wednesday,January 3, 2018

A lesson in Flags for Vets

’m going to use my space this week to brag on a friend of mine. Jamie Popwell was born and raised in Opelika. Three days after his 18th birthday, the Opelika High graduate joined the United States Marine Corps. After the completion of his active duty commitment, he served three years in the Marine Corps Reserves to fulfill his military service obligation; however, his service didn’t stop there. He served in law enforcement and worked contracts through the Department of State and the United Nations. His service continues today. Mr. Popwell is the founder and president at Flags for Vets, Inc., whose mission is “to honor and pay respect to a veteran’s faithful service and dutiful sacrifices by raising our nation’s flag on a lighted flagpole that has been donated in their honor by a sponsor or loved one.” Although based out of Auburn, installations have taken him to 16 states and counting. He has visited 91 cities, flown 13,675 miles, and driven an additional, get this, 33,263 miles. That is true dedication. “I felt that with all the media coverage surrounding the “right” to burn the flag, step on it, or desecrate it in any way, that there was a need to counter that with a show of respect for those that fought for that very freedom,” he says. Flags for Vets supplies a flagpole and a flag for a veteran at no charge to them. The

JODY FULLER Columnist

expenses are covered through donations and sponsorships. Popwell and fellow veteran, former police officer, and Opelika native Brantley Cargill travel to the recipient’s residence. “We stand around watching the concrete dry, so to speak,” says Popwell. “We get to know a little about them and their service. Sometimes they start crying and so do we.” Each installation costs roughly $125. In addition to the flag and flagpole, the cost includes a solar mounted light and bags of white marble rock and Quikrete. Popwell covered the initial costs but word quickly spread, and donations started coming in from people who wanted to sponsor a veteran. There are family members sponsoring family members and friends sponsoring friends. The list of recipients stretches as far back to veterans who served in World War II to veterans who served more recently in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom; however, having served in a conflict is not a determining factor. Flags For Vets has now honored 185 veterans with flagpoles and flags. Among the sea of recipients are eight servicemembers who were awarded the Medal of Honor,

our nation’s highest honor. The oldest veteran was 97, while the youngest was 25. The total number of flags presented to businesses and individuals stands at 225. The most remarkable aspect of these numbers is that all of this has been done in the past year. The first install took place in Beulah, Ala., on January 27th and the 185th took place on December 30th. Popwell’s goal for the first year is to reach 200 veterans and is on pace to do that by January. His goal for 2018 is to honor 300 veterans and to visit 10 more states, and he is very confident in his ability to reach these goals. “My love for my country is second only to God and my family,” Popwell passionately states. “I developed an idea to pay it forward to our veterans in recognition for their service and sacrifice to our nation. I’m truly amazed at what he’s been able to do in just one year. He’s impacted lives in ways that can’t be quantified. What can you do in 2018? You can honor a veteran through Flags For Vets, you can volunteer for something that is near and dear to your heart, or you can do something on your own. Just do something. Make 2018 a year of giving, and when you do that, trust me, you will be the one receiving. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.

Today’s

Quote

“You must do the things you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Today’s

Scripture

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom?” – Psalm 90:12

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Tuesday Question: Do you like the ghost decal on the new police cruisers?

Yes – 30 No – 39

Wednesday’s question: Who is going to win the national championship?

To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www.alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.

Our

Mission

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.

African-American coaches coming to your school

n the middle of crowded collegiate stadium on a warm December day the cheers rose, even led to a standing ovation. It wasn’t for a star player, or a legendary coach. In fact, it was for Interim Coach Odel Haggins, Florida State University’s first African-American head football coach, a sign that times surely are beginning to change in a sport where it’s long overdue. Earlier this season, Erin C. Tarver of The New York Times unloaded on a laundry list of criticisms of college football, going all the way back to the 1890s, which include half-truths, and a failure to update a number of reforms and changes. But one that sticks is the dearth of collegiate football coaches. Despite nearly half of all football players being African-American, only a handful of African Americans are coaches. Years ago, we were told that there weren’t enough African American QBs in college and professional football. Now there are many more than just a decade or so ago. Coaches today are where we were ten years ago. They should be, and will be, increasing their numbers, as Florida State University is showing. Haggins, a former defensive line coach since 1994, who played that position at FSU, was elevated to the head coaching position on Saturday when Coach Jimbo Fisher left for the Texas A&M job. In doing so, Haggins passed the offensive and defensive coordinators, both white and senior to him in rank, to become the school’s first African-American Head Football Coach. How would fans react to this sudden change in school history?

JOHN A. TURES Guest Columnist

In the middle of the second quarter, we got our answer. The team was up only 7-0 in the second quarter against the littleknown University of LouisianaMonroe in a must-win game to keep the team’s bowl streak and chance at maintaining a streak of winning seasons. Haggins’ image was put up on the scoreboard, the crowd rose to give him a standing ovation, seeming to rally the team. At the end, the ovation was repeated at the end when he was doused in Gatorade by grateful players after the team’s 42-10 win, and again as he left the field, carried by his players. After the game, he and his players were surrounded by adoring fans, white and black, in the parking lot. Despite the long day, Haggins signed everything handed to him, posed with every selfie-seeker, and pivoted all of my questions about coaching and bowl games to the athletes who play for him. His players, white and black, reflected their coach’s professionalism as well, choosing to mingle with the fans despite being exhausted from the game. And in the coming weeks, the school hired Oregon Coach Willie Taggert to be the full-time FSU coach. Is there any value to FSU’s diverse team and coaching staff? Research by Kendrick T. Brown, Tony N. Brown, James S. Jackson, Robert M. Sellers, and Warde J. Manuel found support for Allport’s

1954 hypothesis that biracial interaction can reduce prejudice, and that’s also the case with team sports. They write in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology “White student athletes playing team sports who had higher percentages of Blacks as high school teammates expressed more policy support for and greater positive affect toward Blacks as a group than did their counterparts playing individual sports.” Are African-American coaches valuable to the community? “Black male coaches have played a significant role in reducing crime and delinquency among at-risk youth as well as influencing positive youth outcomes. Yet this population of AfricanAmerican men in disadvantaged communities has received little attention,” writes Joseph B. Richardson writes in the Journal of African American Studies. “This study found that black male coaches serve as a critical form of social capital for black male youth and single parents in high-risk neighborhoods.” And I would go one further, finding any great coach, regardless of skin color, can play this role. Sure we should not just assume that people cheering for a player in a game alone will lead to racial change. But research, as well as Saturday’s experience in Tallahassee, demonstrates that progress should, and will be made in the sport, to the benefit of the community. John A. Tures is a professor of political science at LaGrange College in LaGrange, Georgia. He can be reached at jtures@ lagrange.edu. His Twitter account is JohnTures2.

The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 75 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.

What’s your

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) 2346550 or e-mailed to editor@alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!

On the Web

Follow The Outlook on the Internet on our website or on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Log on to http://www.alexcityoutloook.com. There you will be able to view stories and multimedia posted by The Outlook. You can also click on the Facebook link to join The Outlook’s fan club or click on the Twitter link to start receiving tweets on your phone as we post updates. You can also subscribe to our RSS (Rich Site Summary) feed on the Outlook’s home page. Check it out today.

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

The Outlook

CommunityCalendar Need Insurance?

Today is Janurary 3, 2018

Today’s Birthdays

Gloria Boleware, Brenda Brooks, Jill Claybrook, Tiffany Davis, Martha Haney, Michael Harper, Mary Ann

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Submit calendar items:

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/. Livingston, Braylei Smith, Brenda Brooks and Shanna Thompson are celebrating their birthdays today.

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Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

To the untrained eye this white strip on the concrete sidewazlk outside the public safety building may not look like much, but it is part of a citywide effort to address trip hazards. In downtown Alexander City alone, 394 trip hazards and obstructions were identified along sidewalks and roadways and Alexander City City Council recently approved money to address those issues. Precision Concrete Cutting was hired to repair trip hazards on downtown sidewalks. Mayor Jim Nabors said Tuesday that the project was nearing completion.

Monday, January 8

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Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing

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 the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.

There is no cost to attend.

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, January 22

Saturday, January 13

BOOK SALE: The Friends 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. MLK PRAYER BREAKFAST: The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer breakfast will be Saturday, Jan. 13 at the Stephens Elementary Gym at 8 a.m. Tickets are $10. FAMILY GATHERING: The Norris, Holley and Edwards families are gathering at the the Bud Porch Building in Alexander City Saturday Jan. 13 from noon to 5 p.m. Bring a dish. There will be door prizes. Contact Linda Nix for more informaiton at 256-786-9279.

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.

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.

Monday, January 15

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MLK CELEBRATION: The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will be Monday, Jan. 15. It will start with a parade at 9 a.m. beginning at Stephens Elementary School and a program at the Stephens Elementary School gym at 11 a.m.

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. COMPUTER CLASSES: The Adelia M. Russell Library is offering computer classes in 2018. One program is for beginners, with a separate advanced program for individuals seeking to move beyond the basics. The advanced class is aimed at anyone wanting to improve their skill set and/or enhance their employment opportunities. The basic classes will begin January 16, 2018, and the advanced classes will begin January 18, 2018; each session will last approximately one hour (3 p.m. to 4 p.m.) and will meet for four straight weeks. Classes will be small and the atmosphere will be relaxed. To sign up simply come by the Adelia M. Russell Library. For more information, call 256-329- 6796.

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.

Wednesday, February 7

SITE REVIEW: Central Alabama Community College will host a site review for continuing accreditation of its Associate Degree in Nursing program by the ACEN on Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. in Building J of the Childersburg Campus. For further information go to the CACC homepage at www.cacc.edu ENGLISH LEARNER’S CLUB: The Adelia M. Russell Library is hosting the English Learner’s Club starting Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration starts Jan. 3. The club will help speakers of other languages learn, develop and improve English skills, learn American slang, idioms and other useful phrases and work on fluency activities and interview questions. There is no cost to attend. For questions call 256-329-6796 or visit the Adelia M. Russell Library.

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.

Wednesday, March 29

VIETNAM VETERANS WELCOME HOME: The Auburn Veterans Project is celebrating and reflecting on the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans March 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Auburn High School Auditorium. Speakers will be Joe Galloway and Medal of Honor recipients Bennie Adkins and James Livingston. Family is welcome to accompany their veteran and there will be a light reception afterwards. Visit auburnveteransproect.weebly.com/east-alabama-vietnam-veterans-welcome-home-cermony.html. Attendees are asked to RSVP in advance by either emailing Blake Busbin at wbbusbin@auburnschools.org or by calling Auburn High School at 334-887-2120.

The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow

The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd, and Weekend Shifts for Direct Care. Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Brinda Bell (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101 Email: bbell@learning-tree.org

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

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 the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.

July 16-17

THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days July 16-17. Dumpsters will be located 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 Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.

October 15-16

THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days October 15-16. Dumpsters will be located 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 Hall 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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Perfect storm gave Jones win A

s we enter the 2018 campaign season, many of you have asked me to look back and analyze the 2017 Special Election Senate race and explain in depth what happened and why. The most asked question is how could a Democrat win a U.S. Senate seat in Alabama and does this mean that we are now possibly a two party state? I will give STEVE FLOWERS you numerous answers, however, the simple answer Columnist to why a Democrat won is that Roy Moore was the Republican nominee. Are we a state that can go either way in an open U.S. Senate seat? As we have just seen, it is possible but not probable. The Democrat, Doug Jones, won in the perfect storm. We will probably never have this same scenario again. There are two maxims in politics that over my years of following politics never fail and become truer and truer. The more things change, the more they stay the same. One is money is the mother’s milk of politics. The second is that more people vote against someone or something than vote for someone or something. To the first adage, money is the mother’s milk of politics, nine times out of ten when one candidate out spends the other the one who spends the most usually wins. When one outspends the other 3-to-1, they always win. In this race, the National Democratic Party saw an opening and they seized on it. The people in blue America are mad as hell that Donald Trump upset Hillary Clinton. Our senate race was the only race in town or should we say the country. Not only do Democrats despise Trump, but when they heard that Alabama had a Republican candidate that is a pro-God, pro-gun, gun toting, antiabortion, horse riding, religious zealot that said that he was not only against gay marriage but said that gays were legally committing bestiality, the nation saw Roy Moore as a little extreme in today’s America. In addition, a good many people around the country believe he is a pedophile. The liberal and gay money flowed into here by the barrel. It came from New York and San Francisco and all liberal pockets in America. The bottom line is the Democrat, Doug Jones, outspent the Republican, Roy Moore, 6-to-1; 18 million to 3 million and that does not count the soft money spent by the National Democratic Party that was spent on getting out the vote. The book was written on Moore from the get go. The first poll and the last poll revealed that 30 percent of Alabamians would vote for Roy Moore come hell or high water. However, he is so polarizing that a whopping 70 percent said that they would not vote for him under any circumstance. The reason that he won the Republican nomination was that his 30 percent became accentuated due to turnout. His voters are more ardent, fervent and frankly older. Moore’s 30 percent did indeed vote on Dec. 12. The problem for Moore was that the 70 percent that detest him voted more than was expected. The biggest part of that 70 percent was African American voters who voted in epic, unparalleled proportions. It was statewide. It was not only in the urban counties of Jefferson, Montgomery, and Mobile and the Black Belt. This tidal wave occurred in all 67 counties. African American voters came together in a crescendo and sent Roy Moore to a watery grave. Doug Jones owes his election to the Black voters and he knows it. A significant number of urbane, upscale, more educated business establishment Republicans voted against Moore, pragmatically. The image that Moore portrayed to the nation was bad for business and economic development. The best example of this was the results in Madison County. Huntsville is Alabama’s crown jewel and economic engine. They generally vote Republican. Moore lost Madison County by 20,000 votes. Senator Richard Shelby contributed to Moore’s defeat. His refusing to vote for Moore and his open acknowledgement that he cast a write-in vote for an unknown Republican gave credence and impetus for other Republicans to follow suit. There were about 22,000 write-in votes. Moore lost by 21,000. How does this play into 2018? It gives Walt Maddox and Sue Bell Cobb hope and credence that under the right and perfect circumstances a Democrat can win. However, it probably does not change the fact that a Republican gubernatorial or senatorial candidate will be favored to win 60/40. Luther Strange or Mo Brooks would have won the Senate race 60/40. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers. us.

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

The Outlook

Moore’s Leftover Money

Law gives failed Senate candidate options for remaining campaign funds By BRENDAN KIRBY Yellowhammer News

Failed Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore may have solicited funds for a recount that never happened, but federal election law gives him wide latitude in deciding how to spend it. Paul S. Ryan, vice president for policy and litigation at Common Cause, said Moore could refund that money to the people who gave it. “If I were a donor to Mr. Moore, I think I’d want my money back,” he said. But nothing in the law requires Moore to do so. Those funds, along with any other money left over from the Senate campaign, can be used for a wide variety of purposes. “Some candidates out of good faith give it back,” said Brad Smith, a professor at Capital University Law School in Ohio who previously served on the Federal Election Commission. “But as a general matter, when you give to a candidate, you are giving for him to spend. … There are some who have done that (returned money) from time to time. I would not say that’s common.” Campaign finance law experts said about the only bright-line restriction is that Moore cannot convert the money for his personal use. “That, you definitely cannot do,” said Hans von Spakovsky, a Heritage Foundation senior legal fellow who previously served on the Federal Election Commission. “That would get you in a lot of trouble.” It is unclear how much money Moore has, and a spokeswoman for the former state Supreme Court chief justice did not return a phone call seeking comment. According to Moore’s

last campaign finance report on Nov. 22, he had $636,046 cash on hand in his race against Democrat Doug Jones in the special election to fill the seat once held by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. A solicitation email sent by the campaign a few days ago claimed to have raised $71,375 for its “election integrity” effort. Ryan said losing candidates typically do not end campaigns with much money. But depending on how successful Moore was in generating additional contributions to support a possible recount, his coffers might be healthier than the typical candidate. Moore has lots of options. “The list of what he cannot do is much shorter than the list of what he can do,” Ryan said. The options include keeping the campaign account active for use in a future race. If it is another federal race, according to experts, there are few restrictions. Transfers from a federal campaign account to a state campaign might be limited based on state law. But Alabama lightly regulates campaign spending and has no restrictions on how much money donors can give. Moore could give the money to a party or leadership political action committee, although given his contentious relationship with GOP leaders, that would seem to be an unlikely choice. He could give to a university or charities. He could contribute money to other candidates, subject to normal limits on campaign contributions. Or he could convert his campaign fund to a super PAC, which has fewer regulations on how money can be spent. Ryan said that is a popular route for ex-politicians who go

into lobbying. The ability to dole out campaign contributions makes a lobbyist all the more effective, he said. Moore could also do something that seems quaint in modern politics — he could return the money to the people who donated it. “It doesn’t happen a lot, but it does happen,” Ryan said. Smith said Moore could donate the funds to a university or a nonprofit organization. “It’s fairly common to give to a private nonprofit or some entity aligned with the candidate’s views,” he said. For Moore, that could mean transferring the money to the Foundation for Moral Law, an organization he founded to promote Christian values in the law. FEC regulations would allow the transfer as long as the donated money is not used to pay salaries of Moore or his wife or benefit them personally in some other way. Ryan offered an example of a prohibited use that would involve a campaign endowing a

position at a university and then the school hiring the candidate for that position. Smith said a circumstance in which Moore contributed leftover campaign funds to his foundation and then took a salary would constitute a legal gray area. The foundation became an issue in the campaign, dating to the primary. Moore’s opponents accused him of using the foundation to enrich his family. Ryan said that at the very least, the receiving organization would have to demonstrate a separate stream of revenue that would be sufficient to pay the candidate’s salary. He said it is a question that is best avoided. “From a public policy standpoint, that would be far from an ideal scenario,” he said. Brendan Kirby is senior political reporter at LifeZette.com and a Yellowhammer contributor. He also is the author of “Wicked Mobile.” Follow him on Twitter.

‘Christmas Day was relaxing at our house’

appy New Year to one and all, and may the Lord make it to shine upon us all year long. I have a feeling that as our Super President Donald Trump gets more of his promises done and signed into Law, we will all do better. The economy shows improvement already. Ron and I didn’t sign up for Obamacare, mainly because we would have had to pay the first $6,000 for each of us, plus a co-pay for every doctor visit and $1,000+ for the insurance coverage that paid nothing back, every month. For us it was a losing proposition, and cheaper to just pay cash for two years until we were eligible for Medicare. Alabama is a “buyer beware” state, so the everyday person must do the research ahead of time for everything. British Columbia, Canada where I have a dear friend celebrates the 12th annual Victoria Tea Festival and Tea Exhibition during January. The United States salutes the Brits custom by having declared January National Hot Tea Month. Now, for me, hot tea is delicious all year round, and is always thirst quenching like nothing

ROSIE MORGAN Nixburg/ Equality

else. But during winter chills, Hot Tea is just the right warmer. My Mum affectionately referred to it as “A nice cup of tea.” She always offered a biscuit, cookie, shortbread or piece of plain cake or Swiss roll. Christmas Day was so relaxing at our house and so comfy that I had a cat-nap on the couch with the youngest dog EmmaLee. I just dosed enough to get revived for television. As I awoke and reached under the pillow for my glasses, I realized that EmmaLee was chewing on them. So apparently she was bored. Only doglovers can understand something like this, the loss of an important item to your loving pup. Years ago, our foundling dog-boy ‘Hobo’ only ever chewed one item of mine, the heel right off from a brand-new pair of purple suede shoes that I had left on the living room floor, being my own fault. Ron had his steroid block to the back of his neck,top of spine at the

Talladega Hospital by Dr. Cooper on Boxing Day, Dec. 26th. It was a pleasant experience, a nice drive and the results already show some improvement. Thank you to all who shared prayers for Ron’s relief. Now if it’ll just continue throughout the year. We got a phone call from our English girls Fleur and Elisa, my cousins that came to visit last June. We have adopted into our hearts. They shared a phone line so that they could wish us a “Merry Christmas” in unison when I said ‘hello.’ Meanwhile hunters all around us are shooting off big booms. Hope the deer stay together and don’t get blown to pieces. We have seen some young ones crossing our road at all times of day. I had to see my ophthalmologist, Dr. Roy T. Hager just before Christmas as I had another scare of glaucoma causing vision loss. All I could see was big shapes. It seems I had some damage already done when I had the emergency narrow angle glaucoma last March, before he could begin treatment and some blocking had come about causing the eye pressure to get high and loss of

vision. I love Dr. Hager. I was his bookkeeper for many years and I know he was a wonderful surgeon. Dr. Hager is retiring Jan. 15 to enjoy a calmer life with his wife and grandchildren, after a long, successful career. When we had snow and the power outage for two days, I had to do extra cooking so as not to lose meats. When power was restored for us, most things still would not work in the kitchen addition, no heat, no hot water, no dishwasher or microwave. So, I was boiling kettles of water for dishwashing, and that reminded me of my youth in England. Without heat, we had quick-fix meals. Lucky we cook with gas. Then while doing the dishes Dec. 30, we heard ‘clicking’ and the heat began running, water was getting warmer by the minute as I rinsed. Now that is some kinda miracle. Happy New Year, stay warm and until next week, keep smiling. Rosie Morgan is a community columnist for The Outlook. She is a resident of Nixburg and writes about the events and people of the Equality and Nixburg areas.

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Fuel prices show another increase STAFF REPORT www.GasBuddy.com

Average retail gasoline prices in Alabama have risen 4.7 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.21 per gallon yesterday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 3,348 gas outlets in Alabama. This compares with the national average that has increased 3.9 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.48 per gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy. com. Here is Tallapoosa County, the average was right on state average at $2.21, but regular unleaded could be found in several locations as low as $2.15 per gallon. Including the change in gas prices in Alabama during the past week, prices yesterday were 8.5 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 0.6 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 1.3 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 13.6 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago. According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on January 2 in Alabama have ranged widely over the last five years: $2.12

per gallon in 2017, $1.75 per gallon in 2016, $2.08 per gallon in 2015, $3.12 per gallon in 2014 and $3.16 per gallon in 2013. Areas around Alabama and their current gas price climate: Birmingham- $2.18 per gallon, up 3.0 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.15 per gallon. Montgomery- $2.22 per gallon, up 7.6 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.14 per gallon. Huntsville- $2.23 per gallon, up 3.5 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.19 per gallon. “It’s mostly a happy New Year as gas prices remain in the low-to-mid $2 per gallon range, but it’s not quite as happy as could be as it’s the priciest start to a New Year since 2014,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “2017 wrapped up a fairly tame year, but keep in mind oil prices are among the highest we’ve witnessed in over two years, and we’re in the middle of a severe cold snap, one which is likely to drive up demand for heating oil, propane and other petroleum products, which is certainly a bullish start to the year. GasBuddy’s 2018 Annual Fuel Outlook, being released tomorrow morning, will be giving motorists a good look

at what to expect in the year ahead. In looking at our own report card from our 2017 Fuel Outlook, we had forecast a yearly average gas price of $2.49 per gallon, and were less than 10 cents away from hitting it head on. Anyone who’s got a tank to fill- whether gas or diesel- will want to stay in the know for what’s coming in the year ahead.” GasBuddy is the technology company changing the way more than 70 million consumers find, purchase, and save money on gasoline. Founded in 2000, the original GasBuddy website was a pioneer in crowd-sourced information, leveraging technology, big data, and a passionate community that now connects more than 70 million users with real-time, accurate fuel pricing information as well as reliable reviews of gas station amenities and services. The app and website have the most accurate and real-time fuel prices at over 140,000 unique stations in the United States, Canada, and Australia and is the most comprehensive moneysaving companion while on the road. GasBuddy is available on all mobile platforms. For more Cliff Williams / The Outlook information, visit www. Motorists pass Mapco on Highway 280 in Alexander City Tuesday afternoon. Gas prices have been going up the last couple of weeks. gasbuddy.com.

Santa Cash Giveaway

One Spot.

Audra Spears / The Outlook

Faye Pearson receives a check from Tallapoosa Publishers Scott Hardy for being this week’s Santa’s Cash Giveaway. Be on the lookout for the entry form for the last week of the giveaway for your chance at $500 made possible by local businesses.

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LUKE ROBINSON Columnist

A quick trip to New Orleans

nce again, Alabama is playing on a Monday night and the game will not wrap up until well after my deadline to submit this column. (Editor’s note: Luke’s column typically runs in the Tuesday Outlook.) Therefore, once again, I am left to get creative up in henhr. In other words, I am probably in trouble. So how about a bit of a feel-good story? Maybe you need one after Alabama lost (or won if you hate the Tide) Monday night. Many of you know that three of my children live in Ohio and getting them down to Alex City for Christmas can be an adventure every year. It’s even tougher to make sure they stay on top of SEC sports up there in Big Ten country, though! My two boys are pretty hit-or-miss with the whole “college football” phenomena. In fact, my oldest really prefers the Philadelphia Eagle, for reasons unknown. Mary Sanford, my middle daughter, is all about some Crimson Tide though. In fact, when it was announced ’Bama was in the playoffs and Ohio State was left out, she made sure to wear UA gear from head to toe the next day to her school which is in a suburb of Columbus. She’s not afraid to walk into the lion’s den it seems. Her mom has even caught her watching old Alabama games on YouTube. No parent ever has a favorite child; that’s crazy talk. But if Mary Sanford were writing a resume for why she should be my fave, I would recommend she start with “I watch old Alabama games on YouTube, just like you, Dad!” Anyhoo, as per usual, this year I flew into Columbus on Christmas Eve and spent the night in a hotel near the kids. It was a typically snowy evening and unfortunately all of the restaurants near me had closed. I was then left to have BBQ Pop Chips, a mini-jar of Tostito’s salsa, a small Hagen Daas ice cream cup and a Sprite Zero from the Hilton Garden Inn lounge for Christmas dinner. The woman at the desk thought that meal was literally the saddest thing and comped it all, nicely enough. The next morning, I awoke and got to the kids in time to see their reactions to what Santa Claus had brought. All four of us then jumped on another plane, headed to Atlanta, drove to Alex City and had another round of Santa with my wife and our 1-year-old. The kids got everything they wanted and then some, but I had a little extra surprise for Mary Sanford. Through an incredibly good friend, I had an opportunity to acquire two tickets to the Sugar Bowl. I did not pounce on them at first as the logistics were going to be complicated given that the kids start school in Ohio on Jan. 3 (not to mention deciding who would get to go to the game and who would be left home). Graciously, my wife bowed out of the running early, knowing one of the kids would enjoy the moment more. Then I remembered Truitt went to the 2011 BCS game in New Orleans with me so he had already had a big solo trip. It was down to Mary Sanford and her younger brother Walker. One is brushing up on Crimson Tide history in her spare time and one couldn’t tell me how many players are on offense if I gave him 11 tries. So if I did go to the game, it’s me and Mary Sanford. The problem is the travel. Earlier I talked about the flights and driving on Christmas Day. What I didn’t mention was the subsequent trips back and forth to Auburn (to see family), Birmingham (to see our new house) or Tuscaloosa (for the basketball game Saturday). The venture back to Columbus had to be factored in there somewhere, too. After all of the other traveling, could Mary Sanford and I really scoot to New Orleans on Jan. 1, watch the late game, drive back to Birmingham the next day and fly to Columbus with the other kids that afternoon? Well, we are going to find out. I decided it’s just too good of an opportunity. By the time you are reading this, she and I are probably in Laurel, Mississippi on the way back. I call my kids a lot of things, but above it all they are troopers. My bet is 20 percent of their young lives has been spent on a plane or in a car and I rarely hear one complaint. Yes, the ultimate destinations are usually fun, but that much mileage can be hard on children. The bottom line is that whether Alabama won is a lot less important than this extra time I got with my daughter. The week was filled with long trips and a lot of seatbelts, but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. (It did make the trip a lot easier because the Tide rolled, though.) Luke Robinson is a regular columnist and contributor to Lake Martin Living and BMetro.

NARROW LOSS Wildcats drop 34-23 decision to Smiths Station By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Despite falling to Smiths Station on Tuesday morning — a team it had previously beaten — Benjamin Russell’s wrestling team still managed to find some improvement in the 34-23 defeat. “We had some close matches, and some guys that last time we faced them got pinned by the same guys, so we saw some real improvement,” Benjamin Russell coach Michael Ransaw said. “As long as we continue to do that until February when it’s sectional time, we’ll be right where we want to be.” The two who kept things a lot closer were Kyle Mattox and Nyshad Hannon at 113 and 120, respectively. Although they both took losses, they were both in decisions, costing the Wildcats (21-9) just six total points instead of 12. Another big reason for the defeat was missing a pair of wrestlers. Benjamin Russell was forced to forfeit at 160 and was also missing its 220-pounder, where BRHS’ Dimitri Johnson suffered a lastsecond 3-1 decision loss. “We gave them six points and gave up potentially another six points, we’re talking about a 12-point swing there, and that was a big difference in the match,” Ransaw said. There were some high points for the Wildcats, though. At 132, Robert Graham wore down Smiths Station’s Gavin Wood and finally flattened him in 5:03. Saxon Coker also picked up a big win at 145, nearly pinning Anthony Dunn but instead settling for a 17-2 technical fall in 4:55. At 195, Isaiah Holloway had the fastest pin of the day, defeating Jason

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Top: Benjamin Russell’s Nyshad Hannon, top, battles against Smiths Station’s Devin Stone. Above: Benjamin Russell’s Robert Graham, top, attempts to flatten Gavin Wood.

Williams in 2:30, and Bobby Charsha started off the match with a 5-2 decision at 106. Brooks Parker also earned a thrilling victory for the Wildcats, eking out a 6-4 decision against Alex Fouts at 152. Parker had a takedown in the final period to ensure the victory. “(Parker is) a senior and at the beginning of the season, I think he came into it thinking that things would be handed to him,” Ransaw said. “But he’s settled into it and realized he’s going to have to work for everything he’s going to get. The biggest thing with him is he has to finish matches, and he did that today.” Benjamin Russell was also coming off a strong showing at the Barry Mask Invitational in Wetumpka this weekend, where the Wildcats placed second overall out of 18 teams. Charsha had the best performance of the day, finishing first at 108 pounds and going 7-1 on the day. He had three pins on his way to the finals, where he earned a 5-1 decision against Mountain Brook’s

Gray Ortis. Connor Burk and Damien Lawry both earned second-place finishes at 184 and 222 pounds, respectively. Burk was 4-1 and had a pair of first-period pins before being defeated by Sidney Lanier’s LaDontay Garrison in the final. Lawry finished 4-2, earning a pin, a technical fall and two decisions before his loss in the first-place bout. BRHS also had four wrestlers take third, including Ryan Spradley at 140, Saxon Coker at 147, Brooks Parker at 154 and Curtis Norris at heavyweight. Hezekiah Hunter rounded out the placewinners with fourth at 172 pounds. “This was a great tournament for us,” Ransaw said. “Now we’re going to Hoover this weekend, and we don’t expect a high finish. There’s a bunch of 7A schools and some schools from Louisiana, Georgia and even Florida. We just want to go see how we match up against some of those big schools. It’s good competition and prepares us for the rest of the season.”

Anfernee Jennings dominates at Sugar Bowl STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Dadeville’s own Anfernee Jennings was on his game Monday night, as Alabama’s defense put on a show against Clemson at the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Although Jennings had just five tackles, three of them went for a loss and one was a 7-yard sack. It was one of five sacks for the Crimson Tide in their 24-6 victory over No. 1-ranked Clemson. Jennings, a redshirt sophomore, has played in 11 games this season for Alabama, racking up 41 total tackles, including six tackles for a loss. He also had two forced fumbles, four quarterback hurries and a pair of pass breakups. No. 4 Alabama will face No. 3 Georgia in the National Championship at 7 p.m. Monday. “I have always had a

File / The Outlook

Alabama’s Anfernee Jennings, right, had a strong performance for the Tide in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.

tremendous amount of respect for the competition in our league, and I don’t think there’s any question about the fact that Georgia is maybe the best team in the country right now the way they’re playing,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “It’s going to be a real challenge for us to be able to stop them and be able to

move the ball against them and play effectively.”

Auburn ousted by UCF in Peach Bowl

After a season most would deem as an overachievement, Auburn was ousted by the University of Central Florida, which remained the only unbeaten team in the

FBS. UCF defeated Auburn, 34-27. Trailing for most of the first half, the Tigers finally took a lead on a 4-yard touchdown run by Kerryon Johnson midway through the third quarter. But the Golden Knights scored the game’s next three touchdowns, including a 45-yard pick six by Chequan Burkett, to lead 34-20 with 5:56 remaining. Although Auburn got on the board again with a 7-yard run from Eli Stove, it couldn’t mount a late comeback and finished the season with a 10-4 record. Auburn’s rushing attack was stifled all game, as Johnson was limited to just 71 yards on the ground. Although the Tigers actually outgained UCF, 421-411, they managed just 99 rushing yards and they had three turnovers compared to just one for the Knights.

LOCAL SPORTS CALENDAR Thursday, Jan. 4 High school boys basketball Dadeville at Loachapoka, 6:30 p.m. Horseshoe Bend at Reeltown, 6:30 p.m. Central Coosa at Beulah, 7 p.m. High school girls basketball Dadeville at Loachapoka, 5 p.m. Horseshoe Bend at Reeltown, 5 p.m.

Central Coosa at Beulah, 5:30 p.m. High school wrestling Benjamin Russell at Tallassee, 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5 High school boys basketball Benjamin Russell at Sylacauga, 7:30 Dadeville at Reeltown, 7 p.m.

Horseshoe Bend at Ranburne, 7:30 High school girls basketball Benjamin Russell at Sylacauga, 5:30 p.m. Dadeville at Reeltown, 5:30 p.m. Horseshoe Bend at Ranburne, 6 p.m. High school wrestling Benjamin Russell at Hoover tournament, 5 p.m.

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Muscle Shoals sound pioneer Hall dead at 85 STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Alabama record producer Rick Hall, who recorded some of the biggest musical acts of the 1960s and ‘70s and helped develop the fabled “Muscle Shoals Hall sound,” has died. Hall died at his home Tuesday following a fight with cancer. The music pioneer had been living in a local nursing home, but returned home before Christmas. He was 85. Hall founded FAME Recording Studios in northwestern Alabama in 1959 and went on to record major acts including R&B stars Aretha Franklin, Arthur Alexander, Jimmy Hughes, Wilson Pickett, Etta James, Clarence Carter and Otis Redding. Hall also recorded country artists including George Jones, Brenda Lee, Mac Davis, Jerry Reed, Barbara Mandrell, Shenandoah and Ronnie Milsap. Pop acts including Paul Anka and The Osmonds also recorded with Hall over the years. A new generation of listeners knows Hall through the 2013 documentary Muscle Shoals. The movie tells the story of Hall, the region’s musicians and its distinctive, soulful sound featuring heavy bass, electric piano or organ and drums.

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

The Outlook

Prison fire investigated at soon to close state facility By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

The state prison authority reported few details of a midmorning fire at a soon-to-close prison revealing only that it originated in an “inmate’s bed.” Public Information Specialist Samantha Banks with the Alabama Department of Corrections said the fire occurred Wednesday around 10:30 a.m. in the bed of an incarcerated person at Draper Correctional Facility. “The Investigations and Intelligence Division is still investigating the cause of the

fire,” Banks said. She said it was isolated to the bed and called it a minor fire. Banks said incidents involving fire do not occur frequently. “It was contained. There was no injury to inmates or staff,” Banks said. She said she was unsure if the fire would result in additional criminal charges. That would be determined after the investigation was concluded and the cause of the fire was revealed and if it could be traced back to an incarcerated man, she said. In events of fire like last

Wednesday’s Banks said the “officer on shift will handle it properly,” which she said meant they would “get it under control with minor repercussions.” The fire comes months before the prison’s scheduled closing in March, according to an ADOC November press release. “In a move to improve staffing in state prisons, the Alabama Department of Corrections … announced plans to optimize the department’s critical shortage of correctional officers through recruiting initiatives and repurposing facilities,” the opening paragraph of the

release stated. It continued, “The plan will realign operations at Draper Correctional Facility by reassigning staff to major facilities in Elmore and Montgomery Counties and moving inmates to other major correctional facilities.” According to the release, last year ADOC hired a Montgomery engineering firm to assess its major prison facilities and found that Draper had “outlived its usefulness.” Reasons it listed included overcrowding at nearly double its capacity and an estimated $30 million in repairs needed for its kitchen and living areas.

Low-income and homeless groups get grants prior to holidays, cold By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Before the holidays and the arctic cold front that made its way into the region New Year’s weekend, two area nonprofit organizations devoted to assisting those heavily affected by poverty were awarded federal grants by the governor through a state agency. Altogether about $5 million in federal grant funds were distributed among dozens of entities tasked with assisting lowincome residents and the homeless. On the Friday before Christmas and the Tuesday after the two grant awards were announced by the Gov. Kay Ivey’s office. The first was for more than $2.6 million in grants for emergency housing assistance for the homeless slated for organizations across the state, according to the governor’s press release.

A local organization assisting the homeless of Elmore County is the MidAlabama Coalition for the Homeless that operates out of Montgomery. It reportedly received $397,548 of the funds, the highest amount granted. The “emergency housing assistance” award was made to 14 entities across the state from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Emergency Solutions Grant program. “The funds from the Emergency Solutions Grant program will support organizations across the state that provide shelter, legal and health services and financial education for families and individuals without a residence. The grant program also can assist these families with moving costs, including rental and utility deposits,” the according to the press release. The second announcement

was of an award for a total of $2.3 million to go to programs that assist lowincome residents. Locally the agency with service for Elmore County is called the Eleventh Area of Alabama Opportunity Action Committee Inc. It oversees four counties including Elmore and was awarded $106,685. It recently took over the services that once were offered by the Community Action Agency of Central Alabama before its offices closed in 2017. The funds came from Community Services Block Grants provided through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and were directed to go to Community Action Agencies across the state. According to the Community Action Association of Alabama, “Community Action Agencies are private non-profit or public organizations that were

created by the federal government in 1964 to combat poverty in geographically designated areas.” Both award amounts were administered through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.. “The Community Services Block Grants will enable 20 Community Action Agencies throughout the state to help low-income residents achieve selfsufficiency and address barriers to success through a variety of programs and services. The specific needs of the communities served determine which programs are available, which can include job search assistance and shortterm employment skills classes, parenting classes, transitional housing, summer youth programs, financial literacy programs and emergency food and shelter,” according to a press release.

Call 256-234-4281 to subscribe!

JANUARY 2018

LAKE 1

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xperience the charm of fine dining at Itta Bena, tucked away upstairs at Wind Creek Montgomery. Slip on in and enjoy a cool libation with a delta twist. Then savor some gourmet southern cuisine with a taste of Beale Street on the side. From the 8 oz. center cut filet to the shrimp and grits, every dish at Itta Bena is designed to tempt. So come discover this modern day speakeasy and get a taste of something good, plus a little treat on us…it’s our little secret.

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LAKE 3

Staff Chairman KENNETH BOONE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Publisher STEVE BAKER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Managing Editor BETSY ILER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Assistant Magazine Editor AMY PASSARETTI

amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing/Advertising Director TIPPY HUNTER

tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com

199 MONTH

EMILY GREGG

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Contributors KENNETH BOONE JOHN COLEY JULIE HUDSON CLIFF WILLIAMS MATT SHEPPARD MITCH SNEED GREG VINSON

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(256) 392-3613 • 1551 Hwy. 280 • Alexander City, AL Located next to Tallapoosa Ford on Highway 280

WWW.LAKEMARTINTRACTOR.COM 4 LAKE

JANUARY 2018

ROB MCDANIEL DONALD CAMPBELL HENRY FOY ERIC REUTEBUCH JOHN DENNEY JUSTIN CLAYTON J. HAROLD BANKS

All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of:

256-234-4281 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011

6400 Highway 63 South, Alexander City, AL 35010 docksunlimitedllc.com (256) 203-8400 Check out our Facebook Page: Docks Unlimited

JANUARY 2018

LAKE 5

On the Cover

385 East LaFayette Street Dadeville, AL 36853 (256) 825-9244

Courtney Finley fell in love with Lake Martin when a friend invited her to the family lake house. Since then, she has spent summers at the lake between semesters at Auburn University. Finley will graduate in the spring and will spend next summer planning red carpet events in Hollywood, California, but she'll carry with her a fondness for fresh water. Photo by Kenneth Boone

Only Minutes from Lake Martin and Alex City!

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES

All Private Suites with Private Bathroom & Shower

9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO

70. LAKE WATCH

THE LAKE

72. FROM THE CELLAR

10. LAKE SCENES

74. HEALTHY LIVING

14. WHERE IS LAKE?

77. CHEF'S TABLE

18. LAKE MARTIN EVENTS

79. BIG CATCHES

22. LAKE MARTIN NEWS

80. LAKE PROPERTY

63. FAB FINDS

83. PAR FOR THE COURSE

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 6 LAKE PM16_DadeRehabHalfPg_Mag3.indd 1

JANUARY 2018 5/18/16 3:58 PM

24.

12th Annual

SWIMSUIT

& LIFESTYLE Edition

DALY WAGONER TATUM MASSEY COURTNEY FINLEY HAYLEE ROBINSON ASHLEY & CARLEE HOPPING JAYLAN REYNOLDS KATHRYN PEMBERTON LORIN DENNEY 64. JUMP AT YOUR OWN RISK Frigid Lake Martin waters await those who are brave enough to take the annual LMYP Polar Plunge 66. MORE THAN JUST A HILL Every season offers options for hiking CRATA's Smith Mountain trails

- edition

ediLake magazine also features an online, digital . This tion, available 24 hours a day, free of charge to stories, edition provides you complete access ere in the photos and advertisements from anywh edition world with Internet access. View our digital today at www.issuu.com.

JANUARY 2018

LAKE 7

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8 LAKE

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JANUARY 2018

Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators Sales Month

Number of sales

Average selling price

Median selling price

Days on the market

Total houses for sale

Inventory/ sales ratio

20 16 8

$692,463 $534,648 $657,190

$570,000 $427,500 $644,950

176 258 219

210 285 341

7.00 11.63 19.21

November 2017 November 2014 November 2011

The above numbers are derived from raw sales data from the Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors MLS.The sales noted above are for Lake Martin waterfront residential (single family and condominium) sales only. This information is provided courtesy Lake Martin Realty, LLC. (A Russell Lands, Inc. affiliated company.)

How to spot a damaged boat and avoid buying a dud Winter is a great time to get a deal repaired area are often a giveaway and Before buying a used boat, check on a boat, and extra savings could be may signal the use of filler under the gelto make sure any repairs have realized when purchasing a pre-owned coat, instead of a proper fiberglass repair. been done properly boat, but BoatUS Consumer Affairs Look for new repairs or sealant Director Charles Fort cautioned shopat the hull-to-deck joint. Boats that bang pers to be careful when buying a used against a dock during a storm often sufboat that might have previous damage. fer damage there. “It’s not that you don’t want to buy a Evidence of sinking. Check for boat that’s been repaired, but you should consistent corrosion on interior hardhave full knowledge of the repairs and ware, like hinges and drawer pulls. Look know they were done correctly. It’s a for an interior waterline inside a locker transparency issue that will help you or other hidden interior area. negotiate a fair price,” Fort said. Corrosion in the electrical sysHe offered these tips to help consumtem. Corrosion on electrical items, ers spot a boat that might have been such as lamps, connectors and behind badly damaged in a storm: breaker panels might mean the boat Trace the history. When a car is sank recently. Does the boat have all totaled, the title is branded as salvaged new electronics? Why? or rebuilt, and buyers know up front that Look for evidence of major there was major damage at some point interior repairs. Fresh paint or gelin the car’s history. But only a few states coat work on the inside of the hull and brand salvaged boats and some states engine room is usually obvious. All new don’t require titles for boats. Anyone wishing to obscure a boat’s cushions and curtains may be a tipoff, too. history need only cross state lines to avoid detection, which could Look for fresh paint on the engine. It may be covering be a tipoff. Look for recent gaps in the boat’s ownership, which exterior rust as well as interior damage. may mean that it was in a repair yard for a long time. Ask the seller. In some states, a seller isn’t required to disLook for recent hull repairs. Especially on older boats, close if a boat was badly damaged unless you ask. If the seller matching gelcoat is very difficult. Mismatched colors around a hems and haws, keep looking.

Weather Outlook for January January 2018 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the 50s with average lows in the mid-to-low 30s and nearly 5 inches of precipitation in the month of January. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be somewhat above normal and rainfall will be slightly below normal this month.

Year to Date

Precipitation: 66.73 inches Avg. high temp.: 77.7 Avg. low temp.: 54.0 Average temp.: 65.9

Our Normal January Precipitation: 5.21 inches Avg. high temp.: 55.2 Information from Avg. low temp.: 31.6 the National Average temp.: 43.4 Weather Service.

JANUARY 2018

Lake Levels Last Month Summer: 491MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 484 Lowest: 483.89 For up-to-date lake levels, log on to https://lakes. alabamapower.com.

Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and water-related equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.

LAKE 9

LAKE SCENE PEOPLE AND PLACES

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Reader Submissions (1) Tucker and Zachary Contorno fly through the air but have some difficulty landing while tubing in Parker Creek. (2) Lee Miller proudly shows off his big catch at Lake Martin. (3) Barry and Charlotte Brown's boxer Dolly B watches the Labor Day sunset in Sandy Creek. (4) Rhett Farr shared an artsy photo of his back porch at the lake. (5) Mili Lewis caught this photo of Lake Martin sailors out for a Sunday run.

10 LAKE

JANUARY 2018

LAKE SCENE PEOPLE AND PLACES

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

3 5

4 6

Reader Submissions (1) Cousins Vivian McKinney and McKinney Simmons enjoyed an afternoon boat ride and an afternoon cruise at the home of their Great-Aunt Linda Summey. (2) A migrating hummingbird stopped to rest at the Gainer house on Powell Drive. (3) Kevin Shubird and Audrey Patton, 2, feed the fish off their dock at Lake Martin. (4) Kelly Cochran sent this photo of her son, Will, wakeboarding near the dam near Goat Island. (5) When the Heaths' friends, the Bentleys, visited from South Carolina, they completely fell in love with Lake Martin. (6) Stephanie Huffaker took this picture of a beautiful sky over Lake Martin near Niffer's on the Lake.

JANUARY 2018

LAKE 11

LAKE SCENE

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

Reader Submissions (1) Johanna McCain captured the fog over Lake Martin one chilly October morning in Bluegill Cove. (2) Memories are being created for Cooper Williams, son of Reid and Laura Williams, as he enjoys a boat ride around Lake Martin. (3) Ann Fulton Ferguson, Sara Tate Schroeder, Hamp and Walker Ferguson and Will Schroeder represent the rolling Tide at the Willow Point condos. (4) Marley Mask enjoyes the Fall Festival at Wind Creek State Park dressed as a chicken. (5) Tony Johnson starts the day with a Lake Martin sunrise at Dead Timbers. (6) Ana Blanco takes the stern on a canoe trip near Lake Martin's D.A.R.E. Park with her son, Irving.

12 LAKE

JANUARY 2018

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JANUARY 2018

LAKE 13

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS LAKE? PEOPLE AND PLACES

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Reader Submissions (1) Terri DeVries and Lt. Rachel Markham at Alpha Missle Alert Facility in Minot, North Dakota, with Lake magazine. (2) Lake magazine stopped at Sainte-Mere-Eglise, Normandy, France, where an American paratrooper landed on the pinnacle of the church tower during the WWII liberation, with Ann and Billy Harrison, Lynn and Benny LaRussa and Sarah and Bruce Denson. (3) Skyle Bartlett and Casey Turner visited the Louvre with Lake magazine on their trip to Europe. (4) Ed and Dixie Hicks took Lake magazine in front of the Cave of the Apocalypse of St. John on the Island of Patmos, Greece. (5) Adam Till, Eve Cobb, Tiffany Till and Dwight Cobb took Lake magazine on their trip to Houston, Texas, to help with Hurricane Harvey flood relief efforts.

14 LAKE

JANUARY 2018

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS LAKE?

Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

4 5

Reader Submissions (1) Sellers and Liz Gantt, Frank and Mary Ann Burns, Charlotte Knight, Sarah Clegg, Chris Stephens, Pam Payne and June and John Wilson took the September issue of Lake to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. (2) John and Jamie Dark and Richie and Larkin Radney took Lake aboard the Ameoba sailboat in Baddeck, Nova Scotia. (3) Charlotte and Rap McBurney took Lake magazine cruising in Plymouth Harbor, Plymouth, Massachusetts. (4) Robert and Kathleen Greer took Lake whaling and crabbing on a cruise to Alaska. (5) Gene and Linda Jackson took Lake magazine with them on the Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Sea cruise ship to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and New England.

JANUARY 2018

LAKE 15

Happy New Year! Make The Most Of It With A New Dock

“You crown the year with Your bounty and goodness... ” Psalm 65:11

16 LAKE

JANUARY 2018

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256-825-3199 JANUARY 2018

LAKE 17

Jan. 8-9 Throw Away Day

Jan. 16 Beekeeping Course

The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership The 2018 Beginner Beekeeping Course will start and the Tallapoosa County Commission will Jan. 16 and will be held every Tuesday through team up to provide dumpsters for the disposal of Feb. 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Dadeville household items at Recreation Center. five locations from Cost is $45 for adults CALENDAR OF EVENTS noon on Monday and $35 for students. through Tuesday The deadline for regevening. The dumpistration is Jan. 11. WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN sters will be availCall the Tallapoosa able free of charge at County Extension the Alexander City office at 256-825-1050 Annex, 395 Lee St.; for more information Double Bridges on or to sign up. Highway 63; Old Daviston School Jan. 19-21 on state Route 22; Dear Mama: Camp Hill Town Letters and Hall at 309 Holley Music Ave.; and Union Community Center from World at 4191 Highway 50. War II No liquids, appliancTo celebrate the es with compressors, grand opening of tires, batteries, light the renovated Mt. bulbs, televisions, Vernon Theatre, the computers, propane theater organization tanks or hazardous has partnered with or medical waste will the Talisi Historical be allowed. For more Preservation information, contact Participants of all ages Society’s Friends of Sabrina Clark Wood race in Alabama Nature Tuckabatchee to presCenter's 5K Critter Crawl at 334-429-8832. ent this original pro-

Jan. 8 Horizons Unlimited

through Lanark's trails

Craigger Browne will present A Tribute to Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan at the Alexander City Board of Education building located at 375 Lee St. The meeting is held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., and refreshments are available. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple for the entire semester of Horizons Unlimited programs.

Jan. 13 3rd Annual LMYP Polar Plunge

duction, 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 Tallapoosee 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 program, which is open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

The Lake Martin Young Professionals will host its third annual Polar Plunge at Kowaliga Restaurantto support the Lake Martin Resource Association. Presented by USAmeriBank, the doors open at 10 Jan. 21 a.m., and the fun continues until 4 p.m. Entry fee is $20, which includes tickets to Kowaliga’s special 2nd Annual Bridal Extravaganza food stations, live music and plenty of space for The City of Wetumpka and King Bridal Formal kids to play outside. Both of Kowaliga’s indoor Boutique will host its second annual Bridal cash bars will be open, and the plunge into Lake Extravaganza at the Wetumpka Civic Center Martin happens at noon. This year’s event will from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a fashion show at include a $100 Dash for the Cash as swimmers race 2:30 p.m. Admission is $5, and proceeds benefit to a buoy and back. Prizes also awarded for best the Wetumpka Youth Program. Plenty of premier Polar Plunge costume. See page 64 for details. 18 LAKE JANUARY 2018

Feb. 5 Horizons Unlimited

wedding vendors from throughout Alabama and Georgia will display products and discuss services. Tonya Terry will be the guest emcee, and there will be live entertainment provided by Shelia Jackson and Friends. Food and beverages will be available, along with giveaways. Attendees will have the opportunity to win an ultimate wedding package valued up to $50,000. Visit the Bridal Extravaganza of Wetumpka Facebook page for details. For more information, contact LaToya King at 334-580-9770 or email her at kingsformalboutique@gmail.com.

Photographer Glen Wills presents Forgotten Alabama with 10,000 photos of abandoned churches, buildings, vehicles and schools throughout Alabama’s 67 counties. The presentation will be at the Alexander City Board of Education building located at 375 Lee St. from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., and refreshments are available. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple for the entire semester of Horizons Unlimited programs.

Jan. 22 Horizons Unlimited

Feb. 10 Critter Crawl

E. Paul Jones will present Rev. Maxwell at the Alexander City Board of Education building located at 375 Lee St. The meeting is held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., and refreshments are available. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple for the entire semester of Horizons Unlimited programs.

Jan. 29 Horizons Unlimited

Marilee Tankersley will present The Wetumpka Impact Crater at the Alexander City Board of Education building located at 375 Lee St. The meeting is held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., and refreshments are available. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple for the entire semester of Horizons Unlimited programs.

Feb. 2 Mardi Gras Auction at ACT II Fine Arts Center

Season-Long Events Trivia Night at Niffer’s on the Lake

Every Thursday, Niffer’s hosts trivia night at 7 p.m. Winners receive Niffer’s gift cards. First place gets $40; second place gets $25; and third place gets $15. Grab a group of friends and come out for a night of games. A bonus question is posted on the Niffer’s Facebook page at 2 p.m. Thursdays.

Real Island Supper

St. James Episcopal Church will hold live and silent auctions, raffles, wine/beer/non-alcholic beverages, hors d'oeuvres, desserts and entertainment at the Alexander City Theatre II Fine Arts Center at 264 Tallapoosa St. to raise money for the Feast of Sharing outreach. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Feast of Sharing, a ministry of St. James and First United Methodist churches, provides a free meal twice a week to hungry people in the area. For tickets, please contact St. James Episcopal Church 256-234-4752. For more information, contact Denise Graves at 205-826-4066.

Feb. 3 Gumbo Cook-off

The Alabama Nature Center will host its annual Critter Crawl trail run through Lanark’s 5-mile trail system. New this year is the Yeti Dash, which is a 1-mile trail system run, and only participants in costume will be eligible for a Yeti Dash medal. The 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. with the 1-mile run starting at 9:45 a.m. T-shirts available for those that register before Jan. 31. Sign up at active.com today. Call 334-285-4550 for information.

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 256-329-8724.

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.

Charity Bingo

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.

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 6 p.m. at the terminal building at the Thomas C. Russell Field Airport (Alexander City Airport) with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. Contact Michael

JANUARY 2018

LAKE 19

Courtney at 256-825-7766 or Mike Smith at 256-750-5710 for more information.

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.

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.

The Equality Performing Arts Center

The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and other events on the second and fourth Friday nights of each month at 6:30 p.m. on Alabama Highway 9 in Equality. Country/Western, bluegrass, Southern gospel and instrumental music featured. Contact Wayne Glenn at 334-541-3302 for more information.

Millerville Trade Day

Bibb Graves School 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.

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.

Library Storytime in Dadeville

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

Children’s Library in Alexander City

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

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 256-329-6796.

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. Call 256-409-2020 for information.

256.215.FISH (3474)

2190 Cherokee Road , Alex City, AL

www.alexcitymarine.com

Certified Outboard Dealer

Call us today about our Winterization Specials! 20 LAKE

JANUARY 2018

LAKE 21

Lake Martin News Winter storm Benji left nearly 8 inches of snow on Lake Martin landmarks and trees

Local teacher saves boater from drowning

Rare winter storm blankets lake area in snow Winter storm Benji dumped 8 inches of snow at Lake Martin last month in a surprise white out that caught motorists off guard. The National Weather Service had predicted the storm would drop less precipitation during the Dec. 8 storm that swept up from the Gulf. At its onset, Benji coated the ground with sleet. Big, fluffy flakes followed, and the weight of the accummulation snapped tree branches all through the lake neighborhoods. Some 2,400 customers were without power, officials reported, and roads were closed across the lake area, as most were impassable without four-wheel drive. The following day, the snow offered lake residents a rare and breathtaking scene, as twigs, rooflines and docks were outlined with several inches of the white stuff. The snow slowly melted over the next few days, though temperatures continued to dip below freezing at night. ~ Staff Report

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It was supposed to be a simple step from the boat onto the dock for Jacksons Gap resident Duane Davis as he and his wife Gladys were taking their boat out of the water at D.A.R.E. Park. Next thing Davis knew, he was coming up from beneath the cool waters of Lake Martin gasping for air on a November day. “I misjudged the step and fell, falling into the deep cold water at the end of the dock,” Davis said. “I went under and the cold water took my breath. I surfaced and started yelling for help.” Davis had just finished hunting and was still wearing heavy clothes and boots when the accident happened. To make matters worse, he also was recovering from surgery. “I tried swimming but my heavy winter clothes made that impossible,” Davis said. “I reached up and took hold of the side of the dock but could not lift myself out of the water due to the cold water and the weight of my soaked clothes. Two months prior, I had spinal surgery and have lost upper body strength. Both Davis and his wife Gladys panicked, but Dadeville native Jacob Tidwell heard the commotion. “Both my wife and I started to scream as I was sinking,” Davis said. “He just came running to help.” Tidwell was taking his boat out as well. “I was in the parking lot strapping stuff down when I heard a noise,” Tidwell said. “I heard it and ran to help.” Tidwell was able to assist Davis by getting down on his stomach and helping to reach Davis around the dock and along the walkway to the dock at D.A.R.E. Park. Tidwell, a first-year fourth-grade math teacher at Dadeville, even helped Davis along the rocks. Davis explained he was not wearing a life jacket, as they had cleaned the boat, and the only ones on board were stowed away. “The lesson learned is to always have life jackets,” Davis said. Davis is thankful Tidwell was nearby. “I would have died had it not been for him,” Davis said. Tidwell said he just did what anyone else would have done. “It is nothing,” Tidwell said. “It is not anything anyone else wouldn't have done.” ~ Cliff Williams

June festival announced for lake area Though the New Year has just begun, Alexander City Chamber of Commerce officials and volunteers have their sights on the second week of June, which could bring hundreds or even thousands of visitors to the Lake Martin area for a combined Jazz Fest and Sun Festival event.

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Chamber CEO Ed Collari made the announcement of the plan last month at an Alexander City City Council meeting, explaining that the 28-year-old Jazz Fest and the 5-year-old Sun Festival will become one massive, week-long celebration in 2018. “The comDelta Rae performed at last year's Jazz bined festivals Fest, which this year will be a weeklong over the same event in conjunction with Sun Festival week should give the area a signature event that could draw visitors from across the Southeast who would stay for several days,” Collari said. “The Jazz Fest has been around for 28 years, and the track record it has is incredible,” he told the council. “But it has been done by a committee, and over time, it has got-

ten down to where just a handful of people were having to handle the majority of the work. Primarily, it was driven by Russell Lands and Robert Gunn, in particular. “So they approached the Chamber about taking it over, and we were glad to do that. But in looking at Sun Festival and particularly the timing of it in late July when the weather was just so hot, we thought that holding the two the same week just made sense.” The festivals will be held the second week of June with the big Jazz Fest shows set for Friday and Saturday night. Collari said that Sun Festival events will be held all week to keep events for the community, kids and to help draw people to the downtown area and to promote all the things the city has to offer. “We’re still in the planning stages right now, so we don’t know exactly what the lineup will be or what the final product will look like,” Collari said. “But I think by having it in that time frame, before so many people start taking vacations and before the extreme heat gets here, I think it will draw much better crowds. “Plus, I think by concentrating the efforts, it gives the area a signature event that could draw visitors from across the Southeast who would stay for several days. Jazz Fest has been the big event for a long time, and we are excited to be a part of it and to help make it even better with the weeklong events that lead up to the two big final nights of music.” Collari said more details would be available in the coming months. ~ Mitch Sneed

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Daly Wagoner

in Alexander City and hopes to stay Daly Wagoner was born and raised from travel, since the majority of her in the area for most of her life, aside family is nearby. munity College, Wagoner took As a freshman at Central Alabama Com ram, which allowed her to attend prog advantage of the Gateway Scholarship it was a smart decision. said She e. hom to e clos free college for go off somewhere else to college. and “I wasn’t ready to leave town yet nity to attend for free. Why would I It’s a good option and great opportu pass that up?” said Wagoner. s to transfer to a four-year college After a year or two, she said, she plan study mental health. ity to and is leaning toward Auburn Univers not dealing with the blood and but “I want to be in a hospital setting she how people’s minds work and why,” guts. I’ve always been interested in added. school with her father as the Wagoner played soccer throughout high e, she uses her skills to help mor any coach, and although she doesn’t play . team r’s yea this him with rite thing about the area, and she The lake is Wagoner’s absolute favo family on Lake Martin. Between loves spending time with friends and and cruising around and taking in the boating, wake surfing, wakeboarding r time on the west side of the lake nea sights, Wagoner spends most of her the lake home of family friends. s on the beaches and finding cool, She and her friends also enjoy bonfire new places to hang out. this size, so it’s cool to have the “Not everyone has a lake, especially our lake is so clean, and it’s not opportunity to be out there. I love that trashy or dirty water,” said Wagoner. s times, working downtown at She has a part-time job between clas With most of the employees around Alexander City’s The Coffee Corner. bonded and get along well. her age, Wagoner said, they have all and laid back vibe,” she “It’s a great place to work, with a fun added. hasn’t changed Although Wagoner said Alexander City a rily essa nec not much over her lifetime, that’s of the bad thing. She likes the smalltown feel the e’s ther that fact community, and the opportunity to get to know everyone.

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Alexander City's Daly Wagoner liked the idea of staying close to family in her early college years

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(Right) Daly Wagoner and Kathryn Pemberton stopped to play a round of shuffleboard at Wicker Point; (Below) Wagoner can't help but smile spending a sunny day on a sandy Lake Martin beach

Wagoner takes a break at Dixie Sailing Club at New Hope

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Brock, Amy and Kaleigh Hill enjoy an afternoon boat ride in a new SeaRay SPX230 from Russell Marine russellmarine.net

Tatum Massey

Staying close to family Tatum Willbanks Massey is an Alexander and Lake Martin was City native and an Auburn University graduate important to Massey who spends her time with her daughter Averie, whe n she finished works as a personal trainer and finds her own college at Auburn personal time to compete in CrossFit and enjoy outdoor activities. “It’s Averie, work, CrossFit; and then, any other time I get I want to spend it being active,” said Massey, who has stayed close to home because of her family and Lake Martin. Seven-year-old Averie may be a performer at heart and loves to sing and dance, but also already has her mother’s passion for outdoor activities. Massey said they enjoy hiking together around the lake, and their favorite spot is Smith Mountain, with its beautiful views. Having grown up around Lake Martin, Massey said she spent every summer visiting relatives’ and friends’ homes on the lake. “My favorite thing is to be doing something active on the water, whether it be skiing, wakeboarding or something else I can continually push myself to get better at,” Massey said. Being competitive in nature is what motivated Massey to get involved with CrossFit three years ago. Aside from the personal challenge it creates, Massey is partial to competing with a team. Next month, she will be headed to Miami for a CrossFit competition, and her ultimate goal is to make it to regionals. “Not only do I love the competitive aspect of CrossFit, but there are constantly a thousand things to work on and improve on for personal growth,” Massey explained. Massey is no stranger to fitness, as she was a gymnast growing up and walked on the Auburn cross-country team while a student. Even tor for the last 12 years. Currently, she spends a few days in Alexander City at though Benjamin Russell High School did not offer Anytime Fitness and travels to Hoover Rec in Hoover the sport, her innate athleticism and hard work led to three days a week. her success in a sport she had never previously prac“Fitness has always been a big part of my life. The ticed. reason I pursued this as a career is to motivate others “If I were to give advice to someone just starting to realize their potential, both physically and mentalout in the fitness world, I would say to be patient, ly. I want to help change people’s lives for the better, stick with it and be consistent,” said Massey. leading them on a healthier path and just letting them Turning her passion into a career, Massey has know you care,” Massey said. worked as a personal trainer and boot camp instruc-

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Athletics and fitness have always been her passions

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Massey will compete with a CrossFit team in Miami next month

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Goat Island is one of Courtney Finley's favorite places to visit on the lake

Courtney Finley

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will Upon graduation, she ing nn pla complete an event d oo llyw Ho in internship

Auburn University’s Courtney Finley grew up in Florida but attended high school in Andalusia, Alabama, when her father took a job there. Now 23 years old, she will graduate Auburn University this spring and looks forward to spending the summer in Hollywood, California, where she has landed a red carpet event planning internship. While she’s very excited about the opportunity, the downside is that this will be the first summer in many years that she has not spent at Lake Martin. “I became very close with a local family and spent a lot of time with them on the lake. It’s so beautiful there,” Finley said. Goat Island is one of her favorite places to stop when boating with friends, and she’ll miss getting to see the goats this summer. An internship with the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce introduced Finley to event planning projects and helped her determine her chosen career path. “I got to work with the Sun Festival Kids Fest event and put it together as I wanted. I also sat in on meetings about planning Sun Festival and met a lot of people. It was fun to find out what they do and how they bring new things to Sun Festival,” she said. “I learned a lot about how it all comes together, and I decided I would really like to do this as a career.” Finley wants to take advantage of her time in California

to cross a few activities off her bucket list – like visiting Las Vegas and hiking among the redwoods. “I will be there for two-and-a-half months, so I hope to find a connection for boating, too,” she added. But before she heads west, there are a few things she wants to be sure to do here, including spending time with her first and brand new niece. “My sister is married and lives in Andalusia. She just had her first child, a beautiful little girl. She was born six weeks early and had to stay in the hospital for a while, but she is doing fine now. I want to visit her and start spoiling her so she will remember me,” Finley said. She also hopes she might still be able to visit Lake Martin at the end of the summer. “I am interviewing now and looking for a job for next fall, in case I don’t stay in California, but I hope I could still spend a little time at the lake. I keep up with my friends from Alexander City when I can, and it would be nice to see all the people I have met there and see the new innovation center. It was being planned when I was an intern, but I haven’t seen it yet,” she said. Whether she remains local, stays in California or returns to Destin, Florida, where her parents now live, Finley said she’s fallen in love with Lake Martin, and returning – even if only to visit – is not a matter of ‘if’ but only ‘when.’

She was introduced to Lake Martin through a friend and took an internship with the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce to stay close to the lake and gain event planning experience

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Chase Maynard and Courtney Finley take a break from riding on the new GTX Limited 230 and Wake Pro 230 Sea-Doos from Russell Marine russellmarine.net

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Haylee Robinson has been a regular at Lake Martin since childhood and loves to spend time here at her father's lake house

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Haylee Robinson

Originally from Montgomery, Haylee Robinson is now a senior at Auburn University majoring in apparel merchandise with dreams to be a fashion buyer. She’s known this is the exact path she wants to follow since her high school days at Alabama Christian Academy. “It’s the only thing I could ever see myself doing. I’ve always had a sense for visuals and being creative. I just love fashion, and the industry is so fascinating,” said Robinson, 22. While she tried her hand at modeling during college, Robinson prefers the styling aspect of the industry. She said she got to walk in a show for David’s Bridal through her collegiate Modeling Board, which kind of stumbled into her path. “Modeling was definitely fun, but not something I would want to do fulltime. I enjoyed it though, but I consider it more of a hobby,” explained Robinson. Having always known people with lake homes, Robinson has been coming to Lake Martin most of her life but spends more time here now that her dad bought a house two years ago in the Kowaliga area. Robinson said her favorite things to do at the lake are riding the Sea-Doo, going tubing and enjoying

boat rides. “I’ve always loved the water. I would love to live by the water some day, and Lake Martin is by far the prettiest water of any lake I’ve ever seen. It’s just gorgeous,” said Robinson, who currently lives with a roommate in Auburn who is from the Lake Martin area in Alexander City. Robinson is a self-proclaimed Adrenaline junkie, as well, and enjoys skydiving and visiting haunted sites. Cage diving with the great white sharks is near the top of her bucket list. “I’ve always been dying to do that. I think it would be so cool. I’m all about experiences and traveling,” said Robinson, who also enjoys baking and crafting. This month, Robinson will be traveling to Atlanta for a semester-long internship as a buyer for Fab’rik. She will then graduate in May and hopes to find a full-time job in the Atlanta area. “New York is my dream, but it’s hard picturing leaving the South right after college, so I’ll probably stay around the Atlanta area for a bit first,” Robinson said.

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Ashley

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Hopping

Even though Ashley Hopping is a senior at Hoover High School, she considers herself having grown up on Lake Martin. Her grandmother has had a condominium in Stillwaters since she was little and she, along with her family of three sisters, goes there almost every weekend each summer. “Spending time with my family on the lake is my favorite thing. We usually hang around Chimney Rock and Peanut Point, and it’s a lot of fun,” said Hopping, 17 years old. Her favorite spot is Chimney Rock, and although she said she is not daring enough to jump off the highest rock, she does take the risk from the medium one and enjoys watching other adventure-seekers plunge into the water from great heights. “I’m just not that much of a daredevil,” explained Hopping, who prefers tubing on the water as her activity of choice. Similar to her sister Carlee, Hopping has been cheerleading her entire life and is currently the captain of the Hoover High School cheerleading team. She also competes on the competition squad and with the Ace Warriors, which is one of the best teams in Alabama, she said. “I really like inspiring the younger girls in cheering. I have two younger sisters, and I want to be a good role model for them. People look up to you on this team,” Hopping said. Working with younger children is a passion of hers, and she babysits and teaches cheer classes part-time. Hopping said that, with three sisters, their household is always busy. “There is always something going on, but it’s a lot of fun. I love having my sisters around because it’s like having built-in best friends. I don’t want to leave them next year when I go to college,” said Hopping. While she is still undecided between wanting to attend Auburn University or the University of Alabama, Hopping said she hopes to cheer in college and wants to pursue an engineering degree. Her dream is to own her own house on Lake Martin one day, but she also hopes to return to her hometown of Hoover because she likes the community and connections she has made there.

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cheerleader, A competitive cheer in Ashley hopes to ) Sisters ve bo college; (A ley Hopping Carlee and Ash ce have cheered sin ol ho sc ry ta elemen

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Ashley and Carlee take a photo op with one of Goat Island's celebrity residents

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college career at Carlee started her unity College and Shelton State Comm a larger school plans to transfer to

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Carlee Hopping

Carlee Hopping currently attends Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa to complete her core college classes and be able to cheer at a school that is a 10-time consecutive winner of UCA College Nationals. “I’ve been cheerleading since I was about 7 or 8, and I’ve always enjoyed it. It’s the performing aspect of it that I like the most and to get to tumble and stunt,” said Hopping. “I got to be a part of Shelton’s 10th win, so that was very special to me. I’m hoping this January we will make it to the 11th.” Hopping also shares her talents and works at Ace cheer gym in Tuscaloosa where she teaches children ages 3-12 how to tumble. “I love working with all the kids. The 3-year-olds just light up when they flip over for the first time, and the older kids still light up when they learn a new skill,” said Hopping, 20 years old. When not cheerleading, Hopping said, she spends as much time as possible at her grandmother’s Stillwaters condominium on Lake Martin. When she was around 4 years old, Hopping said, she can remember her first lake experience at her grandmother’s house with a boat. “I was too young to remember going to the lake a lot really, but there are pictures of me in a life jacket on the water,” said Hopping, the oldest of four sisters. Her memories have since expanded after growing up spending summers on the

lake, tubing and jumping off Chimney Rock. “I go down to Lake Martin any chance I can get down there. Cheering is priority, but any free chance I have, we’re usually at the lake with my family and a couple of friends,” Hopping added. Hoping to apply to a four-year university after community college, Hopping has dreams of becoming a nurse and cheering at a larger school.

The Hopping sisters love nothing more than spending time at Lake Martin

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Tyler Royal and Courtney Washington take a ride on Lake Martin in a Supreme S238 from Russell Marin e russellmarine.net

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Jaylan Reynolds

Alexander City native Jaylan Reynolds maintains a fashion blog while finishing her master's in communications

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Alexander City native Jaylan Reynolds is finishing her master’s degree in communications at Troy University, but she’s already busy making videos and blog posts on the side. As a freelance makeup artist, she posts tips for natural hair care, makeup and fashion on her All Things Fabulous blog at www.fabulousbg. blogspot.com. “I have been interested in makeup and beauty since middle school. My mom really encouraged me, and I loved it from the start. I blog fashion spotlights and makeup trends and how to use healthy products for taking care of natural hair,” Reynolds said. She also creates videos for her YouTube channel at Jay_reyn. With a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism, Reynolds loves videography and the process of editing. When she finishes her master’s, she hopes to work in crisis public relations. “In disaster situations, that’s the person who writes the press releases and works with the media. I like to think about how people respond to things. You have to be sensitive and use all kinds of ways to get the message across – social media, as well as traditional media outlets. I’m kind of an analytical person,” she explained. Reynolds said she has analyzed what she sees and reads her whole life. “When I read, I like to pick it apart, to figure out the symbolism,” she said. Reynolds loves the As a child, Reynolds loved lake's magical place s, to find magical places in where she spent ho urs the little-traveled coves and exploring as a child sloughs of Lake Martin. “I would go out on the SeaDoo with a friend, and we would explore these hidden places in the woods – places where the ferns grew under the trees. We called them fairy places,” she said. “Going on those adventures, seeing different areas – creeks and shallow areas – it was just so much fun, every time.” But Reynolds said she wasn’t ever reckless about her Lake Martin adventures. “One time, I was at a friend’s birthday party and was on the dock getting ready to get in the water, and a friend came along and pushed me in. I wasn’t really prepared for that, and I panicked. There was an inner tube near me, but I

couldn’t get up out of the water to get to it, and eventually, the person who pushed me in had to come and get me. That really taught me early to be aware of my surroundings and be prepared if something goes wrong,” she said. The incident also

gave her a sense of responsibility regarding her two younger sisters. “One is at Benjamin Russell High School and the other is at Alexander City Middle School, so they are doing all the things now that I used to do. I am in a good position to guide them, and I’m trying to be a good role model,” she said. With her passion for makeup and fashion, Reynolds was excited about modeling for the Swimsuit & Lifestyle edition of Lake magazine.

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Haylee Robinson, Courtney Finley, Courtney Washington, Chase Maynard and Tyler Royal, take a ride on Lake Martin in a Nautique GS24 from Russell Marine russellmarine.net

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Kathryn Pemberton

As a freshman at Central Alabama Community College, Kathryn Pemberton is happy to be close to Alexander City, which is where she calls home. Pemberton is part of the Gateway Scholarship program and said she will likely stay for the full two years that it offers, although she said she was ready to get out of high school. “I like that CACC is still close to home, and I also like that Alexander City is close to the lake,” said Pemberton. As an avid lover of Lake Martin, Pemberton admits she has never jumped off Chimney Rock and probably never will because she has a fear of heights. When she’s on the lake, she enjoys relaxing with her dog, Emery, along with family and friends. Pemberton also likes to park her boat at any of the numerous islands around Lake Martin, and she likes to wake surf and wakeboard. “I’m definitely at the lake more than anywhere else. I grew up in Alexander City, but I wish I had lived on the lake,” Pemberton said. Her family used to have a cabin on Lake

Martin near River North and hosted cabin parties. With a large family from the area, she said, they are all very close and have big holiday gatherings with a favored pastime of eating a lot of good food. Having two older sisters, Pemberton said, she still enjoys the college experience on the weekends when she visits her sister at Auburn University but is happy to be attending CACC until she figures out what she wants to do. One option she is considering is transferring to UAB to study physical therapy or exercise science and work with a younger group of athletes. Currently, she has a part-time job at After the Bell, which is a program for kids with parents who work. Pemberton helps watch the kids, feeds them, does homework with them and lets them play. “I enjoy working with the younger kids the most because they’re more loving. My nephew, Brayden, is 4 years old and is one of those kids in the program I get to hang out with,” she added.

CACC's Kathryn Pemberton takes a seat at the Big Beach Mayor's table

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CACC's Pemberton spends more time at the lake than anywhere else – and she loves it that way; (Inset) She plans to take full advantage of the Gateway Scholarship and attend college locally for the first two years

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Pemberton loves her relaxation time at Lake Martin

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sun with friends. “Summers are the best because everyone gets together out on the water, and there’s good fellowship with friends,” Denney said. While at CACC, Denney was a school ambassador, which put her in the spotlight as a role model for younger kids. “The ambassadors are the ones everyone looks up to. We speak for the school and are the eye of the school. I got to do a lot of community work with Alexander City as well,” said Denney, who focused more on volunteer work throughout New Site when growing up. When Denney is not spending time with her family and her new niece, Lucy Smith, she enjoys traveling to the beach in Pensacola, Florida; otherwise, she keeps a steady daily habit of work and home. Although she Alexander City is still home is unsure what the for Auburn orthodontic assistant Lorin Denney future will hold, Denney’s goal is to travel as much as possible before returning to settle down in her hometown. “I see myself staying in Alex City long-term. I enjoy the smalltown feel; I like that we have mom-and-pop shops and buy in town; and everyone knows everyone. It’s just a good environment for children, which is why I’d like to raise a family here. But it’s all I know right now, so I would want to travel for a bit first,” explained Denney.

Even though she works in Auburn as an orthodontic assistant, Lorin Denney still considers herself an Alexander City resident. Denney grew up in New Site and graduated from Horseshoe Bend, where she won the title Miss Horseshoe Bend, and still lives in the area. Two years ago, Denney graduated from Central Alabama Community College, took an orthodontic assisting course and has been working at Sprayberry Orthodontics ever since. “I love my job. My favorite part is being able to see the end result with children and the self-esteem boost they get after they have a good smile,” said Denney, 22 years old. Growing up near Lake Martin presented many opportunities for boating, tubing and soaking up the

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Denney loves the smalltown feel and shopping local

Lorin Denney

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A CACC graduate, Denney would like to raise a family in Alexander City after spending some time travelling

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The Wilson family enjoys an afternoon cruise on the Godfrey Pontoon SP2500 UL from Russell Marine russellmarine.net

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No matter the weather, the plunge takes place at noon

Jump at your own risk

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTO BY JUSTIN CLAYTON

The Lake Martin Young Professionals will host its signature Polar Plunge event Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kowaliga Restaurant to support the Lake Martin Resource Association. “It’s kind of a unique event, and we were lucky to find the right group to benefit. Partnering with LMRA has been a huge contributor to this event’s success and has created a positive impact,” said Jacob Meacham, Alexander City Chamber of Commerce’s vice president of business development. This is the third annual Polar Plunge, which essentially dares people to jump into the lake waters during winter months. Since its inception, there has been an increase in participation, sponsorship and proceeds made each year. Meacham explained that the first one was held in 2015 around the time LMYP was trying to re-organize as a group, and it was looking for a habitual event to establish its footing. “Someone came up with the polar plunge idea. It sounded crazy, but it worked. It’s a great combination of a fun event while benefiting an organization that supports the lake,” said Meacham. The inaugural event had freezing temperatures, and therefore, decreased the number of people who actually took the plunge. Meacham said turnout for the event though, was still close to 300, and about a quarter of the people who attended actually jumped in the water. That number rose to 400 the following year and had more risk-taking participants to partake, due to the warmer weather. “We hope for good, warm weather like that again this year, but it’s also fun when it’s cold because it’s more of a daring action to jump into the freezing cold water,” said Meacham. For those choosing to take the plunge, noon is the kickoff time. There will be changing rooms available, built by LMYP members, for participants to change either before or after the plunge and to dry off and warm up. New events for this year’s Polar Plunge include awards for the best Polar Plunge costume and a $100 Dash for the Cash event. This event entails a swimming race out to a buoy

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located offshore that participants must circle around, swim back to shore and cross a finish line on the beach. The winner receives $100 cash. LMRA has been using the funds it receives from LMYP each year to benefit its lighted buoy project to increase the safety of nighttime boating on Lake Martin. One lighted buoy costs nearly $500, so the amount of money needed to support the cause is exceptional. “LMRA helps make the recreation safer and more fun for people who use it, so this was a good fit to benefit them from a lake-inspired event. We’re also glad we can help raise awareness for what they do, which is important for us, since the work is so vital to the community,” said Meacham. Similar to last year, there will be a photo booth sponsored by Russell Marine that includes a backdrop, props and a snow machine for people to take memorable pictures. If it’s cold, Meacham said, there would be fire pits, as well. “We have more sponsors this year than ever before because people recognize the good cause we’re supporting, and it certainly wouldn’t be possible without these sponsors,” said Meacham. Tickets for the Polar Plunge, which is presented by USAmeriBank, are $20 per person ($10 for LMYP members) and include four tickets to Kowaliga’s special food stations and live music by Dallas Dorsey and The Rails. Tickets will be available at the door the day of the event. Tickets also will be available for purchase online at www.lakemartinyp.com/ polarplunge. Kowaliga’s two indoor cash bars will be open as well, along with plenty of outdoor space available for kids to play. T-shirts designed and produced by North Lake Crafted will be on sale for $20. “Kowaliga has been so kind to let us use the space for the past few years. It has definitely helped with the growth and success – with the drinks, the great food, the indoor and outdoor space – I don’t know what we would do without them,” Meacham said.

JANUARY 2018

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Willow Glynn, Riverside Cottage $1,195,000 Move-in-ready RLH Construction & designed by Mitch Ginn, this design offers 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 2 living areas and vaulted ceilings in the kitchen and owner’s suite. Enjoy the spectacular water views from both of the spacious covered porches. Russell Lands On Lake Martin 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

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

South Ridge Harbor, Diamond View $1,650,000 Classic Homes, a division of Russell Lands, has just broken ground on the "Diamond View" in The Ridge. This exciting new lake home design by Larry Furlong has it all: four bedrooms, four full baths, two powder rooms, PLUS two Great Rooms...one on each level. Claim your spot next to the stone fireplace and cozy up to spectacular views of Kowaliga Bay! The open kitchen overlooks the living and dining areas making this home perfect for entertaining family and friends. Call today for more details or to visit this new home project in person! Russell Lands On Lake Martin 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

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

1031 Lakeshore Drive, Jacksons Gap • $379,000 Cozy, super cute, lake cabin styled for outdoor fun...sits on deepwater cove that opens to big water. 3BD/2.5BA, split plan w/ spacious master BD/BA, double granite vanity and lg. walk in closet. 2BD/ BA on opposite end. Open kit/din/LR. laminate flooring throughout, 3 sets of french doors on lakeside open to huge deck, perfect for entertaining. Lovely flagstone walkway to dock. Covered boatslip w/ lift and floating dock. Nice landscaping. Everything you need to begin making memories on Lake Martin!! RE/MAX Around the Lake Call Amanda Scroggins 256-749-6634 www.amandascroggins.com

499 Old Still Road, Dadeville • $795,000 REDUCED!! LOVELY- 3-level Bermuda Bluff Cottage design house located in the gated community of The Preserve in Stoney Ridge. Features a 4BD/3.5BA w/wrap-around screened porch and lots of windows to maximize natural light. Custom built cabinetry throughout the home.Gorgeous pine flrs and tongue and groove ceilings. Open floor plan stone fireplace, sound system and central vac. IMMACULATE. RE/MAX Around the Lake Call Amanda Scroggins 256-749-6634 www.amandascroggins.com

128 River Ridge Road, B2, Alexander City • $219,000 LIVE ON LAKE MARTIN in this adorable townhome with one car garage in the wonderful low density community of Hillside Hideaway. Conveniently located to Hwy 280. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom with gorgeous view and assigned boat slip. Beautiful community pool. Very convenient to Alex City & Auburn. Ready for Lake fun and football season! A MUST SEE! Call today! RE/MAX Around the Lake Call Samantha Spurlin 256-786-0650 www.samanthaspurlin.com

697 Win Blu Drive, Dadeville • $229,000 Custom 4BD/2BA log home located within minutes to beautiful Lake Martin... cozy, comfortable with a spacious, well designed open floor plan, including vaulted ceilings of yellow pine in FR and stone FP w/woodburning heater. Lg. master suite w/vaulted ceiling. Master garden tub, separate shower. All BDs have new carpet, freshly painted exterior, new HVAC system, new privacy fence, above ground saltwater pool, outdoor pavillion and pool house w/toilet. 30x30 Shop bldg, 12x24 pool shed, covered porches. Private community boat launch and lake access. Call today to see! RE/MAX Around the Lake Call Samantha Spurlin 256-786-0650 www.samanthaspurlin.com

96 Shady Bay Point, Jacksons Gap • $318,900 Awesome lake lot in Shady Bay Subdivision, minutes from Hwy. 280, Alex. City and Auburn. This lot is wooded and gently slopes to lake, perfect to build your lake home w/walkout basement. Features new, concrete seawall, great dock and lovely gazebo to watch the afternoon sunsets. Great lake views and good water! RE/MAX Around the Lake Call Amanda Scroggins 256-749-6634 www.amandascroggins.com

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ts hard rock outcroppings may seem changeless, but Smith Mountain’s character varies with the seasons, and I just can’t choose a favorite. Spring is spectacular with the awakening of life, hillsides exploding in blooms of mountain laurel and rhododendron. Summer is indeed hot, but there is usually a breeze on top of the mountain. I can visit by boat since the lake is at full pool, and there is always the option of wading or swimming at many places along the Lakeshore Trail. The Island Hop Trail can be walked in winter, but its islands are fun to access in summer by very short, shallow-water swims. The first fall cold fronts invigorate Smith Mountain hikers, and the tower offers spectacular fall color viewing. In winter, I can hike as fast and hard as I like without sweat or bug spray, exploring miles of secluded shoreline exposed by the lake’s lowered water level. And occasionally, winter offers the opportunity to experience something almost otherworldly. Try visiting Smith Mountain just before the crack of dawn on a cool, crisp, windless morning. Lake Martin is often covered in a blanket of fog in such conditions, and if you are lucky, the fog will cover everything in sight, leaving only you and the very top of Smith Mountain exposed to a kaleidoscope sky. From the tower, you feel anchored to the only terra firma existing in a magical world covered in mysterious vapors that flow like liquid, changing colors as the first rays of the sun pierce through the mist to the East. If you are not inclined to make such an early morning climb in person, visit CRATA’s Facebook page at www.facebook. com/CRATAhikes/ to view the fabulous two-minute video, Smith Mountain Sunrise, by artist/photographer John Denney. It will take your breath away. I’ve never met anyone who was not impressed on the first visit to Smith Mountain, and that was certainly the case for one of my heroes, Jimmy K. Lanier of Eclectic. Jimmy is the founder of the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association and was the driving force in rebuilding the historic fire lookout tower and making it safe and accessible to the public free of charge. “I remember when Jerry Bynum first took me up Smith Mountain. I had seen it many times from a distance. It looked rather small, and I just wasn’t expecting much,” Lanier said. “The steepness of the climb soon convinced me there was more to this hill than I originally thought; then, when I reached the summit, I was overwhelmed. “The huge, jagged rock formations of Smith Mountain are unlike anything in our area. Before you even climb the tower there is an open 360-degree view of Lake Martin and the rolling, wooded hills of the southern piedmont. The word spectacular does not do it justice. Only people who haven’t been here would say it is not a mountain. I don’t care that the elevation above sea level is not that high. Smith is a mountain, and it is beautiful. “I knew instantly that CRATA was going to have to build hiking trails to and around Smith Mountain and that we were going to restore the dilapidated old fire tower. I didn’t know the first thing about restoring fire towers or have a clue about how we were going to get permission or access to do it, but I was determined to learn and find a way.” And find a way he did. There were many legal, logistical and engineering obstacles to overcome, but Lanier was a man on a mission and would not be deterred. CRATA eventually gained title to Smith Mountain and with help from dozens of volunteers and contributions from hundreds of individual donors, the tower was rebuilt to be safer and stronger than it ever was when

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More STORY BY J. HAROLD BANKS PHOTO BY JOHN DENNEY

The morning sun breaks through the fog over Smith Mountain

JANUARY 2018

than just a hill

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LAKE 67

Our Thanks to Recent Donors Legacy

Middle Tallapoosa River Basin Clean Water Partnership

Visionaries

Lake Martin Resource Association Dr. Rex & Bickie Bushong Robert W. Peavy

Vista Viewers

Ashley & Mark Norton

Trail Blazers

Dr. J. Max Austin Jerry & Carol Krenk Patricia Bice in memory of Robert E. Bice and Robert E. Bice Jr. B.L. Young Land Co. Horton & Gayle Adcock

new. Hikers enjoy miles of CRATA-produced trails on and around Smith Mountain, but the fire lookout tower is the main draw, attracting thousands of visitors every year. “Rebuilding the Smith Mountain fire tower was the most difficult and rewarding thing I have ever done,” Lanier said. “The project totally consumed me, occupying every conscious thought and most of my dreams. I was touched by the willingness of the community to pitch in and help, inspired by the appreciation and passion so many had for what we were doing. “The results of our combined efforts far exceeded my expectations, and I’m thrilled that Smith Mountain has become so popular. I had no idea that a restored fire tower could bring so much joy to so many people. Smith Mountain is sacred to me, and I would visit every day if I didn’t live so far away. Working on Smith Mountain changed my life – for the better.” The selfless work of Lanier and CRATA has also changed the Lake Martin community for the better, and CRATA has visions for much more. In addition to being on the verge of opening another series of hiking trails, CRATA is in the midst of an ambitious project to build an outdoor environmental education center on Smith Mountain. The natural and cultural history of the Lake Martin area will be told through a series of unobtrusive kiosks, high-quality graphic display panels, encased exhibits, informative signs on the tower landings and more. You can be a part of this project, and I’m sure you will be as proud of the results as were our many tower-restoration donors. Persons contributing $100 or more will have their names immortalized on a cast metal plaque. Mail your contribution to CRATA, c/o Jimmy K. Lanier, P.O. Box 240503, Eclectic AL 36024.

Help tell our county's story CRATA is raising $50,000 to make Smith Mountain Park an educational center on the nature and history of Tallapoosa County

Contribution Form Name_____________________________________ Date_______ Address_______________________________________________ City_______________________ State_______ ZIP____________ Phone________________________________________________ Email_________________________________________________

Giving Levels

Tax deductible gifts to “CRATA-Smith Mountain Tower Restoration” are greatly appreciated! Please return this form and your gift to: Jimmy K. Lanier, CRATA, P.O. Box 240503, Eclectic, AL 36024 All donors will be recognized in print. All donors of $100 or more will be recognized on a permanent cast plaque. Anonymous gifts at all levels will be respected for confidentiality. Honorariums, memorials and appreciations will be acknowledged per donor direction.

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Teachers' Helper Trail Blazers Vista Viewers Summit Toppers Visionaries Legacy Sponsors

Up to $99 $100-$249 $250-499 $500-$999 $1,000 or more $5,000 or more

Amount enclosed $_____________________

JANUARY 2018

LAKE 69

It's about chemistry Data indicates clean, healthy lake

One exception to this rule was the striped bass n October of 2016, Lake Watch of Lake die-off that occurred last summer. That was caused Martin celebrated its 25th anniversary on the by a somewhat unusual situation, the disappearbeautiful grounds of Camp ASCCA – celance of a deep cool-water, oxygenated refuge, a ebrating two and a half decades of watching phenomenon that occurs under certain weather over the waters of Lake Martin. Many notable conditions once in a while during the summertime. achievements were recounted, along with felOther water chemistry measurements reinforced lowship in our group’s mission of preserving and the status of Martin as a clean, healthy lake, as improving the water quality of Lake Martin and well: an average pH near neutral at 7.1 (7.0 is neusurrounding waters. tral), and relatively low alkalinity and hardness at Since the group’s inception in 1991, dozens 21 ppm and 22 ppm, respectively. of volunteers have given of their time, talent LAKE WATCH The other major test conducted by our volunand treasure in a number of ways to help fulfill BY ERIC REUTEBUCH teers is bacteria monitoring, specifithe Lake Watch mission. Some cally E. coli monitoring. Significant have been trained and certified by Lake Watch volunteer Joanne levels of E. coli in the water indicate Alabama Water Watch and faithWalker monitors the water quality fecal contamination, or in layman’s fully monitor water quality at one at her Sandy Creek dock terms, poop in the water. This is, of or more sites on the lake or one course undesirable, as it can make a of its several tributary streams. person very sick. Others have shared their knowledge The average E. coli level found of water testing and watershed in the lake and its tributary streams stewardship with youth and othwas 54 E. coli/ per100 milliliters of ers in their community through water – which is quite low and conenvironmental education efforts. sidered safe for swimming and other And others have contributed to the whole-body water contact. Lake Watch effort by serving as Of the 28 measurements, there officers, assisting in group events were two that were above the state’s and through financial support. All ‘safe’ level, which is no more than of these efforts are needed to sus235 E. coli per 100 milliliters of tain and grow what has become one water; one was in the Little Sandy of the premiere and most resilient Creek, and the other was a small volunteer water-testing groups in tributary that flows into Chattasofka the state. Creek. All readings in the lake were quite low and safe. A A tally of Lake Watch efforts for 2017 as of the end of general rule of thumb is: Don’t swim in muddy water after a November 2017 indicated that volunteer monitors have monisignificant rain event, as this tends to flush feces off the landtored more sites (24 versus 18) and submitted more waterscape into the water and may cause unhealthy bacteria levels in testing data (121 versus 115 records) than the previous year a stream or lake. – kudos to monitors! To check out all of the water quality data in the Lake Martin So, what do all of these numbers tell us about our lake? watershed, just click on the water data tab the Alabama Water Let’s look at water chemistry first. Water chemistry monitors Watch website, www.alabamawaterwatch.org/water-data/, test the water for six-to-seven parameters: temperature, pH, where you can explore all the sites around the lake, as well as alkalinity, hardness, turbidity and dissolved oxygen, and some sites on other lakes and streams around the state, and examine measure Secchi disk depth (a measure similar to turbidity that their water quality. indicates water clarity by dropping a black-and-white disk in But, alas, I digress – my main goal was to extend my the water until it disappears). whole-hearted gratitude to our dedicated volunteer monitors The 2017 water chemistry data, 93 readings, are indicative and supporters of Lake Watch of Lake Martin. We all benefit of a clean, healthy lake. Dissolved oxygen, one of the most from their selfless efforts. I would encourage you to consider important parameters for sustaining gilled critters, such as joining our ranks to ensure a clean, healthy lake for generafish, tadpoles, mollusks and many aquatic snails and insects, tions to come – visit us at www.lakewatch.org and sign up. needs to be five parts per million (ppm) or higher to support a healthy population. The average reading for our lake in 2017 Eric Reutebuch is president of Lake Watch Lake Martin. For was 7.3 ppm (minimum of 6.5, maximum of 9.0), which more information about Lake Watch, visit www.lakewatch.org. means that the fish and other aquatic critters in the lake are generally happy and healthy. 70 LAKE

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Kowaliga Restaurant The Best Lakeside Dining on Lake Martin

Presented by

Gold Sponsors

Brian E. Dix, M.D. | Dark Insurance Agency Lake Martin Dock Company

Silver Sponsors

Central Alabama Community College | GCI Design Russell Medical - Total Healthcare | SDM, Inc. Steve Robinson, Tallapoosa County Commissioner

Benefiting the Lake Martin Resource Association Flip to page 64 for details!

Welcomes Angela Smith to our team!

The Best Just Keep Getting Better® ANGELA SMITH cell 256.397.4400

angela.hanna.smith@gmail.com

AMANDA SCROGGINS cell 256.749.6634

amanda@amandascroggins.com www.amandascroggins.com

5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL • Office: 256-329-LAKE (5253)

JANUARY 2018

LAKE 71

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JANUARY 2018

No Smokey Wines Napa and Sonoma hit hard in California wildfires but damage to vines is minimal

for shipment is stored at the wineries. Again, those small et’s start the New Year off with a quick look at the producers took the greatest immediate hit, but the jury is past. The California wildfires of 2017 created uncerstill out on future vintages and the vineyards themselves. tainty for the wine industry on several levels. Though the Northern California fires were fully contained Starting in late April, the 2017 wildfire season burned by the end of October, there may be lingering problems. more than 1.3 million acres in almost 9,000 fires across By spring of this year, we should have a better idea of the state. At this writing, the so-called Thomas fire how many vines may have been damaged by fire. Vines are in Venture County, northwest of Los Angeles, was still pretty resilient, but the effect of smoke damage will have to burning and had destroyed some 250,000 acres and 1,000 structures with only 30 percent containment. As a compari- be assessed over time. Smoke may have affected some of son, Lake Martin is 44,000 acres. The economic toll for the the 15 percent of grapes that had not been harvested when the fires broke out. Those were mostly Cabernet 2017 season is estimated to exceed $150 bilSauvignon, which because of the thicker skin, lion with at least 45 lives lost and hundreds of may have gone unscathed. injuries. Some smoke damage can be filtered out or The fires that swept through Napa and blended. Most of us would hardly notice, if at Sonoma counties in early October raised conall, and that juice will not be used for premium siderable concern for the wine industry. The wines. We might see some price increases in wine business in these two counties generfuture vintages, but we probably would anyway. ates more than $10 billion in sales and bilThere will be plenty of wine at the right price lions more in tourism. Upward of 40 percent from all those grape-growing regions outside of of Napa’s workforce is employed in the wine Napa and Sonoma. industry. Early reports of the devastation may A final report on the extent of damage have exaggerated the overall threat of these in Napa County shows that only five wineries losses to the industry and future pricing. suffered significant damage, with less than 8 The Northern California fires were devasFROM THE CELLAR percent of vineyard acreage affected by fire. The tating, with more than 40 lives lost; 220,000 BY HENRY FOY real tragedy in Napa may be in the 652 homes acres scorched; and hundreds of structures and the seven lives lost in Napa County. burned to the ground. Images of the fire-ravMoving beyond that, 2018 promises to improve the local aged tasting room at Signorello Estates quickly became the prosperity and add a few elements of excitement and advenproof of how catastrophic the destruction had been. Santa ture to the landscape. There seems to be a renewed appreRosa took a significant hit with 2,800 homes burned. ciation of what smalltown living can provide and the comTasting rooms and non-production facilities at 15 relatively munities around the lake – including Dadeville, Tallassee, small wineries also were reduced to ashes. On the whole, Eclectic and Alexander City – are poised to take advantage the vineyards themselves were largely unharmed by fire. of that. Local businesses are expanding, and new ones are The loss to those 15 wineries cannot be underopening across the region. stated, but the damage to the region’s capacity is Our wine expo in October, a big wine tasting to benefit minor. Napa and Sonoma may be the most celebrated, but 70 percent of California’s grape production comes from the the Lake Martin Animal Shelter, was evidence that our wine Central Valley region, south of Napa and more inland. Only community is growing as well. Oh, and the effort raised more than $9,300 for the shelter. Participants had more about 10 percent of either Napa or Sonoma is planted in than 25 wines to choose from. We look forward to similar grapes. events exploring wine, spirits, beer and cigars in the coming So what burned? Besides the structures, which largely months. fell victim to strong ember-laden windstorms, most of the damage was to trees, grass and chaparral (shrubs and thorny Henry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine and bushes). For the most part, the vineyards were still green Spirits with the area’s only walk-in humidor and and moist from irrigation and had very little vegetation cigar lounge, Café 128 and Gallery 128 in downaround them. These open areas actually helped to slow the town Alexander City at 128 Calhoun St. He can be reached spread of destruction. at 256.212.WINE, on Instagram, Facebook and at empoIf there were a bright side, it would be that most of the rium128@bellsouth.net. 2017 harvest was not in the vineyards but had already been harvested and was in the wineries. And very little wine JANUARY 2018

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Flavor Fitness Herbs add taste and flair but no calories

and tasting their best. Grocery stores sell sing dried or fresh herbs is a herbs loose in plastic boxes, in bundles or great way to add flavor to food, sometimes growing in pots. Choose herbs taking a dish from good to great that smell fresh and have vibrant colors. If and satisfying. Herbs provide a healthy the herbs are packaged in a box, open the avenue to cut back on the saltshaker and box to check the freshness. Avoid herbs add abundant flavor to recipes without that do not look or smell fresh, appear adding any calories. Herbs can fill in limp or have black spots. for flavor when you eliminate sugar, fat At home, loosely wrap herbs in a damp and salt from food and make vegetables paper towel and store in a zip-closure bag more appealing to those who typically filled with some air or in an airtight conshy away. Foods prepared with herbs are tainer. This will ensure the herbs do not generally much more satisfying because they are bursting with flavor. HEALTHY LIVING get damaged. Basil can be the exception. Cut basil Herbs can be the focal point of a dish BY JULIE HUDSON likes temperatures around 55 degrees, (like tomato mozzarella basil salad); which is colder than room temperature they can be used to add subtle flavor and warmer than the refrigerator. Tests have shown or to enhance other ingredients. The properties of that if you buy basil refrigerated, it should stay in various herbs are different; therefore, they should the refrigerator. If you cut it yourself or buy it at be added to foods at times that best bring out their room temperature, store it at room temperature. flavors. For example, dill, chives, parsley, cilantro Herbs sold in a bunch should be treated like a bouand basil are tender, delicate herbs and should be quet of flowers. Start by removing all bands and faschopped, snipped or torn and added at the end of teners; then, snip the stems and place stems down in the cooking process. The more hearty herbs – like a few inches of water. This will keep them hydrated oregano, thyme and rosemary – can be added earlier in the cooking process to allow their flavors to infuse but not wet, and they will remain fresh for up to a week. You can place a plastic bag over the herbs if into the dish. Sometimes, even delicate herbs can be you wish. After a couple of days, the stems can be added in the beginning and the end of the cooking trimmed to help keep them fresh. process. You may find herbs sold as a plant, or you may Whether you use dried or fresh herbs, proper storgrow them yourself. The benefit of buying a potted age is of upmost importance to preserve these plant or growing your own is that they may delicate plants. Fresh herbs are grown and last up to several months or longer, and you transported just like other vegetables; can snip off the plant as you need it. Having therefore, there are several recherbs in a pot or in your garden will cut ommendations for keepback on waste and will allow you to use ing herbs fresh, safe them over time. To extend the life of herbs, wash them only when you are ready to use them. Before using herbs, wash your hands with warm soapy water. Hold the herbs by the stems and vigorously swish them around in a bowl of water until they are dirt free. Shake the herbs over the sink and then spin dry or blot with a paper towel. Herbs will cut and chop better when they are drier. Dried herbs can be a tasty and more convenient alternative to using fresh herbs. They require special care, just like the fresh variety, because heat and light will degrade the flavor of dried herbs. The best way to protect dried herbs is to store them in an

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JANUARY 2018

Herb

How to Use It

Parsley

Pastas and eggs

Dill

Potatoes, fish and dips

Chives

Cilantro

Light onion flavor for sauces, such as sour cream and chives for potatoes Thai and Middle Eastern dishes, lamb, chocolate, jellies, sauces and drinks Italian dishes, sauces and Southeast Asian dishes Chicken, scallop and egg dishes and classic Bernaise sauce Broth, soups, stews, meats and poultry Mexican or Indian dishes

Oregano

Pizza sauces or chili recipes

Rosemary

Breads, infused in oil, pork chops, poultry, fish and root vegetables Sausages or breads

Mint Basil Tarragon Thyme

Sage Marjoram

(256) 234-6366

(256) 825-9244

(256) 839-6711

(334) 864-8854

Relative of oregano; pairs well with meats and poultry

airtight container or bottle and inside a cabinet away from heat and light. Proper storage of dried herbs will ensure freshness for at least a year. Sometimes fresh herbs are difficult to find, or it may be easier to use the dried version. In a recipe, substitute dried herbs in place of fresh by using less. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so you can use a third of what the recipe calls for in fresh herbs. For example, if the recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of a fresh herb, use 1 tablespoon of the dry version. Food would be much less flavorful if we did not use herbs. Fresh herbs are the most important ingredients when it comes to making condiments – such as pesto – salad dressings and salsa. Salads will come alive by adding fresh herbs to the greens. Rubbing fresh or dried herbs by themselves or in combination with olive oil or butter onto meat will add lots of flavor. Adding herbs into eggs or drinks makes them more exciting. If you are new to cooking with herbs, I suggest choosing new recipes that incorporate herbs. This is the best way to become familiar with flavors and discover what herbs you like. Great food is not always centered on the main item, but rather, the supporting ingredients that add freshness and fullness to the flavor of the creation.

We touch the lives of the people you love

Julie Hudson is a dietician at the Lake Martin Wellness Center in Dadeville.

Assisted Living Short Term Rehab Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Long Term Care

JANUARY 2018 PM16_HalfPg_Magazine8.2016.2.indd 1

LAKE 75 8/12/16 3:14 PM

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Quail Cure Ingredients

CHEF’S TABLE BY ROB MCDANIEL Rob McDaniel, executive chef and general manager at SpringHouse Restaurant, earned a bachelor's degree in restaurant and hotel management from Auburn University and is a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute.

1 pound brown sugar 1 pound Kosher salt 1 vanilla bean 5 bay leaves 1 tablespoon dried chili flakes

JANUARY 2018

Directions

Blend everything well in a food processor and reserve until ready to use. Season quail liberally with cure, allow to sit for three hours; then, rinse and dry birds well. I like to oil the birds lightly and grill or smoke at this point.

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JANUARY 2018

Timing is everything H

bottom. That is why anglers often are taught that itters in baseball, quarterbacks and receivdragging a worm is best during the day. ers in football and even musicians all have The activity level of fish is often suppressed in something in common: Timing is critical. the afternoon. I can relate that to how I feel after The best hitters in baseball 'slump’ when their I eat a big meal. I want to hug the cover of my timing is off. From hearing golfers talk, I’ve recliner and let my food settle. Someone would learned that timing is a critical element of the have to set a nice dessert down in front of me for swing. If all the components of their bodies and me to eat something then. their bats or clubs are not in the right place at the Later on in the day, I’ll be active again. And right time, bad things happen – like strikeouts or, I’ll be hungry again, too. I might even travel away like myself in golf, lost balls. from the house to get something to eat. How often have you watched football and Weather is a huge factor that affects our timing, seen a quarterback confidently throw to a spot BIG CATCHES as well. Certain weather factors – like clouds, sun, on the field when there’s no one within 10 yards wind, rain, cold, warm and barometric pressure of the ball? That was a timing route gone bad. BY GREG VINSON – impact the activity levels and preferences of fish. Other times, a quarterback will throw to a spot on Predatory fish have adapted for survival by the field, and it seems as if no one is there until, being opportunistic. I can think of plenty of occasions where suddenly, a receiver breaks into that open spot just as the ball I knew I was in a good area, but I couldn’t get a bite. Then it arrives. This is a timing route executed, and it almost always would get cloudy; a little wind would start up; and maybe it results in a huge play. Musicians, especially those in bands, cannot perform without would even start raining. The fish in that area would suddenly begin to bite – perhaps even start schooling – and a seemingly having perfect timing. I’ve heard some bands with bad timbad day suddenly turned magical. ing, and it was never pretty. There are so many aspects of our In the past, I would have chalked it up to the chance version lives where timing – either by chance, or more importantly, by of ‘right place, right time,’ and I still welcome anything that design – determines an outcome. will get the fish going. But, now I try to take advantage of the The cliché says, “Timing is everything.” Well, fishing is no opportunity when that occurs. exception. If you are following the weather forecast, it’s often possible Many times, I’ve heard anglers at a weigh-in say, “I guess I to plan where to be when to maximize your efforts. Daily and was just in the right place at the right time.” I’m guilty of using this one, too. When anglers drop this line, hourly forecasts make it possible to plan the day better. All of the sudden, ‘right place, right time’ becomes a product of they are very humble about their success; they really did get design rather than chance. lucky; or they want to appear so to keep from having to share This has never been more evident to me than the past few the real details with their competition. The reality is that success in fishing is often dictated by being in the right place at the years on the Bassmaster Elite Series. The level of competition is the pinnacle of the sport, and fine lines separate the highly right time. Of course, things like bait selection, presentation, successful from the mildly successful. Certain years, I’ve gotetc., are critical as well, but even those are driven by timing. ten in a groove and things have gone well; then, I’ve had a few Timing, as it applies to locating fish, is essential. Take the seasons where it seemed and felt like I did everything right, yet baits and presentations out of the equation for a moment. didn’t get the results I needed. Before you can catch a fish, you have to put yourself in the I once watched post-tournament footage from an event in right area. Time of year often determines what areas the fish which I had done poorly, and to my surprise, realized I fished prefer. Fish are dependent on their environments for survival. the right baits in the right areas. One factor that I repeatedly An area that offers the perfect combination of food, habitat, noticed that got very little attention on television is how imporoxygen and water temperature at one time of year will often be tant timing was. I gave up on certain areas before the bite develundesirable to the fish at another time of year. Fish also have oped. In other words, my timing was off. certain preferences for reproduction, and they are going to This article is maybe as much for myself as it is for you, the move to these areas when the timing is right to spawn. reader. It is important to remember that timing is everything – Time of year is extremely important, but that can be narmost of the time. Focus on attention to detail. Take mental and rowed down even more to time of day. There are some general physical notes of the timing when experiencing success and rules, like throwing a topwater early in the morning and dragwhen experiencing failure. Learn from experience to predict ging a worm later in the day, that many of us are familiar with, where the fish will be and what they will bite when. Maybe but it can be much more complex. Topwater is good in the morning because there is low light, and the fish are more active then we would more often find ourselves in the right places at the right times, not by chance, but by design. early in the morning. But temperature and oxygen also play roles in timing. The Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the topwater can ‘call’ these aggressive fish in and allow an angler Bassmaster Elite Series and PPA tours. He lives in Wetumpka to cover a much larger territory per cast. As the sun moves and grew up fishing on Lake Martin. overhead later in the day, the fish begin to hug cover along the JANUARY 2018

LAKE 79

Did it make a difference? Local merchants weigh in on last year's fall extension of summer pool

I also talked to Randy Dawkins, area presianuary at Lake Martin is well suited for dent of River Bank and Trust in Alexander many things. City. I wondered if he saw an increase in lendThe fishing is great. Cool water temperaing activity this fall. Would increased home tures mean the huge striped bass patrol near sales translate to more loan activity? the surface, all the more accessible to the area Dawkins responded, “We have talked about anglers. how much busier we have been this year for Hiking is prime in January, also. You don’t this time of year. I hadn’t thought about that have to brave 90-degree days, and when the being a reason. That could be a factor.” hardwoods drop their leaves, you have all Finally, I talked to Paige Patterson, a fellow the more view of the water at places like the LAKE PROPERTY real estate agent at Lake Martin Voice Realty. Cherokee Ridge Alpine trails. BY JOHN COLEY She definitely felt an increased pace of busiReal estate wise, I think January is the perfect time to go looking as a buyer. True, the weather is cool, ness this fall. Paige reported, “For the first time in five years, I and traditionally, we don’t have many homes or lots on the did not see a decline in activity at all from summer to market. The listings usually start increasing in February fall. Buyers kept coming and kept buying! More than a and March. dozen of my clients bought the first day they came to look. I still like to look in January because the water is down It was great to enjoy the water through September at full as far as it will go. Everything is laid bare, and there is pool, and the general consensus about low pool is, ‘It’s no mystery. There are no questions like, “How shallow not that low!’ I believe Lake Martin is a year-round real is this spot at winter pool?” or, “Will I be able to use the estate market. Our competition is other lakes around the boat ramp in January?” These questions are answered at a South. Our amenities (on-water and in-town) are unbeatglance in the flesh. able.” January is also a great time for reflecting on the past I also asked Patterson what she thought the potenyear and planning for the future. When I look back at the tial effect for a fall full pool would be in the future. Her fall of 2017, I was really excited at the prospect of Lake thoughts turned more to the current waterfront homeowners. Martin remaining at full summer pool until the middle of “Alabama Power has a specific formula for this water October. For the previous 30 years or so, the rules that govtable, and the plan is to go down to 10 feet every sixth erned Martin Dam said that it must begin lowering its level year. So I think there will be some confusion after we get after Labor Day. used to this 7-foot lowering. We just try to stay in tune The new rules for the next few decades say that, given with their plan and educate as many people as possible. My enough rainfall, Lake Martin can stay at the summer advice is, when in question, ask Alabama Power, not your high pool mark later into the fall. I was among many in the neighbor.” area that were excited about that. We all wondered how Personally, I agree with Patterson and the others that felt much a full fall pool would affect local businesses and an increased level of activity in the fall of 2017, both in (selfishly) real estate sales. So, what, if any, change was there during the first fall full retail and in the real estate world. As I have written here before, I think it will take a few years for the snowball pool? Retail is usually the first indicator of traffic trends. effect to gain momentum. The more people that visit Lake In that vein, I thought about our local eateries. Martin in the fall, the more businesses will stay at full staffI checked with Mark Albertson of Oskar’s Café in ing to accommodate them. The more they are accommoDadeville. If you have never been to this gem of a restaudated, the more people will return, etc. rant, you have missed out. Oskar’s is located off the water, I do think this will continue to be an excellent trend for just north of the Blue Creek Bridge on Highway 49. It has the greater Lake Martin area. The benefits won’t be restrictbeen a cornerstone of the Lake Martin restaurant industry ed to the shores of the lake. Greater tourism traffic will for many years. Albertson said that they did see an uptick positively affect people in town, as well. in business this fall, especially in November. When I asked Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going hiking. him if he attributes that to the full pool, he said that it’s kind of hard in his business to single out the factors; howJohn Coley is a broker and owner of Lake Martin Voice ever, he did think that the fall full pool, combined with Realty. Visit his blog at LakeMartinVoice.com. extra heavy Auburn football traffic, made for a successful last quarter of the year.

80 LAKE

JANUARY 2018

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LAKE 81

We wish you all the best in 2018. Thank you for all you have done to make this past year a success for us.

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JANUARY 2018

Game of a lifetime starts with junior league

grounds and checking out some of the best talolf is a game that can be enjoyed by all ent in the South. ages, all backgrounds and by people Parents, coaches and participants were in from all walks of life. I am honored to awe of the wonderful golf course. We noticed take over for my good friend, Lee Williams, the gratitude all weekend from these players and begin writing an article about golf for you and parents. Throughout the 2017 season at to enjoy each month. Throughout the course Willow Point, more than 300 junior golfers of the year, I will write on all things golf, from competed on the golf course. instruction to the latest in technology, to the The majority of these juniors travelled with newest golf apparel. their parents, and that brought back memories This month, I wanted to share some of the of my days as a junior golfer. Those memories experiences I have been fortunate to witness from age 12 have always stayed with me, and last season. that time in my life molded me into the person Junior Golf has really escalated in the past PAR for the COURSE I am today. 15 years, just as other youth sports, Little BY MATT SHEPPARD A new addition to junior golf has been the League baseball and soccer. In the late 90s, launch of the PGA Junior League. This new junior golfers that resided in the state of program was modeled after Alabama could make a full sumLittle League baseball and can mer schedule playing events be enjoyed by children as young around our state and never have as 5 years old. Willow Point to leave. participated for the first time in My comparison of junior golf 2017, and there were some great to Little League baseball and memories made. soccer is the ongoing trend to The Junior League is a compete on travel teams. Years scramble format, which allows ago, there were All-Star teams children to play in an environin baseball, and that was about ment with less pressure, due to it. Now, almost every sport has having a partner. This was fun to an option for children to comwatch! The memory that I have pete year round, and youth are in my head was a team of two encouraged to participate on – a 5-year-old and a 6-year-old – travel teams. competing against two 10-yearIt’s almost as if each sport is olds. They were playing a threecompeting against the others. Youth tournaments provide hole match, and after a loss on All sports provide great learncompetitive opportunities the first hole, the younger guys ing environments, long-lasting for young golfers ended up tying the match. This memories, team building and was such a great experience for life lessons for all participants. the children. Youth sports are instrumental in As you can see, there are many avenues for juniors to the development of children as they grow into young adults start playing the game. There are many ways for others to and then mature into adults. The Southeastern Junior Golf Tour is an organization that begin to play the game, too. Most every golf course has some program to engage new golfers, so check with your runs Junior Golf events throughout the Southeast United local PGA professional to inquire. States. The organization provides great competitive opporGolf is enjoyed by so many; it is truly a game of a lifetunities for young golfers around the area. time – and for a lifetime. After all, you rarely see a group Last month, Willow Point Golf & Country Club and of 50-year-old dads strap on helmets and pads and head the Lake Martin area hosted the Southeastern Junior Golf to the SportPlex on Saturday morning to play football, but Tour’s Tournament of Champions. This event featured players of all ages can’t wait to get on the golf course. junior golfers (ages 13-19) that had won at least one event on the tour this season. Players and parents travelled from Matt Sheppard is a PGA professional at Willow Point as far away as Ohio to compete in this nationally recognized event. These participants competed over two days and Golf & Country Club. Contact him at 256-329-0835 or email him at msheppard@russelllands.com. were followed by some very notable guests. There were more than 12 Division I collegiate golf coaches roaming the JANUARY 2018

LAKE 83

Legend

20 To Sylacauga

Ti L

280

9 Churches

Alexander City

Public Boat Ramps 7

Camp ASCCA

Flint Hill Church

Camps & Parks

Power lines U.S. Highways

280

County Roads Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek State Park

Pleasant Grove Church

COOSA COUNTY

Alex City Boat Ramp

Mt. Zion Church

259 9

128

Russell Farms Baptist Church 63

12 20

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

Friendship Church New Hope Church

Liberty Church

Willow Point

Equality

Kowaliga Boat Landing

Seman

Trillium

18 The Ridge

The Amp Ko w

ali

Central

Union

ELMORE COUNTY Union Church

Red Hill 63

229

Eclectic

Tallassee

16 11

84 LAKE

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor

Camp Alamisco

1 10

Church in The Pines Camp Kiwanis

Paces Point Boat Ramp

Kent

JANUARY 2018

Timbergut Landing

Horseshoe Bend National Park

Jaybird Landing

Lake Martin Alabama Marinas 11. Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111 255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

22. The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300 450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 33. River North Marina 256-397-1500 250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

42. Real Island Marina 334-857-2741 2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

Jacksons Gap

53. Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

280

Bethel Church

Dadeville

280

Camp Hill

Smith Landing

4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 16 334-541-2132 1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 4. Russell Building Supply 17 256-825-4256 350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 18 4. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333 288 Stables Loop, Alex City, AL 35010 19 4. Dark Insurance 256-234-5026 410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 www.darkinsuranceagency.com

62. Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550 486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

. McDaniels Storage Center 20 256-234-4583 1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010

72. Alex City Marine Sales and Service 256-215-3474 2190 Cherokee Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

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

Restaurants 8 6. SpringHouse 256-215-7080 12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 9 Catherine’s Market 6. 256-215-7070 17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Pleasant Ridge Church

4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 15 256-234-2567 1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

Advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map for as little as $25. Contact us at 256-234-4281 or marketing@alexcityoutlook.com for more information.

10 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035 295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 11 Bezlo's Cafe 334-639-0003 65 Main Street., Eclectic, AL 36024

Lake Martin Baptist Church 49 Church of the Living Waters

Stillwaters

Business & Shopping

12 Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075 970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010

Walnut Hill 50 50

13 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481 5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, AL 35010 14 5. Lake Martin Mini Mall 334.857.3900 7995 Kowaliga Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024

Reeltown

JANUARY 2018

LAKE 85

Lake Magazine Distribution ALEXANDER CITY

Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Q Campus of CACC 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

86 LAKE

Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture CHILDERSBURG Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast Piggly Wiggly Queen’s Attic Regions Bank DADEVILLE Ridge - Clubhouse Bay Pine Marina Ridge - Marina Blue Creek Marina River North Marina City Hall Riverbend Store Chamber of Commerce Russell Home Décor Chuck's Marina Russell Medical Center Dadeville Wellness Center Russell Lands Foshee's Boat Doc Russell Retail Store Homeplate Restaurant Satterfield, Inc Harbor Pointe Marina Senior Nutrition~50+ Center Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts Sho’ Nuff Restaurant Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Springhouse Restaurant Lake Martin Community T.C. Russell Airport Hospital Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy The Medicine Shoppe Lakeside Marina The Sure Shot Niffer's At The Lake USAmeribank Oskar's Cafe Warren's Appliance Parts Payne Furniture Willow Point Country Club Pearson’s Place Wind Creek - entrance Poplar Dawgs Wind Creek - store Public Library Winn Dixie Pug's Place 280 BP PNC Bank 280 Exxon Renfroes

CHELSEA Winn-Dixie The Ditsy Daisy Boutique

Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club

JANUARY 2018

Store 34 USAmeribank

RED HILL Citgo

ECLECTIC Bezlo's 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

SYLACAUGA Good Ole Boys BBQ Piggly Wiggly

EQUALITY

Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star INVERNESS Winn-Dixie Airwalk Ultimate Trampoline Arena Tree Top Family Adventure

KELLYTON Five Star Plantation MOUNTAIN BROOK Whole Foods Market

TALLASSEE Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce Tallassee Automotive The Tallassee Tribune

WALNUT HILL

WETUMPKA The Wetumpka Herald A limited number of magazines are placed at these locations. To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

Lake Martin Business and Service Directory

COACH KRAFT

UPHOLSTERY Complete Marine Upholstery! ■

■ Floors ■ Carpets Bimini Tops ■ Custom Seats ■ Mooring Covers

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Paige Patterson

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700

LAKE

haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

205-616-8046

334-332-3435 334-391-0759

www.paigepatterson.com

Relax. Enjoy. Lake Martin. Call to order your subscription 256-234-4281

MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2018

LAKE 87

Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 A&M Plumbing....................................................... 20

First Baptist Church Alexander City.................. 8

Renaissance Electronics......................................... 8

Advanced Heating & Air........................................ 8

George Hardy D.M.D............................................. 8

Russell Lands...........................28-29, 38-39, 50-51

Alex City Guide Service...................................... 78

Heritage South Credit Union............................ 66

Russell Medical........................................................ 2

Alex City Marine................................................... 20

Hilltop Landscaping............................................... 78

Satterfield.................................................................. 5

Amanda Scroggins, RE/MAX Around the Lake.........13

Hinson Galleries.................................................... 86

Security Pest Control............................................ 8

Angela Smith, RE/MAX Around the Lake...................71

Holley’s Home Furnishings................................. 92

Southern Star Alpaca Farm.............................6, 23

Blue Creek Iron Works....................................... 87

Holman Floor......................................................... 87

SportzBlitz.............................................................. 73

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation....................... 78

Jackson Thornton.................................................. 16

State Farm Insurance/ Harold Cochran..........71

C&T Eclectric.......................................................... 8

Kowaliga Whole Health....................................... 87

State Farm Insurance/ Karen Channell..........71

Cahaba Glass............................................................ 6

Lake Martin Community Hospital..................... 17

Sunrise Dock.......................................................... 12

Central Alabama Community College..... 24-25, 56-57

Lake Martin Dock................................................. 23

Tallassee Community Hospital........................... 20

CertaPro Painters................................................. 87

Lake Martin Machine Gun................................... 23

Temple Medical Center....................................... 57

Coach Kraft Upholstery............................... 41, 87

Lake Martin Mini Mall.......................................... 82

Touchless Boat Covers........................................ 12

Crew Lending......................................................... 87

Lake Martin Tractor and Outdoor...................... 4

Walmart.................................................................. 23

Custom Docks....................................................... 16

Mark King's Furniture.......................................... 69

Wedowee Marine................................................. 21

Damon Story, Cedar Point................................. 81

McGhee Furniture Warehouse.......................... 76

Williams Plumbing Heating & Air........................ 8

DAVCO Development......................................... 87

Moore Wealth Management............................... 91

Wind Creek Casino............................................... 3

Deep Water Dock Services......................... 54, 76

Noel Boone............................................................ 87

WSC Distinctive Builders, LLC......................... 37

Designs by Trish....................................................... 8

Paige Patterson, Lake Martin Voice Realty......87

Young Professionals.............................................. 71

Docks Unlimited..................................................... 5

Prime Management............................................... 75

88 LAKE

JANUARY 2018

LAKE 89

Parting Shot

Carlee Hopping gently demands some personal space from fellow models on Goat Island.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

“I work best when there is adversity: I seem to get calmer the more the fur is flying.” ~ Andrea Arnold

90 LAKE

JANUARY 2018

Advertorial

Enjoy the Holidays – Then Get Organized in January

By Susan Clayton Moore, J.D., principal of Moore Wealth Management, Inc.

Not to worry. Every January, we conduct a workshop at the Alexander City Moore Wealth Management office called Life in a Box. We give you a stepby-step approach to gather all relevant records so they are all contained or referenced in one fire-resistant box. We will conduct the 2018 workshop at noon on Tuesday, January 23rd. For further information and reservations, please call 256.234.2761. The ten categories we cover in detail include healthcare, estate planning, tax records, investments and bank accounts, liabilities, insurance, military records, personal identification documentation, deeds and similar documents, and a miscellaneous one that covers pet information, house maintenance, etc. In addition, we go over what to keep where, for example, in a safe

Are your records organized? If something were to happen to you would it be easy for loved ones to take over your affairs or settle your estate? Would they know where to find all your necessary healthcare information, legal documents, passwords and PINs? Would they know how bills are paid and how sources of income are credited to your bank account? deposit box, fire-resistant box at home, in a file cabinet or with your attorney or financial advisor. For example, it is advisable NOT to keep the only original of your will in your safe deposit box and we will tell you why. Another example is your passport. A copy of the passport should be kept in the safe deposit box, but not the original, and we will tell you why. We also go over ways to manage technology. If something were to happen to you, loved ones need to be able to access electronic as well as paper records. To do so, they have to know passwords and PINs. We go over electronic means to store passwords and PINs so loved ones can access them in an emergency and help protect you from identity theft. Make one of your new year’s resolutions to get your records organized. Our workshop and JANUARY 2018

method is designed to help you get your Life in a Box. We make it easy so once organized, it’s easy to keep it that way!. Susan Clayton Moore, J.D. is a financial advisor and principal of Moore Wealth Management, Inc., with offices in Alexander City, Auburn and Montgomery, AL. Managing over $160 million in assets, she has been a financial planner for nearly 35 years. She is affiliated with LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC, the nation’s largest independent broker-dealer* and ranks in the top two percent of their financial advisors based on total production. Contact Susan at 256.234.2761. Email contact is susan@moorewealthmanagement. com. *Based on total revenues, as reported in Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2017. Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor.

LAKE 91

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