June 16, 2017 Alex City Outlook by Tallapoosa Publishers

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Area property owners suffering sticker shock By MITCH SNEED Editor

Many Tallapoosa County property owners are suffering from sticker shock after receiving new property valuations in the last few days. Calls to the Outlook asked if there had been a vote to raise taxes that they had missed. No,

the change is a product of new guidelines for valuing homes in the county. Most are reporting spikes in values between 15 and 30 percent and Tallapoosa County Revenue Commissioner Eva Middlebrooks said calls have been flooding into to her office as a result. “We normally do new

assessments every four years and the way it has worked is that each year roughly a fourth of the properties in the county were appraised,” Middlebrooks said. “But this year we had to do all the properties based on a new state manual that had significantly different valuations of materials and other factors. The values that

people are seeing are a result of that.” Middlebrooks said that until this year the county had been using guidelines from a manual that was created in 2005. The manual is what appraisers use to arrive at the value of a home. For example it says what value is added by brick versus wood and what each square foot

THRILLING FINISH

means in value. “A lot of things change in 12 years,” Middlebrooks said. We are hearing about 30 percent for a lot of folks. We are finding that commercial property was really hit hard.” All that considered, Middlebrooks said if a property owner thinks the value listed is See TAX • Page 3

First Art Walk has good turnout despite storm front By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Positive reactions across the board were the norm for Thursday’s Art Walk event in downtown Alexander City, despite the appearance of a storm front that put the area under a severe thunderstorm warning. As the rain approached town, the artists and members of MainStreet Alexander City moved the outdoor displays into the United Way office, turning the open space into a lovely gallery of paintings and other artworks. Other pieces were spread throughout downtown stores, including Cloud Nine, Makers Market and The Coffee Corner. See ART • Page 3

SGA Junior Championship comes down to final hole

School emergency notification system becomes state law By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Nicholas Arcement, top, of Thibodaux, Louisiana hits from the sand near the 17th green at Willow Point in Thursday’s final round of the Southern Junior. Above left, Ethan Hagood celebrates with friends after winning the tournament. Above right, Hagood hits his tee shot from the 18th tee box Thursday. For more on the Southern Junior see Sports, page 9.

Recently, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 89 into law, requiring the state Department of Education to have an emergency notification system up and running by October 1, 2017. The main body of the bill states that, “The Department of Education shall implement an electronic notification system designed to allow local schools and local school systems to input specific information relating to school delays, early releases, shelter-inplace information, as well as other emergency-related information to be compiled in one central electronic repository that is accessible by the department and the Governor.... It is the intent of the Legislature that all See EMERGENCY • Page 3

Dadeville Kiwanis Club learns about Antarctic issues serious issues to the way of life they have been used to for centuries. With snow falling during a season not The Dadeville Kiwanis Club traditionally seen, the eggs laid by the welcomed Dr. James McClintock, a Adelie Penguin have been buried under professor of polar and marine biology the snow, and subsequently drowned at the University of Alabama at when the snow melts later on. The loss Birmingham to their weekly meeting on of sea ice has meant a decrease in the Thursday afternoon. amount of krill, a small shrimp that is McClintock, who has been studying food for virtually every creature living the environment on the continent of in the Antarctic. Antarctica for over 30 years, explained Furthermore, animals not commonly some of the major changes he and seen in the ocean surrounding Antarctica his colleagues have noticed during have made their presence felt as the their time at a research station on the water warms, the most noticeable of Antarctic Peninsula. these being the king crab. “The Antarctic has been warming,” Looking at the question of why the McClintock said. “87 percent of glaciers general public should care about this, across the continent have been receding. McClintock explained how the area, one Ice shelves are breaking off, which of the richest and most diverse zones means higher sea levels.” of marine life on the planet, can be With major changes like this beneficial to humans. occurring across the Antarctic Peninsula, For example, he and some of Donald Campbell / The Outlook the animals calling the southern UAB Professor Dr. James McClintock talks to the Dadeville Kiwanis Club about his many years of research continent home have been dealing with See KIWANIS • Page 3 on the Antarctic Peninsula. By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Today’s

Weather

86 71 High

Low

Lake Martin

Lake Levels

490.69

Reported on 6/15/17 @ 6:00 p.m.

LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443 6

54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080

laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL

Starting Friday: The Mummy– PG-13 Wonder Woman – PG-13 Cars 3– G

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Teen tells mom to stay away during his band performances

Saturday

87 71 Low

High

Mostly cloudy, 50 percent chance of thunderstorms

Sunday

88 70 Low

High

Partly sunny, 50 percent chance of thunderstorms

Staff

Directory Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com

Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Audra Spears Art Director, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com

Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Advertising Sales, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com

Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Lizi Arbogast Sports Editor, Ext. 228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

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, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.

Friday, June 16, 2017

The Outlook

How to Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by Submit e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com by fax at (256) 234-6550. For more Obituaries or information, call (256) 234-4281. “PROVIDING QUALITY ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION SINCE 1961”

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DEAR ABBY: My 15-yearold son will be entering 10th grade. He has been a member of the school band since sixth grade. After performing in last year’s Christmas parade, a group of the students went to a nursing home to perform for the residents. When we arrived, I started to get out of the car with my son so I could listen, as other parents were doing. My son seemed surprised that I was going to stay and said he would rather I didn’t because I make him nervous. Needless to say, I was devastated. Now, whenever there’s a concert, festival, parade or football game, I stay away, although I love to listen and watch the band play. When I don’t attend, I feel hurt all over again. I’m his mother. I’m at a loss as to why I make him nervous, because I have always given him positive feedback regarding any performance. Should I respect his wishes and stay away, or go because it is what makes me happy?

DEAR ABBY Advice

-- MISSING THE SHOW IN MICHIGAN DEAR MISSING THE SHOW: Have you ASKED your son why your presence makes him nervous when he performs? His answer might be enlightening. It could be something as simple as the fact that you are his mother. Sometimes teens become self-conscious simply because a parent is present, which may be the case with your son. That said, if you wish to attend his performances, I think you should, IF you can do it unobtrusively, preferably out of his line of sight, and refrain from giving him feedback. DEAR ABBY: Life has me worn out. I have accomplished

more than I ever thought I could (considering my upbringing), traveled as much as I wanted, always strived to be a good husband and father, a good employer, a loyal volunteer, a supportive friend and good neighbor. I have done so many different things during my life that at this point, the thrill is gone. At 56, I am tired of working, tired of travel, bored with my hobbies and sick of dealing with most people in general. I’m relaxed and laugh easily and have good relationships, but nothing excites me anymore. Honestly, if the Grim Reaper tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Pack your bags; tomorrow’s the day,” I’d just shrug and ask, “What time?” I have been to the doctor. He said I’m depressed, but I don’t FEEL depressed. I think the meds he put me on made me depressed! I went to a couple of therapists who told me I don’t need therapy; I just need to find a new “spark.” So

what’s a person to do? Must I keep wallowing through the days waiting for the end? Am I the only person who feels this way? -- WALLOWING IN THE NORTH DEAR WALLOWING: You are not the only person who feels this way, and NO, you don’t have to keep “wallowing.” It appears you are experiencing a plain old-fashioned midlife crisis. Contact the psychologist with whom you felt the most connection -- or search for another one until you do -- and discuss what you are experiencing in those terms, because you need more help than I -- or anyone -- can give you in a letter. 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.

Linemen have their day; others deserve theirs

onsidering how much attention this country pays to sports, one would have initially thought that a recent headline citing “Lineman WILLIE G. Appreciation Day” was about big MOSELEY dudes on football teams. Columnist Which is understandable of independently-generated ̽ football linemen are indeed days, weeks, or even months underappreciated. The basic function of an offensive lineman that cite certain groups for their is to prevent defensive players ̽ accomplishments, of which the many of which are also linemen recognition of outdoor electric workers working through harsh ̽ from breaking through to tackle whoever has the ball, be it conditions in bucket trucks and other machinery is exemplary. a running back or a quarterback Most of the time, it would attempting to pass. seem like certain corporations The camera isn’t on offensive and/or advocacy organizations and defensive linemen too and/or lobbying groups are the often (unless it happens to be sponsors of such “events,” so an isolated replay) because the camera follows the ball. Linemen such publicity-garnering actions are understandably self-serving, on both sides simply do their but are usually presented in a somewhat-simplistic jobs to the best of their ability by relying on manner that comes off as positive and unpretentious. brute strength. From what I can tell, there So, no, football linemen don’t get their share of recognition, but was a national lineman day in April and a state lineman they are important members of day early this month. Public their teams. relations releases I’ve perused It’s my understanding that indicate that the Alabama Power “lineman” can also refer to positions in other sports, and for Company aligned itself with the national day while rural electric that matter, a “head linesman” cooperatives went with the state ̽ note the extra letter ̽ is an day in early June. official on the football field. And in these days of genderHowever, one gets the feeling neutral political correctness and that while football officials terminology, “lineman” still might be underappreciated as seems to be the ongoing term for well, there probably isn’t much such workers. Women have also of a sentiment about citing a been doing such rugged work particular day to honor them. for a number of years, of course Instead, “Lineman (and I saw plenty of them if I Appreciation Day” refers to covered electrical power outage individuals who are employees occurrences when I was working of companies that generate full-time), but apparently electricity (as in “Wichita”). Such men and women are called “lineperson” sounds kind of awkward, at least for now. out at all hours, in all kinds of Personally, I also think it’s weather conditions, to repair or impressive how quickly repair replace portions of a circuit that personnel converge on a large has gone out of service (usually area that has been devastated due to Mother Nature). Often, they’re accomplishing such work (usually by a hurricane). while elevated way above ground There’ve been times when power linemen and other workers from level in buckets extended from other states have rushed to this large trucks. There are, of course, a plethora area, and there’ve been times

when workers from Alabama have quickly packed up and journeyed elsewhere. Modern times with its modern conveniences have evolved to where we are so highlydependent on electrical power 24/7 that some of us panic if the power’s out for a few hours. Other contemporary gizmos still require repair personnel, like maybe an oldfashioned appliance repairman (“repairperson” also sounds awkward). The quality of refrigerators, etc. has certainly improved over the decades, but there are more complicated features to ‘em, as well. And how many of us actually pout when something goes wrong with a computer or a personal communication device? Society seems to have grown overly dependent on such items, but there are technicians who can remedy the situation (and an average customer would hope such fixes would be accomplished A.S.A.P.). Home entertainment systems are more complicated as well, as they interpolate televisions (with programming being received via cable or satellite dish) with high-fidelity audio and other options. While my family has tried to keep our viewing system as simple as possible, I predict that the next time we replace a television, we’ll have to hire someone to set it all up, re-program the remote control, etc. Qualified repair personnel are still vital in numerous facets of American life, and it’s still a laudable profession. Thankfully, most of the local individuals I’ve done business with in recent times are efficient and courteous. Somewhere, the Maytag Repairman is smiling. Moseley writes a weekly column for Tallapoosa Publishers.

Obituaries

256-329-1313 • 217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL “We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people ﬁle Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

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

Mr. James Steven Johnsey 1954 - 2017 Funeral Service for Mr. James Steven Johnsey, 63, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Friday, June 16, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Tim Harris

SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law

135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL

825-9559

No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

and Dr. John Watkins will officiate. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 16, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Military Honors will be provided by the Alexander City Veterans Honor Guard. Mr. Johnsey passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at his residence. He was born on May 2, 1954 in Birmingham, Alabama to James Judson Johnsey and Lillian Mae Saltsman. Mr. Johnsey was a very loving husband and was married to the love of

his life for 49 years. He enjoyed meeting with his fellow poker buddies every Monday night for 30 years and playing a friendly game of poker. Mr. Johnsey was in the local Bass master’s club and enjoyed golfing. He is survived by his mother, Lillian Mae Saltsman; son, Steven Heath Johnsey (Vickie) of Chesapeake, VA; grandchild, Tyler Reed Johnsey; sisters, Linda Cannon (Cris) and Geraldine Sutherland; brother, Daniel Johnsey; nephews, Samuel Craig Floyd, Bradley Joseph

Demetrius Culpepper

TPI

Tallapoosa Publishers,Inc.

Funeral services for Demetrius Culpepper, 44, of Millington, TN formally of Kellyton, AL will be held Saturday June 17, 2017 at Munford Funeral Homes- Chapel 7450 Raleigh- Millington Rd., Millington, TN 38053 at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Northridge Woodhaven Funeral Home/ cemetery. Family visitation will be held from 11:3012:00 p.m. and public Culpepper visitation from 12:00- 1:00 p.m.

Floyd, and Timothy V. Whatley; and niece, Debbie Orr. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia Lynn Johnsey and father. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Ms. Jeraline Wright

Mrs. Carolyn Hall Lewis

Funeral Service for Ms. Jeraline Wright of Wetumpka, Alabama will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2017 at St. James Family Worship Center with burial following in the Church Cemetery.

Funeral service for Mrs. Carolyn Hall Lewis 60 of Alexander City, AL; 11 a.m.; Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Great Bethel Baptist Church, Alexander City, AL; burial to follow at Primitive Baptist Church, Hwy 259, Alexander City, AL.

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The Outlook

Tax

Page 3

continued from page 1

wrong to come meet with staff about it as soon as possible. “You only have 30 days, so if there is a problem – don’t wait, Middlebrooks said. “Call and set up a meeting or just come by. You can meet with staff and a representative from the state. Bring any supporting information that you would think supports your value.

“Many times we can resolve it there in the informal hearing, but if not we can set up a hearing with the board of assessors. Our goal is to get this right, so we welcome folks to come in and let us work with them if there is an issue where they think the valuation is wrong.” Alexander City’s Tony Goss owns 15

properties and said he saw the values jumped about 15 percent. Goss, who is now an agent with Realty South, said it was a shock. But he said he plans to look at the sales prices of comparable properties before deciding whether to appeal. “It was a shock,” Goss said. “I will look at the sales prices of comparable

properties before deciding whether to appeal.” One resident reported a $50,000 jump on a rental property she owned in the Spring Hill community. “I know how people feel,” Middlebrooks said. “I would be the same way. Come meet with us and we will do what we can.”

Art

continued from page 1

“There was a good crowd of people browsing through the collections and purchasing items before the storm started,” said MainStreet Promotions Committee Chairwoman Jamie Dark. “A lot of them were telling us they hope we would continue this, make it more than just an annual thing.” During a lull in the weather, several customers made their way into the United Way office, taking in all the pieces that were available. Abstract portraits occupied one table, while another carried acrylic landscapes. Near the front door, musician Joe Hudson played his guitar, singing the lyrics to a fairly extensive range of songs. During this time, Lake Martin t-shirts were among the most popular items available, with many of those coming in to browse focusing on the different colors and designs spread out across the table. The scene was no less upbeat a few doors down in Makers Market, where another group of artists had gathered with their work. “I usually have a few things here in the store, but I brought some additional pieces today,” said Jodi Stoltzner as she showcased some of her pottery. “It takes me about three weeks for each piece to go from start to finish.” “I make about 10 to 15 of these signs a month, though it jumps to around 100 at Christmas time,” Doni Dye, who makes wooden signs and decorative objects, said. “I do things that I think are pretty, but I also take requests.” Donald Campbell / The Outlook Birmingham native Mary Jane Mathias Top: Customers and artists mingle in the United Way office during Thursday afternoon’s Art Walk event. Bottom left: Jodi Stoltzner poses with one of her pieces of explained how an Alexander City resident pottery available in Makers Market. Bottom right: Guitar player Joe Hudson performs for those gathered inside United Way on Thursday afternoon. came in to her store in Greystone, saw her work, and suggested that she bring some of her art down to Art Walk. “I just do what I enjoy. I started a couple of years ago, and I do whatever strikes me,” Mathias said. “Recently, I’ve been doing churches on loose canvas, which people have been requesting for weddings. Instead of having a registry, they just have the guests sign the canvas.” Even though the skies remained cloudy Thursday evening, and storms are still in the forecast throughout the weekend, the MainStreet Alexander City Art Walk event will continue to be open, giving art lovers the chance to come out and purchase their favorite pieces. “For those who weren’t able to make it out today, we’ll be open at the United Way office on Friday and Saturday,” Dark said.

Emergency local schools and local school systems use the electronic notification system implemented by the department as a means of relaying information as set forth….” “This is not a public system. The information submitted stays between schools, school systems, the state Department of Education and the governor,” said Alabama Department of Education Public Information Manager Malissa ValdesHubert. “It helps the Department of Education, the governor’s office, and the EMA be better informed about school closures, and it also helps make better decisions about school policy in the future.”

continued from page 1

She explained that the Department of Education had no fears or concerns about the legislation, and had even gone as far as to try and get something along these lines set up before the bill was introduced. The system that the Department of Education had been working on allows superintendents to go online and submit a form, detailing if the school system in question is closing early or delaying opening, as well as why they are doing so. Each submission will be uploaded to a master list, where other superintendents from around the state can view submissions, giving them another reference point

with which to base their own decisions if they need to take a similar action. “We’re reviewing the law now, and we’ll have additional training this summer to make sure our setup meets the law’s requirements and will be easy for superintendents to use,” Valdes said. Sponsored by Rep. Alan Baker (R-Brewton), the bill garnered massive support in both houses of the state legislature, even passing the state Senate with a unanimous vote. In a prepared release, Gov. Ivey said that, “As a former school teacher, I know the importance of keeping everyone informed of what is going on in our schools. This

Kiwanis his fellow researchers discovered a chemical compound produced by some of the undersea creatures that, when tested at the National Cancer Institute, was found to fight melanoma. Another compound which is produced by sponges, acts against the MRSA infection, a type of staph infection highly resistant to traditional antibiotics. “There are millions of

notification system is a much-needed source of information to clarify the sometimes murky communications in times of emergency. I appreciate Representative Alan Baker for his hard work and leadership sponsoring this legislation.” “As students are engaged in the educational process, whether attending school or in transport by bus, their safety is of utmost importance. I applaud Governor Ivey for her strong support of education with an emphasis on school safety,” Rep. Baker said in the statement. In both Tallapoosa County and Alexander City, school board

continued from page 1

years of evolution down there. We don’t want to squander it,” McClintock said. Finding a way to end his presentation on a relatively bright note, he mentioned how the Montreal Protocol, which moved to stop the production and use of chlorofluorocarbons worldwide and was entered into force in 1989, has had a positive

impact on the ozone hole noticed over the southern continent in the 1970s and 1980s. Since the Protocol’s ratification and enforcement, McClintock reported that the hole has stopped growing, and may no longer exist by the end of the 21st Century. Antarctica may be a landmass thousands of miles from Lake Martin, but through the research presented by

McClintock at Thursday’s meeting, he easily showed how protecting the environment here can have a positive impact there. With many discoveries left to be made under the ice, protecting the southern continent may lead to a finding that could positively impact us all.

officials felt that this new system would be a positive addition and make communication between school systems easier. “With this, it helps out the state,” Alexander City Superintendent Dr. Darrell Cooper said. “I can see it being beneficial in the long run. More communication never hurts.”

“The master list is the best part of this. It saves time and allows faster communication with other school systems,” Tallapoosa County Director of Student Services Casey Davis said. “There has been a lot of good coming from it. Once all the bugs get worked out, it will be even better.”

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Page 4

Outlook The

Friday, June 16, 2017

Today’s

Opinion

The wisdom of fathers is timeless Let’s learn to get T Today’s along even with

Quote

Our View

our differences

hat ever happened to being civil about a disagreement? According to the Gun Violence Archive in the 72-hour window ending at 5 p.m. Thursday, there were 270 incidents involving shots being fired where at least 88 people were killed and at least 153 people were injured. We cannot say that all of these involved disagreements but we can say some did like the incident in Alexandria, Virginia Wednesday where James Hodgkinson allegedly shot Congressman Steve Scalise after asking if it was a Republican or Democrat gathering. And it is not just guns either. Even Alexander City made the headlines for violence following an incident at a city council meeting in April of 2016, though most incidents never make the headlines. Locally, The Outlook takes a look at police reports. It is astonishing at the amount of assaults and domestic violence incidents. They are on the rise. Is it due to more police presence seeing and reporting the incidents or from people rising to higher level of disagreement? We cannot say it is either but we all have to work at making it better. Just take a look at the number the level of harassment – is it coming from social media? What ever happened to agree to disagree and leave it alone? Let’s stop the constant berating and harassing both online and in person. Lets remember the rule from our parents when we are thinking about saying or doing something rash – “Count to 20 before responding” or just turn and walk away. Or how about, “Would you say that to your mother or grandmother?” Let’s remember in this digital age, something you post online will not go away. Something you do creates a file that is more easily found thanks to the internet. Just taking a short pause will hopefully mean cooler heads will prevail and the violence will not happen.

he most forgotten day of the year is this Sunday. This widely ignored and little recognized event is called Father’s Day. Just think, one month ago we celebrated Mother’s Day with all the family giving sentimental tributes by the score. Now comes Daddy’s Day and all the kids yawn. Some times I can’t believe that Father’s Day has come to this. Afterall, look at all the good advice that our fathers have given over the years. Let me give you a few examples of these modern sages. Some how these words of wisdom get handed down from generation to generation with just a slight altering to suit the times. 1.) More freedom? As long as you have your feet under my table, you play by my rules. 2.) You’re tired? I used to walk to school 5 miles in the snow year round barefooted and uphill both ways. 3.) Money? When I was your age I held down three part-time jobs, played sports, dated your mother, attended church every time the doors opened and tithed. 4.) Use the car? I walked everywhere I went because we only had one old car for my parents and eleven children. Most of the time I rode in the trunk

the creek every morning before I did my chores, and in the winter I had to break the ice just to get a bucket full. DR. GERALD There is no doubt HALLMARK about it, dads have a way Columnist of exaggerating things. However, our heavenly with my brothers. Father never overstated 5.) Go with your friends? If your friends all His love for us when He sent Jesus. Christ is in our jumped off a cliff, would family as the “first born you jump off with them? among many brethren” When I was your age I because of this love. Now didn’t even have friends! that is the kind of love that 6.) Date? I didn’t start any Father ought to have dating until I was 21 and then sat in the parlor with for his children. Sunday is a good day to your mother along with her recognize your father for parents. We were married his love. His stories and for three days before I jokes may be old and stale, even kissed her. but his love is as fresh as 7.) New clothes? Every the day he first held you year when school started in his arms. So, make it I got two new pairs of a great Father’s Day by overalls, a pair of shoes, a work shirt and a Sunday being in your Father’s shirt to do me all year. On house. Of course I told my sons some years I just got my these stories, plus the fact older brother’s hand-mewe only had 2 channels on downs. TV that played 4 hours a 8.) A computer? All day, we could only afford I ever needed was a # meat once a month and I 2 pencil, a Big Chief was 18 before I could even notebook and my fingers spell vacation, muchless, and toes to do all my go on one. They still just homework by firelight after the chores were done. roll their eyes and figure the old man is on a tear, 9.) Your own room? I but they love me and that’s slept in a tow sack at the all that counts! end of the bed with my three brothers because the Dr. Gerald Hallmark is seven girls slept in the an Alexander City resident, bed. Even the outhouse was a community assembly a retired minister and a regular columnist for The area for the family. Outlook. 10.) A hot tub? I used to fetch water a mile from

Scripture

“Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” —James 4:15

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Friday’s Question: Do you agree with the Tallapoosa County Commissioners’ decision to not participate in the back to school sales tax holiday? 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.

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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.

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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.

Know Your

Officials Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following. Governor Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was sworn into office on April 10, 2017, and can be reached at 334-242-7100. Her office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” —Henry David Thoreau

What’s your

Opinion?

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, Kay Ivey

Luther Strange was elected Alabama’s 49th Attorney General first elected in 2010, and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and Luther Strange his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery. Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256-3922006 or by email at tughd81@gmail.com. Mark Tuggle His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City. Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334Tom Whatley 242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.

Honesty, character and integrity should be paramount for all, not just a president. We have career political hacks that have spent half their lives in office doing only enough to get re-elected using the same tired promises. Hollywood and left-wing nuts, along with Washington Democrats who lost the election and have lost their minds. That is what’s scary — not President Trump. Whining, calling for resistance, calling the President and Trump supporters every nasty name imaginable, holding up a fake Trump head covered in blood, creating play assassinations of Trump being stabbed repeatedly as he tries to fight them off. This is over the top despicable. These are the same left-wing losers that now want to focus on taking back the House in 2018. Really? They have now exposed themselves only wanting power leaving We the People behind again. The last two term Presidents, Clinton, Bush and Obama along with partisan Congress on both sides left us with this mess. They failed us and now again only want to fight President Trump on everything. We the People face government failure everyday, failing schools, poverty, loss of good manufacturing jobs, gang violence, heroin epidemic, homeless, VA scandals, on and on. They all failed us yet they live a good life as we struggle everyday. We voted for real change with Donald Trump. Queen of Denial Hillary lost, thankfully. It’s

past time for change. Our government gives tens of billions of our tax dollars to foreign countries including China, Mexico and India. We are a generous country but this is ridiculous. Families have to stretch every dollar as our stupid government officials send our tax dollars to foreign countries along with our good paying manufacturing jobs. It happened here in Alex City when Russell moved to Mexico. All democrats and left-wing media can talk about is “Russia, Russia, Russia,” again neglecting America’s many problems only because they hate the winner President Donald Trump. Trump exposed all the problems We the People face daily. Finally, now let’s move on and do our best to fix it. They are wasting precious time as our problems continue to grow. Stop this hysteria about Russian collusion and get on board to make America Great Again, this time, not just for the rich. Stop being stupid and ugly and irrational calling for impeachment. Where are the adults? As young people watch this silly meltdown, I hope they can see beyond these whining sore losers and realize they can help this country to move forward for all regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation. This is our best chance for change. Let’s work together for all. Our government also left us with $20 trillion of debt. They continue to fail us. Give President Trump a chance. Annette Lynch Alexander City

We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 234-6550 or e-mailed to editor@ alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!

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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.

Friday, June 16, 2017

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Ongoing Events GRIEF SHARE: There will be a meeting of Grief Share every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Trinity Campus of First United Methodist Church next door to Russell Medical through June 7. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Red Red Ridge United Methodist Church in Dadeville hosts an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting every Sunday at 6 p.m. 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 7:00 am until 3:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Please call 256-409-2020 for more information. CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: Every second and fourth Sunday 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. WOMEN’S MEETING: Victory Temple Holiness Church in Dadeville is hosting a women’s meeting the first Sunday of every month. Men are invited too. VOLUNTEER: Southern Care Hospice is seeking volunteers. Please call Lizz Gillenwaters at 256-234-1134 or 256-749-3717 for more information. WOMAN MEETING: Every first Sunday, Victory Temple Holiness Church hosts a women’s meeting, at 237 Aster St. in Dadeville. Everyone is invited. The meeting starts at 2 p.m. 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 Monday-Thursday 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 @ 256-215-4494 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 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. CELEBRATE RECOVERY: Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered ministry designed to help hurting people. It is made up of regular folks who are on a journey toward wholeness; seeking recovery from life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. We meet every Monday at Vertical Point Church, 860 Airport Drive, Alex City. We begin with dinner at 5:45, followed by large group at 6:15 & small groups at 7:15. Childcare is provided. Everyone is welcome. For more info, call Mike at 256-496-4664. CCTS ALUMNI MEETING: The Coosa County Train School and J.D. Thompson alumni association hold monthly meetings the third Saturday of each month.

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CommunityCalendar SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700

Today is June 16, 2017 Today’s Events MOVIE NIGHT: River of Life Worship Center is hosting a movie night June 16. Miracles from Heaven will start at 7:30 p.m. Concessions will be sold. RODEO: The 11th Annual Lake Martin Area Rodeo benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area will be June 16 and June 17 at the Alexander City Horse Arena. Gates will open at 5 p.m. and the Brett Woody Bar W Rodeo will begin at 7 p.m.

Friday, June 16, 2017

The Outlook

SUMMER FEEDING PROGRAM: The Reeltown High School Cafeteria will be June 5-30 with breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to noon. Contact Nina Hollingsworth at 256-825-0746. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: First Baptist Church of Dadeville is hosting Vacation Bible School, Galactic Starveyors, June 12-16 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Children ages four through sixth grade are invited. Registration at www.fbcdadeville.com VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: New Beginning Baptist Church on Coley Creek Road is hosting Galactic Starveyors Vacation Bible School June 12 to June 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. nightly. For more information

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/. or van pick up call Robin at 256-7500068.

Today’s Birthdays Betty Tapley, April Dudley, Kathleen Stansfield, Lauren Maria Wilson, Ecael Vazquez, Joshua Mixon, Colton Lee Powell, Kristina East, Dorothy Melton, Ashley Thornton, Shirley Gardner and Sharaven Hughley are celebrating birthdays today.

Today’s Anniversaries Clarence and Leita Roberts and Justin and Sissy Lucas celebrate their anniversaries today.

The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow

The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for Weekend Shifts in 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

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Submitted / The Outlook

The Tallapoosa County 4-H Forestry Judging Junior Team won first place at the State Forestry Invitational in Millbrook. Team members are Lane Smith, Payton Yother, Alex Ward and Blake Harris all of Dadeville High School. Lane was the contest’s top overall individual winner and Blake was 3rd highest.

Saturday, June 17

COMMUNITY PRAYER: The Darian Missionary Baptist Church family and prayer team are offering prayer to the community June 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot on the corner of Laurel and E streets across from Stephens School. STARGAZING: The Auburn Astronomical Society will set up telescopes to look at the night sky June 17 at 7 p.m. on Hospice Point near the silo at Wind Creek State Park. WATER WARS: Wind Creek State Park is hosting Water Wars June 17 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. with water slides, gold fish races, duck races, Team Sponge wars, Tear Water relay and more. Bring a towel, super soaker water gun, sunscreen clothes to get wet in and lots of energy. Team games will need a team of five. Teams can register at the marina store until 10 a.m. on June 17. TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves High School Alumni Monthly Trade Day in Millerville on Highway 9 between Ashland and Goodwater will be held on June 17 from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Refreshments are also available. WOMANS DAY PROGRAM: The Word Bible Church Ministry is hosting a woman’s day program June 17 at 3 p.m. at the Early Rose District Center. Guest speaker will be First Lady Prophetess Tonda West of Fountain of Hope, Praise, and Worship Ministry in Montgomery. SUMMER CONCERT: The First Presbyterian Church Choir will present their annual Summer Concert, “Broadway at First Pres,” Saturday, June 17 at 5 p.m. The program will feature a mixture of Broadway hits and traditional music. Guest artists will be Brink and Brinkley Norton from Charleston, South Carolina. Admission is free. MOTORCYCLE RIDE: There will be a benefit motorcycle ride for Billy Warren Saturday, June 17. Sign up at 9:30 a.m. with kickstands up at 11 a.m. in the Walmart parking lot with a short ride to Family Worship Center for lunch. The cost is $25. BENEFIT SINGING: There will be a benefit singing for Billy Warren at Family Worship Center Saturday, June 17 at 5 p.m. with Zach Channell, All for Him and the Dyes.

Sunday, June 18

How to add a calendar item: Participate in your

FATHERS DAY BASKET GIVEAWAY: Passion Church is selling chances on a Father’s Day Basket to benefit the church’s mission ministry. Tickets are available by calling the church office at 256-409-9590, from Min. Betty Reese or by contacting Gloria Boleware via Facebook.

June 18-21

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

By e-mailing your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or call 256-234-4281. _____ Send your news items to editor@alexcityoutlook.com

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Trinity United Methodist Church Weoka is hosting the Galactic Starveyors Vacation Bible School. Please join us as we study the stars to discover the God of the Universe! June 18 there will be a hot dog supper at 5 p.m. with VBS starting at 6 p.m. On June 19-21 refreshments will be served. June 19 – 21 we will start at 6 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. For more information call (334) 567-4264.

June 19-22

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Flint Hill United Methodist Church is hosting Surf Shack Vacation Bible School June 19-222 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Register children online through Facebook at Flint Hill UMC.

Tuesday, June 20

MOVIE: There will be free viewings of an environmental and other movies for teenagers at the Cooper Recreation Center on Tuesday, June 20 and Wednesday, June 28. Adults Please allow and advise your teenagers to come. “For ages 13 to 17 years old” Movie starts at 2 p.m., and questions and discussions afterward. Check it out! For information please call Ms. Dean @ 256794-0172 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: The Dadeville First United Methodist Church is hosting Vacation Bible School Sunday, June 25 to Tuesday, June 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

June 25-29

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: West End Baptist Church 3040 Old Dark Rd. Alexander City is hosting Vacation Bible School, Galactic Strarveyors, June 26 - June 29 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Dinner for everyone is from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. and VBS will be from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. There will be classes from nursery up to adults and a van will be running. If you need a ride you can call the church at 256-234-2130 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

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Wednesday, June 28

Friday, June 23

MOVIE NIGHT: River of Life Worship Center is hosting a movie night June 23. The Climb will start at 7:30 p.m. Concessions will be sold.

June 23-24

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Kellyton Chapel United Methodist Church is host Vacation Bible School June 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and June 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The theme is Super God, Super Me, Super Possibilities.

Saturday, June 24

TURTLE AND TORTOISE DAY: Wind Creek State Park is hosting turtle and tortoise day June 24 at 9 a.m to take the place of turtle races of the past. It is sponsored by Wind Creek State Park, Alabama Department of Natural Resources and the Auburn Museum of Natural History. Learn about gophers and tortoise with live animals, children’s activities, turtle egg race, turtle dasy and more at the campground playground. FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have Family Game Night Bingo from 5:00 until 8:00 Saturday June 24. Begin with hot dogs, pizza, chips, and soft drinks. WOMAN-LESS BEAUTY PAGEANT: The Weogufka Center is hosting a woman-less beauty pageant Saturday, June 24. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with concessions. Show time is 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Sunday, June 25

FAMILY REUNION: The 100th Mann Family Reunion will be June 25 at 11 a.m. at Rocky Mount Primitive Baptist Church. All descendants of John Branch Mann will gather for a covered dish lunch and fellowship. For more information call Judy Burgess at 256-216-6108. FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY: GAP Fellowship Church will celebrate friends and family day Sunday, June 25 at 2:30 p.m. with special guest Pastor Curtis Seals of Lily Hill Missionary Baptist Church of Talladega. Lou and Marilyn Benson are the pastors of GAP Fellowship Church.

June 25-27

FIELD AND FOREST HIKE: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a field and forest hike June 28 at 9 a.m. The walk is for all ages. Meet at the outdoor classroom across from the beach. MOVIE: There will be free viewing of an environmental and other movies for teenagers at the Cooper Recreation Center Wednesday, June 28. Adults Please allow and advise your teenagers to come. “For ages 13 to 17 years old” Movie starts at 2 p.m., and questions and discussions afterward. Check it out! For information please call Ms. Dean @ 256-794-0172 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

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Thursday, June 29

EMERGENCY PERSONNEL DAY: Wind Creek State Park is hosting an emergency personnel day June 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit with emergency personnel from the surrounding area and see their vehicles and learn about how they are important to they community.

Friday, June 30

CHILDREN’S NATIVE AMERICAN ACTIVITIES: Horseshoe Bend National Military Park will present Children’s Native American Activities June 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to teach children how to create clay pots and play Native American games. Meet at the clubhouse at the campground playground. MOVIE NIGHT: River of Life Worship Center is hosting a movie night June 30. Beyond the Mask will start at 7:30 p.m. Concessions will be sold.

Sunday, July 2

CHURCH MEMORIAL: The Almighty God Baptist Church in Goodwater is hosting its 37th Church Memorial Sunday, July 2 at 2 p.m. Guest speaker will be Rev. Robert Williams, pastor of Peace and Goodwill Baptist Church in Kellyton. Pastor of Almighty God Baptist Church is Rev. Lorenzo Caldwell.

Wednesday, July 5

FIELD AND FOREST HIKE: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a field and forest hike July 5 at 9 a.m. The walk is for all ages. Meet at the outdoor classroom across from the beach.

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LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

Friday, June 16, 2017

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HIGHEST HONOR Kynsley Blasingame wins Pitcher of the Year By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Ever since Kynsley Blasingame got her first taste of varsity softball for Horseshoe Bend in the seventh grade, she had her sights set high. Ultimately, her goal was to win the Class 2A Pitcher of the Year award. “This year was my last year, and my fingers were crossed,” Blasingame said. “When I got to the state tournament and

on the way to the state tournament, I saw some pretty good pitchers that we played against. I thought, ‘She could get it, or she could get it.’ I hoped for it, but I honestly wasn’t expecting it.” But last week, Blasingame’s dreams came true as she earned the honor on the Alabama State Writers Association’s All-State team. “As soon I saw it, I just got so excited and I ran downstairs to tell my dad (Phil),” Blasingame said.

Since she was just 6 years old, Blasingame has always wanted to be a pitcher. Early on, she attended a softball camp at the University of Alabama-Birmingham and the coaches asked all the youngsters to divide into groups of positions they think they’d like to play. “I was the kind of kid that always wanted to try everything, I never met a stranger,” Blasingame recalled. “So when they asked who wants to stand in the middle of the field and be a pitcher, I knew I wanted to be in the middle of everything, so I ran to the center.” From that moment on, Blasingame’s

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Horseshoe Bend’s Kynsley Blasingame was named the AHSAA Class 2A Pitcher of the Year. She had more than 400 strikeouts this season and was also the Generals’ top batter.

See BLASINGAME • Page 10

“I like the rush, I like being able to control the game.” —Kynsley Blasingame

Gov. Ivey praises extension of red snapper season STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The United States Department of Commerce today announced an extension of the federal red snapper season. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey was notified yesterday evening of the decision. “I am proud to report that President (Donald) Trump and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross have granted my request to extend the federal red snapper season,” Ivey said. “The announcement comes after twice last week, once through a letter and once in person while at the White House, I asked President Trump to add to the season. “Many thanks are due to the President, Secretary Ross, Congressman Bradley Byrne, Alabama’s congressional delegation, and the local Gulf Coast government entities for their fight to increase the length of the red snapper season.” On June 2, Ivey sent a letter to Trump asking him to review the data collected by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and to consider elongating this year’s red snapper season. Ivey specifically requested the 2017 Gulf of Mexico red snapper private recreational season in federal waters be open for 39 more days than originally provided by the federal agency. She also spoke to the president about her request while attending a summit at the White House on June 8. Wednesday, the Department of Commerce announced the federal red snapper season has been extended for a cumulative additional 39 days. Alabama state and federal waters will be open for red snapper harvest every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June 16 through September 3. The waters will also be open July 3 and 4 and Labor Day. The announced dates closely mirror those requested by Ivey. “The red snapper fishery provides a major impact to Alabama’s economy,” Ivey said. “Every day the federal season is open helps businesses in Coastal Alabama. The people of Alabama are indebted to Acting Conservation See SNAPPER • Page 10

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

On Wednesday, the AHSAA Radio Network hosted a luncheon to honor five years of corporate sponsorship by Russell Do-It Centers and Building Supply Stores at Willow Point Golf & Country Club. Pictured are, from left to right, AHSAA Radio Network co-founder Brett Pritchard; CEO of Russell Lands Tom Lamberth; AHSAA Radio Network lead broadcaster Luke Robinson; AHSAA Radio Network co-founder Randy Lee; executive director of the AHSAA Steve Savarese; Russell Do-It Centers marketing director Anna Speaks; President of Russell Do-It Centers Kirby Seales; CFO of Russell Lands David Sturdivant; and director of communiations for the AHSAA Ron Ingram.

Radio Network marks anniversary of Russell partnership By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Since Brett Pritchard and Randy Lee Jr., of Alex City founded the Alabama High School Athletic Association Radio Network, it has been building its programming and its fanbase.

The last five years have lent themselves well to growing, thanks in large part to a corporate sponsorship from Russell Do-It Centers and Building Supply Stores. “We want to thank you guys for what you’ve done as far as your corporate

partnership with our network,” Pritchard said at luncheon held at Willow Point Golf & Country Club on Wednesday. “We wouldn’t have been able to do what we’ve done and to expand what we’ve done without you guys.” When the Radio Network

began, it had just 10 affiliates. That number has climbed to 25 in the last ten years. The network also now has full access to AL.com and AHSAA.com to carry its events and, over the last five years, has added a scoreboard See RADIO • Page 10

Hagood wins comefrom-behind victory started to feel some confidence and I was able to keep it Heading into the 17th hole in going,” Hagood said. From there, Hagood was a the final round of the Southern birdie machine. Golf Association’s Junior He sank another birdie on Championships on Thursday at the final hole to force a threeWillow Point Golf & Country hole aggregate on Nos. 10, Club, it wasn’t looking too 11 and 18. Hagood had a few good for Birmingham’s Ethan incredible drives to help his Hagood. cause and finished with birdies He had three bogies and on all three of the playoff no birdies through the first holes. 16 holes and was two strokes “I was able to get something behind Kyle Cox, of Carrollton, going at the end,” Hagood Texas. said. “I was rallying behind my “It was a frustrating day at hometown crowd. They were the start,” Hagood. awesome and helped me finish. But all that changed when I couldn’t have forced that Hagood sank an unlikely putt playoff if they weren’t here.” on No. 17 that put him one Although Cox lost his lead shot behind going into the final in the end, he still finished hole. “After that putt on 17, I just See HAGOOD • Page 10 By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Ethan Hagood reacts to winning a three-hole aggregate in the Southern Golf Association’s Junior Championships at Willow Point.

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Blasingame

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Friday, June 16, 2017

The Outlook

Saturday features All-Star softball tourney By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Kynsley Blasingame was named Pitcher of the Year after having an ERA of 1.057 in more than 200 innings of work.

love for pitching grew. She continued to go to pitching camps at UAB and began playing travel ball out of Alexander City to hone her skills. “I like the rush,” she said. “I like being able to control the game and I still like being in the center of everything with all eyes on me. You can see a pitcher’s success but it’s also quite obvious when they fail, so I just really like how demanding it is.” Blasingame didn’t bend under pressure this season; she helped lead the Generals to third place in the AHSAA Class 2A tournament. She pitched all but 9 1/3 of innings this season, accounting for 238 1/3 innings worth of work. In that time, she boasted an ERA of 1.057 by allowing only 36 earned runs all season. She gave up 129 hits and only 66 walks. The most staggering stat was her 406 strikeouts for an average of 1.70 strikeouts per inning. “She’s been doing it all year,” Horseshoe Bend coach David Caldwell said after Blasingame’s performance at the South Central Regional tournament. “She’s pitched just tremendous. She’s grown up this year and learned to pitch to contact more by making her pitches. She realized she’s not going to strike everybody out, so once she gets a little fatigued, it’s more about location and trying to make those pitches and get them to hit her pitch.”

Radio show that runs all 13 weeks of football season on Friday nights from 10 p.m. to midnight. It has also introduced a weekly show, Inside the AHSAA, hosted by Luke Robinson. “When (Pritchard and Lee) first came to me to get started, we took them on as a challenge because I knew they were inexperienced but I know that they would do their very best,” said Steve Savarese, the executive director of the AHSAA. “What they’ve done through (the help of Russell Do-It Centers) is expose our studentathletes and provide them an experience of a lifetime. The more you invest in our students, the better world we’re going to have in the future.” Kirby Seales, the president of Russell Do-It Centers, said, “It’s an outstanding partnership. We joined up with the AHSAA (Radio Network) because our support of local athletes. We’re very involved with the community and try to be a part of it and support Benjamin Russell High School as well as numerous other high schools across the state.”

While a lot of people will say the pitcher is the most important position on a softball diamond, Blasingame disagrees. “The catcher is the most important player,” she said. “I think the catcher can really make a really good pitcher look bad or make a mediocre pitcher look really good. They can see every dimension of the field, so I feel like if you have a catcher that knows the game, it makes you that much better as a team and a pitcher.” Blasingame and Horseshoe Bend catcher Taylor Walton have been working together since they were 4 years old and had an obvious chemistry on the field. Walton will join Blasingame at Troy as the team manager, while Blasingame will duke it out on a tough Division I pitching staff. And while she earned the highest honor in Alabama’s high school ranks, there’s still always room for improvement, especially as she heads to the next level. “I think I need to develop a better changeup,” Blasingame said. “Something I also need to work on is not getting in my head so much, especially playing in Division I sports. Not necessarily be easier on myself, but be able to realize what I did wrong and move on.” But for now, Blasingame has every right to enjoy achieving a goal that was six years in the making.

continued from page 9

In addition to the AHSAA Radio Network and Russell Do-It Centers being based in Alexander City, Savarese has a strong connection to the area as he was a longtime football coach BRHS. He had twelve winning seasons with the Wildcats and said he still has a strong affinity for the area. “Being from Alex City, I truly love my time in this community,” Savarese said. “This community raised our children and educated our children, and that’s why we feel very confident they’ve had the success they’ve had. If I had one word to describe Alexander City, I always use the word ‘family.’” The partnership between the radio network and the Do-It Centers also shows just how much this community is involved with its local sports. “I think it brings attention to our scores and lets our community know that we’re not just a business in their community but a part of their community,” Seales said. “That’s what we feel like sets us apart from the larger stores.”

All area softball eyes will be on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex on Saturday, as teams from three different towns descend on Alexander City for the NSA All-Star area softball tournament. Alex City, Dadeville and New Site will all be bringing teams to the tourney, which begins at 9 a.m. and is for 8U, 10U and 12U age groups. The only Alex City team that won’t be at the Sportplex is the 6U All-Stars, which were moved to Wetumpka on Saturday. Action is scheduled to kick off at 9 a.m. with a pair of all-local matchups. In the 12U bracket, Dadeville and Alex City’s All-Stars start the action with the winner moving on to play Chelsea, the only other team in the tournament. The losers will play at 1 p.m. with the championship scheduled for 4 p.m. The 12U tournament will be played on Field 5. The 10U tournament will kick off with New Site versus Dadeville at 9 a.m. followed by Alex City and Leeds at 10:20 a.m. The winners of those two games will meet at 1 p.m., while the losers fall to a game at 10:40 a.m. The overall championship game for the 10U All-Stars will be played at 5:15 p.m. All of this tournament will be held on Field 3. For the 8U All-Stars, which is the biggest tournament of the day featuring six teams on Fields 2 and 5, Dadeville starts the local action

Submitted / The Outlook

New Site’s 8U All-Star team poses after winning a recent tournament over Alex City. The two may meet again in this weekend’s area tournament at the Sportplex. Pictured are team members, front row, from left, Caralina Tidwell, Marley Trapp, Harper Hunter, Baxley Ayers, Kynlee Mason; middle row, Gracie Deason, Marigrace Jones, Madison Smith, Paisley Sharpe, Marlie Allen, Sophie Price; back row, coaches James Trapp, Scott Hunter, Scott Peavy and Brandon Tidwell.

against Columbiana at 10:25 a.m. and the winner advances to face Alex City at 11:40. New Site will wait for the winner of Vincent versus Columbiana for a game also at 11:40. The 8U championship is set for 9 p.m. New Site wins recent tourneys New Site’s all-star teams are on a high heading into the Saturday’s area tournament. The 8U team won a pair of tournament over the last two weeks with two thrilling victories over Alex City. After defeating Alex City 9-7 in the Leeds championship game, they turned around and beat them again 14-13 in the Columbiana championship. New Site was losing by a run heading into the final

inning when Paisley Sharpe began a two-out rally with a single. Sophie Price had a one-run triple, and Harper Hunter played hero with a walk-off single to drive in Price for the winning run. “I am so proud of our New Site girls and excited to see that all of their hard work is paying off,” New Site 8U coach Scott Peavy said. “They are a special team that I feel has the potential to go very far. I also want to congratulate Alexander City on their success.” For Alex City, Kennedy Rape went 4-for-4 with a key RBI and also had numerous putouts at second base. Aziah Lockhard had three hits and led Alex City with four RBIs. Lydia Montgomery, Brynlee Alford, Elodie Waller,

Jayden Gleen, Cheyenne Fuller, Ki’Asia Sears and Rere Johnson all had multiple hits. New Site’s 10U All-Stars also came out on top in the recent Leeds tournament. After losing to the host team in pool play, New Site came back to win 13-6 against Leeds and 11-2 versus Dadeville in the bracket games. Through two tournaments, Lily Moss has 20 strikeouts in 12 innings and Marli Price has fanned 12 in seven innings of work. At the plate, Holland Gamble had a moment of glory with an inside-thepark home run. Baylee Allen has accounted for a triple and a pair of doubles, while Jacey Johnson, Price and Moss have all notched doubles.

Porter’s Branch to host slalom championship By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

This weekend is set for the annual Lake Martin Slalom Clinic and Water Ski Tournament. Despite the “championship” name, competition is open to novice slalom skiers and a slalom clinic will be held Friday before the event officially begins Saturday. The slalom course is set up at Porter’s Branch and is open to both competitors and specatators with shuttles running from Kowaliga Marina. Some of the area’s top water skiers will be present for the clinic. It will be taught by Bob Schouten, U.S. Senior World Team Member and Alabama State Record Holder; Payton Phillips, state champion and nationally-ranked competitor; and Kate White, the 2016 Girls 2 state champion. Participants will be

Hagood second overall and had a twoover par 74 score for the final day. He and Hagood went back and forth throughout the final round before Hagood ultimately captured the championship. “I think whenever you get into a battle like that, you push each other,” Hagood said. “We both made each other better, and it was a lot of fun to play with him.” In addition to Hagood’s individual victory, he was also part of the team championship, which was awarded to the four lowest golfers from the best performing state over the course of the first two rounds. Alabama

Lake Martin will be home to a Water Ski slalom tournament on Saturday at noon.

designated a time to be present for their individual instruction, starting at 8 a.m. For the tournament, competitors will be broken into five teams with a captain – or instructor – for each

File / The Outlook

team. The course will be set up with six buoys and a 75-foot line. The tournament begins at noon with competitors running from ages 10 to 60 and older.

continued from page 9

won with an eight-round total of 555 shots. Hagood had a two-round total of 135 and was joined by Austin Coggin (138), Reed Love (140) and J.P. Cave (142). Rounding out the top five were Prescott Butler, of Old Westbury, New York, and Hunter Hammett, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, who both shot threeround totals of 211; and Austin, Texas’ Trey Bosco, who carded an even 72 on Thursday, to finish with 212 overall. Another big highlight of the day was China’s Johnny Bai Cliff Williams / The Outlook nailing a hole-in-one on the Kyle Cox tees off on no. 18 Thursday afternoon on the third of par-4 No. 5. a three-hole aggregate.

Snapper Commissioner Chris Blankenship; without his efforts, this announcement would not have been made today. He and his staff have worked for many years to gather data and build coalitions to properly manage this fishery.” Blankenship said, “This is an historic collaboration with the Department of Commerce and the five Gulf states to reset the framework of federal red snapper management. Secretary Ross and his staff have been very open. This accord is only for the 2017 season, but we are diligently working with our Congressional delegation and the Department of Commerce for a longterm fix.” Fishermen are reminded they are still required to report their red snapper

continued from page 9

harvest through the Alabama Snapper Check Program. The data collected through the Alabama Snapper Check Program the past three years were critical in securing the additional red snapper fishing days. Only one report is required per vessel trip, and anglers can provide details via a smartphone app available under “Outdoor Alabama” in the iTunes or Google Play app stores, online at www.outdooralabama.com, or by paper forms available at select coastal public boat launches. Both state and federal waters will be closed to the taking of red snapper Monday-Thursday each week. A list of public artificial and natural reefs can Submitted / The Outlook be found at www.outdooralabama.com/ Red snapper season has been extended. artificial-reefs.

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

Summer Bugs Gorgeous Gardenia Blue Ribbon Beagle Fallen Airman

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2 Lake Martin Living

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From the Editor’s Desk

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

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

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

Lake Martin Living is published monthly by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Please address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 256-234-4281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

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Lake Martin Living 5

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

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

9. AROUND THE AREA 14. HAPPY GARDEN

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

26. FROM THE TEE

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

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

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

6 Lake Martin Living

ON THE COVER

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

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8 Lake Martin Living

AROUND THE AREA

Dancing in the Rain

Blues in the Park

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

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

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

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

Shane Harris

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

Dr. Jeremy M. Carr

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

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Lake Martin Living 11

BUSINESS MATTERS

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

12 Lake Martin Living

Destination MainStreet

our downtown, and they are

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

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

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

Gorgeous Gardenia

14 Lake Martin Living

Happy Garden

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

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

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Lake Martin Living 17

Summer Bugs

18 Lake Martin Living

Alabama Naturalist

Shane Harris

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

Beauty and The Beast

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the Tee

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

26 Lake Martin Living

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lake Martin Living 29

Sole Survivor

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

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Lake Martin Living 31

OH SNAP! 1

2 4

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

1. Robin Berkowitz, Nicki Dozier and Marley McAlister

2. Reyln Culp and John Bowden

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

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8. Britt, Newt, Cole and Reece Hignan

OH SNAP! 1

Derby Day at The Stables

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

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

7 Lake Martin Living 49

OH SNAP! 3

2 4

Relay for Life 2017

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

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

50 Lake Martin Living

OH SNAP! 3

2 5

Tallapoosa Bass Bash

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

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

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

OH SNAP! 2

1 5

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

2. Kay Fincher

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

OH SNAP! 1

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

6 7

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

Lake Martin Living 53

OH SNAP! 1

Community Garden Pancake Breakfast

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

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

54 Lake Martin Living

OH SNAP!

RXR Fest May 26-28, 2017 Russell Crossroads 7

1. Denise and Elizabeth Bates

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

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

Lake Martin Living 55

OH SNAP!

3 4

Art on the Lake

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

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

56 Lake Martin Living

OH SNAP!

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

5 6

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

Lake Martin Living 57

Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

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

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Dazzling Performance

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

LAKE REGION EVENTS June 15

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

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

June 17

Artists Association of Central Alabama

June 15

Close Encounters of the Storytelling Kind

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

June 15

Art Walk and Downtown After Dark

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

June 16-17

Lake Martin Area Rodeo

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

Miss Lake Martin Pageant

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

June 22

Free CPR Class

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

June 22

Day of Action

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

June 26-July 9

Country Living Home Tour

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

July 1

Alabama Avenue at Chuck’s Marina

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

July 1

Arti Gras

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

July 1

Annual Hackneyville Firework Bash

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

July 2

Sunday Night Supper

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

July 4

Fourth of July Blast

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

LAKE REGION EVENTS July 4

Russell Marine Fourth of July Boat Parade

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

July 5 - Aug. 1

Artists Association of Central Alabama

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

July 10-11

Throw Away Day

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

July 14-23 Our Town

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

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July 14

Sun Festival Kick-off at Friday on the Green

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

Season-Long Events Millerville Trade Day

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

Alabama Wildlife Federation Naturalist Hikes

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

Alabama Wildlife Federation Creature Feature

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

Library Storytime in Dadeville

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

Children’s Library in Alexander City

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

Ladies’ Book Club

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

Electronics Recycling

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

Santuck Flea Market

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

Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit

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

$20 on the 20th

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

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

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

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

Memory Makers Quilt Guild

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

Charity Bingo

Play charity bingo at Jake’s Restaurant at 16 Broad St., Alexander City, at 6 p.m. every Thursday night. Cards are $1 and proceeds benefit local charities.

Strand Sessions

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

Yoga on the Green

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

Friday on the Green

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

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

Catherine’s Market Wine Tastings

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

Crossroads Community Garden Club Pancake Breakfast

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

Live Music Sundays at Kowaliga

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

First Sundays Crawfish

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

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FABULOUS FINDS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

62 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living 63

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

32 Lake Martin Living

A Piece of the Plane

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

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

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

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

Lake Martin Living 33

One Fast

34 Lake Martin Living

st Talker

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Lake Martin Living 35

36 Lake Martin Living

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

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

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

38 Lake Martin Living

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

Give Your Heart a Fresh Start The new year is here, so why not make a resolution that gives you and your loved ones peace of mind? We all know that healthy hearts live longer, more active lives. That starts with a comprehensive cardiac checkup. February is American Heart Month, serving as an annual reminder of the fight against cardiovascular disease. Kevin Sublett, MD, and his staff at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic of Central Alabama are proud supporters of this fight. We are committed to keeping your heart healthy, so you can live a healthier life all year long. Our clinic is backed by the world-class expertise you expect from UAB Medicine, offering: • The full spectrum of cardiovascular care • Care from a physician board-certified in interventional cardiology • The latest in cardiac and vascular ultrasound technology, as well as nuclear medicine imaging in accredited laboratories • Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders • Convenient location within Russell Medical Call us today to schedule an appointment!

3368 Highway 280, Suite 130 Alexander City, AL 35010 (256) 234-2644 uabmedicine.org/heartcentralAL

Lake Martin Living 39

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

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

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

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

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

Lake Martin Living 43

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Lake Martin Living 45

Afford Your Dream Home Today

MONEY MATTERS

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

USDA Rural Development Loans

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

FHA Loans

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

VA Loans

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

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

Conventional Loans

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

Wound Center earns distinction

Medical News

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

Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

Power lines

280

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

County Roads

Flint Hill Church

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

14 30 29

Rockford

128

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

Jacksons Gap

Pleasant Grove Church

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

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

27 57

8 22 9

Equality

Seman

4 Camp Kiwanis

12 1

Church in The Pines

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

Ko w

ali

25 28 39

Camp Alamisco

Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

Pleasant Ridge Church

Kowaliga Boat Landing

Smith Landing

Willow Point

Dadevill

280

Liberty Church

231

Horseshoe National P

Jaybird Landing

Union Landing

Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

Stillwaters

26 8

34 35

Walnut Hill

Union

Lake Martin 19 Baptist Church 20

Central

Red Hill

17 63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

Eclectic

13 32 33

Santuck

Kent Reeltown

231

ELMORE COUNTY

120

37 14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

64 Lake Martin Living

Tallassee 229

MACON COUNTY

Marinas

Daviston

1 Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111 255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 2 The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300 450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500 250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 4 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741 2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026 5 Smith Marina 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com 6 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853 7 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550 486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

seshoe Bend tional Park

Restaurants

CHAMBERS COUNTY

deville

CON NTY

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

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

Hotels & Lodges

Business & Shopping

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

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

Churches

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

36 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820 8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853

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

37 Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 334-252-8618 2602 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Loachapoka

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

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

LEE COUNTY

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

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

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

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

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

Waverly

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

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

280

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

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

Camp Hill

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

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

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

38 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

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

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

Lake Martin Living 65

66 Lake Martin Living

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

Lake Martin Living 67

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All Private Suites with Private Bathroom & Shower

New Gym for Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy

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

ALEXANDER CITY

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

CHELSEA

The Ditsy Daisy Boutique Winn-Dixie

CHILDERSBURG Winn-Dixie

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

PM16_DadeRehabHalfPg_Mag3.indd 1

5/18/16 3:58 PM

DADEVILLE

American Watersports Bay Pine Marina City Hall

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

ECLECTIC

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

EQUALITY

Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star

INVERNESS

Airwalk Ultimate Trampoline Area Tree Top Family Adventure Winn-Dixie

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation

MOUNTAIN BROOK Whole Foods Market

RED HILL Citgo

SYLACAUGA

Good Ole Boys BBQ

TALLASSEE

Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce The Tallassee Tribune

WALNUT HILL

Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA

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

AD INDEX A&M Plumbing................................................................................... 7 Armstrong-Holley Plumbing............................................................... 6 9 Atkinson Homes................................................................................ 7 0 Beyond Home Care............................................................................ 4 0 Bezlo's Cafe....................................................................................... 6 1 Birmingham Zoo................................................................................ 4 5 Black Jack Gardens............................................................................ 4 0 Bless Your Heart................................................................................ 1 1 Bob Alexander Landscaping .............................................................. 4 4 Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation........................................................ 61 Cahaba Glass.................................................................................... 40 C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 4 4 Central Alabama Community College................................................ 2 5 Cloud Nine........................................................................................ 2 4 DAVCO Development........................................................................ 6 7 Designs by Trish.................................................................................. 7 Downtown Girl.................................................................................. 2 4 Emporium Wine................................................................................. 2 4 Fermenter's Market on the Green..................................................... 2 4 Four Seasons Irrigation....................................................................... 6 7 George Hardy, D.M.D......................................................................... 7 Guy's Heating & Air........................................................................... 6 7 Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance...................................................... 6 7 Hinson Galleries........................................................................................ 2 2 Jackson Thornton............................................................................. 1 1 Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance.................................................................6 7 Kelley’s Heating & Air........................................................................ 6 7

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ARMSTRONG-HOLLEY

PLUMBING

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GO AROUND THE PUDDLE, MA’AM

A new take on Southern etiquette

The Last Word

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

Life is Better at The Ridge.

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

Russell Cabins

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ALABAMA | LAKE MARTIN, Lake Martin Living 71

72 Lake Martin Living