Lake Magazine September 2025

New Cabins at Wind Creek

ART & PHOTO CONTEST

LIONS LAKE MARTIN POKER RUN

SUNDAYS IN SEPTEMBER

The “lazy days of summer” may be fading, but that doesn’t mean things around Lake Martin are slowing down. In many ways, fall actually starts to feel even busier for me. Football season is in full swing, cooler temperatures invite us outdoors for adventure again, and weekends bring a new set of traditions to explore.

In this issue, we’re celebrating Sundays in September – a reminder that Labor Day doesn’t mark the end of long weekends at the lake. With Auburn football drawing crowds and crisp mornings arriving, September is one of the best times to escape and recharge in our little slice of paradise. There’s no need to rush home and start the week early; Sundays are meant to be stretched out and savored. On page 64, you’ll find ways to extend your weekends at Lake Martin before Monday calls you back for another work week.

Camping is one of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy fall, especially when I can catch the colors changing along the shoreline at Wind Creek State Park. This season, the park introduced five new, fully furnished lakeside cabins, creating an elevated retreat for those who want to stay close to nature without giving up comfort. As you plan your fall weekends at the lake, be sure to add a stay at one of these to your getaway list. Turn to page 30 to see the new Lakeside Cottages.

I also continue to be inspired by the people who call Lake Martin home. Earlier this summer I shared my own first-time watersports story, and this month I met David Pearson, a man who tried wakesurfing for the first time at nearly 75. With my birthday quickly approaching, I find myself wondering if I can keep up with the “kids” and new trends these days. Luckily, David Pearson continues to show that new watersports aren’t just for the young. Catch a new wave and his story on page 38.

And finally, we take a look back at the success of this year’s Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run. The sold-out event raised thousands of dollars for local causes, but more than that, it highlighted a heartwarming story of tradition and devotion. One longtime participant continues to participate year after year in memory of his late wife, proving the event is about far more than prizes. Read more on pages 24 and 26.

Welcome to fall, y’all!

Shaylee Beck Moore, Editor-in-Chief

Chairman

KENNETH BOONE editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

General Manager

TIPPY HUNTER tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com

Editor-in-Chief

SHAYLEE BECK MOORE editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Art Director

AUDRA SPEARS audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Business & Digital Development Director

ANGELA MULLINS angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com

Audience Development

BAILY TERRY baily.terry@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing RENEE TRICE renee.trice@alexcityoutlook.com

SAMANTHA HIMES sam.himes@alexcityoutlook.com

ERIN VICKERS erin.vickers@alexcityoutlook.com

LILLIAN HARRIS lillian.harris@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors

KENNETH BOONE

JULIE HUDSON

GREG VINSON

PETE MCKENNY

STEVE ARNBERG

HARRY DENEGRE

AUDRA SPEARS

LIZI ARBOGAST

SAMUEL HIGGS

CLIFF WILLIAMS

GWEN BISHOP

SARAH CHASE

PRIME STEAKHOUSE

ANA SOFIA MEYER

ROB "GABBY" WITHERINGTON

On the Cover

Wind Creek State Park debuted five new lakeside retreats, offering guests an elevated way to enjoy Lake Martin. With spacious living areas and upgraded technology, the cabins provide campers with the comforts of home while escaping in nature.

by Kenneth Boone.

All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 | lakemagazine.life

Subscriptions are $50 annually

20. ART & PHOTO CONTEST

The walls of DPAC will come alive with color and imagination as the Lake Martin Living Art & Photo makes its return this September.

24. LIONS LAKE MARTIN CHARITY POKER RUN

From creative boat themes to raising money for charity, this year's Poker Run was an event to remember.

26. A PAIR OF HANDS

The heartwarming story of how one man carries on the tradition of the Poker Run in memory of his beloved wife.

30. CAMPING LUXURY MEETS LAKE MARTIN

Wind Creek State Park has debuted five new lakeside cabins, offering guests an elevated camping experience.

38. A NEW CHAPTER BEHIND THE BOAT

At nearly 75, David Pearson discovered wakesurfing on Lake Martin, proving catching a new wave isn’t just for the young.

42. MASTERING THE CLEAT KNOT

In this month’s Boating 101 series, learn how to tie the cleat knot, the essential skill every boater should know.

52. A RETREAT FOR GENERATIONS

Family, childhood memories and a love for Lake Martin inspired this stunning retreat at The Ridge.

64. SUNDAYS IN SEPTEMBER ON LAKE MARTIN

From brunch and boating to outdoor adventures, see the perfect ways to make the most of your fall weekends at Lake Martin.

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:

09. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 10. LAKE SCENES 13. WHERE'S LAKE 14. CALENDAR OF EVENTS

LAKE MARTIN NEWS

NATURE OF THE LAKE

LAKE PROPERTY

HOBO

FAB FINDS

HEALTHY LIVING

CHEF'S TABLE

BIG CATCHES

CHEERS!

THE SCRAMBLE

PARTING SHOT

Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake

Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators

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

How to End Summer Strong at Lake Martin

As fall approaches, the Lake Martin area comes alive with pollinators – from moths, beetles and flies to even bats and lizards. Each plays a vital role in keeping Alabama’s native ecosystems and agricultural lands healthy and productive. While many of these creatures go unnoticed, a closer look reveals an entire world of activity.

Butterflies

The monarch butterfly is one of the most recognized fall visitors. Their peak migration through Alabama stretches from late August into early November, with a few still spotted as late as December in the southern counties. Monarch caterpillars rely on native milkweed flowers for food during this journey, making the plant a crucial piece of their survival.

Alongside monarchs, keep an eye out for the little yellow, a small sulphur butterfly that thrives across Alabama in the fall. In mild years, some may even overwinter in coastal counties, adding a burst of color to cooler days.

Bees

“buzz pollination,” they vibrate their wing muscles to release pollen from flowers like partridge pea.

Carpenter bees emerge in late summer, with the new generation feeding and pollinating through September before hibernating for the winter. Honeybees also continue foraging late into the season, building honey stores critical for sustaining the hive until spring.

Hummingbirds

Lake Martin is also a stopover for rubythroated hummingbirds as they migrate south to Mexico and Central America. Fall marks one of the best times to see large numbers of these tiny birds darting among feeders and flowers, storing energy for the long journey ahead.

Stewardship and Awareness

Alabama Power Company continues to promote pollinator awareness, encouraging communities to learn more about the importance of these species. Through the free Shorelines mobile app or at apcshorelines.com, residents can locate nearby pollinator plots and even take part in counting events.

Several species of bees remain highly active during autumn in central Alabama. Bumblebees, including the vulnerable American bumblebee, are still hard at work. Known for their

This fall, while enjoying the changing season at Lake Martin, take time to notice the small creatures that help keep Alabama’s natural landscape thriving.

Weather Outlook for September

September 2025 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the mid 80s with average lows in the lower 60s and about 3.64 inches of precipitation in the month of September. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be slightly higher than average and rainfall will be average this month.

Year-to-Date

Precipitation:

Our Normal September Precipitation: 3.64 inches

Avg. high temp.: 85.7

Avg. low temp.: 62.7

Avg. temp.: 74.2

Summer: 491 MSL

Winter: 481 MSL

Highest: 490.34

Lowest: 490.19

Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit lakes.alabamapower.com.

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

Lake Scenes n People & Places

READER SUBMISSIONS

(1) Harper Williams gets a perfect score for her jump style at Lake Martin over Memorial Day weekend. Photo submitted by Steve Williams. (2) Liam and Darcy Maddox show off their red, white and blue during Fourth of July at the lake. Photo submitted by Sarah Formby. (3) Mary Austin and Watson Messer love catching Lake Martin sunsets every evening in Manoy Creek. Photo submitted by Brentley Messer. (4) Another beautiful day to hit the water, moment captured by Tony Johnson. (5) Dolly joins in the summer fun floating on Lake Martin, photo sent by Patricia Sanford. (6) Justin Snellgrove enjoying a day out kayaking on Lake Martin.

READER SUBMISSIONS

(1) Mike and Linda McKay captured this photo of Zena enjoying a sunny day out on the lake. (2) White ducks going for a swim in Lake Martin, photo by Tony Johnson. (3) Olivia Lee Pike and her daughter, Caroline, enjoy a summer swim in Lake Martin. Photo submitted by Carol Lee. (4) Coco Lewis enjoying the view on Lake Martin, photo snapped by Tom and Katherine Lewis. (5) Julie Kaye Jones enjoyed kicking off the summer with family time and boat rides on Lake Martin. (6) Mason Moore casting his line from his grandmother's pier during Memorial Day weekend. Photo submitted by Anita Holley.

READER SUBMISSIONS

(1) Liz and Grace Shults in Paris on the River Seine with LAKE magazine. Photo submitted by Rob Shults. (2) Mike and Diane Guillot took LAKE on their trip to Vienna, Austria. (3) Angie Scott, Bryan and Julie Ann Wilson and Libby Thames took Lake Martin Living to the waterfalls in Cataratas Pulhapanzak, Honduras. (4) Horseshoe Bend FCCLA members Sophie walls, Elizabteh Lopez, Karen Lopez, Alexis Berry, Isabella ucker and Brianna Abbett visited Disney's Magic Kingdom during a national competition, and brought LAKE along for the fun. Photo submitted by Felicia Williams. (5) Stone Ridge Baptist Church took a mission trip to Honduras and brought LAKE along for their visit to Lago De Yojoa.

August 31

Glow Party at Prime Steakhouse

The Labor Day weekend celebration is making its way to Prime Steakhouse with the much anticipated Glow Party. The ultimate '80s tribute band Electric Avenue Live will be rocking the stage, bringing nonstop energy, epic hits and a night full of neon-fueled fun. Grab your crew, dress in your favorite neon attire and get ready to glow. Buy your tickets before they're gone. Visit Prime Steakhouse’s Facebook page for tickets and information.

August 31

Black Jacket

Symphony - The Era of Yacht Rock

The Black Jacket Symphony returns to The AMP for another unforgettable performance. This Labor Day weekend, enjoy an evening of your favorite yacht rock hits of the late 70s and early 80s with the picturesque scenery of Lake Martin as the backdrop. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and details, visit russelllands.com/events.

September 6

WalkAbout Ranch

Annual

Dove Shoot

Walkabout Ranch will host its annual Dove Shoot in New Site. Gates open at 10 a.m., followed by a safety meeting and lunch at 11 a.m., with the shoot beginning at noon. The event is open to shooters and non-shooters, with a $50 donation per shooter and a $10 donation per non-shooter. Contact Bridget Thornell at 256-397-2820 or Freddy McCrary at 256-252-0740 for more details.

September 7

September 11

80’s Murder Mystery Dinner

Break out your sleuthing skills for a totally rockin’ Murder Mystery Dinner benefiting Lake Martin Area United Way. The interactive evening runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Mill 280 in Alexander City and features dinner, music and a radical whodunit set backstage at a high-energy ’80s concert. Guests will work together to solve the mystery while enjoying a throwback night of fun. Tickets are $75 per person and include dinner, music and one cash bar ticket. Tickets are limited and will not be sold at the door. For details, tables and sponsorship information, contact Courtney Layfield at 256-329-3600.

The Dixie Sailing Club Regatta returns for an exciting two day event

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN

September 18

September

13

Campfire Talk at Wind Creek State Park

Join Chief of Natural Resources Tasha Simon and guest experts for a Campfire Talk series exploring how Alabama State Parks use sciencebased management to care for our wild landscapes. For this Sparks and Science talk, attendees will meet at the fire ring by the Clubhouse at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the topic “Embers of Hope: Tending the Land, Restoring the Wild”. For more information, conact dylan.ogle@dcnr. alabama.gov.

Alex City Arts Downtown Art Walk

Moonlit Hike at Wind Creek State Park

Join Wind Creek State Park naturalist Dylan Ogle at the front parking lot at 8:00 p.m. to embark on a guided hike through the woods. While the full moon should provide plenty of light, hikers are encouraged to bring a flashlight along for the adventure. Gate fees apply for guests not staying overnight in the campground. For more details, email dylan.ogle@dcnr.alabama.gov.

Stroll the streets and enjoy a lively evening of art at the Alex City Arts Downtown Art Walk. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the event will feature local artists, wine tastings at participating shops and live music from Suzanne Scholz in historic downtown Alexander City. For details, email alexcityarts@gmail.com.

September 19

Wrygrass Bluegrass Show

Bluegrass fans won’t want to miss the Wyrgrass Bluegrass Show at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center. From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the evening features a lively performance showcasing traditional, toe-tapping

bluegrass music set in the welcoming setting of DPAC. Email office@dadevilleperformingartcenter.com for more information.

September 20

Renew Our Rivers Tallapoosa River Cleanup Day

Grab your canoe or kayak and join the inaugural cleanup event along the Harold Banks Canoe Trail, bringing paddlers together to pick up trash and protect the Tallapoosa River. Participants will meet at the Horseshoe Bend bridge at 8 a.m., with the float beginning at 9 a.m. Paddlers will travel downstream while cleaning the shoreline, arriving at Jaybird Landing between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. A cookout will follow, with shuttle service available back to vehicles. Renew Our Rivers T-shirts, bags and pickers will be provided. Participants need to supply their own kayak or canoe and lifejacket. The event is open to experienced paddlers only; children and first-time paddlers are not encouraged to participate. For details, contact Jerry Bynum at 256-749-5848 or Harold Banks on Facebook.

September 20

Guided Nature Tour – Wilson Road Trailhead

Step into the fall season with a guided hike through Russell Forest, led by the Russell Lands Naturalist. The hike begins at 7 a.m. and takes participants through the woods to identify plant and animal life while learning how seasonal changes affect local species. The program is suitable for ages 5 and older. Participants are encouraged to bring drinking water and comfortable shoes. Insect repellent will be provided. Registration is $10 and required in advance. For details, call 256-496-2710 or email naturalist@russelllands.com

September

25

Lake

Martin Living Art & Photo Contest

Mark your calendar: The annual Lake Martin Living Art & Photo Contest returns to the Dadeville Performing Arts Center for an exciting evening showcasing local artwork and photography. Guests will enjoy a champagne reception, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes and live music from Russell Craig. Submissions are now being accepted at the Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. office at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City. Artists and photographers may submit up to three works at $25 each. The deadline for submissions is September 16. Reception tickets are $20. More than $1,000 in prizes will be awarded, and proceeds will benefit DPAC. For details, see the article on page 20 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

September 25

Cars & Cocktails

Get ready for an exciting evening of muscle cars, live music, bourbon tasting and more. Hosted by Main Street Alexander City, this unique fundraising event runs from

6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Wellborn Musclecar Museum to benefit Main Street Alexander City. For more information, visit mainstreetalexandercity.org/events or email mainstreet35010@gmail.com.

October 4

Dadeville Fall Festival

Mark your calendars for the 12th annual Dadeville Fall Festival, hosted by the Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce. Fall festivities will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. near the Dadeville Square. This family-friendly event is free and features live entertainment, a kid zone, food vendors, arts and crafts booths and much more. Visit dadevillechamber.com for more details.

October 4

Lake Martin Dulcimer Club Fall Festival

The Lake Martin Dulcimer Club will perform from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the porch of the Dadeville Performing Arts Center during the Dadeville Fall Festival. The public is invited to stop by and enjoy traditional dulcimer music.

October 4 & 5

Dixie Sailing Club Po’ Ol’ Kowaliga Open Regatta

Sailboats will race the waters of Lake Martin for the annual Po’ Ol’ Kowaliga Regatta, one of two open regattas hosted each year. Classes include Catalina 22 Gold and Silver, MC Scow, Flying Scot and open/handicap, with any sailboat welcome to race. Five races are planned for the weekend, with one race constituting a regatta. Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each fleet. Registration is $75 before September 14 and $90 after. For details or to register, contact Chris Hodge at chrishodge@charter.net.

October 6

Folk Music Performance

Join the Lake Martin Dulcimer Club for a nostalgic 1960s and 1970s folk music sing-along concert at 6:30 p.m. at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center, 128 N. Broadnax St. The evening will feature favorites by Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Simon & Garfunkel and more. Tickets are $10 and available online at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com or at the door.

October

10

Sean of the South Live

Alex City Arts presents writer and humorist Sean Dietrich, known as Sean of the South, along with legendary musical group Three on a String at the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center. Dietrich is known for his heartwarming Southern tales and wit, while Three on a String delivers lively tunes for an unforgettable evening celebrating Southern culture. For more information, visit alexcityarts.org/event or email alexcityarts@gmail.com.

October 11

Alabama Cotton Festival

The 32nd annual Alabama Cotton Festival will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the heart of downtown Eclectic at 145 Main Street. The beloved family-friendly celebration highlights Alabama’s cotton heritage with arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, children’s activities, cotton-themed exhibits, a classic car show and a parade. Admission is free. For vendor information and more details, visit elmoreeda.com/events.

October 11

45th Annual Oktoberfest

Alexander City Parks & Recreation will host the 45th annual Oktoberfest & Custom Car Show from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The family-friendly event will feature vendors, food, live entertainment and children’s activities including a petting zoo, inflatables and arts and crafts. Vendor registration applications are available at acpr.recdesk. com. For details, contact Megan Blake at 256-596-1846 or megan.blake@alexandercityal.gov.

Season-long Events

Friday On The Green

Every Friday night through September, Russell Lands hosts free music and lawn games on the Town Green from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, coolers, kids and the pup on a leash to start your weekend at the lake with family and friends. For more information, visit russelllands.com/events.

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Tours

Come see naturalist Marianne and her lively nature presentations at the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature. Check russelllands.com/events for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.

Weekly Birdwatching Adventure

Join the Wind Creek State Park naturalist on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. to learn about feathered friends that call Lake Martin home. The experience is open to camping guests and day visitors. Park entrance fees apply. Contact dylan.ogle@dcnr.alabama.gov for more information.

Dadeville Community Chorus

The Dadeville Community Chorus invites singers of all levels to join weekly rehearsals from Sept. 9 through Dec. 2. Sessions are held Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center. The chorus is led by conductor Lila Meadows, with Jeff Bonebrake as president and Amanda Kelly as pianist. For details, email office@dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

Covered Dish Social

The Real Island Community hosts a monthly covered dish social on the third Friday of each month at the RIVFD Training and Community Center at 6:30 p.m. at 1495 Real Island Road in Equality. Whether you’re a longtime resident, visiting or new to the area, everyone is welcome to come fellowship. For more information, call 334-857-3233.

Grief Support

Red Ridge United Methodist Church in Dadeville hosts an on-going grief support program on Mondays at 10 a.m., lead by Pastor Mike Butler. There is no charge for participation, and it does not matter if the loss was recent or long ago. For more information, call Mike Butler at 256-412-6945.

RealBells Hand Bells

The RealBells Hand Bells group meets Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center, beginning Sept. 9. All are invited to participate and ring under the direction of Jeff Bonebrake. A holiday concert will be announced at a later date. Email office@dadevilleperformingartscenter.com for more information.

Stillwaters Dog Fight Golf

Join golfers of all ages and abilities at Stillwaters Golf Club at 10 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for an open golf event. In addition to regular golf fees, players pay a small entry fee of $7 or $15, depending on the day. For details, call the golf shop at 256-825-1353.

Everything’s Art Classes

Dadeville Performing Arts Center will host this free program on Tuesdays from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Children in grades three through five will learn the elements of art as they complete projects in class with Everything’s Art teachers. For more information, email delaine.hanson@gmail.com.

Clean Community Partnership Cleanups

Pick up trash in Alexander City to win money for your favorite charity. Volunteers meet at Strand Park at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. Turn in your collected trash and earn points for each person on your cleanup team and each bag of trash you collect. The team with the most points gets a $500 check made out to the nonprofit charity of its choice. Second place receives $200, and third place also receives $200. For more information, contact Michelle West at 256-7860584 or John Thompson at 334-399-3289.

In Dadeville, a monthly cleanup is held on the second Saturday of the month, and volunteers can pick up sanitized pickers and bags at 8 a.m. at Dadeville City Hall. Contact Mickey Forbus at 334-329-0905 for details.

Lake Martin News

Aldi Opens Its Doors in Alexander City

Alexander City turned out big for Aldi’s grand opening.

Way before the doors were opened, residents lined up around the new Aldi’s location, previously Winn Dixie, to celebrate the grand opening and shop. Even after the doors opened, the line didn’t seem to thin out.

Aldi director of operations Jessica Gibson was excited about the turnout.

“This is a great turnout. We have loyal customers, and a lot of them know about our giveaways,” Gibson said. “There are people who drive to our Auburn location, so that helps with awareness of our store.”

Chamber member Crayton Walton said Aldi’s is a good corporate addition to Alexander City.

“Aldi is a good community advocate,” Walton said. “They get involved with schools and other local programs.”

Gibson said one reason for such loyal customers is the value and quality of the products Aldi sells.

“We have tons of fresh produce, a lot of it is organic. About 90 percent of our food is private label so we can control the quality,” Gibson said. “If you’re a new customer and you want to try it, we have a double money back guarantee. If you don’t like the first one, we will give you an equivalent product to try and your money back on the original item. This guarantee is good on our in store brand products.”

The store has several ways to shop: in store, online ordering with curbside pickup, and through Instacart and DoorDash.

Aldi is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. They are located in the old Winn Dixie building at MarketPlace Shopping Center on Hwy. 280.

~ Gwen Bishop

HOA Opposes New Camp Margaritaville Resort at Lake Martin

Several members of the Homeowners Association of Lake Martin, Sandy Creek Area, spoke before the Tallapoosa County Commission, voicing their con-

cerns over a proposed development in the area.

The McBride Company, an engineering firm from Illinois, submitted a second rendering of the proposed Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins in March 2025 to the developers.

Sandy Creek area resident and HOA member of the HOA Shane West reintroduced the idea of annexation to the commission, hoping to stop the development.

“The HOA formed two years ago in opposition to the development of condos, as it was evident we needed to protect the character of the area, and specifically to stop high density housing,” West said.

Tallapoosa County attorney Thomas Radney said he had not seen any paperwork or upcoming public hearings conducted by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management concerning the development. For a development this size, the developer’s plans will have to be approved by ADEM, which in turn will hold a public hearing.

One fear West has is the negative impact on the area.

“It will be like a giant party all the time,” West said. “We don’t want to become Lake Lanier. It’s too crowded and not safe.”

Former Lake Watch president Matt Campbell said he was concerned about the ecological impact to the lake.

“Our economy is built on single family homes,” Campbell said. “These homes will not cause the amount of waste that a large RV resort will produce.”

~ Gwen Bishop

Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry hosting charity gala this fall

The Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry is proud to announce its 25th year anniversary celebration with its second Annual Charity Gala, set for Friday, November 7, at New Water Farms on Lake Martin in Dadeville.

Guests can expect to enjoy an evening of fine dining, live entertainment and dancing, a silent auction and community spirit, as the community comes together to support its mission of fighting hunger in Tallapoosa County.

“We are excited to help promote this gala to help fight food insecurity right here at home,” Lake Martin-Dadeville Chamber of Commerce president Rhonda Gaskins said. “Loaves and Fishes has a strong 25-year history and ministry of feeding the hungry in Tallapoosa County. All proceeds support their mission right here in our community. Our community has a big heart and this fun event gives all of

180 Birmingham Rd Eclectic, AL 36024

334-857-2443 sales@lakescape.com

us a way to come together and make a difference.”

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with a Meet and Greet, followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on a variety of exciting silent auction items with all proceeds benefiting Loaves and Fishes.

Sponsorships and tables are available. Contact Marsha Davis 256-307-0696 for more information, or visit loavesandfishesfoodpantry.com.

~ TPI Staff

Lake Martin homeowners seeking to enhance their lakefront from the front door to the waterline with docks, decks, boathouses, hard and soft scapes, irrigation, lighting and other features or to renovate or service existing ones.

STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE

PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & AUDRA SPEARS

MMark your calendars: For one night only, the walls of the Dadeville Performing Arts Center will come alive with color, creativity and imagination as the annual Lake Martin Living Art & Photo Contest returns Thursday, September 25.

This exciting event has become a highly anticipated event, drawing in enthusiastic crowds and artists for the showcase of local talent. During the two-hour reception, guests will sip champagne, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and settle in for a lively performance by local musician Russell Craig, adding energy and excitement to an evening dedicated to the arts.

But behind the excitement of the reception lies a deeper purpose. Funds raised from the contest support the Dadeville Performing Arts Center, an organization that enriches the community year-round with children’s

Attendees browse a gallery of art while enjoying a champagne reception

musicals, after-school art classes, live performances and more. Leading up to the reception, local elementary school children will get a private preview of the exhibit before opening night, giving them a chance to step into the world of art.

“The Art and Photo Contest means so much to our community, both to celebrate area artists and to support Dadeville Performing Arts programs,” said Kim Walls, president of the DPAC Board of Directors. “The fundraiser helps DPAC offer quality performing arts experiences to children and adults as well as help us host Everything’s Art events. The artists’ reception rewards those displaying their art and encourages budding artists.”

Entering the Contest

Artists are encouraged to begin submitting their work now. A wide range of media is accepted, including acrylics, oil, watercolor, pastels, pencil, crayon, photography and mixed media. Pieces must be ready to hang and reflect the lifestyle of Alabama.

n Up to three entries allowed per artist

n $25 entry fee per work (includes one ticket to the show)

n Label submissions with name, address, phone number and email

n Deliver entries to Tallapoosa Publishers Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City

n Deadline for submissions is Tuesday, September 16

Awards and Prizes

More than $1,000 in prizes will be awarded at this year’s contest, honoring creativity in four divisions: Art,

Photography, People’s Choice and Children’s Art.

n Art and Photography: $200 first place; $150 second place; $100 third place

n People’s Choice: $100 n Children’s Division (eighth grade and younger): $50 first place

Tickets and Sponsorships

The champagne reception will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at EventBrite.com or the Tallapoosa Publishers office in Alexander City. Each reception ticket includes entry to the show and two drink tickets.

Lake Martin Living is also seeking sponsors, with three levels available. Each level includes event tickets, publicity and advertising benefits. Sponsorships are a vital part of funding the event and supporting the arts in the Lake Martin area.

When September 25 arrives, DPAC will transform into more than an art gallery. It will be an evening of creativity and celebration, with every ticket and entry supporting programs that keep the arts thriving locally. For sponsorship details or more information, email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

Calling All Artists We’re Having

An Exhibit-And-Reception

Event

& You’re Invited!

SUBMISSION DETAILS

n Submissions are accepted in acrylic, oil, watercolor, pastels, pencil, photography and mixed media.

(3D works are accepted as long as they can be hung on the wall.)

n No free-standing sculptures.

n Entries must reflect the nature, beauty or lifestyle of Alabama.

n All entries must be ready to hang.

n Entry fee is $25 per piece. Children’s entry fee is $10 per piece.

Clearly mark each entry with the artist’s name, address, phone number and email. Deliver entries to the Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. office on or before 5 p.m. September 16.

The office is located at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City. First place winners receive $200; Second place winners receive $150; and third place winners receive $100. People’s Choice winner also receives $100. A children’s division is open to eighth grade and younger. Children’s division winner receives $50.

All submitting artists will be featured in the October issue of Lake Martin Living, with one of the first place works featured on the cover. Call magazine Editor-in-Chief Shaylee Beck Moore at 256-234-4282 with questions or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

The reception will be on September 25 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center. Exhibit reception tickets are $20 and available at eventbrite.com.

This event will benefit the Dadeville Performing Arts Center. For sponsorship opportunities and details, contact 256-234-4281.

LIONS LAKE MARTIN CHARITY POKER RUN

STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE

TThere’s nothing quite like spending a summer Saturday cruising across Lake Martin and enjoying a little friendly competition. But the annual Poker Run offers more than just fun with friends – it turns every hand dealt into support for local charities.

The 22nd annual Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run was a huge success this year, drawing in 208 participants with a sold-out event. Boat crews set out to marinas across the lake, making stops at Kowaliga Marina, Real Island Marina, Boondocks at BayPine, River North Marina and The Ridge Marina to collect their cards to build the ultimate poker hand. Along the way, Lions Club members greeted the players at each marina, handing out poker hands and judging the day’s best-decorated boats.

The 2025 event raised $25,000 for 19 organiza-

tions, including Alabama Lions Sight, Children’s Harbor, Camp ASCCA, Meals on Wheels, Tallapoosa Crisis Center, Lake Martin Animal Shelter, Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch, Lake Martin Watch and United Way.

“We take that money and we just turn right around and invest it back in our community,” said Allan Cutts, marine manager at Russell Marine. Cutts, who has been involved with the Lions Club for two decades, helps coordinate the event each year alongside Russell Lands Senior Marketing Manager Emily Sprayberry.

Registration took place at Kowaliga Marina where participants picked up official Poker Run T-shirts, pirate flags for their boats and meal tickets before heading out to the water.

At each stop, excitement built as crews competed

From festive boat decorations to high-stakes fun, the sold-out event brought in $25,000 for local charities while participants competed for the best poker hand.

for a share of $7,850 in prize money. The top poker hands won $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second and $750 for third. To keep things interesting, even those with rotten luck had reason to celebrate. Cash prizes of $1,000, $600 and $400 went to the three worst hands as well.

The boat decorating contest added another layer of fun, with six prizes awarded to the most creative themes. This year’s first-place prize went to the USA Olympics/Special Olympics team, which pocketed $600. Other winners included “Yabba Dabba Doo” in second place, “Ice Ice Baby” in third and “Laid Back Christmas” in fourth, followed by “Lake Dazed & Confused” and “Lucky Ducks.”

After a day of cruising, card collecting and plenty of laughs, the Poker Run wrapped up at The Ridge Marina. Chick-fil-A served lunch, and Shades of Grey rocked the marina with live music at the after-party.

A pair of hands

STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE

PHOTOS BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE & COURTESY OF HANNAH WORLEY

WWhile the Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run may be the highlight of summer for many, for one man it represents something much deeper – a tradition he shared with his wife that he continues to honor year after year.

Ray Worley, 77, has participated in every Poker Run since the event began. By his side was his wife of more than 30 years, Slyvia.

Together, the Poker Run was the couple’s favorite Lake Martin tradition, decorating their boat each year in elaborate themes and recruiting friends and family to join in the fun. They never missed a Poker Run.

In 2009, Ray and Sylvia won the prize for best decorated boat with their theme, “Gilligan’s Island.”

Friends dressed up as the entire cast, including popular characters such as Gilligan, Skipper and Ginger. Alongside the crew of their friends, Ray and Sylvia dressed as the Millionaires while two of their sons, Mark and David, dressed as the Professor and a captive on the island. The boat took first place, a proud and fond memory that Ray still treasures.

Beyond the event, life on Lake Martin held countless memories for the couple. Ray and Sylvia lived on the lake for 11 years, sharing fond memories of visiting Goat Island and Peanut Point, eating pizza at Chuck’s Marina, and browsing the art shows where Sylvia loved purchasing local artwork.

Ray and Sylvia also won the Treasure Chest prize one year, receiving dinner for two at Kowaliga Restaurant.

But more than the prizes, Ray and Sylvia loved the anticipation. They counted down the days to the Poker Run, often spending the evening before preparing food and snacks to share with their boat crew.

They had a tradition of watching the sunset over Lake Martin with neighbors every Tuesday evening, and Sundays were reserved for sitting side by side at Church in the Pines.

When Sylvia passed away in 2021, it was a heartbreaking moment for Ray. But he never let go of the tradition they shared. Each summer, he continues to participate in the Poker Run and buy two poker hands –one for himself and one in her memory.

“I just really miss my wife,” said Ray. “I loved doing it with her every year. After she passed away, I just couldn’t buy a poker hand without buying her one too.”

This year, Ray was counting down the days to the Poker Run. For weeks leading up to the event, he watched every day for the hands to go on sale. When the email announcement finally came, Ray immediately jumped on the opportunity.

This year, Sylvia’s hand was No. 1 and Ray’s hand was No. 2.

“It’s his favorite part of the summer,” said Hannah McCollom, Ray’s granddaughter. “As soon as the water comes up, he’s already talking about the Poker Run.”

Hannah laughed as she described his excitement leading up to the big day. “The day before the Poker Run, he says to everyone coming, ‘I hope everybody’s gonna be ready to leave. The boat is tak ing off at eight o’clock in the morning. If you’re not ready, you’re not coming,’” said Hannah. “He’s always just so excit ed for the day.”

Ray continues to attend Church in the Pines every Sunday, sitting in the same seat upfront in the third row – just as he and Sylvia once did. In her memory, he has also purchased a table at Children’s Harbor, honoring a place that meant so much to her.

Ray is already looking ahead to next year’s Poker Run, when he’ll once again honor their tradition with two hands – one for the game, and one in memory of his wife, whom he’ll never leave behind.

Camping Luxury Meets Lake Martin

STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE & PHOTOS BY KENNETH

WWind Creek State Park, nestled along the shorelines of Lake Martin in Alexander City, has been a beloved retreat for generations, welcoming visitors from far and wide to unwind from their daily routines and embrace the beauty of the outdoors.

Now, the park is elevating its guest experience with the debut of five stunning new lakeside cabins that combine high-end comfort with rustic tranquility.

On August 5, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, alongside local leaders, officially cut the ribbon on the new “Lakeside Cottages.” With their spacious three-bedroom, three-bathroom layouts and panoramic water views, the addition brings a new level of comfort to the park, offering guests the choice of an upgraded stay while still enjoying the natural setting that draws them in.

The cabins are located in the park’s North Picnic Area, the perfect location for both convenience and privacy. Guests are within easy reach of popular attractions such as the public beach and the park’s zip-line canopy tours, yet sit far

enough away to ensure quiet surroundings and unobstructed lake views.

Each one is named after a native tree – White Oak, Dogwood, Redbud, Poplar and Longleaf – and designed to sleep up to six people comfortably. Cabin Three, Redbud, is ADA-compliant, and two of the five cottages are pet friendly, giving families the opportunity to bring along their four-legged companions for their getaway.

Inside, soaring 20-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows offer guests a spacious retreat with breathtaking views of Lake Martin. Each cabin also includes a fully equipped kitchen, complete with a stove, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker and dishware.

The addition of the new cabins was inspired by growing requests from guests for upscale accommodations that offered more built-in living features than the park’s current rustic cabins. While the plan originally called for 10 of these upgraded cabins, the layout of the site allowed space for five.

“We were getting a lot of calls that it would be nice if we had something that

The upscale cabins come complete with modern comforts of home

was fully furnished and a stove in it,” said Jacquetta Perry, assistant supervisor at Wind Creek State Park. “These have more of a lake home vibe to them. We wanted to make them homey.”

The spacious living areas also offer guests upgraded comforts of home, from streaming-capable TVs and electric fireplaces to lighted mirrors and Wi - Fi that help campers stay connected as they unwind.

Each of the bedrooms are arranged with comfort and privacy in mind. The king suites include their own bathrooms and televisions along with a door that opens directly onto the spacious wraparound porch. The two queen bedrooms provide flexibility for families or groups, with one offering its own ensuite bathroom.

Outside, each cabin offers a wraparound porch with Adirondack chairs, outdoor dining space and a fire pit, creating the perfect spot to watch the sun set across the water, sip morning coffee or enjoy the colors of Lake Martin through every season.

“Think about how beautiful it would be to have Christmas here,” says Perry. “Or catch all the fall leaves turning colors. It’s a great place for guests to come and have a little family gathering.”

The Lakeside Cottages are set to officially open to the public on September 21. To reserve a cabin, guests can call Wind Creek State Park at 1-800-ALAPARK. Following the grand opening, online reservations will become available at alapark.com. Reservations may be made up to a year and one day in advance, and require a two - night minimum stay. Alabama residents may make reservations up to 13 months in advance.

From soaring ceilings and spacious living areas to upgraded amenities, the new cabins at Wind Creek State Park offer campers an elevated way to stay, play and reconnect.

Each cabin has a wrap-around porch with waterfront views and lounging areas

A new chapter behind the boat

David Pearson surfs into his 75th birthday with a new watersport

STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE

BY KENNETH BOONE

WWatersports are often thought of as a pastime for the young and fearless, but David Pearson is proving otherwise. With the surge of wake surfing on Lake Martin, he has discovered that fun on the water isn’t bound by age. In fact, at nearly 75, Pearson stepped onto a wakesurf board for the first time this summer, showing that new thrills can begin at any age.

“I enjoy wake surfing,” said Pearson. “It’s not difficult at all. Some days are better than others, of course, but I do find it much easier than waterskiing.”

Pearson has always had a passion for being on the water. Growing up in Decatur, Alabama, near the Tennessee River, he spent countless days with his family and friends casting lines, cruising in boats and strapping on skis.

“From my earliest memory, our family was on the river,” said Pearson. “We were always duck hunting, fishing and skiing. So throughout my life, I’ve enjoyed being on the water.”

That love followed him south to Lake Martin. Pearson and his brother first discovered the lake 56 years ago as students at Auburn University. In the fall of 1969, they made their way to Chuck’s Marina for the first time, unaware it would mark the beginning of a lifetime of summers and fond memories at the lake.

It was also at Auburn that Pearson met his wife, Susie. By the early 1980s, the couple had settled in Montgomery, and Lake Martin quickly became their retreat of choice. They raised two children, welcomed five grandchildren, and for nearly 20 years gathered at their lake home in Windermere West. Four years ago,

the Pearsons moved to Auburn before finally settling into their new lake house at The Heritage last summer.

Through it all, the lake has been at the center of family life. Weekends often meant teaching their kids to waterski or spending long days behind the boat, a tradition now carried on by their grandchildren. Pearson still sets the example.

“If we’re at the lake, I’m on the water every day,” said Pearson. “I usually swim every day in the summer. I just love the lake.”

Over the years, Pearson has tried nearly every watersport the lake offers. He’s skied, wakeboarded and even learned to barefoot ski – a skill he jokes is more about pride than fun.

“I used to barefoot ski,” said Pearson. “The only reason anyone wants to ski barefooted is to prove that they can do it. It’s painful.”

Even with a lifetime of watersports experience, wake surfing wasn’t on his radar. Pearson had never been keen on wakeboats, but after his daughter and son-in-law, Jenny and Sam Herman, bought one last year, he began to rethink his stance.

Then, after seeing Jenny and his grandchildren carve across the waves, Pearson was inspired to try out the new watersport himself.

“My daughter and her husband bought a wakeboard boat last year,” Pearson said. “I watched them, and wakesurfing looked to me like it was easier than skiing. So I gave it a try.”

A little instruction was all he needed. With coaching from his daughter, Pearson popped up on his first attempt. The slower speed and freedom of surfing drew him in, and he quickly realized it was easier on his body than waterskiing. He was hooked.

“Getting up is like sitting up out of a chair,” said Pearson. “It’s easier than waterskiing, and when you fall, there’s little pain involved in it because you’re only going 11 mph. Frankly, since I found wake surfing, I’m not interested in wakeboarding anymore.”

Pearson credits his good health and ability to still hit the waves to living an active lifestyle. He spent years as a road cyclist and now keeps up the pace with an E-bike, regular golf games and hikes on local trails around Lake Martin, with his favorite being the James M. Scott Deadening Alpine Trail.

“The health benefits of staying active are, I think, critical as you grow older,” said Pearson. “I’ve been blessed with good health all of my life, but that’s a big reason that I’m able to do this. I exercise and try to eat right.”

He also points to Susie as a big part of his wellness. A nutrition and foods graduate at Auburn, she has been an anchor for the entire family’s approach to health and fitness.

“She exercises a lot, and my whole family has taken instruction from her,” said Pearson. “She’s been a big influence in our health and well-being.”

Though wake surfing has quickly become his favorite watersport, Pearson still dusts off his skis a few times a year – just to remind himself he can still do it. And as his 75th birthday approaches in February, slowing down isn’t on his horizon. Pearson admits he doesn’t surf with the same poise as his teenage grandchildren, but that’s never been the point.

“Frankly, when you watch me wake surf, it doesn’t look like one of my grandchildren,” said Pearson. “I’m a little shaky and not as good at it as they are, but I enjoy doing it.”

That enjoyment, he says, is what matters most, and he encourages others to give it a try.

“Don’t hesitate,” said Pearson. “Just break through. Try it, and at first you don’t succeed, continue it. It’s worth the effort.”

At an age when many might be content watching from the dock, David Pearson proves wake surfing isn’t just for the young. He keeps hitting the water at Lake Martin, showing that anyone, at any age, can find adventure on the waves.

Tying a proper cleat hitch is essential for every boater to know

Cleat Knots

BOATING

101 BY

KENNETH BOONE

The rope is referred to as a "line" when attached to the boat's cleat

EEvery boater should know how to tie off their craft in a number of situations: alongside a dock, in a wet slip or beached. But a quick glance along any public dock – say outside one of Lake Martin’s restaurants –shows that a lot of boaters struggle with the basic task of tying their boat to a docking cleat.

Before we go much further, we need a quick vocabulary lesson:

n A cleat is a piece of hardware (usually galvanized metal or hard plastic on a dock; chrome on a boat) that has two horns used to hold lines and a foot with screw holes that connect the cleat to a dock or boat. It usually has a pass-through hole in the foot, below the horns.

n A “rope” and a “line” are the same thing. On land, it’s called a “rope”; on a boat it’s called a “line.” Mooring lines sold for use on recreational boats have a loop tied permanently into one end.

n The “bitter end” of a docking line is the part that’s not attached to the boat, or the free end of the line.

n A “hitch” is a type of knot that is used when you need to tie line to something. One specific quality of a hitch is that it has the ability to conform to the size of the object that it’s tied to and often the tension of the rope or line is what holds the hitch in place.

One of the first knots any boater needs to know is the “cleat hitch.” If a line is not properly tied to a cleat (and it’s amazing how many people simply wrap a line around the horns of a cleat and call it secure) there’s a good chance that the constant motion of a boat on the water will work the line loose, and boaters will find their boats floating out in the middle of the lake. A cleat hitch will hold any boat for as long as the cleats remain screwed into the dock and the line doesn’t break.

Tying a boat to a dock cleat requires two knots: one tying the line to the boat’s cleat and a second

knot tying the other end of the line to a dock cleat.

Tying a mooring line to your boat:

n Starting from the direction outside of your boat, push the looped end of the mooring line through hole in the base of the cleat, under the horns.

n Open the loop and drape it back over first one horn and then the other.

n Tighten the connection by pulling the line where it goes through the base of the cleat.

The line is now securely and efficiently tied to your boat. You can leave the line tied to your boat cleat and keep the line inside the boat until you need it. One word of caution – if the line is long enough to reach the boat’s prop, make sure it doesn’t unintentionally fall overboard while the boat is in operation. When it comes time to dock your boat, pull the boat close to the edge of the dock near a dock cleat. Most times its best to put some type of soft buffer between the hard dock and the side of your boat, so that waves pushing the boat up against the dock don’t scratch up your hull.

To tie a cleat hitch:

n Push the bitter end of the line through the pass-through hole in the cleat’s foot, or around the outside of the cleat’s foot.

n Bring the bitter end under one of the horns, across the top of the cleat and then back under the other horn, making a figure-eight.

n Make second figure-eight, but after bringing the bitter end up over the top of the horn, pass the end under the line itself, parallel to the line that crosses the top of the horn. This will lock the line in place and keep your boat secure.

That’s it. Using cleat hitches to tie off your boat is safe, clean-looking and easy to untie. After you get used to using a cleat hitch, you’ll wonder how you ever tied up a boat any other way.

Red-bellied Snake

NATURE OF THE LAKE

BY KENNETH BOONE

Commonly found living near people, these snakes can be beneficial to keep around

TThe red-bellied snake is completely harmless, small and often found living around people, even though you are not that likely to notice it.

Red-bellied snakes are usually less than a foot long with round eyes and a bluntly rounded head. Like many snakes, this one has different looks: Its belly can be red, pink or orange, and its back can be brown, orange, gray, olive or black. Its head may or may not be the same color as its back. Red-bellied snakes often have three light-colored neck spots that can merge together to look like a light collar, or the spots may appear smaller or not be there at all. They may also have several stripes running the length of their back – or not.

Evan Menzel, a senior instructor at the University of Alabama in the Department of Biological Sciences, said the easiest way to identify a red-bellied snake is to look for a head that is a little darker than the body, its overall small size and a red or orange belly.

Menzel said that in the South, snakes are generally more patterned than the same species living farther north, which tend to be darker colored as a way to soak up more heat from the sun in a colder environment.

“Everybody always focuses on the big snakes that tend to be dangerous,” Menzel said. “But there are a bunch of different species out there that we honestly don’t know a lot about, mostly because they’re small … and because they’re small, they get overlooked. This is one of those species.”

Red-bellied snakes here in the Lake Martin area go by the scientific name Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata, which is a very big name for such a little snake. The name occipitomaculata comes from the Latin words for “back of head” and “spot.” This snake’s common name can be spelled red-bellied or redbelly. Red-bellied snakes are found throughout eastern North America, with a western range stretching from Texas to the Dakotas.

They usually live under moist leaf litter or logs and rocks in shady hardwood forests, where they hunt for small invertebrates like slugs, snails and worms. Red-bellied snakes are also prone to being in soggy areas,

Red-bellied snakes are completely harmless to people

such as around the edges of lakes, streams and swamps. They are often found in areas where people live and sometimes appear when picking up sheet metal or boards in a yard.

The red-bellied snake pictured here was accidentally dug up when I was moving compost from my compost pile to my garden.

These snakes also show the lip-curling behavior when ingesting worms and slugs … which is likely how most people would act when eating a live slug.

“These snakes, brown snakes and ringneck snakes will all do that,” Menzel said. “Every once in a while you’ll see them raise up one side of their face and kind of sneer at you a little bit. It’s very strange.”

Because this snake is not able to burrow underground, it sometimes makes its home in the tunnels of abandoned ant hills or animal burrows.

Red-bellied snakes are often active during daylight and night hours, but may become nocturnal during dry or hot times. They are also most active after rain. Both of these activity changes are likely caused by the fact that worms and slugs move more during the same times.

Red-bellied snakes hunt for small invertebrates like slugs, snails and worms

Menzel said lip curling is likely an adaptation that helps red-bellied snakes grab onto snails and pull them out of their shells.

“Those little snakes are kind of cool because their teeth are curved so they can grab onto slimy things and hold on to them.”

Red-bellied snakes are cold tolerant and active year-round in the Lake Martin area; however, in the northern part of their range, they are known to hibernate in large groups – sometimes including other species of snakes – during the coldest part of the year. Biologists in Manitoba, Canada, once dug up an abandoned ant mound that contained 101 redbellied snakes, 148 smooth green snakes and eight Great Plains garter snakes.

These snakes are entirely harmless to people; however, they don’t want you to know that. When threatened, red-bellied snakes may exhibit a “lip-curling” behavior, which involves flicking their tongues while curling their lips up to show off their tiny teeth; however, their teeth are far too small to do any damage to people, and many folks don’t even notice the activity when it’s happening.

What you may notice from a threatened red-bellied snake is a musky smell – and it may even play dead in an attempt to get you to leave it alone.

When red-bellied snakes hit the age of 2, they become sexually mature. They can breed once or twice each year during the warmer months. Females give live birth to baby snakes that are roughly 3 to 4 inches long. A litter is usually composed of seven or eight babies, but scientists have recorded one to 21 baby snakes with the same birthday. Once they are born, they survive on their own with no parental care. By the end of their first birthday, baby red-bellied snakes can more than double their length.

Red-bellied snakes have been recorded at 4 years old in captivity, but scientists do not know how old they can get in the wild.

These snakes are preyed upon by a number of predators, including crows and hawks, other snakes, shrews, raccoons and domestic cats.

Menzel said red-bellied snakes are great to have around, especially if you are a gardener.

“They help keep your garden free of slugs,” he said.

Some information for this article came from Outdoor Alabama, the University of Michigan’s Animal Diversity Web and The Orianne Society.

A Retreat for Generations

The Spiveys envisioned a clean, bright and airy interior

FlFor Steve and Beverly Spivey, building a weekend retreat at Lake Martin has always been about more than a beautiful view. The Troy, Alabama couple envisioned a place where their family could build on traditions, weekends could stretch into lifelong memories and where three generations could now gather at their newly built lake home at The Ridge.

For Steve, Lake Martin has always held a sentimental place in his heart. As a child, he spent countless weekends camping on its shoreline with his parents, who loved the outdoors and frequently visited the lake.

“I came here all the time as a child with my parents,” said Steve. “Lake Martin is one of the prettiest lakes in Alabama.”

Those cherished memories made Lake Martin an easy choice for the Spiveys when they decided to build a retreat of their own.

The couple was drawn to The Ridge for its naturally beautiful landscapes, gated community and welcoming neighborhoods; however, it was the lot that captured their hearts. Located on a point with a firepit overlooking the water, the serene location and sweeping waterfront views pulled the Spiveys in immediately, knowing it was the perfect location to build their dream lake home.

“We wanted to have a beautiful place that

we could go to and just really enjoy the lake,” said Steve. “When we first went to The Ridge, we just fell in love with the place.”

Built by Legacy New Homes and designed by Larry Furlong alongside Legacy's superintendent Nic Labriola, the nearly 4,000-squarefoot retreat includes four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms. The layout was carefully planned to emphasize natural light while also bringing the lake into view from nearly every room.

Soaring 24-foot ceilings create a spacious and open feel to the main living areas, while hand-hewn pine beams stretch across the ceiling to create a warm and welcoming touch to the open space.

Beverly, who has an eye for design, envisioned a home that felt clean, airy and timeless. With the help of Legacy's interior designer, Ashley Chancellor of Lake Martin Interiors, Beverly incorporated a neutral palette throughout the home, using Sherwin-Williams Origami White, a soft, warm white with gray undertones. The color palette set the tone for the interiors, keeping them open and inviting.

White oak floors finished in a medium graybrown stain add character to the lake house, while carefully selected fixtures and furnishings bring personality.

Views of

were incorporated thoughtfully into the lake house design

wNatural light emphasizes the home's open and spacious design

“I just wanted something beautiful and clean that felt open and spacious,” said Beverly. Muted blues bring a subtle pop of color, especially in the primary bedroom suite, which features the same lofty beams and large windows overlooking the lake. The bathroom continues the soft, neutral look with herringbone tile, a soaking tub, dual vanities and a spacious walk-in shower.

The kitchen was created as a gathering space in the heart of the home. Painted in Sherwin-Williams Dovetail, a light gray with green undertones, the cabinets create a soft contrast against white quartz countertops. Leather dining chairs and barstools by Lee Industries were custom designed for the area, inspired by the quartz countertops. Light fixtures throughout the home were sourced from Visual Comfort, including the Darlana Series upstairs, where aged iron finishes give the home a classic and timeless appeal.

The main level also includes a guest suite, designed with a neutral palette for a seamless transition throughout the home.

Opening up from the main living space, two generous porches outside span the length of

the home. One porch is screened in, offering Beverly a peaceful space to sip morning coffees and look out on the water. The porches were finished with Perfect Pavers and include a natural wood-burning stone fireplace. Outdoor furniture from Summer Classics makes it easy for the family to gather well into the evening.

The downstairs level was designed with the Spiveys’ daughter, Stephanie, and her family in mind, creating a second welcoming home of its own. The space carries the same neutral tones as the main floor with a slightly more modern edge. A second fully functional kitchen features a marble picket tile backsplash, while unique lighting from Curry & Company adds character. The downstairs also includes a separate laundry room, making extended visits easy for the family.

Stephanie’s bedroom suite opens directly onto the lower porch, with unobstructed views of the lake. The level also includes two additional guest bedrooms and a bunk room with four built-in beds – a favorite spot for the grandchildren to pile in with friends on summer weekends. The adjoining living room

A natural wood-burning fireplace and Perfect Pavers define the screened-in porch

flows onto a lake-level patio, where the Spiveys spend most of their time.

“My favorite place is downstairs on the porch,” said Beverly. “I love watching all of the boats come by and catching all of the action.”

The lower porch continues the home’s signature design, with tongue-and-groove pine ceilings, a grilling station with leathered pearl gray granite countertops and a second stone fireplace complete with a television above. Landscaping by Outside Landscaping frames the home, enhancing the scenery while preserving the natural character of the lot.

For the Spiveys, the lake home is more than a dream come true. It’s become a retreat for their family to gather together for holidays, and their grandchildren can grow up enjoying the same beautiful shorelines that Steve did as a child.

Sundays in September

Creative ways to extend your fall weekends at Lake Martin

and

SpringHouse offers creative brunch options

WWhile summer may have come to an end, the fall season for Lake Martin is just getting started. Many will be traveling in from Auburn to enjoy home football games while others look to set out on boat cruises before the cooler weather hits and water levels begin to drop.

With the beautiful opportunities Autumn brings, there is no need to rush home on Sunday morning. Lake Martin makes it easy to stretch the weekend a little longer, with September Sundays offering a mix of relaxation and fun. From worship on the water to outdoor adventures, good food and laid-back evenings by the shore, here are a few ways to spend a Sunday at the lake before the workweek begins.

Brunch at SpringHouse

Brunch is a classic Sunday tradition and Lake Martin is home to one of the best spots in the state.

Recently voted Best Brunch by Alabama Magazine’s 2025 Best of Bama Awards, SpringHouse has become a Sunday favorite at Lake Martin.

The menu features creative takes on Southern classics, with standouts such as Blue Cheese French Toast topped with bacon, onion jam and whipped blue cheese cream; a House Made Biscuit with sawmill gravy; and Breakfast Tacos filled with wagyu NY strip, scrambled eggs, pico de gallo and toppings in white corn tortillas.

SpringHouse serves brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays in September – the perfect time for a brunch that’s as memorable as the setting itself.

Sunday Boat Service at Church in the Pines

Church in the Pines, located in Kowaliga Bay, is a unique non-denominational church. Attendees gather under a big, open A-frame roof and can either drive up in a car or a boat, which can be anchored in the slough beside the church during the service.

Services are held at Church in the Pines until the weather becomes too cold, when worship services are moved indoors into the newly renovated

Children’s Chapel across highway at Children’s Harbor.

September offers mild weather and high water which makes it easy to beach your boat, so hop in your pontoon boat and head over for the Sunday service. Following the service, you can enjoy an afternoon cruising the Lake Martin at comfortable temperatures, or pop next door to Kowaliga restaurant for a bite to eat.

Hiking and Fall Birdwatching

Cooler temperatures this fall will make hiking and birdwatching around the lake much more comfortable.

The Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association has more than 26 miles of trails in the Lake Martin area. Two old fire towers – Smith Mountain and Overlook towers – provide exhilarating, bird’s-eye views of Lake Martin. For information on trails and towers, visit crata.org.

The Russell Forest features more than 100 miles of dirt roads, hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. Beautiful forest hikes in the rolling hills with glimpses of the lake will also get you off the couch and into Alabama’s famously beautiful outdoors. For information on recreation in the Russell Forest, visit russelllands.com.

Additional hiking opportunities are located at Wind Creek State Park (alapark.com) and at

Alabama Power’s Nature’s Way trail system (apcshorelines.com).

Fall is also the time that birds migrate thorough Alabama on the way to spend the winter in warmer climates down south. New birds will be coming through for the next couple of months, so you might want to bring your binoculars on your hike.

Walking through the varying landscapes, through hardwood forests with fall color, crossing creeks and crossing rocky ridges is a perfect Sunday afternoon activity for the family that combines immersion in nature with a good dose of exercise. Bring water and plan on getting back to your vehicle well before dark.

Pick Up a Round of Golf

Cooler mornings in September make Sundays the perfect time to hit the links. Lake Martin offers a mix of private and public courses, each with its own scenic backdrop. The shift to fall also brings a welcome change in pace, such as quieter fairways on football weekends and hints of color beginning to show along the treelines.

Golfers can tee off at two public courses around the lake: Stillwaters Golf Course in Dadeville or Lakewinds Golf Course in Jackson’s Gap. Both welcome visitors with layouts that challenge seasoned players while staying approachable for casual golfers. With cooler air and fall colors popping off the water, Sunday golf at Lake Martin carries its own seasonal charm.

There are also two private courses on the lake.

In Alexander City, Willow Point Golf & Country Club is known for its lakeside fairways and pristine greens, and remains a top choice for members and their guests – however the course is currently under renovation and is not open this fall.

The Heritage development is also home to Wicker Point Golf Club, Alabama’s newest course, already earning national recognition for its design and playability.

Cooler temperatures and quieter fairways make hitting the links a perfect fall sport

Outdoor Sleuthing Adventures

Turn your Sunday into a clue-hunting adventure at Lake Martin, where the outdoors becomes both a playground and a quest.

Geocaching, a worldwide treasure-hunting game, uses GPS coordinates to guide participants to find containers hidden in plain sight. Some may hold small trinkets or notes, while others are simply the satisfaction of the find. With more than 200 geocaches in the Lake Martin area, and 30 at Wind Creek State Park alone, it’s an activity that keeps both families and individual explorers moving and searching. To get started with geocaching, download the phone app or visit geocaching.com.

New this year, Explore Lake Martin introduced the Lost Goats of Lake Martin Scavenger Hunt, a free, family-friendly activity that encourages participants to track down goat statues hidden at popular landmarks and attractions around the area. Each goat is paired with facts about Lake Martin’s history, culture and natural features. Players can follow digital clues on the Explore Lake Martin app or pick up printed cards at the Lake Martin Innovation Center where Alexander City’s Chamber of Commerce is located. After spotting all 10 goats, participants can stop by the tourism office to collect prizes and Lake Martin merchandise. Visit ExploreLakeMartin.com for more information on how to get started.

These sleuthing activities offer an exciting chance to spend Sunday outdoors, chasing clues and creating memories that linger long after the weekend ends.

Grilling on the Water

There’s nothing like sitting on the edge of the shorelines and catching a famous Lake Martin sunset. With average lows in the mid-60’s in September, fall is the time when grilling or cooking S’mores on the lake is actually comfortable.

While roasting marshmallows, making a tradition of Sunday S’mores by the lake is a simple and tasty way to end the day. Many lake houses and Wind Creek State Park campsites have firepits or outdoor grills and firing up either one can create a lasting memory on Lake Martin.

Whether paired with laughter, storytelling or reflecting in simple silence, cooking or enjoying a fire on the Lake Martin shoreline is a fitting close to a September Sunday.

Better than Expected

Recent sales data surprises to the upside

If you own a waterfront house on Lake Martin, I have some good news for you. The average sales price for waterfront homes continues to increase. While we expected to see a moderate price increase in the data, we were very surprised to see a double-digit percentage increase.

Every month, we compile sales results for the last 12-month period and compare those results to the same period last year. The most recent data is for the 12 months ending July 31, 2025. The average sales price for a waterfront home increased 18.8 percent over the same 12-month period last year. Last year, the average sales price was $1,313,722. This year, the average sales price grew to $1,555,371. The total number of homes sold over the last year increased slightly to 222 transactions, up from 218 last year.

LAKE

PROPERTY BY STEVE ARNBERG

The reason we were surprised with this increase is because we had noted a trend at the first of the year that the average sales price increase was in the 4 percent to 5 percent range. Inventory of available homes was stable compared with the prior year. It stood to reason that, if the sales pace stayed level, which it did, and inventory stayed level, prices should be fairly stable.

What happened, though, was surprising. The number of newly listed for-sale properties actually dropped from 342 listings last year to 281 properties this year. Lower supply with unchanged demand would normally result in higher prices, and that is exactly what happened.

A deeper dive

Before anyone assumes that their property is worth 18.8 percent more than last year, I want to caution that this metric is the average sales price. It is not a measurement of the same property selling multiple times. We looked “under the hood,” so to speak, at the numbers. We broke down the sales into price segments and found that the upper end of the market continues to impress.

For instance, the number of homes that sold for $2 million or higher increased 70.37 percent from 27 properties last year to 46 this year. The sales vol-

ume in this price category increased 82.98 percent to $143,034,797. Conversely, due to low inventory, property sales in the $750,000 to $1 million range decreased 16.92 percent to $46,729,300. It stands to reason that, if more sales are occurring at the upper end of the market, those sales prices would tend to pull up the overall average.

Luxury on the lake is redefined

Recent sales reported to the MLS include multiple properties in excess of $4 million. One was reported well in excess of $8 million. This was not a one-off transaction. Since that property closed, another listed in excess of $8 million has gone under contract as well. Those sales would have been considered impossible just a few years ago.

I recall when, in 2004, we were working with local builders to build speculative homes in The Ridge. Given the price of the lots and the size home our customers were asking for, the average price would have been in excess of $1 million. Appraisers were skeptical. One questioned my knowledge of the market by pointing out that, in the history of the local MLS, only three properties had sold in excess of $1 million.

We had nearly 200 lots developed at that time, and if you only looked at the past, it would never work. We made a bet on increased amenities, like the new Ridge Marina, The Ridge Clubhouse and, most of all, Lake Martin. Now that the total number of developed properties is more than 5,000 and the value of The Ridge is more than $1 billion (yes, $1 billion), I think it is safe to say that bet paid off!

There is a key line in the movie Field of Dreams that goes like this: “Build it and they will come.”

Nearly 100 years ago, some men had a vision to build a lake in rural Alabama, and sure enough, people came. Since then, the little weekend fish camps have evolved into first-class luxury homes placed in highly amenitized communities.

I guess you could say that, given all that has gone on before us and what is planned in the near future, an increase in sales prices should not be that big of a surprise. A rising tide does, after all, lift all boats.

The sales data for the above article is compiled from closed sales data gleaned from the Multiple Listing Service for the Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors®. It does not include private off-market sales or custom home construction.

Steve Arnberg is Vice President of Real Estate Sales for Russell Lands.

The average sales price for waterfront homes continues to increase at Lake

What is the future of our beautiful and treasured Lake Martin?

IIt is time for all of us who value our beautiful and treasured Lake Martin to ask ourselves this question: What is the future of our beautiful and treasured Lake Martin? Does it continue as it has? Does it become an overdeveloped and party-weekend lake for the out-of-town weekenders?

Over the past several years, many of us have championed a managed and planned development of mainly single-family home lots. We did not want our beautiful lake to become another Lake Lanier or other overdeveloped lakes; However, that is what appears to be happening despite the efforts of our community.

Within the last two months, we were made aware of a planned development on Lake Martin called Margaritaville at the end of Young’s Ferry Road. This development is well underway even though there have not been any public meetings concerning this. In fact, we found out about this by word of mouth and through other lake organizations. If you

want to see what this development will look like, look at Margaritaville Lake Lanier, Georgia. We believe this information to be accurate to the best of our ability. This development has not been publicly announced or debated. There has been no announced public meeting by our county government to the best of our knowledge. Our county commissioners have not called any public meeting concerning this development. This is what we have been able to find out about this development so far:

BY HARRY DENEGRE

The Margaritaville development is a 59-acre site for 173 RVs, 46 cottages and other sites, totaling 289 sites. There will be docking facilities for more than

150 boats. There is currently limited information on this proposed development. The developer still has to give the county government more information, so there is time to approve or disapprove this proposed development, according to our county officials.

The county has created an economic development district for the 59 acres purchased for the project. It is called the Young’s Landing Improvement District. To the best of our knowledge, this allows them to operate without supervision by the county.

To the best of our knowledge, there is no plan for a meeting with the residents of Tallapoosa County to discuss the project.

Even though there is not much public knowledge about this development, this is not a done deal. We were told that it was more like 50-50, and it would likely be years before it would happen. We cannot verify this as factual. It may be a plan to keep the community from organizing against this.

The 59 acres were purchased on March 29, 2022. The special district was approved by the county in February 2025. This special district gives the district some special variances.

To the best of our knowledge, no studies have been done by the county regarding water supply, sewage, traffic, safety, road capacity or impact on the lake communities surrounding the park.

The Lake Martin Home Owners and Boat Owners organization has voted against this development. The HOBOs held a poll of its members, and 96 percent voted against the development. The HOBOs Executive Board voted 8 – 2 against the development at our last board meeting. The HOBOs intend to request a meeting with the County Commissioners concerning this development as well.

The Sandy Creek HOA has voted against this development as well. We are asking the lake community to become active in opposition to this development. Please feel free to write or call your county commissioner and voice your vote about this development.

The HOBOs have posted more information concerning this on our website. Please take a minute and review this information. We will try to keep this information accurate and up to date as more information is acquired. Please get involved and save our lake.

Harry DeNegre is president of Lake Martin HOBO's. Visit lakemartinhobos.com to learn more about HOBO's.

Julie's Favorite Summer Recipes

I feel like September marks a new beginning. September brings the transition from summer to early fall and leads us into the holiday season. It begins with Labor Day celebrations, which are a little earlier this year, that seem to bring closure to the summer season. Football season has arrived, and we are waiting for the weather to change and take us into fall.

HEALTHY LIVING

BY JULIE HUDSON

I am sharing a few of my favorite recipes of summer 2025. All of these recipes can be utilized throughout the fall and tailgating season. I have included three recipes that utilize fresh vegetables, one recipe that is a delicious snack and an easy dinner idea. I hope you enjoy!

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

Avocado Salsa

Ingredients

1 fresh and ripe avocado, cubed

1 container or 15 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

3 green onions, diced

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 – 2 limes, juiced

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

Directions

Place all ingredients in a bowl. Add lime juice to your liking and a drizzle of olive oil. Last, add salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly. This avocado salsa goes well with burgers, grilled chicken or fish. It can be used as a dip with chips or on top of a salad. You can change the amounts of each

Egg

Plant Stacks

Ingredients

1 eggplant, peeled and sliced in 1/4-inch slices

1 sweet onion, sliced in 1/4-inch slices

1 zucchini, sliced in 1/4-inch slices

1 fresh tomato, sliced in 1/4-inch slices

Seasoning salt to taste

Directions

Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Spray with nonstick spray. Layer the vegetables in stacks starting with eggplant on bot-

Tomato Pie

Ingredients

12-inch deep-dish pie shell

1 – 2 fresh tomatoes

1 purple onion

4 to 6 big leaves of fresh basil

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s)

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Start by peeling the skin off the tomatoes. Slice the tomatoes in 1/4-inch slices. Place on a 12-inch paper plate lined with paper towels, then topped with tomato, then paper towel, then another layer of tomato, then finish with paper towel. This will take the moisture out of the tomatoes. Salt and pepper the tomatoes. Cover with paper towel and place in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Repeat this process on another 12-inch paper plate with onion slices. Bake the pie crust at 375 degrees until golden brown. Layer tomato, sliced purple onion, whole basil leaves, tomato, onion and basil. Mix the toppings together in a bowl: 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup mayonnaise. Spread evenly on top of tomato, onion and basil layers. Place pie crust on a sheet pan and bake in a 375-degree oven until bubbly and tender. This may take 30 to 45 minutes. This makes a great side dish to any meal.

Chicken Smash Burgers

with Caesar Salad

(You may have seen this recipe on social media. I have tried it, and it is delicious.)

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken

1 package of 10 small flour tortillas

Seasoning salt

Romaine lettuce

Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded

Your favorite Caesar salad dressing

Nonstick skillet or flat-top griddle

Directions

In a bowl, take your ground chicken and mix with seasoning salt. Roll the chicken into golf ballsize balls and place on a sheet pan. Store in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Prepare the salad in a bowl using romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese and dressing for as many people as you will serve. (You can use a shortcut by purchasing the Caesar salad kit in a bag, which has everything you need.) Spray your pan or griddle with nonstick spray or use butter. Place the chicken in the pan or on the griddle and top with a tortilla. Press down the tortilla to flatten the chicken into a patty with a spatula or burger press. Cook the meat until it’s fully cooked. Once the chicken is fully cooked, flip the tortilla over to brown the other side (now the chicken is on top). If you would like to add cheese of your choice at this point, you can. Remove the chicken tortilla from pan or griddle, set aside and repeat using all the chicken. Once you have cooked all the tortillas and are ready to serve, scoop a small amount of salad into the center of each tortilla and fold in half to eat. Extra salad can be served on the side. Tip: Add extra toppings inside the tortilla, such as sautéed or grilled onions and peppers.

Homemade Granola

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned oats

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)

1 tablespoon powdered milk

1/2 teaspoon Himalayan salt or kosher salt

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup canola oil

1/2 cup maple syrup or honey

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 box golden raisins

1/2 box original raisins

Dried blueberries or other dried fruit (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir in a large bowl the oats, almonds, pecans, powdered milk, salt and cinnamon. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, stir coconut oil, canola oil, syrup and vanilla. Microwave for 1 minute – just enough so all liquid ingredients can be stirred together. Pour slowly over dry ingredients and stir until dry ingredients are wet. Pour onto a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Granola should feel dry and look lightly toasted. Cool and add dried fruit. This granola recipe can be doubled. It freezes well in zip lock bags. This is a great snack or addition to yogurt or fruit.

Grilled Watermelon & Arugula Salad

Ingredients

1/2 watermelon, peeled and vacuum-sealed

4 to 6 fresh plums

1 shallot

2 cloves garlic

1 cup white balsamic vinegar

1 1/4 cups grapeseed oil, or any oil for the vinaigrette

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 to 3 tablespoons honey, adjust for sweetness if desired

1 container arugula

1 container spinach

1 small log chèvre goat cheese

Directions

Plum Vinaigrette

Clean and chop the shallot and garlic and place in a blender. Remove the pit from the plums and chop into pieces. Add to the blender. Add the honey, Dijon and vinegar, and blend until smooth.

With the blender on medium-high speed, slowly drizzle in the oil. Adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and more honey if a sweeter taste is desired.

Compressed Watermelon

Peel the rind off the watermelon and slice into 1/2 to 1-inch slices. Seal with a vacuum sealer or cryovac machine. Let this stay sealed for 1 hour. Remove watermelon from the bag and grill on high heat. Grill only one side, as too much heat will break down the watermelon. Let cool before chopping. Toss the lettuce with the vinaigrette and place the watermelon on top.

MCKENNY

CHEF'S TABLE BY PETE

Pete McKenny, General Manager and Executive Chef at SpringHouse Restaurant, trained at four-star restaurants and Forbes four-star resorts in Ohio, Washington, Arizona and Vermont before returing to Russell Lands on Lake Martin, where he began his career as chef de cuisine at Willow Point Golft & Country Club.

The New Age of Battery Power

MMy first experience in a powered boat on my own was as a young teen. I had a 12-foot jon boat with an old 12-volt trolling motor that we had lying around the house. It couldn’t have been more than about 10 pounds of thrust (how trolling motor power is usually measured). I had one old lead-acid car battery that would run it long enough to fish a couple of hours before it would slowly run out of power. I had to keep a paddle handy.

Later we got a larger bass boat and it had a 24-volt foot-controlled trolling motor. By wiring two 12-volt deep-cycle batteries in series, we could increase the voltage to 24 volts. That meant a much stronger trolling motor, which was nice since the boat was larger. Having a 24-volt trolling motor and two batteries rigged in series meant there needed to

all, the boat had three batteries – two for trolling (24 volts) and one for cranking and accessories (12 volts).

Those lead-acid batteries had to be charged regularly. Charging a single battery then could take as much as 8 to 10 hours. It would often take three chargers, one for each battery, hooked up to have them topped off before the next day of fishing. Or they’d have to be charged one at a time with a single charger, which could take a couple of days.

Then came onboard battery chargers. Onboard chargers were mounted inside the boat and could have multiple leads, making it easy with one plug that would send charging power to each of the batteries in the boat. Almost any boat with a trolling motor is going to have an onboard charger these

Lead-acid batteries were the norm for many years and are still very common. They require regular maintenance to extend their life, and the acid that can leak from the cell caps can cause quite a mess. I burned holes in a few pairs of jeans and shorts in the early years from carrying leaky lead-acid batteries

Then a newer version similar to lead-acid entered the market. It was called an AGM (absorbed glass mat). The AGM batteries were fully enclosed, making them a safer option when it came to acid leaks. AGM batteries had a longer life both on a single charge and overall battery life as well. One of the first good AGM batteries I remember targeting the angling world was made by Optima. While battery technology was evolving, so was the technology on the boats. Electronic fish finders were advancing at a rapid pace – bigger, more powerful units and more of them mounted on the boat – along with accessories like Power-Pole shallow-water anchors and hydraulic jack plates. Boats were adding multiple bilge pumps and multiple aerator pumps, and even outboard engines were increasing in horsepower, requiring greater cranking power. 36-volt trolling motors with more than 100 pounds of thrust became

common in larger bass boats.

All of these demands for power began to push the limits of how many batteries a boat could hold and still perform well. Bass anglers began running between three and five 12-volt batteries that weighed around 90 pounds each just to power everything on the boat. That also required a larger onboard charger capable of charging all those batteries – another increase in weight.

And then lithium batteries entered the scene. A lithium battery weighed about one-third the weight of a traditional lead-acid or AGM battery. Lithium batteries also produced maximum output until they depleted their charge, meaning they performed as well at the end of the day as the beginning (as long as they had some charge left). Finally, a lithium battery had a much longer lifespan than either lead-acid or AGMs. They could withstand far more “cycles” of being depleted and charged before the battery would no longer function properly.

BY GREG VINSON

battery for cranking and accessories and a single 60ah 36-volt battery for trolling.

Although lithium batteries come at a greater cost, they often come with a full warranty – 10 years with Millertech batteries. That’s a significant lifespan compared with a lead-acid or AGM that is doing well to get three years of life. Lastly, onboard lithium battery chargers are significantly lighter these days and still charge all the batteries in just a few hours. One unique feature with lithium batteries like Millertech, and some other companies, is a Bluetooth feature. The user can access the battery diagnostics (most often amount of charge) with a simple app that links directly to each battery.

When making a decision about what battery to go with next, consider the costs vs. rewards.

Lead-acid and AGM will be less expensive but much heavier and have a shorter lifespan. Lithiums are lighter, more powerful, come in multiple size options, and have much longer life. But they will also be more expensive. Consider the warranty offered for the battery chosen, as that can often be the deciding factor if the battery is worth the cost outside of the performance characteristics.

Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on

The downsides of early lithium batteries were safety. The most common mistake was to hook up a traditional battery charger to a lithium battery. Without the right programming, a traditional char ger would overcharge a lithium battery, leading to fires when the batteries overheated.

Today’s lithium batteries, like the Millertech batteries that I run, are lithium iron phosphate (LiPO4). They are safer than our cell phones, especially when paired with a lithium-programmed charger. Advancements in lithium technol ogy have led to nearly flawless performance for anglers in a much lighter package. In addition, they can charge in as little as two hours, meaning no more hitting the water early the next morning without a full charge.

One great advantage of the lithium battery is a single battery can be purchased in either 12-volt, 24-volt or 36-volt options. I prefer to have two 12-volt batteries and two 36-volt batteries in the tour nament rig. In reality, the lithiums have enough power that I could usu ally go with a single 135ah 12-volt

CHEERS! PRIME STEAKHOUSE

Clubhouse Citrus

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces Tanqueray

3/4 ounce St-Germain (elderflower liqueur)

1/2 ounce fresh lime juice

1/2 ounce simple syrup

1 1/2 ounces grapefruit juice

1 lime, sliced Splash of ginger ale

Directions

Add Tanqueray, St-Germain, lime juice, simple syrup and grapefruit juice to a shaker. Shake and strain over ice in a wine glass. Top with a splash of ginger ale and garnish with a slice of lime for a refreshing summer or fall cocktail.

H Make the most of today

Hello Lake Martin, September has arrived as we begin to wind down our lake activities in preparation for fall. I hope everyone enjoyed a safe summer as we begin to make plans for the coming holiday season. In counting blessings, keep in mind the blessing of being a naturalized American citizen.

Sept. 17 marks a special annual reminder of our nation’s foundation. Constitution and Citizenship Day is a federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. In 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia.

THE SCRAMBLE

and were invited to return the next season if they had made positive contributions to day-to-day operations.

Golf can parallel life in many ways. If you play the game, you will understand this concept. In golf, we succeed when we can focus on taking one shot at a time. Results from the past or thoughts about future holes can only distract from our focus. In life, we learn from the past, prepare for the future, but we must focus on making the best of the day at hand. Peter Jacobsen understood this when he remarked, “One of the most fascinating things about golf is how it reflects the cycle of life. No matter what you shoot, the next day you have to go back to the first tee and begin all over again and make yourself into something.”

Do the best you can to make the most of the day granted to you.

BY ROB WITHERINGTON

America has succeeded as a nation since its inception. Our people have thrived on the opportunity to personally advance and prosper through their daily efforts. Over time, others became interested in coming to our country and being a part of this special place. Planned immigration and socialization brought additional talent and passion from newly adopted citizens from abroad.

The immigration process takes time, and when properly vetted, these new Americans can be a positive part of our nation. I remember seeing positive efforts by similar people. When we had 36 holes active in the Stillwaters golf operation, it required many workers to deliver great golf course conditions. Tommy Witt was able to coordinate and attract Hispanic workers on government-approved work visa status to assist the local workforce at the course. He developed on-site housing to build camaraderie and to keep any possible negative behavior from impacting the local community. These visitors worked hard, sent money home to their families

Find a way to move forward in a positive way while impacting other lives along the way. We are blessed to be living in the greatest free land on the planet. Make your daily mark as a positive, free American citizen.

Rob "Gabby" Witherington is a 35-year PGA Professional – retired.

Explore

Lake Martin

Kowaliga Marina 334-397-1210

The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

River North Marina 256-397-1500

Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors 256-397-1700

Real Island Marina 256-397-1200

Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888

Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600

Alex City Marine 256-215-FISH

Smith's Marina - Shipwreck Sam's 256-444-8793

SpringHouse 256-215-7080

Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

Lake Martin Pizza 256-373-3337

The Burritos Corner Mexican Grill 256-307-1887

Lake Martin Storm Shelters 256-794-8075

Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567

Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

Kowaliga Veterinary Care 334-857-1816

Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847

Hwy 50 Blue Creek Boat & RV Storage 334-391-0717

Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-307-1499

Red Ridge UMC 256-825-9820

LakeScape 334-857-2443

First Baptist Church Dadeville 256-825-6232

Lakeshore Pharmacy 256-825-0063

Momentum Marine at Lake Martin 256-825-9286

Bolton Cove 256-392-7524

Singleton Marine 256-269-0088

Lake Magazine Distribution

➤ ALEXANDER CITY

Robinson Iron

Carlos

The Body Shop

Walgreens

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

Jake's

Carlisle's

Emporium Wine

Cloud Nine

Shay Aesthetics

JR'S

Hillabee Towers

Senior Nutrition Center

George Hardy Dark Insurance

Warren Appliance

MainStreet Family Care

Grace's Flowers

Koon's Korner

Larry's General Merchandise

Valley Bank - 280

Pricare

Temple Medical

Hometown Pharmacy

Allen's Food Mart (Exxon)

Karen Channell - State Farm

Insurance

North Lake Condo

River Bend Store

River North Marina

Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture

Longleaf Antique Mall

Chamber of Commerce

Re/Max Around the Lake

City Hall

Regions Bank

Renfroe's Market

Russell Medical Center

Russell Marine Boating and Outdoors

Jackson's Drugs

The Sure Shot

Shell - 280

Big B Bar-B-Que

Russell Do It Center

Russell Home Decor

Satterfield Inc.

Tippy Canoe

Wind Creek Gate

Wind Creek Store

Willow Point Office

Willow Point Country Club

Smith Marina on Lake Martin

Nails

Kowaliga Marina

Kowaliga Restaurant

Children's Harbor

Catherine's Market

Russell Lands Corporate Office

Russell Lands Real Estate Sales Center

SpringHouse Restaurant

Ridge Club

Ridge Marina

River Bank

Alex City Public Library

Picket Fence

The Square

Hainey’s

TR Group

Fanny Goldmine’s Diner

Alex City Marine

Super 8

Citgo (HWY 22)

Hampton Inn

Bone & Joint Specialists

Dr. Sublett

Days Inn

Jet Pep/Mobil Gas Station

Sunrise Docks

Medicine Express

Central State Bank

Dr Mackey

Heritage South Credit Union

BeYOUtiful Salon

Lake Martin Pizza Co

Alex City Airport

Court House Annex

➤ DADEVILLE

Chamber of Commerce

Ellaby Boutique, LLC

Alabama Power

Siggers

Dadeville Library

Dadeville Courthouse

Valley Bank

McKelvey Chevrolet

Renfroe's Market

Lakeshore Pharmacy

Russell Building Supply

Lakay's

Farmers & Merchants Bank

Jim's Pharmacy

Poplar Dawgs

Still Waters Country Club

Still Waters Home Association

Russell Lands Realty

Harbor Pointe

Oskar's

Creekside Lodge

Blue Creek Marina

Niffers

Hwy 50 Eagle

Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery

Chuck's Marina

Deep Water Docks

Lake Martin Pizza

Bay Pines Marina

City Hall

Payne’s Furniture

Dadeville Wellness Center

Lake Martin Realty

Lake Martin Pizza Co

Lucky Flight Bottle Shoppe

Lake Martin Pecan

Miller’s on Broadnax

Amazin Grazin

Momentum Marina

Fawnbrook

Floyd’s Feed and Seed

Moore’s Hardware

The Grand Bakery

The Cart Source

NolaBama

Holiday Shores Grocery

Lake Martin Community Hospital

➤ EQUALITY

Equality Food Mart

Southern Star

Real Island Marina

Parker Marina

➤ ECLECTIC

Offshore Marina

Lake Martin Mini Mall

LakeScape

Cotton's Alabama Barbecue

Russell Do It Center

Johnson Furniture

Eclectic Library

Anchor Bay Marina

Lake Martin Machine Gun

First Community Bank

Kowaliga General Store

Lake Martin Reflections

➤ WETUMPKA

Wetumpka Herald Office

First Community Bank

Wow Catering

➤ TALLASSEE

Marathon

Tallassee Eagle

Tallassee Chamber

First Community Bank

1220 Cafe

MaePops

Louie’s Chicken Fingers

Community Hospital

Guardian Credit Union

Red Hill Gallery

Lake

To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

Parting Shot

"You can become blind by seeing each day as a similar one. Each day is a different one, each day brings a miracle of its own. It's just a matter or paying attention to this miracle."

~ Paul Coelho