Lake Martin Living February 2026

From the Editor’s Desk

Hunting is one of the few outdoor activities I have yet to try. I’ve always loved the idea of it – the peace and stillness of early mornings, the thrill of the hunt and, of course, the simple gift of spending time outdoors.

Cruising down red dirt roads into the quiet countryside, the Lake Martin Living magazine team had the opportunity to step inside the world of Crimson Acres Hunting Preserve, a new guided quail hunting destination located just a few miles outside the Dadeville city limits. Started by New Site native Randy Anderson, the preserve was inspired out of his passion for hunting with his German shorthaired pointers and a desire to bring an affordable hunting experience to the community.

From training his beloved dogs to raising his own Georgia Giant quail for the hunt, Anderson has poured his heart into creating a welcoming experience for seasoned hunters and first timers alike. Read more about Crimson Acres Hunting Preserve on page 30.

While my hunting experience may be limited, my food palate is not. I am a self-described food connoisseur, always searching for the next great dish to discover in our communities.

That’s part of the reason we are so excited to feature the Alexander City Chili & Gumbo Cook-Off in this month’s issue. Gearing up for its fifth season, Sam Vise goes behind-the-scenes with Main Street Alexander City to explore the spicy fundraising competition and see what it takes to win the highstakes cook-off on page 14.

And while stepping into the stage spotlight may be thrilling, there is rarely anything crucial on the line – unlike for this year’s Kowaliga Idol contestants. Now in its 18th season, Kowaliga Idol has grown into a local sensation, with talented singers traveling from across the region to compete for their coveted Golden Ticket and a shot at stardom. Turn to page 26 to read more about this iconic local competition.

From high-stakes competitions to outdoor adventures, February is heating up with a month of exciting moments for the community to enjoy.

Editor-in-Chief

LAKE MARTIN

Creative Services Audra Spears

Business & Digital Development Angela Mullins

Contributors

Kenneth Boone

Audra Spears

Sam Vise

Lacey Howell

Shane Harris

George Miranda Gina Abernathy

Lee Williams

Lizi Arbogast Cliff Williams

Samuel Higgs

Gwen Bishop

Ana Sofia Meyer

Sarah Chase

Bethany O'Rear

Audience Development

Baily Terry

Marketing/Advertising

Renee Trice

Samantha Himes

Erin Vickers

Abbie Clayton

corre-

are $75 annually.

Ruger, a trained German shorthaired pointer, runs the fields at Crimson Acres Hunting Preserve during a guided quail hunt. Inspired by the need for an affordable local hunting option, New Site resident Randy Anderson shares his passion and the call of the covey with the community.

Photo by Audra Spears

14. Bringing the Heat: Inside the Chili & Gumbo Cook-Off From spicy gumbo to secret chili recipes, Alexander City turns up the heat as cooks and crowds gather for the fifth annual flavor-filled showdown.

26. From Karaoke to Center Stage Kowaliga Idol is back for its 18th season, filling popular local venues with show-stopping singers who are chasing their Golden Ticket dreams and musical careers.

30 The Call of the Covey Inspired by his lifelong passion for hunting and bird dogs, one local resident opens Crimson Acres Hunting Preserve, bringing affordable quail hunting experiences to the community.

IN

Kowaliga Idol sets the stage for competitors to showcase their talent and secure their shot at stardom.

Alexander City's Parks and Recreation director leaves a mark

Alexander City Parks and Recreation director Kasey Kaschak announced he would be leaving Alexander City this spring.

While Kaschak has had a hand in improving things that are visible, such as the Charles E. Bailey Sr. Sportplex and Lakewinds Golf Course, there are several things that have improved under his watch that aren’t instantly visible.

“When I got here, my goal was to take a much more holistic approach to parks,” Kaschak said. “Now I think the department is a lot more efficient, a lot more effective than it was when I got here.”

Green

Spaces, Great Impact Kasey

steps down after four years as Alexander City Parks and Recreation director.

One of the first things he wanted to change was to improve the department’s website so residents could do most everything online. This includes everything from registering for sports to reserving a building.

Russell Medical announces CEO

Russell Medical announced Tuesday that Bob Phillips has been named its new chief executive officer, effective March 16. Phillips succeeds Jim Peace, who has served as chief executive officer since 2008.

Phillips joins Russell Medical from Saint Francis Health System in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he has served since 2021 as vice president of clinical services. In that role, he was a member of the senior leadership team and provided systemwide oversight for oncology, radiology, respiratory therapy and physical medicine and rehabilitation. His responsibilities included supervision of inpatient

ancillary services as well as oversight of the Saint Francis Cancer Center, a network of outpatient physical therapy clinics, multiple outpatient imaging centers and sleep labs. He also served on the Saint Francis board for two joint ventures, including an inpatient rehabilitation hospital and a network of non-hospital imaging centers.

“Bob Phillips is a highly respected healthcare leader with a strong record of operational excellence and a deep commitment to patient-centered care,” Russell Medical Board of Directors chairman Hugh Neighbors said.

~ Staff Report

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“Probably the two things I’m most proud of are the new website and the Imagination Station,” Kaschak said. “It felt like the pinnacle for me, because we had to raise money to do it. The community came together, and we have a great facility and playground.”

While Kaschak is happy with where the city’s Park and Recreation Department is currently, he is looking forward to a new opportunity he is taking in Columbus, Ohio.

“I left it better than I found it,” he said. “That’s what is important to me, that we’re in a better spot than we were three years ago.”

Kaschak begins his new job in Ohio on March 9 but will continue his role with Alexander City until the end of February.

~ Gwen Bishop

Dadeville bar gets new owners

Sharon Hornsey worked at The Funky Goat since it opened in 2023. When she heard the previous owners were selling the bar, she got in touch right away.

Along with live music on Fridays, Hornsey has brought back Blazing Beats Bingo. She also kept Tuesday night’s buy one, get one free wings.

“This is our heart and soul,” Hornsey said. “Everything we do, we do it with a heart for Dadeville.

Stay connected: @lakemartinlivingmagazine @lake_martin_living_magazine

Dadeville has grown a lot. We have watched it grow and we love small towns. We both came from small towns, so we want to give back to the community.”

Hornsey said The Funky Goat is not just for people on the lake. She wants everyone who lives in Dadeville full time to come in, enjoy the atmosphere and have a good meal.

~ Sarah Chase

Scan the QR code to visit our website.

The Fresh Fizz at Carlisle's

In the heart of Alexander City, where the hum of the city once met the whistle of the train depot, stands a storefront that has served as a cornerstone of the community since 1914. For more than a century, Carlisle’s Soda Fountain has been more than just a soda shop; it has been a sanctuary for cold limeades, a witness to high school first dates and a living room for local legends.

Now, the historic soda fountain is entering a new era. On January 29, Brianna Pike and her husband, Tyler Fenn, officially opened the doors as the new owners, bringing a blend of youthful energy and a deep respect for the shop’s storied past.

For Pike and Fenn, the journey to ownership was paved with prayer, persistence and a stroke of luck. Though the couple recently spent a few years in Birmingham, the pull of home was too strong to ignore. Fenn is an Alexander City native, while Pike hails from nearby New Site.

“It was about a year ago that Tyler and I talked about opening a soda or coffee shop in town,” Pike said. “We prayed and prayed about it. We looked at a couple of different places, but nothing seemed to work out the way that we wanted it to.”

As it turns out, fate – and the local real estate market – had a specific destination in mind.

Pike, a professional photographer who previously worked at Carlisle’s in 2022, realized that the vision they were building in their minds looked remarkably like the place where she used to serve sodas. When the previous owners posted that they were looking to sell the building, the couple didn’t hesitate.

“Our vision changed maybe three months before we got Carlisle’s,” Pike said. “The things that we liked sounded more like Carlisle’s. Then they made a post about selling it, we reached out and then next thing we knew, we had it.”

The transition was a whirlwind. The agreement was finalized on New Year’s Eve, and the couple spent the first two weeks of January quietly navigating health department filings and business licenses before their grand opening on January 29.

Stepping into Carlisle’s is famously like stepping back in time. While Pike and Fenn are eager to make the space their own, they are aware of the weight of the building’s history. Established in 1914, the building originally served as a depot where travelers would disembark from the train to visit the pharmacy and the soda fountain before continuing their journey.

Pike has curated a menu that respects the “greatest hits” while adding her own touch. Fans of the famous chicken salad can breathe a sigh of relief – the original recipe isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it has become the centerpiece of the new menu.

“We kept the chicken salad because that’s what everybody loved,” Pike said. “It’s our No.1 seller.”

The menu has seen a significant expansion, though. They’ve introduced five varieties of chicken salad, ranging from the fruit-andpecan-filled “Main Street” to a savory cheese-bacon-ranch version, and even buffalo and jalapeño options for those who like a little kick. Pike also added a build-your-own salad option to the menu.

Fenn’s influence is felt in the new sandwiches featured at Carlisle’s. He added a Philly cheesesteak to the menu – his favorite. Early feedback suggests his addition was a smart move, with the new French dips also flying out of the kitchen.

To keep up with modern tastes, the couple added Red Bull infusions and more flavors of their famous limeades and lemonades. They are also working on bringing a full coffee service to the shop, bridging the gap between the classic soda

An Upgraded Classic Facing Page: The French Dip sandwich is a popular new addition; Top to Bottom: New owners

Brianna Pike and Tyler Fenn; The iconic shop is a favorite stop for regulars; The menu boasts classic items and new additions.

Barry Whatley

334-524-6364

barry@craftmaster.com

fountain and the couple’s original dream of a modern café.

For many new business owners, the goal is a five-year plan or a rapid expansion; however, Pike’s focus is entirely on the current atmosphere and the people inside the walls. For the grand opening, she opted against a private soft opening to ensure no one in the community felt excluded.

“I wanted it to be about community, so I didn’t want to do a soft opening and leave anybody out,” she said. “I want to see a place where nobody feels left out. When people walk in, I want them to feel at home.”

That commitment to the locals is already paying off. Despite the stress of a last-minute grand opening, Pike said the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and they already have regular customers.

As Alexander City gears up for the 2026 summer season, the couple is preparing for the inevitable influx of tourists. Currently, the shop is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. While it is currently closed on Saturdays, Pike plans to reevaluate those hours after Easter to ensure her staff is fully trained and ready for the summer rush.

Whether it’s through the convenience of their newly launched DoorDash service or the simple joy of a hand-mixed soda, the couple is dedicated to keeping the heart of downtown Alexander City beating strong.

“I’m just so proud of my team right now,” Pike said. “It’s been a bit of a shock, but all I feel now is pride in my town and my team.”

As Carlisle’s enters its 112th year, it seems the old depot is in very good hands. For updates and to view the full menu, visit Carlisle’s Facebook page.

Bringing the Heat

The early morning of Saturday, March 7, will find the Main Street parking lot looking more like a professional kitchen than a stretch of downtown. At 6 a.m., while most of Alexander City is still asleep, local cook teams will be unloading heavy cast-iron pots and propane burners at the site of the old City Hall.

The early start is a necessity, not a choice. For those competing in the fifth annual Chili and Gumbo Cook-Off, there are no shortcuts allowed. Every drop of gumbo and every bowl of chili must be prepared on site, a grueling process that turns a parking lot into a community-wide kitchen for hours.

The event has become a staple for locals, designed as a way to attract visitors to the downtown area. Stacey Jeffcoat, who served as Main Street Alexander City’s director for four years, recalled launching the event alongside Tim Blanton and JoAnna Banks in the wake of the pandemic.

Party on Main Street Left to Right: Teams go all out decorating their stands; Live music adds to the event experience.

“We were looking for an event that would act as a fundraiser, but also one that would bring locals and ‘lake people’ together,”

Jeffcoat said. “At the same time, people were still wary about being indoors in big crowds. My board president at the time, JoAnna Banks, had a friend who worked with a big gumbo cook-off in Birmingham, and it was something that had never been done in our community.”

What began as the Gumbo Get Down in April 2022 has since grown and evolved under the current director of Main Street, Michelle West. To encourage more participation, West and the Main Street team expanded the categories to include chili – a move that significantly boosted the number of teams competing.

“It takes a long time to get a roux right, especially when you’re making four gallons or so of gumbo,” West said. “By opening it up to chili, we saw we were able to get a lot more contestants and make it more fun.”

This year, the stakes are as high as the heat on the burners. Thanks to a sponsorship from Love Lake Martin, the cook-off features a $500 cash prize for the top team in each category. Categories include best chili, best gumbo and people’s choice.

One team looking to claim that prize is the Redd

Cooking Up Camaraderie Left to Right: Redd Dogg Saloon is an annual competitor; Lake Martin Foodie at the 2025 event.

Dogg Saloon, sponsored by Alex City Glass and led by Chris Brown. A veteran of the event, Brown’s team has competed every year since the cook-off began, specializing in a seafood gumbo that has earned them two wins.

“We stick to our old-faithful recipe,” Brown said. “We build our roux from scratch and add our meats and veggies right there on site. For us, it’s about the camaraderie and seeing the community come out to support downtown. Downtown has a good vibe going, and we just need to continue to build off of it.”

When the gates open to the public at 11 a.m., the pressure shifts from the cooks to the judges. While the general public can sample the entries for $15 – with children 12 and under getting in free – a dedicated panel of community judges will be performing a much more technical evaluation.

Each bowl is judged on a strict point system across four categories: aroma, consistency, heat

“Some judges stay the same every year and some change out,” West said. “When you’re testing 20 or so different chilis, it can get a little overwhelming.

We’ve even had years where we had a runoff and had to go back to the top two or three to narrow it down.”

While the event

provides an afternoon of live music from Jonathan Bloom and a kids zone complete with bounce houses and bubbles, the underlying mission is philanthropic. As a nonprofit, Main Street Alexander City uses the cook-off as one of its two primary fundraisers.

The money raised doesn’t just sit in a bank account; it’s funneled back into the brick-and-mortar heart of the city. According to West, the proceeds fund business grants for local entrepreneurs and physical improvements to the downtown area. Current projects include the installation of new picnic tables for green spaces, upgraded lighting and seasonal plantings to keep the downtown area vibrant.

“People are ready to get back out again after the hibernation of winter,” West said. “It’s a great time of year for it. Cross our fingers, we’re going to have a beautiful Saturday.”

Interested teams and sponsors can call or text West directly at 256-786-0584.

Bread Pudding

Some desserts impress and others bring comfort – but this bread pudding manages to do both. With its golden-brown top, soft, custardy center and warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, bread pudding feels like a hug in dessert form.

GOOD EATS

soaked in a sweet, creamy custard and baked until golden and set. The bread soaks up all that goodness, turning soft and rich on the inside, while the top gets slightly crisp and golden. It is not dry like cake and not quite as smooth as custard – it falls right in between, making it comforting and satisfying.

Bread pudding is all about making the most of what you already have. For generations, people have been turning day-old bread into something special. That tradition is part of what gives this dessert its charm. It is simple, practical, old-fashioned and rooted in home cooking. It tastes rich and comforting, like the kind of dessert you would order at your favorite restaurant.

Gina Abernathy

This is the dessert you bring out after Sunday dinner when everyone is lingering at the table, the sweet finish to a holiday meal, or the cozy treat that feels just right on a cold evening. It’s the kind of dish that does not need fancy decorations, has stood the test of time and does not demand attention – it simply earns it. One scoop is usually all it takes, and before you know it, the pan is nearly empty.

So, what exactly is bread pudding? It’s simply bread pieces

There is also something nostalgic about bread pudding. For many, it brings back memories of family kitchens, holiday tables and cozy evenings at home. It is not flashy or trendy, but that is exactly why people love it. It serves a crowd easily, tastes terrific and can be made as simple or as dressed up as you like.

Serve it warm straight from the oven or reheat it later, and it is still just as delicious. Few desserts are that forgiving,

and that is part of what makes it such a favorite for many.

This recipe leaves plenty of room for versatility. You can add nuts, chocolate chips and fruit. If you do not like the raisins in this recipe, leave them out or substitute them with something else. You can also add a splash of bourbon or maple syrup to the sauce to enhance the flavor.

Bread pudding is not just a recipe – it is a tradition, a comfort and a reminder that some of the best dishes come from simple beginnings. It proves that with a little time, a warm oven and a few pantry staples, you can create something that feels special every single time you serve it. And more often than not, it becomes the dessert everyone hopes you will make again.

~ Gina Abernathy is the author and recipe creator behind the blog, Home at Cedar Springs Farm.

BREAD PUDDING RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

16-ounce loaf of bread (about 10 cups), brioche or French bread

1 cup raisins

1/4 cup bourbon or water

3 whole eggs

5 egg yolks

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1 tablespoon vanilla

2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt

SAUCE

1/2 cup salted butter

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 cup heavy whipping cream (see note)

1/4 cup bourbon (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Spray a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Place raisins and bourbon (or water) in a small saucepan and heat until the mixture comes to a simmer. Remove from the heat and let stand for 20 minutes.

Cut bread into approximately 1/2-inch to 1-inch pieces and place the cubed bread on a baking pan. Place the bread cubes in the oven for about 10 minutes to dry. Combine eggs, sugar, heavy cream and milk in a large bowl. Whisk well. Add vanilla, cinnamon, and salt and whisk again.

Add the bread cubes and raisins (with the liquid) to the wet mixture, stirring well to combine. Pour into the greased baking dish and let soak for about 20 minutes, pressing the bread down

into the liquid occasionally. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until firm and golden brown on top. To check for doneness, insert a butter knife into the center; if it comes out clean, it is done. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly while preparing the sauce.

SAUCE

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar and 1/2 cup heavy cream to the melted butter and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 4 minutes.

Remove from heat and add the remaining heavy cream, bourbon (optional) and vanilla. The mixture will be thin. Pour half over the bread pudding and reserve the remaining sauce in a pourable container for individual servings. Allow the bread pudding to rest for about 10 minutes before serving to let the sauce soak in.

Note: Using 1 cup of heavy cream will create a thinner sauce. This will be enough to spread over the top of the bread pudding, plus more for individual servings. Reduce the amount of cream for a thicker consistency, if desired.

RECIPE TIPS

• Look for a firm bread such as brioche or French bread.

• Toast the bread before mixing so the creamy custard absorbs better.

• Allow the bread to soak in the custard mixture for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Tuesday, February 17

Wednesday, February 18

7 p.m.

dance & movement series

Sphinx Virtuosi with Randall Goosby, violin Tuesday, February 24

7 p.m.

concert series

Ariel Quartet: Wunderkind Thursday, March 5

7 p.m.

chamber music series

Il Divo: By Candlelight with Simply Three Friday, March 6

7 p.m. celebrity series

Too Cold to Garden

Brrr … As I compile this month’s article on the last Saturday of January, today is shaping up to be the coldest weekend of the year so far here in Tallapoosa County. No snow is predicted at this time for us, but it has been much colder and more frigid than our normal Alabama winters. I’ll be inside today, where it is warm and cozy, sipping hot chocolate, because it’s way too cold for outdoor chores and too cold to garden.

Each time we have freezing weather forecasted, weather experts always remind us of the three P’s: protect your pipes, pets and plants. Well, for most of our dormant landscape plants and home lawns, they will be just fine. In fact, this cold midwinter weather pattern is actually great for fruit trees to get those valuable chilling hours. The concern is to take care of and bring in tender plants that could be hurt or killed by freezing temperatures. Tropical plants, citrus and houseplants are naturally quite vulnerable.

What is more important to understand is how our plants, gardens and lawns will sustain and react during and after a few days of extreme cold weather. I

Frosted Flowers

Facing Page: When temperatures drop, flowers rely on their natural defenses.

found an interesting article from Michigan State University Extension that explains how plants survive the winter.

The article states: “As the days shorten and temperatures change, hormones are triggered in plants that signal changes. A species of plant may do one or a combination of the following as they prepare for winter:

CREATE ANTIFREEZE

“Some plants increase the amount of sugar, salt or other compounds mixed in the water of their cells. This lowers the freezing point, requiring much colder-than-normal temperatures to cause their cells to freeze.

MOVE WATER DEEPER

“Some plants move water, sugar or sap into the roots or into the spaces between cells, where it is less likely to freeze or cause damage if it does freeze.

ENTER DORMANCY

“Some plants reduce or nearly stop growing. This helps plants conserve energy and food, as well as reduce the amount of water they need.

DROP THEIR LEAVES

“By dropping their leaves, plants reduce the surface area that is exposed to the cold, drying air, saving water in the plant.”

It may be cold in the garden and way too cold for us gardeners, but most plants adapted for our region were ready for the onset of winter and are created to withstand most cold blasts and harsh conditions.

But that does not always mean there may not be some sort of cold damage to our Alabama-grown plants. It may not occur in January and February, but it is much more

Frozen Blooms

Clockwise from Left: Plants drop leaves to reduce exposure to cold; Though rare, freeze damage can be caused by ice formations within a plant; Cold damage on a camellia.

likely to happen in March and April if we have a spring frost or freeze. Our Alabama winter climate is so random – warm, then cold, then warm – plants may bloom and bud out thinking it is spring and get hurt by a cold snap. Always prone to doing so are peaches, pears, azaleas and hydrangeas.

My colleague, Bethany O’Rear, an Extension agent in Central Alabama, shared her perspective on the effects of cold damage. She does a great job describing how plants respond to freezing weather.

For woody landscape plants, low-temperature injury, often called freeze damage, can be caused by intra- or extracellular ice formations within the plant. When intracellular ice is formed, crystals originate inside plant cells. This type of ice formation would be extremely rare in Alabama’s hardy plants, and it is unlikely to occur even during an unusually cold spell.

The other, more likely type of freeze damage occurs when extracellular ice forms during normal cold winter conditions. This means that water moves out of plant cells as temperatures approach 32 degrees to prevent freeze damage and then back into cells for hydration when the temperature rises above freezing. This type of freeze damage is not lethal to most woody plant species that have been properly acclimated and are cold hardy to the zone where they live; however, injury can occur if the cells are dehydrated for relatively long periods of time or subjected to very low temperatures that they cannot tolerate.

For more cold-hardy woody plants, freezing and subsequent rapid thawing can actually be more damaging than a sustained cold period. It would be better for the plants to thaw slowly to avoid bark splitting. Since you have newly planted shrubs or young trees with exposed trunks, you may consider wrapping them before they start to thaw to prevent this rapid thawing action.

Homeowners and gardeners cannot control the weather, but they can take steps to protect plants from injury caused by winter temperature extremes.

Protecting Plants

Top to Bottom: Mulch can act as insulation during the winter; Protect sensitive plants from frost; Well-watered soil can absorb more solar radiation.

Applying a layer of mulch 2 to 3 inches deep each fall will help maintain a more even soil temperature and retain soil moisture as well. Think of it as a blanket of insulation that can keep the soil from freezing during periods of extended cold temperatures. Pine straw is perfect and readily available to most people. Other types of mulch include leaves, bark products, compost, straw or a number of available materials from the local garden center.

Watering landscape plants before a freeze can also help protect plants. Well-watered soil is capable of absorbing more solar radiation than dry soil and will reradiate heat at night. Roots that are contained in moist soil are also insulated against extreme cold. Dry roots are more likely to suffer from cold damage.

GARDEN TALK

Gardeners can also use plant coverings, but they work better for added protection from frost than from extreme cold. Covers that extend to the ground and are not in contact with plant foliage can lessen cold injury by reducing heat loss from the plant and from the ground. Foliage that touches the cover is more easily injured because of heat transfer from the foliage to the colder cover. Some examples of coverings are cloth sheets, quilts or black plastic. Plastic covers should be removed during a sunny day or ventilated to release trapped heat.

The sun is shining now, and that inspires me to test the elements and venture outside. Welcome to winter weather in Alabama – a coat today and a T-shirt tomorrow. Our beloved plants, lawn and garden will survive and thrive to be enjoyed and appreciated another day. I just prefer it to be on a much warmer day.

For help with other home and garden questions, contact your local county Extension office or visit aces.edu.

~ Shane Harris is the County Extension director for Tallapoosa County. Bethany O’Rear is a Horticulture Extension agent serving Central Alabama.

From Karaoke to Center Stage

18 Years of Kowaliga Idol

In the quiet chill of early January, when the thrill of the holidays has faded, a different kind of energy begins to hum through the air. It’s a sound that started 18 years ago as a small karaoke contest in a now-defunct lounge and has since evolved into what is arguably the largest singing competition in the state: Kowaliga Idol.

While the voices on stage are the stars of the show, the engine behind the event is Lake Broadcasting, the Alexander City-based media company that owns and operates local radio staples like Kowaliga 97.5 FM.

For nearly two decades, the broadcasting company has shifted its focus from the airwaves to the stage every winter, transforming local venues into concert halls.

For John Kennedy, president of Lake Broadcasting, and general manager Jeremy Jeffcoat, the event is more than just a vocal contest. It is a bridge between the amateur singer’s local karaoke night and the professional spotlight.

The story of Kowaliga Idol begins in 2009. Kennedy, who had owned the station for only two years at the time, was looking for a way to engage the community during the slow winter months.

“We started with about 17 contestants,” Kennedy said. “We did a sign-up on the internet, or people just called us, and we put them in. We didn’t know what to expect. It was just a little contest to have some fun with, but a good crowd showed up, and everybody was well entertained.”

That first year, held at the Sweetwater Lounge, crowned Leah Gamble as its first champion. The success was enough to spark a second year, then a third, with the roster of singers growing from 17 to

nearly 30.

When Jeffcoat joined the team during the fourth year, the competition moved to the Rodeo Club. It was a pivotal shift that saw the event explode in popularity.

“For whatever reason, it became a thing that year,” Kennedy said. “The crowds got huge. We were drawing hundreds of people every night. We went from averaging 300 people to crowds of 800 or 1,000. I think 1,200 was one of our biggest nights.”

This was also the year the talent pool began to diversify. Sid Phelps was the first “non-local” to take the crown, signaling that Kowaliga Idol was no longer just a small-town secret – it was a statewide draw.

Since then, the competition has routinely attracted around 100 contestants annually, pulling talent from across Central Alabama.

To manage the influx of talent, Jeffcoat introduced Golden Ticket nights.

“They are basically audition nights,” Jeffcoat said. “You have to show up, sing your way in and prove you have the potential to make it through the first round.”

Once a singer secures that golden ticket, the real work begins.

The competition moves through iconic regional venues, including Martin’s at Lake Martin, Lake Martin Pizza Co. and The Blue Iguana in Prattville.

Local Stages to Stardom Previous winners include Baylie Kizziah (left) and Tristen Gressett, who appeared on American Idol Season 20.

While the contest’s roots are in karaoke, the standards have shifted toward

professional artistry. Kennedy and Jeffcoat make sure the contestants are challenged throughout the competition.

“We challenge them to get out of their comfort zone,” Kennedy said. “We might do an 80s night, or we might take a male-centric song and make a female artist sing it and vice versa. We primarily judge on a one-to-10 scale with a consistent table of judges we’ve had for more than a decade.”

The judging panel includes industry professionals and a rotating cast of former winners and booking agents. They look for more than just a good voice – contestants are scored based on vocal ability, stage performance, crowd participation and accuracy.

“You need to know your songs,” Jeffcoat said. “It’s bad to forget your lyrics.”

The results speak for themselves. Kowaliga Idol has become a launchpad for many musical careers.

Trey Foshee, front man for the popular local band Blackberry Breeze, was an amateur just starting out when he competed. Tyler Braden is perhaps the most prominent success story; he is currently climbing the country music charts and touring Europe. Then there is Tristen Gressett, who finished 11th on ABC’s “American Idol” and is now recording in Los Angeles.

“We love to see singers that are shy or haven’t found their full potential grow through the years to become polished artists,” Kennedy said.

Beyond the music, Kowaliga Idol serves as a vital

Golden Opportunity Clockwise from Left: Former winner Tyler Braden is now touring Europe; Golden Ticket winners from Mama D's in Jackson's Gap; Stephanie Roupe and Kody James secure their Golden Tickets for 2026.

economic and social pillar for the region. By holding the event during the slow time of the year, it provides a much-needed boost to local restaurants and venues.

“It means tourism that we bring in,” Kennedy said. “We give people something to do when not much else is going on. We like putting on an event where people can come together in a safe atmosphere and have a good time.”

As the competition approaches its 20th anniversary, Kennedy and Jeffcoat reflect on the journey from a small-town contest to a statewide phenomenon. While they joke about getting older, the passion remains.

“The golden rule is as long as the singers want to do it and they enjoy it, we’re willing to keep doing it,” Kennedy said.

For the contestants, the prize – a package worth up to $20,000 including a professional recording session and $3,500 in cash spread amongst the top finalists – is life-changing. But for the community, the real prize is the music that fills the winter air, proving that even in the quietest months, Lake Martin has plenty of soul.

THE CALL OF THE COVEY

Tucked away down winding red dirt roads and a rolling countryside sits Crimson Acres Hunting Preserve, a new sporting destination just outside Dadeville. Designed to offer hunters and families a unique way to enjoy the outdoors, the guided quail hunting experience was created by a lifelong local, Randy Anderson, who saw the need for an affordable option closer to home.

Since opening for its first season in December 2025, the preserve has quickly drawn in a steady hunting crowd, especially on the weekends.

“We’ve been very successful for our first year,” Anderson said. “We’ve had a lot of hunts and have brought a lot of people out here. It’s a good experience, especially for families.”

Growing up in New Site, Anderson has lived in the area his entire life and still calls it home with his wife of 23 years. Hunting has always been a passion of his, starting in childhood when he would spend time in the fields alongside his father.

As the former owner of Radney and Langley Funeral Home at Hillview Memorial Park, the preserve is a passion project that was inspired when Anderson retired in April 2024. After a 34-year career in the funeral service industry, Anderson said it felt like the right time to slow down and turn a lifelong hobby into a new chapter of life.

That journey began with his love for German shorthaired pointers. Having grown up with bird dogs and owning his first one at 21, Anderson has developed a close bond with this breed.

“When I retired, my goal was to get another bird dog,” Anderson said. “I got a puppy in May and, about a month later, I found a male pup in Pell City. Then last year, I found another GSP in South Alabama.”

Wanting to spend his days outdoors with his new bird dogs, Anderson began seeking local hunting opportunities to add into his routine –but quickly realized there was a lack of affordable options nearby. He started traveling out of state to places such as Finding Flocks Facing Page: Randy Anderson and his dog, Ruger, prepare for a hunt at Crimson Acres Hunting Preserve.

Georgia, and the expenses began adding up.

“I had to travel to hunt,” Anderson said. “There’s no place in this area that’s affordable that you don’t have to be a member of, and most people can’t afford that membership. So I thought, ‘I need to do something.’”

Motivated by this new idea, Anderson began searching for property closer to home to begin hunting on. His search led him to an 80-acre piece of land for sale in Dudleyville.

Falling in love with the wide-open space and country landscape, Anderson placed a bid on the land and soon after, Crimson Acres Hunting Preserve was born.

“The drive up here is really pretty and peaceful,” Anderson said. “It’s really country. If you listen closely, you might hear banjo music as you drive up.”

The name Crimson Acres is a nod to his longtime passion for the University of Alabama – though, he said with a laugh, the property was purchased from a rival

Auburn University fan.

“He almost didn’t sell it to me when he found out I was an Alabama fan,” Anderson joked.

Anderson’s vision for the preserve was to create a welcoming outing where both seasoned hunters and firsttimers could feel at ease and enjoy the sport. Crimson Acres offers guided quail hunts that last between two and a half and four hours, with Anderson or one of his guides leading guests through the vast stretches of fields.

At the heart of the experience are Anderson’s own bird dogs. His three German shorthaired pointers, a breed known for their athleticism, energy and strong hunting instincts, accompany the guided hunts.

“The GSPs have more energy than the law should allow,” Anderson joked. “They’re so energetic and ready to go all the time. If I go by the kennel and I don’t get them out to go hunting, they just sit there and howl.”

In addition, Anderson raises quail for the hunts – a decision that was driven by the decline of local wild bird populations.

“There are no wild birds anymore,” Anderson said. “There’s some, but they’re in places that you can’t hunt. It’s not like when I was a kid. I could leave my house and find eight to 10 coveys of birds before lunchtime, and then I would go back that afternoon and hunt them again. They’re not that way anymore.”

To recreate that experience for today’s hunters, Anderson raises a flock of Georgia Giant quail on the property. He orders eggs from a hatchery in Wadley, Georgia, and hopes he can not only supply birds for his guided hunts but also help restore quail numbers locally.

To ensure hunters have a successful and engaging outing, about 15 birds are placed in the fields per hunter, giving everyone an opportunity for an exciting experience.

“We will put quail out, so you’re guaranteed to get birds here,” Anderson said. “It’s not like hunting wild birds. There will be birds in your field.”

In The Field

Above: Crimson Acres hosts guided quail hunting experiences designed for all ages; Trained German shorthaired pointers guide each outing.

Groups are usually limited to three or four hunters at a time, though larger groups are welcome and split into smaller parties to give everyone space. Smaller groups keep the outing relaxed,

personal and focused on the thrill of the flush.

In hopes of introducingthe younger generation to the sport, Anderson also offers discounted rates to children younger than 16 to hunt at half price.

Behind The Hunt Top to Bottom: Anderson has a quail in his sights; Georgia Giant quail are raised on site; Anderson guides the hunts with his trained bird dogs.

“I’d like to see young people get back into this like I was when I was a kid,” Anderson said.

Crimson Acres offers hunts through March 31. As the season enters its final weeks, Anderson is already focused on preparing for fall 2026, when the preserve will reopen October 1.

“We are on track for a good season,” Anderson said. “I have breeder birds now, and they are laying more eggs every day. So, hopefully we’ll be collecting our own eggs by spring and have 3,000 birds ready at the beginning of next season.”

Anderson also plans to enhance his property by planting feed grains to encourage wild quail populations. He hopes his birds will eventually breed with wild quail to help strengthen local numbers.

In addition, he looks to partner with other local hunting businesses to offer combined deer and quail experiences and, one day, build a lodge on the property to host corporate retreats.

Crimson Acres Hunting Preserve is located at 12509 Dudleyville Road and is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hunters are required to bring their own guns, shells and wear hunter orange. They are also welcome to bring their own dogs for the hunting experience. No state hunting license is required, as Anderson’s license covers hunters on the property.

“The only other thing we require people to bring is an appetite to have a good time,” Anderson said.

To book a hunt, visit crimson-acres.com.

The Next Frontier in Cancer Treatment

Russell Medical brings new, cutting-edge technology to Alexander City

On January 19, a brand-new PET-CT scanner went online at Russell Medical, completing our suite of cutting-edge scanners, including last year’s new MRI and our recently acquired state-of-the-art CT. This means Russell Medical can provide all the imaging services patients might need in Alexander City.

Prior to the installation of the PET-CT, local citizens who needed a PET-CT scan had to travel to Opelika or Sylacauga, or as far as Montgomery and Birmingham. Even so, patients were sometimes waiting five or six weeks for an imaging appointment. When I moved to Alexander City five years ago, part of the draw was the sophistication and quality of our local hospital.

Russell Medical was one of the first rural hospitals to acquire PET technology 25 years ago. But since that time, the technology has advanced to the point that a scanner that could simultaneously generate a positron emission scan and a computed tomography scan has become the standard of care. Consequently, health insurance plans stopped paying for PET scans that weren’t fused to a CT image. Not having this newer technology, Russell Medical was consigned to sending our patients miles away; however, now you don’t have to travel and don’t have to wait to obtain the highest-quality images.

MEDICAL NEWS

Knowing that PET-CT is required technology for cancer care, Russell Medical leadership made the commitment four years ago to acquire it. That was a tall order: A new PET-CT costs more than $1 million, plus the cost of removing the old PET scanner, renovating the space and installing the new equipment.

George Miranda

Jacqui Pearl, who manages grant applications for the Russell Medical Foundation, explained, “The funding for the new PET-CT

scanner was secured through multiple sources, including a significant contribution from the Russell Medical Foundation and federal grant funding administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, or ADECA. The Russell Medical Foundation held multiple events to raise the funds it contributed, including the annual golf invitational and a gala fundraiser held at a private home on Lake Martin.”

Traditionally employed almost exclusively in cancer care, the utility of PET-CT imaging is expanding.

One of the most exciting new developments is PSMA-PET scans for prostate cancer. PSMA stands for “prostate-specific membrane antigen.” PET scans traditionally use a radioactive sugar compound to locate cancerous tumors, which metabolize sugar at a much higher rate than normal tissue. The PET camera is similar to night-vision goggles: It locates areas in the body where radioactive sugar is consumed at a much higher rate than the background, just like night-vision goggles pick up body heat. This causes cancerous tumors to light up like lights on a Christmas tree. The CT part of the scan identifies where the individual “light bulbs” are specifically located.

But prostate cancer doesn’t consume sugar like most cancers. Consequently, the traditional sugar-based radioactive tracer doesn’t uncover hidden prostate tumor tissue. Scientists at Johns Hopkins University figured out how to attach a small protein molecule, the PSMA, to a radioactive compound in place of the sugar. The PSMA protein sticks to the cell surface membrane of prostate tissue, attaching to a cell surface marker like a key in a lock. The radioactive “tail” of the molecule emits a signal, like a transponder, that is picked up by the positron emission camera.

This new contrast material has revolutionized prostate cancer treatment, allowing doctors to identify much earlier when cancer begins to spread, before metastases become too numerous to treat, allowing men with metastatic prostate cancer to live longer and with better quality of life.

PET-CT is also changing the paradigm of Alzheimer’s disease treatment. Amyloid PET scans use a different protein, one designed to attach to the cell surface of amyloid protein plaques in the brain. These

amyloid protein plaques are the defining characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Having identified these patients, we can now treat them with one of two new drugs, lecanemab and donanemab, which slow the progression of Alzheimer’s by dissolving the sticky protein masses that choke the neurons and deteriorate brain function.

Cardiac PET-CT is used to measure heart function, cardiac blood flow and tissue damage. Unfortunately, because the radioactive tracers used in cardiac PET studies have an extremely short half-life, these scans have only been available at large academic research institutions that can generate their own contrast material on site, an expensive proposition that puts cardiac PET out of reach of most community hospitals –until last year.

In late 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new cardiac tracer that uses radioactive fluoride – the same radioactive element used in sugar-based compounds, which has a much longer half-life than other cardiac tracers, making cardiac PET accessible to hospitals like ours.

In the near future, we will see the development of other radioactive contrast compounds, each designed with a different “smart-bomb” protein designed to locate specific types of tumors or malformed tissues, expanding the usefulness of PET-CT technology. Along with each new diagnostic compound, we will also see the development of therapeutic versions of these injections, a new burgeoning field called theragnostics.

This is happening now in prostate cancer. The same protein used to locate tumors for diagnostic imaging, PSMA, is being paired with a more powerful radioactive element – one that can deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to the tumor. Again, think of this as a smart bomb. The sticky protein divining rod finds and attaches to the specific cancer cell it’s designed to identify. The radioactive element then obliterates the cancer cell, like tiny hydrogen bombs.

Because the compound travels directly to tumor cells, it spares normal tissue from radiation damage, concentrating ionizing radiation on the evil cancer cells. This is the next frontier in cancer treatment, and it’s coming soon to Alexander City.

~ George Miranda is the director of the UAB Medicine –Russell Medical Cancer Center.

Investing in Review

A look back on 2025 & thoughts for 2026

The year 2025 was dominated by President Donald Trump and tariffs, along with his constant criticism of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. March and April of 2025 saw the S&P 500 decline from peak to trough in the mid- to high-teens. This isn’t highly unusual in markets, but the speed at which it happened was. As I’ve written before, stock values are mostly supported by earnings. During this period, investors were worried these tariffs could hurt corporate profits, add to inflationary pressures and set the stage for higher interest rates.

Eventually, things settled down and markets recovered significantly, ending the year up almost 18 percent for the S&P 500, while certain foreign markets were positive by more than 30 percent. The biggest surprise of the year was how well certain international markets did. As the dollar fell in value against other currencies, it made those overseas holdings more valuable. A weaker dollar also makes sense for an administration locked in on trying to level the playing field on trade imbalances in the U.S. This weaker dollar makes U.S. goods cheaper when exported to other countries and their goods more expensive when

Lee Williams

imported into the U.S.

The biggest investment theme in 2025 was artificial intelligence, and the way it is likely to change how we live and work. Comparisons have been made to AI being as transformative as railroads and the internet. Many companies are jockeying for position in this race, which is far from over and has not been won by any single company. This part of the market, especially at the top of indexes, drove a good portion of the overall gains. It was another year in the U.S. where, if you did not have exposure to certain companies such as the Magnificent 7, it was difficult to keep up with the index.

The S&P 500 Index in 2025

Source – RBC Wealth Management, Bloomberg; daily data through 12/31/25

What does all this mean for 2026? There is no such thing as an “all clear” sign when investing. Each year comes with a new set of challenges and risks. There are always reasons not to invest. Most investment firms have fairly rosy forecasts for the year, which doesn’t mean much to me. If anything, when everyone is bullish, I tend to be more alert to opposing views.

From a macro perspective, the U.S. economy is chugging along at its highest pace in quite some time. Corporate profit levels are at, or nearing, record highs, and unemployment rates are fairly low, historically speaking. I could cite many other factors that support a

Contributions to the S&P 500's 17.9% total return in 2025

* The five stocks, from largest to smallest contribution to the S&P 500 total return, were Microsoft, Broadcom, JPMorgan Chase, Palantir Technologies, and Meta Platforms.

** 524 stocks were in the S&P 500 during the period (two Alphabet share classes counted once), a small number for part of the year.

Source – RBC Wealth Management, FactSet; annual total-return data (includes dividends) through 12/31/25

strong market environment for 2026.

On the flip side, we have seen precious metals starting the year in dramatic fashion, with gold and silver rising to record levels until a most recent, epic unwinding. What are gold and silver telling us? Are they flashing a warning sign about too much debt in the global financial system?

Small- and mid-cap companies are off to a great start to the year, an area that has lagged large-cap stocks for quite some time. Is SMID flashing a hint that interest rates are going to decline this year, allowing these smaller companies – which typically rely on more debt for growth than their larger peers – to refinance at lower rates, helping cash flow compared with larger companies?

Each year there are so many questions, which is what makes investing so challenging and also fun. My advice, as always, is to be patient while investing, avoid market-timing tactics, be properly diversified and invest in a manner where you will behave prudently when uncertainty unfolds – which it will! After all, the best plan is the one you can stick with.

Source: U.S. equity returns in 2025: Record-breaking resilience and U.S. corporate profits (quarterly), United States – historical data

~

Lee Williams, CFP®, WMCP®

Blalock Williams, LLC (Blalock Williams) is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to

clients or prospective clients where Blalock Williams and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure.

The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your attorney or tax advisor.

The views expressed in this commentary are subject to change based on market and other conditions. These documents may contain certain statements that may be deemed forward looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of actual events that will occur.

All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy, reliability, or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information and it should not be relied on as such.

Saturday, January 31, 2026

Benjamin Russell High School

OH SNAP! Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade

Monday, January 19, 2026

Downtown Alexander City

1. David Reese, Alfred Buckner Sr. and Rayo Robinson

2. Teresa Drake, Rita Johnson, Laural Lewis and Marlyaj Johnson

3. Jennifer Cox and Tommy Bailey

4. Sheun and Nikia Kelley

5. Katie Foster, Belinda Holley, Vivian Reese, Teresa Wyckoff, Darlene Johnson, Hudson Hinton, Jennifer Gray and Rev. Dr. Emerson Ware

6. Adrian and Ariel Brooks and Jack Kelly

7. Ashley and Dallas Sparks and Junior Morgan

8. James Harrell

9. Rylan Cox, Sabrina Knight and Kathy Young

10. Theresa Jones and Annie Brooks

11. Melinda and Markyle Johnson

12. Melanie and Micah Jackson, Ethan Pulliam, Cassidy

Wyckoff and Michaela Jackson

13. Anthony Goodman

Thursday, January 22, 2026

The Mitchell House

1.

2.

3.

7.

8.

Saturday, January 17, 2026

Alana's Place

THE LAKE REGION

Hurray! Plug Day Celebrations Calendar

FEATURED EVENT

The wait is finally over – on Sunday, March 1, the gates of Martin Dam will close, lake water levels will begin their steady climb and the community can officially start counting down the days to boating season once again. For residents and business owners alike, this local holiday represents more than just a rising tide; Plug Day is a beloved celebration that kicks off the countdown to another summer of memories at the lake.

Whether you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere or high-stakes giveaways, these Plug Day events are a fun way to celebrate on March 1.

Martin’s at Lake Martin invites the community to join in on the festivities at its inaugural Plug Day Party. This no-cover event features live music from two bands, Crosswire Trio and Blane Rudd. Guests that are feeling lucky can participate in the Plug Day Duck Giveaway, where rubber ducks will be the key to winning one of the many prizes available. It’s festive, casual and purely “Martin’s style.” For more details, visit the Martin’s at Lake Martin Facebook page.

For those who want their Plug Day with a side of spicy crawfish and big-ticket prizes, Prime Steakhouse is throwing a total Plug Day-takeover, sponsored by Backyard Dreams & Design.

Doors open at noon with a fresh crawfish boil, followed by live music from Charlie C & The Cuzamatics at 2 p.m.

Every hour from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Prime Steakhouse will be holding drawings for gear from Costa Del Mar, Ashley Outdoors, Wyld Gear and more.

The grand finale? A drawing for an autographed Riley Green guitar and two tickets to his acoustic concert in Gadsden. Entry is $30 per person or $50 per couple and includes food and prize tickets. For more information, visit the Prime Steakhouse & Catering Facebook page.

LAKE REGION EVENTS

February 16-22

Throw Away Days

It’s time to clear out unwanted items. Sponsored by the Tallapoosa County Commission, this free event offers designated drop-off locations for disposal of various household items. Dumpsters will be available at multiple locations. To see the full list of dropoff locations, visit the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.

February 19

Sourdough Class

Join The Grand Bakery in downtown Dadeville from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for a hands-on sourdough baking class designed for beginners and seasoned home bakers alike. Learn the fundamentals of sourdough – from starter care and fermentation to shaping and baking – guided by experienced bakers in a warm, welcoming setting. Guests will enjoy instruction, tips and the chance to leave with sourdough to take home.

February 20

Bryan White

The Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center is proud to present CMA and ACM award-winner, Bryan White. Experience the voice behind No.1 hits, including “God Gave Me You” and “From This Moment On.” This one-night-only performance begins at 7 p.m. Call 614-414-6899 or visit mtvernonpac.com to purchase tickets.

February 20

Urban Hollow

Join the Dadeville Performing Arts Center as it welcomes Urban Hollow – a musical trio that blends bluegrass, folk, country and rock into a sound that’s all their own. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Contact office@ dadevilleperformingartscenter.com for more details.

February 21

Pup-Along Hike

Bring your furry friend and enjoy the great outdoors at Wind Creek State Park. Starting at noon, attendees will embark on a scenic loop around the Campfire Trail. All dogs must be

leashed, and owners are encouraged to bring water and treats for their four-legged friends. Park entrance fees apply for day visitors. For more details, contact the park at 256-329-0845.

February

21

Community Through Song

Get ready to make some music with the Dadeville Community Chorus. Held at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., this workshop will allow guests to learn new pieces and hone their skills with presenter John Flanery, former director of choral activities at New Mexico State University. RSVP to Diane Miller at dmiller5000@hotmail. com to reserve a spot.

February

21

Mount Vernon Grand Ole Opry

Join the Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center for an unforgettable night of classic country music. Beginning at 6 p.m., this show will feature a variety of country and western favorites spanning the 1950s through the 1990s, culminating in a powerful gospel finale that will leave guests uplifted and inspired. Call 614414-6899 or visit mtvernonpac.com to purchase tickets.

February 21

Kiwanis Club Pancake Day

The Lake Martin-Dadeville Area Kiwanis Club invites the community to an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Dadeville Elementary School cafeteria. Come hungry and enjoy stacks of fluffy pancakes while supporting a great cause. Tickets are $8 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Lake Martin-Dadeville Area Kiwanis Club Facebook page.

February 22

Lake Watch Annual Meeting

Lake Watch of Lake Martin will host its annual meeting at New Water Farms in Dadeville. All are welcome to attend at 1:30 p.m. for food, refreshments and socializing with the meeting beginning at 2 p.m.

February 22

Lake Martin Wedding & Event Expo

Get ready to plan your perfect celebration with the 7th annual Lake Martin Wedding & Event Expo at the Mitchell House. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., attendees can meet local vendors and browse a variety of venues perfect for a wedding, reunion or corporate event. Parking will be at the nearby First Baptist Church of Dadeville. General admission is $10 per person at the door or online at unitedwaylakemartin.org/weddingexpo-attendees. For more information, contact the United Way office at 256-329-3600 or courtney.layfield@ unitedwaylakemartin.org.

February 24

Ultimate Elvis!

Experience the magic of the King of Rock and Roll. Presented by Alex City Arts, this high-energy evening will take place at The Mill Two Eighty from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests can  enjoy a barbecue dinner and a cash bar as they sing, dance and relive the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll. For more information, visit alexcityarts.org or find Alex City Arts on Facebook.

February 28

Russell Forest Run

Join Russell Lands for the 17th annual Russell Forest Run at Russell Crossroads. Through the support of local sponsors and hundreds of yearly runners, this race has raised nearly $152,000 for the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation. The starting line will be near the Town Green and the finish line will be near The Stables, home of the postrace party and World Famous Grits Bar. The 10K will begin at 7:45 a.m. and the 5K will begin at 7:55 a.m. Visit russellforestrun.com for more information or to register.

March 1

Community Hike

Wisp & Well Spa invites the community to a group hike at the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail. Beginning at 1 p.m., this 3-mile hike is perfect for connection, movement and

LAKE REGION EVENTS

good conversation. Post-hike snacks will be provided. Text Hope Taunton at 256827-9589 for more details.

March 5 & 17

Beer Steins

Hand-Building Class

Craft something unique at One Oak Pottery. From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., participants will design and build their own ceramic beer stein using traditional hand-building techniques. This course is perfect for all skill levels. All materials and instructions are provided. Visit oneoakpottery.com or contact oneoakpottery@yahoo.com for more information.

March 7

Main Street’s Chili & Gumbo Cook-Off

Main Street Alexander City will host its annual Chili & Gumbo Cook-Off in downtown Alexander City from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Register to compete for Best Chili, Best Gumbo and the People’s Choice awards. Teams are limited to five members. For more details or to register, contact Main Street Alexander City by visiting the office, emailing mainstreet35010@gmail.com or calling 256-786-0584.

March 12

Comedian Jody Fuller

Get ready for an evening of laughs with comedian Jody Fuller, presented by Alex City Arts. Known for his quick wit and relatable humor, Fuller was named one of the “15 Southern standup comedians that will make you laugh until you cry” by It’s a Southern Thing. Show starts at 7 p.m. at the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center. For more information, visit alexcityarts.org or follow Alexander City Arts on Facebook and Instagram at @AlexCityArts.

March

21

Boating Safety Class

Alabama Marine Police will conduct a boating safety course at Kowaliga Marina from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help new and seasoned boaters alike. Hosted by Russell Marine, this course is NASBLA and Alabama Boating Safety certified. To secure your spot, contact Kendra Naile at 256-397-1208 or knaile@russelllands. com.

March 27-29 & April 11

Act II presents "The Play

That Goes Wrong"

"The Play That Goes Wrong," presented by ACT II, is an awardwinning comedy, written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields. Centered around a small-town theater group attempting to perform a murder mystery play, everything goes wrong –from actors forgetting their lines and missing props to the stage falling apart during scenes. March performances will be held at Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City and are free to attend. The April performance will be held at Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center in Tallassee as a ticketed event. For more information, visit the Alexander City Act II Facebook page.

Season-long 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. For the scheduled subject topics, dates and times, visit russelllands.com/events.

Kowaliga Idol

It’s time for Kowaliga Idol. The competition is heading to Martin’s at Lake Martin for the first two rounds of incredible performances by local talent. For dates and times, find Martin’s at Lake Martin on Facebook or visit Kowaliga Country’s Facebook page.

Line Dancing Lessons

Join Martin’s at Lake Martin on Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. for line dancing lessons with 10-time world champion dancer Marnie Mattei. Lessons are $10 per person for one hour. No partner needed, all skill levels are welcome. For more details, visit the Martin’s at Lake Martin Facebook page.

Everything’s Art Classes

From January 13 through March 10, the Dadeville Performing Arts Center will host this free program on Tuesdays from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Children in

third through fifth grades will learn the elements of art as they complete projects in class with Everything’s Art teachers. Enroll and complete permission forms at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com/ classes. For more information, email office@dadevilleperformingartscenter. com.

Volunteer Story Time at Mamie’s Place

Volunteer Story Time returns to Mamie’s Place Children’s Library for the spring. Join library staff Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. as friendly community volunteers share stories, smiles and a love of reading with little listeners. Email theresa. holley@alexandercityal.gov or kathrine. ficquette@alexandercityal.gov to volunteer, or call the library at 256-4097015.

Real Bells Hand Bells

The Real Bells Hand Bells group meets Tuesdays from 1p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center. All are invited to participate and ring under the direction of Jeff Bonebrake. For details, email office@ dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

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. Park entrance fees apply for day visitors. For details, email dylan.ogle@dcnr.alabama.gov.

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 assignments, and score points for trash collected. 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 256-786-0584 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.

Explore

Lake Martin

Kowaliga Marina

256-397-1210

The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

River North Marina 256-397-1500

Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors 256-397-1700

Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888

Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

Harbor Pointe Marina 256-825-0600

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

SpringHouse 256-215-7080

Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

Acapulco Mexican Gril 334-283-2725

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 Whole Health 334-857-1816

Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847

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

Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

Red Ridge UMC 256-825-9820

Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-307-1499

LakeScape 334-857-2443

Docks Unlimited LLC 256-203-8400

Dixie Sailing Club

Lakeshore Pharmacy 256-825-0063

Singleton Marine 256-269-0088

Momentum Marine 256-825-9286

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Abernathy Farm Supply

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BeYOUtiful Salon

Big B Barbeque

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Carlisle's

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North Lake Condo

Picket Fence

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Quality Inn

Regions Bank

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Russel Do It Center

City Hall

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Dadeville Chamber of Commerce

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Deep Water Docks

Ellaby Boutique

Farmer's Merchant Bank

Fawnbrook

Floyd's Feed and Seed

TALLASSEE: 1220 Cafe

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Community Hospital

Eagle

First Community Bank

Guardian Credit Union

Louie's Chicken Fingers

MaePop's Barbecue

Marathon

Red Hill Gallery

THeading Home with 'Key' Memories

peacocks. The octopus crawled into our crab cage and, luckily, was not injured. I had never seen one in person, and it truly was amazing.

he truck is rolling north, and my puffy jacket is within reach. Yacht rock radio is on shuffle, the dogs are asleep in the back seat and I’m thinking cheeseburgers taste a little better in Key West. Unrelated to anything else I may mention here, there is a roadside barbecue stand next to the Green Turtle Inn in Islamorada, Florida. It’s some of the best I have ever had, and you must not pass it if you are traveling down that way. John and I ate thick-cut pork sandwiches prepared by a man with a thick accent on the tailgate of the truck. I later insisted my brother and sister-in-law stop too and bring more to Key West. As native Alabamians, we have eaten plenty of barbecue, and he agreed it was truly the best.

Culture Shock

Lacey Howell

I took some time off at the end of the year and spent quality time with family in Florida. The majority of my immediate family lives out of state now, so it takes more effort to get together. We drove from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale and even farther south to Key West. We hauled a boat, two dogs and a large ice machine, chasing the sun and warm weather.

I have spent significant time over the past 10 years in the Florida Keys. They have the wildness of the Caribbean islands but the creature comforts of home, like Publix. I’ve said it many times before, but my favorite travel spots usually share parallels with my Lake Martin home. I gravitate to places with a laid-back sensibility and favor spots where the music is good and the beer is cold.

I’m covered in bug bites and have a little sun poisoning – one last-ditch effort to carry a bit of a tan home with me.

The standout from this trip was the wildlife – flamingos, manatees, rays, sea turtles, sharks, countless fish and birds, dolphins and even an octopus.

A neighborhood tortoise was a daily attraction on my walks, along with a yard full of

I set a goal to read several books and I read one. A highlight was holding the door open for Judy Blume as she walked into her bookstore. I was pretty starstruck by the literary giant.

I walked a lot and DoorDashed my weight in Thai food. We slurped fresh oysters and sipped rosé by the water. There were sailboats, center consoles and shrimp boats, dinghies and kayaks docked everywhere. The majority of people we met were annual snowbirds escaping the Midwest and the North. We were all down to get lost – and to get found!

The food never disappoints – cheeseburgers in paradise and creamy lobster rolls paired with shoestring sweet potato fries at Hurricane Hole. I slapped Whiskey Ridge RV Park and Campground stickers on the walls at the bars. I bought a T-shirt from Sloppy Joe’s Bar after sharing lunch beers and cutting fish sandwiches down the middle. Great nights were spent grilling and swimming.

Our campy house was perfectly landscaped and had lights that flickered when the shower ran. I won’t ever forget slow happy hours sitting on the dock in the canal, watching the sharks swim by and taking in the daily jet flyovers from a nearby base.

We drove home in the rain, but it was time. We seem to have dodged the worst of the Southeast cold snap, but February is a sneaky old broad. The good news is the time change is five weeks away, and Plug Day is coming, too. Spring is around the corner, and let’s be honest – a lobster roll at The Landing on Lake Martin tastes a little better, too.

HEART HEALTH MONTH FEBRUARY IS

Care That Goes Beyond Expectations

At Russell Medical, we believe exceptional healthca re shouldn’t require traveling far from home. Whether it’s preve ntive screenings, specialty services, or ongoing care, Ru ssell Medical combines innovation, access, and trust to support e very stage of your health journey.

In recognition of Heart Health Month, Russell Medic al is offering three affordable heart screenings throughout Februa ry—designed to help detect potential risks early and provide pe ace of mind.