Lake Martin Living July 2026

250 YEARS STRONG

Red, white & blue across the region as small towns honored America's milestone birthday

Melissa Orr hikes for a cause

A look inside The Miller Hotel

From the Editor’s Desk

I’ll admit it – there are only a handful of assignments I can remember from school, let alone elementary school. But there is one in particular that has stayed with me all these years, which is now one of my favorite stories to tell.

When I was in fourth grade, students across the country were invited to enter a writing contest by submitting an original poem. Not knowing where to begin, I waited until the final day to write mine. Inspiration suddenly struck me while I was waiting for the school bus, and I quickly jotted down a few lines at the kitchen table before racing out the door.

Not thinking too much more about it, I turned in my poem along with my other assignments that morning –and then something unexpected happened. A few weeks later, I learned it had been selected from thousands of submissions to be published in the National Anthology of Poetry that year. It was the first time I ever saw my writing in print, and looking back, it was easily one of the defining moments that shaped my path to the career I have today.

I think that’s why one of this month’s feature stories resonates so deeply with me.

In 1975, a class of fourth graders in Alexander City received a simple assignment: write a poem about what America meant to them. As the town began preparing to celebrate the country's Bicentennial milestone, no one from the class – including the teacher – imagined that project would quickly skyrocket into a senational song.

Now, 50 years later, one former student reunited her classmates and their beloved teacher to record “My Grand American Home” once again in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Turn to page 37 to read more.

Then, flip over to page 32 to relive the unforgettable Fourth of July festivities across our communities this year. From dazzling fireworks and patriotic parades to hometown traditions, our small-town streets came alive with celebration for America’s 250th birthday.

Then turn to page 21 for an inside look at the newly revived Miller Hotel. Located in the heart of downtown Dadeville, the beloved landmark is welcoming guests once again through its hallways as renovations blend modern comforts with more than a century of local history.

And while many of us are escaping the summer heat indoors, one local resident is embracing it on local hiking trails. After winning a social media drawing, Melissa Orr set out to complete one of the Alabama's most challenging hiking sequences to raise money and awareness for Make-A-Wish Alabama. Follow her inspiring journey on page 14.

From treasured traditions to heartwarming journeys, this issue is a reminder that even the most “ordinary” moments can leave an extraordinary impact.

Editor-in-Chief

LAKE MARTIN

Living

Chairman

Kenneth Boone

General Manager

Tippy Hunter

Editor-in-Chief

Shaylee Beck Moore

Creative Services

Audra Spears

Contributors

Kenneth Boone

Audra Spears

Sam Vise

Lacey Howell

Shane Harris

George Miranda

Gina Abernathy

Tina Gibby

Lizi Arbogast

Cliff Williams

Samuel Higgs

Gwen Bishop

Ana Sofia Meyer

Sarah Chase

Audience Development Manager

Baily Terry

Marketing/Advertising

Renee Trice

Erin Vickers

Abbie Clayton

Olivia Thigpen

Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999

Alexander City, AL 35011

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Lake Martin Living is published monthly by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. For advertising call 256-234-4281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Subscriptions are $75 annually.

Rockford came alive with patriotic celebrations and family-friendly festivities as communities across the region celebrated America's 250th anniversary.

Photo by Gwen Bishop

FEATURES

14 Conquering the Trails for a Cause

One woman tackles a 66-mile hiking challenge to help grant life-changing wishes for local children.

21. History Checks In

Following recent renovations, The Miller Hotel is welcoming guests through its historic hallways once again.

32. Stars, Stripes & Small-Town Spirit

Relive America's 250th anniversary through photos capturing local patriotic celebrations.

37. My Grand American Home

A fourth grade writing assignment became one of Alexander City's most cherished memories as classmates reunite 50 years later to perform it once again.

IN EVERY ISSUE

Exercise, Family and 100 Years of Life

There’s something to be said about exercise, and Bill Wilkinson believes it’s the secret to reaching 100.

Wilkinson celebrated his 100th birthday June 9 at Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City.

“I contribute it all to exercise,” he said.

After suffering a heart attack in 1991 and undergoing triple bypass surgery the following year, Wilkinson took his doctor’s advice to heart. He and his late wife walked 3 miles at least five days a week for decades, and today he still walks about 6,500 steps a day and rides a stationary bike.

A World War II veteran, Wilkinson enlisted in the Army Air Corps in December 1944 and still recalls the

Tallassee Looks to Expand Its Trail System

Hiking trails along the Tallapoosa River are likely coming to Tallassee.

Mayor Joey Wiginton wants to create a network of trails totaling about 5 miles that would connect an area near the Big Eddy on the Tallapoosa River to downtown and the current riverwalk. A new trail would connect to the new Tallassee Recreation Center and the Noble subdivision.

“They will all connect,” Wiginton said. “We are working with Alabama Power, Elmore County and the council to make this happen.”

Grants could aid as well. An application has been submitted to the Appalachian Regional Commission. Elmore

County is one of the most southern counties in the country eligible for funding from the federal commission that serves residents along the Appalachian Mountains.

Wiginton said property not along the river and part of the trails would include primarily city-owned property. Alabama Power owns the property along the river.

“We are hopeful they will work with us,” Wiginton said. “We hope they might sell it or lease it to use for trails. We think it would help get residents outside and also help get visitors to town who will spend time and money in our city.”

~ Cliff Williams

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details vividly.

“Seventy of us took that exam, and only 15 passed,” he said of the flight school entrance test. “I was one of them.”

After the war, Wilkinson built a successful career in sales, traveling across the country before retiring nearly four decades ago.

When asked to reflect on his greatest accomplishment after 100 years, his answer came without hesitation.

“My big family,” he said.

Wilkinson is the proud patriarch of four children, eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and five greatgreat-grandchildren.

~ Lizi Arbogast

A Gift of Hope Community leaders gather for a ribboncutting ceremony at Russell Medical to dedicate the new Safe Haven Baby Box, a symbol of love and protection for the community.

New Safe Haven Baby Box

Welcomed with Blessing

Russell Medical dedicated its new Safe Haven Baby Box, providing parents a safe, legal way to surrender an infant in crisis.

The project, championed by Stephanie Southerland and dedicated in memory of her son, JR Southerland III, was celebrated as a symbol of faith, hope and love.

“Our prayer is that if just one parent finds themselves in a situation where they know they will not be able to take care of their baby, they will utilize this baby box and give their precious gift an opportunity for a future,”

Stay connected:

@lakemartinlivingmagazine

@lake_martin_living_magazine

Southerland said. “A parent has to truly and deeply love a child to make such a difficult decision.”

~ Gwen Bishop

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Elevated & Unexpected

STORY BY SAM VISE & PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS

Sometimes, the best business plans are born entirely over a casual weekday dinner.

For Hope Holt, owner of Alexander City’s lifestyle boutique Magnolia & Pine, the path to specialty retail in the area began just over a year ago during a night out at Lake Martin Pizza Co.

Marveling at the bustling weeknight crowd in early March, Holt and her husband began chatting about how much the area had grown – and how nice it would be to introduce a new place to shop while fulfilling her long time dream of owning a store.

Just a couple weeks later, her husband was meeting a client in Alexander City when he discovered that the suite adjacent to his business, AVSPro, had become available.

“My husband told the guy that owns the building he wanted

to rent it for me,” Holt recalled. “And when he called to tell me, I couldn’t believe it!”

At the time, Holt laughed – she wasn’t entirely sure what to think. But one year later, Magnolia & Pine has firmly established itself as a premier shopping destination for residents and visitors looking for something special.

Before making the permanent move to the region, Holt and her husband spent their lives in Montgomery, raising their children there while spending weekends at a cabin on Real Island for nearly 30 years. Like many others, they relocated to The Ridge full time during COVID-19 and simply never left.

Holt brought with her a deep love for specialty retail, having worked part time at a gift shop in Montgomery for many years. When the opportunity came to curate her own space, she knew

exactly what kind of atmosphere she wanted to build.

“Elevated would be the one word,” Holt said, describing the atmosphere she strives to create. “I think I bring some things to the region, to the people here, that we don’t have access to otherwise. We’ve got great shopping, but I’m trying very hard to carry things that not everybody else has.”

As a lifestyle boutique, the store offers a thoughtful mix of home décor, small furniture, lamps, tabletop

decorations and fashion jewelry, alongside a selective line of ladies’ dresses and baby gifts.

To achieve her goal of offering the “unusual and unexpected,” Holt looks far beyond standard retail channels. This past year, she traveled to the famous Round Top Antiques Fair in Texas to source unique items. She also prioritizes supporting regional talent, stocking pottery and artwork from creators based in Montgomery and Dadeville.

Among the store’s unique offerings are handcrafted bee baths made by a Montgomery potter.

“They are darling little flowers on a stake that hold water, and you can put them into your garden or potted plants,” Holt said. “Bees will not land on stagnant water; they like fresh water.”

The store’s unique name also reflects Holt’s creative passions.

“I enjoy doing floral arrangements,” she said. “When I was brainstorming about different names, I thought those are two predominant trees that we have everywhere here in the area, and both of which I love to use and incorporate into arrangements.”

While the front showroom catches the eye with elegant lamps and seasonal dresses, some of the boutique’s most beloved items are hidden right through the back door. Magnolia & Pine has secured partnerships to supply premium frozen baked goods, allowing local residents

Décor & Gifts Galore

From home décor and fashion jewelry to locally crafted gifts, Magnolia & Pine brings elevated shopping to Alexander City.

to skip a long drive into the city when entertaining weekend guests.

“We carry frozen Cookie Fix,” Holt said, noting she keeps four or five rotating flavors of the famous Birmingham-based bakery’s gourmet cookies on hand in her freezer. “We also carry the original cinnamon rolls, the mini cinnamon rolls and orange rolls by Rolls Bakery out of Vestavia.”

Celebrating her first full year in business is a milestone Holt doesn’t take lightly, especially considering the timing. A persistent road closure in front of the shop began just before she opened the doors, creating a prolonged logistical challenge for traffic.

But despite the orange barrels, the local community has consistently rallied around the boutique.

Elevated Entertainment

year has gone by so fast.”

When she isn’t managing the boutique, Holt enjoys the classic lakeside lifestyle – spending time on the dock, reading and keeping up with her family and friends.

Looking ahead, she plans to use the space to foster even more community connection through special programming. While the boutique hosted popular mahjong classes last summer, Holt is currently setting her sights on expanding into evening programs.

“I would love to start having inhouse events to get more involved with the community beyond just the occasional shopper,” she said. “We also are available to do pop-ups for ladies club meetings.”

Magnolia & Pine is located at 6068 Highway 63 Suite 3 in Alexander City and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gift wrapping is available with purchases.

The boutique is a convenient stop for baked goods and essentials.

“It has been great to see how the store has grown, both in the products we carry and how many customers we continue to see come through the door as first time shoppers,” Holt said. “It’s hard to believe a

Visit the shop’s Facebook page or magnolia-pine.com for more details or to shop products.

Conquering the Trails for a Cause

How one local hikes through 'storms' for Make-A-Wish Alabama

STORY BY SAM VISE

PHOTOS BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE & COURTESY OF MELISSA ORR

For Melissa Orr, the beauty of the local community isn’t just in its glittering waters or quaint downtowns; it’s woven directly into her family’s DNA.

“Our address is Eclectic, but we actually live on the lake,” Orr said. “My children are fifth generation, and my son and daughter-in-law are expecting their first baby, so we will actually be six generations up here on this property.”

Though she spent her childhood school years in Millbrook, every summer and holiday break was spent at her grandfather’s lakeside cabin. Yet, despite growing up surrounded by Alabama’s natural beauty, Orr didn’t start out as an avid outdoorswoman.

“To be honest, I was a girly girl until I had sons,” she laughed. “I had no choice but to get dirty and enjoy the woods.”

Over time, her sons’ interests ignited her own appreciation for nature, and she began exploring the extensive trail systems around the region.

When a friend introduced her to Make-A-Wish Alabama’s Trailblaze Challenge – a hiking challenge designed to raise money for seriously ill children –

a spark was lit. Orr began using scenic local paths to train, proudly inviting people down from Birmingham to see the impressive terrain her corner of the state has to offer.

But her deeper, unstoppable motivation to hike came from a place of profound personal loss.

Twelve years ago, Orr’s 6-year-old nephew, Kyle, developed a sudden fever that triggered a prolonged, uncontrollable seizure. Tragically, 36 days later, he passed away from a condition known as Febrile InfectionRelated Epilepsy Syndrome.

“He was never a ‘Wish’ child, but if he would have survived, he most likely would have been,” Orr said. “I always wanted to find something to do to honor him. I found out about the MakeA-Wish Trailblaze Challenge, and it just felt like it was something that I needed to do. Every mile I hike and every dollar I raise is in his memory.”

With Kyle’s memory driving her forward, Orr signed up for her first Trailblaze Challenge in 2019, committing to raise $2,500 and hiking 26.3 miles in a single day along the Pinhoti Trail in the Talladega National Forest. That first year proved to be a grueling lesson in perseverance.

“I did the hike, but did not complete it,” Orr said. “At about mile 20, I said, ‘I can’t do this anymore.’ My feet were hurting and I had blisters.”

Though she fell just short of the finish line, she raised more than $3,000.

“I said I was never going to do that again,” Orr said. “But then on the way home, I started thinking about how I could fundraise again next year. It was kind of like having a baby – you kind of forget about that labor feeling, and it was a beautiful thing after the fact.”

Behind the scenes, pulling off those grueling miles requires a massive effort, heavily backed by a dedicated team at Make-A-Wish Alabama. That team orchestrates a highly successful, comprehensive 12-week program designed to prepare hikers of all experience levels for success.

Beginning in late January, the chapter hosts training sessions every other Saturday throughout trails in Birmingham, Mobile and Huntsville. The system builds progressively, starting at a manageable 3 to 5 miles and gradually increasing.

A team of 30 to 40 volunteers map

out the routes, lead the hikes, manage water stations and provide crucial hydration and nutritional guidance to hikers. By mid-March, participants reach an official recommitment date where they formally pledge to meet their fundraising goals, allowing the chapter to accurately finalize travel logistics, rental vans and lodging for the massive hike weekends.

True to her word, Orr returned in 2020. Now in her eighth year as a Trailblazer, she has reached the status of a Wish Maker, raising her fundraising goal to at least $10,000 annually – the average cost of granting a single wish. Her dedication has helped Make-AWish Alabama become a powerhouse chapter.

“The most beautiful thing about this fundraiser is that Alabama is the only state that has the Trailblaze Challenge that has raised $1 million five years in a row,” she said. “It speaks volumes of the people that support us as Trailblazers and support Make-A-Wish and its mission.”

To push her physical limits and prepare for her fundraising goals, Orr recently took on a new challenge: the Alabama Triple Crown. This highly exclusive adventure was created through the social media platform, Instagram, where a drawing selects just 10 participants each year. Ninety individuals entered their names this year, and Orr was one of them.

“I thought, ‘Huh, maybe I need to do that before I turn 50, and I put it on my bucket list,” she said. “And I’d be darned if I didn’t get pulled.”

The Triple Crown demands hiking three 22-mile loops across three distinct Alabama wilderness areas over just three days – a staggering 66 miles total. Orr conquered the Cheaha SkywayPinhoti (Pin-Chin-Sky) loop on Friday, Oak Mountain on Saturday and the Sipsey Wilderness on Sunday.

When the physical exhaustion and mental doubts crept in, Orr relied on a mantra she shares with all new hikers.

“I had doubts as it got a little closer, but the biggest thing we all tell each other is we’re talking one day of hell,” Orr said fiercely.

“These children and their families don’t get a choice. They don’t get a choice to stop.

Making Magic Top to Bottom: Orr training; A local wish recipient; Orr brings memorable fun to the trails.

They don’t get a choice to not be sick. So when I start to get in my feelings about not being able to do something, I think about those kids and the needles they get prodded with, the pills they take, the sacrifices their families make and I say, ‘If they can all do that, I can hike that damn hill.’”

Beyond fundraising, Orr went through training to become a handson Wish Granter, working directly with local families. She remembered a deeply moving “legacy wish” from a 16-year-old Reeltown High School band member named Melody, who was diagnosed with brain cancer.

Melody selflessly used her wish to purchase brand-new band uniforms for her school. Though she passed away before they were completed, Melody’s initials are shaped into music notes embroidered on the collar of every uniform.

Because corporate sponsorships can be difficult to secure locally, Orr had to get creative to hit her $10,000 goal.

“I have created my own fun little business called the Twisted Unicorn, and all the money that generates from it goes to Make-A-Wish,” Orr said. “I love

Early Rise for Wishes

Ten contest winners hit the trails at 5 a.m. to complete the Alabama Triple Crown challenge.

unicorns, and I even hike as a unicorn!”

She creates fun tiedyed T-shirts, spins cotton candy and crafts balloon art for events.

Through the Twisted Unicorn, local hikes and massive multi-day endurance treks, Orr is on a mission to correct misconceptions and show the community what Make-A-Wish is truly about.

“This is truly for children who are critically ill, and may come out on the other side healed, but that doesn’t take away from the years that their families and those children suffered through that illness,” she said.

Today, Orr has raised $80,198 for Make-A-Wish Alabama. As for what’s next on the horizon? After completing a major anniversary hike in Colorado this summer, Orr and her close-knit group

of “trail sisters” are looking toward the fall to backpack the Havasupai Reserve. Whether backpacking through the Grand Canyon, navigating the local wilderness or hiking up a steep Alabama hill dressed as a unicorn, Melissa Orr is proof of how a personal storm can be channeled into a force of hope for children across the state.

“God puts us through storms for different reasons,” Orr said. “Kyle didn’t get healed here, but he’s healed in heaven, and he’s helping heal children here.”

Visit site.wish.org/goto/unicorn26 to support Orr’s journey and donate to Make-A-Wish Alabama.

BACON BROCCOLI SALAD

GOOD EATS

July in the South tends to slow everything down and bring people together. The days are long, the air is hot and afternoons are spent on shady porches, covered docks and around backyard tables. There’s always someone sitting a little closer to the fan or parked just inside under the cool blast of air conditioning, trying to escape the afternoon heat.

Even with the temperatures climbing, folks still show up for those backyard cookouts, lake days and family reunions. No one seems to mind the heat when there’s good food on the table, cool drinks within reach and fun conversations that stretch long after the sun sets. It’s what summer looks like around here – simple and slow.

In the middle of it all, food becomes the heart of every gathering. This bacon broccoli salad is one of those recipes that travels well from the kitchen to the picnic table and fits right in, no matter the occasion. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t need a lot of preparation – just a big bowl, a spoon and a spot on the table.

It’s simple, cool and always welcome. Fresh broccoli adds a hearty crunch, bacon adds smoky flavor and the sweet, dried cranberries balance it all out. Top it with a creamy dressing and you have a dish that everyone loves.

What makes this dish even better is that it can be prepared in advance. A few hours in the fridge allow all the flavors to come together and taste even better when served. Be sure to keep the bacon out until ready to serve so it stays crisp and adds a finishing touch. Be sure to double this recipe if feeding a crowd.

Whether you’re packing up for a day at the lake, hosting a backyard cookout or headed to a family reunion, this bacon broccoli salad is the kind of recipe you can count on. It’s cool, comforting and always the first bowl to come back empty.

May your summer tables always be full, your sweet tea always cold and your gatherings always feel like home.

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

INGREDIENTS

Broccoli Salad

8 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped

1/2 medium red onion, chopped

1 cup dried cranberries

3/4 cup dried roasted sunflower kernels

1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Dressing

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

1/3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

DIRECTIONS

Cook the bacon, crumble it and set it aside. Then, chop the broccoli florets into small, bitesized pieces for easier mixing and texture. Add the broccoli, onion, sunflower kernels, cheese and cranberries to a large bowl and stir well.

In a small bowl, make the dressing by whisking the mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar until smooth. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir well until coated. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Before serving, add the bacon crumbles and give the salad a good stir. This will keep the bacon crispy.

This recipe doubles easily, making it great when feeding a crowd.

OHistory Checks In

Inside the revival of Dadeville's Miller Hotel

STORY BY SAM VISE & PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS

n a sunny afternoon in downtown Dadeville, a three-year journey of meticulous preservation culminated in a single, triumphant moment.

Dwayne Britton walked across the historic sidewalk of the Courthouse Square carrying a freshly printed piece of paper – the official certificate of occupancy for The Miller Hotel.

For Britton and his team, the document was far more than administrative work; it was the green light for a century-old icon to come alive once again. The historic Miller Hotel, originally constructed in 1923, is officially open for business, ready to welcome travelers and locals alike back to its storied halls.

For decades, the physical structure of the hotel hid in plain sight.

“I’ve been here all my life,” Britton said. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked this sidewalk and I’ve never seen a plaque on that wall that said it was a hotel.”

The building had evolved into a collection of commercial spaces over the years, housing a pharmacy in the 1960s, Smith Furniture in the 1970s and various doctor’s offices, barber shops and restaurants before ultimately falling into severe disrepair and serving primarily as storage.

Britton’s path to hotel ownership was entirely accidental. While helping a realtor friend remodel a nearby building downtown, she insisted he view the old brick structure on Broadnax Street.

Britton was skeptical, but he put an offer in anyway. After

he had driven only about a mile out of town, he received a phone call that he now owned the hotel.

“I had to go home and tell my wife and kids that we owned a hotel in Dadeville,” he said. “Now, of course, everybody was just saying, ‘Wait, what are you talking about? There’s not a hotel in Dadeville.’ Well, I didn’t think there was either.”

The vision for what the space could become formed during a morning radio broadcast. Britton heard a discussion detailing the massive influx of visitors traveling to the region for weddings – an estimated 60,000 people annually.

Realizing the severe shortage of upscale boutique lodging nearby, he began to see a unique opportunity. Britton envisioned a dual-purpose community hub: a luxurious destination for wedding parties and regional tourists, paired with a functional oasis for families moving to the area.

“I wanted a place where people could come after playing at the lake all day with their family,” Britton said. “They can wash clothes here and eat at a nice restaurant. That’s really where the whole concept came from.”

Stepping inside the building at the start of the project required immense imagination. The upper floor was a mess of collapsing roofs, missing walls and a decades-old musk. Yet, the skeleton of the original 1923 footprint remained entirely intact, complete with the original room numbers still fixed to the framing.

Britton, working alongside local architect Steve Taylor, committed to a faithful historical restoration rather than a modern gut job. The structural beams beneath the floors were stabilized, the original transom windows above the guest room doors were preserved and the historic door hardware and baseboards were salvaged from the debris.

To oversee the daily operations of this monumental revival, Britton brought in veteran hospitality manager Stuart Brasell, who previously managed Alpine Bay Resort on Logan Martin Lake for two decades. For Brasell, the boutique property represents a refreshing, high-touch return to true Southern hospitality.

“The big thing is making people feel welcome and at home,” Brasell said. “We want them to feel like they’ve been here before, and it’s a place they want to come back to.”

The historical legacy of the hotel’s namesake added a deep sense of purpose to the restoration. The hotel’s original founder, Nora E. Miller, was a pioneering civic leader and businesswoman in an era when female entrepreneurs were rare. After moving to Tallapoosa County from Georgia in the 1870s, Miller and her husband Alva operated a local mercantile, a cotton gin and funded the construction of the historic Miller Ferry.

Following Alva’s passing in 1904, Miller became a driving force behind local infrastructure, donating land and funding for the world-famous Miller Covered Bridge in 1908 to facilitate regional automobile travel. She later worked closely with the Alabama Power Company to support the hydroelectric developments that created Lake Martin, laying the foundation for modern Dadeville commerce.

In July 1923, corporation papers were filed to construct the modern brick Miller Hotel

Return of a Landmark

The reopening of the historic hotel gives guests the opportunity to stay in the heart of Dadeville.

Reviving History

Thoughtful renovations preserved the history of the 100-year-old hotel while bringing new life and upgrades to the local landmark.

in her honor, opening its doors on March 10, 1924.

Under Brasell’s management, the modern hotel features 11 individually styled rooms – including five sweeping king rooms, one double queen room and fully accessible ADA suites. Each room trades cramped, standard hotel appliances for expansive, beautifully designed bathrooms featuring custom artwork sourced from New York.

“I don’t want to elbow somebody in the bathroom,” Brasell said during a walk-through of the property. “This is a nice, big space. It makes a difference; I’d rather have more space than a refrigerator in my room.”

For added convenience, a communal corridor features a coffee bar, microwave, ice machine and guest laundry facilities.

Beyond the overnight accommodations, The Miller Hotel is designed to operate as a completely integrated network of local commerce. The main floor features two separate, thriving businesses: a premier restaurant known as Miller’s on Broadnax, helmed by Chef Dennis Kirkland, and The Grand Bakery, operated by Taylor Nobles.

“We want them integrated because we all help each other out,” Brasell said. “The restaurant will be doing room service, and we will have a breakfast menu for the people that stay. The bakery, I think, is going to make some kind of cookie or something for the hotel that we’ll leave in the rooms. It’s that small-town atmosphere where everybody helps everybody.”

A crowning visual highlight of the restoration is the magnificent second-story balcony. Extending outward over the sidewalk, the balcony offers guests a spectacular vantage point overlooking the Dadeville Square. Looking out across the green grass of the courthouse lawn, Britton and Brasell envision the

Elevated Luxury

Above: Eleven individually styled rooms include options for spacious suites and luxurious bathrooms.

hotel becoming an active partner in downtown traditions, from antique car shows and holiday parades to upcoming art exhibitions on the Square.

Future expansion plans are already simmering beneath the surface, with the building’s expansive, freshly cleared basement marked for a potential grand ballroom and community event venue.

“Dadeville is having a rebirth,” Brasell said. “People are investing in this town like nobody’s business, and our investment will add to it.”

Ultimately, the true depth of the project didn’t fully hit Britton until he shared the hotel’s progress with local residents at the county museum.

“I can’t tell you how many people have come up to me and told me that their parents met there or their grandparents worked there,” he said. “Hearing stories like that just made me want to do it more and more, and it eventually turned into a labor of love that I had to complete, no matter what. It was all God’s timing.”

Thanks to that unwavering dedication, a vital piece of Tallapoosa County’s heritage has been preserved, standing tall once again as the crown jewel of the Dadeville Square.

Visit themillerhotel.client.innroad.com to book a stay.

Some information for this story was obtained from the Tallapoosa County Historical Society.

TICKS Are Crawling

The Trick to Ticks Knowing how to identify different species can help protect against tick-borne illnesses.

Beat the Bites

Wearing light-colored clothing and insect repellent are two simple ways to help prevent tick bites.

Controlling an infestation in a home can be difficult once this species is established. Brown dog ticks prefer dogs but will feed on humans and other mammals. They may transmit disease.

Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum, is found in Alabama and looks similar to the American dog tick. The species prefers to feed on large hosts such as livestock, deer and coyotes. Gulf Coast ticks may attach to humans and pets if given the opportunity and may transmit disease.

Ticks are one of the most serious outdoor pests since they bite and may carry diseases. In Alabama, ticks can cause anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, rickettsiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, southern tickassociated rash illness and tularemia. Tick bites can also result in prolonged itching and rash.

Minimizing your exposure to tick bites is the best way to avoid disease-causing organisms.

Suggestions Include:

› Wear light-colored clothing in wooded areas or places that ticks are known to infest. Ticks are easier to see on lightcolored clothing so you can remove them before they attach.

› Tuck pant legs into socks, boots or shoes to prevent ticks from crawling up under clothing.

› Apply an insect repellent containing DEET to boot or shoe tops, around the waist and on exposed skin. In heavily infested areas, you may want to use permethrin on clothing. Permethrin is not for use on skin. Make sure clothing treated with permethrin dries for at least two hours before use. Most insect repellents for mosquitoes also work well against ticks.

› Examine yourself carefully for ticks after leaving the woods or a tick-infested area. Check the common places on your body where ticks are often found, including your scalp and neck, groin area, behind your knees, belly button, in or around your ears, in your armpits and around your waist.

Normally, ticks must attach for several hours before a disease agent is passed from a tick to a person. Therefore, if you remove ticks promptly, you greatly reduce your chances of getting Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Occasionally, you may have a tick infestation around the yard and home. Before pursuing control options, first identify the tick. A species identification can give you information that will be useful in devising an effective management plan. Place ticks in rubbing alcohol and submit them to your local county Extension office for identification. Unfortunately, there is not a pesticide that can be applied to effectively control or repel ticks from our most frequently visited or used outdoor areas.

GARDEN TALK

Shane Harris

In general, the best way to control populations of ticks is to use an Integrated Pest Management approach, which incorporates all available control methods into a pest management program. Control methods include sanitation,

exclusion and chemical techniques. Ticks are found at ground level in areas of tall grass or thick understory. Contrary to popular myth, ticks do not live in trees.

Because pets are carriers of ticks, treat and wash them with an insecticidal or acaricidal soap registered for pet care or with a mild detergent. Treat pet resting areas on the same day. Note that acaricides are chemicals that kill ticks, while insecticides are chemicals that kill insects.

If you don’t have pets, look for signs of rodent or other wildlife activity and set traps to remove these animals or keep them out with a fence. Keep garbage cans tightly covered to discourage opossums, raccoons and other wildlife from frequenting your property to feed. Keep shrubs trimmed and grass mowed frequently, especially along pathways frequented by animals.

Don’t let all the summer activities and outdoor fun be ruined by these crawling ticks. Be aware and informed to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others. Don’t forget – check for ticks!

For help on other home and garden questions, contact your local county Extension office or visit us online at aces. edu.

~ Shane Harris is the County Extension Director for Tallapoosa County.

To safely remove a tick attached to your skin:

› Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.

› Pull upward on the tick with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick.

› Dispose of a live tick by submerging it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed container or flushing it down the toilet.

› Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol or an iodine scrub after removing the tick.

Don’t make these common mistakes when removing a tick:

› Don’t touch the tick with your fingers.

› Don’t try to scrape off a tick.

› Don’t twist or squeeze the tick; this can cause the mouthparts to break off in the skin.

› Don’t burn a tick with a hot match while it is still attached.

› Don’t apply a substance such as nail polish remover, petroleum jelly, gasoline or soap to the tick in an attempt to kill it while it is still attached.

› Don’t wash the tick down a drain; it can crawl back up the drain and into your home.

STARS, STRIPES & SMALL-TOWN SPIRIT

Local communities celebrated America's 250th anniversary with parades, festivals, fireworks and plenty of hometown pride.

Small Towns, Big Celebration

Whether watching dazzling fireworks in Alexander City, cheering on Dadeville's golf cart parade or gathering for hometown festivities in Eclectic, Rockford and Tallassee, communities across the region celebrated America's 250th anniversary with grand displays, patriotic pride and the kind of small-town traditions that made this Independence Day unforgettable.

My Grand American Home

STORY BY

SHAYLEE BECK MOORE PHOTOS COURTESY OF CINDY BLAKE & SUSAN HOLDRIDGE

For the first time in 50 years, a familiar patriotic tune echoed through the sanctuary of First Baptist Church in Alexander City as a chorus of voices joined together in nostalgic harmony.

Standing in the same choir loft where they had once recorded “My Grand American Home” as fourth graders, 23 former classmates reunited this summer to recreate one of the most unforgettable projects of their childhood – a simple assignment that unexpectedly became one of the town’s proudest memories.

And watching on with joy was the teacher who started it all.

In 1975, Susan Holdridge challenged her fourth grade language arts students at Laurel Elementary School, now Stephens Elementary School, to reflect on what America meant to them as the nation was preparing to celebrate its 200th birthday.

“One of the projects for the classmates was to write a poem celebrating America,” Holdridge said. “The Bicentennial was coming up, and so we wanted to do a collaborative project with all the students.”

Along with two fellow teachers, Holdridge brought together nearly 90 fourth graders for the assignment, instructing the children to write their own patriotic poem. A student committee then selected their favorite lines from each submission and combined them into one collaborative piece.

The finished poem, “My Grand American Home,” included four stanzas that celebrated what it meant to be American through the hopeful perspective of children. Many of the lines spoke of unity, overcoming struggles and loving the country no matter what.

Overwhelmingly proud of what the students had created, Holdridge decided she wanted to bring the poem to life and share it with the community in a meaningful way.

She reached out to Harrell Sinclair, choir director at First Baptist Church, and pianist Bobby Boone, asking if they could help transform the students’ work into a patriotic song. They quickly agreed, composing music to accompany newly formed lyrics and a chorus.

Soon, the fourth graders were invited to the church to record the poem as a song, never imagining what would unfold next.

“We went to the church loft and recorded the song on a cassette tape,” Holdridge said. “We had a wonderful time – and then, the song just went viral.”

It wasn’t long before local radio station WRFS began playing the recording onair and it became a sensation – not just in Alexander City but throughout the entire state. Holdridge began receiving telegrams from county commissioners, local politicians and even Gov. George Wallace as the patriotic tune quickly gained recognition across Alabama.

Over the coming months, the recording became such a success that Holdridge eventually decided to copyright it.

The following year, Alexander City

Fifty Years of Patriotic Pride

Top: Former classmates reunited to perform the song; Above: The Outlook featured the project in 1976.

celebrated America’s Bicentennial with a communitywide event, where every class gathered on the local football field to perform patriotic skits and presentations. Holdridge’s students, now fifth graders, proudly took the stage once again to perform the song they had written together for what they thought would be the final time. Although the Bicentennial celebration eventually came to an end, the project was far from forgotten.

Wanting to preserve every moment of the song’s remarkable journey, Holdridge created a scrapbook documenting the project from start to finish, including letters from the community, original music

My Grand American Home

You can travel this whole world over From the lakes to the white cliffs of Dover No place on Earth is like the place of my birth

My Grand American Home.

(Chorus)

I love America so

I will never never go

It’s a grand old place

You can tell by my face

I love America so.

The sun shines bright on happy people The moon beams on the church’s steeple No place on Earth is like the place of my birth

My Grand American Home.

(Chorus)

I love America so

I will never never go

It’s a grand old place

You can tell by my face I love America so.

We are brothers and sisters in this great land Never afraid to give a helping hand No place on Earth is like the place of my birth

My Grand American Home.

(Chorus)

I love America so

I will never never go

It’s a grand old place

You can tell by my face

I love America so.

We love our country even when we’re sad We don’t give up when the going gets bad No place on Earth is like the place of my birth

History in Harmony

Top to Bottom: The poem became lyrics to "My Grand American Home"; The song was copyrighted following its success; A local church helped set the poem to music; The song earned statewide recognition, including praise from Gov. George Wallace.

My Grand American Home.

(Chorus)

I love America so

I will never never go

It’s a grand old place

You can tell by my face I love America so…

I love America so…

I love America so…

My Grand American Home.

score sheets and newspaper clippings. For years, it sat inside David McGee’s local furniture store, where former students and community members could stop by to flip through its pages and relive the excitement. Although the scrapbook was eventually destroyed in a devastating fire at the store, McGee had photographed every page, preserving those memories before they were lost forever.

But as the years passed, it wasn’t just the photographs that kept the project’s legacy alive – it was the students themselves.

group decided to return to First Baptist Church for their big performance – the same choir loft where they had once performed as children.

And although it had been the first time the classmates had sung the song together with music since 1976, they didn’t miss a beat. After just one rehearsal, the group was ready to record.

“At one point, everyone began to break out in harmony at the end,” Blake said. “I didn’t know everyone could sing like that!”

On The Air Left: The group shared the patriotic class song on several Alabama media outlets.

memories of her students’ childhoods. She proudly looks back on her 34 years in the classroom and said it was moments like these that reminded her why she loved teaching.

“The project sort of validated my teaching years,” Holdridge said. “The fact that it was brought back after 50 years for America’s birthday, and I had a little part in it – that made it really special for me.”

For Blake, the song has become more than a beloved memory. Decades later, its message of patriotic unity still resonates with her, reminding her of the hope and love for America that she and her classmates poured into the lyrics as children.

One of Holdridge’s fourth grade students, Cindy Blake, said the song naturally became part of every class reunion and friend gathering over the years.

“Whenever our class would get together, somebody would always start singing that song,” Blake said. “And it would always come from the heart. We’ve sung it on and off for 50 years.”

Now, as America prepared to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Blake couldn’t help but think back to the fourth grade project that had such a profound impact on their lives. She began exploring ways to include the song in this year’s celebrations, including reuniting her classmates for one last performance.

“In the back of my mind, I just kept thinking about what we did with the Bicentennial,” Blake said. “I just thought if I could get some people back together to re-record it, that would be the coolest thing ever.”

Using social media, Blake began tracking down her former classmates one by one and was surprised by the overwhelming enthusiasm for a reunion. Twenty-three of the original 90 students committed to returning to Alexander City and re-record the song, with several traveling in from out of town. Sinclair’s daughter, Stacia Sinclair Gaines, also traveled from Birmingham to take part in the heartfelt moment.

According to Blake, there was only one place that felt right for the occasion. The

Of course, the students couldn’t imagine recreating the moment without their beloved fourth grade teacher by their side. Now 84 and happily retired, Holdridge had the opportunity to watch the song come alive once again as America celebrated its 250th anniversary.

“I loved being with those fourth graders again,” Holdridge said. “They were only 10 years old at the time we did this, and now they are 60. They were wonderful then, and they are wonderful now.”

In addition to re-recording the song, the group was excited to share it with communities far and wide through appearances on The Front Porch morning show as well as during a segment at WBRC studio in Birmingham.

Looking back, Holdridge said she never imagined a simple fourth grade writing assignment would become one of the most defining

“I was just so proud of our class,” Blake said. “And this song just makes me proud to be an American. I just think the whole country should hear it, because it talks about having pride in your country, how you should love your grand American home. There are so many opposing views today, and all the politics – but my goodness, is there a more grand place to live than America?”

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5 Steps to Set Your Child Up for Financial Success

One of the greatest gifts a parent can give their child is a solid financial foundation. Many parents assume the only way to do that is by setting aside an inheritance, but the right tools and knowledge matter just as much.

A little planning and smart decisions can make a significant difference in a child’s financial journey. From their first year through their teenage years, here are five steps to set them up for success.

1.START EARLY

The sooner you start planning for your child’s financial future, the better. This means thinking about their financial foundation even before they’re born.

An easy first step is opening a savings account in their name. Many banks offer child savings accounts with no minimum balance and competitive interest rates.

If higher education is a priority, consider a 529 College Savings Plan, which is designed specifically for education expenses and allows your balance to grow tax-free when used for qualified expenses. Even small, consistent contributions add up over time through compound interest.

2.SET UP BANK ACCOUNTS FOR EVERY STAGE

Introduce your child to different types of accounts as they grow.

Savings account: A kid-friendly savings account can teach the basics of savings. Birthday money, weekly allowances and other small deposits can grow into a meaningful amount over time.

Teen checking account: As kids enter their teenage years, a checking account helps them manage day-to-day finances. Teen-specific accounts often include parental controls and no overdraft fees, so they can learn with limited risk.

3.TEACH FINANCIAL LITERACY

Opening accounts is only one tool on their financial journey. Financial literacy is equally important.

Start with simple concepts, like saving a portion of an allowance or distinguishing needs from wants. As your child gets older, introduce budgeting, how credit cards work and the basics of borrowing responsibly.

It doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Start small – filling up a gas tank, saving for a new shirt or planning a dinner out with friends can all be helpful starting points.

4.PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL FOUNDATION

Every parent wants to help their child succeed financially but avoid sacrificing your own financial stability to do it. You don’t need to deplete your savings or set aside a large inheritance.

The financial literacy and tools you

equip them with are just as important. Remember, your financial resilience ultimately benefits your entire family over time.

5.LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Children learn by watching others. When parents demonstrate responsible spending, saving and investing, they give their child a model to follow.

Share age-appropriate insights about financial decisions and explain the “why” behind them. This helps children build the judgment they will carry into adulthood.

A PARTNER FOR YOUR CHILD’S FINANCIAL FUTURE

Starting your child’s financial journey early and teaching good habits benefits you both. Opening the right accounts and promoting good practices gives your child a foundation for financial independence and gives you peace of mind.

MONEY MATTERS

Once your child is old enough, there are opportunities each day to use as a learning opportunity. You can ask, “Is this worth the price?” or “How can we save on this next time?” to include them in the decision-making process. These discussions help their knowledge grow. Financial stability is always a topic worth investing in. Visit your local Valley Bank branch to find accounts for every stage of your child’s life.

~ Tina Gibby is a home loan consultant at Valley Bank’s Auburn branch specializing in first-time homebuyer programs, conventional, government and construction loans. She has more than 25 years of experience in the banking industry.

* This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as specific advice for any individual. Valley National Bank does not provide legal, tax or accounting advice. Any views, thoughts and opinions expressed herein are solely that of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Valley National Bank. Please consult your legal, tax, and/or accounting advisors before making any financial decisions.

Decoding BloomsAlgae

Algae blooms are a problem not just for Alexander City, but nationwide, affecting even the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall. We’re not talking about discolored water or sediment in your pipes. That’s another problem altogether, having to do with aging city infrastructure as well as old houses with old pipes.

Is this a topic for a health column? Yes, in fact, it is, because there are two types of algae blooms: harmful algae blooms and nuisance algae blooms. A nuisance bloom is irritating because it makes the water taste and smell earthy and unappetizing, but it isn’t harmful. So far, the algae blooms in Alexander City have been a nuisance, not a health hazard.

Harmful algae blooms are caused by certain strains of algae and by blue-green algae, which are actually bacteria known as cyanobacteria.

These harmful strains release toxins that can sicken humans and pets.

There has been a lot of online complaining about the city allowing this to happen. But the fact is that algae blooms happen no matter what the Water Department does, and they happen in the lake long before the city pumps the water to its treatment plant.

Algae occurs naturally in bodies of water and are, in fact, an integral part of the food web: no algae, no tiny fish. Take away tiny fish, and the bigger fish disappear. Algae are not plants, but like plants, they manufacture oxygen from carbon dioxide and nutrients. In fact, scientists estimate that about 70 percent of the world’s oxygen is produced by algae, mostly in the oceans.

The problem is when algae grow faster than they can be consumed by the organisms that feed on them. For algae to bloom, they need abundant sunlight for photosynthesis, warmer water temperatures to accelerate growth and nutrition.

Here’s where Lake Martin’s best characteristic – its clear, pure water – becomes its worst enemy. Because the water is so clear, sunlight penetrates deeper than it would if the lake were murky or cloudy, creating more favorable conditions for algae to grow. Shallow water has the same effect. During a drought, the lake’s edges become shallower and the water becomes less turbid, promoting algal growth. When it rains, water flows faster and stirs up silt from the lake bottom, making the water more turbid. This reduces sunlight penetration and slows algal growth. But rain is a double-edged sword, because it also washes chemicals and other materials into the lake that serve as nutrients for algae.

These nutrients are mostly rich in phosphorus and nitrogen, which are like steroids for algae. And this makes sense, because algae, although not technically plants, function in much the same way. The same fertilizers that feed your

lawn and the large farms in the Tallapoosa River watershed also feed algae.

The same is true for Nature’s fertilizer – manure.

When it rains, excess fertilizer runs off our lawns and farms, into groundwater and storm drains. Eventually, all that phosphorus- and nitrogen-rich water makes its way into the lake. And it’s not just the manicured lawns surrounding the lake that contribute to the problem – the farms upstream and even our own yards in town contribute to the problem as well.

Another source of algae superfood is urban detritus swept up by fast-moving rainwater and carried into rivers and the lake. Lawn clippings, decaying leaves, wild animal feces, garbage and soap residue all contain nitrogen and phosphorus. During a heavy rain, water – when unimpeded by permeable ground – rushes down streets and parking lots into storm drains, carrying those nutrients with it.

The rainwater that discharges from drain pipes into creeks is high velocity, increasing erosion of creek beds and banks, washing even more decaying detritus into the water. All of this mixture ends up in the lowest point in the watershed: the lake.

Our natural tendency is to blame the water treatment plant for polluting the lake. In fact, water discharged from Alexander City’s sewage treatment plant into Sugar Creek, and eventually Lake Martin, is so thoroughly treated that it’s actually cleaner than the lake itself.

It’s not the sewage treatment plants that are the main culprits – but more about that later in this column.

When there is an algae bloom, it’s important to remember that the water is already affected before it reaches the treatment plant. The staff works diligently to mitigate the compounds released by decaying algae. Some of these compounds are toxic and can even kill small pets, but most of these chemicals released by dying algae are just obnoxious, because of their smell and taste.

MEDICAL NEWS

George Miranda

The treatment plant uses activated charcoal to bind to the compounds responsible for unpleasant odors and tastes and, in rare cases, toxic chemicals. Those bound compounds settle to the bottom, where they can be removed. Water treatment facilities also use hydrogen peroxide, as used in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, or ozone gas to oxidize compounds responsible for unpleasant tastes.

If there is an algae bloom, the worst thing you can do is kill the algae because that simply releases even more toxins into the water. Algaecides are more appropriately used before an algae bloom occurs.

There are two chemicals released as algae decay that cause the earthy, musty taste in drinking water: geosmin and methyl-isoborneol. Under normal conditions, the water treatment plant actually does a very good job of removing these chemicals from the water you drink. Unfortunately, when the algae population explodes, it cannot remove

100 percent of these chemicals, and human taste buds are incredibly sensitive to these compounds, able to detect them at levels as low as five parts per trillion. That’s the equivalent of five drops of lemon juice in 27 Olympic-sized swimming pools. You can’t make lemonade at five parts per trillion, but you can taste dirt.

In other words, no matter how thoroughly the treatment plant treats our drinking water, you’re still going to taste geosmin and MIB during an algae bloom. So what do you do if the water coming from your sink still tastes and smells bad?

You can reduce the earthy taste by using a filtered water pitcher, such as a Brita, or an inline charcoal filter in your refrigerator’s water dispenser. Even without a filter, simply chilling the water and adding a little lemon juice can improve the taste.

We’ve talked about what you can do to make your water taste better. Now let’s talk about what you can do to help prevent – or at least mitigate – algae blooms in Lake Martin.

Do you remember the classic “Pogo” cartoon, where Pogo says, purposefully misquoting Commodore Perry during the War of 1812, “We have met the enemy, and he is us?” Of course, you don’t. That was in 1970. But the point is still valid: Every one of us plays a part in reducing algae blooms and their impact on our drinking water.

It turns out that wastewater treatment has improved so much over the years that it is responsible for only about 30 percent of the effluent that reaches lakes and rivers and feeds algae.

The other 70 percent comes from the rest of us: fertilizing our farms, our yards and our golf courses; stormwater washing pollutants off streets and concrete surfaces; and even the waste our dogs leave in the neighbor’s yard when we don’t pick it up. Cow pastures are notorious sources of waste – then there are the geese.

I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking what I’m thinking. My little dog is not responsible for polluting the lake. Surely the lawn fertilizing service I use is responsible. Sure, my laundry detergent contains phosphorus, but I don’t wash a lot of large loads of laundry. After all, I’m just one person. My behavior can’t possibly have such a detrimental effect on the environment.

And that’s true if I were the only one polluting. But add me to you, your next-door neighbor, the folks on our street, the farm just out of town, the manufacturing plant in the next town and the dumpster behind the restaurant, and now we’re approaching critical mass. Every dog that leaves waste, every

Make a positive impact by following these tips

› Find out what type and amount of fertilizer is right for your yard by contacting the local county’s Extension office. In Tallapoosa County, call the Extension office at 256-8251050 to ask about having your soil tested and for advice on the right type of fertilizer for your property.

› Use a low-phosphorus fertilizer, and don’t apply it right before a heavy rain.

› Prevent grass clippings and fallen leaves from washing into storm drains. Bag them or compost them. If you mulch, spread any excess that piles up.

› Wash your car on the grass rather than on asphalt or concrete to reduce soapy runoff into the storm drain system. Better yet, go to a professional car wash that captures and recycles its water.

› Use gravel or permeable pavers instead of asphalt or concrete whenever possible to allow water to infiltrate the ground rather than run off.

› Maintain your septic tank.

› Use a low-phosphate or phosphate-free detergent, such as Seventh Generation.

› Pick up your dog’s waste. I cannot overemphasize the impact pet waste has.

› Conserve water. The less water each of us uses, the less stress is placed on the wastewater treatment system.

› Especially heed the city’s plea: Don’t flush wipes and don’t pour grease down the sink.

septic tank that leaks and every weekend lawn warrior spreading a little fertilizer on their yard – it all runs down rivulets, streams, creeks and rivers before collecting in the lake. So doing your little part, no matter how insignificant it might seem, really does make a difference.

Check out the info box for simple steps you can take to help protect our waters. The little bit that you can do can have a significant impact not only on the taste of our water but also on the health of our environment, especially when we all join forces to make a difference.

Some information for this article was sourced from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the National Library of Medicine, the City of Alexander City, the North Texas Municipal Water District and various municipal water utility and water treatment publications.

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

OH SNAP! Lake Martin Area United Way Day of Action

Friday, June 26, 2026

Reeltown Elementary School

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Monday, June 8, 2026

Strand Park

Friday, July 3, 2026

Keebler Park

1. Cathy and Gordon Ballard

2. Ed Oliver, Amelia, Annelise Oliver

3. Peter, Bella and Guyon Golden and Kevin Thweatt

4. Jeff & Kathy Brown and Sharon Gaither

5. Bridget Thornell and Anna and Jay Hovey

6. Jackson and Paisley Huff

7. Stokes Jones, Chuck Ledbetter, Laura Dowling, Ganet Gittings and Kim Pate

8. Elaine and Mickey Forbus

9. Curtis, Debbie and Levi Sergeant

10. Dan Lehman

11. Prencella Hamby, Ganet Gittings and Shari Bushong

12. Ben Webster, Dave Andrews and Ella Webster

13. Matty, Justin and Brittany Quinn

14. Harold Banks and Jack Mason

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Lake Martin Amphitheater

1. Elsie Queen and Jillian Queen

2. Isabel Marsh, Matthew Meehan and Katie Rodgers

3. Hudson, Emme and Abby Jackson

4. Lexi Hill and Carli Vargas

5. Wheeler family and friends

6. Tammie Scott, Melvin and Alma Leonard, James Scott and Brenda Hacker

7. Alexandra Hudson, Sierra Gardner, Ally Collier, Grant Hudson and Tony Angrisano

8. Hannah and Yireh Kong

9. Ellis Ingram, Molly Katherine Chandler, Juliann Norris, Morgan French, Caroline Rogers and Annie Shelnutt

10. Emerson Emfinger, Madelyn Jordan, Greysen and Leighton Hancock and Parker Hall

THE LAKE REGION

Calendar

FEATURED EVENT

Yoga On The Green

Saturday mornings at Russell Crossroads offer a unique opportunity to step away from the weekend bustle and find a moment of serene connection.

Running each Saturday through September, Yoga On The Green invites locals, visitors and fitness enthusiasts alike to gather from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. for an hour of peaceful, open-air practice.

This community tradition is free of charge, serving as a restorative activity for participants of all ages and skill levels.

Facing the surrounding woods, the class provides a deep immersion into nature, where the sounds of earlymorning birds, gentle breezes and distant cattle replace the typical distractions of a gym.

Longtime instructor Barbara Sokol said the outdoor setting on The Green completely transforms the experience.

“Out here, it’s like communing with nature,” Sokol said. “We are connected to the earth as we go.”

The rotating lineup of local instructors brings a diverse blend of philosophies to the mat. While some sessions explore traditional, internal yoga practices that adapt to the changing seasons, others focus on functional fitness, posture and spinal alignment.

“We work out to work within,” Sokol said. “You’re really working from the spine out and learning to develop those muscles to hold the body in and lift through

the heart center.”

Instructors emphasize the importance of mindful modifications for all body types, ages and skill levels. Whether dropping to a child’s pose or using a gentle toe-tap for balance, every participant is encouraged to move at a pace that works for them.

The practice concludes with a powerful sensory highlight: the deep, resonant chimes of the nearby clock tower striking 8 a.m., sending peaceful sound waves across the lawn to close out the hour.

Visit russelllands.com/events for more details. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mats.

LAKE REGION EVENTS

July 17

Campfire Talk at Wind Creek State Park

Gather around the campfire for an evening of discovery at Wind Creek State Park. Learn about the different frogs found around Lake Martin and how to identify them by their unique nighttime calls. This fun and educational program is perfect for nature lovers of all ages. Contact the park at 256-3290845 for more details. Park entrance fees apply for day visitors.

July 17-19

"Winnie The Pooh" Kids Musical

Go on a musical journey through the Hundred Acre Woods as Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and friends try to rescue Christopher Robin fvrom a mysterious creature. Presented by Alexander City Theatre II, this children’s musical is free to attend – donations accepted at the door. Show begins at 6 p.m. July 17 and 18 and 2 p.m. July 19 at the former Benjamin Russell High School. See ACT II’s Facebook page for more details.

July 18

Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run

Go all in for a great cause at the 23rd annual Lions Lake Martin Poker Run, hosted by Russell Marine. Beginning at 8 a.m., navigate the waters from Kowaliga Marina to The Ridge Marina, collecting cards for a chance at bigger-than-ever cash prizes. Prizes for Best Crew stretch from first to sixth place. Winners will be announced at The Ridge Marina at 4 p.m. (winners must be present). With the $200 entry fee covering two box lunches, a boat flag and a haul of summer gear, it’s the best bet on the lake for a Saturday well spent. Visit russellmarine.net/events for more information.

July 20-23

DPAC Kids Summer Camp

The Dadeville Performing Arts Center is inviting young performers to join “The Clover Club,” a festive 1920s-themed summer camp. Each four-day session offers hands-on instruction in music, drama, dance and crafts, with lunch provided daily. Designed for children ages 7 to 10, the camp concludes with a special showcase for family and friends. Group 2 will

meet July 20-23 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the final show on July 23 at 12:15 p.m. There is no cost for Tallapoosa County residents. Parents must provide transportation. Register at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com/classes.

July 22

Summer Reading Finale at

Mamie’s Place

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library wraps up its summer reading program with a wild finale featuring Bob Tarter’s Animal Show at 10 a.m. Stick around after the fun for a free lunch from Ernie’s Hotdogs and Frost Bite Ice Cream. Visit the library’s Facebook page for more details.

July 23-26

Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival

Strum up a good time at the 6th Annual Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival. This Grammy-recognized event will feature talented songwriters from across the Southeast, performing at multiple venues throughout the Lake Martin area. From intimate acoustic sets to lively outdoor shows, there’s something for every music lover. For the full live music schedule and participating venues, visit the Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival Facebook page or lakemartinsongwritersfestival.com.

July 25

Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival at The AMP featuring Marcus King Band

The Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival reaches its crescendo with a powerhouse benefit concert at The AMP. Hitmaker Jeffrey Steele starts the evening at 6 p.m., followed by support from Charlie Argo and a headlining set by the Marcus King Band. Beyond the incredible music, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the local community as part of the Lake Martin Centennial Celebration. Visit lakemartincentennial. com for more details or to purchase tickets.

July

29

Pat Cunningham Devoto at Dadeville

Public Library

Author Pat Cunningham Devoto will discuss her new nonfiction book, “Bookin’ In the Big House,” at 1 p.m. at the Dadeville Public Library. Drawing

from seven years leading a women’s prison book club at the Montgomery Women’s Facility, Devoto shares surprising, humorous and eye-opening stories from her experience. For more details, contact the library at 256-825-7820 or dadevillelibrary@gmail.com.

August 1

Woodland Crafting

Join the Wind Creek State Park naturalist at the Clubhouse for a crafting session designing clay box turtles. Starting at noon, this event is $5 and designed for all ages. Contact the park naturalist at dylan.ogle@dcnr.alabama. gov or 256-827-9540 for more details.

August 2

Back to School S’mores

Send summer off with a sweet treat at Wind Creek State Park. Join the park naturalist by the campfire outside the Clubhouse at 5 p.m. for free s’mores, good company and one last taste of summer before the school year begins. Park entrance fees apply for day visitors. Contact the naturalist at 256-329-0845 for more details.

August 7

U.S. The Band at Martin’s Enjoy an American summer night at Martin’s at Lake Martin, featuring live music from U.S. The Band. This highenergy performance pairs great music with cold drinks and lakeside fun, with an optional steak dinner available for guests looking to make it a complete evening. General admission tickets are $25, or $65 with steak dinner included. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.

August 8

Evening Hike on the

Speckled Snake Trail

Experience Wind Creek State Park at night on a guided hike along the Speckled Snake Trail. Join the park naturalist at 5 p.m. at the trailhead near the Boat Launch Parking Lot for a scenic 4-mile trek through hilly terrain. Bring water, comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure as you explore the sights and sounds of the outdoors. Recommended for ages 12 and older. Park entrance fees apply to day visitors. For more information, contact dylan.ogle@dcnr.alabama. gov.

LAKE REGION EVENTS

August 14

Local Herp Encounter

Hop on over to the Clubhouse at Wind Creek State Park at 5 p.m. for a close-up look at local reptiles and amphibians. For more information, contact dylan.ogle@dcnr.alabama.gov.

August

14

Wrygrass Reunion

Wrygrass is coming back to the Dadeville Performing Arts Center for a bluegrass performance. Show begins at 3 p.m. Admission by donation to support DPAC community programs. Visit dadevilleperformingartscenter.com for more details.

September

4

& 5

Labor Day Music Festival

Wind down the summer season with Russell Lands’ annual Labor Day Weekend Music Festival at Russell Crossroads. From 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. both nights, the Town Green will feature a star-studded lineup that is sure to have attendees dancing alongside the fireflies. Admission is free. For more details, visit russelllands.com/events.

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. Visit russelllands.com/ events for the scheduled subject topics, dates and times.

Friday On The Green

Every Friday night all summer long (with the exception of Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival and Labor Day weekend), 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. Visit russelllands.com/events for the full line up.

Adult Guitar Lessons

Join instructor Judy Hughes for a beginner-friendly adult guitar class at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Lessons

are $5 per class and are perfect for adults just getting started. Email office@ dadevilleperformingartscenter.com for more information.

Music in the Air at Zazu’s Verandah

Enjoy free live music every Thursday evening at Zazu’s Verandah, located on the Dadeville Square. The series runs through July 30, with performances from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m., and guests ages 21 and older are welcome. Tips for musicians are appreciated. Charcuterie snack trays, serving two, are available for pre-order for $16. Charcuterie snack trays must be ordered by 10 a.m. each Thursday by calling 256-307-2188. Visit zazusverandah.com for more details.

Painting in the Park

Experience the beauty of Lake Martin with Wind Creek State Park’s painting series. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just looking to try something new, these inspiring sessions are perfect for all skill levels. Visit alapark.com/parks/wind-creekstate-park/park-events for the scheduled painting topics, dates and times. Park entrance fees apply for day visitors.

Acoustic Jam Session

Acoustic musicians of all skill levels are invited to gather on the second Saturday of each month to share music in a fun and welcoming environment. The acoustic jam session is free, and the public is invited to attend, listen or join in. The event takes place at 128 N. Broadnax Street in Dadeville. For more information, contact office@ dadevilleperformingartcenter.com.

Covered Dish Social

The Real Island Volunteer Fire Department hosts this monthly covered dish social on the third Friday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the training center, located at 1495 Real Island Road in Equality. Whether a longtime resident, visiting or new to the area, everyone is welcome to come fellowship.

Whisky & Wine Night

Spend your Wednesday nights at Vinyls Neighborhood Lounge for Whiskey & Wine Night. Enjoy every Old Fashioned and glass of wine for $8

while relaxing with great drinks, good company and the perfect midweek atmosphere at one of Lake Martin’s favorite local spots. Call the lounge at 256-392-3057 for more details.

Dulcimer Club

All levels of mountain dulcimer players and those blending traditional instruments are invited to gather at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays to rehearse for performances at a variety of community events. The group plays old-time, gospel and traditional music. Email kim.walls@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.

Cars & Coffee

Enjoy Cars & Coffee on The Square in downtown Dadeville. Held on the fourth Saturday of each month from March through October, this family-friendly gathering welcomes car enthusiasts to showcase classic, custom and modern vehicles. For more deatils, call Micheal at 334-663-5323 or Shannon at 256-749-7477.

Paint & Pour Night at Martin’s

Get ready for a creative and laidback evening as One Oak Pottery teams up with Martin’s at Lake Martin. Held at Martin’s in Dadeville, this $45 event invites you to design a unique piece of pottery by picking your own glaze colors and utilizing a fun paint-andpour technique. After you finish your masterpiece, the team at One Oak will fire it in their kiln for you to pick up just a few weeks later. This event will recur on the last Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Spots are limited. Pre-register at oneoakpottery.com.

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

Martin's @ Lake Martin 256-307-1338

DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE!

Subscribe today or visit one of our local establishments each month for a free copy.

ALEXANDER CITY:

Abernathy Farm Supply

Alex City Airport

Alex City Marine

Alex City Public Library

Alex City Nutrition

Bailey’s

Benjamin Lake Club

Big B Barbeque

Bone & Joint Specialists

Carib Kitchen

Carlisle's

Carlos Mexican Grill

Cazadores

Catherine's Market

Central State Bank

Chamber of Commerce

Cherokee Quickstop

Citgo - HWY 22

City Hall

Cloud Nine

Court House Annex

Dark Insurance

Days Inn

Docks Unlimited

Dr. Mackey

Dr. Sublett

Emporium Wine

Exxon - HWY 280

Fanny’s

George W. Hardy- Dentist

Grace's Flowers

Hampton Inn

Heritage South Credit Union

Hillabee Towers

Hometown Pharmacy

Jackson Drugs

Jake's

Jes & Gray Living

Jim Bob's

JR's Sports Bar & Grill

Karen Channel - State Farm

Agent

Koon's Korner

Lake Martin Pizza Co.

Lake Martin Nutrition

Larry's General Store

Longleaf Antiques

Main Street Urgent Care

Marathon - Cherokee Rd.

Mark King's Furniture

Medicine Express

Moore Wealth Management

North Lake Condo

Pri Care

Quality Inn

Regions Bank

ReMax

Renfroe’s

Ridge Marina

River Bank & Trust

River Bend Store

River North Marina

Ron Carroll-State Farm Insurance Agent

Russel Do It Center

Russel Marine Boating & Outdoors

Russell Home Decor

Russell Medical Center

Russell Lands Real Estate Sales

Center

Satterfield

Senior Nutrition Center

Shay Aesthetics

Sho’Nuff BBQ

Smith Marina

SpringHouse

Sun’s Diner

Sunrise Docks

Super 8

Tallapoosa Publishers

Temple Medical

The Body Shop

The Frances Parlor by SJ

The Ridge Club

The Square

Sure Shot Outdoors

Tippy Canoe

Truist Bank

Valley Bank

Walgreen's

Warren Appliance

Wicker Point Clubhouse

Willow Point Golf & Country Club

Willow Point Office

Wind Creek State Park Gate

Wind Creek State Park Store

DADEVILLE:

Alabama Power

Amazin' Grazin'

Backyard Dreams

Boondocks at Bay Pine

Blue Creek Marina

Chuck's Marina

City Hall

Courthouse

Creekside Lodge

Dadeville Public Library

Dadeville Wellness Center

Deep Water Docks

Ellaby Boutique

Farmer's Merchant Bank

Floyd's Feed and Seed

Flutterflies

Harbor Pointe Marina

Holiday Shores Grocery

Ivy Creek Urgent Care

Jim's Pharmacy

Lakay's

Lake Martin Community Hospital

Lake Martin Dadeville Area

Chamber

Lake Martin Pizza Co.

Lakeshore Pharmacy

Lake Martin Realty

Lucky Flight Bottle Shoppe

Martin’s at Lake Martin

McKelvey

Miller's on Broadnax

Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery

Momentum Marina

Niffer's Place

Oskar's

Payne's Furniture

Phoenix Nails

PNC Bank

Poplar Dawgs

Porch and Pine

Renfroe's Market

Route 49

Russell Building Supply

Shell

Siggers

Stillwaters Country Club

StillWaters Residential Office

Store 34

The Backyard

The Cart Source

The Grand Bakery

Three Sixty Lake Martin, LLC

Two Ghosts Coffee

Valley Bank

Wisp and Well

TALLASSEE:

1220 Cafe

Chamber of Commerce

Community Hospital

Eagle (Gilmer Ave)

First Community Bank

Guardian Credit Union

Louie's Chicken Fingers

MaePop's Barbecue

Marathon (Kent Rd)

Red Hill Gallery

WETUMPKA:

First Community Bank

The Wetumpka Herald Office

EQUALITY:

Equality Food Mart

Parker Creek Marina

Real Island Marina

Southern Star

The Landing at Parker Creek

ECLECTIC:

Anchor Bay Marina, Inc.

Children's Harbor Thrift Store

Cotton's BBQ

Eclectic Public Library

First Community Bank

Johnson Furniture Company

Kowaliga General Store

Kowaliga Marina

Kowaliga Restaurant

LakeScape

Lake Martin Dock Company

Lake Martin Machine Gun

Lake Martin Mini Mall

Lake Martin Reflections Spa

Nails

Offshore Marina

Russell Do It Center

Slice of Eclectic

The Social at Lake Martin

Get Lake Martin Living delivered to your mailbox for just $75 per year. To start your subscription, call Baily Terry at 256-234-4281.

Where every detail matters and every client leaves with a smile.

farmers and businessmen. Many of those former players eventually end up right next to Lee on the sidelines, watching games and musing with Lee about the team’s championship prospects.

“Shoot, he’s been a part of Reeltown longer than I’ve been alive,”

Lee weighed 142 pounds his senior year and played center and linebacker for legendary Reeltown football coach Duane Webster.

After finishing military service in Vietnam in the early ’70s, Lee returned to his hometown, where he ran the chains for the football team on which he had played only a handful of years prior. He handled the stats for the football team until a couple years ago, when he decided that he had earned the right to just sit and watch.

“It’s community – community here, community there. We all love Reeltown,” said Lee. “We love the school, love the people and love the football program, and everybody just stands behind the football program for Reeltown.”

Lee is present in the coaches’ room conversations. At practices, he brings the players snacks and drinks. The players call him ‘Papa Lee,’ and for

“Just

Taking the Leap

Iusually make a strong effort to not make my column all about horses, but in reality, riding is the biggest part of my week beyond work. I began riding English almost 10 years ago and currently compete in the hunters and jumpers. The jumper division is new for me, and I am enjoying the challenge. Hunters are judged on style, while jumpers are judged on speed and accuracy (i.e., don’t knock down the poles). Think figure skating versus Formula One.

My horse is named Scarlett and she is a warmblood. I bought her when she was 5, and now she’s 8, which is young for a horse. She is really smart and, while a horse is a pet, it is also your partner. There must be a lot of trust between horse and rider.

In late June, I had the opportunity to show in Ocala, Florida, at one of the largest equestrian destinations in the country – maybe even the world – the World Equestrian Center.

It was truly a bucket-list occasion, as this is not your typical fairgrounds. The World Equestrian Center opened in 2021. Picture three world-class hotels, fine dining restaurants, boutique shopping, pools, RV campgrounds and air-conditioned arenas. People from all over the world were there, and kids were eating ice cream while watching Olympic hopefuls warm up. It is Disney World for horse people.

Culture Shock

Ocala has always been a major equestrian hub for all disciplines, including thoroughbred racing, western, hunters and jumpers, dressage – you name it. Marion County itself has more horses than any other county in the United States and is home to 35 percent of Florida’s horses. More than 15,000 thoroughbreds train there annually because of the mild winters. The land itself sits on limestone bedrock and is naturally rich in calcium. Horse people found it ideal for raising strong and healthy horses.

In the 1940s and 1950s, wealthy horse people from areas like Kentucky began buying up land for the racehorses to train during the winter. When you drive around, there are plenty of training racetracks you can see from the road.

One highlight of the trip was simply the fact that I was able to haul Scarlett all by myself, and it was the longest haul I had done at six hours. I set a goal several summers ago to learn to drive a trailer so I could be more independent. The 18-wheeler traffic was a little stressful, but we made it. I also learned to change a tire on that trailer before I left, thanks to John Howell. I still prayed I wouldn’t have to! It’s like when I lifeguarded in college. I made Coach Teel promise he would actually do the saving if it came down to it.

Our team, Crown Point Equestrian, owned by Sydney Stephenson and based in Auburn, Alabama, showed up

ready to compete. My division began early each day, and that meant waking up at 5 a.m. I was definitely nervous on Day 1, and those nerves were reflected in my ride and communication with Scarlett. I managed to fall off between jumps one and two. After a few lessons learned the hard way, I now ride in an air vest that inflates when I fall off. I stood up and gave a thumbs-up, with nothing wounded but my pride. The worst had happened, and I told myself I could only go up from there

And up we went.

My trainer, Sydney, would ride Scarlett on her first round each day, and then I would ride the second course. You can imagine we had some stiff competition, and we were still in the ribbons! It’s hard to beat the super-fast ponies; they truly fly around the ring. I was so proud of Scarlett and me. Once I had my mental game under control, we were able to execute. Isn’t everything mental?

The best part of the weekend was that my brother and his family, along with my first cousins, all came to watch the Saturday class. Nothing motivates you more than wanting to look cool to your 5-year-old nephew. I locked in, and it was probably one of our best rounds. At 40, the hardest part is remembering your course of 10 to 12 jumps!

A week later, I was barely unpacked. I can’t wait to go back and do it again. The Fourth of July at the lake is always incredibly busy workwise, but I am always refreshed after I take on a tough mental challenge.

After dipping into Ocala, I see the similarities between Ocala and Lake Martin. Two places that are centered around community and shared passion. Horses and water get people outside in the sunshine and off their phones. What a wonderful thing.

~ Lacey Howell is a recovering English major from Auburn who now lives on Lake Martin, sells real estate, rides horses and loves good wine. Follow her on Instagram @LaceyHowell.

JOIN THE

COMMUNITY HEALTH EXPO

Hosted by Russell Medical in conjunction with the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce annual State of Healthcare event this will be a free morning of health, wellness, education, and community connection held in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce annual State of Healthcare luncheon.

Healthcare is more than hospitals and appointments. It’s community Connection Education Access

And making sure the people of our region have the resources they need to live healthier lives That’s why Russell Medical is bringing together healthcare providers, community organizations, local leaders, and families for a morning dedicated to wellness and community connection

The Community Health Expo will feature:

Free health screenings

Opportunities to meet providers and healthcare teams

Wellness education and resources

Community organizations and local partners

Russell Medical Community Health Expo

June 26, 2026

Central Alabama Community College, Betty Carol Graham

Technology Center

10 a.m. - Noon

www russellcares com/communityexpo

Russell Medical Care close to home.