CHAMBER PULSE INSIDE PAGE 6-7.
THE HONORING VETERANS Images from weekend events, Page 11.
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November 15, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 229 www.alexcityoutlook.com
Firefighters struggle to fight blazes Officials ask for public’s help in this time of extreme drought across the county and state By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Officials said a record number of fires are breaking out in the county and with fire departments scrambling to combat each new blaze there are ways residents can help. Emergency Management Agency Director Jason Moran said the biggest
thing someone could do to help local firefighters is to prevent fires starting altogether, but with worsening drought conditions that could happen from unusual sources. Monday provided a great example. Alexander City Councilman Eric Brown who owns Hilltop Landscaping was
headed down Highway 63 North when he spotted a Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s deputy on the side of the road with his lights flashing. Brown stopped to see if he could help. “Someone had thrown out a lit cigarette and there was a fire that had started from it,” Brown said. “I had some water
County to provide funds for innovation center
Officials hope upward revenue trend continues By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Tax revenues were up due to residential and commercial construction in the last fiscal year. Alexander City officials hope that new businesses and holiday spending will help continue that trend. Alexander City’s Business License and Tax Department Director Ward Sellers said sales and use tax collection was up nearly six percent in the 2016 fiscal year over the previous year. Sellers attributed the rise to an increase in spending activity in the area. He said new businesses, the construction of lakeside residences and add-ons to area businesses drove the spike. “We’ve got more stuff going on here,” said Sellers, who has been the director of the city department for nearly three decades. He mentioned the construction of the new River Bank and Trust Building and recent work done at the Korens plant as examples. He said there was a slight decline of approximately 2 percent in October, and that was part of a normal trend. Sellers said tax collections should pick up in the upcoming holiday months with Christmas spending gearing up. He said it was generally one of two times a year Alex City’s tax revenues rose substantially from spending in the area. “Like everybody else we get a good bump at Christmas time,” Sellers said. He said the other “bump” occurred during the summer months when tourism was at its
By MITCH SNEED Editor
The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce’s Lake Martin Innovation Center got a boost Monday when the Tallapoosa County Commissioners committed money to help with funds to secure matching grants. The commissioners voted 5-0 to approve $60,000 in funds that will allow the group to secure $300,000 in additional funds through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and the USDA Rural Development. The innovation center will be a new initiative by the chamber to provide space for budding businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurial opportunities. To a large extent, it will serve as a small and new business incubator. Space would also be See COMMISSION • Page 3
Today’s
Weather
70 47 High
Low
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
483.87
Reported on 11/14/16 @ 6 p.m.
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laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
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Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES WELCOME THE SEASON The holiday shopping season kicked off in Alexander City Sunday as residents took in deals as well as sights and sounds of the Christmas season. Above, shoppers look for deals inside Little Black Dress downtown. Left, a family dressed for their pictures with Santa stroll along Main Street.
See TAX • Page 2
Local Operation Christmas Child packing begins
Denim and Diamonds charity event hits 5th year
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Operation Christmas Child organizers, local ministers and volunteers gathered Monday morning at Vertical Point Church to kickoff National Collection Week for the program that provides Christmas gifts to children worldwide. A similar celebration was held at First Baptist Church in Dadeville for Operation Christmas Child, the program that fills empty shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and hygiene items for children living in
For the fifth year the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce Charity Ball will benefit the Lake Martin Area United Way. This year’s Denim and Diamonds Ball is set for Friday at the Lake Martin Event Center. The event goes a long way to helping the United Way serve the community. “It’s huge,” Lake Martin Area United Way director Sharon Fuller said. “It takes a lot to meet our goal, from this to other fundraisers and employee donations.” It is not the first time the event has been held to benefit the United Way. “It’s the fifth year they have chosen us See DENIM • Page 2
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Volunteers with Operation Christmas Child unload boxes filled with gifts that will be shipped to children all over the world as a part of See CHRISTMAS • Page 3 the national program.
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Relatives’ comings and goings leave their sister at a loss
Wednesday
73 47 Low
High Sunny
Thursday
78 49 Low
High Sunny
Staff
Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Lonna Upton Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 lonna.upton@alexcityoutlook.com Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com
David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Donna Jones Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com Jaylan Reynolds Advertising Sales, Ext. 232 jaylan.reynolds@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Advertising Sales, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.
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Information
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
Obituaries Mrs. Virginia Powell Cummings 1933 - 2016 Funeral Service for Mrs. Virginia Powell Cummings, 83, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Dr. Albert Pike will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mrs. Cummings passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2016 at her residence. She was born on May 25, 1933 in Ashland, Alabama to James Dewey Powell and Mary Myrtle Powell. She was an active member of River Road Baptist Church and Alexander City Parks and Recreation 50+ Club. Mrs. Cummings was the “Voice of Russell Mills” for over 25 years. Virginia was a very outgoing lady who loved spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed traveling and mowing her yard. She is survived by her husband, Andrew Cummings of Alexander City; daughters, Lisa Cheryl Futral (Phillip) of Jacksons Gap, Jennifer Kay Fry (Mark) of British Columbia; son, James W. Cummings (Kari); grandchildren, Ashley Coggin, Christian Fry, Geordan Fry, Joshua W. Cummings, Kailey L. Cummings; great-grandchildren, Abby Coggin, Ashley Coggin Jr. and brother-in-law, Donnel C. Cummings (Chrissie). She was preceded in death by her parents and first husband Harold Dunning. The family will accept flowers or memorial contributions may be made to the River Road Baptist Church, 148 Dean Road, Alexander City, Al 35010. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Sallie Mae Allen Mrs. Sallie Mae Allen was born on November 11, 1923 in Dadeville, Al. She was a lifetime resident in Dadeville. Mrs. Sallie Allen, age 93, of Dadeville, Al. passed away on November 12, 2016 at Dadeville Health Care Center in Dadeville. A Memorial Service for Mrs. Sallie Mae Allen will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday November 16, 2016 at Alabama Funeral Homes
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The Outlook
with Rev. William Penny Jr. officiating. Mrs. Sallie Allen was preceded in death by her husband Booker T. Allen; parents Blue Burns and Susie Hatcher Burns; her siblings Louise Reese, Willie Burns, Levon Burns, Leroy Burns, and Harold Burns. Cherish her memories - four step - children: Imogene (Joe), Elizabeth Allen, Patricia Peacock, and Larry D. Allen; a host of nieces and nephews; one sister in law Colley Burns. Alabama Funeral Homes in Dadeville are handling the arrangements. alabamafuneralhomes.com
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DEAR ABBY: My older brother and son live with me. We are all adults, so we don’t need to ask each other’s permission before one of us leaves the house. Out of courtesy, I let them know where I’m going, who I’ll be with, and if I am likely to be out late. When I’m out, if I realize that I’ll be gone later than I thought, I text them. To me, this is common courtesy. My brother and son say goodbye when they leave, but rarely volunteer any information about their plans. I hate to ask, because they are adults and it’s none of my business, but it just seems rude. I’m often startled when they come home late and I am awakened, until I know it’s them and not someone breaking in. If I wake up and they aren’t home, I worry. Am I right to expect them to tell me where they are going and if they will be late? -- ANNOYED SISTER DEAR ANNOYED: To expect to be told where your older
DEAR ABBY Advice
brother and adult son are going and with whom seems like a lot of information to demand. However, being informed what time they will be back so you won’t think someone is breaking in not only would be thoughtful but also practical. DEAR ABBY: I suffer from severe seasonal allergies. I have watery eyes and sneeze during January and February every year. I went to an allergist last winter, but he couldn’t do much for me. As I struggle to get through my days as quietly as possible, every sneeze seemingly elicits a “God bless you” from some stranger. If I’m unable to acknowledge it, I often get a
Tax
“Well, thank you!” or some other show of indignation. Abby, I don’t need “blessings.” Calling attention to my difficulties, frankly, just annoys and embarrasses me. I am trying the best I can to be quiet and avoid disruption. Can you please ask your many readers to end this ancient, silly convention and let those of us with allergies suffer in peace? -- ATCHOO IN KANSAS CITY DEAR ATCHOO: No. The “God bless you” convention originated in the Middle Ages. People thought that when someone sneezed the soul left the body for a minute, and would be snatched by the devil if someone didn’t say “God bless you.” Those who say it today may be doing it because it has become a conditioned reflex, or to be polite. Accept the kind gesture and kwitchurbitchin. DEAR ABBY: After becoming engaged recently, I was excited to ask my best friend to be my
continued from page 1
peak. And even with Black Friday, holiday spending barely rose above summer levels. “Christmas is just slightly better than the best month for the summer,” Sellers said. About $883,000 came out of last year’s holiday sales compared to nearly $857,766 in what Sellers called, “the best month in the summer.” The pattern held for the 2015 fiscal year, but the year before summer tax revenues outweighed January’s collections, which Sellers said was because of lingering “economic doldrums.” Sellers said low months for tax revenue are: September, October, November and February. Overall for fiscal year 2016 there was $9,487,855 in total sales and use tax collections at an increase of over $535,825 compared to the previous year. However last year’s rise was in part a result of the half-cent tax increase applied in the city in 2014, along with what Sellers called the half-rate tax of two percent designated throughout police jurisdiction areas. It set the city tax rate at four percent and two percent for outlying areas. The funds ultimately go to city projects. Sellers gave a breakdown where each cent went. Out of the ten-cent tax on every dollar spent in the city four goes to the city, four to the state and two to the county. Of that four the city gets a half-cent for road projects, another half a cent to the Sports Plex and a quarter of a cent to education. Sellers said the rest goes to the city’s general fund. As for what fiscal year 2017 might hold, Sellers said, “I’m thinking, I’m hoping it will be on par with past year.”
Denim
bridesmaid. However, her husband can’t stand the thought of her getting dolled up and walking down the aisle after the ceremony with another man. I want to be respectful, but this just seems over the top. Their daughters will be flower girls. I don’t understand why this is an issue. Would it be best for her to just attend the wedding? This is breaking my heart. What’s a bride to do? -RESPECTFUL IN KENTUCKY DEAR RESPECTFUL: Your friend’s husband appears to be insecure and controlling. Your next move should be to ask your friend how she plans to handle this -- so that she and the girls can be replaced if necessary. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
continued from page 1
as their charity,” Fuller said. Linda Andrews of the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce says the event will be fun. “It’s our annual charity ball – Denim and Diamonds,” Andrews said. “We hope guest will come dressed in denim and diamonds and have fun.” Tickets for the evening are $50 and can be purchased at the Dadeville Chamber of Commerce, The Lake Martin Area United Way and at the Lake Martin Event Center. The night should have something for most everyone. “We will have a steak dinner catered by Popular Dawgs at 7 p.m.,” Andrews said. “Then at 8 p.m. Lisa and The Elusion Band will take to the stage at the Lake Martin Event Center.” In addition to the dinner and concert, Andrews said there will be an auction. “We will have a silent auction,” Andrews said. “Items include a Yet i cooler, golf retreats from StillWaters and Russell Lands, a fishing trip with Southern Striper, pottery by Judy and Mike and a Gus Malzhan autographed football.” The evening might be fun but it’s for a good cause. “The evening goes a long way to helping make our $530,000 campaign goal,” Fuller said.
Police Reports Alexander City Police Department November 9
• Domestic violence was reported on Walton Road. • Domestic violence was reported on County Road. • Burglary was reported on Thomas Street.
November 8
• Theft was reported on Highway 280. • Criminal mischief was reported on Green Street. • Criminal trespass was reported in the 1900 block of Jefferson Street. • Criminal mischief and criminal trespass was reported in the 1900 block of Jefferson Street.
November 7
• Charethea Denise Benton, 27, of Alexander City was arrested for harassment. • Bryan Allen Curlee, 25, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Theft was reported on Parkway Circle. • Theft was reported in Alexander City. • Theft was reported in the 1700 block of Summer Street. • Criminal trespass was reported on Iris Avenue. • Theft was reported on 11th Avenue North. • Unlawful breaking and entering was reported in Alexander City.
November 6
• Antonio Larayis Gover, 29, of Opelika was arrested for discharging a firearm into an occupied building. • Courtney Lashee Gover, 25, of Opelika was arrested for discharging a firearm into an occupied building. • Sernee Delshay McNeal Wilson, 28, of Alexander City was arrested for criminal use of defense spray. • Harassment was reported in Alexander City. • Theft was reported in the 2400 block of Arrowhead Road.
November 4
• Burglary was reported on Midway Circle. • Theft was reported in Alexander City. • Domestic violence was reported in the 100 block of Carolyn Road. • Unlawful breaking and entering was reported on Highway 280. • Theft was reported in Alexander City.
November 3
• Tiffany Nishia Kelley, 22, of Alexander City was arrested for
harassment. • Burglary and assault were reported on Sandy Ridge Road. • Harassment was reported on Jefferson Street.
Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department November 13
report for a dog bite. • A resident of Dudleyville Road filed a report for criminal trespass.
November 5
• A resident of Port Road filed a report for criminal mischief.
November 4
November 11
• Kenneth F. Moon of Dadeville was arrested for three failure to appear contempt of Court Warrants. • A resident of Crestline Circle filed a report for theft that occurred in the county. • A resident of Samford Drive filed a report for theft. • A resident of County Road 34 filed a report for a dog bite. • A resident of Tiber Cove Drive filed a report for criminal trespass in the area of Smith Mountain Tower.
November 10
• Joshua Johnson of Greenleaf Street in Alexander City was arrested for failure to appear child support, two probation violations and a probation revocation. • Amethyst Simpson of 13th Street in Alexander City was arrested for failure to appear resisting arrest. • Kelvin Bell of General Colin Powell Street in Tallassee was arrested for probation violation.
• A resident of Woodland Road in Dadeville filed a report for theft. • A resident of Vista Wood Drive in Dadeville filed a report for burglary of a business.
November 12
• A resident of Highway 49 South in Tallassee filed a report for domestic violence. • A resident of Gants Mill Road in Tallassee filed a report for criminal mischief and criminal trespass. • Antonio Gover of Autumn Wood Village in Wetumpka was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear for criminal trespass. • Courtney Gover of Toomer Court in Opelika was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear. For disorderly conduct. • A resident of Whippoorwill Court in Dadeville filed a report for theft of property. • A resident of Dudleyville Road in Dadeville filed a report for criminal mischief.
November 8
• Shawn Galloway of Swamp Hollow in Dadeville was arrested on outstanding warrants for 4 failure to appear unlawful distribution, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and chemical endangerment of a minor.
November 7
• Patricia Phillips of Cooledge Street in Wadley was arrested on outstanding warrants for probation violation and a bench warrant. • Scottayvious McKenzie of Cherokee Trail in Tallassee was arrested on 2 grand jury indictments shooting into an occupied vehicle and criminal mischief. • Stephen Courtney of Highway 98 in Fairhope was arrested on outstanding warrants for probation violation and probation revocation. • Matthew Jones of Dadeville was arrested on a warrant for criminal trespass.
November 6
• A resident of County Road 34 filed a report for theft. • A resident of Highway 280 filed a
November 3
November 2
• Justin Johns of Shady Oak in Sylacauga was arrested on grand jury indictments for possession of marijuana first, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. • Trashaun Stovall of Fitzpatrick Boulevard in Montgomery was arrested for trespassing.
November 1
• A resident of Rocksprings Road in Jacksons Gap filed a report for harassing communications. • A resident of Dudleyville Road in Dadeville filed a report for theft of property. • A resident of Dead Timbers in Dadeville filed a report for theft of property.
October 31
• A resident of Mullican Road filed a report for domestic violence.
October 30
• Jackie McElrath of County Road in Alexander City was arrested for criminal trespass. • A resident of McCain Lane in Notasulga filed a report for criminal trespass.
October 29
• Benjamin Joffrion of Highway 49 South in Tallassee was arrested for domestic violence assault.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Page 3
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The Outlook
Commission
continued from page 1
available for individuals or small groups to who need space to work to do so on a membership plan with access to business machines and high-speed internet. “This will be a place where someone with the idea for a new business can begin,” Commissioner Steve Robinson said. “They would have space to start and get established. Doing it there will allow them to get up and running and operational more quickly than if they had to find a space all of their own.” Commissioner T.C. Coley asked if the Chamber would be seeking funds from the Alexander City City Council and checked to make sure that the county had the funds to provide this money and have enough should the courthouse improvement project require a match this fiscal year. Chamber Executive Director Ed Collari said that they plan to seek the same amount from Alexander City. County Administrator Blake Beck said while the funds were not budgeted, there were ample reserve funds to handle the request. Collari thanked the commissioners for their support. Commissioners also voted unanimously to enter an agreement with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management that will help the county with discarded tires that crews are forced to pickup from illegal dumpsites. “This agreement provided for reimbursement from ADEM for removal and disposal of tires
collected from roadways and roadsides,” said County Engineer David Moore. “It provides up to $125,000 in four quarterly installments. This is something our guys are dealing with constantly, so this will be a big help to the county.” The commissioners also dealt with some personnel moves forced by a change in the law regarding exempt status of employees. The new law requires a salary of at least $47,500 for an employee to be salaried rather than hourly. Beck explained that there were five employees that he believed could be moved to hourly without costing the county much additional, but suggested that two employees have salary increases to keep them salaried. The commissioners approved the plan, allowing for salary supplements for the EMA director and the director of community corrections. Bena Patel of PJ’s One Stop in the Wall Street community asked for reconsideration of the store’s liquor license. Last month, the commissioners approved beer and wine, but Mr. Patel said his store had not been cited for any violations and that he would like for the liquor portion of the license to be reconsidered. County Engineer Moore also agreed to look into a drainage issue that was presented to the commissioners regarding storm runoff that has caused damage to property owned by Allen Tidmore of Jacksons Gap. Tidmore had pictures and video of water that empties onto his property from Main Street.
Christmas
In other action, the commissioners unanimously: • Approved the minutes of the Oct. 11 meeting. • Approved warrants and purchase orders. • Approved the 2017 meeting schedule and holiday schedule. • Approved the reappointments of Jay Turner, Stan Merritt and David Key to the Tallapoosa County 9-1-1 Board. • Set a Dec. 12 Public Hearing to vacate a portion of Speake Road. The meeting will be at 8:45 a.m. before the regular meeting of the commissioners. The courthouse will be closed Nov. 24-25 for Thanksgiving holidays.
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poverty overseas. “If you look at it like this, you have the people of Tallapoosa County reaching out to help across the world,” said Rev. Vince Lee of Vertical Point Church. “It starts out small, but here we have a network of churches and volunteers from across the county, all doing their part to help. It’s pretty awesome to see how that kindness and effort can have a far-reaching impact.” Through Operation Christmas Child, a project of international relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, Alexander City and Dadeville residents are rallying with hopes of contributing several thousand shoebox gifts toward the 2016 global goal of reaching 12 million children. “This week the community is focused on making a difference in the lives of children facing difficult circumstances,” said local volunteer Courtney Hall. “There is no joy quite like that of giv-
ing, and it is an honor to use our resources to let children around the world know they are loved and not forgotten.” Alexander City and Dadeville residents are not alone in their effort to help children around the world. More than 150,000 volunteers including families, churches and other groups are linking arms across the country to contribute to the largest Christmas project of its kind. In 2016, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach 12 million children, with 44,000 coming from the South Central Alabama area. In Alexander City and Dadeville, two sites will serve as drop-off locations for shoebox gift donations. For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, email OCCsouthcentralalabama@gmail. com or visit samaritanspurse.org/ occ. By going online to give the
suggested donation of $7 per shoebox gift, participants can follow their box to discover where in the world it will be delivered. They can also pack a shoebox gift online and even upload a photo and note of encouragement. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 135 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 150 countries and territories. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.
Fire
HILLABEE TOWERS continued from page 1
Like Brown. Sheriff Jimmy Abbett praised Caldwell for being so observant. Abbett said he has asked all his people to be on the lookout and remain attentive to anything that could spark a fire in these dry conditions. With 58 days without measureable rain, the problem is statewide. A No Burn Order issued Nov. 7 for all 67 counties is still in effect throughout the state, and prohibits all outdoor burning. What can start a fire has changed however, and now it takes even less to strike a blaze. An obvious example of a source for a fire would be a cigarette thrown out of the window of a moving vehicle, like what happened on Monday. Moran said that he even
had a report that a spark thrown from a bush hog mowing a field sparked a blaze. He gave advice on how to keep unintentional fires from starting, and how to help out with the workload of local fire fighters. “Don’t throw your cigarettes out of the window,” said Moran. And Moran said not to burn anything outside, and if there were concerns over something potentially starting a fire Moran said to call and share that info with 911 operators. Moran said the Alexander City Fire Department responded to over 20 brush fires in the past 30 days. That’s three times the amount of fires they had responded to than in the previous month.
In the county, there have been 89 total fire calls since October among the 13 volunteer fire departments spread throughout the county. Moran said more than a third of those, 32, were made in November. A normal month is about 30 calls total. He said the volunteer departments were “stretched thin” in their efforts to handle to the volume of calls. “They’re dedicating their time and we thank them for their time they do donate,” Moran said. And with no lightning to spark random blazes, Moran said the majority of the fires are attributed in some way to human activity. “It is a challenge for them, especially if they have limited personnel and people to respond,”
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said Moran. He said it was considered a violation to burn anything outside of a grill, barbecue or masonry pit, and asked that anyone refrain from burning trash altogether. As it gets colder, Moran said the embers of home fireplaces were also of concern. Moran said to ensure all ashes were extinguished entirely before disposal in a clean area, and to make sure chimneys were properly maintained. Before beginning as EMA director Moran said he served as chief of Eagle Creek Fire Department.
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Page 4
Our
Opinion
D
Know Your
Officials
Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following. Governor Robert Bentley represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. He was elected to office on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334242-7100. His office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.
Robert Bentley
Luther Strange was elected Alabama’s 49th Attorney General first elected in 2010, and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery.
Luther Strange
Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at Mark Tuggle 256-392-2006 or by email at tughd81@gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City. Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Tom Whatley Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
The
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Disabilities can be visible and invisible
We want to A hear from you! o you have something you’d like to say? A letter to the editor or a guest column published in The Outlook is the best way we know of to reach people in the Lake Martin community. Here are some good reasons to speak out: ■ If you would like to voice an opinion on a topic that impacts a number of residents. ■ If you want to call attention to someone or some group that has achieved something noteworthy. ■ If you want to thank someone who has gone of their way to help you. ■ If you see a problem in our community and you’d like to suggest a solution. Whatever you have to say, we’d like to help you say it – for free. Just write us a letter or a guest column. We have a few rules designed to help get your thoughts published accurately. First, we require all letters be signed and include a phone number. We won’t publish your phone number, but we will call and confirm that the writer is genuine. In rare instances, we may publish a letter to the editor without including the writer’s name if the letter passes a strict three-pronged test: we have confirmed that the letter is legitimate, revealing the writers’ name would cause harm and publishing the letter is in the best interest of our community. The main difference between a letter to the editor and a guest column is the length. Letters are limited to about 250 words. Guest columns can be twice that length and include a photo of the writer. The best way to get a column or letter to us is to email it to editor@alexcityoutlook.com. We also accept letters on paper, delivered to our office at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, or delivered by mail to Editor, The Outlook, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011. Your right to speak out as a citizen, and our right to publish your opinion, is protected by the First Amendment. Exercise your right.
Outlook
couple of weeks ago I gave an interview to the local paper about my work with the American Disability Act. This interview and subsequent paper articles sparked among the townsfolk a flurry of comments and telephone calls about the abuse of accessible handicap parking spots at local businesses. Many of the comments were about how mad or livid the person gets when they see people parking in these spots with a handicap placard and getting out not even looking like there is anything wrong with them. I put a lot of thought into the statements the people were making and this caused me to think about those of us with invisible disabilities that don’t always use the accessible parking space but do when necessary due to our physical conditions and often this brings about sneers and whispers as people look at us. I have also gotten unwarranted nasty looks and comments from onlookers. But just because a person does not use a wheelchair, walker or cane does not mean that they do not have a disability
REUBEN PRATER Guest Columnist
that warrants them parking in the accessible parking spaces. People with all types of disabilities – visible and invisible – should be able to do what is best for their health and well being without being given grief from on looking public. We need to get the word out…not all people who are disabled ride in the motorized chairs but need the break from having to walk from the back of the parking lot to get to the front door. Sometimes the invisible disabled person needs a break. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some 53 million Americans have some sort of disability. The CDC also reports found that just over 6.5 million American use assistive devices to help them with their mobility. Of that number 2.2 people use wheelchair or scooters; 6.1 million use other mobility devices such as canes,
crutches and walkers. So that leaves about 45 million people with disabilities who use no mobility device. Therefore accessible parking is bound to be used by someone who appears not to have a disability. There are millions of people like me that park close to a store or school or office because sometimes we don’t have the strength to walk very far on that day. I face this and do the best I can on that day. But we have a disability. We are not trying to scam the system or prevent someone worse than us from parking in accessible parking spaces. We are just doing what our bodies allow us to do. So, I write all of this to say be kind and understanding!! Please don’t judge me because I am not using a wheelchair. But to those who park in the accessible spaces using someone’s placard and there isn’t anything wrong with you…. Shame on you and I hope you get caught by the police!!!
“I
LARRY LEE Guest Columnist
Speaker’s office whining about an educator standing him down. One does not have to be a Rhodes Scholar to see that the legislative leadership who took control of the Statehouse in 2010 is no friend of public schools. The Alabama Accountability Act, a charter school bill and the much maligned A-F school report cards are testimony to what is afoot. And the last thing our 740,000 public school students need is someone as state superintendent who will stand up for them. So someone concocts a bogus set of allegations in hopes of putting doubt in the minds of members of the state school board. Now all they need is someone to make sure the right strings get pulled. Is this someone Mary Scott Hunter? At this point this seems to be the case. While other board members told the legislative committee they basically ignored the complaint and that it should never have been given credence, Hunter says she was very concerned when she read the allegations and gave a copy to Phillip Cleveland, interim state superintendent so that he could give it to Juliana Dean, his legal counsel. She then contacted Tom Albritton, who runs the Ethics Commission and told him about it. And though she is just one of eight elected members of the state board, she did not confer with other members about what she was doing– or what she should be doing. Albritton told his legal counsel Hugh Evans III they needed a copy of the smear sheet. He calls Dean who soon hand delivers it. Evans then sends Dean a letter naming Pouncey as the object of the anonymous letter, which Dean sends to all board members. And not long afterwards, copies
Quote
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” – Mother Teresa
Today’s
Scripture
“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” – 2 Corinthians 11:14
alexcityoutlook.com
Daily Poll Weekend Question: Have you begun minimizing your water consumption?
Yes – 10 No – 21
Reuben Prater is an Alexander City resident and guest columnist.
Info shows ugly side of superintendent search
did not know the rules.” These words won’t leave my head. Round and round, “I did not know the rules.” The reply given by state school board member Mary Scott Hunter to State Senator Gerald Dial when asked in a Nov. 10 committee meeting if she knew the Ethics Committee does not investigate anonymous complaints. The words hung over the room like an anvil. Did I just hear what I just heard? An attorney who has been on the state school board since 2011 says she is unaware of how the Ethics Commission works? The issue this day was an anonymous “smear sheet” injected into last summer’s search for a new state school chief. A legislative committee is digging through the carnage to find out how this info, which cannot be investigated by the Ethics Commission because the so-called “complaint” is not attributable to anyone, and if it could be would not be investigated because the time between when the alleged misdeed took place and now have long since passed the prosecution threshold. The allegations were directed toward Craig Pouncey, superintendent of the Jefferson County school system and one of the leading contenders to replace Tommy Bice. Obviously someone was trying to make sure Pouncey would not get the job. Why did they not want him? An email from Rep. Terri Collins, who chairs the House Education Policy Committee offers a clue. Collins wrote all state board members last summer saying that they should not consider Pouncey because the then Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard sent a letter to Tommy Bice telling him to keep Pouncey out of the Statehouse. There was no such letter. And what was Pouncey’s “sin?” When Rep. Ed Henry attacked our public schools in a meeting, Pouncey defended them. So Henry ran to the
Today’s
of this letter end up in news articles. So now the public knows. Pouncey has been fingered. Rightly or wrongly makes no difference. His name got in the paper. And given the intense politicization of the superintendent selection process that is all that is needed. Because surely the state board members and the governor would not pick a state superintendent who is suspected of wrong doing. And the children of Alabama get Mike Sentence, an attorney from Massachusetts, to look out for them. Mary Scott Hunter was on the board in 2011 when Tommy Bice was picked as state superintendent. One of the seven applicants that year was Mike Sentence. Ms. Hunter, nor any other board members, were impressed enough to bring him in to interview. Yet, now Ms. Hunter says his resume” just “grew on her.” The same resume’ she trashed five years ago. Ms. Hunter spoke repeatedly of Pouncey in glowing terms to the legislative committee. She voted for four of the six candidates who applied–but not him.. This selection process was poisoned. We now all know that. But by WHO and WHY? Someone is playing games with our children and our teachers and our school administrators. I like Mary Scott Hunter. She is not a bad person. But she has become caught up in something bigger than she is and from this point on, simply saying “I did not know the rules” will not suffice. The fact that the committee meeting audience included the governor’s legal counsel and the attorney general’s chief deputy indicates that others are looking for answers as well. Larry Lee led the study Lessons Learned from Rural Schools and is a longtime advocate for public education. larrylee133@ gmail.com. Read his blog: larryeducation.com
Tuesday Question: Do you think criminals in Alabama get off easy?
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The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
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The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 50 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.
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We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 2346550 or e-mailed to editor@alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!
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Tuesday, November 15, 2016
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar Need Insurance? Call me.
Today is
November 15, 2016 Today’s Events
MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet Nov. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church. DRUG PLAN ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE: Tallapoosa County and The East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission’s Area Agency on Aging will host a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan enrollment
assistance event on Tuesday, Oct. 18, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Nov. 8, Nov. 15, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sportplex Cabin. To help develop a plan comparison, Medicare recipients will need to bring their Medicare card,along with a complete list of medications they are taking and the dosages. Volunteers will guide them through the selection process and help them get information on the cost of each plan. People interested in getting a plan comparison will be assisted on a first come, first served basis. Each counseling sessions will last
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Participate in your Outlook by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or logging on to http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/. about 40 minutes. There may be a wait time. Contact East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission at (800) 243-5463 ext. 150 with questions.
America Lives Here
Today’s Anniversary
Wayne and Marie Woodfin are celebrating their anniversary.
Today’s Birthdays
Juanita Finney, Dwight Sanderson, Jef Thurman, Lavonda Baker, Gail Hope, Mark Grier, Tommy Waters and Jane Hawkins are celebrating their birthday.
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Visitors to the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Alexander City Holiday Open House Sunday were treated to traditional Christmas carols throughout the day.
November 1 - December 17
FOOD FOR FINES: The Adelia M. Russell Library and Mamie’s Place Children’s Library is accepting nonperishable food items in lieu of library fines. ANGEL TREE REGISTRATION: The Salvation Army Angel Tree registration will be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 1 to Nov. 17 at the Salvation Army at 1725 Highway 22 West in Alexander City. The Angel Tree Program provides gifts of new clothing and toys to thousands of children who otherwise might not have anything for Christmas. Families in need of assistance may contact the Salvation Army at 256215-3730 for information on how to apply.
November 10 - December 2
ACMS FUNDRAISER: The Alexander City Middle School is having a linen fundraiser Nov. 10 through Dec. 2. For sale will be Egyptian cotton twin, full, queen and king sheet sets for $35. See any student, parent or teacher at ACMS. Proceeds benefit ACMS. PEANUT FUNDRAISER: The Alex City Kiwanis is holding a peanut fundraiser. 2.5 pound bags of raw shelled peanuts can be purchased for $5 from Kiwanis members or at River Bank and Trust, Jay Hare CPA, Anytime Fitness, Tapley Appliance, Sixth Street Baptist Church, Caldwell Electronics, Alex City Board of Education and Cloud Nine.
Site Volunteer Fire and Ambulance will be having a pancake breakfast Saturday, Nov. 19 from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the New Site Town Hall. BIKE AND CAR SHOW: The Central Alabama Buffalo Soldiers are hosting a bike and car show Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Old Goodwater School Parking Lot. Registrationis from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and the fee is $20 and includes a meal. There will also be a charity bike ride with proceeds going to Bishop Eddie “Easy” Edwards. Riders are $15 and passengers are $5. Kickstands are up at 10 a.m. for the 30 mile ride. There will be a bounce house for kids, bike rodeo, door prizes, 50/50 raffle tickets, concessions. You can also pre-order Boston Butts for $25. For more information contact Annie Zeigler at 256-749-5891 or Alfred Ellington at 256-749-0071.
November 20
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: New Adka Missionary Baptist Church will observe its 144th anniversary Sunday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. Guest minister will be Rev. Anthony Pogue of Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church of Opelika. Pastor of New Adka is Edward Milner. PASTOR APPRECIATION: GAP Fellowship Church will celebrate the 17th Appreciation of Pastor Lewis and Marilyn Benson Sunday, Nov. 20 2:30 p.m. At the 11 a.m. service Minister Jessie White, GAP Fellowship Associate Minister will speak. at the 2:30 p.m. Pastor Larry D. Shealey of Darian Baptist Church will speak.
Tuesday, Oct. 18, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Nov. 8, Nov. 15, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sportplex Cabin. To help develop a plan comparison, Medicare recipients will need to bring their Medicare card,along with a complete list of medications they are taking and the dosages. Volunteers will guide them through the selection process and help them get information on the cost of each plan. People interested in getting a plan comparison will be assisted on a first come, first served basis. Each counseling sessions will last about 40 minutes. There may be a wait time. Contact East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission at (800) 243-5463 ext. 150 with questions.
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November 30
BOOK SIGNING : The Adelia M. Russell Library is hosting Linda Carter for a book signing of her book “What I Need to Succeed,” Nov. 30 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
December 4
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Mt. Zion East Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating its 151st Church Anniversary Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. Guest minister will be Rev. M. A. Moss of Reeltown Baptist Church. Rev. Jimmy Thomas is pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
December 6
DRUG PLAN ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE: Tallapoosa County and The East Alabama Regional November 17-20 November 27 Planning and Development CHURCH REVIVAL: Family HARVEST RALLY: The Word Bible Commission’s Area Agency on Aging Worship Center will host a revival Nov. Church is holding a Harvest Rally Nov. will host a Medicare Prescription Drug 17-19 at 6:30 p.m. each night and 27 at 3 p.m. Pastor is Apostle Wayne Plan enrollment assistance event on at 10 a.m. Nov. 20. Speaking will be and First Lady Min Brenda Davis. Tuesday, Oct. 18, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Pastor Mark Deason and Evangelist Guest speaker will be Pastor Nov. 8, Nov. 15, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 Philp Gipson. Pastor of Family Demetrius Griffin of Hatchett Spring from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sportplex Worship Center is Tony Harris. Baptist Church. Cabin. CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Ridge To help develop a plan compariNovember 18 Grove Missionary Baptist Church is son, Medicare recipients will need to CHARITY BALL: The Dadeville hosting its Centennial Anniversary bring their Medicare card,along with a Area Chamber of Commerce is hostNov. 27 at 2:30 p.m. to celebrate 100 complete list of medications they are ing its annual Denim and Diamonds years and family and friends day. taking and the dosages. Volunteers Charity Ball a the Lake Martin Event Guest minister will be Rev. McClinton will guide them through the selection Center at The Rodeo Club Friday, Hall of Loving Peace Missionary process and help them get information Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. There will be a steak Baptist Church in Wetumpka. Pastor on the cost of each plan. dinner and silent auction. Tickets are of Ridge Grove is Rev. Leroy Smith. People interested in getting a available by calling the Dadeville Area plan comparison will be assisted Chamber of Commerce at 256-825on a first come, first served basis. November 28 4019, the Lake Martin Area United MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION: The Each counseling sessions will last Way at 256-329-3600 or the Lake about 40 minutes. There may be next meeting of the Alexander City Martin Event Center at 256-825-7503. Ministerial Association will be Monday, a wait time. Contact East Alabama Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the new build- Regional Planning and Development November 19 Commission at (800) 243-5463 ext. ing of GAP Fellowship Church at 721 COMMUNITY PRAYER: The 150 with questions. Robinson Court. Darian Missionary Baptist Church The guest speaker Riley Foshee, family and prayer teams are offeran Alexander City Police officer, will December 17 ing prayer to the community the third give information about church security. COMMUNITY PRAYER: The Saturday of each month through Also, the election of officers for 2017 Darian Missionary Baptist Church December from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in will be conducted. There will be time family and prayer teams are offerthe parking lot on the corner of Laurel for sharing news and concerns and ing prayer to the community the third and E Streets across from Stephens for intercessory prayer. All Christian Saturday of each month through ministers are invited. For more inforElementary School. December from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in mation, contact Bill Middlebrooks at TRADE DAY: The Bibb Graves the parking lot on the corner of Laurel School Alumni and Friends are having 256-234-3371. and E Streets across from Stephens a trade day Nov. 19 from 7 a.m. to 2 Elementary School. a.m. November 29 TURKEY SHOOT: The Red Hill DRUG PLAN ENROLLMENT January 17 Community Club is hosting a turkey ASSISTANCE: Tallapoosa County MEETING: The Artist Association shoot Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. at the Red and The East Alabama Regional of Central Alabama will meet Jan. 17 Hill Community Center. Cost is $5 per Planning and Development from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the shot with all proceeds go to the Red Commission’s Area Agency on Aging First Baptist Church. Hill Community Roof Fund. will host a Medicare Prescription Drug PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The New Plan enrollment assistance event on
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The Outlook
PULSE
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Our Community, Our Readers, Your Chamber
Chamber visits Atlanta for International Council of Shopping Centers Conference By JACOB MEACHAM VP, Business Development
One of the key initiatives in the Chamber of Commerce’s Our Future Is Now five-year strategic plan is to recruit new business to Alexander City and the Lake Martin area. Specifically though, the Chamber focuses on the recruitment of retail businesses. Word-for-word, our plan states that the Chamber will “in partnership with local government, lead the targeted recruitment of new-tothe-market retail, based on current sales tax leakage and service gap analysis.” In summary, the Chamber serves as the city’s arm for recruiting retail businesses to the area. Attracting new retail is an important aspect of developing a thriving local economy. Although it certainly isn’t the only piece, retail does create jobs, contributes to sales and property tax revenue, keeps money local by providing shopping options that people don’t have to travel out of town for and bolsters our selection of places to shop, eat and be entertained. Retail industry experts will let you know pretty quickly what matters to the decision makers involved in locating a new retail business to a particular area with demographics, income level and location at the top of the list. Because of our small population and relatively low income level (35k median income), we have challenges in attracting the types of places at the top of wish lists we commonly hear from people in Alex City.
But those challenges don’t stop us from putting our best foot forward and selling our area’s strengths and vast potential. We know the potential is real because we have data and information that tells exactly where the potential lies. That information allows us to hone in on exactly the types of retail businesses that should be interested in our area based on where gaps exist in our consumer market. For example, we know that over $10 million is spent outside of our trade area in the “Full Service Restaurant” category by people who live inside of our trade area. That means that a lot of people are leaving the Alexander City area and spending lots of money to go eat out of town. The natural conclusion drawn from that data points to this area being a viable market to open a new full service restaurant. But even with data that suggests we live in a viable market for new retail in a variety of other categories, such as electronics, family clothing, home furnishing, sporting goods, office supplies and more, other factors come into play when decision makers are evaluating markets for expansion, including available land to build on, quality space to move into or the willingness of developers to take on a project. Making contacts in the industry and developing relationships is also a key part of the process. That why we maintain a membership with the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). ICSC is a global trade association of the shopping center industry with more than
70,000 members made up of shopping center owners, real estate developers, retailers, brokers, academics and public officials. It’s not enough, though, to just have a membership in an organization like ICSC when you represent Alexander City among a global membership with trade shows and conferences spread all over the United States. That’s why we have travel annually to Atlanta for the ICSC Southeast Conference and Deal Making event. The Atlanta event is a two-day conference with retailers, developers, brokers and city leaders connecting and essentially trying to find the right match. Although I’ve never participated in it, it’s what I imagine speed dating to be like. Retailers and developers are looking for the right city for their next project while cities are looking for retailers that fit their consumer demands and developers willing to take on the project. Typically, retailers have relationships with a development company or groups of developers who they’ve worked with before on projects, and they use those relationships to help each other identify where their next joint venture is going to take place. On the other side of the coin you have competing cities, many alike, all vying for the attention of the retailers and developers and the chance to highlight the opportunities that exist in their communities. That’s what I and Ed Collari, Chamber President & CEO, spent Nov. 2-3 doing in Atlanta on behalf of Alexander City. But we don’t do it
alone. We enlist the help of a consulting firm who points us in the direction of retailers who are expanding into markets similar to ours, basically providing us with leads and pre-established relationships that we can then follow up on and pitch to them the opportunities that exist in Alexander City. In addition to attending events such as ICSC, we supplement attendance at those conferences with trips to other cities in Alabama to learn from their leaders about what they’re doing that works or even what they’re doing that doesn’t work. We use those trips to also connect with business owners to get a feel for their plans for expansion or relocation. Another avenue is seeking out developers on our own who might be interested in our market and pair them with local land owners to gauge interest in potential opportunities. Our doors are open for business, and we try to reach as many people as we can to let them know what the opportunities are here in our community. Although it might not be visible every day you drive around town or down Highway 280, interest in our area is high and the necessary parts are moving behind the scenes. The process is long with these projects taking months or even years to get off the ground, but the outlook is very positive for Alexander City and the Lake Martin area. We’re proud of the community we serve and we hope that’s constantly reflected in the work that we do.
Upcoming Events
Submitted / The Outlook
Anytime Fitness opens new facility Anytime Fitness expanded its new state of the art facility to a brand new location on 24 Broad Street in Alexander City. Shawna and Michelle will be happy to take you on a tour of this 24/7 fitness center owned by Doug Morris. Call 256-329-1004.
Neal Wade, Director of the University of Alabama’s Economic Development Academy and former director of the Alabama Development Office (now the Department of Commerce), presents to the community on job creation and economic development. Wade will discuss the opportunities for economic growth in Alabama and what needs to happen within our communities to become a “thriving state.” According to Wade, Alexander City is in an enviable geographic location for job creation and the discussion will center around ways the community and region can capitalize on all aspects of economic development.
Submitted / The Outlook
Amy Clark and team open new office Stop by 2044 Cherokee Road, Alexander City and see Amy Clark and her team. They have a new office and a new name! Look them up at www.sellinglakemartin.com or call 256-749-3333.
Submitted / The Outlook
MainStreet Urgent Care now open The Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the Grand Opening /Ribbon Cutting of MainStreet Urgent Care. Their friendly staff is located at 2508 Hwy 280, Alexander City. For more information call 256-414-3013.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
The Outlook
www.alexcityoutlook.com
PULSE
Page 7
Our Community, Our Readers, Your Chamber
‘Here comes Santa Claus!’ The night of the parade, staging Mr. and Mrs. Claus ride along in last will take place on Comer Street. year’s Christmas Parade. You should enter Comer Street from the Maple Street/Parkdale Here comes Santa Claus, here Mills end of the street. Someonee comes Santa Claus, right down will be there directing where Cherokee Road! That’s right Santa Claus is coming to town for Alexander you should line-up. Parents that City’s Hometown Christmas Parade on need to drop their kids off for their float can park in the Byers Monday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. We always Field parking lot. We will have see a little bit of everything in our shuttles available to take you to Christmas parade from granddads decking out the Polaris with lights and your float. No through traffic is allowed on Comer Street to keep bringing the grandkids along for the our kids and parents safe. Once ride to well-crafted floats from area businesses and civic groups. And you the parade is over, each float will have a designated pick-up can’t leave out the bands and dancarea for their riders at the end ers performing along the route! Of of the route. Your float orgacourse, Santa and Mrs. Claus always make the trip to town. You guessed it; nizer will have this information and can direct you where to Alexander City has one of the most meet them. impressive line-ups anywhere to be Just want to be a spectafound. tor? We invite you to line the Interested in entering the parade parade route and enjoy the but not sure what to do? You can show. The parade will line up pick up an entry form and rules on Comer Street. The parade at the Alexander City Chamber of offiwill proceed down Cherokee towards wards Commerce during normal business cial end of the parade. BRHS. Once past BRHS, the parade ade hours or give us a call and we’ll be Parade day is always a favorite in will turn up Church Street and head ead happy to fax or email them to you as Alexander City. Don’t forget to check well. The entry fee is $30. All entries for thae round-a-bout. Once in the the weather and dress appropriately. It round-a-bout, the parade will turn east need to be submitted to the Chamber has been known to be one of the cold onto AL 22 (Tallapoosa Street) and of Commerce by Tuesday, Nov. 29. days of the season. Make sure you proceed to the bottom of the hill to the
By KIM DUNN Chamber of Commerce Staff
get to town File / The Outlook early and have dinner in one of our local restaurants before the parade begins.
Coming soon – Lake Martin Innovation Center
A
n exciting new initiative is taking place in Alexander City and it’s being spearheaded by your Chamber of Commerce with the support of the county commissioners, city and business leaders throughout our community. Thanks to the generosity of US AmeriBank, the Chamber of Commerce will have a new home located in the former bank operations center on the US AmeriBank campus on 280. The 17,000 square foot multi-purpose facility will house the Chamber of as well as be utilized as a business development center known as the Lake Martin Innovation Center. The key component of this project is growing small businesses and start-ups throughout our community and helping them excel through the various resources we will be able to provide. The overall goal is to make the Lake Martin Innovation Center the focal point of economic development for small businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups in the region. We recognize our challenges retaining and attracting young talent and business professionals. By creating an innovative facility that can be utilized by entrepreneurs, start-ups, remote workers and executives who have second homes on the lake, we can create a local culture of entrepreneurship and economic development. The various forms of utilization of the Lake Martin Innovation Center are as follows: Startups/Entrepreneurs –
and seminars on a regular basis to train our local leaders how to strengthen their economic position. Through relationships with Chamber members, executives who obtain a facility memberED COLLARI ship and our students and startChamber President ups, our goal would be to partner these groups together to cultivate Utilizing existing partnerships growth in each of their business with the local high school, comsettings. This facility will expose munity college and business these various types of entreprecommunity, the Lake Martin neurs to each other and allow Innovation Center will play host them to work together to build to entrepreneurs and start-ups. We successful businesses. will foster an environment of ecoMembership - With the actinomic growth through the technol- vation of high-speed fiber interogy, resources and relationships net, we will be able to recruit we can cultivate in this facility. executive who live part-time or The Chamber already partners full-time on Lake Martin, remote with the high school to host the employees as well as professionyear-long Young Entrepreneurs als who travel through Alex City Academy, which is a Shark Tank and need a temporary space to style program that teaches how to work or host a conference call or transition their ideas into an actual meeting. These users will have business. We aid college students an opportunity to acquire a daily, and start-ups by providing a state- monthly or annual membership. of-the-art facility to develop their Ideally, we will be able to utilize business plans as well as expose these relationships to partner with them to successful professionals our students, start-ups and existing throughout the region who are businesses to create an environexisting Chamber members or ment of innovation and economic executives who utilize the Lake development. Martin Innovation Center on a Alexander City has a very membership basis. bright future and we envision the Excelling Existing Businesses facility being a significant piece – One of our main goals as a of that economic growth. If you Chamber of Commerce is to help would like to learn more about or foster existing business growth. tour the Lake Martin Innovation Through the technological and Center, I encourage you to conbusiness resources in this facility, tact me at 256-234-3461 or we will be able to host profesed.collari@alexandercitychamber. sional development workshops com.
Second annual Shop Local Saturday slated for December 2 By KIM DUNN Chamber of Commerce Staff
Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list and strengthen our local community all at the same time! The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will host the 2nd Annual Shop Local Saturday on Dec. 3. Shoppers will receive one entry for every $25 spent at participating businesses. One grand prize winner will be chosen from all entries on Monday, Dec. 5 following the Hometown Christmas Parade. The Grand Prize will consist of a $25 gift card from each participating business, as well as a gift (also purchased locally) from each member of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Participating businesses are currently being finalized. Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a complete list coming soon.
Lake Martin Young Professionals plan Polar Plunge in a great time and a great day of business. This year’s event starts at 10 a.m and lasts until 4. The plunge, with Save the date of Saturday, brave souls running into the Jan. 14 for the Lake Martin frigid waters of Lake Martin Young Professionals secfrom the Kowaliga Beach, ond annual Polar Plunge at takes place at high noon. Fire Kowaliga Restaurant! Last year’s inaugural Polar Plunge pits are roasting outside and live music starts at 1 p.m. A was a huge success with the event raising more than $3,000 $20 ticket gives you entry for the Lake Martin Resource into Kowaliga with access to four different food stations Association and attracting featuring Chef Ban Stewart over 300 people to Kowaliga and Chef Rob McDaniel’s Restaurant, which resulted By JACOB MEACHAM Chamber of Commerce Staff
custom Polar Plunge menu. Kowaliga’s two indoor bars will be up and running with additional cash bars stationed throughout the event grounds. SportzBlitz will be broadcasting live on-site from 10-12, and Kowaliga’s spacious outdoor area has plenty of room for the kids to romp and play. Whether you’re coming to take the plunge or just watch from the shoreline, a great time is guaranteed!
NEW MEMBERS – ALEXANDER CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Hampton Inn – 1551 Elkahatchee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010 256-234-2244 Sherman Ready Mix – 4837 Dadeville Road, Alexander City, AL 35010 205-368-3502
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Tuesday, November 15, 2016
The Outlook
All About Glass
Glass is a material used to make many different items. It is a very common, inexpensive material, but in ancient times, it was a very pricey commodity only known to Kings and royalty. The oldest glass objects found date back 3,500 years. Glassblowing was created around the time of the Roman Empire which made glass much easier to produce and available to people of all classes. Glassblowing is done with a long, hollow metal pipe. The molten glass is attached to the end of the pipe, and air is blown into the thick liquid, hollowing it and creating a shape. When the piece has cooled, you have what we know as glass. Glass is hard and usually transparent. It is brittle and breaks easily, yet it is very durable against chemicals and heat which makes it a very useful product. The materials that make up glass are sand, soda and lime, all cheap and readily available. Glass has many uses. We drink from glasses, wear eyeglasses to see better, creDWH OHQVHV IRU RXU FDPHUDV DQG PDNH PLUURUV WR VHH RXUVHOYHV *ODVV VORZV RU VWRSV WKH ÀRZ RI HOHFWULFLW\ VR LW ZRUNV well with electrical devices and light g bulbs. Windows and doors of homes are made of glass, and many decorations are hproduced from colored glass.
Types of Glass Word Search
Hidden Words: Beaker Bottle Drinking Glass Eyeglasses Fish Bowl Hourglass Jar Magnifying Glass Mirror Ornaments Sliding Door Snowglobe Stained Glass Telescope Window
Glass Crossword C r Color
Mirror Image
Across Clues: 5. Colored glass is often referred to as? 6. A material from which glass is made. 9. Today, glass is fast and ___ to make. 10. Glass is normally hard and _____. Down Clues: 1. Creating glass with a hollow rod. 2. Another material found in glass. 4. Only ancient ___ could afford glass. *ODVV VWRSV WKH ÀRZ of what? 8. What is blown into the metal rod?
Use a mirror to reverse the image and read the text to the left. Answer the questions.
Crossword Ans: Across-5) stained 6)lime 9)inexpensive 10)transparent Down-2)glass blowing 2)sand 4)kings 7) electricity 8)air
1. What is painted on the backside of a mirror? _________________________ 2. Does the surface of a mirror have to be rough or polished? __________________________ :KDW GRHV WKH PHWDO UHÀHFW back? __________________________
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Page 11
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
The Alexander City Veterans Honor Guard hosted a Veterans Day ceremony at the Sportplex Saturday. At the Sportplex, children like 2-year-old John Riley Baker, left, of Alexander City sat quietly with tiny American flags as wreaths were placed at the memorials for veterans from all of the wars, top left. Top right, Alexander City Veterans Honor Guard member Edgar O’Neal was presented a flag for his nearly 35 years of honoring veterans with the honor guard. Above, Charles Martin, shown in front of a fighter jet at the Sportplex, of the Honor Guard delivered the keynote message.
A DAY FOR VETERANS Two Saturday events provide venues to honor those who served their nation through military service. The Bill Nichols Disabled American Veterans Chapter 13 held a car show at the Bill Nichols Veterans Home with nearly 40 cars and motorcycles won display. One of the highlights was Bill Nichols staff and the 15 or so members of the Benjamin Russell High School NJROTC unit brining residents out to see the cars and spend time with them outdoors. Above, Wetumpka’s John Mulhearn shines up his 2007 Chevrolet Corvette to have it ready for visitors. Left, Esther Davis showed Bill Nichols resident Charles Gaston through the cars at the show. Others rolled themselves through parking lot filled with the cars.
CATHY HIGGINS SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
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Tuesday, November 15, 2016
www.alexcityoutlook.com
LUKE ROBINSON
BRHS ATHLETES RUN THE DISTANCE
Columnist
Now is the time to go to Bama, Auburn games
J
ust no more. You — as fans of Alabama or Auburn — are now required to go see the Tide and Tigers play basketball. Get there by plane or get there by train or get there by a slow moving 50 ton crane, but just get there. Both fan bases complained for years that traveling to Tuscaloosa or Auburn just wasn’t worth the effort. The drives were long, the play was bad and the atmosphere was morbid. It was like driving two hours to watch paint dry on an accountant’s house. Fans said they needed a reason. A spark. A glimmer of a sliver of a scintilla of hope. Welp, hope has arrived. For the first time since James Naismith hung a peach basket, the Tide and Tigers each have top five recruiting classes signed. Top five in the nation, people! Each school has actual, real live, bona fide coaches who aren’t just “coach” in name. Avery Johnson and Bruce Pearl are putting together programs stacked with talent after last week’s National Signing period. Talent like neither school has ever had before. Meanwhile, these two coaches have also made sure the basketball schedules are challenging and fun for the fans. There are name-brand teams facing off against ‘Bama and Auburn that people want to see! So here’s the deal: You fans must go to the games now. You just have to. “But Luke, I….”…. Nope, you gotta go. No “buts.” No more excuses. Make it happen. Sacrifice a little sleep when there’s an 8 p.m. tip off. Clock out a hair early when the game starts at 6 p.m. Ignore a few chores like making the bed, doing the laundry or feeding the baby (well, maybe not that last one.) Then when you go to the game, be loud. Be heard. Be actively cheering throughout the contest. Try to get on the jumbotron. Maybe watch a Duke game before you go and learn how to act during a basketball game. Get pumped. Shotgun a few energy drinks or something. Make (our) arenas great again. Wait, I am not done. You must also discuss basketball with friends, family and even strangers. Even if you don’t know a “buzzer beater” from a “beaten buzzard” strike up a convo about hoops and just see where it goes. You demanded a better product to pique your interest. Well, if it ain’t piqued now it gonna get piqued. Show these two coaches love. Make an effort. Make basketball a priority and then thank me later when you catch March Madness. Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native and president of the LAKE MARTIN BAMA CLUB who also writes a weekly column for The Alexander City Outlook.
Submitted / The Outlook
At left, Benjamin Russell sophomore Lance Cunigan keeps stride to retain 20th place in the boys 6A Division race during Saturday’s AHSAA Cross Country State Championship in Moulton. At right, Ben Russell sophomore Ashley Walker runs her season best in the girls 6A Division race.
Cross country Wildcats run season best at Saturday’s state meet CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
Two Benjamin Russell athletes competed in the Alabama High School Athletic Association Cross Country State Championship Meet Saturday at the Oakville Museum and Park in Moulton. In the boys meet, Ben Russell sophomore Lance Cunigan finished 20th overall out of 196 runners in the 6A Division. According to Wildcats head
achieved that same coach Lee Wagoner, milestone by finthe day proved to be ishing with her seaa milestone for the 5 son best and perfoot, 10 inch athlete. sonal record time “He recorded his of 27:22.51. season best and perBoth runners sonal record time of qualified for the 17:21.40,” the coach state meet after said of Cunigan. taking part in the In the girls 6A Section II Meet 6A Division race in Auburn earlier Benjamin Russell sophomore Ashley Walker, who this month, with Cunigan placcomes in at 5 feet, 5 inches, ing fourth overall in the boys
race with a time of 18:02.93 and Walker placing 24th in the girls race with a time of 29:13.45. Wagoner expressed pride in both the 10th graders’ achievements Saturday. “This is a great accomplishment, not only for them but their families and our community,” the Wildcats coach said. “It is a great feeling to rally around the perseverance of a determined athlete. We should all congratulate them.”
At left, members of Alex City 11U team, which will play in this weekend’s state tourney, include (from left, front row) Austin Jackson, Ethan Rojas, Jon Robert Tucker, Wesley Tew, Elijah Gaspar, Anna Corley, Kennedy Tate, Thomas Dean, Drew Daughtry, (back row) coach Brian Tate, coach Josh Tucker, Dylan Palacios, Austin Atkinson, Greenlee Peppers, Kelly Hernandez, Palmer Peppers, Ashton Rigby and coach Carlos Rojas. Below, members of Alexander City 7U, which won the District 5 youth soccer championship, are (from left, front row) Ashtyn Dark, Owen Dye, Rhett Dean, Miles Tomlin, Grant Sheffield, Jacob Moncrief, Kolton Young, Kandace Gaspar, John Pappion III (back row) and coaches Doug Sheffield, Adam Young and Brent Dye. Submitted / The Outlook
Alex City 11U plays twice Saturday for state champ chance CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
When the Alexander City 11U soccer team heads to Dothan this weekend, they’ll be joining six teams from across the state in the 2016 Alabama Parks and Recreation State Soccer Tournament. The Alex City team will face off against Prattville at 11 a.m. and Eufaula at 1 p.m. Saturday at Northcutt Football Stadium at Westgate Park. The team coming out on top in the pool will move on to play the winner of the pool consisting of teams from Andalusia, Albertville, Athens and Dothan at the state championship game set for 1 p.m. Sunday at Northcutt. The Alex City 11U team qualified for the state tournament after placing second in the District 5 playoffs in Alexander City earlier this month. Also faring well at the district playoffs was Alex City 7U, who emerged district champions in their age group.
Lake Martin Living 1
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201 Mariarden Road Dadeville, AL 36853 256-825-3272
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From the Editor’s Desk
T
his year, we seem to have carried summer right into the holidays. Checking the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities is hardly necessary: Every day in the foreseeable future promises warm temperatures and sunshine – and no rain. The National Weather Service last month reported zero inches of precipitation in our area. Zero. Not a drop. It’s a pattern that has followed us for months now. September’s rainfall was barely half an inch, and we had only slightly above 2 inches in August, which usually brings nearly 5 inches of rain. And there’s no end in sight. The cumulative effects of this extreme drought could be widespread and severe, according to the authorities with whom Fletcher Scott deliberated on the subject for this month’s Outdoor Living article. At this point, the drought is expected to impact the hunting season, permanent landscaping and next year’s grocery prices; it’s already affected the sales figures of local merchants. Turn to page 18 to learn more about the trickle-down effects we could see as a result of no rain. And yet, it’s hard to keep spirits from soaring, as holiday preparations are in full swing this month. Local merchants in Dadeville and Alexander City have already held their annual open houses, and the calendar is packed with more events from now until the end of the year. To make sure you don’t miss the fun, we’ve compiled a guide to the celebrations, from the MainStreet Thanksgiving Market to New Year’s Eve at SpringHouse Restaurant, including the Christmas parades, a special production by Alexander City Theatre II and luminaries at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park. Turn to page 28 for help in marking the calendar with your can’t-miss seasonal favorites, one of which has to be this year’s Iron Bowl. The game of the year promises to be a good one Nov. 26, as both teams are playing well this season. The Auburn Tigers are pumped for a win, but is the Crimson Tide beatable? The University of Alabama this year may have fielded a team of formidable Saban-Bots, at least that’s what Luke Robinson says in a special article on page 24. But Luke also admits in his regular column on page 50 that he hates Thanksgiving, so can we really lend credence to his critique of the pigskin if he doesn’t even like turkey? The one thing we probably can count on at this year’s Iron Bowl? The weather will be beautiful.
Betsy Iler, Managing Editor
4 Lake Martin Living
Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Managing Editor Betsy Iler Assistant Magazine Editor Lonna Upton Contributors Dave Jennings Luke Robinson Fletcher Scott Fred Muenzmay Cliff Williams Mitch Sneed David Granger Scott Blake Corey Arwood Linda Moore Magazine Distribution Manager David Kendrick Creative Services Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Emily Gregg Donna Jones Jaylan Reynolds Scott Hardy Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemartinmagazine.com
Lake Martin Living is published monthly by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Please address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 256-234-4281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.
Lake Martin Living 5
IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 10. BUSINESS MATTERS On the Move Downtown
12. HAPPY GARDEN 14. FROM THE TEE 32. MONEY MATTERS 33. MEDICAL NEWS 34. OH SNAP! 40. LAKE REGION EVENTS 50. THE LAST WORD
FEATURES 16. 2016 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Featuring great choices for everyone on your list this year 18. DROUGHT! F letcher Scott researches the long-term effects of the current dry spell 24. SECOND BEST IRON BOWL EVER Luke Robinson anticipates this year's football contest in a special article 28. MAKING MERRY T ake time to enjoy the holiday activities offered throughout the area
28 Local holiday activities start start this month and include parades, concerts, theatre, crafts shows and more. See them all in our Making Merry feature on page 28.
6 Lake Martin Living
ON THE COVER
Jim Ed Abernathy has sold no seed this fall, as planters wait for rain before they sow winter grains. With the drought, farmers have turned to feeding hay early in the absence of grasses that are usually plentiful in the fall. In addition, the drought has caused a drop in timber prices. Read more about its effects on page 18. Photo by Kenneth Boone.
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8 Lake Martin Living
AROUND THE AREA
Caldwell inducted into Hall of Fame Dadeville High School teacher and coach and newly-elected city council member Brownie Vaughn-Caldwell is one of 11 people who were honored Oct. 23 with induction into the Georgia State University Athletic Hall of Fame. “I was surprised when I got word,” Caldwell said. “I never really imagined being selected. So when they let me know I was very humbled to be considered and selected. I am honored that they thought that much of me to feel that I belonged.” It should have been no surprise to anyone who ever saw her play any sport from the time she was 5 years old to when she was still playing in adult leagues as recently as a few years ago. Caldwell said she was just fortunate that the coaches at Georgia State allowed her to play both basketball and softball.
“A lot of coaches won’t allow that, but I had always done it,” Caldwell said. “Growing up, when the season changed, I played whatever sport was in season. So in college when I asked, the coaches agreed, but they made sure that I met some conditions.” Caldwell has taught in Georgia and at Auburn and coached at Edward Bell and Dadeville. She now coaches middle school basketball, having taken a step back to watch her youngest daughter Addie play. Her son Kyle played multiple sports at Dadeville and was an AllAmerican quarterback at West Alabama before coming back home to coach. Brownie’s oldest daughter Jodie is in her second year on the softball team at Central Alabama Community College. ~ Mitch Sneed
Photo by Cliff Williams
Brownie Vaughn-Caldwell
Thanks to Local Industries
Wellborn Musclecar Museum owner Tim Wellborn took the K&K Insurance Dodge Charger that he now owns to Bonneville Salt Flats, just as NASCAR’s Bobby Isaac did 45 years ago. Fresh off winning the NASCAR Championship, Isaac and his team became the first car to break the 200 mph speed record on a closed course. Isaac broke that record at 201.104. Then they went to the Bonneville Salt Flats to take aim on the land speed record. There, the car set a total of 28 world speed records, most of which still stand nearly four decades later. They topped out at nearly 217 mph. “I will say that’s the most fun that I’ve ever had in a car – going down the Bonneville Salt Flats, reliving what Bobby Isaac did all those years ago,” Wellborn said after hitting speeds in the 170s while filming. “It was so much fun, we’re looking at going back and doing it again.”
The Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance (LMAEDA) thanked local industries for what amounts to more than $819 milion in local investment during an Oct. 13 breakfast at Central Alabama Community College. “This is always one of the most satisfying things we do. It’s a day when we get to remind all of our industry partners how much they mean to us and to this community,” said Don McClellan, Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance (LMAEDA) said. LMAEDA has assisted in bringing 18 new industries to the area and helped with 20 expansions with existing companies, securing more than $32 million in grants from federal, state and other agencies. “Until you start looking around you don’t really understand how diverse we have become here in Tallapoosa County,” McClellan said. “It’s really amazing to see the things that our manufacturers are doing right here in our own backyard.” “We are excited about where we are right now and are thankful to have so many industries here and others who are considering our area,” McClellan said.
~ Mitch Sneed
~ Mitch Sneed
Wellborn hits 170 mph in Utah
Lake Martin Living 9
BUSINESS MATTERS
On the Move Alexander City businesses look for more visibility downtown STORY & PHOTOS BY LONNA UPTON & BETSY ILER
in more members, but she is also excited to have the space for Three Alexander City businesses in recent weeks made the the current membership. West and Shawna Woodruff, General move to new downtown storefronts to attract more foot traffic Manager of Anytime Fitness, are excited to welcome back their and customer visits in time for the upcoming holiday shopping established members and others season. who are ready to make some Anytime Fitness moved from healthy changes to their lifestyles. Alabama Street to Broad Street Both women believe members Plaza next door to Jake's on Broad enjoy the time they spend working Restaurant in September, followed out, because the environment is by Madison House Restorations, welcoming. an upcycled furniture and gift shop “We have an uplifting that opened last year on Cherokee membership community and an Road. And this month, Elizabeth educated and friendly staff. We love Roberts moved her Alabama Street to change lives,” West said. Makers Market from Alabama The Broad Street Plaza space is Street to Main Street to capture divided into five areas: functional more of the drive-by and foot traffic training, studio, free weights, weight on the busy thoroughfare. machines and cardio. MainStreet Alexander City West and Woodruff are excited Director Richard Wagoner said to introduce the popular workout there is more to come. Bonnie trend of functional training to Luckie next month will move her members. Functional training gift shop and gallery to Broad helps with stability, strength and Street Plaza, and other - not yet conditioning, which enhance confirmed - plans are in the works. everyday movement. The area "There are some exciting includes a large pull-up rack, a changes," Wagoner said. climbing rope, a battle rope and After six years of growing in rubber bumper plates for weight its original location on Alabama lifting. Street, Anytime Fitness opened a In the studio, members will find new workout facility on Thursday, Moving on Main Dorothy Heard works out daily at the new Anytime hand weights, jump ropes, hulaSept. 29. The new location was a hoops and other exercise tools. The beehive of activity that included the Fitness Center at Broad Street Plaza. space also can accommodate classes, hanging of new mirrors; telephone as well as individual workouts when classes are not in session. repairmen making the final phone line connections the parking Currently, a Boxmania kickboxing class is offered in the studio lot and sidewalk under construction, and members coming and on Mondays at 5:15 p.m., and a total body fitness class is offered going to work out in the beautiful new space. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:45 a.m. Total body fitness covers Michelle West, Marketing Director for Anytime Fitness in cardio and strength training for all levels of fitness. Alexander City, said the larger facility will undoubtedly bring 10 Lake Martin Living
Silver Sneakers, a program designed for seniors but open to all ages, also covers cardio and strength training and is offered Monday through Friday at 9:15 a.m. Woodruff suggested that those interested in this class should contact their insurance companies to see if they are eligible for the Silver Sneakers program. The free weight area accommodates the benches as well as the Smith machines, squat racks and strength training machines for exercises that will increase tone and muscle definition. Filled with elliptical machines, treadmills and recumbent bikes, the cardio area offers a great view of downtown, as well as individual television screens. West said joining Anytime Fitness offers members access to 3,200 Anytime Fitness centers across the United States. Members are given a key fob that, when waved in front of a sensor in the door, allows safe, secure access to the center 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The facility has security cameras that cover all areas of the gym 24 hours a day. New members receive a tour of the facility, including an orientation session to learn how to use all of the machines. They may also take advantage of a start-up plan to take them through the first 30 days of membership. “We want to provide them with the tools they need to meet their fitness goals,” she said. And anyone who joins and mentions that they read about Anytime Fitness in Lake Martin Living magazine will receive a free personal training session. A variety of membership packages are available. To join Anytime Fitness, visit the facility next to Jake’s on Broad
Downtown Happenings
Madison House Restorations moved to 32 Main St., next door to Cloud Nine, in time for Christmas shopping.
Restaurant or call West or Woodruff at 256-329-1004. Madison House Restorations last month made the move to 32 Main St. next to Cloud Nine on the alley. Kevin Lanier Photography, which previously occupied that building, moved to a new location on Franklin Street. For Madison House Restorations owners Robin Holcombe and Vickie Luxe, leasing the Main Street facility is a bit like going home. Some 10 years ago, their mother operated an antique store in that same location. "When she had her store here, we did a lot of renovation work," Holcombe said. "We took down the false ceiling that was here and exposed the transoms, which no one knew were there, and we took down the drywall." For the present adventure, the siblings added a rustic finish to the semi-exposed brick walls and installed two raised panel doors with barn hardware to close off the workroom where they restore and refinish furniture. Madison House Restorations will keep longer hours than most of the downtown merchants currently do, Luxe said. "We'll be open until 5 p.m. on Saturdays instead of closing at 2 p.m., and we'll open from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sundays," she said. In addition to furniture, Madison House features a mix of artwork, decorative accessories and handcrafted items from local artisans. Lake Martin Living 11
Hydroponic Gardening
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Happy Garden
Sounds simple. Well, if I can do it, you can. y wife and I recently attended a I have taken a few pictures of what we started dinner gathering to catch up on what recently using a third of our existing greenhouse. has been going on with friends in our We will have six 4-foot by 3-foot grow beds raised neighborhood. The conversation ranged from up on concrete blocks and 2-foot by 12-inch gardening to politics. treated wood planks. The beds are level and have One dedicated gardener asked me, “What do a center drain hole that already existed in the you have in the ground?” totes. I was completely caught off guard, as I do not Standard PVC piping will be fitted to drain have a single vegetable in the ground. In fact, I all the beds into a 70-gallon tub, and after being have the Mojave Desert where I normally put my treated with natural nitrates and fertilizers, the ground garden. The weather is so dry – and my water will be pumped over the stones as a rain water bill is so high – that we will not even be and will provide needed oxygen. There are several planting in our blue plastic pots until we receive variations of water gardening, including using some good weather news about rain and cooler live fish in a grow tank (the waste material from temperatures. Fred Muenzmay the fish produces nitrate). This gave me an opportunity to explain the I see many benefits to this method of growing gardening project we have underway at the farm. fresh produce year round. The cost of purchasing the materials Six months ago, we were traveling to Naples, Florida, in the pictures is under $400, and the water is a closed system, for a reunion with our children, who would not be able the electric pump is the only electricity used. The daily time to be with us this Thanksgiving or Christmas due to their required to maintain this size garden is 30 minutes a day. work schedules. As we traveled south, I noticed many Our greenhouse is heated with propane, and we will share advertisements for hydroponic or aquaponic produce. Many the heat, which we require for the herbs. just advertised organically grown produce. There are many alternatives for heating space and the Since this was a vacation, I had plenty of time to research growing produce in water. There is tons of information online water, from solar panels to black pipe laid on black cloth. We from agriculture websites and universities, hobby farmers and have written several articles on growing in raised beds and containers with drip irrigation. folks who live in cities and have little or no resources with There are many benefits to a simple grow-bed system: which to start gardens. no lifting; using only a gallon of water a day (lost through With a tool shack and plenty of winter sunshine, it can be done. The roof is replaced with clear greenhouse plastic; add a evaporation); and just $1 per day for the electric pump. washtub with a pump and a plastic tub like those used for fruit Nutrients for feeding plants and the test kit cost about 50 cents per day. Seed is sown directly into the stones or juice or other liquids. The fruit juice tub is cut into two beds seeding baskets, with no bending over or shoveling soil. And and filled with stone. Water is supplied over the rocks with nutrients, which can be purchased from organic supply stores. unlimited crops can be grown. The deeper the stones, the
12 Lake Martin Living
Low Energy Gardening Project
From top right: Blocks will support the weight of the hydroponic grow beds; bins are positioned in the greenhouse; filled with pea rock, when seed has been sown directly into the plant beds, the bins will produce vegetables using only $1 of electricity and 1 gallon of water per day.
bigger the plants. And the best benefit of all: Fresh food year round. We are far from being finished with this project, but I will keep you informed. Please feel free to drop me a line or stop by the farm to see it. After we got home from this enjoyable evening, I started to think about a movie called Being There. It is a movie about a gardener played by Peter Sellers. The film is rated as one of best films of the 1970s. Peter Sellers triumphs in his award-winning role as an illiterate gardener hilariously catapulted into the fast lane of political power. Simple-minded Chance (Peter Sellers), a gardener who has resided in the Washington, D.C., townhouse of his wealthy employer for his entire life and been educated only by television, is forced to vacate his home when his boss dies. While wandering the streets, he encounters business mogul Ben Rand (Melvyn Douglas), who assumes Chance to be a fellow upper-class gentleman. Soon, Chance is ushered into high society, and his unaffected gardening wisdom makes him the talk of the town. Chance answers all questions from his life experience as a gardener and allows the listeners (those present when he speaks) to interpret his answers as they may apply to themselves or their situations. His reflection on how television frames his existence in the real world just brought into focus the many answers to our everyday problems and the need to uncomplicate our lives. This Thanksgiving we are hosting the Muenzmay clan at the farm, and one family will travel 3,600 miles to be present. My two brothers and their families from Florida will assist me in some chores that I cannot do alone (they are not aware of this project as I write this article; I am thankful they are not on the mailing list for Lake Martin Living magazine). If you have the opportunity to view Being There in the near future, you will appreciate why we list many of the blessings for which our family is thankful, including the great thing about being a gardener. Many seeds and plants that we attempt to grow sometimes do not make it. The reasons for this are many, but we move on through and plant more of the same seeds and plants, knowing that we will succeed through adverse conditions, weather, soil, chemicals, pests and human error. Have a great bountiful Thanksgiving. ~ Fred Muenzmay of Eagle's Roost Herb Farms is a Master Gardener and has been in the business of growing organic herbs, vegetables and blueberries for regional and local farmers markets for 25 years. Contact him at fmuenzmay@earthlink.net. Lake Martin Living 13
Perfect weather, a few surprises and a game with old friends make cancer scramble a great success
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From the Tee
if needed. The tournament was a total success. The n Oct. 24, Central Alabama Community team players and former college golfers all enjoyed College (CACC) Golf and Russell the day. Medical Foundation partnered up to We at Russell Medical Foundation and CACC host a fundraising golf tournament; the likes of Golf are grateful to the very considerate people in which I’ve rarely seen. This was a tremendous Alexander City and around Alabama who helped event, where proceeds went to benefit the Russell sponsor and participate in this tournament. After Medical Center Foundation and the CACC Trojan the golf, there were a large number of people Golf Program. I heard the word “Wow” quite often who told me to count them in for next year’s on that Monday and during the pre-tournament sponsorship and team involvement. dinner at the Willow Point Golf and Country Club Our area is so unique, not only because we have cabana. the most beautiful lake in the state in our backyard As usual, the food and beverage department Dave Jennings but also because of the amazingly benevolent and at Willow Point showed why this country club involved community members and businesses that is one of the finest premier country clubs in go above and beyond to support one another in the Southeast. Sunday night’s dinner food was times of need. I cannot find the proper words to thank all of the plentiful, delicious and presented in a way that was warm and players and sponsors enough. I hope that “Thank you from the inviting. bottom of my heart” will suffice. The Bank Walkers, an Alexander City favorite, played for On the Sunday afternoon of the golf tournament, I had the those in attendance on Sunday. Breakfast was served from 8 a.m. pleasure to play golf with three of my former ACJC Trojan until our 10 a.m. shotgun start. teammates. Emile Vaughn, Chris Hall, Richard Keene and I The golf course was in peak condition. The on-course food vendors kept everyone fat and happy, and nobody in attendance teed it up together for the first time in 40 years. Emile, from Montgomery, has played Willow Point a number of times since left hungry. We were also blessed with perfect weather; temperatures held the renovation, and Chris played the course in a multi-state challenge match this past summer, but Richard had not played in the 70s for the day with a mild breeze every once in a while. Willow Point or been able to visit Alexander City since the The Russell Medical Foundation raises funds for UAB 1980s. Medicine – The Cancer Center at Russell Medical. CEO/ This may have been one of the most fun rounds of golf that President Jim Peace and his marketing department were a joy to I can recall. I didn’t make a single birdie and was not fazed by work alongside throughout the whole tournament preparation my “lack of talent” display whatsoever. It wasn’t until the fifth or process. Willow Point’s Head Golf Professional, Matt Sheppard, put together a tee prize package for the tournament participants sixth hole that I realized we had not even struck a gentleman’s wager before teeing off. We laughed, reminisced and laughed a that impressed everyone. whole lot more. Also, Matt’s scoreboard printing has always left me envious. Needless to say, score was not a priority in this round of My writing looks like I had used my feet to print while Matt’s golf. Chris and Richard could not join us in the tournament score sheet reporting is suitable for framing. the following day, due to business commitments, but they Cole McInnis and Brad Lacey had the course in magnificent guaranteed me that they would be here next year. I have a feeling condition. The greens rolled so smoothly, and I noticed that that our next tournament might be a standing room only event. there was absolutely no debris on the course, even with the This is our month of Thanksgiving. I now have even more falling leaves and pine needles usually found everywhere else on for which to praise and thank God after completing this the planet in October. tournament. I do love me some Alexander City and Willow The format was a four-man scramble; a former Alexander City Junior College (ACJC) or CACC Trojan Golfer joined each Point Country Club. Not to mention, I thank God daily for the wonderful facilities and physicians found at Russell Medical. foursome. As the school was celebrating its 50th anniversary of As my son might say, “It’s all good.” the Trojan golf program, I brought in present and past golfers from the past decades. These former golfers played a fun “Skins ~ Dave Jennings is the men's golf coach at Central Alabama Game,” and the teams were able to use their tee shots up to six times in the round, as well as their hole-score six of the 18 holes, Community College. 14 Lake Martin Living
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IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 10. BUSINESS MATTERS On the Move Downtown
12. HAPPY GARDEN 14. FROM THE TEE 32. MONEY MATTERS 33. MEDICAL NEWS 34. OH SNAP! 40. LAKE REGION EVENTS 50. THE LAST WORD
FEATURES 16. 2016 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Featuring great choices for everyone on your list this year 18. DROUGHT! F letcher Scott researches the long-term effects of the current dry spell 24. SECOND BEST IRON BOWL EVER Luke Robinson anticipates this year's football contest in a special article 28. MAKING MERRY T ake time to enjoy the holiday activities offered throughout the area
28 Local holiday activities start this month and include parades, concerts, theatre, crafts shows and more. See them all in our Making Merry feature on page 28.
6 Lake Martin Living
ON THE COVER
Jim Ed Abernathy has sold no seed this fall, as planters wait for rain before they sow winter grains. With the drought, farmers have turned to feeding hay early in the absence of grasses that are usually plentiful in the fall. In addition, the drought has caused a drop in timber prices. Read more about its effects on page 18. Photo by Kenneth Boone.
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Drou Year-to-date precipitation for East Central Alabama lags more than 8 inches behind normal with no rain in sight What are the damages?
18 Lake Martin Living
ught! Outdoor Life
Fletcher Scott Lake Martin Living 19
T
allapoosa and surrounding counties have experienced a very dry seasonal period. Autumn is usually a dry season anyway, with October being the driest month of the year (with exceptions, such as hurricanes), but that does not qualify autumn as a drought period like the one East Central Alabama has experienced this year. Tallapoosa County annually receives an average of 52 inches of precipitation a year. Climate data for Alexander City shows our wettest months are February and March with a little over 5 inches of precipitation received each month. October is the driest month with about 3 inches of rainfall. But Hackneyville’s Jimmy Brown said he has only received a little over 2 inches of rainfall since June, and his garden never produced much because of the hot, scorching sun and dry winds. Tommy Futral, former Tallapoosa County Extension Agent, now retired, works for his own business, Futral Wildlife Service. He said the drought has had some serious effects on his activities and wildlife in general. “The first thing, as far as wildlife are concerned, is everyone’s food plots are a complete disaster,” Futral said. “Those that planted early had enough soil moisture for their crops to germinate, but they Dry as Dust soon died from lack of Previous pages: Dried mud, rain. Those that planted cracked by the scorching sun; a little later, say a month Below: Planted six weeks ago, this wildlife feed plot has not sprouted ago, have seeds just but instead waits for rain. lying out there, not
20 Lake Martin Living
germinating at all. Many of these seeds are being eaten up by crows, turkeys and squirrels. “Many farmers in the area are feeding their cows fescue now. This grass is usually left to grow in July and August, greening up in September. It is primarily a late fall and winter forage, but with the drought, there is no other forage to graze on, so they are letting their cows graze early. Hay for winter grazing will be expensive this year, if you can get it at all.” Many of the small creeks that fill ponds are dried completely up, Futral said, and this means that water for cattle is at a premium. “Back during the drought of 2007-08, the Feds, through the NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service), came out and drilled wells for many ranchers, so they could have water for cattle. Those folks are in pretty good shape for this drought, but if you don’t have a well and your ponds are dried up, water must be hauled in. All this is one reason cattle prices are dropping dramatically. Folks are selling off their livestock to avoid expensive feeding and watering issues,” he said. Timber prices are dropping as well, and Futral said he thinks this is because loggers are able to cut areas that they couldn’t previously access due to normally boggy soil and mud. “Just the other day, a logger I know was able to cross a dried up creek with a bull dozer. He is putting in a road to cut trees that they could not get to before. This means more trees can be marketed, which drives down prices,” Futral explained. “If you’ll notice, most trees have leaves that are turning
What is Drought? There are many definitions for drought, depending on how it might affect physical and biological systems. The meteorological definition compares the current situation to the historical average over a 30-year period. The degree of variation from the average long term precipitation is measured and compared to known mathematical indices. A hydrological drought includes precipitation shortfalls that might affect a large or small watershed. River systems, reservoirs and groundwater are the primary focus of this type of drought.
No Water to Shed Means Lower brown instead of their Lumber Prices usual colorful display Because bogs are drying up, this time of year. There loggers are able to get their heavy equipment into places that are several reasons for this. Prolonged drought previously were unharvestable. The availability of timber is driving is very stressful for many down the cost of lumber. trees. They will try to go dormant early by getting rid of leaves and shedding their fruit. “Additionally, I’ve noticed acorns are not filled out completely. Some trees that grow along ridges will have their leaves turn brown and quickly fall. In the spring, they may produce a few green leaves that will fall off and the tree will die.” There does seem to be an abundance of acorns this year on White Oaks, Post Oaks and Chestnut Oaks. Many of their leaves are turning from green to brown. With native browse dried up, deer seem to be feeding heavily on the acorns. Jim Ed Abernathy said the drought has even affected sales at his hardware store recently. “We aren’t selling any seeds at all now. They just won’t germinate without rain. There are lots of folks out there with feed plots planted, but nothing will come up if we don’t get rain,” Abernathy said. “Most seeds will remain in the soil until we get some rain. They won’t rot without moisture, so everything depends on rain. “As far as hay is concerned, people are getting real worried. Most hay is used during February through March, but some people have been feeding their cattle on hay for at least a month because all their pastures are burned up. I talked to one of my sales reps from South Carolina, and he says that there is no hay to be found in his state or all across North Alabama through Georgia. Additionally, farmers that usually plant rye grass in early fall to be used as forage in late fall through winter, are not planting any. It’s useless to plant without any rain in sight. “I have not sold very much at all,” Abernathy summed up.
An agricultural drought focuses on a shortage of precipitation that affects soil moisture, as well as the evaporation rate of water from the soil. Mathematical precision is not always used to determine a drought. What may be considered a drought in one area may not qualify as a drought in another. For instance, our extended dry period here in East Central Alabama would not qualify as a drought in the southwestern United States.
Dwindling Reservoirs
This watering pond, like thousands of others across the region, is almost dried up.
Lake Martin Living 21
At the Coosa County Forestry Field Day, Rolling Mountain Plantation owner and county engineer Phillip Neighbors said he has noticed some unusual events due to the drought. “On our land here at Rolling Mountain Plantation, we have two cabins on Hatchet Creek. To get to them, you have to cross a small stream that flows into Hatchet. It is dry as a bone right now. In fact, Hatchet is running around 9 cubic feet per second, which is about 71 cubic feet below the 35-year average for this date. So it’s really dry in this watershed,” Neighbors noted. Another person who works in the forest thinning and clearing business is Brian Walker. Walker uses a Caterpillar 299D to mulch and clear property for feed plots or thinning trees. This machine has a rotary cutting head that grinds anything it comes across. “With these dry conditions, I have to be very vigilant when cutting. Most places I work have rocks in them. If they are struck with my cutters, they produce a lot of sparks that can Dry Riverbed
The lack of rain means there is no water draining into the Tallapoosa River, where bedrock now is exposed.
22 Lake Martin Living
Living on Nuts
With their usual browse dried up and feed plots laying dormant, deer are feeding heavily on a bumper crop of acorns this year.
easily start a fire in these conditions, so I am constantly on the alert for this,” Walker explained. As of this writing, no rain is in sight for at least the next seven days. On an anecdotal note, ants are rushing to any moisture they find on the ground, especially blood. Deer are moving into neighborhoods, eating garden plants, such as pansies and mums or anything growing with moisture in them. Their native browse has long since been dried up. Local fire departments, as well as the Alabama Forestry Commission, have been putting out many brushfires lately, and there is a strict burn ban in effect. With cooler weather approaching, local residents might be wise to put off burning wood in fireplaces until conditions improve. A drifting ember might endanger the landscape, including its houses. ~ Fletcher Scott is a retired science teacher who enjoys nature photography.
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This year promises the second best Iron Bowl ever STORY BY LUKE ROBINSON
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s Alabama’s Van Tiffin rushed onto Legion Field in Birmingham with his kicking tee in hand, I could barely watch. Tiffin was about to attempt a 52-yard field goal to win the Iron Bowl, and I had only just turned 13; how could I possibly watch that?! I was a teenager, and the Iron Bowl had become more meaningful to me than during my childhood years. A gridiron coming-of-age; a country-fried, football Bar Mitzvah. This game meant either looking forward to bragging in school on Monday or quickly developing some weeklong illness to avoid Auburn fans’ taunts. Tiffin wasn’t just kicking a ball to win a game. He was kicking a ball to win THE game. Meanwhile, everyone in that living room with me was frozen. I stood behind them in back of the sofa and debated: Do I watch and accept the outcome or turn away in hopes that somehow my gaze – and my gaze alone – could affect the ball’s trajectory? Tiffin lined up his kick, placed his tee and walked backwards diagonally three paces. The holder signaled for the ball to be snapped. I … couldn’t … deal with it. Quickly, I turned 180 degrees. I was now facing directly opposite the TV, which would logically be the best way to not watch this excruciatingly tense moment without actually unplugging the television. Of course, I had forgotten about the mirror behind me. As my clumsy, adolescent body spun, I caught the reflected image of Tiffin’s kick in mid-air. I even remember thinking, “It – It looks good. I can’t turn around now.” And it was good. Ball game. So, feel free to thank me for not turning back around Alabama fans (don’t act like you don’t believe in jinxes; I know you!). Since that kick – THE Kick – in 1985, there isn’t an Iron Bowl that doesn’t stand out to me for some reason. Some are easier to recall than others. Tillman’s reverse in 1986; Langham’s pick in 1992; Alexander’s domination in 1999 and Cadillac’s run in 2003. Any Alabamian worth his ice cream salt remembers the first Iron Bowl in Jordan-Hare Stadium in 1989. That’s an easy one, no matter your side.
24 Lake Martin Living
Auburn’s coming up inches short in 1994; Curtis Brown’s (non)catch in 1995; Dennis Riddle’s scoring late in 1996; Ed Scissum’s fumble in ’97. Then there was Andrew Zow in 2001; Trey Smith in 2002. Shula’s walking wounded taking a lead into the half against an undefeated Auburn team (that eventually proved to be too strong for ’Bama). Saban’s shutouts of the Tigers in 2008 and 2012. The Cam-Back made Mr. Newton a superstar. The Kick Six made sure Chris Davis never has to pay for another beer in Auburn ever again. The offensive fireworks of Amari Cooper in 2014. Derrick Henry’s all-important Vegasline-covering run late in 2015. Every Iron Bowl has a moment. Every Iron Bowl has implications; however, the 2016 version may be the biggest Iron Bowl EVER! Of all time. OK, I probably embellished that. The “Biggest Iron Bowl Ever” title goes to the 2013 game, considering the teams were ranked numbers 1 and 4; however, the 2016 version is remarkably close. Two teams set on the college football playoff with Boone’s Farm wishes and (redneck) caviar dreams. Alabama rolls into the Iron Bowl undefeated. A well-oiled collection of five-star Saban-Bots whose only mission is to “de-stroy ... de-stroy.” The Tide doles out soul-crushing beat-downs like Baptist ushers pass out church bulletins. ’Bama has absolutely been the best program in the best era of the best conference in the country. Their decade-long run is truly astonishing. Speaking of running, that’s what Auburn does. It’s all Auburn needs to do, really. The Tigers run like the lovechild of Forrest Gump and Sonic the Hedgehog. AU almost “tAUnts” opponents by pointing to the exact place they want to run and then running right there. Very effectively, I might add. When Auburn gets the momentum, their rushing attack is a thing of beauty. And while Alabama has unquestionably been the SEC’s bell cow since 2008, Auburn has certainly not been ’Bama’s cud. The Tigers have taken a few lumps from the
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New Gym for Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Tide, but they have also played spoiler to UA’s title hopes on one occasion and won a title themselves on another. Given the level of dominance Nick Saban has achieved over this conference (and the nation), Auburn has been a relative thorn in his side. So the Saturday after Thanksgiving features the unstoppable force against the immovable object. Goliath versus David’s bigger, faster cousin. “Auburn Fast” versus “The Great Wall of Tuscaloosa.” I am not confident enough to make a prediction. This game throws me for a loop every year. In 2012, Alabama was ahead 42-0 at the half, and all I could think was, “We better not take our foot off the gas” in fear of a monster comeback. All I am sure of is that the 2016 Iron Bowl will have its calling card, something for which we all remember it – its moment. This time, I will try to watch straight on.
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256-794-5551
www.lakemartininspections.com
Get all the facts before you buy, with a certified home inspector. Schedule an appointment today!
21 Main Street, 256.329.9227 • www
Kenneth Riley, Riley Real Estate
1330 Patrick Street, Waverly, AL 36879
256-234-2131
kennyriley@bellsouth.net Lake Martin Living 126LAKE
NOVEMBER 2011
The staff at Tallapoosa Publishers would like to wish our readers a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas Season.
et, Alexander City ww.mainstreetac.org
home furnishings, reimagined!
256-749-4716 1031 Cherokee Road Alexander City www.madisonhouserestorations.com NOVEMBER 2011
Lake Martin Living LAKE 272
Making Merry A guide to local holiday events
S
low down enough this holiday season to hear the bells. Take time to truly give thanks. Shop local. Take unhurried time with Santa. Sing carols and listen to the story of Christmas told in plays, pageants and cantatas. Make your merriment to-do list from Lake Martin Living’s calendar and check it twice. You don’t want to miss a thing. The MainStreet Thanksgiving Market will get you ready for the feasting with visiting family and friends. Plan to be at Broad Street Plaza in Alexander City on Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to find Thanksgiving crafts, treats and sweets for the season. Call 256-3299227 or visit www.mainstreetac. org for vendor information. Also on Nov. 19, visit the St. James Episcopal Church Annual Bazaar from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Pottery Guild has been working all year on new clay creations to fund outreach ministries throughout the community. In addition to pottery crosses, platters, nativities, vases, ornaments and more, there will be woodcrafts and other handmade goods,
28 Lake Martin Living
musical accomplishments at the Alexander City Schools Choral casseroles, soup and pimento cheese. St. James is located at 347 Christmas Concert Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. in the BRHS Auditorium. S. Central Ave., Alexander City. The high school band will celebrate the season with their Nov. 25 through Nov. 27, visit Christmas at the Crossroads at Russell Crossroads, Highway 63, Alexander City. There will be Christmas concert on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m., also in the auditorium. Have your hot chocolate ready and the television tuned to carriage rides, music, decorations and the Holiday Art Bazaar WAXC TV Channel 3 on Dec. 8 for the Alexander City Theatre at the Stables. On Friday, Santa arrives at 11 a.m., so be sure to II live broadcast of The Vision by William Grandgeorge. This bring a camera for photos with the jolly old elf. On Saturday, retelling of an old Bavarian folk tale about a shoemaker’s vision for a $5 admission charge, children are welcome to Pancakes that Christ will visit his humble shop and Story Time with Mrs. Claus and her on Christmas Eve Day carries a special elves. For information, call 256-794-1397 Christmas message. Check the Alex City or visit www.russellcrossroads.com. Outlook for broadcast time and details. On Dec. 1, Alexander City Arts will Last year’s Christmas in the Park present A Tennessee Christmas at the at Alexander City’s Charles E. Bailey Benjamin Russell High School (BRHS) Sportplex was such a resounding success Auditorium at 7 p.m. The show features that the event is back this year with lively the vocals and instrumentals of Meagan music, vendors and an even bigger and Taylor and Jason Coleman and celebrates better Wild Side Reindeer Chariot Race all that is good about Christmas. Call 256to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of the 496-2424 or email karenjennings124@ Lake Martin Area. Reindeer riders will gmail.com with the words “arts council” shout directions to blindfolded pilots as in the subject line for more information. each team attempts to be the first through And travel to Eclectic for the ninth a course littered with Grandmas, jingle annual An Eclectic Christmas, which bells and ice hazards. Races start at 1 p.m. will run from Dec. 1 through 10 between Dec. 11 is a big day of celebration in 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Reservations are Dadeville. At 1 p.m., vendors will be recommended for the tours, which leave around the courthouse square for local every 15 minutes and last approximately shopping, and the “Spirit of a Hometown one hour. Accompanied by Roman Christmas” Parade will begin at 3 p.m. soldiers on horseback, guests visit a At 6 p.m. in the Dadeville High School peasant cottage en route to Bethlehem, Making Christmas Merry Here at Home Auditorium, the high school and middle encounter a glorious choir of angels that Amy Clark directs her blindfolded appear on the hillside, see a village street driver in the reindeer race. school bands will present their joint Christmas concert, filled with the music of and a humble stable and are included the season. in the Roman census that led Mary and At 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 14, the Red Ridge United Methodist Joseph to Bethlehem. This event takes place at the Falk Farm, Church choir will present Night of the Father’s Love: The Awe 1733 Claude Road, Eclectic, and admission is free. Visit www. and Mystery of God with Us. aneclecticministry.org. For reservations, call 334-578-4846 or At 6 p.m. on Dec. 14, the First Baptist Church choir in email reservations@aneclecticministry.org. Dadeville will present Music of Christmas with a 20-piece wind On Dec. 5, line the streets of Alexander City, from the intersection of Dadeville and Cherokee roads to the Chamber of ensemble comprised of Auburn University students. And when it's time to ring in the New Year, be sure you have Commerce on Tallapoosa Street, as the Chamber presents one reservations for what promises to be a night of breathtaking wine of the most anticipated events of the season - the Hometown and outstanding food at the first New Year’s Eve Wine Dinner Christmas Parade - at 6 p.m. Call 256-234-3461 for more at SpringHouse. Stephen Clark, advanced sommelier and owner information or to enter the parade. of A&G Beverages, will showcase hand-selected wines from Horseshoe Bend National Military Park will host a free A&G’s portfolio, which will feature elegant and distinguished Holiday Open House with Luminaries from 5:30 p.m. to beers and wines. For reservations, call 256-215-7080. 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5. Refreshments will be served in the Visitor Center. A table with supplies will be available for children to Whatever brightens your holidays, there is no place like home make ornaments to take home. in East Central Alabama. Alexander City students will delight audiences with their
Lake Martin Living 29
BLACK FRIDAY SALE! NOVEMBER 27TH
10 % Off Everything In Store!
We Believe in Quality Products & Service Wed.-Fri. 10-5 • Sat. 9-4 • Sun. 1-5 • Closed Mon. & Tues. 7995 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 • 334.857.3900 www.LakeMartinMiniMall.com 30 Lake Martin Living
FABULOUS FINDS
South Ridge Harbor, Breakwater • $1,575,000 Just completed by Newcastle Construction and designed by David Smelcer. This 3,825 sq. ft. five bedroom, four and one half bathroom plan has generous open living-diningkitchen with owner’s suite and guest suite on main level. Lake level offers three bedrooms, two baths, rec room, bunk room, and lake prep room. Covered porch and lake level patio provide lots of outdoor living space. Russell Lands On Lake Martin Rhonda or Emily 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com
Willow Glynn, Cove Cottage • $1,197,000 Ready To Move In! Henderson & Coker just completed this beauty in Willow Glynn. A Mitch Ginn design includes owner’s suite, guest bedroom, bunkroom, and bonus loft room on main level. Expansive open kitchen-dining-living area with access to large covered porch. Lake level offers 2 guest suites, large family room, covered patio and bar for plenty of lake fun. Russell Lands On Lake Martin Rhonda or Emily 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com
1A Pine Shadows, Eclectic • $675,000 Your dream home awaits, just off Nero's Point. This 4 bedroom, 3 bath home was just completed. Great finishes inside with a huge view of Trillium with deep water. Must see to appreciate. Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592 www.LakeMartinRealty.com
195 North Fairwinds Drive, Windermere West $789,000 Windermere West home located on a 2+/- acre lot w/ multiple fountains, sitting areas, fire pit, decks, screen porch, carport & so much more! The home offers spacious living areas on both levels. The master & a guest bedroom are on the main level along w/ a spacious kitchen and family dining area. Three additional bedrooms are on the terrace level (one currently serves as a pool room). Visit soon! Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 www.LakeMartinRealty.com
South Ridge Harbor, Fairwinds $1,375,000 A must see David Smelcer design and Newcastle Homes is complete and ready to move in. With 4,043 sq. ft. on 3 levels, there are views from most every room. Open living-dining-kitchen, owner’s suite, guest suite and covered porch all on main level. Upper level has guest suite and bonus room. Lake level offers two guest suites, rec room, kitchenette, lake prep room, and covered patio. 2-car detached garage. Call to see this spacious plan. Russell Lands On Lake Martin Emily or Rhonda 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com
South Ridge Harbor, Stone Manor A new gem completed by Newcastle Homes! Designer David Smelcer has artfully blended natural stone and wood to create an eye-catching design offering vaulted ceiling and open floor plan with 2 Master suites on main level. Three additional guest rooms on terrace level, 2 family rooms, lake prep room, and more! $1,465,000 Tour the house, take in the views, and meet the builder. Russell Lands On Lake Martin Emily or Rhonda 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com
Lake Martin Living 31
Because Family Matters...
Choose someone who will take care of yours • Burial & Cremation Options Available • Professional Pre-planning Service
Choose compassion, understanding and care in your time of need...
Choose
Radney Funeral Home
Langley Funeral Home
PO Box 99 1326 Dadeville Road Alexander City, Alabama 35011 256-234-2511 www.radneyfuneralhome.com
PO Box 130 21837 U.S. Highway 280 Dadeville, AL 36853 256-896-2571 www.langleyfuneralhome.com
Lake Martin Living 23
KENNETH BLAIR, Certied Home Inspector 110 Calhoun St., Suite 202 Alexander City, AL 35010
256-794-5551
www.lakemartininspections.com
Get all the facts before you buy, with a certified home inspector. Schedule an appointment today!
21 Main Street, 256.329.9227 • www
Kenneth Riley, Riley Real Estate
1330 Patrick Street, Waverly, AL 36879
256-234-2131
kennyriley@bellsouth.net Lake Martin Living 126LAKE
NOVEMBER 2011
The staff at Tallapoosa Publishers would like to wish our readers a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas Season.
et, Alexander City ww.mainstreetac.org
home furnishings, reimagined!
256-749-4716 1031 Cherokee Road Alexander City www.madisonhouserestorations.com NOVEMBER 2011
Lake Martin Living LAKE 272
Mortgage Mistakes
Be prepared to take advantage of low interest rates on home loans
H
istorically low interest rates make this a good time to Preparation Makes the Process Smoother Before beginning the application process for a home loan, consider buying a new home in the Lake Martin area, check your credit score and think about the amount you refinancing a mortgage or getting a home equity line of can afford to make in payments. credit for a renovation or other major project. Make sure to give yourself time to dispute any incorrect entries And there are also a number of other signs of the low cost of or address other issues before you apply for a mortgage. getting a mortgage: n Think about what mortgage payment you can afford. n Conventional home loans are available with as Consider how much debt you have versus your little as 5 percent down. income, and think about how your mortgage n Many homebuyers using Federal Housing payment would fit in. An online mortgage calculator Administration loans can now do so with a down can give you an initial idea about what kind of payment of 3.5 percent. payment your budget will allow. But keep in mind n Insurance fees for many Rural Development that while a mortgage calculator can show principal program home loans have been lowered from 2.75 payments and interest rates, it often doesn’t take percent to 1 percent by the U.S. Department of into account other items like property taxes and Agriculture. homeowners insurance. If you’re thinking about refinancing or buying a n Don’t take on additional debt while you’re home, talk to an experienced mortgage professional applying for a mortgage. Taking on another loan, about what the current interest rates and recent such as for a new car or boat, impacts your debt-tochanges in the mortgage market could mean for income ratio and can negatively affect your credit you and which type of loan best fits your needs. As Scott Blake score. It’s best to hold off on any new loans while you look at your options, here are a few other things you’re pursuing a home loan. about home buying to keep in mind: n Make sure you have an up-to-date picture of your credit ~ Scott Blake is USAmeriBank’s Residential Mortgage score. Before you start the application process, check your credit Production Manager for Central Alabama. report to make sure the information is correct and up-to-date.
MONEY MATTERS
32 Lake Martin Living
Exercise with Diabetes How to monitor blood sugar before, during and after workouts
N
Medical News
insulin to control blood sugar. If a diabetic person ovember is National Diabetes Awareness exercises with a high level of ketones, the risk of month. According to President Obama’s ketoacidosis exists; this is a serious complication of recent proclamation, more than 29 million diabetes that needs immediate treatment. Instead of Americans have diabetes, a disease in which the exercising immediately, this patient should wait to glucose levels in one’s blood are higher than normal. exercise until the test kit indicates absence or a low Although the rate of new cases is falling, the level of ketones in the urine. numbers are still alarming. Diabetes is one of the n 300 mg/dL or higher, blood sugar may be leading causes of death in the United States, and it too high to exercise safely, as these high glucose results in staggering health and financial costs for levels may increase the risk of dehydration and Americans. ketoacidosis. Postpone the workout until blood Diabetes and exercise go hand in hand when it sugar drops to a safe pre-exercise range. comes to managing the disease. Exercise can help During exercise, low blood sugar is sometimes those with diabetes improve their blood sugar Linda Moore a problem. If planning a long workout, a patient control, as well as enhance fitness and reduce the should check blood sugar every 30 minutes, risk of heart disease and stroke. especially when trying new activities or increasing the intensity But diabetes and exercise carry difficult challenges, too. It is important to track blood sugar before, during and after exercise. or length of the workout. This may be difficult during outdoor activities or sports; Those records will show how the body responds to exercise however, this precaution is necessary until it is known how and will help to prevent possibly dangerous blood sugar blood sugar responds to changes in exercise habits. fluctuations. Stop exercising if blood sugar is 70 mg/dL or lower or Before diving into a fitness program, diabetes patients should shakiness, weakness or confusion occur. Eat or drink something get their doctors’ OK to exercise – especially if they’ve been to raise the blood sugar level, such as three or four glucose inactive. They should discuss with their doctors the activities they are considering and the best times to exercise, as well as the tablets, a half cup of fruit juice or regular soda or five or pieces potential impact of medications on blood sugar as they become of hard candy. Recheck blood sugar 15 minutes later. If it’s still low, have more active. For the best health benefits, experts recommend 150 minutes another serving and test again 15 minutes later. Repeat as needed until blood sugar reaches at least 70 mg/dL. If the a week of moderately intense physical activities, such as fast workout isn’t finished, continue once blood sugar returns to a walking, lap swimming or bicycling. safe level. If taking insulin or medications that can cause low blood Check blood sugar right away after exercise and again several sugar, these patients should test their blood sugar 30 minutes times during the following hours. Exercise draws on reserve before exercising and approximately every 30 minutes during sugar stored in the muscles and liver. As the body rebuilds these exercise. This will help to determine if their blood sugar levels are stable, rising or decreasing and if it is safe to keep exercising. stores, it takes sugar from the blood. The more strenuous the workout, the longer blood sugar will be affected. Low blood Consider these general guidelines relative to blood sugar sugar is possible, even several hours after exercise. level: If blood sugar is low after exercise, eat a small carbohydraten Lower than 100 mg/dL, blood sugar may be too low to exercise safely. Eat a small carbohydrate-containing snack, such containing snack, such as fruit or crackers or drink a small glass of fruit juice. as fruit or crackers, before beginning a workout. Exercise can be beneficial to health in many ways, but for n 100-250 mg/dL, for most people, this is a safe pre-exercise those with diabetes, testing blood sugar before, during and after blood sugar range. exercise may be just as important as the exercise itself. n 250 mg/dL or higher is a caution area. Before exercising, patients should test their urine for ketones, which are ~ Linda Moore, RD, LD Registered and Licensed Dietitian at substances made when the body breaks down fat for energy. Russell Medical. Excess ketones indicate that the body does not have enough Lake Martin Living 33
OH SNAP! 1
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Lake Watch 25th Anniversary
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October 16, 2016 Dunn Center, Camp ASCCA, Jacksons Gap 1. Martha Hunter and Cindy Lowery 2. Susan Bronson Hudson, Mary Anne Bronson Scanlan, Greg Scanlan and Mary Anne Bronson 3. Diana French and Dick Bronson 4. Myrna Lehman and Barbara and Jesse Cunningham
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Rally in the Alley October 20, 2016 Alexander City 1. John and Sandra Thompson and Scotty Howell 2. Richard Wagoner, Tammy Donaldson and Allyn Frohsin
34 Lake Martin Living
3. Sharon Fuller and Jamie Dark
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CACC/Russell Medical Golf Tournament October 24, 2016 Willow Point Country Club
1. Dawson Jennings and Kennon Reese 2. Ryan and Jessica Sanford, Malorie Mann and Craig and Cecily Lee 3. Carol Lee and Laurie Sturdivant 4. Dave Jennings, Tammy Jackson, Abby Guy, Jim Peace and Randy Dawkins 5. Susan and Jack Burrow and Allyn and Ralph Frohsin 6. Randy Adair and Anne Harrison 7. Carter, Lawton, Gena and John Henley
Lake Martin Living 35
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Meet the Author October 25, 2016 Dadeville Public Library 1. Jenny Winsor and Elaine Toney
2.Teri Jordan and Steve Badalamenti 3. Kathy Westbrook and Abbi Mangarelli 4. Amber Wilson and Gloria Graham 5. Fred and Renee Norrell 6. Joe and Mary Belser
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Wind Creek Festival October 15, 2016 Wind Creek State Park 1. Sophia and Mandy Barrett
2. Ridge Lovelady, Johnny Spears and Reyn Lovelady 3. Owen and Shanna Thompson 4. Nicholas and Lillian Pais 5. Jodie and Charles Forbus 6. Isabella Mitchell 7. Mackenzie Gulledge
Lake Martin Living 37
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Fall Festival October 29, 2016 Russell Crossroads 1. Julia Kilby and Karen Kison 2. Lee, Reynolds, Banks and Matt Sheppard 3. Anna, Lila Kate and Jody Thornton 4. Henry, Casi, Maxwell and Hank Lamberth
5. Debra and Corky Fountain and Reagan and Mason Sander
6. Jason, Renea, Aubrey and Drew Schoonhoven 7. Jana Hilliard, Reese Colley, Gabriela Pugh, Claire McKay, Sarah Rollins Koon and Jennifer Koon
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36th Annual Oktoberfest October 8, 2016 Charles E. Bailey Sportplex Alexander City 1. Cheyenne Foreman and Draven 2. Elizabeth, Armando Jr., Karen, Martina and Armando Sr. Castillo Lopez 3. Jacob, Cody and Denean Patterson 4. Peyton and Ashley Abrams 5. Debra Gamble and Rhyline Floyd 6. Jason Cowart and Cameron Rawls
Lake Martin Living 39
Calendar
THE LAKE REGION
FEATURED EVENT
Annual bazaar funds local charities St. James Episcopal Church in Alexander City will host its Fifth Annual Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parish hall at 347 S. Central Ave. Members of the congregation have worked all year through a variety of creative arts guilds to supply inventory for this event, which raises funds for local community outreach. All proceeds from the bazaar support community organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Lake Martin Area, the Tallapoosa Christian Crisis Center, East Alabama Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, American Red Cross and others. Last year, the silent auction portion of the bazaar was moved to a later date in February to raise funds for Feast of Sharing, a food ministry in which the Episcopal congregation and the congregation at First United Methodist Church offer a free meal to all comers twice a week. The combined bazaar and silent auction events raised more than $22,000 for the local community organizations last year alone. “We keep thinking we’ve hit the top amount, but every year, we raise more money for local charities than we did the year before,” said Rev. Rob Iler, rector at St. James. “We appreciate the support from the community, as people stand in line before the doors even open at 9 a.m.” This year’s offerings will include platters, nativities, vases, salad bowl sets, decorative bowls, coasters and napkin rings from the St. James pottery guild; paintings, watercolors and note cards from the art guilds and craftwork made by the St. James congregation, including jewelry, ornaments, 40 Lake Martin Living
embroidered Pottery and More! The sale of crosses, platters, salad towels, hand crafted bird houses bowls and other one-of-a-kind pottery pieces at the bazaar will fund a variety and feeders, of local charity efforts. candleholders, scarves and other accessories, gift items and more. In addition, the bazaar offers baked goods and frozen casseroles, as well as soups, pimento cheese and cheese straws. For information, call the church office at 256-234-4752.
LAKE REGION EVENTS Nov. 17
Book Signing
Lee St. John, author of She’s a Keeper! Confessions from a Southern Girl’s Closet, will be at the Dadeville Public Library, Thursday, Nov. 17 at 1:30 p.m. to talk about this book and the next in her Keeper series, due to be published this month. She plans to bring her audiobooks and an adult coloring book as well. All will be available for purchase. Lee wants to make people laugh and hopes readers will identify with many of the funny stories she relates. The Friends will host the author in the library basement at 205 North West Street. Call 256-825-7820 for additional information.
Nov. 18
Denim & Diamonds Charity Ball
This annual benefit for the Lake Martin Area United Way will be held at the Lake Martin Event Center at The Rodeo Club at 6 p.m. Steak dinner and silent auction. Tickets are available at the United Way office in Alexander City, the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce or the Lake Martin Event Center.
Nov. 19
MainStreet Thanksgiving Market
Visit the MainStreet Thanksgiving Market at Broad Street Plaza in Alexander City from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. for Thanksgiving treats and specialty homemade items. Call 256-329-9227 or visit www.mainstreetac.org for vendor information.
Nov. 19
Trade Day
The Bibb Graves School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will hold a trade day with vendors. Booth space is $10. Some booths are open every Saturday.
Nov. 25-27
Christmas at the Crossroads
Enjoy a weekend-long opening of the Christmas season. Shop the Company Store for Christmas gifts from Cloud Nine and handcrafted items created by local artisans. Stop in at Catherine’s Market for discounts and giveaways. Bring the entire family to admire the town decorations and revel in the Christmas spirit while shopping the arts and crafts from local and regional artisans at the Holiday Market at The Stables. Santa arrives in town to see all the boys and girls at 11 a.m. on Friday. For information or to register as a vendor, call 256-794-1397 or visit www.russellcrossroads.com.
Nov. 26
Bingo Night
The Bibb Graves School Alumni and Friends, located at Millerville, AL, between Goodwater and Ashland on Hwy.
9, will have a family Bingo night. All proceeds go to help rebuild the school.
Dec. 1
A Tennessee Christmas
Alexander City Arts Council will present A Tennessee Christmas at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium, 225 Heard Boulevard, Alexander City, at 7 p.m. A Tennessee Christmas highlights Meagan Taylor and Jason Coleman’s vocal harmonies, as well as the finger style guitar and slip note piano made famous by Meagan’s uncle, Chet Atkins, and Jason’s grandfather, Floyd Cramer. The show features a mix of vocal and instrumental songs that celebrate all that is good about Christmas. Call 256-496-2424 or email karenjennings124@gmail.com with “Arts Council” in the subject line for more information.
Dec. 5
Alexander City Christmas Parade
Presented by the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, join the fun as one of East Alabama’s largest parades winds through downtown with elaborate floats, dancers, bands, Santa Claus and more! This year’s theme is “Christmas Carols.” Call 256-234-3461 for more information.
Dec. 5
Holiday Open House
The Horseshoe Bend National Military Park will host a free holiday open house with luminaries from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5. Refreshments will be served in the Visitor Center. A table with supplies will be available for children to make ornaments to take home.
Dec. 6
Choral Christmas Concert
Alexander City students will delight audiences with their musical accomplishments at the Alexander City Schools Choral Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. in the Benjamin Russell High School auditorium.
Dec. 7
BRHS Band Christmas Concert
The Benjamin Russell High School band will celebrate the season with their Christmas Concert at 7 p.m., also in the high school auditorium.
Dec. 8
The Vision
Turn the television to WAXC TV Channel 3 for the Alexander City Theatre II production of The Vision by William Grandgeorge. The play features local actors retelling an old Bavarian folk tale about a shoemaker who has a vision that Christ will visit his humble shop on Christmas Eve Day. Check local listings and the Alex City Outlook for details. Lake Martin Living 41
Dec. 10
Christmas on the Coosa
The annual Wetumpka Christmas event kicks off with the Character Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. There will be arts and crafts on display and available for purchase from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and the car show from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Then, line up along the parade route for the 2 p.m. street parade. Santa will ski in for the fireworks show at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.cityofwetumpka.com.
Dec. 10
Christmas in the Park
Get in the spirit of Christmas fun at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City. There will be music, food, arts and crafts and activities for kids and kids-at-heart, including the Wild Side Reindeer Race to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Lake Martin area. Call 256-329-6736 or visit www.acpr.me for more information.
Dec. 11
DHS Christmas Concert
The high school and middle school bands will host a Christmas Concert at 6 p.m. at the DHS Auditorium.
Dec. 11
Dadeville Christmas Parade
The theme for this year's Christmas Parade is “Spirit of a Hometown Christmas.” The parade begins at 3 p.m., though vendors will be around the Courthouse Square at 1 p.m. To enter a float, contact the Chamber office at 256-825-4019.
Dec. 13
All Natural Christmas Pageant
The Reeltown Volunteer Fire Department will present the inaugural All Natural Christmas Pageant at the Reeltown High School Cafetorium. The event is open to all boys and girls from infancy to 12th grade. All proceeds will benefit the Reeltown Volunteer Fire Dept. For more information contact Terre Funderburk at terre.george@yahoo.com.
Dec. 14
Music of Christmas
A wind ensemble presents this concert, along with the adult choir and cast of the First Baptist Church, at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Dadeville. This 20-piece ensemble is comprised of students from Auburn University.
Dec. 14
Christmas Cantata
Red Ridge United Methodist Church will present its Christmas cantata, Night of the Father’s Love, by Pepper Choplin at 9:30 a.m., performed by the choir and assisted by an orchestra of community musicians under the direction of Dr. Kim Walls. A dramatization of the Nativity will be included.
Season-Long Events Electronics Recycling
The City of Alexander City Public Works Department hosts an electronics recycling event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Items accepted include computers, computer mouse, keyboards, modems or routers, CD and DVD players, power supplies, PC mix systems, home or cell phones, printers or copiers, mainframe servers, audio/video adapters, laptop chargers, cable boxes, nickel cadmium or lithium ion batteries and flat screen monitors and televisions. CRT monitors and televisions are no longer accepted. For more information, call the Alexander City Public Works Department at 256-409-2020.
Santuck Flea Market
The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month except January and February. The Santuck Flea Market is located at 7300 Central Plank Road, Highway 9 in Wetumpka.
Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit
The Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony on Lake Martin exhibit is on display at the Alexander City Board of Education building all year long. The BOE is located at 375 Lee Street.
Memory Makers Quilt Guild
Meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Jr. Sportplex campus. Participants come and go between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. with a business meeting at 5 p.m., followed by show-and-tell. Bring sewing projects, machines and questions.
Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store
Located on Highway 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children's Hospital in Birmingham. Call 334-8572008 for more information.
Amateur Radio Club
The Lake Martin Area Amateur Radio Club meets the second Thursday of every month at the Alexander City Church of Christ with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. Interested persons may contact the Club President Tim Mayfield at 256-329-1172 or Secretary John Philips at 256-212-4063.
Antique Car Cruise-in
On the first Saturday of each month, car enthusiasts cruise 42 Lake Martin Living
into Arby’s parking lot on Highway 280 in Alexander City from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join the fun and enjoy an era of classic cars and classic music.
You do the dreaming, We’ll do the rest.
Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours
Children and adults fill the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads to see and listen to Naturalist Marianne Hudson’s lively presentations with critters, insects, snakes and fowl and more. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature in the wild and the outdoor classroom. Visit Calendar. RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com for the scheduled events. A Rustic-themed inn minutes from Lake Martin. Guests enjoy: • Professionally designed suites • Chef inspired menu • Limousine Rental Book your event today! • Holiday parties • Showers • Bridge club • Prayer meetings • Weddings You name it and we will accommodate!
(256) 596-4017 5833 Hwy 22 E, Alexander City, AL 35010 www.cherokeebendbb.com
The Swing Bed Program AT COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
805 Friendship Road Tallassee, AL 36078 (334) 283-6541 www.chal.org
Community Skilled Care and Rehab Helping Patients Transition from Hospital to Home When Rehabilitative Care is Needed.
Why Choose Community Skilled Care and Rehab?
• Generalized weakness • IV medication therapy • Recovery following an accident • Rehabilitation following surgery, stroke, or heart attack. • Rehabilitation following acute care inpatient hospital stay
• Low patient to nurse ratio • 24-hour physician in-house • Dietary, nutritional, and social services • Team approach to recovery & discharge • Coordinated & planned activities program • Nursing care provided by experienced RNs and LPNs • Physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapy
For more information call: (334) 283-3857 or E-mail: swingbed@chal.org
Community Skilled Care and Rehab A division of
Community Hospital Lake Martin Living 43
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Goldville 280
Goodwater To Sylacauga
Legend
TALLAPOOSA COUNTY
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New Site
Public Boat Ramps 22
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Churches
37
Camps & Parks
Timbergut Landing
9
32
Power lines
280
27
U.S. Highways County Roads
20
Alexander City
6
22
Flint Hill Church
Camp ASCCA
Alex City Boat Ramp
18 36 34
Rockford
3
49
128
22
Piney Woods Landing
Wind Creek 63 State Park
COOSA COUNTY
Horseshoe National P
Jaybird Landing
35
28
Jacksons Gap
Pleasant Grove Church
11
9
Mt. Zion Church Russell Farms Baptist Church Friendship Church New Hope Church
259
Bethel Church
D.A.R.E. Park Landing
31 57
5
Smith Landing Willow Point
10 26 11
9
Seman
4 Camp Kiwanis
9
Church in The Pines
Children’s Harbor
Trillium
The Amp
29 33 42
80
16
Church of the Living Waters
The Ridge
17 1
22
14
Camp Alamisco
Kowaliga Boat Landing 55
Pleasant Ridge Church
34
63
Equality
231
25
12
Liberty Church
20
24
Dadevill
280
Ko w
ali
ga
13
2
Union Landing
Ba
y
Lake Martin 23 Baptist Church 24
15
Stillwaters
30 8
7
40
Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church
38 39
Walnut Hill
Union
90
50
Central
Red Hill
21 63
Union Church
Refuge Church 229
49
Eclectic Santuck Kent
Reeltown
231
14
ELMORE COUNTY
120
14
41 14
Lake Martin Region Wetumpka
44 Lake Martin Living
Tallassee 229
MACON COUNTY
Marinas
Daviston
1 Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111 255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 2 The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300 450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
22
te
33. River North Marina 256-397-1500 250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 4 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741 2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026 5 Smith Marina Home of Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt 256-444-8793
seshoe Bend tional Park
6 Alex City Marine Sales and Service 256-215-3474 2190 Cherokee Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 7 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
CHAMBERS COUNTY
deville
25
CON NTY
50
Camp Hill
8 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550 486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026
50
31 Centry 21 Lake Area Realty 256-825-4800 440 N Broadnax St., Dadeville, AL 36853 32 Ballard Truss INC 256-234-4511 915 Pankersley Rd., Kellyton, AL 35089
11 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070 17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
35 Hilltop Landscaping Brian Fuller 256-397-4457 • Eric Brown 256-397-2811 256-329-1901 • 1516 Tallapoosa St., Alex City, AL 35010 36 Foshee What's, LLC 256-234-3298 2802 Dadeville Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
Hotels & Lodges
14 Oskar's Cafe 6684 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
37 Cherokee Bend Bed & Breakfast 877-760-7854 5833 Hwy 22 E, Alex City, AL 35010
15 Truman's Seafood & Catfish 334-567-3156 8185 Central Plank, Santuck, AL
38 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440 6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
16 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035 295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
39 Creekside Event Center 256-307-1441 7051 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
19 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036 230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850 20 Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567 1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 21 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132 1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
Loachapoka
30 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133 6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853
34 Bodyworks Massage & Spa 256-395-0442 282 Dadeville Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
18 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481 5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, Al 35010
LEE COUNTY
29 Kowaliga Whole Health & Pet Care Resort 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
Restaurants
Business & Shopping
19
28 McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583 1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010
10 SpringHouse 256-215-7080 12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
13 Harbor Docks Restaurant at Anchor Bay Marina 334-639-4723 2001 Castaway Island Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
Waverly
27 Dark Insurance 256-234-5026 www.darkinsuranceagency.com 410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010
33 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454 8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
12 Homeplate Cafe 256-825-0583 191 East South St., Dadeville, AL 36853
280
26 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333 111 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
Churches 40 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820 8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 41 Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 334-252-8618 2602 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078
Dock Builders 42 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443 180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
22 Lake Martin Mini Mall 334-857-3900 7995 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
14
23 Lakeside Mercantile 334-850-6357 8246 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853
Notasulga 85 81
24 EastLake Coffee @ Lakeside Mercantile 334-850-6357 8246 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 25 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256 350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853
If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map, for as little as $25 call 256-234-4281. Space is limited.
Lake Martin Living 45
FOR INFORMATION CALL (334) 567-5147 VISIT WWW.CITYOFWETUMPKA.COM
46 Lake Martin Living
BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
Serving all your favorite Seafood... Come taste our Snow Crab!
THURS - SAT 5 - 9pm 334.567.3156 Richard Thornton, Owner 8185 Central Plank, Santuck, AL
“HWY. 9 SINCE ‘89”
SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
Lake Martin Living 47
DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE OF LAKE MARTIN LIVING! Subscribe today or visit one of our local establishments each month for a free copy. ALEXANDER CITY
Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Que Campus of CACC Carlisle's Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine’s Market Chamber Of Commerce Cherokee Quick stop Citgo Cloud Nine Collegiate Deli Comfort Inn Dark Insurance Darwin Dobbs Days Inn Discount Food Mart Emporium Wine Grace’s Flowers Hampton Inn Holley’s Home Furnishings Hometown Pharmacy Jackson Drugs Jake’s JR’s Sports Bar & Grill Koon’s Korner Koon’s Korner II Lake Martin Building Supply Lakewinds Golf Club Larry’s General Store Little Black Dress
48 Lake Martin Living
Longleaf Antiques Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast Queen’s Attic Regions Bank Ridge - Clubhouse Ridge - Marina River North Marina Riverbend Store Russell Home Décor Russell Medical Center Russell Lands Russell Retail Store Satterfield, Inc Senior Nutrition~50+ Center Sho’ Nuff Restaurant Springhouse Restaurant T.C. Russell Airport Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc The Medicine Shoppe The Sure Shot USAmeribank Warren's Appliance Parts Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon
DADEVILLE
American Watersports Bay Pine Marina
City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center Foodland Foshee Boat Dock Homeplate Restaurant Harbor Pointe Marina Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Community Hospital Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy Lakeside Marina Niffer's At The Lake Oskar's Cafe Payne Furniture Pearson’s Place Poplar Dawgs Public Library Pug's Place PNC Bank Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 USAmeribank
ECLECTIC
Children’s Harbor Cotton’s BBQ Eclectic Do-It Center Johnson’s Furniture Kowaliga Marina
Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store Peoples Bank
EQUALITY
Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star
KELLYTON
Five Star Plantation
RED HILL Citgo
TALLASSEE
Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce The Tallassee Tribune
WALNUT HILL
Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery
WETUMPKA
The Wetumpka Herald A limited number of magazines are available at these locations. To be sure a copy is reserved for you, call David Kendrick at 256-2344281 to start your subscription.
AD INDEX A&M Plumbing.................................................................................... 7
Lake Martin Community Hospital......................................................... 3
Alex City Marine................................................................................ 1 7
Lake Martin Dock........................................................................ 23, 47
Bob Alexander Landscaping................................................................. 8
Lake Martin Inspections..................................................................... 2 6
Body Works Massage......................................................................... 1 6
Lake Martin Mini Mall.................................................................. 16, 30
Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation........................................................... 7
Madison House Restorations.............................................................. 2 7
C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 4 3
Main Street................................................................................... 26-27
C&T Electric....................................................................................... 2 3
Mark King's Furniture........................................................................ 1 6
Carlise's............................................................................................. 2 7
Merle Norman................................................................................... 2 7
Cherokee Bed.................................................................................... 4 3
Millstone Nursery................................................................................. 7
Cloud Nine........................................................................................ 2 6
Noel Boone........................................................................................ 2 7
Cotney Jewelers................................................................................. 2 6
Piggly Wiggly..................................................................................... 2 7
Dark Insurance................................................................................... 2 6
Prime Management........................................................................... 2 5
DAVCO Development........................................................................ 4 7
Radney Funeral Home........................................................................ 2 3
Designs by Trish................................................................................... 7
Red Flag Pest Control.......................................................................... 7
Diane Naler, CPA................................................................................ 2 6
Riley Real Estate................................................................................. 2 6
Emporium Wine................................................................................. 2 7
Russell Lands..................................................................................... 5 1
Four Seasons Irrigation....................................................................... 4 7
Russell Medical.................................................................................. 5 2
George Hardy, D.M.D........................................................................ 5 0
Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................... 5
Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance...................................................... 4 7
Service Printing.................................................................................. 2 7
Home Place Mortgage................................................................................ 5
Southern Sash..................................................................................... 8
Jackson Thornton............................................................................. 4 2
Summer Village................................................................................. 1 5
Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art......................................................... 2
Tallassee Community Hospital............................................................ 4 3
Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance.................................................................4 7
Truman's Seafood & Catfish............................................................... 4 7
Kelley’s Heating & Air........................................................................ 4 7
Troy Cable........................................................................................... 8
Lagasse Construction Inc..................................................................... 5
Lake Martin Living 49
Holiday Confession
Turkey is for the birds
O
The Last Word
It is rather depressing for me though. K. I have a confession to make. A big According to all of the Norman Rockwell books one. You ready? my grandparents had, good fathers are supposed Thanksgiving is my least favorite to skillfully carve turkeys on holidays. They major holiday. all look so happy with their frilly drapes in Oh, don’t be so offended. It’s not the “Thanks” the background, their cool pipes and their 27 or “Giving” parts that make this holiday last on children around a 6-foot by 6-foot dinner table. my list anymore than they make it first on many Of course, in those books, they also wear of yours. I do love seeing so many of my cousins, bowler hats when they are being punished via nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles that I don’t get stockade, so maybe that’s not the best example to see during the regular course of the year, but after which to pattern my life. that goes without saying. Anyhoo, what’s wrong with some good I know what Thanksgiving should be; I am just Luke Robinson barbecue on Thanksgiving? The Pilgrims and disenchanted with what it actually is. Native Americans didn’t eat it, but I blame that Thanksgiving should be about counting on the fact that no one brought any Dreamland sauce over blessings and visiting family, but it has generally morphed into an excuse to put a temporary Golden Corral Restaurant on the Mayflower. What about really eating outside the box and having fried buffet right in your living room, upon which several of your shrimp in lieu of that glorified yard bird? Sounds a little family members’ least-liked spouses will gorge themselves crazy, but whenever I have good fried Gulf shrimp, I am into a gassy food coma as the Detroit Lions throw definitely thankful! interceptions until you wheelbarrow your guests out to their I guess the good news about my getting older is that I no cars. longer have to pretend to eat the turkey. No more cutting it Hallmark should make holiday invitations that read, into really tiny bites and dispersing them around my plate “Come celebrate Thanksgiving with us in your ill-fitting to imply I ate it heartily. I just don’t even put it on the plate sweater and mildly-stained khakis by stuffing yourself like a anymore. piñata as we all pretend to listen to each other.” So if you ever have me over for Thanksgiving (and who It’s not the company or the bad football that makes me not wouldn’t want to?) just don’t be offended when I only eat the look forward to Thanksgiving; it’s the food. See, I am a relatively picky eater. I don’t like the traditional collards and 9 to 14 dinner rolls, as in my book, turkey is for the birds. Thanksgiving meals. Stuff like casseroles or light-brown gravies or more casseroles or various congealed formations ~ Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native who also with fruit in suspended animation or even more casseroles. writes a weekly column for The Alexander City Outlook. I especially dislike turkey. That makes Thanksgivings a grind for me. Don’t get me wrong, I hate that I hate turkey. I wish I liked it. It could make my life so much easier for Thanksgiving (and at Subway year-round, for that matter). Alas, I cannot stand it. I don’t eat turkey or any other deli-related meats. I don’t care how many glazings of pineapple-flavored lacquer your great auntie puts on that crosshatched ham or how many tin cans of cranberry Play-Doh accompany that Butterball; I ain’t eatin’ it.
50 Lake Martin Living
Memorable occasions at our place or yours Make an iMpressiOn.
catherine’s Market, kOwaliga, and springhOuse offer an enticing array of catering options sure tO leave their Mark On yOur cOrpOrate event , private dinner , Or lavish hOliday party . Holiday parties and dinners h Intimate in-home gatherings h Personal celebrations Business breakfasts, lunches or meetings h Private chefs at your location h Your venue or ours We’ll take care of the details, so you don’t have to.
Our catering planners are at yOur fingertips. Just cOntact us, and we’ll help yOu
make your occasion one to remember.
Contact: Vicki Shamblin
256.215.7070
www.CatherinesAtCrossroads.com
Contact: Caitlin Grace 256.215.7080
www.SpringHouseAtCrossroads.com
Contact: Stacey Jones 256.215.7035 www.KowaligaRestaurant.com Lake Martin Living 51
Medical Park Family Care We’re here for you!
Tara Jones, CRNP, DNP Montresea Spivey, LTR; Jennifer Hodge, Clerk; Morgan McDaniel, Radiology Technician; Kim Baker, LPN; Jamie Evans, M.D
Conveniently located along scenic Highway 49 (Stillwaters Highway), a short distance from the eastern shores of Lake Martin,
Medical Park Family Care is here for You. Lab and x-ray available Same Day Appointments Available Seeing patients 5 years old and up 256.825.9900 | 1034 Tallassee St. Dadeville
52 Lake Martin Living
We are available to take care of ALL of your primary care needs including: Acute illness, Women’s health, Medication Management, Annual Wellness and Disease Prevention.