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Guide to Lake Wedowee

Special Features 12. News to Know: Native Son Returns for Lake Wedowee Summer Jam 16. News to Know: Visitors Flock to Regional Bird-ing Trail 20. Guide to Lake Wedowee: Repurposed Christ-mas Trees Make Fish Habitat 22. Guide to Lake Wedowee: LWPOA Makes Navi-gation Easier 24. Guide to Lake Wedowee: Lake Wedowee Life Reader’s Survey 28. Guide to Lake Wedowee: Living the Lake We-dowee Life Model Search Winner 36. Guide to Lake Wedowee: Worship on the Water Returns Memorial Day Weekend 42. Guide to Lake Wedowee: Safety First 44. Guide to Lake Wedowee: Who You Gonna Call? 46. Guide to Lake Wedowee: Lakeside offers fun for all this season 51. News to Know: Have a Weather Plan Wherever You Are

In This Issue 8. Enjoy Life! - Letter from the Editor 10-11. Lake Wedowee At a Glance 14. Creative Crafting 26. Lake Map 40. Charley’s Treasures 48-49. Simply Fabulous 53. Hooked on Lake Wedowee 58. Where in the World? 60. Small Business Spotlight 62. Directory of Advertisers 66. Facebook Top 10

Living the Living the Lake Wedowee Life Lake Wedowee Life Model Search WinnerModel Search Winner

Addison WellsAddison Wells

On the Cover

Addison Wells enjoyed a warm spring day on Lake We-dowee for this cover shoot. In October, he won the first annual Living the Lake Wedowee Life cover model

search. Go to pages ??-?? To see more of his photo shoot. The next model contest will begin in June.

Lake Wedowee Life magazine is published six times a year and available around the Lake Wedowee area which includes Randolph and Clay Counties in Alabama as well as parts of West Georgia. All content in this publication is protected by United States copy-right law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise published without the prior written per-mission of Neighborhood Publishing.

© 2008 Neighborhood Publishing

contributing writers

Darlene Bailey

Shondae Brown

Tim Brown

Leisel Caldwell

Reed Montgomery

Brian Morris

Charley Norton

General Manager LEISEL CALDWELL

info@lakewedoweelife.com

Editor KELLY CALDWELL

news@lakewedoweelife.com (256) 276-7959

AMANDA CAUSEY leighcausey@hotmail.com

Advertising Sales LAVOY CALDWELL

ads@lakewedoweelife.com (334) 863-0737

Lake Wedowee Life

877.959.LAKE (5253) 18285 Highway 431 � Wedowee, AL www.LakeWedoweeLife.com

Lake Wedowee Life 7

There is something about this time of year that really has me thinking about possibilities. Everything is new again, and the fun of the summer is just around the corner.

We are already seeing activity increase on the lake and it will continue to grow as the weather gets warmer and the lake begins to fill.

There are so many events being planned for this summer that I can’t wait to enjoy! Lake Wedowee Summer Jam is new for the area this year, and the organizers are hopeful it will be one of the best. Barry Waldrep, the artistic muse, of the event is returning to his roots to play a concert for the first time in 30 years. And for those that have never heard his sound, I promise you won’t be disap-pointed. I first met Barry in the late 90s when he was with the band Roll-ing in the Hay. We were in Troy, Alabama at the time and it did-n’t take long to discover we were both from Randolph County. Years later when I interviewed him for this magazine, he still remembered me and even asked how a mutual friend was do-ing. That’s the cool thing about Barry, he not only pays attention to his music, but also his fans. He is also humble, despite his suc-cess and sharing the stage with some of great musicians.

The other thing that is special about Lake Wedowee Summer Jam is that the proceeds are going to Brown Bag Buddies. A program started by a friend of mine that feeds less fortunate children over the weekend when they are not in school. She started the program with the help of Ava United Methodist Church because she wanted to give back after watching Oprah when she was recuperating from major surgery.

The program relies on donations and kindness of others. I urge you to attend Lake Wedowee Summer Jam because you will have a good time and your atten-dance will help some of our county residents that need it most!

Kelly Caldwell Enjoy Life!

Good Tunes for a Good Cause!

8 Lake Wedowee Life

Lake Wedowee Life 9

The real estate market on Lake Wedowee is definitely on the road to recovery. As I have stated before real estate values have decreased and we are experiencing our share of foreclosures and distress sales. But on the plus side, this is what is bringing the buyers back to our market. We are now more afford-able to more people looking for lake property. The other good news, sellers who are pricing ac-cordingly to the current market conditions are also getting more showings and legitimate offers.

Another change that will have an influence on the local market is several local real estate companies joining the Birmingham Multiple Listing Service "MLS". The Bir-mingham MLS covers a large area of North and Central Alabama. There are already several agents in neighboring counties, that belong to this MLS, listing and selling in Randolph and Clay Counties. Those of us joining from this area

feel we will get more exposure for our listings and better tools to help our buyers and sellers by becoming members of a formal MLS.

Compiling monthly sold statis-tics has always been challenging for this market because the primary listing service used in this market does not make it mandatory to re-port the sold price or the sold date when a listing has been sold. This listing site also allows expired list-ings to stay active on their website and allows more than one agent to post the same property on the site and this causes much confusion for agents and consumers. These ac-tions are not allowed on a formal MLS such as the Birmingham MLS.

With all that said, I will only be reporting on the sales I can docu-ment. I encourage any of the local

companies to send me their docu-mented sold data so it can be used for future issues of the market up-date. At this time, I am happy to report REMAX Lakefront's sold data from January 1st, 2012 through Feb 29, 2012. Total of 10 closed transactions, includes closed sales in Randolph and Clay Coun-ties by REMAX Lakefront

Total of five closed lake house transactions, with a high sale of $662,500 and a low of $152,500, two of the closed lake house transac-tions were foreclosed properties.

Total of two closed lake lot transactions, price of $60,000, fore-closed property.

The hot market is still under $250,000 but we expect to start see-ing a slight increase in values this year.

The consumer side of the Birming-ham MLS can be found at www.LiveInAlabama.com.

The Real Estate Market Update ���� by Leisel Caldwell

Fishing Advice By: Brian Morris Fishing Guide

This time of the year expect the bass to be shallow!!! The bass are moving to their spawning areas to reproduce those wonderful creatures that we all like to chase around the lake. I rec-ommend fishing shallow flats and pockets using a spinner bait or shallow diving crank bait matching the colors per water clarity. Also I recommend using top water baits like a walking or a popping bait. If that doesn't work, slow down and move out to the points and fish plas-

tics, a Jig head supporting a finesse worm or a Carolina rig, it’s hard to go wrong with the color of green. The crappie should be finished spawning, so in early April focus on shallow timber pockets and any piece of wood lying in the water. It’s very common to catch 20 or so off one piece of wood in the matter of minutes. I use a 1/16 oz jig head, mostly with a 2 inch curly tail in various colors, but you can’t go wrong with black and chartreuse. Hope these tips will help you land the big one. God bless and good fishing!!

Upcoming Events April 21st Heroes In Motion Mile Walk 9am Downtown Roanoke May 12th RCLC Bike Hike 7am Registration Rec Center in Roanoke May 12th RCAS Cardboard Boat Race 9am Chimney Cove May 19th Kid’s Fishing Derby 7am -12pm Rice Pavilion Wedowee May 25th Friday Night Bingo on the Lawn Lakeside Market & Grill Wedowee May 26th Lake Wedowee Summer Jam 7pm Chimney Cove Wedowee

Diggin’ In The Dirt By: Tim Brown

As the growing season nears once again, there are a few things to consider that might en-hance growing conditions for the plants chosen for use in this year’s garden. In areas used for gardens previously, any winter growth or residue from last year’s crops can be tilled back into the soil or removed and carried off site if necessary. New garden sites may need attention to the loosening of the soil that has become compacted by sitting idle or due to some type of traffic over the years. Both locations could benefit now from soil tests to determine the pH level of the soil and also any nutrient deficiencies that might exist. Soil amendments can be used now to improve growing conditions for the lime and hydrated lime for pH correction. Also, products such as pelletized gyp-sum, soil conditioner, top soil, potting soil, and peat moss make good choices to bring some softer qualities to heavy clay soils if that should be a problem in your area. (If you are reading this article, there is a pretty good chance that includes you! Gotta love that Alabama Red Clay!) Also, it can be a good idea to develop a backup plan for watering the plants in case rainfall is too infrequent. Some possibilities include weeping hoses, drip irrigation, sprinklers, or simply access water nozzle for drenching the plants as needed. For more information please contact the Randolph County Farmer’s Co-Op.

12 Lake Wedowee Life

It doesn't mat-ter if your a little bit country or a little bit rock and roll, Lake We-dowee Summer Jam will have something for you.

“The musi-cians we have lined up really are an eclectic mix.” Doug Wil-liams, event or-ganizer, said. “It's like bluegrass, southern rock, country and gos-pel all rolled into one.”

Williams, owner of WM Grocery, had the idea of a concert on Lake We-dowee after talk-ing to his good friend Barry Waldrep.

“We have always wanted to do something to give back to the com-munity,” Williams said. “It has kind of snowballed from a couple of con-versations into what we hope to be a memorable event.”

Waldrep, a 1982 graduate of Randolph County High School, has been playing music since his father James put a guitar in his hands at 6 years old.

“My first influence was obvi-ously my father, (James Waldrep)” Waldrep said in an earlier interview with Lake Wedowee Life. “When I got interested, my dad starting showing me chords and then I started picking up stuff on my own from watching other people play.”

Since that day, Waldrep has al-ways had an instrument near by.

He has toured across the country with different bands like Rolling in the Hay, which he founded in 1993, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Zac Brown Band, Widespread Panic and the Allman Brothers to name a few.

“I'm really excited about playing in Randolph County,” Waldrep said. “It has been 30 years and I never thought it would happen.

“But this is going to be a really great show for all ages.”

Barry Waldrep and the Band of

Brothers and Sis-ters will perform May 26th at Chim-ney Cove on Lake Wedowee. Tick-ets are $10 and will go on sale May 1. The Band of Brothers and Sisters features Sarah Pea-cock,Kurt Tho-mas, Scott Little, Kelsi and Charli Robertson (from Flatt Lonesome), The Church Sis-ters and SOL JUNKY. The group performed together at Eddie's Attic in Atlanta which resulted in the Live in Atlanta cd. “What is great is

that not only am I returning home to play, but we are also able to help two great causes in the area,” Waldrep said.

The proceeds of the concert will go to Brown Bag Buddies in Randolph County and The HEARTS Program in Cleburne County. Both organizations provide food to the less fortunate.

Sponsorships with different price levels are available. Sponsors will receive reserved seating and other advertising incentives.

Other than reserved seating, the concert layout is first come, first serve and attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs.

For updated information, visit www.facebook.com/lakewedoweesummerjam.

Native Son Returns for Lake Wedowee Summer Jam

News to Know by Kelly Caldwell

www.ilovelakewedowee.com

Creative Crafting By: Amanda Causey

Spring Mantel Décor Framed Burlap Rosettes

I love springtime. The grass is so green and all the flowers start to bloom. This mantel has a rustic look for early spring. The materials I used to make this mantel focal piece were a thrift store frame painted (this one is a 16 x 20), burlap, faux robin eggs, brown craft paper, and a hot glue gun. I removed the glass and spray painted the frame. While the paint dried, I lined the frame back with the craft paper. The length of your burlap will depend on the size of the rosettes you’d like to

make. For this particular size I cut my strips close to two inches wide and six inches in length. Measurements do not have to be exact. To create the rosettes simply twist the burlap into a loose coil, and start rolling at one end

into a circular shape. Hot glue the loose end and secure underneath to hold the rosette into place. After the glue is set, hot glue it onto the frame back. I meas-ured and marked each spot to ensure symmetry. To give this a little color to go with my other décor items, I simply added the robin eggs to make the rosettes look more like a nest. Put the frame back together and viola! A beautiful and

inexpensive mantel focal piece!

To view detailed photos of each step of these crafts and other spring crafts please visit www.LakeWedoweeLife.com and click on Creative Crafting.

Spring Wreath Alternative This spring wreath alternative is an easy and creative way to dress up your door or entryway. Tie off your umbrella two-thirds of the way

down. Stuff plastic grocery bags into the folds to create the “full” look. Fill with leftover floral stems or with real

flowers.

Paper Butterfly Specimens This work of art is a great craft for children to have fun with. Materials for this particular project are 8 x 17 canvas, colored cardstock, butterfly paper punch, and hot glue. Simply punch the butterflies, measure and match up before you glue. Score the cardstock down the center and hot glue along the seam. I lined mine up lightly with a pencil and erased the marks after

the glue had set. This would also be cute with other insect designs!

Birding is one of the fastest-growing leisure activities in the United States. With approximately 25 percent of the country’s popu-lation taking part in bird and wildlife watching, it is a pastime that generates millions in tourism dollars each year.

As part of the Piedmont Pla-teau Birding Trail (PPBT) which launched last November, Randolph County will not be left out of the mix. The PPBT launched with 34 approved bird-ing sites within the nine east-central counties that make up the trail. The nine counties – Autauga, Chambers, Clay, Chilton, Coosa, Elmore, Lee, Randolph and Talla-poosa – offer 3.5 million acres of birding opportunities. This trail is the fifth of eight organized trails that will ultimately cover the state as birding becomes an increas-ingly important source of tourism revenue for Alabama.

Randolph County will launch its portion of the PPBT May 10 with events scheduled for South-ern Union at 10 a.m. and We-dowee Kiwanis Park at 2 p.m.

“As a form of tourism, birding has seen significant growth both nationally and certainly in Ala-bama over the past several years,” said Cotina Terry, executive direc-tor, Randolph County Economic Development Authority and a member of the PPBT steering com-mittee.

“Statistics show that the typical birding enthusiast is older and

well-educated with disposable income – just the type tourist that we welcome to this area. The va-riety in habitat that exists from north Alabama to the Gulf Coast means we have a tremendous range of birds that can been seen in the state and certainly on the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail,” Terry pointed out.

In Randolph County sites have been approved at Southern Union State Community College, We-dowee Kiwanis Park, and Fox Run on Lake Wedowee. Development of the trail will continue past the launch, with more sites being added over the next few years.

There are a variety of birds in our area besides the more com-

mon ones like car-dinals and blue jays, and the bird-ing trail offers the perfect venue in which to view them. According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and

Natural Resources, the existing birding trails are used by thou-sands of birders annually.

“This birding trail is not only a valuable means of attracting more visitors to our county, it is also a great educational resource for our students and an opportunity for inexpensive family outings,” said Terry.

The trail offers various infor-mational materials. Visitors can pick up a PPBT guide map at stra-tegic locations throughout the county. Bird watching sites are

Visitors Flock to Regional Birding Trail

News to Know by Shondae Brown

Southern Union State Community College is one of two sites in Randolph County selected as part of the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail.

16 Lake Wedowee Life

www.smalltownbank.com

18 Lake Wedowee Life

listed, along with informa-tion about each site. The bird-ing trails will include strate-gically placed interpretive panels, direc-tional signage, kiosks, and walking trails. Visitors to the area may also consult the PPBT or Randolph County Cham-ber of Commerce websites to dis-cover sidebar items or other places to visit while in the area. The PPBT is just one of many

regional options for outdoor ac-tivities. Lovers of the outdoors can canoe or kayak along the Talla-poosa River as part of a trip down

the Alabama Scenic River trail, the longest recreational water trail in any single state in the United States. They can make stops along the birding trail as part of trips to popular destinations such as Lake Wedowee, Flat Rock Park, Cheaha State Park, or other day-trip op-

tions. “We are excited about the po-tential for tour-ism dollars that the trail brings to our county,” said Terry. “We feel this will be a gateway to help people dis-cover the rec-reational activi-ties that are found in Randolph County.”

For more information on the Pied-mont Plateau Birding Trail, visit

www.piedmontplateaubirdingtrail.com or www.randolphcountyal.com.

Lake Wedowee Life 19

Plant a tree to help protect the environment… Our Children’s FUTURE!

For the second time on Lake Wedowee, Christmas Trees are finding a new purpose after Santa Claus has come and gone.

Close to 300 Christ-mas Trees were depos-ited around the lake this winter to provide invit-ing habitats for numer-ous species of fish.

“We did this a few years ago, but it’s hard to coordinate unless we have another group to get involved,” Shelia Smith with Alabama Power Company said. “This time around the Lake Wedowee Property Owners Association stepped up and said they would help.”

On Feb. 6, volunteers from LWPOA, local Boy Scouts and personnel from Alabama Power Company tied the trees in bundles of four and then installed the bun-

dles in groups of five to different areas of the lake.

“We have marked the locations with GPS and by late spring, we should have them on the website” Smith said.

The trees were dropped about 50 feet from the shoreline in less

populated areas on the lake. The trees are tied to concrete blocks and float under the surface. “We put them closer to shore and they are not a safety concern for skiers, wake boarders, or swim-mers,” Smith said. “They are under water a good bit so it’s not like they could hurt anything.” The trees were collected from the cities of We-dowee, Roanoke, and Carrollton, as well as by individual residents who dropped off their trees at Randolph County Con-crete.

“We plan to help with this pro-ject every year,” Tom Garland, LWPOA chairperson, said.

Fishermen interested in finding

the GPS coordinates to the habitats can go to

www.alabamapower.com/fishdata.

Repurposed Christmas Trees make Fish Habitat

Volunteers from the Lake WEdowee Property Owners Association assisted Alabama Power Company in Feb-ruary transplanting discarded Christmas trees into the lake to create additional fish habitats.

20 Lake Wedowee Life

The Lake Wedowee Property Own-ers Association made it a little easier to navigate around Lake Wedowee this sumer.

In 2011, the LWPOA installed marker signs on Lake Wedowee's main channels: Little Tallapoosa River, Big Tallapoosa River, and Wedowee Creek.

A few years ago, Lake Wedowee Property owners chairman Tom Gar-land and his wife were on a boat

one day and they noticed another boater in distress.

“We pulled up, and the guy had a cell phone in his hand but had no clue where he was to call for help,” Gar-land said. “That's kind of where this idea began.”

The marker’s lone purpose is to provide a location reference for boat-ers experiencing problems on the lake.

“The signs do not reflect navigabil-ity or water levels,” Garland said. “The boaters are still responsible for becoming familiar with water levels and other conditions affecting safety on the lake.”

News to Know Story by Kelly Caldwell Photos courtesy of

Tom Garland and Alabama Power

LWPOA Makes Navigation Easier

The signs are designed to be seen from a distance measur-ing 18 inches wide by 24 inches tall. They have a yellow reflective back-ground with black numbers. The basis of the

marker spacing is the approximate boat path from R.L. Harris Dam proceeding north along the lake and rivers. Some locations have been shifted to enhance visibility, and the marker locations do not correspond with the mile markers on com-mercial maps of the lake. “We have maps with

these markers available, and we are working with Alabama Power about getting signs de-noting the pattern of the locations installed at the public boat ramps,” Gar-land said. From the dam to the

48 bridge the mark-ers are 1-9. Then splits into the rivers which are both 10-27. The Big Tallapoosa River markers, however, have black borders around the signs. We-dowee Creek is numbered 1-

3 and also has a black bor-der. All of the signs are on the west or left bank (proceeding north) and are below the 795 eleva-tion. “We want them really visible to help the most people,” Garland said. The marker locations are also on file with the emer-gency response personnel in the county. The program has been a cooperative effort of

LWPOA, Alabama Power Company, County Offi-cials and Randolph

County Sheriff's Depart-ment, Randolph County Emergency Management

Agency.

Bill Sammon (above driving), LWPOA Chairman Tom Garland (above standing in blue), and Warren Sides (below in white) all volunteered to install the signs.

For more information on the Lake Wedowee Property Owners Association Visit

www.lakewedoweepoa.com

Please take a moment to fill out our first Readers Survey. We constantly strive to improve the quality of our magazine. We would love your feedback! You can

photocopy this page and mail it to us or visit us online at www.LakeWedoweeLife.com to save a stamp and fill out our digital copy. All survey’s that are filled out online will be entered in a random drawing to win a

prize valued at $50! Thank you in advance for you time!

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2012 Lake Wedowee 2012 Lake Wedowee

Life Model Search Life Model Search

Winner Addison WellsWinner Addison Wells

www.lakewedoweeleaders.com

30 Lake Wedowee Life

Living Addison

Wells is your typical 16-year-old boy. He sleeps late, hangs out with friends, and eats a lot. How-ever, in the fall he won the first-ever Living the Lake We-dowee Life Model Search, and it came as a complete surprise to him. “This is

something my mom did,” he said. “I did-n't even know about it until I saw my picture on face-book.com. When I won, I knew that there were going to be a lot of girls really mad about it.” Wells and his family have

been coming to Lake Wedowee since he was a toddler, and the 16-year-old has been like a fish to water ever since. “There have been so many

'Addison stories' over the years,” Kim, his mom, said. “And, some of them would be

pretty unbelievable if I had not seen them myself. “I remember one night we

were sitting up at the house and

Addison was down on the dock fishing,” she said. “All of a sud-den, there is a commotion and he yells ‘the fish took my pole.’

And, he jumps in after it.” Kim watches her son swim after his fishing pole and a while later he comes walking back, pole in one hand and the fish in the other. “I didn't doubt he would come back with the fishing pole, but the fish too, that was a sur-

prise.” Wells, a sophomore at Saks

High School, plays football and runs track, but pretty soon, he will be trading in his track shoes for his wakeboard. “I love coming to the lake,”

Addison said. “It's just some-thing we have always done.” As a child, Addison became a

bit of a local hero when he saved the lives of his babysitter and her granddaughter. “He doesn't really like to talk

Model Search Story by Kelly Caldwell Photos by Amanda Causey

Lake Wedowee Life 31

Model Search

about it,” Kim said. “But, we were really proud of him.”

Alyris Bradford had been learning how to swim the sum-mer of 2006 and during the Fourth of July holiday had come to the lake with her grand-mother Geraldine. Alyris took off running toward the water and jumped in without a life jacket.

“Geraldine didn't know how to swim, but she jumped in after

her granddaughter, not really realizing how deep the water is here,” Kim said.

They both began floundering, and Addison had been riding his four-wheeler at the road.

“He had always been told not to drive it down a neighbor's driveway, but thankfully he didn't listen that time,” Kim said.

Addison ran down to the dock, put on a life jacket and

jumped in after the pair who were in distress.

“He got to Alyris first and got her back on the dock, but he couldn't pull Geraldine out of the water,” Kim said. “I am still amazed that he was able to think so quickly, but he got in our paddle boat and was able to get to Geraldine in time and bring her back to the shore.”

For his efforts, Wells received a certificate of commendation

The Wells fam-ily: Brian, Ad-dison, Kim and Dawson en-joyed lunch at Lakeside to conclude the Living the Lake Wedowee Life photo shoot. (Opposite Page) Addison tries out his new kayak just around the Lakeside boat launch.

from Gov. Bob Riley as well the gratitude of the Bradfords' for the rest of their lives.

Being named the first Living the Lake Wedowee Life winner, Addison has enjoyed a prize package which included a photo shoot by Beau Monde Photography, a kayak from We-dowee Marine and Lake We-dowee Life, a gift package from First State Bank, and a prize pack from Mary Kay represen-tative Meleah Ogelsby. Lake Wedowee Life maga-

zine will launch the Second Living the Lake Wedowee Life Model Search in June, with the winner being announced later in the summer. The next winner will also be featured as a cover model for the 2013 Guide to Lake Wedowee which pub-lishes in April next year.

Thank you to all our spon-sors and contestants as well as the Wells family for making the first contest a success.

Addison, left enjoyed the day on the lake even though the water was too cold to actu-ally go for a dip. His brother, Daw-son, middle, tagged along for the day as well.

Lake Wedowee Life 33

www.ilovelakewedowee.com

www.ilovelakewedowee.com

Worship on the Water be-gan at Lake Wedowee Me-morial Day weekend four years ago. While there have been some changes, the message remains the same: Come by Boat, Come By Car, Come As You Are. “We offer a

really casual environment to hear the Word of God,” Marie Lanier, Marketing and Promotions Coordinator for Servants in Faith and Technology (SIFAT) said. “We are nondenominational and have speakers from all over the area each Sunday.” The service, under the trees at

Lakeside Marina, begins at 9 a.m. on Sunday of Memorial Day Week-end and continues each week through Labor Day Weekend. “The crowds have really grown

over the years and of course the holiday weekends are biggest,” Lanier said. “Memorial Day last year, we had 280 in attendance and then Labor Day it was well over 300.” The service began as an out-

reach program through Commu-nity Life Church in Roanoke and was spearheaded by Oliver and Sandra Kitchens. “Oliver and Sandra decided to

go into the mission field full time and Community Life Church did

not have a group to handle it. So they approached us and it was a great fit.

“We are here and it allows us and opportunity to give back to our local community that supports us,” Lanier said. In the second season, former

University of Alabama football player, John Croyle of Big Oak Ranch came to Wedowee to share his message. “We try to have different speak-

ers and musical groups each week; that way we can appeal to every-one,” Lanier said. There is an optional offering

during the service that helps main-tain operating costs for Worship on

the Water. “It's used for things like maintaining the sound equip-ment, chairs and small hono-rariums,” Lanier said. Since its first service Chuck and Evelyn Smith have been instrumen-tal in the suc-cess of Worship on the Water. “They help get the speakers lined up for us every year,” Lanier said. “We wouldn't be do this with-

out Chuck and Evelyn Smith. They help so much.”

Schedule of Speakers and Music

MAY May 27 Message by Steve

Dean, Community Life Church, Roanoke Music by Bill Stone, OK 2 Carrollton

JUNE June 3 Message by Ryan

Mitchell, Member Community Life Church Music by Cedar Creek Quartet,

June 10 Message by Nate Paulk, SIFAT, Lineville Music by Learn & Serve Staff SIFAT

June 17 Message by Rev. Rus-sell Hestley, First United Methodist Church, Wedowee Music by Laura

Worship on the Water returns Memorial Day Weekend

36 Lake Wedowee Life

Worship on the Water is located under the trees at Lakeside on Highway 431 north of Wedowee. People are encouraged to come by car or boat.

News to Know Story by

Kelly Caldwell

Lake Wedowee Life 37

Campbell & The Joyful Sound From First United Methodist Church

June 24 Message by Jacob Wilkerson, Bear Creek Methodist Church, Woodland Music by Bear Creek Methodist Church Choir

JULY July 1 Message by Rev. Elvis

North, Lineville Music by Bill Stone, OK 2 Carrollton

July 8 Message by Rev. Steve Baccus, First United Methodist Church, Roanoke Music By First United Methodist Singers or John McKinney

July 15 Message by Curtiss Sessions, Genesis Worship Center, Jacksonville, AL Music by Paul Frye & The Gospel Expression

July 22 Message by Cody Shel-ton, Crumleys Chapel of God Mu-sic by Ryan Robertson & Emily Shelton

July 29 Message by Dorothy Ann Webster, Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Lineville Music by Scott Brand, Roanoke

AUGUST August 5 Message by Tim

Craft, Malone Baptist, Wadley Music by The Connection, We-dowee

Augut 12 Message by Barry Cosper, Tallapoosa Baptist Asso-ciation Music by Witness For Him, Wedowee

August 19 Message by Billy Watts, North Main Christian Church, Roanoke Music by Karen Norred, Wadley

August 26 Message by Tripp Skipper, Four Corners Ministries, Roanoke Music by Lauren & Rusty Nall, Oxford

SEPTEMBER September 2 Message by Billy

Coleman, Grace Extension Minis-tries Music by Homegrown, Car-rollton

www.lakewedoweelife.net

38 Lake Wedowee Life

Lake Wedowee Life 39

My wife has been talking about need-ing to cut the grass so yesterday I decided to get the mower out for her. I pumped up the tire, charged the battery and greased all the places that wanted grease. To my disbe-lief, it actu-ally started! Excited over this unusual phe-nomena, I decided to cut the grass myself (Kim’s birthday is coming up and I thought it would be a nice present). I also managed to check off my list the job of cutting the leaves up that had accumu-lated from fall which had been on the list, well, since fall. While I was so motivated, I went ahead and mangled the hedges and re-paired the lattice inserts on each side of the house that the honey suckle vines vindictively keep pulling down. Then I cut back some of the limbs on what I think must be the largest privet hedge in the state of Alabama so that Kim wouldn’t get whacked on the head the next time she cut the grass. This, of course, would of been smarter if I did it before I cut the grass but it is usual and cus-tomary for me to get whacked on

the head before coming up with any good idea.

Looking around at the front yard, I am reminded that I need to build a picket fence. I tore down the old rotten fence last year and since then our front yard has been surrounded by the remaining brightly painted fence posts which I now refer to as the “Stonehenge” of Wedowee.

My mind starts to drift, as it is prone to do, and in it I start to construct the new fence. I will use pressure treated lumber this time to prevent the rot, mount them higher off the ground to avoid

moisture and the beating the last fence took from the weed eater. I will make the sections where they’d be easier to remove for future painting and to ac-cess the front yard with the riding mower and then build

that arbor over the walk that I’ve been wanting to do.

But about that time, out of the corner of my eye, I saw the noses of Faithful and Dismay, the po-laris twins, peaking out from un-der the shed. I could hear a bass boat in the distance as it tracked down the shallow river and I real-ized that lake season is soon to start. I decided to walk over and inspect the craft, discarding the clippers and any thoughts of households duties and replacing them with thoughts about the wa-ter. I wondered how the Peninsu-las, the Spot and Shiland island weathered the mild winter. I thought how great it will be when we can ride up the river to Scoops Deli and have bacon, eggs, and strawberry shortcake for breakfast again (so awesome!), then jump the big waves at the point in front

Charley’s Treasures by Charley Norton

Faithful and Dismay

of the Lake Wedowee Hotel (JR’s house), do the swing thing near the 48 bridge and jump off the big rock. I can’t wait to go camping again and see the sun set and rise over the shimmering water. It’s going to be awesome!

At inspection, both of the skis looked rough. Faithful has gouges on the nose from running up un-der the metal dock at Chimney Cove, and both are scratched from front to back after hitting the docks at lakeside, Chimney Cove, the 48 bridge, Scoops Deli, and most of the others they were tied up to. Dismay has a big spot of primer under the front from the tree limb that impaled it over near Onas Brand’s house, and the seat is ripped from the cheap crappy cover I bought off Ebay last year and pitifully installed. Just like last year and the year before, I started to think about redoing them with a cool paint job with

flames and custom hood scoops. I’d strip the cowling off the steer-ing for a cool motorcycle look, re-move the Polaris labels, and paint “Snortski” in its place, and put on loud water boxes so everyone would know we’re coming (and probably not be very happy about it)!

Then, just as I did last year and the year before, I realized why I won’t do it. Every scratch, gouge and faded mark is a reminder of what great memories we’ve had on these machines, just like the guy that went mud riding and rode around town with his truck covered in dirt. It’s not to show off the vehicle, but the fun he had in it. Let the other guy anchor his pristine craft 50 foot offshore. He can feel my wake as I buzz by and prop my ski on the rocky bank. Let him wash his ski with tears over the scratch he got when he hit it with the lawn mower. I will

challenge the mower to find an unscratched place to hit! If my neighbor advises me again that I should cover our ski’s in the win-ter, I will say, “Why? They love the sun! Why in the world should I deprive them of that?”

I know that the imperfections lessen the value, but they are Po-laris, which means they aren’t worth anything anyway. Besides, they’re not for sale. They are scarred, temperamental and mis-chievous. Where else could I find two boats so much like myself? As for the yard…..looks pretty good to me.

Let’s Ride!!

Charley Norton is co-owner of Norton’s Flooring, a company started by his mother and father in 1976. Norton’s Flooring products are in countless homes on Lake Wedowee

and throughout the county.

Here is a quick Lake Wedowee Safety check-list compiled with the help of Marine Police Officer Barry Popham and Kathy Morris of Wedowee Marine. Please look over and take note of these tips. There may be some you had not thought of before.

Enjoy the Lake and have a safe summer!

• Take a safe boating course; you might be surprised about what you don’t know about boating safety (and it may even give you a discount on your boat insur-ance)!

• Just like on the highway, drinking and boating is against the law. In many ways, it can be even more dan-gerous. Leave your alcohol at home!

• Check the weather forecast.

• Let someone know where you are heading and what time you expect to be back.

• Many people put their boats in the water without first checking belts, fluids and motors, and end up hav-ing to be towed in. Make sure your boat is in good working order before taking it out.

• Know the state boating laws for Alabama.

• Follow manufacturers suggested procedures before starting up.

• Lake levels fluctuate daily. Check lake levels before each trip out on the lake.

• Follow nautical rules of the road, buoys, and other aids for navigation.

• Watch your wake and keep a safe distance from docks and other structures, swimmers, and other boats. It’s the law, it’s courteous, and it’s for every-one’s safety.

• Have Coast Guard approved life jackets for all passengers. All passengers under 8 must wear a life vest at all times while onboard.

• Have a first aid kit on board at all times. Also bring your cell phone, extra dry clothes, sunscreen and insect repellent.

• Please keep hold of your trash – items such as drink cups, cans, old fishing line, and bait containers can easily be blown into the water, especially from a moving boat. Not only do these items pollute the

earth, they can be harmful to fish and other aquatic life.

• Wear a life jacket whether you know how to swim or not and dress appropriately for the weather. Most people who drown never intended to be in the water in the first place. Be aware of and enjoy your surroundings, bring binoculars and camera to enjoy the beautiful landscape, and keep an eye out for un-safe conditions.

Don’t forget that the lake is for everyone’s enjoyment and a reckless or rude boater can turn a nice day at the lake into a disaster!

Safety First

Wear a life jacket whether you can swim or not.

Keep hold of your trash.

44 Lake Wedowee Life

We know that some of you may be new to the area or use the magazine as a phone book (I know that I do). With that in mind, we thought it would help to know who to call (of our ad-vertisers) when the following

situations occur. Hope this handy reference sheet helps you!

You load up the boat with all your friends and it won’t crank? D&S Marine or Wedowee Marine You need to clean your 3rd story windows and don't have a lad-der? Fiberglass Unlimited offers boom truck rental You jumped a big wake on your jet ski and chipped your tooth when you landed? Dr. Michael Edwards You want to catch the Big One on Lake Wedowee? Brian Morris or Reed Montgomery You need an adjustment after catching the Big One? Steele Chi-ropractic You want to attend a church ser-vice while here? Worship on the Water You want to give your yard its Summer makeover? Wedowee Landscape , Greg's Lawn Care, Morning Sun Nursery, or Randolph County Farmers’ Co-op It’s almost supper time? W&M Grocery, Perryland Foods, Hill Top Store or Lakeside Grill

The power goes out? Tallapoosa River Electric or Alabama Power (Depending on your service pro-vider) You need a unique gift for that someone special? H&M Drugs, Sheppard's Jewelry or Meleah Oglesby You need a new grill on your deck to BBQ? Hall's Propane or Superior Gas You want to add an upgrade to your dock? Docks Plus More Your car starts making a funny noise on your way to the lake? Affordable Tires for Less or Lake View Auto Sales or buy a new one at Clay Automotive or Scott Evans Nissan You have a property dispute with your neighbor? Scott Hew-itt, Kesa Johnston Dunn, or Chad Lee Your furry friend is sick? Main Street Animal Hospital You want your own place to stay here without commitment? Lake Wedowee Rentals or Wedowee Lake and Lands You want to change your status from visitor to resident? We-dowee Lake and Lands or RE/MAX Lakefront You want to know how to pay for it? Bank of Wedowee, Small-Town Bank, or First State Bank

You want to insure it? State Farm Insurance You have land but want to build a house? Charles Thompson Construction or Mac McKinney Properties You have a house but want to change it? A&E Metal, Norton's Flooring, Bledsoe Painting, or Wedowee Building Supply You want to watch your favorite football team on television at the lake? Satellite Specialist You want to store your stuff dur-ing the changes? Summit Storage Your dishwasher flooded or you had a grease fire in the kitchen? Southern Restoration You want elderly relatives to be close by? Williamsburg Manor You want to get more involved in preserving the quality of Lake Wedowee? Lake Wedowee Prop-erty Owner’s Association You want to further your educa-tion? Southern Union State Com-munity College You want to get involved in pro-moting businesses or relocate your business here? Randolph County Economic Development Authority We have also included a direc-tory of our advertisers with con-tact information and websites

Who you gonna call when...

Lake Wedowee Life 45

Lake season is gear-ing up to be a fun one and Lake-side Marina is doing its part.

Be-ginning Memo-rial Day week-end, the restau-rant will of-fer Fri-day Night Bingo on the back deck of the restaurant.

“Last year was such a success, think there would be riots if we didn’t do it again,” John Tinney, Lakeside owner said. “I had one of our players tell me it wasn’t entertainment for them, it was therapy.”

The concept will be a simple one. There will be 15 games played on Friday, and each win-ner will receive a prize from a lo-cal business.

“We have already gotten sev-eral area businesses on board and are excited about Lakeside Friday Nights,” Tinney said. “It’s a great

opportunity to promote local busi-ness.”

Bingo will be open to all ages on Friday nights.

“We are a family friendly res-taurant and bingo will be a great way for the family to spend a Fri-day night,” Tinney said.

Lakeside has also spent the off-season expanding the dining area of the restaurant.

“It gets very crowded in here

during lake season, and there are times that it’s stand-ing room only,” Marie Bailey, store man-ager, said. “So Mr. Tinney decided the best option was to expand

the dining area to allow for more seating.”

The store is ready for summer with new hours 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Satur-day.

For more information on Lake-side Marina visit their website at www.lakesidewedowee.com. If you are interested in sponsoring a prize for Friday Night Bingo, please call Lakeside Marina

256.357.2033

Lakeside Marina offers fun for all this season

News to Know Story by Kelly Caldwell

Bring your chairs for a night of fun on the Lawn at Lakeside beginning Friday May 25. Bingo returns for the summer.

www.lakewedoweelife.net

Breakfast Cups Spring is almost here and man will I be happy to

see it roll on in! I know winter weather is very important in order

for mother nature to kill off a few bugs and stuff but I'm a liker of the warmer season.

When Mr. Sun shows up, people start buzzing about and things begin to come to life. This means weekend gatherings of all kinds.

A family or bridal brunch here, out of town com-pany there, and none of us like to spend all our time cooking when we could be visiting.

I have a Breakfast Cup recipe where the work is done in advance.

Add a slice of toast with some jelly and maybe even hash browns and you will be eager to rise and shine for this single serve, unique meal.

So before you go off to bed, throw this recipe to-gether and into the fridge to enjoy in the morning.

Please let us know what you think of our recipes. You can email me directly at baileydp1@aol.com. I love feedback.

Glass Slipper Events 256.449.2946

Layer cubed bread, cooked sausage and cheese evenly into 2 greased 8 oz ramekins. Whisk eggs and next 5 in-gredients together. Pour evenly over cheese. Cover and chill 8 hours. Let stand at room temperature 20 minutes before baking. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until set. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

1 cup cubed white bread (about 2 slices) 1/4 cup cooked sausage (crumbled) 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

with peppers 2 large eggs 1/4 cup milk 1/4 tsp. dry mustard 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/8 tsp. onion powder

Simply Fabulous Story by Darlene Bailey ���� Photo by Kelly Caldwell

www.lakewedoweeandmore.com

On April 27, 2011, the land-scape of Alabama forever changed when 62 tornadoes rav-aged the state in a 24-hour pe-riod. More than 250 people lost their lives, and the state as a whole mourned the devastating losses.

Luckily for Randolph County, we suffered no physical damage to our property, but we did join in the relief effort.

“I have never seen anything like this in my lifetime,” Donnie Knight, Randolph County EMA director, said. “And, I probably won't, at least of this magnitude, again.”

Numerous lessons were learned from a year ago, but most important is for people to have a weather plan.

“Technology has advanced so much from when we started doing this and so many lives were saved that day because of the advanced warning,” Knight said. “We knew days in advance to prepare for these storms.”

A few years ago when a severe thunderstorm warning or tornado warning was issued, the whole county would be alerted. Now, however, the warnings are more precise.

“The polygons are very spe-

cific,” Knight said. “And, our out-door warning system can match.”

However, Knight cautions not to rely solely on the outdoor warning system.

“The outdoor warning system is just that, meant for people out-side,” he said. “You can't hear it indoors most of the time and you should have an alternative to rely on in your home.”

Weather radios are preferred for indoors and for smart phones there are applications available.

“The alerts don't help if you can't hear them,” Knight said. “We also send the weather alerts out over our radio frequencies and to the local radio station. We try to inform as many people as possi-ble.”

The Alabama tornado season hits its peak from March to May, and residents should remain on alert.

“When we get a severe weather warning, you should move to the lowest level of your home and be in the most interior room available,” Knight said. “But you should also have neces-

sities with you because if a big one hits, you may be stuck there for a while.”

Knight suggests having bottled water and food in your safe place, and when severe weather is pre-dicted to charge cell phones as well as make sure you have bat-teries for flashlights and radios.

“There is nothing worse than having a flashlight or radio that doesn't work because the batteries are dead,” Knight said.

Also, he strongly urged that a person living in a mobile home should leave well before the storm hits.

“I have seen the devastation done to mobile homes when tor-nadoes hit,” Knight said. “You don't want to take your chances with that.”

Also with the large number of weekend home owners in the area, Knight suggests to have a weather plan for both places.

“I know we have a lot of visi-tors to the area that may not know how to get information,” he said. “Make sure you have a plan for your second home as well be-cause you don't want to be caught off guard.”

In Randolph County, local weather alerts are broadcast over Eagle 102.3 and in Clay County

Have a Weather Plan Wherever You Are

News to Know Story by Kelly Caldwell

52 Lake Wedowee Life

This is often a very controversial subject among today’s bass anglers. However, the art of fishing for bed-ding bass during the height of the spring spawn should be ob-served from both sides. Some think it is

best to wait and fish for these shallow wa-ter bass during the post-spawn period. Others say it’s okay to fool these often very weary bass into strik-ing your fake offering, as long as the bass is then returned to the bed it was taken from. The post-spawn period usu-

ally takes place during a short time frame — from around early May to the latter part of May — this is when the majority of these Lake Wedowee bass have com-pleted their annual ritual of bed-ding and they are very hungry! When bedding is over and

done, these bass are recuperating and some have not eaten regu-larly in weeks. But when they do eat, they go on a major feeding spree right before summer be-gins. By the month of June most of

the lake’s male and female bass have already bed and the major-ity of Lake Wedowee’s bass then begin fattening up for the long, hot summer months ahead. So, if this often controversial

subject offends you or if fishing for bedding bass is just not your idea of a fair way of fishing for these creatures, you may not want to go fishing until this sum-

mer! But, if this technique in-trigues you, and you plan on re-leasing both the male bass and the bigger female bass right where you caught them…then read on!

WHEN DO THESE BASS

BEGIN TO

PREPARE THESE BEDS?

Lake Wedowee’s bass usually begin pairing up and making those little rounded out beds, easily seen on the lake’s bottom, around the first week or two of April. Some bass may bed earlier in the spring season or some may wait until most other bass have already bed, often seen bedding in late April, or at times, bedding may continue on into early May. For this, annual ritual of re-

producing another year’s off-spring to be in perfect working order, both the male and female

bass must complete this very stressful ordeal to-gether. First, ideal conditions must indicate it’s time for the smaller male bass to be-gin preparing the bed. This can be when the water tem-perature is in the low 60’s, meaning many male bass will be crowded in select locations by late March. There must be stable, ideal water temperatures in the lake’s shallows, around 68

to 72 degrees, and a full moon nearby, before the female bass will even consider trekking into the lake’s shallow water to lay her eggs. Stable lake levels for a week

or two (not rising or falling), a full moon very close by, and an ideal water temperature are needed for the majority of the lake’s female bass to bed in the lake’s very shallow water. Still, anglers must keep in mind that not all Lake Wedowee bass will be seen bedding at the same time. Lake Wedowee’s avid spring

time anglers can be assured the majority of the lake’s bass popu-lation will be in water less than 3 feet deep during this spawning period during the months of April and May. Lingering late winter cold

fronts can stall the bedding proc-ess. Unseasonable early spring warming trends can actually speed up the bedding process, duping these bass into bedding much earlier than usual. Keeping an eye on the

weather, not only during the

Should You Fish for Bedding Bass?

Hooked on Lake Wedowee by Reed Montgomery

Lake Wedowee Life 53

spring season, but all throughout the rest of the year, can help Lake We-dowee’s an-glers adjust accordingly. Otherwise, every outing can be a real challenge. The ideal

water tem-perature for spawning bass is 72 degrees.

BASS ON THE BEDS

Once this spawning process is in full swing, anglers should be on the lookout for these easy to spot brightly-colored beds. They will stand out as just a bright rounded out circle on the lake’s darker bottom. Make plans to fish a depth of 1-4 feet deep for these bedding bass. * A good pair of polarized sun-

glasses (preferably those with side shields), is a must for aiding anglers in locating these bass beds. Without a good pair of polar-

ized sunglasses, the sun’s glare shining down on the waters sur-face will often prevent an angler from seeing most bass and their beds. Even a wide brimmed hat will help cut out the glare of the sun.

SPOTTING BASS

BEDS

Bass beds can easily be seen, but anglers must focus their ef-forts in lightly stained water con-ditions, to some very clear water clarity to be really successful at

bed fishing. This can mean con-stantly looking for a yellowish-colored circle (with most bass beds having a diameter of about 1-2 feet), if the bass has chosen a

sandy bottom to bed in. It can also mean be a reddish-

orange colored bed if the bottom composition consists of red clay. Some bass may choose to bed in areas featuring a sandy bottom with small pebbles or small, scat-tered baseball-sized rocks. Lake Wedowee’s bass have

even been seen bedding right on top of a flat rock, under man made piers or right on top of a flat stump like any one of those thousands of stumps that were left here when the lake was cleared of the standing timber in the lake’s flooded shallows, when impounded in 1983. Lake Wedowee’s bass will usu-

ally avoid having to bed on a composition of a muddy bottom unless that’s all the lake has to offer in any one given area. Muddy bottoms are usually asso-ciated with dead, decaying aquatic weeds, and Lake We-dowee has very little aquatic weed growth during the spring season. During the summer months

some aquatic weeds will begin their growth, sud-denly ap-pearing in the shallows around the first week of June. These weeds will flourish for about five months until the lake is again drawn

down to winter pool in the fall period. Then Lake Wedowee is down for another 6 months, kill-ing most aquatic weeds found lake wide.

SIGHT FISHING

Spotting a bass bed is only the first part of this fishing equation for targeting bedding bass. There is no use in spending your time fishing for a bass that is not actu-ally on the bed or one that cannot actually be seen cruising near the bed. You have got to see the bass as well as the bed they occupy. This is where the term “sight

fishing” comes into focus. Sight fishing means that the

angler thoroughly scans the entire area around any suspect bed, looking for the bass that made the bed! This can be any one of the dozens of smaller male bass in any given bedding area or it can be a big female bass just waiting for the conditions to be right to lay her eggs. Male bass prepare the bed and

then watch over the bed for as long as 30 days, running off any egg-eating intruders (like bream and other baitfish) that constantly hinder the whole overall success

54 Lake Wedowee Life

of the entire bedding process. When the thousands of bass

egg fry, then begin to hatch, the male bass must spend its time protecting the new born bass fry from predators. After this 30-day bedding process is complete, the small bass fry are then on their own. Left to explore their new watery world without the protec-tion of their parents nearby.

TECHNIQUES FOR

TARGETING

BEDDING BASS Most adept anglers that have

mastered the art of fooling a bed-ding bass into biting know what lure to choose and when its time to set the hook. Bass that are not interested in your fake offerings may take a while before attempt-ing to remove the intruder from the bed.

Here’s what to look for; A bass that is “locked on the

bed” is a bass that will bite. This is a bass that usually sits mo-tionless, hovering right over the bed or very close to the bed. Spot-ting the dark silhouette of the bass against the lightly colored background then becomes easier.

In lightly stained water condi-tions a bass locked on the bed can be aggravated into striking a number of lures, often requiring throwing a lure right into the heart of the bed. An angler may also need to carefully drag a lure off the bank right into the bed for those more skittish bass found in clearer water situations.

In heavily stained water, when targeting bedding bass, you can fish close by most suspect beds by simply fan-casting the entire area. In clear water situations an angler may have to keep the boat a safe

distance away, then spot the bed, utilizing long casts to avoid spooking the bass.

Most bed fishing anglers prefer to keep the sun to their back to avoid spooking bass on the beds and to help cut the sun’s glare on the water. Some anglers may fish into the rays of the sun to avoid casting a shadow over the bass or the bed, which can really spook a bass off the bed fast!

LURES Lures can be an array of offer-

ings. Some lures can be fished on the lake’s bottom right in the bed. other lures may be fished in the middle water column. Even fish-ing a top water lure can often ag-gravate a big old bass into strik-ing when all other lures have failed to produce a strike.

Whether an angler chooses to fish a worm, tube bait, lizard, jig

Lake Wedowee Life 55

combo, creature type bait, fake crayfish, or any one of the doz-ens of fake plastics today’s an-glers have to choose from, al-ways keep in mind to use lures that have colors that are easily seen.

Some anglers may choose to fish a white, chartreuse, yellow or red colored worm, lizard or tube bait. These brightly colored plastics help an angler to see the lure better when it is taken by the bass, and it helps a then pre-pared angler to get a much better hook set when the bass does strike. Some anglers may prefer darker colored plastics.

These bass engulf a lure real fast. then they swim out away from the bed, then spitting out the lure. This can take place in just a matter of a few seconds. Paying very close attention and setting the hook fast at the proper time is of the utmost im-portance when bed fishing, if you want to achieve any degree of success!

Watch the bass. It will show you when it is about to strike

your lure. Most big, female bass will nose down at the lure, with its tail often straight up, right before flaring its gills and en-gulfing the intruder. When in doubt…set the hook!

ALWAYS RETURN THE

BASS TO THE BED

WHERE YOU

CAUGHT IT

When you do successfully fool one or more of these bass into biting your tempting mor-sels, always unhook it carefully, quickly take its picture, and then return it to the bed immediately.

The longer a bass stays out of the water, the chance for sur-vival decreases. These are weak and very hungry bass that have spent the last few days very stressed out. Treat them like you would want to be treated…if you were a fish...With care.

Don’t allow your boat to drift too far away from where you catch either a smaller male bass or a huge female bass. The bass may not be returned to the same

bed in time to save the eggs or newborn bass fry from preda-tors. A big female bass may abandon the bed all together if you take it to far away from its bed, one it cannot return to.

Take their pictures and then let these bass go. Return these bass right where you caught them to assure that another year’s offspring will be here next spring. Give these bass a chance to live and fight another day. To give another angler a thrill in the near future, just like they did for you.

Keep in mind during the spring spawning season, ”The future of fishing depends on you”

Thanks and Good Fishin’ Reed Montgomery / Reeds

Guide Service “ Over 40 Years Fishing Ala-

bama’s Lakes for Bass and Strip-ers ”

Birmingham, Alabama Phone (205) 663-1504 www.fishingalabama.com

56 Lake Wedowee Life

www.lakewedoweelife.net

Lake Wedowee Life 57

(Top left, clockwise) Anna Greer and Brock and Audrey Vandagriff brought Lake Wedowee Life along with them on a trip to the Statue of Liberty. Victoria Bof-fano, Randy Milam, Marcela Milam, Berta Nardaciones, Isaias Amante, Mery Narda-ciones, Tabare Galeano, Kathe Ruiz Diaz, Mateo Heinz, Mariana Narda-ciones and Nelson Co-ore brought Lake Wedowee Life with them to Termas de Guaviyu (Natural Hot Springs) in Paysandu, Uruguay Terri and Richar Ripley brought Lake Wedowee Life to Mount Ashland Ski Resort in the Southern Oregon

Mountains. Kelly Caldwell and Judy Miller celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in

Savannah with Lake Wedowee Life. Ashley Stephens traveled to Cooper Mountain Colo-rado with Lake We-dowee Life magazine She celebrated her 12th birthday on Feb. 22. If you travel, be sure to take Lake Wedowee Life along with you. Take a picture at a landmark

and send it back to us! Email your photos to news@lakewedoweelife.com. Please be sure to tell us where you are in the photo and who is with you!! Thanks and happy travels!

Lake Wedowee Life 59

by Leisel Caldwell

For Doug Williams, a great cus-tomer experience is the goal every time someone walks in the door at WM Grocery.

“Most people think a first im-pression is what matters most,” he said. “But for my stores, the last impression is equally important. A cashier's attitude can mean the dif-ference of between gaining a cus-tomer for life or not.”

Williams opened his WM Gro-cery store in downtown Wedowee in 1993.

“It has been called anything un-der the sun with a W and M, but actually it stands for Williams McGue,” Williams said. “My sister and I opened the store at the old Super Value location which is now the gym in downtown Wedowee.”

As for why a grocery store, Wil-liams still asks himself that ques-tion.

“I still ask myself that ques-tion,” Williams laughed. “I saw an opportunity and my sister and her husband thought they wanted to

move back and do this together but things change. It didn't work out and decided to part ways.”

Williams now the sole proprie-tor moved WM Grocery to its cur-rent location in November 2001.

“Our customers wanted it,” he said. “Parking has always been at a premium downtown and it didn't take long for our customers to en-courage us to move to a bigger lo-cation.”

However, during construction

of the store, the world changed. “I remember exactly where I

was standing and what I was do-ing when I heard about the terror-ist attack,” Williams said. “We were all numb that day and didn't really know what to do or what was going to happen.”

But, according to Williams there

was no turning back and the doors opened two months later.

“We pride ourselves in keeping a clean store and knowing what our customers want,” he said.

Keeping current with customers needs is an ever-changing process especially in the grocery store busi-ness.

“There have been a lot of changes over the years,” Williams said. “But that's what keeps this business interesting. When we first opened the staples that people bought were a lot different. We sold a lot more things like flour and back then who would have thought bottles of water would sell by the case.”

Another change for Williams has been the popularity of Lake Wedowee.

“We can't deny Lake Wedowee has been good for business,” he said. “But, we realized something a few years ago when we were pre-paring for 'the season,' we looked back at our numbers for the year

Small Business Spotlight By Kelly Caldwell

60 Lake Wedowee Life

WM Grocery relies on Quality Customer Service

WM Grocery opened its doors at its current location more than a decade ago, and continues to pride itself on cleanliness and excellent customer service.

Lake Wedowee Life 61

and we didn't see a drop in sales after lake season was over. I am not really sure how to explain it other than our local customers keep coming back.”

Williams prides himself on a running a neighbor-hood store full of friendly faces, but knowing his cus-tomers so well has its downside too.

“It does have its highs and lows because we have seen so many of our customers grow up coming to our store, but at the same time we have lost a number of customers over the years. That's hard. Those people that have passed will never be forgotten, but new peo-ple come in that will remind you of an old friend some-times. That's special.”

AUTO Affordable Tire and Repair Our NAME says it all! 23677 Highway 48 Woodland, AL 256-449-9200 Clay Automotive Your Local Chrysler, Chevrolet, Jeep, Dodge Dealer-ship Highway 9 Between Lineville and Ashland 256-396-2155 www.SeeClayAuto.com Lakeview Auto Service Inc Taking card of your AUTO like it was our own! Hwy 431 North just past River Bridge Wedowee, AL 256-363-2069 Scott Evans Automotive Group We want your business and we’ll prove it! 725 Bankhead Hwy Carrolton, Ga (770) 832-8222 www.ScottEvansNissanUSA.com

BANKS/FINANCIAL Bank of Wedowee Continous Service Since 1906 3 Locations: Wedowee * Roanoke * Woodland 256-357-2132 (Wedowee) www.bankofwedowee.com First State Bank We make dreams come true Lineville * Wedowee * Ashland 866-396-6915 www.firststatedirect.com SmallTown Bank "A Real Community Bank" Heflin * Ranburne * Roanoke * Wedowee 256-357-4936 (Wedowee) www.smalltownbank.com

BOATING D & S Marine "We service all brands" 10965 Hwy 48 West Wedowee, AL 256-357-4879 Wedowee Marine U. S. Highway 431 WedoweeAL 256-357-2045 www.WedoweeMarine.com

COMMUNITY-CIVIC Lake Wedowee Life Visit us on facebook.com/lakewedoweelife 18285 Hwy 431 Wedowee, AL 877-959-LAKE(5253) www.LakeWedoweeLife.net Lake Wedowee Property Owners Association LWPOA Annual Kid's Fishing Derby - May 19th Rice Pavilion on Lake Wedowee Randolph County Economic Development Authority Hwy 431 South Roanoke, AL 334-863-7243 Southern Union State Community College Wadley, AL (main campus) 256-395-2211 www.suscc.edu Worship on the Water Every Sunday 9:00 am - Memorial Day -Labor Day

CONSTRUCTION A & E Metal Roofing Supply 1278 Main Street South Wedowee, AL 256-357-0051 www.aemetalroofing.com

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Lake Wedowee Life advertising directory

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Bledsoe Painting Free Estimates & Competitive Pricing! Newell, AL 256-363-1084 jvbfromga@hotmail.com Charles Thompson Construction Custom Built Homes on Lake Wedowee since 1996 770-253-7315 Docks Plus More We sell the Best & Service the Rest! 205-438-2094 www.DocksPlusMore.com Fiberglass Unlimited - Boom Truck Rental Rent by the hour, day or week 334-863-1225 Mac McKinney Properties, Inc Southern Living Custom Builder Program 770-527-7355 www.McKinneyBuilders.com Norton's Flooring 3 miles south of Wedowee on Hwy 431 Wedowee, AL 256-357-9233 www.flooringwholesale.com Wedowee Building Supplies Locally Owned and Operated 19085 Highway 431 Wedowee, AL 256-357-2845

FOOD Hill Top Store & Deli Alabama Outhouse Public Restroom Facilities Open 24/7! Hwy 48 Wedowee, AL 256-357-0123 Lakeside Grill & Marina 4 miles north of Wedowee on Hwy 431 at the River Bridge Wedowee,AL 256-357-0329 www.LakesideWedowee.com

Perryland Foods featuring Backwell Angus Steaks Court House Sq - Wedowee 60254 Hwy 49 - Lineville 256-357-2333 WM Grocery Your Hometown Grocery Store... 2 locations: Wedowee and Heflin Wedowee,AL 256-357-4914 www.wmgrocery.com

GIFTS-RETAIL

H&M Drugs Pharmacy, Gifts and Health Equipment Provider 147 Village Lane Wedowee,AL 256-357-4614 Sheppard's Jewelry 942 Main Street Roanoke,AL 334-863-2812

LEGAL-INSURANCE Chad Lee Attorney at Law 11 Main Street South Wedowee, AL 256-357-4800 Scott Hewitt, Attorney at Law General Practice Attorney 4455 U. S. Highway 431 (Across from Wal-Mart) Roanoke, AL 334-863-2181 www.scotthewittlaw.com State Farm Insurance Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there! 228 Main Street Roanoke, AL 334-863-2610 www.statefarm.com The Law Firm of Kesa Johnston Dunn 914 Main Street Roanoke, AL 334-863-5500 www.ThePowerOfAdvocacy.com

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MEDICAL Dr. Michael Edwards, DMD P.C. Offering a full range of dental services! 449 Main Street N Wedowee, AL 256-357-2882 Steele Chiropractic Life Center "Your Alternative Health Care Center For Over 35 Years" 89485 Hwy 9 Lineville, AL 256-396-2058 www.steelechiropracticlifecenter.com

PLANTS-LAWN CARE Greg's Lawn Care Serving Lake Wedowee and surrounding communi-ties Newell, AL 256-610-0140 Morning Sun Nursery Landscaping, Plants, Trees, Waterfalls 24057 Hwy 431 N Wedowee, AL 256-363-2467 www.MorningSunNursery.com

Randolph Farmers Co-op Seed, Livestock Feed, Lawn & Garden Products Hwy 431 Wedowee, AL 256-357-4743

Wedowee Landscape & Nursery Commercial and Residential Landscaping & Mainte-nance 308 West Broad Street Wedowee, AL 256-357-2556

REAL ESTATE SALES/RENTAL Lake Wedowee Rentals Affordable Rentals on Lake Wedowee Contact: Leisel Caldwell 877-959-5253 www.LakeWedoweeRentals.com

RE/MAX Lakefront Nobody sells more real estate than RE/MAX! 20755 Hwy 431 Wedowee, AL 256-357-4444 www.LakeWedoweeAndMore.com Re/Max Lakefront - Kelly & Leisel Caldwell Promoting Lake Wedowee in Print & Online Every-day! 20755 Hwy 431 Wedowee, AL 877-959-LAKE(5253) www.ILoveLakeWedowee.com Re/Max Lakefront - Grady and Linda Stone Lake Wedowee... A Lifestyle 20755 Hwy 431 Wedowee, AL Grady # 678-429-7924 - Linda #678-429-4556 www.LakeWedoweeLeaders.com Wedowee Lake and Lands You can own it... we'll help you get it! 23 Main Street Wedowee, Al 256-357-9600 www.wedoweelakeandlands.com Wedowee Lake and Lands - Gene & Ramonda Couch You can own it... we'll help you get it! 23 Main Street Wedowee, Al 770-315-9619 www.wedoweelakeandlands.com

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS Alabama Power For in-depth lake conditions call 1-800-Lakes11 Shoreline Office #256-396-5093 https://lakes.alabamapower.com/ Hall's Propane Gas Co., Inc. Serving East Alabama & West Georgia since 1962 Exclusive Dealer for Empire Gas Logs & Heaters Roanoke, AL 334-863-6616 Fishing Alabama Over 30 years experience fishing Alabama Lakes Www.FishingAlabama.com

Brian Morris Fishing Guide 10 years experience of fishing Lake Wedowee Wedowee, AL 256-357-2395 www.LakeWedoweeFishing.com Main Street Animal Hospital Small Animal Medicine & Surgery 307 Main Street Roanoke, AL 334-863-7111 Meleah Ray Oglesby Mary Kay Independent Sales Director 13 Chateau Lane Oxford, AL 256-283-7303 Marykay.com/meleahoglesby Satellite Specialist Your local dish authorized retailer! 20755 Hwy 431 Suite 3 Wedowee, AL 256-357-0223 Southern Restoration Group, LLC Fire & Water Damage Restoration & Cleanup 59795 Hwy 22 Roanoke, AL 800-709-3021 www.SouthernRestorationGroup.com Summit Storage Behind Lake Wedowee Auto Parts on Hwy 431 Wedowee, AL 256-239-5990 Superior Gas Company Serving Clay, Cleburne and Randolph Counties Roanoke - 334-863-2138 Lineville 256-396-2428 Tallapossa River Electric Cooperative LaFayette, AL 800-332-8732 www.TREC.coop Williamsburg Manor Assisted Living 331 Franklin Rd Roanoke, AL 334-863-3500 www.TraylorRetirement.com

1. Misty Cosper Champion - My husband proposed on a pier on Lake Wedowee. We have been hap-pily married for ten years!

2. Hilary Shaw - Favorite mem-ory on Lake Wedowee: My grand-mother (Marie Johnson) just passed away 2 weeks ago, and my favorite memory was her 81st birthday party in which we had at one of the restaurants on the lake. We went down to the dock and all her great grandchildren posed for pictures there. It was a very beautiful eve-ning on the lake and made me wish I would not have sold our boat.

3. Martha Shows Burnett -

Watching our two grandsons learn to love the water, both from the boat and the bank, has been worth every penny we've spent on our property!

4. Cindy Forsyth - My favorite

Memory is with my Dad. I miss him so. He would wake me up early to go fishing at the lake. We would sit for hours an when I would cast my line, I tried casting

to the other side. He would just gig-gle. Then say, Cindy if you were on the other side of the lake where would you cast. Then I realized as I also laughed I would be fishing just in front of me...lol...one of my many memories..RIP MY FRIEND...MY FISHING BUDDY...MY DAD

5. Jennifer Butts - Every 4th of

July the whole family spends the weekend at my uncle Mark & Aunt Gail's lake house. I love water ski-ing, jet skiing, swimming, grilling out & sitting on the front porch watching the fireworks over the water. It's so much fun & so peace-ful!

6. Kortni Hopkins - Riding

boats & tubing! (: 7. Brad Prince - Helping all my

kids conquer the rope swing...

8. Tammy Gunter Sweet - Sun-set Point concerts, Worship on the water in swimsuits with coffee, watching the kids grow up with tons of friends learning to tube and wakeboard tricks, (especially Sal

Vatore and Vincenzo David Guagliardo teaching Michael Sweet and Kenny battle tubing) , love hav-ing church youth retreats "Launching at the Lake", Poppa's sparkler bombs (especially Paul on Hernandez porch), rope swing, cliff jumping, dogs tubing, playing games....too many to list! Now find us some land to build on!!!! :)

9. Lisa Brooks Exum - Every trip on the lake was my favorite memory.

10. Christy Cole - My favorite

memory is riding jet skies from Pineywoods creek to 48 bridge with my godfather before he had a heart attack and lost all his mem-ory from oxygen loss, I can still remember stopping at the bridge and jumping off the jet skies to swim and barely making it back by dark. That was the best day ever on Lake Wedowee.

Lake Wedowee is always full of fun and excitement. We asked our Facebook Fans what their favorite Lake Wedowee memory was. We randomly selected form the re-

sponses we received and here they are! Enjoy!

To participate in our next poll , or to see other results of this Top 10 be sure to visit www.facebook.com/LakeWedoweeLife.

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