When the Tiki Hut opens on Logan Martin May 2, it’s not just a date on the calendar to circle, but circle it anyway – it’s the unofficial start of lake season, and it’s a party to remember.
For locals and visitors collectively, it’s a destination point, a ritual and a lake life tradition all rolled into one fun gathering place to celebrate another season on the water.
Now in its fifth year, Tiki Hut has evolved into an event celebrated weekend after weekend all summer long. Cups and apparel will commemorate the fifth anniversary this season.
Everyone will be enjoying their best lakeside living on Logan Martin as the weather warms up
With its island vibe and lakefront view, patrons arrive by boat, car and on foot just to join in the revelry. Although famous for its frozen adult beverages, it’s a family gathering spot as well with Tiki Hut Jr., River’s Edge Burgers & Breakfast, River’s Edge Marina, tiny homes rentals, a beach and playground area and 60 boat slips to accommodate the crowds lured its way.
Manager Michael Emerick and owner Paul Emerick previewed what’s in store this season. On opening day, May 2, Skier’s Marine will present an in-water boat show.
But the big celebration comes May 16 at the summer kick-off event with live music, plenty of food and drink throughout and of course, games and other activities. Performances will feature South Bound Music, 2 Da Max and Love Chyld. DJ performances will be between sets from DJIV sponsored by ABC Towing as presenting sponsor, along with Capps Painting, Stone Concepts, Woods Surfside Marina, ERA King and A Plus Tire & Auto.
Guests gather at the bar and along the beach
Open Friday nights from 5 to 9, Saturdays until 8 p.m. and Sundays until 5 p.m., it will feature bands every Saturday night beginning with the summer kickoff. Hunt Bros. Pizza is being added this year to help with food options, and Tiki Hut Jr. is being expanded to accommodate pizza.
The Emericks are adding to the playground. Bingo is back on every other Friday night, run by Nic Nic (Nicole) and Ma (Tanya), beginning May 29. Small bands will play on the other Friday nights, beginning May 22.
On the 4th of July, there won’t be fireworks, but a daytime concert series is planned, headlined by Poison Whiskey.
River’s Edge and Tiki Hut will help sponsor nearby Pier 59’s Poker Run as part of its Christmas in July events to raise funds for Christmas gifts for children at Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind.
Live music and DJs on Logan Martin Lake
On Aug. 1, the Greater Birmingham Homeowners Association will hold its poker run there, and Tiki Hut will feature a band during the festivities.
While the Tiki Hut closes in September, it does reopen for a special event – Boo Bash After Party –October 3. It’s the perfect exclamation point for a day of fun as Logan Martin hosts this dock-to-dock trick-or-treating extravaganza. Tiki Hut is the presenting sponsor, helping make it possible.
It also helps sponsor Dam Palooza, a giant boat tie-up at the dam with plenty of live entertainment and good times. The 13th annual event is set for June 27.
At the five-year mark for Tiki Hut, the 13th season for the restaurant and the 19th season for the marina, the Emericks reflected on the motivation behind their giving and supporting events around the lake, not just their own.
“The lake’s been a big factor in our growth,” said Paul, “and we want to make the lake a better place.”
Son Michael echoed the sentiments: “The lake has given us a lot, and we just want to give back.”
When it comes to Major League Baseball, St. Clair County has made more than a little imprint.
Springville’s Casey Mize, the former No. 1 overall pick in the draft, enjoyed a solid season in 2025 after missing a chunk of last season because of Tommy John surgery. This season, he helped the Detroit Tigers to the playoffs.
Todd Jones, former closing pitcher for the Tigers, was behind the mike as a broadcaster for Detroit. Jones has a home on Logan Martin Lake.
But when it came to activities around the 2025 World Series, there was another St. Clair footprint — specifically, size 2 in girls’ youth. It belongs to 8-year-old CaylacynSanford, who lives on Logan Martin in Pell City. For the second year in a row, she competed in the World Series in the 7-8 Division of Major League Baseball’s Pitch, Hit and Run competition. She earned the trip to Toronto to see Game 2 of the Series after winning local and regional honors in Atlanta to advance to win an all-expense paid trip to compete and to see the Blue Jays face the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Caylacyn Sanford sports her Pell City All Stars jersey
The top five highest scores from all 30 team championships go to the Finals. Therefore, five softball and five baseball players from each age division get an all-expense trip to the World Series to compete in the finals. (40 athletes in all).
The World Series trip isn’t her only 2025 honor. In August, she was one of six players nationally to be named Major League Baseball Play Ball Player of the Month, which earned the opportunity for two more of her family members to attend the World Series.
The Sanfords had a bit of excitement even before traveling to the Fall Classic – a mad dash to the passport office in Atlanta after Toronto won the American League title.
“Thankfully, it all worked out,” her mother, Caycyn said.
Indeed it did. In the Pitch, Hit and Run competition, Caylacyn finished first in hitting, first in running and second overall in her age group,
The MLB Play Ball initiative is the league’s signature program when it comes to youth engagement in baseball and softball. The program promotes physical activity and encourages community and family. The program also helps to grow baseball and softball with events around the world.
“It’s a phenomenal program,” Caycyn said. “It has really helped Caylacyn’s confidence and given her opportunities she would have never been able to have.”
The POTM recipients were chosen based on athletic performance, positive attitude, teamwork, community involvement and embodying the Play Ball spirit. She was also interviewed on the MLB Network.
What makes Caylacyn’s showing all the more impressive is that this is only her second year of youth softball. Last fall, she played on a team with a classic name – Bat Attitude. This fall, she played for a travel team, Shelby Steel. In the spring, it was Aces of Bases.
She began her sports journey competing in cheerleading and gymnastics. But after taking up softball at her Dad Derek’s suggestion, she was hooked.
“We didn’t know how she would be skill-wise,” Caycyn said. “We just thought it would be a fun game for her. She ended up really taking to it and enjoying it. We even stopped cheer and gymnastics. She’s really focused on softball these days.”
And as far as ability, the kid has mad skills with a disciplined swing usually seen in older, more experienced players. It’s a product of daily practice, sometimes on her own.
“It’s definitely a gift that God has given her,” Caycyn said. “It surprised us as her parents, just how quickly she’s picked up the game. The Lord really has blessed her with athletic ability. We were surprised that it was softball (where she excelled) because I never played softball. It’s something different for us. But when she started playing last year, we could see that it was something she was good at and excelled at.”
Derek didn’t play competitive ball either. But he and others have noticed his daughter’s ability to swing the bat.
“People have commented and said, ‘Wow, she’s got a pretty swing,’” he said. Caycyn and Derek have worked with her on her skills. At the World Series, Caylacyn met USA Olympian, Jennie Finch, who also complimented Caylacyn’s swing.
Caylacyn’s success is no surprise to her Dad. “We kind of had a feeling she’d have a knack for it,” he said. And of her back-to-back trips to the World Series? “It’s a pretty unheard-of success for a 7- and 8-year-old to do it twice.”
Diamonds and dolls
When it comes to sports, the softball diamond may be this 8-year-old’s best friend, but Caylacyn is still every bit a little girl, who loves playing with Barbie dolls and Lego blocks and her little sisters, Kenlee and Kellesa. She’s known to put her favorite toys – her “stuffies” she calls them – on the fence by her team’s dugout during games, all while she’s turning double plays and hitting grand slams.
Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch grabs a selfie with Caylacyn. She was All American and Collegiate World Series winner at Arizona
And it’s important to note, Caylacyn experienced a more lasting victory in 2025 – one of an eternal nature. She came to faith in Christ. The family attends Northside Fellowship.
As Crash Davis, the fictional character played by Kevin Costner, noted in the movie, Bull Durham, baseball is a simple game. “You throw the ball; you catch the ball. You hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Sometimes it rains.”
Caylacyn seems to have a similar understanding of softball and why she fell in love with the game. “It’s competitive. You get to play with your friends, and you hit,” she said.
For Caycyn and Derek, all of this World Series stuff may have come as a surprise. “What are the odds?,” Caycyn asks. But they want folks to know something more about their daughter.
“We’re just proud, especially of her being humble and her being coachable,” Derek said. “That’s something all of her coaches say about her. We’re super proud that she’s willing to learn while still being humble,” he added.
“She’s a good kid,” Caycyn said. “Softball is just something she does for fun. It doesn’t define who she is. We’re thankful that God has given her this ability. But as her parents, we find more joy in seeing her picking up her teammates when somebody makes a bad play or strikes out. She’s one of the first ones out there to encourage them. She tries her best. But it’s something from within. Being a leader. Being a good friend.”
Returning to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame
A pair of boat dealers on Logan Martin Lake had an idea that grew from a simple open house. And as good ideas often do, it’s still growing.
Mark Hildebrant of Woods Surfside Marina and Rodney Humphries of Rodney’s Marine began their joint venture as an open house at their respective dealerships. From there, they moved to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame as a small boat show.
Indoor venue makes the perfect all-weather boat show location
It’s appropriately called Legends Boat Show because it brings legends in the boating world at the place where motorsports legends are built.
In contrast to other boat shows, “we wanted something people did not have to pay to get in or park,” Hildebrant said. “We will see how it grows over the coming years.”
By the looks of it so far, they have the makings of a thriving new year’s tradition as the first area boat show of the year – Jan. 16-18.
For 2026, the boat dealers will be Woods, Rodney’s and Woods and Water Powersports. Also featured will be Town & Country Ford, which will have vehicles onsite.
AmFirst federal credit union will be providing onsite financing for boats and vehicles.
Legends showcases pontoon boats from Bennington, Evotti, Starcraft and Manitou along with ATVs and 4-wheelers, golf carts and Waverunners. Dock companies and Realtors have joined the show as well, giving attendees an opportunity to see lake life and the outdoors up close from all angles.
Admission and parking aren’t the only perks free with this show. There will be a free concert Saturday night with Deputy 5.
High school sweethearts find each other again, marry lakeside at 87
Story by Carol Pappas Photos by Stillwell Photography
Sixty-six years after they ate cotton candy, rode the Ferris wheel and had their picture taken as high school sweethearts at a carnival, love found its way back to them.
Those attending turn chairs around for a group photo of the final walk
Life, as it often does, had taken Tom Johnson and Linda Rayfield down different paths since his senior year at Sylacauga High School in 1958. When those paths crossed again six decades later, the romance began anew.
Tom recalled the original romance. “I saw Linda first at church and then later at school as a teen. My first impression was that she was a tall, skinny, very beautiful girl. We went to the movies. I took her to the church in Hollins that she had not seen before. We went to the teenage restaurant to see the cars and have a burger on the tray hanging from the car window. Memories never forgotten.”
Linda was in the band. Tom was in the Glee Club. They drifted apart when Tom left for college at Faulkner University.
“For over 60 years, we were actually not very far apart in miles, but our paths did not cross,” Tom said. He lived in Conyers, Ga. She lived in Sylacauga.
“I married Shirley from Eufaula, Alabama, and Linda married Sonny. We both raised wonderful Christian families. We both were caretakers for our mates for many years before they passed. We both have great respect for each other’s former mates.”
But as fate would have it, they met again when he was visiting his brother, Clay County Commissioner Roy Johnson, who spends a lot of time in Talladega County. “I didn’t know who he was. I hadn’t seen him in 65 years,” Linda said.
Couple sporting their cowboy hats after the big event
Tom asked Linda if he could take her out for a meal together. “I was assuming she would suggest one of the steak restaurants, but she suggested the Old Town Grill in Childersburg. We learned quickly that we had a lot in common. I love her very much.”
That rekindled love was mutual, and those different paths they forged years ago finally merged into a wedding aisle on the banks of Logan Martin Lake. Tom’s niece, Rhonda Zorn Fernandez, and husband, Halo, hosted the afternoon celebration at their home.
“It was precious to honor two worthy people that have served others their entire lives,” Rhonda said. About 65 friends and family gathered for the wedding with the lake as a stunning backdrop.
As the bride readied just before the service, she said the two were “real excited” to have found each other again and were getting married.
A bluegrass band played in the background as wedding guests arrived and found their seats. At the appointed time, Linda descended the outdoor staircase. She and Tom came together under a beautifully decorated arch, perfectly framing the couple and the water just beyond, shimmering in the afternoon sun.
Flower girls – bride’s great granddaughters – drop petals
Rhonda had reasoned a time as special as this was meant to be shared, and they opened their home and began planning a celebration fit for an epic love story.
Jordan Alker, a preacher and Linda’s grandson, married them. His two daughters, Jaidyn and Avery, served as flower girls.
The bride and groom exchanged vows and rings and sealed it with the traditional kiss. “We planned to have it simple,” Linda said, as she prepared to walk down the aisle. “It turned out not to be.”
And that was just fine with her and Tom. Even a health scare couldn’t keep them apart this time around.
“I found out I had breast cancer two months before the wedding,” Linda said. “I was scared. I didn’t want to be another caregiver burden for Tom. He told me right off the bat, ‘I’m not going anywhere, we’ll face it together,’ and we did. We trusted our faith in God to help us, and we are together strong.”
Compiled by Paul South and Graham Hadley Submitted Photos
Come January, with lake levels low and 2025 in the rearview mirror, it’s time to dream of sleek new boats for the summer ahead. Area boat dealers are unveiling something new for 2026.
From a sleek tribute to a boat from 1957 sure to whet the appetites of lake lovers, to new product lines, there’s surely something for everyone.
Here’s a glimpse at vessels expected to be on display in showrooms and at boat shows in the coming year:
Rodney’s Marine
At Rodney’s Marine in Cropwell, a blast from the past will be celebrated, as well as a hot new pontoon.
The 2026 Starcraft ‘57 Ski Champ
Rodney’s offers Starcraft pontoons and tritoons. But this year, a hot ski boat may steal the spotlight – a replica of a 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ.
Billed as a “tribute to the original 1957 model,” this limited-edition has a riveted aluminum hull, two rows of bench seats and a wood veneer dash. It’s also re-engineered for 2026, with a Suzuki DF25 HP motor. They come in a choice of teal or the All-American version in red, white and blue, perfect for our nation’s 250th birthday.“It’s super cute,” said Kim Humphries, the dealership’s finance manager. “It’s a limited production boat, so when they’re gone, that’s it.”
Starcraft RX Pontoon Boat
Rodney’s also features a 2026 Starcraft RX pontoon boat with a Suzuki 350-horsepower engine. It’s Starcraft’s luxury flagship, designed for comfort and performance. This is the perfect boat for families.
The RX offers a variety of options and colors, ideal for fun on the water. It offers an unsurpassed standard of luxury.
Visit Rodney’s Marine at 6046 Martin St. S., Cropwell, Ala. 35054, or online at rodneysmarine.com.
Poorhouse Branch Marina
Poorhouse Branch Marina celebrates two pontoons for 2026, the Avalon Catalina Pontoon and the LSZ Pontoon, both in a variety of layouts with a number of options that allow boaters to customize their boats with as many or as few options as they wish.
Poor House proudly carries Avalon and Tahoe.
The boats can be powered by either Mercury, Honda or Suzuki engines.
Avalon Catalina
The Catlina is a luxury pontoon that, like all Avalon boats, is known for style and quality features and performance and options like a Blue Ice lighting package, Garmin GPS and a quality Bluetooth sound system.
As with all Avalon craft, furnishings make comfort a top priority that will impress passengers. It’s been described as “a resort on the water.”
You can create the boat of your dreams with a variety of floor plans and options.
Avalon LSZ
The Avalon LSZ is part of the brand’s Signature Collection and is billed as “the ride of a lifetime.” It’s affordable, stylish and well built, in a variety of sizes, with layouts that will fit your lifestyle.
The vessel features a Deco wall design with a choice of four floor plans with plush handcrafted furnishings.
The LSZ models range in a variety of models from the LSZ Cruise, the LSZ Cruise Rear Bench, the LSZ Elite, the LSZ Elite Windshield and more.
Now with three locations, Poor House Branch Marina is Alabama’s only Premier Honda Dealer and is the top Avalon dealer in the state.
On Logan Martin, visit Poor House Branch at 7062 Stemley Road, Talladega, Ala., 35160, or online at www.poorhousebranchmarina.com. Other locations are Lake Martin, 14512 Highway 280 E.; Jackson Gap, Ala., 36831; and Smith Lake, 6167 Curry Highway, Jasper, Ala. 35504
Buck’s Island
One of the iconic local, family-run boat businesses serving boaters and anglers in the new year, Buck’s Island, will unveil a new product line and a new edition of one of the business’ mainstays.
SeaArk Boats
Best known for building the world’s largest Jon Boat – 24 feet long and 6 feet wide – the manufacturer has raised the stakes, crafting an even bigger Jon Boat at 26 feet.
SeaArk’s aluminum watercraft caters to anglers going for catfish, crappie and bass and also caters to duck hunters. Fans of the catfish circuit have no doubt seen the ProCat. But there’s really not a species on the water that SeaArk boats can’t be used for, according to the manufacturer.
Katie Grell, sales manager at Buck’s Island, said SeaArk will call Buck’s Island home in January.
Skeeter ZXE
Skeeter unveiled a new its ZXE for 2026, Grell said.
“We’re super excited. They changed some of the options on it, with a new fiberglass deck lid, which is really nice,” Grell said.
“That model has always been our number one seller.”
The updated boat has a sharp profile from bow to stern, but really struts its stuff below the waterline.
The elegant line above the waterline is perfect for recreation to tournament fishing, promising a comfortable ride.
Buck’s Island, with its expansive product line, will be like a boat show close to home.
In business since 1948, Buck’s Island offers new and used boats, as well as motors, and provides service and also sells tackle and sponsors local fishing teams. Visit the dealership at 4500 Alabama Highway 77 in Southside, (256) 442-2588 or online at www.bucksisland.com.
Woods Surfside Marina
Boat Show season at Woods Surfside Marina will feature exciting new boats, including the Bennington M Series and the Evotti 721 CS. Here’s a glance at both boats.
Bennington M Series
The all-new Bennington M Series is a sleek new pontoon with new features and innovative design. The company celebrates the new line as “a modern expression of style.”
The boat can accommodate 10 to 15 passengers. Models range in length from 22 to 26 feet.
The M Line offers standard features, as well as Luxe and Sport Packages. Other upgrades include Rockford Fosgate audio, sport and luxury trim packages and RGB lumbar accent lighting.
The Evotti 721 CS
The Evotti 721 CS is a new 21-foot pontoon that offers a blend of luxury and performance. With room for 11 passengers, the 721 CS can handle up to 250 horsepower.
It’s perfect for cruising, fishing and water sports and features a convertible stern. The 700 Series strikes a balance between performance, innovation and style, with luxury seating and advanced technology, all standard.
Visit Woods Surfside Marina at 37 Marina Drive, Cropwell, Ala. 35054, or visit online at www.woodssurfside.com. Call (205) 525-5533.
Rambo Marine
Rambo Marine in Westover will feature an armada of some 48 boats at the Birmingham Boat Show. Notably, the 2026 Axis T250 and the 2026 Barletta Lusso 25UC.
The Axis T250
The Axis T250 is billed by the manufacturer as “25 feet of bold design, room for 18 passengers with advanced wake and surf technology.” It’s a state-of-the-art ski and wakeboard boat.
The boat promises “next level comfort” and cutting-edge technology, including a one-touch “Go Home” button. Axis calls the T250 its boldest boat ever, with push- button technology to generate more wake.
Barletta Lusso 25UC
The Barletta Lusso 25UC features standard triple pontoons, RGB lighting and room for 14 passengers. More than 27 feet in length, the 25UC features VIP technology (Vibration Isolation Pad) to provide a smoother, quieter ride. A joystick control is optional.
The helm includes dual screens (12 and 7 inches), integrated storage and a premium steering wheel. There’s also storage under the helm.
Seating includes reclining captain’s chairs and front chaise lounges
Amenities include JBL stereo, power bimini and USB ports, among others.
Rambo Marine in Birmingham is located at 10396 U.S. 280 in Westover, Ala. 35185, or call (205) 543-5415. Visit online at rambomarine.com.
River’s Edge Marina
River’s Edge features some exciting new upgrades to two of its best-selling boating accessories and toys for 2026.
EZE Ladder
First, take a look at the 2026 Lake EZE Ladder. Offering an expanded color palate for 2026, including a red step, and instead of the traditional stainless metal, there will be powder-colored options in black, dark gray and white.
“We recently got to check them out,” said River’s Edge Manager Michael Emerick, “and they are sharp.”
EZ Dock
On the EZ Dock side, the company has just introduced a floating pontoon port. Bigger than the traditional jet ski port, the pontoon port can accommodate a pontoon or tritoon, with easy drive on and drive off capabilities.
The new docks and ports will also offer new colors for the new year, including red, dark grey, blue, brown and green.
“I think the brown could be a major color option for our lake, as a lot of people like to stain their piers a dark brown color,” Emerick said.
River’s Edge Marina is home to the Tiki Hut, River’s Edge Burgers & Breakfast, boat rentals, accessories and RV sites and luxury tiny home rentals. Learn more at www.riversedgemarina.net, or call (205) 525-5562. The marina is located at 79 Rabbit Branch Circle, Cropwell, Ala. 35054.
Skier’s Marine
The new year will be an exciting time at Skier’s Marine, as it unveils two completely redesigned boats for 2026.
2026 MasterCraft X24
First, the 2026 MasterCraft X24. Redesigned from bow to stern, the X24 blends aggressive performance with refined luxury. Dual digital displays with the MasterCraft MyDrive Controller make the boat user friendly. An optional stern thruster provides effortless maneuvering.
“MasterCraft hit a home run with the X24, and I can’t wait to show everyone what it can do on the water,” said Jeremy Talbot, a product specialist at Skier’s Marine.
2026 Harris Sunliner
Also completely redesigned for the new year, the Sunliner series unveils a sleek new exterior and an interior with luxury and ergonomics as a priority. The new design set the Sunliner apart from any other pontoon on the market.
“The new design is perfect for families like mine who love spending time on the water cruising, pulling water skiers and tubers and of course, lounging at our favorite anchor spots,” Talbot said.
The MasterCraft X24 and the Harris Sunliner will be on display at the Birmingham Boat Show. Skier’s Marine is located at 10171 U.S. Highway 280, Westover, Ala. 35147, or visit skiersmarine.com, (205) 678-9099.
University Marine
University Marine at Pine Harbor proudly carries the SunChaser brand. Here’s a glance at two of University’s popular models for 2026.
SunChaser Lucerne 22 LR DH Sport
Offering exceptional value in the popular pontoon market, the Lucerne combines style and function with thoughtful design. The vessel offers a sleek, modern look without sacrificing durability, promising a smooth, stable ride on the water.
The Lucerne offers eight exterior panel color options. An optional luxury package offers features like a power Bimini top, Helix 5 in-dash GPS, high-back helm chairs, interior mood lighting and an upgraded steering wheel.
“This has become one of our most popular and affordable options,” said University co-owner Ricky Ganey. The Lucerne is powered by Honda engines.
2026 SunChaser Eclipse 25
Anchored in comfort and fun, while promising a relaxing day with your pontoon crew, the Eclipse 25 features two standard rear bench seats that provide room to lounge or to enjoy dinner on the water.
The versatile pontoon also gives its crew a license to thrill, thanks to an integrated ski tow for tubing, waterskiing or wakeboarding adventures.
The SunChaser 25 makes performance a priority. The standard PR25 third tube performance package ensures a smooth ride and an enjoyable experience for all on board.
The Eclipse model offers multiple layouts and can be powered by Honda’s new V8350.
University Marine is located at 2120 Fraim Drive, Pell City, Ala. 35128. Call (205) 884-2628, or visit online at www.pineharbormarina.com.
The path Erik and Erica Grieve followed to make their dream of living on Logan Martin Lake a reality is really a tale of two countries.
Moving to Central Mexico for Erik’s job helped them sock away enough money to make it happen, but after they fell in love with the life they created there, leaving it all behind when they returned to the United States and Pell City was harder than they imagined.
The lure of the water, though, was still a strong one, and the tranquility they’ve found at the lake was exactly what they needed. In the six years they’ve lived there, they’ve been treated to glorious sunsets, magical wildlife encounters and the peaceful calm that only life on the water can bring.
“We love our life here,” said Erica. “When we’re at home, and we walk out on the deck, we can just relax. We can find that peace we need to find.”
The lake provides the perfect backdrop for entertaining family and friends, including some they met during the years they lived abroad. It’s even more perfect for enjoying quiet evenings at home with their 16-year-old daughter, Sadie. “We love our homemade pizza nights,” Erica said.
Long-distance house hunt
The Grieves first moved to Pell City in 2010. The Calhoun County natives, who were introduced by mutual friends, had been married for four years, and Sadie had just turned a year old. They lived in Twin Oaks, and they could hear the boats on the lake, but they couldn’t see them. “We knew that if we ever got the chance, we wanted to live on the water.”
Cathedral ceilings show off home’s mid-century lines and a painting from Mexico
They weren’t sure it would happen, but then Erik’s supply chain job with Honda Manufacturing of Alabama took them to Central Mexico for several years. Because they had a housing allowance and the cost of living was lower there, the Grieves were able to put some money away in anticipation of their move back home. That came in fits and starts, however, because the family moved back and forth between Mexico and Pell City several times over the next few years.
They first moved to Celaya, about three hours northwest of Mexico City, in 2015. About two years later, Erik returned to Pell City on a business trip and did a little house-hunting while he was there. Their time in Mexico was coming to an end, and they had been looking at homes on Logan Martin online, so he checked out a few of their favorites while he was in town. When he got to the Skyline house they eventually bought, “I FaceTimed her from here during the walk through,” he said.
Erica loved the house and after seeing it in person, she only had one concern. “I’m not a big gardener,” she said, adding that the house sits on nearly two acres. “I said, ‘That’s a lot of yard to keep up. As long as you’re game, I’m in.’”
He was, they bought the house, and they started coordinating renovations from Mexico a short while later. In addition to updating the kitchen and primary bathroom, the Grieves replaced the existing roof and added a new one over the deck, changed the siding, got new paint and floors throughout the home, and built a new dock and boathouse. “We slowly kind of re-did everything from there,” Erica said.
The family moved back to Pell City in the fall of 2017 but had to live in a hotel for three months until the renovations were complete. They finally moved in just before Christmas 2017. “I told Erik if we can live at the Holiday Inn for 90 days with two adults and a child, we can get through anything,” Erica said with a laugh.
They got a chance to prove that theory because after enjoying their new home for about four months, they got word they needed to go back to Mexico. This time, Erica and Sadie stayed about a year before moving back to the lake for good in 2019 while Erik was back and forth until June of 2022.
“We’ll always look back on our time over there as some of the best times of our life,” Erica said. “God was working in our lives for sure during that time. We made some wonderful friends.” One family, in particular, served as their tour guides. “We got to experience so much more than we would have,” Erica said.
Mission-style dining room table and chairs
Their 4-bedroom, 3-bath home is filled with handmade furniture and artwork they collected while living in Mexico. “Almost every room has pieces from Mexico that we brought back,” Erica said. “We love mixing it in with our other pieces. It’s all part of our story.”
Peaceful, easy feeling
As much as they enjoyed Mexico, the Grieves love this chapter of their lives on Logan Martin, as well. They cook most nights and love being in the kitchen together. “We try to cook really healthy and still make it taste delicious” Erica said.
Veggie turkey burgers are a go-to, and they earn rave reviews from anyone who tastes them. “My mom would never normally eat something like that, but she loves them,” Erica said.
They eat a lot of fish, including red snapper and salmon, and Erik enjoys making fajitas on the Blackstone or cooking wings or chicken breasts on the smoker. Everyone’s favorite, however, is their homemade pizza nights.
“We do that almost every single week,” Erica said. “We have a playlist we listen to, we have a glass of wine and talk about the week. We love our pizza nights. It’s such a nice time to talk and connect.”
Daughter Sadie joins her parents at the front door
With a busy teenager in the house, the Grieves love any chance they get to be at home together. A junior at The Donoho School and a member of the band and jazz band, Sadie plays the piano, flute, guitar and drums. In addition to music lessons, she is in theater and participates in two plays a year, enjoys painting and drawing, and also juggles a part-time job.
Their crazy schedules make the simple things, like afternoon boat rides or time spent kayaking and paddle boarding, even more special. They love sitting on the deck at the farmhouse table Erik built and enjoying the view of Bird Island.
“The sunsets are unbelievable,” Erik said. “We see purples, pinks, blues, oranges, reds, every color you can imagine,” Erica added.
They also enjoy watching the birds – everything from herons to hummingbirds, red birds and blue birds – and other wildlife. “We’ve got a family of foxes that lives here,” Erik said. “Just about every morning, they’re rolling and playing on the hill in the yard.”
And that’s why Erik and Erica said they are thrilled they were able to make their dream of living on the water come true. “We love it here,” Erik said. “It’s even better than we imagined.”
Veggie Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
2 lbs. lean ground turkey
1 small zucchini, grated and excess liquid squeezed out
3 baby portobello mushrooms, finely minced
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp Allegro Honey Garlic Marinade
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
⅕ tsp salt (or a scant ¼ tsp)
¼ tsp black pepper
Panko breadcrumbs, as needed
Brioche buns
Cheese slices of your choice
Directions
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, zucchini, mushrooms, Worcestershire, marinade, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – do not overmix.
If the mixture is too sticky to form patties, add 1-2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs. Continue adding a little at a time until the mixture holds together.
Shape into 8-12 patties, depending on desired size, and place them on a wax paper–lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Preheat a Blackstone grill (or griddle) to medium-high heat (375–400°F). Lightly oil the surface with avocado oil to prevent sticking.
Place patties on the hot griddle and press lightly with a grill press for even cooking. Cook 4–5 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown.
Check doneness with a meat thermometer: the internal temperature should reach 165°F. (Tip: remove at 158°F; the burgers will rise to 165°F as they rest.)
During the last minute of cooking, top each burger with cheese if desired. Cover with a dome lid to melt.
Toast buns cut-side down on the griddle for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
Assemble burgers with your favorite toppings and serve hot.
The Grieve Signature White
Ingredients
1 Publix Parmesan pizza dough (bakery section)
6-7 Tbsp Alfredo sauce of your choice
1 Tbsp Epicurean Specialty Truffle Parmesan Black Garlic Seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup goat cheese, crumbled
1 cup sliced mushrooms
¾ cup roasted red bell pepper strips, chopped
⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
Stretch or roll pizza dough to desired thickness and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Spread Alfredo sauce evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle seasoning over the sauce, then add 1½ cups shredded mozzarella as the base layer of cheese.
Layer on mushrooms, roasted red bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese and spinach. Top with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella.
Bake for about 15 minutes, rotating halfway through for even cooking, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Remove from oven, let rest 2-3 minutes, then slice and serve.
Ever seen creativity afloat? If you made it to Boo Bash on Logan Martin 2025, you couldn’t miss it.
From boats dressed as Pac Man, Creepy Castle and Ghostbusters, creative juices were flowing like Logan Martin Dam when the spillway gates are open.
After party at Tiki Hut
Not to be outdone, docks were in full Halloween regalia with the likes of Pine Harbor Urgent Care, a not-so comforting medical theme of saws, knives, blood and bones.
Little Dock of Horrors was a double deck of ghoulish goblins, ghosts, and grimacing ghouls. And Fear the Pier had boats and revelers approaching with trepidation.
Pac Man boat
And Boo Slough made sure everyone got to enjoy the day. No dock? No boat? No problem. Logan Martin Lake Protection Association and Pell City Parks and Recreation hosted fun, inflatables and giveaways at Lakeside Park, easily accessible by vehicle, boat or on foot.
Now in its fourth year, Boo Bash has grown into a full-scale movement, bringing the entire lake community together in a festive seasonal celebration. And its proceeds go to a worthy cause – LMLPA’s safety program.
Think dock-to-dock trick-or-treating is just for kids? Think again. It’s hard to tell which age group has the most fun. There’s plenty of treats for adults and pooches, too.
Capped off with an after party at presenting sponsor, The Tiki Hut, Boo Bash gets bigger and better every year thanks to the two simple words that began it all – “What if?” The brainchild of Kelli Lasseter and Sonya Hubbard and bolstered by a growing army of volunteers, Boo Bash has now become a Logan Martin tradition.
And the Logan Martin community thanks all involved on an idea well done. See you next year!
Parents, don’t panic. This is still a family-friendly magazine, safe for children. In fact, this story is about an Alabama Power initiative that makes the planet better for our kids and grandkids and brings colorful, fragrant beauty to Logan Martin and other Alabama lakes.
It takes a variety of flowers to serve the needs of pollinators
In 2018, the utility began its pollinator plot program at nine sites around Alabama. Two pollinator-friendly plots are located in Double Cove Park at Logan Martin near the dam. The program is part of The Preserves, 65 public recreational sites along the state’s shorelines.
Each half-acre plot was built in the wake of a decline in pollinator populations, notably bees. But a variety of wildlife, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, hummingbirds, lizards and bats are pollinators that plants depend on to survive and thrive.
That spread of pollen doesn’t just help flowers to blossom, it impacts the food supply. Each plot is seeded with a custom blend of native seeds specific to each site – a recipe of annuals, biannuals and perennials. Each plot commonly includes milkweed species, black-eyed Susans and goldenrod. The seed mix is created following a soil analysis at Auburn University.
The company partnered with the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service in developing the pollinator sites.
“Our goal was to establish pollinator friendly sites at each Alabama Power public recreation site capable of development,” said Garret Parker, Alabama Power team leader on Shoreline Recreation and Compliance.
Goals for the program include:
Enhancing existing recreation sites.
Protecting the scenic, recreational and environmental aspects of each site.
Encouraging stakeholders to enjoy, learn and grow a deeper appreciation of Alabama’s ecology and natural landscape.
The plots have to be redone every five years, Parker said. It generally takes about three months to re-do the plots.
“The wildflowers come back every year, but over time you get a lot of invasive weeds and grasses and sometimes even trees,” Parker said. “They slowly start to get into the plots and out-compete the native wildflowers.”
In late fall, employees plant a wildflower seed mixture that by next spring and summer will be a cornucopia of beauty, color and fragrance – bergamot, black-eyed Susans, blue false indigo, butterfly milkweed, purple cornflower and others.
Fighting off the threats
In the past quarter century, pollinator populations and their habitats have drastically declined, thanks to a number of factors, including pesticides, pollution, pests, pathogens and changes in land use, such as increasing human development, according to the Pollinator Partnership. It is an organization that collaborates with farmers, gardeners, land managers, scientists and industry to improve pollinator populations.
Double Cove Park is home to two Pollinator Plots
Climate change also plays a key role, according to the partnership. The increased temperatures have damaged habitat and the food supply for pollinators, as has extreme drought and an increase in the number of weather-related disasters.
Here are a few examples of how pollinator populations have declined:
Several species of native bumblebees, including the common bumblebee, the western bumblebee and the Rusty Patched bumblebee, have experienced a decline in population. Researchers have seen a decline in the geographic range of the species.
The number of managed beehives in the United States has declined from 5 million in the 1940s to 2.68 million in 2023, according to USDA statistics.
The monarch butterfly population loss has increased from between 35 to 49 percent to 58 percent.
Along with the pollinator plots, the utility has worked with universities like Auburn, researchers, state and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to grow the pollinator population, Parker said.
“Alabama Power coordinated with the Auburn University Bee Lab and the Electric Power Research Institute to conduct a multi-year research study on ways to protect pollinator friendly plant species when conducting required vegetation management on utility rights of way,” Parker said. We also work with state and federal partners and NGOs to protect specific species such as the white fringeless orchid.”
Among the NGOs partnering with Alabama Power is the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The company also supports the Alabama Wildlife Federation and Alabama Audubon Society and their efforts to establish wildlife and pollinator friendly vegetation.
An example of the partnerships is between the power company and Auburn University’s Bee Laboratory. The university uses “citizen science” by encouraging public participation in the National Colony Loss & Management Survey. It’s a “boots on the ground” effort to monitor bee population.
The utility is among a number of partners with Auburn, including the University of Maryland and the USDA.
This past summer, the utility worked with the Pollinator Partnership to sponsor its annual Pollinator Week, a celebration of the birds and bees, butterflies and other animals that go crazy over Alabama wildflowers. Humans like the picturesque plots too.
Why is the program important? “By prioritizing environmental stewardship,” Parker said, “we’re safeguarding resources and opportunities for future generations.”
Editor’s Note:Community members can find a pollinator plot to host a counting event near them by downloading the free Shorelines mobile app or visiting apcshorelines.com.
Chapel in the Pines celebrates 60 years of worship on the banks of Logan Martin Lake
Story by Roxann Edsall Submitted Photos
The engine of the approaching personal watercraft quiets to idle speed, the unit plowing through the water headed for the pier. Arriving at the pier moments later, its driver allows it to spin and stop and begins to tie off.
Wearing T-shirts, shorts and visors, the driver and his passenger hop onto the pier, greeting passengers of another arriving boat. Walking past the parking lot, they follow the path into the woods. It’s Sunday on the lake, and they’re headed to church at Chapel in the Pines.
Pets are welcome at Chapel in the Pines
For 60 years now, residents of Logan Martin Lake, along with their guests and visitors to the area, have gathered at the river to worship at the outdoor chapel known as Chapel in the Pines. Since its inception, the plan has always been for the service to be short and informal, allowing both time to worship and time to play on Sunday mornings. Visitors are encouraged to come to the 30-minute non-denominational service in casual attire, then hit the water to continue lake-loving activities for the rest of the weekend. Services are held at 8:30 a.m. beginning the first Sunday in May and continuing through the September.
Weekly church services at Chapel in the Pines are a ministry of Pell City First United Methodist Church. “We are happy to be able to offer the community an opportunity to gather at a weekly ecumenical service,” said Pell City FUMC senior pastor Rachel Gonia. “People who are here visiting during the summer have a place to come when they’re away from their home church.”
The message is delivered by a different preacher each week, with a representation by each religious denomination in the local area. That was one of the unique things that drew Sue Pat DuBose and her late husband, John, to Chapel in the Pines in 1984, eventually serving on the chapel board for five years. “We lived across the street, and we’d hear people singing, but we couldn’t hear the speaker,” says DuBose. “So, we walked over, and we enjoyed it so much. It was exciting, because, at that time, you never knew who the preacher was going to be or who was going to do the music.”
These memories were among many shared at the end of this season of Chapel in the Pines during an anniversary celebration honoring the history of this Logan Martin tradition. Deanna Lawley, a former chapel board member, recounted events from its early years. “It was like a homecoming when the season began,” she remembers. “We’d go over there when it was still dark to sweep off and around the benches before the people arrived.”
That was when Chapel in the Pines was in its first location in Pine Harbor Marina, where University Marine at Pine Harbor Marina is now. Pine Harbor Resort developer Thomas Casaday set aside land there with an outdoor chapel in mind to encourage lakeside residents, particularly those in Pine Harbor, to make time to worship while enjoying the lake.
For 49 years, the 16-foot tall cross at the marina at Pine Harbor drew people to the outdoor worship space. When the long-team lease expired in 2014 and negotiations to renew the lease with the new owners failed, the search was on for a new home.
A cross marks the way to the outdoor chapel
Sam Huffstutler, Pell City FUMC pastor at the time, worked with the Chapel in the Pines Board and found a partnership with city leaders in Pell City. The resulting deal with Pell City gave the church authorization to build a 300-seat outdoor amphitheater at Lakeside Park. The traditional Christmas Eve service that year was the first service held at the new location.
Chapel in the Pines welcomes believers from all denominations at any stage of their faith journey. Creating a community of faith in the lake community and serving local and global partners through acts of faith and service is their mission. Any money collected above small operating costs goes back to the community through grants given out to local nonprofits, such as the St. Clair County Boys Ranch, Gateway Community Garden, The Gideons International and First Priority.
Celebrating community and common ground is an important reason that Carl Wallace, author of Lake Ramblings, attends Chapel regularly. “Love of the lake provides us a common ground for a diverse community,” says Wallace. “Chapel in the Pines is an extension of the common ground and provides a predictably safe place, a place of encouragement, a place of worship.”
When the world went sideways during the height of COVID-19 when many places of worship shut their doors for a time, Chapel in the Pines became a place of spiritual peace for many in the Logan Martin area. Organizers found a way to still gather for worship, allowing seating in every other pew and encouraging social distancing.
During that time, Wallace was still writing his Saturday morning “Lake Ramblings” on Facebook and posted about the precautions he and his wife, Mar, would make to allow them to participate in chapel.
“We’d take our lawn chairs and sit up on the hill across from the entrance to the amphitheater. We’ll be socially distanced, but we’ll be part of the service,” Wallace recalls. “We talked about that experience in ‘Lake Ramblings’ the next week and comedically called the hill ‘Scaredy Cat Hill.’ The next Sunday, we had nine more on the hill, then 12 more, then a bunch of us. Scaredy Cat Hill allowed us to gather in that common ground of Chapel in the Pines and gave us the encouragement we so desperately needed.”
Scaredy Cat Hill is no longer necessary, thankfully. Still, Chapel in the Pines continues to be the source of encouragement to many families, even as they say their final goodbyes to loved ones. DuBose chose to hold the memorial for her husband at Chapel after he passed away in April. “My husband loved Chapel so much and always told me when he passed, he wanted his service held to be held there,” said DuBose.
Suellen and Jim Dargan chose the chapel as their wedding venue and left by personal watercraft after tying the knot
Suellen and Jim Dargan rented the spot for their wedding in May of 2022. Both were serving and volunteering at Chapel in the Pines and consider it a very special place. “We both wanted something special and unique for our wedding,” said (Jim) Dargan. “And we wanted it there so we could travel on our Sea-Doo to and from the ceremony.”
Traveling to church by boat or personal watercraft, whether for church or for special occasions, gives Logan Martin Lake lovers another way to make memories with family and friends. “We’ve made lifelong friends who are more like family through Chapel in the Pines,” says Chapel Board member Amy Stinson.
Chapel in the Pines will hold a Christmas Eve service again this year at 3 p.m. You’ll want to drive the car to that one and maybe bring a blanket or two.
Editor’s note: The amphitheater at Lakeside Park where Chapel in the Pines is held can be rented for weddings, birthdays, or other special events by contacting Pell City Parks and Recreation.
Six times. Six wins. Not bad. Not bad at all for Logan Martin fan favorite Salli O’Donnell as she capped another win in the Great Alabama 650’s 2025 edition with a first solo finish, first female finish and third overall.
Finishing first overall and first tandem winners, Bobby Johnson and Matt Taylor, captured the top titles in a time of 5 days, 9 hours, 3 minutes.
Overall Solo and Female Solo winner Sallie O’Donnell heads to Logan Martin portage
Chris Thomas was first male solo finish, and Trey Reaves, last year’s solo and overall top finisher, was in tandem this year with John Wellens. They finished second overall.
A 650-mile Alabama professional ultra-endurance paddle race through Alabama Scenic River Trail on Weiss Lake, Neely Henry, Logan Martin, Coosa River and Alabama River to Mobile Bay and Fort Morgan, the epic event stretched from Oct. 4-14. Racers have 10 days to complete, but the winners arrived at Mobile Bay and Fort Morgan at the 5-day mark.
The Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) maintains and promotes the core National Water Trail, along with a network of over 6,500 miles of paddling trails throughout the state.
Paddler navigates the trail
The organization’s trail network spans from North Alabama mountain streams and whitewater rapids to South Alabama’s river deltas, making it one of the most varied water trail networks in the nation.
As a nonprofit, ASRT operates through collaborations with local partners, organizations, and outfitters, serving as the state’s paddling resource for all skill levels.
The Great Alabama 650, ASRT’s signature race, highlights the full scope of these waterways, promoting appreciation and recognition of the state’s exceptional water recreation opportunities.
