LOGAN MARTIN NEWS – Page 8 – LakeLife 24/7 Magazine

Riverside Renaissance

The Readmon
luxury community to give new life
to old name, lakefront site

Story by Carol Pappas
Photos submitted

Its name may have historic roots, but The Readmon condominium development coming to Riverside is a brand-new concept for lake living on Logan Martin.

This cutting-edge development of luxury condominiums featuring the latest in amenities sets a new standard for the lake, similar to communities usually found along the Gulf Coast.

It derives its name from the original Riverside, Readmon, which was established in 1882. In 1886, it was renamed and incorporated as Riverside and was St. Clair County’s largest industrial center at the time.

Jones Development, owned by Jeff Jones, hopes to reinvigorate the once thriving area with a development that will attract residents and investors to the Logan Martin shoreline.

Located on the property once occupied by Riverside Marina, The Readmon is a 52-unit community with three complexes of two and three-bedroom luxury condominiums, offering varying designs with standard to wraparound balconies overlooking the water. Ten-foot ceilings and eight-foot doors complement the look and feel of these condominiums, ranging from 1,400 square feet to 1,750 square feet.

The six-acre site includes an outdoor pool, 55 aluminum floating boat slips, electric vehicle charging stations and lakefront gazebo.

The vision for it has been years in the making thanks in part to a vision his father, Chip Jones, developed – Paradise Isle condominiums – located next door to The Readmon. “I’ve always admired my father,” Jones said. He was a building science major at Auburn University, and he moved ahead with his vision despite people telling him “it wouldn’t work.”

“I always thought this site was spectacular,” the younger Jones said of his own vision for the family-owned property. “It’s the best place on the lake. My goal was to find as good a project as I could for the site.”

Describing it as a “massive puzzle,” Jones fine-tuned the vision over the years, making it over legal, business and permitting hurdles en route to moving The Readmon from drawing board to reality. Pre-sales have started, and building is expected to begin in August or September by one of the largest general contractors in the state with extensive experience in multi-family developments. Completion is planned for the summer of 2024.

When developing the concept, Jones noted that habits and trends were changing during the COVID-19 pandemic. People wanted to live in a safe environment with a good quality of life. “I can’t think of anything much better than sitting at the lake and looking at the lake,” he said.

Couple enhanced quality of life offerings with the shortage of housing units for sale on the lake, and The Readmon answers the call, in essence creating 52 new waterfront homes.

Jones noted that it is situated on property that was once used for something else – a marina – and could be repurposed to meet the needs of today – kind of like its namesake.

There are certain properties along the lake that are ideal for transforming into new concepts to satisfy new trends and growing demands. “And this is one of them,” he said. “I couldn’t be more excited.”

Its proximity within a few hundred yards of I-20 and U.S. 78 and situated between major metropolitan areas like Birmingham and Atlanta add to its allure. And it offers an opportunity for people to downsize and still live on the lake.

“St. Clair County continues to be one of the fastest-growing communities in the state where young families, retirees and professionals are choosing to call home,” said Don Smith, executive director of the St. Clair County Economic Development Council. “For multiple reasons, homebuilders are struggling to keep up with this desire to live in our communities. This is seen increasing in the City of Riverside and our other lake communities. These areas have great schools, great leadership and so many quality-of-life offerings for the residents to enjoy.”

Jones is no stranger to developing communities in the area. Easonville, Hayden’s Reserve and Images townhomes at Logan Martin are among his company’s projects.

Nicole Anderson of Lake Homes Realty is exclusive agent for The Readmon, and Jones’ son, Coleman Jones, is development coordinator.

Remember When: The Ark Restaurant

From Prohibition to Pandemic,
Still Going Strong

Story by Roxann Edsall
Photos by Graham Hadley
Submittted photos

If you’re not from around here, the sign wouldn’t draw you in, and the name wouldn’t make sense. The building is not an imposing brown boat, nor is it floating in water. The Coosa River is an important part of the story, though. The history is as fascinating as the food is good.

It’s a story that began in 1930 when E.O. “Red” Thompson decided to play a game of cat and mouse with the local authorities. After a decade of Prohibition, he hatched a plan to open a bar and restaurant.

His first step was to buy and refurbish an old dredging barge and park it 30 feet off the banks of the Coosa River. He outfitted it with a kitchen and tables and chairs and called it “The Ark.” He sold beer for 15 cents a can. Sixty cents would get you all the catfish and hushpuppies you could eat.

Customers to this floating speakeasy could either walk in on the gangplank or tie off by boat. Since the Coosa divided the counties of St. Clair and Talladega, The Ark was not in the jurisdiction of either county.

Local legend tells that if the Talladega authorities were on the way, he’d move to the St. Clair side of the water. If the authorities from St. Clair were on the way, he’d move to the Talladega side.

It was a dance that lasted for the next three years until the 21^st Amendment ended Prohibition. The barge eventually burned and sank, and Thompson built a log building on land and reopened the restaurant and bar. When that location also burned, he built the current building in Riverside just south of the Coosa River bridge on U.S. 78.

Bought in the late 70s by retired newspaper editor and publisher Bob and Sylvia Cornett, the new owners operated the restaurant with more emphasis on developing recipes and relationships than on evading the law. They kept catfish as their primary draw but gave the place a more family-friendly feel.

The opening of the Talladega Super Speedway in 1969 gave them a whole new clientele and they began to see NASCAR drivers like Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt on a regular basis. Autographed pictures of famous drivers and politicians grace the walls, giving a nod to the global appeal of a great plate of catfish. Recently, comedian Darren Knight was a guest.

Current owner Shirley Abts says they still get some business around race weekends, but it’s not what it used to be a decade ago. “Most of the drivers have their food catered now,” she said. “They just stay in their trailers and have the food come to them.”

Shirley and her (now deceased) husband, Richard, bought The Ark in 2013. They already had the Cropwell restaurant Even Odds when they were approached by Sylvia Cornett. “Sylvia came to me and asked me to buy it. They were struggling, and she said she was going to lose it if I didn’t buy it, so I did,” said Abts. “I had been coming here to The Ark for 30 years, and I didn’t want to see it close.”

Diverse chapters comprise Ark story

The restaurant was used as a movie set in 2019. The producers of the Netflix original, The Devil All the Time, starring Tom Holland, Bill Skarsgard and Sebastian Stan transformed The Ark into a 1960s diner, even replacing the sign with one calling it White Cow Diner, undoubtedly confusing passersby.

Antique cars lined the parking lot. “They came in and put up the sign and took out the air conditioners, fans and light fixtures,” Abts explained. “Then they put up curtains and a lot of 60s décor. Before they left, they put it ‘mostly’ back together,” she adds, with a chuckle. They did pay well enough, according to Abts, to pay the entire staff for several days they were not able to work due to the closure for filming.

2019 was a tough year for Abts, though, with the death of her husband early in the year, followed by a triple bypass surgery for her before the year ended. Then, just weeks after getting out of the hospital, she was told she had to close the restaurant when the pandemic halted in-person dining.

She acknowledges the community as being the blessing that came from that experience. “People supported us through that. People lined up outside for takeout orders seven days a week. And they tipped well to take care of our wait staff,” said Abts. “That was before delivery services like Door Dash and Jack Rabbit. It was so busy that we had to have a waitress go car to car taking orders because our phone was too busy that people couldn’t get through.”

The ’regulars’ and an icon

They have many loyal customers, including some who come every single day. Don’t ask for table six at 11:00; it’s reserved for Joey. He and his wife come in every day, from their jobs at a local auction house.

It’s the loyal customers that keep Sheerie Smith working there. She’s been a waitress at The Ark for over 20 years, starting when she was just 15. Her mom, aunt and grandmother also worked there, so the job has truly been a family affair. “We have a lot of the same customers that we’ve had for so many years,” says Smith. “These people have watched me grow up here. They ask about my kids. They’re family.”

As soon as she bought it, Abts found people who knew the original recipes that the previous owners had gotten away from. Then she rehired people who knew how to make those recipes.

She only buys U.S. farm-raised catfish and slices her produce fresh each day. “The former owners had been using frozen onions and when we went back to fresh cut, we could barely keep up with all the onion rings people wanted,” said Abts proudly. “Fresh makes a big difference in the taste.”

Shirley Abts overseeing the kitchen with Mary Caldwell

The difference is clearly a good one, as their catfish is listed on the Alabama Tourism Department’s 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die. They were also a finalist in Bama’s Best Catfish Restaurant competition by the Alabama Catfish Producers and the Catfish Institute’s Top Ten Restaurants in America to Eat Catfish.

They’ve recently added a new “Remix” sandwich that features catfish and shrimp with a rémoulade sauce, topped with lettuce and tomato. While catfish is their signature dish, the fish and shrimp combo is what they sell most. “We don’t play when it comes to shrimp,” adds Abts. “We have really big shrimp!” They’ve also added desserts to the menu, currently featuring a homemade cheesecake by local baker Barbara Miller. On occasion, they also have buttermilk pie.

As with any business operating post pandemic, she struggles to keep fully staffed. There are signs at each booth asking people to be patient regarding wait times. It’s worth the wait, adds Abts. “We use fresh food. We don’t precook anything. It’s made to order. That’s why it takes a little while to get your food.”

The tiny sign outside says, “The Ark Family Restaurant.” It’s a family restaurant with a small sign, an unremarkable building, a storied past, but touting a big flavor, seasoned with staff dedicated to keeping it firmly in place in the landscape of their community.

Weekends at the Birmingham Sailing Club

Story by Carol Pappas
Submitted photos

Nearly every weekend of the year, the waters below Birmingham Sailing Club seem to roil with activity from serious competitors in different classes, like Flying Scots and Thistles, to better their standings on a national point system accumulated over the entire year.

“Every race counts,” said David Reich. “A finish in every race counts. That’s the reason it’s more competitive.”

Birmingham Sailing Club members continue to make their names known in the standings. Sally Morris just finished second in the Dallas Flying Scots Women’s North American Championship.

It’s hard to imagine that the vast expanse of water – the widest opening on Logan Martin Lake at a mile – was once a skinny river surrounded by farmland and thick forest 60 years ago.

Sam Caldwell, a thistler from Birmingham, used to take his boat to Lake Guntersville. In 1962, when Alabama Power Company planned to dam up the Coosa River near Birmingham to harness energy for hydroelectric power, Caldwell had a plan of his own.

With an Alabama Power map in hand, he scoured woods, pastureland and hillsides until he found just the right spot. In 1962, he and fellow thistler, Herb Hagler, signed an option on land near where Logan Martin Dam would be built. By December of that year, the purchase was complete “thanks to the help of fifteen foolhardy souls willing to pay initiation fees to a sailing club with no water,” according to the club’s history. Few knew anything about sailing but bought into the vision.

David Reich’s father was among the charter members, and he helps carry on the vision and the legacy today. “Those are the deepest ramps on the lake,” he said, motioning toward the dock and slips. “They were poured before the lake was here.”

Today, 46 sailing events a year are held there on weekends. Membership stands at 150. It offers adult learn to sail classes, junior sailing and fleet racing in Flying Scot, Thistle and Keelboat.

There are Sunday afternoon races throughout the year and one-day regattas once a month during spring and summer months, as well as invitational regattas that bring in entries from all around the Southeast.

Its nine acres on a knoll overlooking the lake also features a clubhouse, fixed and floating docks, parking, paved launching ramps and a lake swimming area.

Planned is an expanded patio and cooking terrace with a clubhouse entrance, named for Reich’s father, Harry C. Reich.

The elder Reich was “charter member, past commodore, visionary, competitor and sportsman,” according to the architectural rendering description. The Harry C. Reich Memorial Project is aimed at improving the use and appearance of the BSC facility and “enhance the entire BSC membership and guest experience.”

It’s just one more vision on that storied horizon.

Birmingham Sailing Club launches weeknight fun series for summer

It’s ‘Hump Day’ night – middle of the week
with the weekend
clearly in sight.

Story by Carol Pappas
Photos by Mackenzie Free
Submitted photos

It’s ‘Hump Day’ night – middle of the week with the weekend clearly in sight.

Weeknights can be a bit on the boring side, but not here. It’s Wednesday evening to be precise, and at Birmingham Sailing Club they’ve discovered a new way to make it over the hump and have a lot of fun doing it.

By 4:30 p.m., sailors of all sorts – novices, seasoned pros, kids, parents, all ages – pour out of the clubhouse perch atop a hillside overlooking Logan Martin Lake. They rig their boats, hop aboard and set sail for the starting lineup of the Weeknight Fun Race Series.

There’s no mistaking this race for a weekend version at the club. Saturdays and Sundays are intense as sailors compete to up their points in national standings.

The only points on Wednesdays are for participation. Even dogs and guests get counted during the five-week series. Bring a dog onboard, that’s a point. Bringing a guest? That’s a point for the host and the guest.

“The focus behind the Wednesday-night program is keeping it fun,” said longtime member David Reich. “It’s all focused on fun. It’s not a competition at all. We even give awards to dogs because they participate.”

It is an opportunity for members who are not experienced to get out there and sail without worrying about getting in the way of a serious competitor and hindering their race.

Weeknight races started in 2021 for the summer, and it was so popular, it returned this summer. Some couldn’t make it on Wednesday nights, so the club offers five weeks on Wednesday, a break, five weeks on Thursday, another break, and the final five weeks on Wednesdays again.

During the breaks they hold shorefront cookouts, a savory recipe for even more fun with people bringing paddleboards and additional family, dogs included. It offers them a chance for gathering around the grill, mingling and getting to know one another better.

Commodore Stan Graham calls the club “150 people’s lake house. It’s their waterfront property.” With more people working from home, the weeknight races give them a break, a chance to enjoy quiet time on the lake, which sees little traffic on a Wednesday night.

Come the weekend, all of that changes. Traffic is up all around, and the club’s races return to their intensity. But for the weeknight series, “we keep it really lighthearted,” Reich said. Music emanates from the committee boat. Kids might take the tiller of their parents’ boat with Mom or Dad as a crewmember. “Nobody cares who wins.”

Reich called the 15 to 20 who participate in weeknight races “a great mix. A lot of women come out on Wednesday nights and quite a lot of kids. They bring friends. They score one for showing up. If they bring a guest, they get two points. We score everybody on board.”

Craig Hennecy of Birmingham, who started sailing three years ago with his son, Craig Jr., said weeknights are welcoming to newcomers. “They feel more comfortable if they know someone is there to rescue them.”

He enjoys his time at the waterfront club and honing his skills when he’s out on the water, making the 45-minute trip to BSC a couple of times a week. “It’s much less expensive than buying a lake house, and I made 150 new friends.”

As for his time on the water, “You try to get better at it, like a golf swing. When you get it right, it’s rewarding.

Craig Jr., now 12, is following in his father’s footsteps, or more accurately, his love of sailing. He began Junior Camp in 2019 at the age of nine. As he gained experience, he started winning races “with this guy,” he said, pointing to his father. Crewing the boat with his father on weekends, he said with a playful smile, “He only wins because of my weight.”

Throughout the summer, you’ll hear stories like those of the Hennecys – sailing the open waters, wind at their back and plenty of laughter. After all, this is Weeknight Fun Races. Everybody’s welcome – member or not. It’s their way of sharing the joys of sailing they already know firsthand. Come and take a ride on a sailboat. They’ll accommodate you. Or try your hand at sailing yourself. It’s all levels coming together for a good time, Reich said. “We like to give everybody a taste of mid-week sailing.”

Lincoln’s Landing becoming destination fishing spot

Story by Carol Pappas
Submitted photos | Archived photos

The saying goes, ‘Build it, and they will come.’ In Lincoln these days, they have already arrived.

Since opening less than a year ago, Lincoln’s Landing is now on the map as a destination point. Thousands of boats have already launched from this cutting-edge fishing park, and tournaments are already scheduled two years out.

Les Robinson, director of Lincoln’s Landing, has been “a real plus to this project and to our city,” Lincoln Mayor Lew Watson said. “He puts his heart into it, which is what you need if you’re going to have a successful project.”

Success? Just take a look at the numbers. Lincoln’s Landing has launched 50 tournaments since July, Robinson said. With tournaments and everyday use, it already has reached the 4,500 to 5,000 boats launched mark, “and we haven’t been open a year,” he added.

The prestigious Bassmasters College Series is coming to Lincoln’s Landing in June for a two-day tournament and in the next 18 to 24 months, Robinson predicts, a Bassmasters Elite or Bassmasters Open, which are major attractions in the fishing world, are in its future. But it doesn’t stop there. The tourist dollars it lures along with the notoriety for Lincoln will have a huge economic impact, not only for Lincoln but the surrounding areas.

In the next budget period, a pavilion, bridge and swimming beach will be on the agenda for the city and this 40-acre site. “Then we’ll catch our breath a little bit,” Robinson said.

The park already includes a 165-foot long by 60-foot wide, stacked stone grand pavilion with fireplace and 4,000 square feet of open space for other events, fishing piers and slips and a boat ramp that can launch 10 boats at a time. The first wedding at the park is already booked.

Parking also will be a consideration. While 250 parking spaces seemed like plenty when the park was on the drawing board. The Alabama Bass Trail event had every spot filled plus parking on the grass, Mayor Watson said.

Two other pavilions – both 30 x 30 feet – will be built near the shoreline and be rentable for events as well as everyday use. A pad is planned for a food truck area to serve tournaments.

“It’s more than just a fishing park,” Robinson said. “We have a lot to offer.”

In July, when construction was at its height, Watson could already see what was taking shape and its potential. He noted its accessibility – near Interstate 20 and U.S. 78. “It is right off the main channel on the lake, with year-round water,” Watson said at the time. “It is the perfect place for the park. It’s like, ‘If we build it, they will come.’”

Take a look around on any given day. They’re already here.

Hometown Block Party

Heading to downtown Pell City June 4

Story by Linda Long
Submitted photos

What began as a class project of Leadership Pell City over 20 years ago has transformed into one of the biggest events of the year – Hometown Block Party.

Now presented by the Greater Pell City Chamber of Commerce, the block party has grown into an event that annually draws thousands to downtown Pell City to a free, outdoor festival featuring live music – all genres – food, games, vendors of all types and a whole lot of fun.

Held the first Saturday in June, this year’s event is set for June 4 from 3 to 9 p.m. and will stretch all around the courthouse square plus side streets in a party atmosphere that gets better every year.

The mission and vision of the block party has never wavered from its beginnings. It’s only gotten better. Its aim is to draw people downtown for all kinds of festivities with neighbors meeting neighbors, reminiscent of neighborhood block parties of years gone by.

Though the entertainment schedule is still being finalized, Chamber Director Urainah Glidewell says a crowd favorite, the WingNuts, are a go. “People love them,” she says. They play oldies from the 60s and 70s.

Another favorite, Kudzu, is also on tap. “We’ll be showcasing a lot of local talent,” says Glidewell. “This is a typical neighborhood together. It’s just a great time for people to come out and have a good time. Kick back and listen to some good music.”

Three stages for live music will be set up at various street corners, so if you have one type of music you like better than the other, just keep strolling. You’ll hear it.

Folks also will have a choice from a wide variety of vendors, offering everything from food, clothing and jewelry to turtles and lizards.

“It wouldn’t be the block party without the turtle man,” laughed Glidewell. “He comes every year.” She says he sells his critters in a variety of sizes.

Just walking down the street during the festival is an experience unto itself. “The aroma from all the food cooking is wonderful — cheesecake, cookies, barbecue, sausage,” she says, naming a few on the menu.

An annual feature of the Pell City block party is the car show. Entry fee is $10 a car. Part of the proceeds will go this year to Mileena Painter, a local girl who is battling leukemia. Entrants can sign up as late as the day of event.

Vendor space is available at $50 per spot.

LakeFest is back

Bigger, better, more entertaining than ever

Story by Linda Long
LakeLife 24/7 Archive photos
Submitted photos

When the dogwoods bloom, and tulips and daffodils compete for color, you know it’s springtime in the South. You also know it’s party time in Pell City!

The traditional must-attend event of the year is just weeks away, Logan Martin LakeFest and Boat Show, the Southeast’s largest in-water boat show, May 20 – May 22 at Lakeside Park.

And why not? Where else can you be filled with music, carnival food, more music, barbecue and what some call the best crab cakes anywhere around? And you just might go home with a brand-new boat.

According to LakeFest Eric Housh, who organizes the annual event with Justin Hogeland, some 35,000 folks are expected to attend this year, up from 5,000 at the first one 12 years ago.

And they’ll be coming by boat or car – maybe on foot – lawn chairs, kids and pets in tow.

“Yeah,” laughed Housh, “a guy brought a pet snake one year. But mostly, we get dogs. It’s the biggest party on the lake – one of those events that’s family friendly and pet friendly.”

Housh says while the three-day festival offers something for everyone, the boats are by far the biggest draw. Seven boat dealers are showcasing their products this year with everything thing from bass boats to pontoons, tritoons and personal watercrafts.

“The boats are in the water,” said Housh. “People can actually test drive them on the lake, something they can’t do at dealerships. Of course, our presenting sponsor is America’s First Federal Credit Union, so they’re on site with their equipment. If somebody finds a boat they really like, they can finance it right there and basically go home a boat owner.”

Housh applauds all the event’s corporate sponsors saying, “We’ve been really blessed in these 12 years with a core group of sponsors who, from day one, believed in this event and the community and who worked to support it. Having that level of commitment from the corporate partners makes putting on an event like LakeFest so much easier, the fact that we’re able to keep it free. We always said we wanted something that would not only enhance the community but also give back to it.”

And they have – through the impressive event itself and through the tens of thousands of dollars the parent organization, Logan Martin Charity Foundation, has given to nonprofits throughout the community and to improve the park. A pavilion at the park in memory of Jerry Woods, one of the original founders and visionaries of LakeFest, and additional boat slips are courtesy of the group’s foundation.

Housh also gave kudos to the City of Pell City for its support. “Having Lakeside Park as the venue and having the support of the city really helped us grow the event. It’s been phenomenal. The city has always been great to us, and we’ve enjoyed their support.”

This year, some 50 vendors will offer their wares at LakeFest. All services or products must be targeted to lake living or relevant to the lake lifestyle. Preference is given to businesses that are headquartered or primarily operate in the Logan Martin Lake area.

“We’re expanding the vendor area this year,” said Housh. “We don’t want to exclude anybody who wants to be a part of the event, but we are kind of selective in terms of the kind of vendors we allow down there.”

They have moved the parking area to allow for a lot of green spaces, kids area, access to the splash pad and a lot of areas of interest all weekend long.

On the concert-sized main stage, live music is featured all weekend long as well as all kinds of giveaways. Headlining the 2022 edition is a free concert Saturday night at 7 by country music star Tyler Farr.

As is tradition, on Friday night, around 8 p.m., fireworks light up the sky over Logan Martin Lake with a spectacular show dedicated to veterans, and Col. Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home residents are special guests for the show.

Despite having a day job, Housh says the reason he volunteers his time and energy to LakeFest is simple. “I love it. I love the lake. I grew up on this lake skiing and boating and fishing. I’ve always had a passion for it.”

And by the looks of the size of the crowds that flock there each year, they do, too.

Editor’s Note: Follow LakeFest on Facebook and Instagram. Check loganmartinlakefest.com for updates to scheduling.

LakeFest Schedule

May 20: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM

8 am – 1 pm: Vendor Setup
2 pm: LakeFest open to the public
2 pm – 9pm: Beginning GIVEAWAYS on the hour, EVERY HOUR!
4pm – 9 pm: Live music on the TRACKER OFF ROAD stage
Soon after dark (estimated around 8 pm): FIREWORKS show honoring veterans from the Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home
9 pm: LakeFest closes for the evening

May 21: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

7 am – 9:30 am Vendor Setup
10 am: LakeFest Day 2 Open!
11 am – 9 pm: GIVEAWAYS on the hour, EVERY HOUR
12 pm – 9 pm: Live music on the TRACKER OUTDOORS stage
7 pm: FREE CONCERT Featuring Country Superstar TYLER FARR
9 pm: LakeFest closes for the evening

May 22: Noon – 5:00 PM

12 pm –LakeFest Day 3 Open!
12 pm – 5 pm: Giveaways on the hour, EVERY HOUR
1 pm – 4 pm: Live music on the TRACKER OUTDOORS stage
5 pm: LakeFest 2022 ends!

There will be raffle giveaways every hour on the hour that LakeFest is open.

Set in clay

Pandemic nudge sets wheel in motion for local artist

Story by Roxann Edsall
Photos by Meghan Frondorf

Breathing in the essence of her vision, she throws the clay onto the wheel, carefully aiming for the center. Extending her slim hands, she enfolds the clay as it spins and bends to her will. The clay seems to take on a life of its own as it sways to her touch.

Fingers pinching and pressing, the artist patiently pushes and directs the medium to the perfect form and extension. The duet spins and sways until, finally pleased with the performance, the artist ends the dance. Removing the cup, she sets her delicate partner on the shelf to dry.

Logan Martin resident and potter Virna Settle has done this carefully choreographed dance many times over the past two years and has produced hundreds of pottery pieces, some of which have been commissioned by those who have seen her work.

While she still sells many of her pieces on Facebook, her handiwork has also been featured at Fish Market restaurant in Birmingham. Because of that exposure, she’s recently been asked to provide pieces for Nichols Nook Coffee Shop in Springville.

Settle has learned from one of the best. Her mentor and teacher is internationally-renowned potter, Tena Payne, owner of Leeds-based Earthborn Pottery. Payne’s works may be seen at some of the most famous spots across the country, including the Bellagio Resort and Casino, Caesars Palace, and Peche Restaurant in New Orleans. Birmingham top chef Chris Hastings (Hot and Hot Fish Club) used her serving pieces when he won Food Network’s “Iron Chef America.”

A journey of discovery

Originally from Manila, Philippines, Settle spent quite a few years in the restaurant business herself before discovering her other artistic gifts. She moved to the Birmingham area in 1993 and spent several years running two Birmingham restaurants, La Dolce Vita and Amore Ristorante Italiano with a former partner.

It was at La Dolce Vita that she met Harold, a Birmingham cardiologist, who would later become her husband. He and his first wife were frequent customers before he lost her to pancreatic cancer in 2010.

The two were married at their Cropwell home in the spring of 2012. Three years into their marriage, Virna discovered a talent for art after attending a painting party with friends. “I went to the party and painted a fish,” she says. “I loved it, so I took classes for five years to learn more.”

What she learned, along with her natural talent, brought her success as a painter. Paintings she hasn’t sold hang on her walls or sit in her small art studio. Harold wishes she would spend more time painting, but she has found her greater love in pottery. “I encourage her,” he says. “She’s really good. I love the way she blends her colors.”

Just two years ago, she didn’t know a thing about pottery. Her interest in pottery was a blessing that came out of the pandemic. In the spring of 2020, she was visiting with her sister and a friend by video chat when the subject of dinner came up.

A discussion of fish and ways to prepare it led the friend to suggest that Virna get a Palayok, a traditional Philippine clay pot used to steam fish. After that call, she got on her computer and looked up where she could take classes in pottery so she could make her own Palayok. She found those classes nearby at Earthborn Pottery.

Throwing the clay onto the pottery wheel, she says, is not as easy as you may think. “It took more than a year for me to learn to center the clay properly,” admits Settle. “If you don’t get it right in the center, it will wobble, and that’s not good.” It’s the throwing part, she adds, that locked in her love of the craft.

“When you throw the pottery, you can see it come together and be something,” she explains. The process and how the clay transforms is what she loves. From her masonry arch back porch, she doesn’t have to look far for inspiration for her work. The earthy tones and muted blues and greens mimic the expansive lawn that leads out to the waters of Logan Martin Lake. She throws her pottery from that spot, just a few steps from her backyard paradise.

It’s the perfect spot for creating beauty. Ironically, Settle does not like perfection in her work. It’s the rustic imperfection, the asymmetry, that makes a piece right for her. Her pieces are all unique in design and color, true one-of-a-kind art. Her plates have curved and often rippled edges, though not evenly so. The colorations are deep and earthy.

The urge to learn more and different styles of pottery design is driving her to travel more. She’s checked out pottery in North Carolina recently and says she wants to continue to learn more about other styles. European design is an interest, so she hopes to travel there soon.

Meanwhile, she waits on projects at various stages of drying, firing or painting. Pottery is not for the impatient. Smaller pieces can dry in two to four days, but larger pieces, like the commissioned berry bowl on the shelf, can take two weeks to reach the leather-hard stage.

When they reach that stage, the bottoms are trimmed and waxed. Then she paints, waits for it to dry, then fires in her kiln. Then there’s the glaze and another firing. And, she understands that at any stage the piece can break, and she will have to start the process again at the wheel. Embrace the process, the imperfection and the patience. Practicing those steps, Settle hopes one day to see her pottery on the worldwide stage. For now, she is content with the process, at the wheel, one dance at a time.

Angler’s Pointe

Reeling in a brighter future for Lincoln and region

Story by Carol Pappas
Submitted photos

Rising from the banks of a main channel stretch of Logan Martin Lake in the small city of Lincoln lies the future of an entire region.

That’s what officials see in the reflection of a massive investment taking root on 100 acres adjacent to Lincoln’s Landing, a 40-acre fishing park quickly becoming a destination point in its own right. Couple it with Angler’s Pointe, the $30-million residential, recreation and entertainment community now under construction next door, and together, they become a destination spot from all kinds of points inside and well beyond Alabama’s borders.

McCaig & Griffin, a lakeside and commercial development company based in Lincoln, is creating an exclusive waterfront resort with a mix of cottages, RV lots, a swimming pool, an amphitheater-anchored entertainment district of food trucks, arts and crafts and other vendors plus a stage and seating for performances. Dubbed The Yard, the entertainment district is the centerpiece of the project.

McCaig & Griffin CEO DeLane Griffin calls it a return to typically Southern hospitality, reminiscent of families and friends gathering in the back yard while children played and the adults enjoyed the fellowship of their neighbors.

“It will be a relaxed environment,” he said, a place to get away from “the chaos that is the rest of the world and make it disappear for a little while. That’s what I see in my mind – a return to true Southern hospitality.”

Just next door, Lincoln’s Landing, features a world class tournament fishing park, pavilions, a 10-boat launch into the main channel and a boardwalk with fishing piers and boat slips. Plenty of parking accommodates the crowds. Coming in the next phase is a swimming beach. When complete, the park will be a venue for reunions, weddings, get-togethers and other celebrations.

The vision began when the City of Lincoln was considering the 40 acres where the fishing park is now. “We talked about the fishing park and what they wanted, and it became apparent what they were going to need – places for people to stay, something for the families of anglers and recreation,” recalled Griffin.

He and his partners own other lake developments in the area – River Bay, Waterfront and Blue Eye communities, where they have made vast improvements to enhance them for residents.

As the vision for Angler’s Pointe began to take shape, “we saw it as a community, a resort to serve everyone, not just the fishermen,” he said.

In March, the Lincoln City Council approved rezoning for the property, and creation of plots and appraisals followed. Model cottages are being built now for pre-sale.

Angler’s Pointe will be developed in two phases. Phase I is one- and two-bedroom cottages, 800 to 1,000 square feet – and covered RV lots plus the entertainment district. Phase II is a continuation of the cottages and RV lots. It will become a resort with all the amenities and aesthetics of lake life. In total, there will be 118 RV spots and 203 cottages.

“People from all over the country will be coming to fish here, and we’re not even touching the surface of realizing what it will be,” Griffin said. “This will be a destination point that draws people here.”

Lincoln Mayor Lew Watson couldn’t agree more. “We built the park with the idea to attract more business at the same time,” he said. Angler’s Pointe is “the perfect complement to Lincoln’s Landing. It’s designed to support it. It takes care of lodging needs for people to enjoy the lake. It will bring more people in, attract more business and reinforce Lincoln’s Landing.”

The mayor said he could not have envisioned a better neighbor to the city’s development, which has already exceeded expectations. “We had no idea we would be booking this many tournaments, he said, noting that they have already landed bookings as far ahead as 2024.

And the vision that included more business, like hotels and sit-down restaurants is indeed beginning to have a ripple effect from Lincoln’s Landing and Angler’s Pointe, the mayor said.

“We are beginning to get some attention in that area – a good sign of the efforts.” Likening it to fishing, Watson reasoned, “You have to have good bait. We’re seeing the cork bobbling now, and we’re getting some nibbles.”

Councilman Joey Callahan called the area a “transformation to a recreational family environment that is an asset to the city. It’s a place people can come to on Logan Martin, buy a cabin to rent or stay the weekend. It’s huge for Lincoln and for the whole area.”

It’s bigger than Lincoln, he said. “Spending has a regional impact. We benefit from each other.”

Echoing the sentiment, Councilman Brandon Tate, in whose district the developments lie, called it an asset for the entire county and the state of Alabama. In the short term, “it’s already making a huge impact. There’s lots of interest and people coming in.”

Long term, he sees more good things ahead. Pointing to the developments side by side, he expressed gratitude to Griffin and his company for “seeing the vision and planning a premier, luxury” destination to go with it. “We’re excited to see this happening next to our world-class facility.”

An added benefit, he noted, is a local company undertaking the investment. Griffin has a proven track record in the area, and his experience and understanding will serve the development and the city well. “DeLane and his team are perfect for this. The vision is there, and they will be mirroring what we’re trying to do out there.”

Looking toward the future, Tate said, “Lincoln was already on the map in my mind. This definitely puts it up there with everybody else.”

“DeLane is a visionary,” said Councilwoman Jennie Jones. “That man amazes me.” She, too, sees the future in a brighter light because of Lincoln’s Landing and Angler’s Pointe. There may be other attractions nearby, like Talladega Superspeedway and Barber Motorsports Park, but fishing is a sport that lasts all year long. The impact will be felt throughout the year, too, she said.

“The citizens will benefit,” Jones added, explaining that restaurants and hotels and tourism dollars will follow to meet the needs of anglers. Easy access from Interstate 20 is a plus, and observers should see a sizable economic impact on the entire area. “I’m excited about it. Very excited.”

Robinson eyes the city’s new lake neighborhood as a “win, win, win. This is a win for everybody. It complements the park in such a way that fishermen can stay a stone’s throw away from the park. They can keep their boat in the water and don’t have to launch again.”

As for Angler’s Pointe, “they are just steps away from an attraction to support it.” It checks the boxes for lodging and entertainment needs, and golf cart trails illustrate the close connection between the two developments.

The design of the cabins and RV sites complement Lincoln’s Landing, Robinson said. “It’s a no-brainer that the city would support it. It is only going to complement what we have.”

Paddle or Float

Kayak, canoe or float your way down some
of the most scenic waterways in the region

Story by Graham Hadley
LakeLife Magazine archive photos
Submitted photos

As warmer weather rolls into Alabama, and the lake levels rise, people take to the water on Logan Martin and Neely Henry lakes in droves – ski boats, houseboats, pontoons, tritoons and personal watercraft become common sights.

But for those looking for a quieter time on the water, many turn to myriad creeks and streams that feed the Coosa River. And the boats of choice for many are human powered – canoes, kayaks and paddle boards. Sometimes, you don’t even need a kayak or canoe – a good inflatable float and a lazy day drifting along the currents is a great way to pass the time.

Whether you are just looking for a great way to get around and get some exercise, cruise parts of the Coosa and its tributaries not accessible to power boats, or even take part in competitive fishing tournaments – the options are endless.

A number of businesses have cropped up over the past few years that cater specifically to the paddle and float crowd, providing rental boats and equipment and transportation for you and your paddle-craft to some of the most beautiful parts of the lakes and streams.

Several things to keep in mind – many of the businesses that cater to the paddle-and-float crowd are seasonal and affected by everything from the weather to high demand, so it is always a good idea to call ahead and make reservations.

And like anything involving the water, make sure you have all the safety gear you need – life preservers in particular. Other important items to have on your gear list include waterproof cases for cellphones, coolers and containers for food, proper footwear and clothing (and maybe a dry change of both for afterwards).

All of the businesses can help get you outfitted properly and answer any questions you may have. If you don’t own what you need, they can usually rent it to you – and in some cases it is provided at no additional cost with your boat rental.

Many of these businesses have multiple access and takeout points on the water, depending on how long you want to be out and what kinds of boating you are looking for, from lazy winding rivers to a variety of whitewater excitement.

Yak tha Creek

Located in Ashville, Yak tha Creek specializes in renting kayaks on Canoe Creek and providing drop-ins and transportation for people with their own gear. Canoe Creek is rapidly becoming one of the most popular destinations for kayakers, with miles of beautiful nature to be seen all around.

You can find Yak tha Creek on the side of the U.S. Highway 231 at the bridges near the downtown square in Ashville. The business works on a reservation basis, and access to the water is dependent on the time of the year, weather conditions and water levels. Aside from the rental fees, there are nominal fees for transporting your own boat and getting it in the water.

The best way to keep up with water conditions and availability is on their Facebook page. They can be contacted by phone at 205-612-2292.

Like most of the paddle and float rental and transportation companies, there is a waiver requirement.

Voted as one of the best kayak companies in St. Clair County by Discover St. Clair Magazine’s readers, Yak tha Creek continues to be a big tourism draw for the region.

Big Canoe Creek Outfitters

Another business that offers kayaking, plus camping and concerts, Big Canoe Creek Outfitters is located at 6545 Alabama Highway 23 in Springville.

They offer single and double kayak rentals and can shuttle your boat to the water for you.

Big Canoe Creek Outfitters is getting ready for the 2022 season, expecting to open in early May – weather permitting. You can keep up with hours and events and water conditions on their Facebook page or call 205-427-3989.

In addition to their kayak business, they have campsites on the property and play host to some great outdoor music events.

Big Canoe Creek is becoming one of the more popular destination points, so checking on availability, especially holidays and weekends, is a must.

Big Wills Outfitters

Big Wills is a full-service kayak and canoe outfitter that also offers rentals on Big Wills Creek, which feeds into Neely Henry.

Located at 2881 Wesson Gap Road, Attalla, they offer single and two-seat kayak and canoe rentals and can shuttle your own boat to the water as well.

Off season, October through March, is by appointment – on their website, bigwillsoutfitters.com, and on their Facebook page with information about rental availability and water conditions as well as information on some of the kayaks and other gear they sell. They can be reached by phone at 256-538-3226.

When the weather is right, and the water is perfect, demand for rental kayaks can be high, so they recommend calling ahead for availability and reservations.

And when it comes time to buy your own boat, for fishing or just fun, they are more than happy to make sure you get exactly the right kayak or canoe to meet your needs.

Floating Fun

Floating Fun gives you access to Choccolocco Creek, another beautiful stretch of water that feeds into the Coosa River and Logan Martin Lake.

Located in Oxford, Floating Fun specializes in tube floats down the creek, with multiple exits available.

They say you can “expect rocky shoals, some quick currents, remote beauty, and an enjoyable tubing experience.”

They have a minimum two-person, two-tube rental requirement. You start the float at their business, located at 1741 Priebes Mill Road in Oxford. They pick you up at one of the take-outs and return you to the business. While walk-ons are accepted based on tube availability, they strongly recommend making reservations – two days ahead for weekends and holidays, and they have a minimum age requirement of 5 years old.

For all the rules and any questions about availability, reservations, refunds and rainchecks, Floating Fun has a comprehensive website, floatingfun.net. They are a seasonal operation, opening the first Thursday in May and generally running through the middle of October.

They provide special cooler tubes that can carry 50 pounds of food and gear.

Choccolocco Kayak

For those looking to paddle on Choccolocco Creek, Choccolocco Kayak offers a great one-and-a-half to two-hour trip.

Also located in Oxford, Choccolocco Kayak takes you to their put-in near Cider Ridge Golf Club. The takeout is at the kayak rental facility, located across from Choccolocco Park entrance at Leon Smith Parkway and Boiling Springs Road intersection.

You can rent single and tandem kayaks (along with all the necessary gear like paddles and life jackets) or bring your own kayak. You must be at least 18 years old to rent kayaks and be at least 8 to paddle your own kayak. Children younger than 8 have to be in a tandem kayak with an adult.

Like most similar businesses, they are open seasonally and operation hours can be affected by the weather, water levels and demand. They recommend calling or texting to 256-835-7821 for additional information. They also have a Facebook page with updates on special hours, last launch times and other information.

Talladega Creek Resort

Talladega Creek is a long, lazy river that flows through much of Talladega County and offers some beautiful natural scenery. Talladega Creek Resort has campgrounds and cabins at their headquarters at 760 Lake Whitland Drive, Talladega, in addition to kayaking and tubing.

Again, the business is seasonal and dependent on water levels and weather. They require at least 24-hour notice for kayak reservations. You can rent kayaks, tubes and cooler tubes, and they have all the other gear you might need for a day on the creek. And, of course, you can bring your own gear and pay the launch fee.

They ask that you drop off all your passengers and coolers and other equipment at their launch site, 100 Cedar Springs Road, Munford, to wait while you come to the main campground office to pay and park. They will then shuttle you to from the campground to meet up with your group. Takeout is at the campgrounds.

The resort has a variety of beautiful rental cabins on the property and RV and camping spaces for people who want to make a weekend – or longer – of it. There is a two-night minimum on cabin rentals from April until November and on holidays. Single-night reservations are available during the off season. They are also a pet-friendly business.

You can find out more about their rules, hours and rates on their website, talladegacreekside.com. Their phone number is 256-362-9053 and prefer to be contacted by text. You can also follow them on Facebook for the latest updates on hours and water conditions.

GadRock

Looking for some open-water paddling on the Coosa? GadRock, located in Gadsden, is a large indoor climbing facility that also offers stand-up paddleboarding, complete with special tours Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Paddleboarding is growing in popularity and is more suitable for the calm of the lakes because, unlike canoes and kayaks, you stand on what is essentially a large surfboard and paddle your way across the water. In addition to being a great way to see the shoreline areas of the lake, its also a great way to exercise.

GadRock, 1403 Rainbow Drive, can be found online at climbgadrock.com and on their Facebook page. You can reach them by phone 256-312-8185.