Important Announcement
PubHTML5 Scheduled Server Maintenance on (GMT) Sunday, June 26th, 2:00 am - 8:00 am.
PubHTML5 site will be inoperative during the times indicated!

Home Explore Smith Lake Living

Smith Lake Living

Published by eddie, 2019-03-26 13:21:32

Description: Spring 2019 Issue

Keywords: smithlakeliving,smithlakealabama,smithlaketv,smithlakemagazine,fishingsmithlake

Search

Read the Text Version

S LLmIiVthINakGe a community magazine

2 I smithlakeliving.com

Duskin Point Marina • Dry Storage • Pontoon Rentals • Wet Storage • Ship Store • Boat Sales • Boat Service • Boat Brokerage Service • Fuel 205 - 384 - 6942 Landau Pontoon Boat Sales Call Michael 205-384-6942 for Landau Pontoon Sales www.duskinpointmarina.com ~ 198 Duskin Point Road, Jasper, AL 35504 smithlakeliving.com I 3

Duncan Bridge Marina & RV Retreat 55 Marina Drive Arley, AL. 35541 duncanmarina3@gmail www.duncanbridgemarina.com 205-387-1208 RV Retreat • Wet / Dry Slip Boat Storage • Public Boat Launch $ 10.00 Fee 205 - 387 - 1208 • Gas - 90 Octane Non Ethanol • Store - Boating Accessories & More • Beach Area - Picnic Tables Duncan Bridge RV Retreat offers long term park- ing on concrete pads up to 20’ x 50’. All pads have full hook-up and utilities (water, power, sewer, and wi-fi ). The park has year around water with a dock for easy access to water, bath house, and is very convenient to Duncan Bridge Marina. Pricing starts at $ 300 a month.. 4 l smithlakeliving.com

GET YOUR NEW HOT DIP GALVANIZED STEEL BOAT DOCK WITH CONCRETE FLOORING. THE MOST STABLE BOAT DOCK ON THE LAKE TODAY! YOUR WATER FRONT IS OUR BUSINESS! CALL US TODAY 1-205-265-2690 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM DREDGING, RIP RAP, SEA WALLS AND MUCH MORE. SMITHLAKEDOCKREPAIR.COM smithlakeliving.com I 5

Smith Lake Living™ { Spring 2019 } CONTENTS • 7 Springtime Checklist for a worry free summer. 14 By Samantha Acton A Foundation for the Future • 9 Leave No Mark™ 70 • 14 A Foundation for the Future By Kristine Bullock Black Warrior Waterdog • 26 Roll Tide - The Spirit of Smith Lake 26 By Kristine Bullock ROLL TIDE - The Spirit of Smith Lake • 32 Youth Fishing Derby By Rachel Sweigard 36 • 36 Curry Fire Rescue. By Rachel Sweigard •38 Five Questions to Answer before Buying a Second Home By Jeff Roberts & Associates • 56 Smith Lake Water Level • 58 Smith Lake Living 365 • 60 Cullman Furniture Market-Grenerations in the Making By Kristine Bullock • 64 The Relocation of HydroHoist® of Alabama By Eddie Hand • 68 Smith Lake Map • 70 Black Warrior Waterdog By Rachel Sweigard • 72 Alabama Bass Trail • 74 Events • 76 Smith Lake Driftwood Art Creations by Price Abbott 78 Advertiser Index 76 CURRY FIRE RESCUE 64 Smith Lake Driftwood Art The Relocation of HydroHoist® of Alabama 6 | smithlakeliving.com www.SMITHLAKELIVING.com

Springtime Checklist... for a worry free Summer ! By Samantha Acton Springtime is on the horizon, and I know many of you simply cannot wait for the beautiful weather that comes along with this time of the year. If you own a home on Smith Lake, this is a time of preparation. The list of things to do in order to adequately prepare your lake home for the upcom- ing season can be pretty lengthy. So, we have put together a few checklists that every lake home- owner can use as a guide. For your home: Your lake home is very important as this is your living space while you are spending time with family and friends on the lake. Take a look at this list of items that require your attention prior to your stay. 1. Check for plumbing leaks Test Ground Fault Plugs 2. Check for roof leaks 3. Remove tree limbs and branches from roof 4. Change filters in HVAC system 5. Replace bad light bulbs 6. Check electrical outlets = Test ground fault plugs 7. Spray for bugs / termites 8. Check for bad boards on deck/stairs and replace 9. Landscape / address drainage problems 10. Identify trees that need to be removed 11. Replace bad screens on windows / porch 12. Clear leaves/debris from around house foundation 13. Change water filters in refrigerator / home system 14. Check batteries in Fire Alarms and Smoke Detectors Continued on Page 20 smithlakeliving.com I 7

Smith Lake Living Smith Lake Living, LLC Sprin 2019 Vol. XV No. 1 788 County Road 97 Smith Lake Living ™ is excited about the upcoming Bremen, AL 35033 summer on Smith Lake. Smith Lake folks can enjoy all the events, concerts, fishing tournaments, boating, watersports, Editor and just hanging out at your dock. Kristine Bullock Everyone can agree that Smith Lake is beautiful, relaxing, and wonderful place for recreation in the state. Photography Please join our campaign “Leave No Mark” to help kept our lake scenic and maintain the title as the “Cleanest Lake in Eddie Hand the State”. Contributing Writers The summer season will be busy and remember the rules of the waterways (Keep Right). Please be safe, wear * Kristine Bullock * Samantha Acton * your PFD or have it nearby. * Rachel Sweigard *Jeff Roberts . See you on the Lake * Eddie Hand * Eddie Hand Publisher Smith Lake Living Smith Lake Living Magazine “ a community magazine” Published by ISSN 2150-3486 Smith Lake Living, LLC Issued by Printed by Color Xpress United States Copyright Office Madison, Alabama Library of Congress Scan on your smart phone Advertising 101 Independence Ave. S.E. www.smithlakeliving.com For information about advertising Washington, DC in Smith Lake Living Magazine, please call Eddie Hand 256- 287-1545 Email: [email protected] Letters Letters to the editor are welcome, but must include the writer’s name and a daytime phone number SUBSCRIBE TO S LLmIiVthINakGe Cover Smith Lake Living Magazine Alabama Cheerleaders ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION AVAILABLE Duncan Bridge By Eddie Hand $ 15 check only (Make checks payable to Smith Lake Living LLC) a community magazine Mail to: Smith Lake Liivng LLC All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be 788 County Road 97 reproduced without written consent of the publisher Bremen, AL. 35033 NAME: ________________________________________ Copyright 2019 Smith Lake Living is a registered ADDRESS:_____________________________________ Trademark owned Smith Lake Living LLC _____________________________________ SMITH LAKE LIVING MAGAZINE is distributed free of charge. CITY | STATE | ZIP CODE PHONE: ______________________________________ EMAIL: ______________________________________sp19 8 | smithlakeliving.com

Signup & Join our Smith Lake LivingTMCampaign ! Leave No MarkTM Your boating and laking pledge • Take a trash container on your vessel. (It’s the Law). • Do not litter on our roads or waterways. • If you see trash in the lake, stop and pick it up. • If you see someone litter, let him or her know that our lake is not a garbage dump. (If you feel unsafe doing this, get their boat or tag number and report them to authorities). • Secure items on your dock to prevent them from blowing into the lake. • Volunteer for lake cleanups or litter pickups. • Secure material and items under tow to prevent them from blowing onto our roadways. • Make sure all floats and water-toys are fastened to your dock. • If you picnic on the lake shoreline, clean your site; leave no garbage or other items. Smith Lake is the cleanest lake in the state; please help us keep that title. BE A FRIENDLY, COURTEOUS, AND RESPECTFUL BOATER AND LAKER. HAVE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE SUMMER Mail to: Smith Lake Liivng LLC Please sign and mail your pledge card to 788 County Road 97 Smith Lake Living LLC. Smith Lake Living will Bremen, AL. 35033 notify you of area cleanups and other community events that support Leave No Mark™. We thank NAME: ________________________________________ you in advance for signing our pledge. Together, we can help keep Smith Lake the cleanest lake in ADDRESS:_____________________________________ the state! _____________________________________ Please note that your name, mailing address, CITY | STATE | ZIP CODE or email information will not be sold or released. PHONE: ______________________________________ www.leavenomark.com EMAIL: ______________________________________lnm smithlakeliving.com I 9 Leave No Mark™ Pledge

4 I smithlakeliving.com



205 - 384 - 5990 2403 Highway 78 East Jasper, AL. 35501 www.highpoint-furniture.com “Smith Lake Area’s Largest Furniture Store” Follow Us on FACEBOOK ® 12 | smithlakeliving.com

Cullman Furniture Market 256-841-6754 1807 2nd. Avenue S.W. Cullman, AL. 35055 www.cullmanfurnituremarket.com “ Cullman’s Largest Furniture Showroom” Follow Us on FACEBOOK ® smithlakeliving.com I 13

A Foundation for the Futur By Kristine Bullock Just as a good home needs a strong cornerstone to withstand the tests of time, a community requires a sturdy foundation to ensure longevity and growth for its residents. Sharon and Tom Miller, who have been full-time residents of Smith Lake for almost 20 years, are two people that have been instrumental in shaping the lake community into what it is today. At the time of their relocation, less than 20% of people that owned property on Smith Lake were full time residents. Their experience living and working on the lake year round is unparalleled, and together they offer a unique perspective to those who may chose to follow in their foot- steps. Both Sharon and Tom were born and raised in south-central Wisconsin. Their love story began as if out of a 1950s Hollywood Movie while the two were in high school on a blind date at a drive-in theatre. After a few years of courtship, the two were married and started a family. Raising a family in the city never sound- 14 | smithlakeliving.com

ure ed ideal, so Sharon and Tom decided to purchase a piece of land where they would build their first home just outside of Madison, Wisconsin. It was here that Sharon and Tom fell in love with the serenity and peaceful- ness that living outside of city walls offers. After many years of relocating, Tom’s job landed them in Decatur, Alabama where he worked as a territorial salesman for a printing supply company. Relocating throughout the country created the opportuni- ty for the couple to become accustomed to buying and selling homes. Sharon began to have a real knack for real estate, and she ultimately became a licensed realtor. She worked for several years selling homes and property in and around Decatur. Continued on Page 16 smithlakeliving.com I 15

Sharon’s journey in real estate ultimately led her to Smith Lake. At the time, there were only a handful of realtor’s that were actually selling property on the lake. The first of several major developments were in the early stages of completion, and Sharon partnered with an experienced developer to help him sell waterfront lots in a newly created subdivision. As business progressed, Sharon and Tom decided to build a model home and acquired a dealership from Lindal Cedar Homes. They selected a house plan from a local Birmingham publication, and found a long-time building con- tractor to take on the responsibility of construction. After a few adjustments were made, what was once a traditional two-story city house was transformed into a ranch style home with cathedral ceilings and an open floor plan living area, which contained an amazing amount of windows and skylights. The main living area ceiling was designed to utilize tongue and groove pine inlay between the cedar beams and posts. Construction was started in early 2000, and fin- ished in the fall of 2001. Once Sharon and Tom became full-time residents of Smith Lake, Sha- ron’s real estate career blossomed. For the next several years, she participated heavily with the marketing and selling of waterfront property for seven major de- veloper’s, while simultaneously conducting the sale and purchase of numerous individual lake properties. Over the years, Sharon’s knowledge and experience with Smith Lake property sales identified her as an incomparable resource. Her accomplishments and productivity obtained recognition from a variety of profes- sional organizations including receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award and Hall of Fame Award from RE/MAX International. She has also been selected as a “Top Ten Realtor” for the RE/MAX Dixie Region. As many full-time residents know, living on the lake year round requires many adjustments. Gone are the days where you can take a quick drive to the grocery store if you forgot to pick up milk, or stop by the bank on your way home from work. Date-nights quickly change from being filled with dinner at a nice restaurant followed by drinks and a movie, to home-cooked meals watching the sunset with a glass of wine. Smith Lake has a culture all its own, and Sharon and Tom have found that understanding and accepting this change makes the transition from city life to lake life much easier. Continued on Page 18 Dining Area Lake View - The Sipsey River 16 | smithlakeliving.com

Tom & Sharon Miller smithlakeliving.com I 17

What makes full-time living on Smith Lake unique is that residents are able to spend their leisure time with a multitude of recreational activities at their finger- tips. Boat rides, kayaking, and paddle boarding are just some of things that can be enjoyed. Since their move in 2001, Sharon and Tom love to pack up their pontoon boat with a few sandwiches, cold drinks, and some snacks, and head out on the lake for a harbor cruise. They have found that the level of tranquility and privacy is unmatched. Currently, weekend or seasonal owners occupy a large number of homes, so the amount Great Room of neighborhood activity on a given day is minimal at best. Imagine observing a pileated woodpecker searching the bark of a nearby tree for a meal, or a bald eagle circling overhead as it peruses Smith Lake’s water surface below. This is a common experience for people living on the lake, and one that Sharon and Tom definitely cherish! When asked for one piece of advice that Sharon and Tom would give to individuals who are ques- tioning whether to live on Smith Lake year round, they remarked, “Rent a home for several weeks; you’ll be glad you did because at the end of your visit you will have a clear understanding of whether Smith Lake was like finding your diamond in the rough or is not your cup of tea”. While changes on Smith Lake are inevitable, the people who have contributed to the growth and success of the community are steadfast. Sharon and Tom are two such people whose love and dedication to this incredible place have secured the future of Smith Lake for others to enjoy for years to come. Living as full- g s l lmith ake ivingtm h Sharon Miller ... home office on the lake. Roadside Home Entrance 18 | smithlakeliving.com

M�Y 4�h 2�1� a� F�e�r�c�s O�t�o�r i� P�i�e�i�l� Purchase Admission at f-eq.com/spring19 Get in FREE with Fredricks Outdoor Apparel TWO GREAT EVENTS IN ONE MONTH! LAKESMITH CRAWFISH BOIL at Fredricks Outdoor CRAWFISH BOIL on Smith Lake $40 per person! Devil’s Branch Saturday, May 11 @ 5 PM Visit f-eq.com/crawfish19 for more information! PRICEVILLE, AL | FredricksOutdoor.com | 256-340-8899 smithlakeliving.com I 19

For your dock: Your dock experiences a lot of dif- ferent weather conditions during your absence through the winter. It is especially important to take the time to repair any damage that your dock may have before utiliz- ing it. 1. Check all board/decking and replace bad boards 2. Check all floatation that may have worked loose over the wintertime 3. Check all tie down cleats 4. Check bumpers and edging 5. Check dock cables and adjust for water level 6. Check Dock Electrical Wiring – Test all ground faults – check for bare wiring – Get a shock alarm, and check water for electrical currents around your dock (www.shockalarm.com). When in doubt, be safe and hire a certified electrician. 7. Check boat lift for leaks, and have safety rope Continued on Page 24 CHECK YOUR DOCK AND SWIM AREA WITH A SHOCK ALARM. www.shockalarm.com 20 | smithlakeliving.com

Nelems Marine 205-221-3072 www.nelems.com “ Alabama’s Oldest Marine Dealership” Come by and visit us at our dealership at 13239 Hwy. 78, Jasper, AL. smithlakeliving.com I 21

22 I smithlakeliving.com

Lakeshore Inn & Marina Lodge • SPACIOUS , CLEAN & COMFORTABLE ROOMS Marina ~ Boat Storage • STANDARD KING, DOUBLE ROOMS & SUITES Pontoon Rentals • LAKESIDE PATIO, PICNIC TABLES, & STUNNING Floating Gas Dock ~ VIEW OF BEAUTIFUL SMITH LAKE 24 hour credit card service. • TV, WET BAR & MINI-FRIDGE • NO SMOKING / NO PETS (205) 489-2462 Lakeshore Inn & Marina www.lakeshoreinnandmarina.com 364 East Lakeshore Drive Double Springs, AL. 35553 BAR & GRILL • DRINK SPECIALS • SPECIALTY DRINKS • 13 LED TV’S • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EVERY WEEKEND smithlakeliving.com I 23 smithlakeliving.com I 7

For your Boat: Your boat will most likely be one of the main sources of entertainment during your time at the lake. After being stored through the winter, your boat has many maintenance needs that must be assessed before its first launch. 1. Cleanup for summer 2. Preventive maintenance: Oil, Filters, Water Pump, etc. 3. Stereo System 4. Fire Extinguisher 5. Dock lines 6. Check conditions of all Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s) 7. Have boat cushion or life ring 8. Check all navigation lights 9. Have litter bag on board 10. Anchor and anchor line / horn or whistle Accessories 1. Check all water toys for good working condition 2. Deck Chairs 3. Clean Coolers And that’s it! We hope these checklists give you a fantastic beginning to your time on beautiful Smith Lake! Have fun everyone! g s l lmith ake ivingtm h Note: Checklist is not all inclusive. 24 I smithlakeliving.com

smithlakeliving.com I 25

Roll Tide: The Spirit of By Kristine Bullock most, childhood dreams fade with the quickness of youth. Others are given the opportunity to see their dreams grow into For a reality that becomes a visible life source. This is the case for Abby Housley and Bethany Wolfe, who are both manifest- ing their dreams of being a part of The University of Alabama cheerleading team. Both Abby and Bethany are living testa- ments to how love and passion to chase your greatest desires can drive you to accom- plish great things. Abby, who is currently a sophomore, grew up in Jasper, Alabama. She spent her childhood visiting Smith Lake, and her family recently moved to the lake full time. Abby began cheerleading when she was 12 years old, and her desire to attend and cheer for The University of Alabama was written into her life’s story long before she can remember. Seeing her dedication and commitment to the sport of cheerleading pay off has propelled her only to dream bigger. As a nursing major, Abby plans to work in pediatrics or neonatal care upon graduation. Bethany, who is currently a junior, lived in Gardendale, Alabama until she was 8 years old. She then moved to the Arley side of Smith Lake where life-long memories were made soaking up the summer sunshine on the families dock. Bethany has been cheerleading since she was 9 years old, but was flipping and turning cartwheels long before that. “I fell in love with cheerleading, and since then have never looked back. It has brought me many opportunities I would’ve never dreamed of, and I am so thank- ful”, Bethany remarks. She is studying public relations with a minor in communication studies. Recently, Bethany was selected to be a part of the 2019 US National Coed Premier Team. This team is comprised of the most talented female and male cheer- leaders in America. In April, they will compete at the International Cheer Union (ICU) World Cheerleading Championships. ICU is the recognized world governing body of cheerleading with 3.5 million athletes dedicated to the positive advancement of cheer- leading throughout the world. This event is held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida, and hosts the top cheerleaders from six continents. Eighty coun- tries are expected to compete. Continued on Page 28 26 | smithlakeliving.com

Smith Lake Bethany Wolfe Abby Housley smithlakeliving.com I 27

Email:[email protected] Follow Us on 205 . 275 . 6400www.smithlakeboatdockservices.com FACEBOOK The Spirit of Smith Lake The cheerleading squads at The University of Alabama are consistently ranked among the nations best each year. Abby and Bethany are members of the coed team, which cheers for all home and away football games and men’s basketball games. Both had to endure a four-session tryout before their acceptance on the elite cheerleading squad. As student athletes, they are expected to sched- ule their classes around practice times determined by their coaches, and are required to attend weekly work- outs. Managing time as a student-athlete while being a full-time college student is a big undertaking. “Not procrastinating to study and complete homework” has been Abby’s solution. It takes a tremendous amount of discipline to stay on top of assignments and responsibil- ities, and the example set by Abby and Bethany certainly lays the foundation for how to live a balanced life. Bethany Continue on page 30 28 | smithlakeliving.com

smithlakeliving.com I 29

The Spirit of Smith Lake explains that when you are cheerleader for The University of Alabama “there is never truly an offsea- son as the team practices, participates in workouts, and has obligations year round”. Having big dreams has propelled both Abby and Bethany into the incredible position they are in today living lives filled with hard-word, dedication, and gratitude. When this chapter is over, it is no doubt that their next big dreams will also become a reality. Roll Tide! g hSmith Lake Livingtm 30 | smithlakeliving.com

smithlakeliving.com I 31

Youth Fishing Derby Reconnecting Families to the Great Outdoors! By Rachel Sweigard Life on Smith Lake is never boring and as the days get longer and warmer, more and more recreation activities are available for kids of all ages. One such event is the Bankhead Kids Fish- ing Derby, which is held not far from Smith Lake in Bankhead National Forest. The event is free and is held annually. The Bankhead Kids Fishing Derby is held at the Black Warrior Work Center in Lawrence County on Highway 33 between Moulton and Double Springs in the Bankhead National Forest according to Allison Cochran, a biologist with Bankhead National Forest. Prior to the event, a small pond on the property is stocked with catfish for the participants to fish out of. The event is for children ages 5-12 and must be accompanied by an adult to participate. The event can accommo- date up to 60 participants and any fish that the kids catch can be taken home to be cleaned and eaten. The event also has a casting contest and a BB gun/air rifle shooting range. After the fish- ing event, lunch is provided for the kids and is followed by trophies being awarded for the casting contest and biggest fish caught and door prizes are distributed. Cochran says that this event has been going on for about twenty years or more and is a partnership between the USDA Forest Service - Bankhead National Forest, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, Double Springs Lions Club, National Wild Turkey Federation, the Alabama Conservation Enforce- ment Officers Association, and the Winston County Natural Resources Council. The event is fund- ed by the USDA Forest Service – Bankhead National Forest and the Winston County Commission. This year’s Kids Fishing Derby is scheduled for June 1, 2019 and will likely be 9 am-12 pm. The event celebrates National Fishing and Boating Week, Alabama Free Fishing Day, and National Get Outdoors Day. g s l lmith ake ivingtm h 32 | smithlakeliving.com

Over 100 million SOLD on Smith Lake in 2018 ! smithlakeliving.com I 33

34 | smithlakeliving.com

smithlakeliving.com I 35

By Rachel Sweigard The Smith Lake Community would not be able to operate without its first responders. These first responders are the first ones on the scene when someone has a medical emergency, a car accident, or a fire. The first responders of rural communities like those surrounding the Smith Lake area are often volunteers and work tirelessly to assist those in need. One such first responder is Firefighter Rebecca “Becky” Atkins of Curry. Atkins has been a member of Curry Fire Rescue for 39 years and says that she has responded to thousands of calls ranging from medical emergencies, various fires, trees blocking roads, and others. In 2017 alone, Atkins says that she responded to 261 calls. Since 2008, Atkins has been the secretary of Curry Fire Rescue where she keeps the minutes of all meetings that the department holds. Addi- 36 | smithlakeliving.com

Rebecca “Becky” Atkins American Legion Firefighter of the Year in Alabama Continued on page 48 DDDDDD / RV GGGGGG WWWW SSSS / OOOOOOO CCCCCCC AAAA BBBBBBBBBBBB smithlakeliving.com I 37

Five Questions to Answer ... Before Buying a Second Home Many people dream of having a place to call home in their favorite ski, beach or tropical destination. While owning a second home may make sense for a variety of reasons, it’s a major decision that can impact one’s financial situation for years to come. If you’re contemplating a second home at your favorite vacation spot, here are some things to consider. 1.What is your primary purpose for the 2.What is your financial ability to carry home? a second mortgage? If you envision the home as a second family If you need to take out a second mortgage to space, be sure it’s truly a good fit for your lifestyle. make the purchase, will it create any risks If you are still working and can only use it for your monthly cash flow, either for a couple of weeks per year, the ex- now or in the future? This ques- pense and upkeep may be hard tion is particularly relevant if to justify – unless it provides you already have a mort- the vacation escape of your gage on your primary dreams. If you are retired residence or are close or planning to retire, the to or in retirement. purchase may be more Taking on debt will worthwhile. Alternative- carry a degree of ly, if you are imagining it risk regardless of as a rental property for your financial posi- a long-term resident or tion, so you need to short-term renters, there feel confident that it are other considerations. will not be a stretch Is it reasonable to assume for you. If you can af- that the potential income ford to pay cash for the generated makes it a good in- property, the question is vestment, especially when con- whether that is the most sidering other costs (see below)? effective use of your available Or are you looking at this as a property funds compared to investing it in that needs improvement but that you can other ways. eventually sell for a profit after you put some work into it? Continued on Page 42 38 | smithlakeliving.com

smithlakeliving.com I 39





Five Questions to Answer ... Before Buying a Second Home 3. Is the home located where you want to be? If you plan to use the property for your own purposes, be certain the location is appealing to you. For example, if you are looking for a warm weather getaway for the winter, will the home meet your needs? If you are considering renting out the property, is the location one that can attract renters at a price that makes it a worthwhile investment? 4. Are you prepared for the extra expenses? Beyond the initial purchase and mortgage, prepare to duplicate other expenses you already have with your current home – utilities, furnishings, maintenance and improvements. If the second home is far away from your current one, consider the cost of hiring professionals to help with managing and renting the property. Additionally, you may want to meet with a tax advisor who can help you assess the possible tax implication of a second mortgage or rental income. 5. How does the purchase fit within your overall financial plan? Perhaps the most critical question is what your purchase means from a comprehensive financial plan- ning perspective. Does it fit your overall strategy and help you achieve your primary goals — or at least not detract from achieving them? Talk to your financial advisor to help you evaluate the financial wisdom of this move before you make a final decision. Jeff Roberts, ChFC®, CRPC®, CFS®, BFATM is a Private Wealth Advisor and Chartered Financial Consultant® with MavenCross Wealth AdvisorsTM a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Birmingham, AL. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 26 years. To contact him, call (205) 313-9150 or visit his website at www.mavencross- wealth.com. Offices are located at 33 Inverness Center Parkway, Suite 300, Birmingham, AL 35242. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2018 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. File #2236129 (Approved until 09/2020) g hSmith Lake Livingtm 42 | smithlakeliving.com

256 - 841 - 1970 Specialit~ies.B.. rPeaastkrfieass§tC&upLcuankecsh§ CSeherevsecdakDesa§iClyak~es § Coffee Amanda & Brad Quattlebaum 324 County Road 222, Cullman, AL. 35055 sunflourbakery@ outlook.com smithlakeliving.com I 43

“For all your Fab needs on Land or Water.” Rodney Weaver - Owner 256-476-2581 Email: [email protected] 2765 County Road 209 Danville, AL. Don’t TEXT and DRIVE ! ~ Stay Alert • Drive Defensively • Obey the Speed Limit & Traffic Laws • Be Safe ~ Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Matt Gentry (256) 734-0342 1910 Beech Avenue S.E. Cullman, AL. 35055 @ Cullman.Sheriff 44 | smithlakeliving.com

smithlakeliving.com I 45

46 I smithlakeliving.com

~ Specializing in cUSTOM BlinDS anD SHaDeS ~ Custom Sizes Professionally Installed - Call for a Quote Follow Us on Facebook Smith Lake Blind Company ~ Brian DeWitte Owner 205 873-1379 Natural Woven Roman Shades with privacy lining featured above are a big [email protected] favorite for Smith Lake homes. smithlakeliving.com I 47

48 | smithlakeliving.com

tionally, Atkins is the EMS Lieutenant of the Curry Fire Rescue and assists with keeping all medical supplies and carries out the reporting for any medical call that the fire department reports to. Atkins is also the secretary of the Walker County Firefighters Association and has been since 1998. In 2017, Atkins was named the American Legion Firefighter of the Year in Alabama. Atkins was recommend- ed by the Walker County Firefighters As- sociation (WCFA) for the Firefighter of the Year award because of her willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to help not only the surrounding communi- ties but the firefighters that she serves with as well. Atkins also received glowing recommendations from community members as she was given this award. The Curry Fire Rescue, along with Atkins, also gives back to the Curry community. They are active at Curry Elementary, Middle, and High Schools giving a fire prevention talk at Curry Elementary during fire pre- vention week each year. Additionally, they are present at any medical calls that the extracurricular programs at Curry High need to make. Also, they have received new fire trucks and other equipment. The addition of this new equipment to the fire department will allow them to better serve the Curry community and its resi- dents g hSmith Lake Livingtm SLL smithlakeliving.com I 49

SMITH LAKE RESIDENT / REALTOR® DARREN RASPINO (205) 807-2381 DarrenOnSmithLake.com white • willow interior design \\ home decor‘ home furnishing 302 1st. Avenue S.E. Cullman, Alabama 35055 (256) 739-7001 Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Follow Us On: Instagram & Facebook 50 | smithlakeliving.com


Like this book? You can publish your book online for free in a few minutes!
Create your own flipbook