S LLmIiVthINakGe a community magazine
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• Dry Storage 205 - 384 - 6942 • Pontoon Rentals • Wet Storage Landau Pontoon Boat Sales • Ship Store • Boat Sales “Brand New 2020 Landau 232 • Boat Service Tri-toon rentals. Powered by 140 • Boat Brokerage Service four-stroke . Powerful yet fuel • Fuel efficient. Call for pricing and • R V Park (Annual Rental) availability “ Bennington Pontoon Boat Sales Call Michael 205-384-6942 for Pontoon Boat 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 parking 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 I smithlakeliving.com
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CONTENTS • 7 Smith Lake Info / Water Level • 46 BENJI Barefoot Decks By Rachel Sweigard • 9 Celebrate the Fruits of Your Labor By Samantha Acton • 48 Mount Vernon Baptist Church - Youth Lake Day • 60 BEAT THE HEAT....with Sun Sails. • 14 A Forever Home • 62 LAKESHORE WEST- 4th. of July Community Celebration. By Kristine Bullock • 64 SMITH LAKE is a Lake for All • 24 Cullman County Property Tax By Kristine Bullock By Rachel Sweigard • 69 ROCK the BOAT 2020 • 68 Musterseed Nursery / Sunflower Bakery & Eatery • 28 Winston County Property Tax By Rachel Sweigard Crane Hill Sheriff’s Field Office • 70 Smith Lake Living 365 ™ • 30 Walker County Property Tax • 60 Church on Smith Lake By Rachel Sweigard • 74 Events • 78 Advertiser Index • 38 Donald Duck and Price / Earnings By Jeff Roberts & Associates Smith Lake Living™ { Fall 2020 } 14 Lakeshore West Golf Cart Parade A Forever Home 70 72 62 BEAT THE HEAT.. with Sun Sails ! 60 66 Rock the Boat 2020 Church on Smith Lake SMITH LAKE LIVING™365 24 Cullman County Property Tax www.SMITHLAKELIVING.com 6 | smithlakeliving.com
Smith Lake Water Levels Smith Lake Info: Lake Level - August 15, 2020 .................. 505.8’ ule Curve Lake Level August 15 , 2020 ..... 505.9 ’ 0.1 inches Below Rule Curve 4.2 Feet Below Full Pool Historical Average Lake Level .................. 502.8’ Record High Water Leve March 1973 .......... 521.2’ Record Low Water Level October 1971 ........ 488.8’ Source Corps of Engineers Water Temperature 88 degrees F August 15, 2020 A.P.C. Shoreline Permit Lewis Smith Lake Powerhouse Intake Local Office (205) 384-7385 Elevation above sea level ( Full Pool): 510 feet www.apcshorelines.com Area: 21,200 acres Shoreline: 642 miles The repair fees for Residential, Multifamily, and Lake level depth at dam: 264 feet Commercial dock repairs are for major repairs. Call Watershed drainage area: 944 square miles APC Shoreline for review of your plans. Smith Lake Dam Facts: In service 09/05/1961 Two generators, rating 78,750 kilowatts each Type Rock-fill Length 2,200 feet Maximum height 300 feet Smith Lake is licensed by FERC with the fol- lowing uses: energy, flood control, recreation and eco- nomic opportunity, irrigation and drinking water, and fish/wildlife habitats. New Fish Weigh-In Station at the Dam Boat Launch Area New Docks Installed at the Dam Boat Launch Area. smithlakeliving.com I 7
Smith Lake Living Smith Lake Living, LLC Fall 2020 Vol. XVI No. 3 788 County Road 97 Our prayers are with the family and friends of Bremen, AL 35033 Dustin New who was involved in a work boat accident on July 16, 2020 near the castle home on Ryan Creek. Editor Thank you to all the dedicated local, state, and Kristine Bullock national search and rescue dive teams. The teams are faced with managing underwater standing timber, wa- Photography ter depths of greater than 140 feet, as well as extreme water temperature conditions. As of August 13, 2020, Eddie Hand Dustin’s recovery efforts were still ongoing. Contributing Writers Smith Lake folks, as we approach a busy Labor Day holiday, if you are planning water activities, please * Kristine Bullock * Samantha Acton * remember - “Safety First”. * Rachel Sweigard * Jeff Roberts * * Eddie Hand * See you on the Lake ! Smith Lake Living Magazine Eddie Hand Published by Publisher Smith Lake Living, LLC Smith Lake Living Scan on your smart phone Advertising “ a community magazine” www.smithlakeliving.com For information about advertising ISSN 2150-3486 in Smith Lake Living Magazine, please call Issued by Eddie Hand 256- 287-1545 United States Copyright Office Email: [email protected] Library of Congress Letters 101 Independence Ave. S.E. Letters to the editor are welcome, but must Washington, DC include the writer’s name and a daytime phone number SUBSCRIBE TO S LLmIiVthINakGe Cover Smith Lake Living Magazine Devil’s Branch ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION AVAILABLE BBeettttyy && TTyy TTaayylloorr $ 15 check only Lakeshore West (Make checks payable to Smith Lake Living LLC) By Eddie Hand Mail to: Smith Lake Living LLC a community magazine 788 County Road 97 Bremen, AL. 35033 All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be NAME: ________________________________________ reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ADDRESS:_____________________________________ Copyright 2020 Smith Lake Living is a registered _____________________________________ Trademark owned Smith Lake Living LLC CITY | STATE | ZIP CODE SMITH LAKE LIVING MAGAZINE is distributed free of charge. PHONE: ______________________________________ EMAIL: ______________________________________FA 20 8 | smithlakeliving.com
Celebrate the Fruits of Your Labor By Samantha Acton Because of the current state of our country, ors, and accent walls can be added. Give the kitch- en a facelift by upgrading faucets, or adding a back- people are finding themselves with an opportunity to splash. Replace ceiling fans and doors throughout tackle projects that have previously been neglected. the house, or install floating shelves in the bathrooms As life presents different stressors, and circumstanc- to hold towels without clutter. The outside of homes es beyond our control, this is the time to find solace, can also be improved by painting the shutters a new and reap the fruits of our labor. and vibrant color. A hot tub could even be added to Everyone has dreams for their future. A great the outdoor area, along with new outdoor seating. way to bring a tangible feeling to these dreams is to The ideas and projects are endless, and will create a create a dream board. A dream board is a visual tool feeling of accomplishment. that serves as a guide to depict goals. We have been Many residents and visitors on the beautiful presented with the time to look deeper into our goals, Lewis Smith Lake also own boats. The amenities and implement a plan of action to make them hap- available to optimize and upgrade a boat or water ve- pen. By starting with one achievable goal, over time, hicle are endless. something greater may be attained. It may be difficult Always desired a GPS? Now is the time to get to know where to begin. Begin with something small, one! In the market for a newer and more efficient and over time, it may be able to be transformed into GPS? Now is the time to think about upgrading! something much bigger. There are other options as well. For example, con- A home can be used as an example. Whether sider purchasing new lighting, install new carpet and it be a weekend get-away, or an everyday residence, flooring, or even invest in a new boat cover. Love to most people consider their home an oasis. This is fish? Invest in rod holders and reels, or other fishing the place where memories are made, the place where accessories to contribute towards making this hobby dreams are built. The décor of a home is typically a more fun! good representation of the personalities and charac- These are just a few ideas to explore that may teristics of its residents. Completely revamping décor reveal just how much hard work and dedication can by replacing accents such as lamps, vases, paintings, pay off. We all deserve to reap the fruits of our labor. accent tables, and new bedding, can give a home a g hHappy Labor Day big transformation. Rooms can be painted new col- Smith Lake Livingtm Get a Touchless Cover for your dock ! Add to your Vintage Fishing Tackle collection. smithlakeliving.com I 9
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A Forever Home By Kristine Bullock One inevitable part of military life is moving. Most military families move every two to three years, which can create a perpetual feeling of being the “new kid on the block”. Mailing addresses never seem permanent, and roots aren’t able to grow quite as deep. The resiliency that is created within military families in their ability to adapt and change to an ever-uncertain future is as admirable as their decision to devote a lifetime to service. John Greaves and his family are an incredible example of sacrifice and commitment as they have walked the honorable path in service to our country. Continued on Page 16 14 | smithlakeliving.com
John & Yvette Greaves smithlakeliving.com I 15
John spent 29 years in the army before retiring in 2014. He began his career as an enlisted infantryman before attending college at the University of Tampa. It was during his time as a student that he met his wife, Yvette, who had recently graduated from the University of Florida with a nursing degree. She would later go back to school and study to be a Family Nurse Practitioner. The two married in 1989, and together had three beautiful children who joined John’s eldest son to make their family complete. All three children went on to follow in their parent’s footsteps pursuing careers in the military, medicine, or both. The family was introduced to Smith Lake in 2005 by a friend in the army while they were living in Virginia. They immediately fell in love with the area, and bought property in 2006. The lot had a cabin and dock, and was in a location where they desired to one day build their forever home. After John retired, the family moved to Alabama, and lived in Decatur while their house was being built. The house was completed in November 2019, and John and Yvette have been full time residents since May 2020. Continued on Page 18 Kitchen Area Gym / Weight Room 16 | smithlakeliving.com
Large Lakeside Screen Porch Main Bedroom Main Bathroom smithlakeliving.com I 17
John describes his charming Smith Lake home as his wife’s dream house. As a military family, the couple never had the opportunity to live in a home they truly loved. Consequently, Yvette spent years looking at floor plans knowing that one day she would have the opportunity to design their forever home. Cornerstone Construction helped turn their architectural dreams into reality. This craftsman design property with a hillside walk out basement features two beautiful porches that boast views of the water for 270 degrees. The main level consists of an exquisite open kitchen, family room with a gas burning fireplace, a guest room, and the master suite. The master bathroom contains a gorgeous copper tub, double sinks, and a first-class shower complete with double shower heads. The walk out basement is comprised of four bedrooms, an additional family room, wood burning fireplace, live wood edge wet bar, a safe room, and two bath- rooms. Continued on Page 20 Wood Burning Fireplace Wood Edge Wet Bar 18 | smithlakeliving.com
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- Smith lake has become the place of lasting memories for John and his family, and even drew Yvette’s parents and brother to purchase property on the lake as well. This forever home will forever be a place of refuge where the family can rest and relish in remembering their years of service to our great country. g hSmith Lake Livingtm Guest House Driveway View 20 | smithlakeliving.com
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205-387-0297 David Long - Owner • Auto Glass • Tub & Shower Enclosures JaspeSrear&rveSinamgsi.tthheLake • Store Front Installation • Mirrors Custom Shower Enclosure Auto Glass Installation Visit our Location: 1800 - 6th. Ave. So. -Jasper, AL. Follow us on Facebook 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 ssmmitithhlalakkeelilviviningg..ccoomm I I 723
Cullman County Property Tax By Rachel Sweigard Taxes are one of the necessary evils in life. In the state of Alabama, property taxes fund public ser- vices such as school systems, the police department, and road improvement programs. Properties must be assessed each year to determine the amount of taxes owed. When assessments are carried out, anything that is permanently attached to a property is included in the assessment. For prop- erty owners on Smith Lake, this means that boat docks, outdoor kitchens, piers, and any storage buildings on a property are included. This also means that the addition of any of these structures can increase the value of a home while also potentially raising the amount of taxes owed each year. Homeowners can ap- peal the assessment of their home by contacting the revenue department of the county or city in which they reside. Millage rates are the method that taxing agencies use to determine the amount of taxes owed each year. Homes in Cullman county are assessed at either 10% or 20% depending on what the property is used for. According to Barry Willingham, the Revenue Commissioner for Cullman County, the millage rate in Cull- man County is currently 26 mills. One mill is equal to one-tenth of one cent. To determine applicable tax- es, the assessed value of a home is multiplied by .026. For example, a $100,000 home at a 10% tax rate would have an assessed value of $10,000, which is then multiplied by .026 to determine that the property taxes would be $260 before any exemptions have been applied. According to Willingham, taxes double for properties that are not occupied throughout the year, such as summer homes or condos. Continued on Page 26 24 I smithlakeliving.com
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Taxes can be challenging to understand, especially for first-time homebuyers. One of the most important things that a homebuyer must remember to do is claim the homestead exemption for their new property. To qualify for a homestead exemption in Alabama, the home must be occupied as the owner’s main dwelling on the first day of the tax year for which the owner is applying for the exemption. There are three types of homestead exemptions, but all of them must be requested as the exemption is not automatically applied to the homeowner. Property taxes are due on October 1 each year. By December 31, all property taxes should be paid to avoid late fees. Delinquent tax notices are mailed in January, and liens are placed in March. In early May of each year, Cullman County holds a tax lien auction against any delinquent accounts. It is common knowledge that the more expensive a house, the more taxes are paid on the property, which allows for more money to go into public funding. According to Commissioner Willingham, Smith Lake proper- ties account for approximately 5% of the total properties in Cullman County, which means that lake proper- ties funnel a sizeable amount of money into the total funding for the county and its programs. g hSmith Lake Livingtm Smith Lake Lake Homes Rocky Springs Area Cullman County 26 | smithlakeliving.com
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WINSTON COUNTY PROPERTY TAX By Rachel Sweigard No matter the zip code, all areas depend on property taxes to keep the local government and public services running smoothly. Property taxes help fund local school systems, the police department, and other public services such as road improvement programs. Each county in Alabama has a revenue commissioner who is responsible for overseeing the assess- ment and taxation of real estate and other properties. It is the responsibility of homeowners to have their property assessed when it is purchased, and to update the assessment if any improvements are made to the property. An improvement is anything that adds value to the property such as a boat dock, storage building, swimming pool, barn, or other structure. All assessments must be completed by December 31 of each year in order for homeowners to qualify for exemptions. If a dwelling is occupied on October 1 of the current year and is used as the owner’s permanent residence, the owner can qualify for a homestead exemption to reduce the amount of property taxes owed. These exemptions must be claimed in a timely manner, especially if the home is purchased late in the calen- dar year. According to the Winston County Revenue office, “a [regular] exemption is $4,000.00 in assessed value for state taxes, and $2,000.00 in assessed value for county taxes”. There are other exemptions for people who are disabled and/or 65 years of age or older. As in other Alabama counties, the property tax rate in Winston County is either 10% or 20% depend- ing on what the property is used for. Taxes become payable beginning October 1 each year, and are delin- quent if not paid by December 31. If taxes are not paid by December 31, fees are applied to the cost of the original property taxes. If taxes are not paid by May, a lien is issued, and the property may be sold at auction by the county. g hSmith Lake Livingtm Rock Creek Area - Winston County 28 | smithlakeliving.com
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WALKER COUNTY PROPERTY TAX By Rachel Sweigard Blue Water Pointe Area - Walker County Walker County is one of three counties that shares Smith Lake. Curry, an unincorporated community that is closest to the lake, funnels its property taxes into the Walker County revenue office where these monies are used to fund public services. Like other counties in Alabama, property in Walker County is subject to property taxes on the land that a home or other dwelling sits, as well as anything on the property that adds value such as a barn, chicken house, dock, deck, or storage building. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to report any improvements made to the property in order to have the property properly assessed. Improvements, such as additions or renovations, often increase the value of a home, and must be assessed in the value of the property. Anything that falls into the category of maintenance, such as a new roof, is not counted as an improvement for tax purposes. The Walker County Revenue Commissioner is responsible for determining the value of property located within the county, and taxes must be paid according to that value. In Walker County, the tax rate is 25.5 mills. Property owners in Walker County can multiply the assessed value of their property by .0255 to determine their estimated property taxes prior to any exemptions being applied. As with other counties in Alabama, property owners in Walker County may qualify for a homestead ex- emption if the property is occupied and used for no other purposes. Residents who are disabled or 65 years of age or older may qualify for additional exemptions. All exemptions are used to reduce the total taxes owed each year. If a homeowner is unsatisfied with the assessed value of their property, they may appeal to the Walker County Board of Equalization. Upon notification, the Board may conduct a field audit. If the homeowner is still not satisfied with the assessment after the field audit, they may appeal to the Board for a hearing which will move to the Circuit Court for final settlement if needed. Taxes are due on October 1 of each year, and become delinquent if not paid by December 31 of that same year. If the tax bill is not taken care of by May of the following year, the property may be sold at a public tax auction. Residents of Walker County can pay their taxes by mail, in person, or online. g hSmith Lake Livingtm 30 | smithlakeliving.com
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~ 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. Touchless Covers of Alabama Jim Bain 256-794-1443 “Convenient and Automatic Boat Protection” www.touchlesscover.com 32 | smithlakeliving.com
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ur all new pontoon lines Trident Marine Group is now an authorized from assisting in making your choice to ongoing Avalon and Tahoe dealership serving all of maintenance and customization. Smith Lake. When you are ready to invest in a new boat, our friendly and knowledgeable We value the opportunity to create a long-term sales, service and parts departments are prepared relationship with you, and we do that by giving to make sure your experience is outstanding, you the best products and customer service available. Come see us today. smithlakeliving.com I 35
Metal Buildings - All Sizes ! Our Structures are made of all Steel ! Welded for Strenght ! NO WOOD or BOLTS Brain Clements 256-383-2066 / 256-287-9558 www.bamasteelstructures.com Owner 23911 Co. Rd. 222 Bremen , AL. 35033 36 | smithlakeliving.com
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“Donald Duck and Price/Earnings” A day in the life of a financial advisor is not some other lovable cartoon character with his arm always predictable, but during times of market stretched out to his side. As a kid, you had to be volatility, the questions we get asked often are. taller than his arm, or you couldn’t get on the ride. Because my team meets with clients at least on a The arm was just a measuring stick or a height line semi-annual basis, there are plenty of opportunities that you had to cross. If you were below the line, to find out what is on their minds. The most com- there was just too much risk for you to participate. mon questions right now are “What do you think the Similarly, the forward P/E ratio is a like a measuring market will do around the elections?” or “How do stick. My friends at Helios Quantitative say, “It ba- you think the market will finish the year?”. On the sically tells you how much people are willing to pay surface, these seem like very logical questions that for a given dollar of earnings.” P/E can be used to any investor might ask. However, these questions measure one stock or a large number of stocks. really translate to “Tell me what stocks are going to Stay with me while I get analytical for just do in the short-run.” For 28 years I have explained a moment. This message will get easier to follow that, if anyone ever tries to convince you that he or again. If you need a break, just skip to the next she can predict short-term market swings, run from paragraph. You will be able to relate to my examples them – myself included! I then spend the next 15- further down. The largest 500 stocks in the United 30 minutes talking their ears off and explaining my States comprise the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index thoughts and opinions on that very topic. So, that is (S&P 500). There is a forward P/E ratio of the S&P why clients ask. They know I will give them a frame- 500, which simply takes the price (P) of the stocks work to consider and, hopefully, put it in terms they and divides it by the earnings (E) of the stocks. For can understand. As you read this piece, I may be purposes of my point, you don’t have to fully under- pushing my luck on the latter, but please stay with stand all these details. Just know that, when the me because this message is important. forward P/E ratio of the S&P 500 Index is measured I could probably write a book on the many for the last 25 years, the number is 16.40.1 That considerations of today’s stock market, but this is Pluto’s arm, the measuring stick for stocks. But article addresses one variable that is not often in this comparison, the goal isn’t necessarily to be discussed because it’s not very exciting and can be above or below the arm. The goal is simply to know difficult to understand. So here is my big reveal . . where we currently are relative to the arm. If stock . I want you to clearly understand the significance prices (P) go way up and earnings (E) do not, then of the stock market’s forward price/earnings ratio the numerator in the equation is high and the de- (forward P/E ratio) and why it should be on inves- nominator is low, causing the ratio to go up. In that tors’ radar screens. Wait, don’t quit reading just yet! case, a forward P/E ratio higher than Pluto’s arm Give me a chance. I might surprise you. means things may be getting expensive. Remember when you were a kid and you Now, let’s look at U.S. stocks. The forward went to Disney World or some other amusement P/E ratio of the S&P 500 Index today is 22.131 (July park? You wanted to go on the thrilling rides, and 27, 2020). That is not just one standard deviation as you approached the entrance to each gate, higher than the 25–year average (Donald Duck’s there was wooden cut-out of Pluto, Donald Duck, or arm); it is hovering around two standard deviations Continued on Page 42 38 | smithlakeliving.com
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“Donald Duck and Price/Earnings” higher. Translation . . . statistically, the U.S. stock different, but investors often do the opposite, loading market is way out of whack. From a historical per- up on stocks when prices are soaring and selling in a spective, prices are much higher than earnings. Re- panic when prices are falling. The psychology behind member, in statistics, everything reverts back to the that misalignment falls under the study of ‘behav- mean. That said, over time, one would expect prices ioral finance’, which is a huge part of my job. Many in the market (P) to come down, earnings (E) to go people are blind to the reality of how their behavior up, or both. We are now seeing forward P/E ratios can impact their investment performance, as well as at levels approaching the tech bubble that led to a the accomplishment of their goals. three–year decline in U.S. stocks (2000-2002). Fed- I do not anticipate the question “Tell me eral Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan described what stocks are going to do in the short-run” to go what was happening in the stock market at that time away any time soon. I also do not anticipate I’ll ever as “irrational exuberance”. acquire a crystal ball that provides the perfect clarity Pretend that you and I owned a little compa- that we would all like. In the meantime, U.S. inves- ny together called “Smith Lake Widgets”. We had tors might want to be mindful of gross output, unem- earnings of $100,000 for the last couple years, and ployment, corporate earnings, gross domestic prod- we expect them to remain at that same level mov- uct, COVID-19 contagion trends, and, yes, forward ing forward. Out of nowhere, our largest competitor P/E ratios. There is not one magic bullet to follow. knocks on our door and offers to buy the company Unfortunately, investing is just not that easy. But, as for $15,000,000. Why in the world would someone I hope I have pointed out today, it is easy to see that offer such a high price (P) for a company with such forward P/E ratios are way higher than their historic low earnings (E)? The forward P/E ratio of those norm, and that will not last forever. Investors should numbers would be in the stratosphere. That compet- understand what it means for the accomplishment of itor would have to be crazy, right? their financial goals if forward P/E ratios get back to Am I saying, “Stocks are bad”? No, not at normal levels. Be sure to consult your trusted finan- all. Rather, I am saying to be careful, know what you cial advisor with any investment related questions are buying, know what you own right now, and have and to better understand how your investments are a plan. For some reason, many investors have an aligned with your personal goals. oddly inverse relationship between the purchase of In closing, I will reflect on the words of the stocks and consumer goods. Let’s say that you regu- great Sir John Templeton back in February 1994, larly go to the grocery store because you like to have “Bull markets are born on pessimism, grown on steak for dinner once a week. And let’s say that you skepticism, mature on optimism, and die on eupho- typically spend around $40 on steaks. Suddenly and ria. The time of maximum pessimism is the best unexpectedly, the same steaks are branded with a time to buy, and the time of maximum optimism is price tag of $80. Do you buy as many steaks as you the best time to sell.”2 can afford at the higher price? Certainly not. In fact, you may not buy steak at all while prices are so high, Continued on Page 44 perhaps settling for another type of meat. Converse- ly, if steak prices fell to $20, you might buy twice your normal amount. In theory, stocks should be no 42 | smithlakeliving.com
(205) 221-3311 Cakes, Sweets, Sandwiches, Ice Cream, Casseroles, Breads, Soups, Chicken Salad ! 44 Helicon RoSau•de•~C•Ao•rleley , AL. 35542 Catering Service Availible Owner Facebook.com/ suesimplecatering Don’t Drink and Drive ! Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Matt Gentry (256) 734-0342 1910 Beech Avenue S.E. Cullman, AL. 35055 @ Cullman.Sheriff smithlakeliving.com I 43
“Donald Duck and Price/Earnings” 1 JP Morgan, Guide to the Markets®, July 27, 2020. 2 Franklin Templeton Investments, “Investments, Insights and Inspiration”, page 9. The views expressed here reflect the views of Jeff Roberts as of July 28, 2020. These views may change as market or other conditions change. Actual investments or investment decisions made by Ameriprise Financial and its affili- ates, whether for its own account or on behalf of clients, will not necessarily reflect the views expressed. This infor- mation is not intended to provide investment advice and does not account for individual investor circumstances. Investment decisions should always be made based on an investor’s specific financial needs, objectives, goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and no forecast should be consid- ered a guarantee either. Jeff Roberts, ChFC®, CRPC®, CFS®, CKA®, BFA™, APMA® is a Private Wealth Advisor with, and Founder and Presi- dent of, MavenCross Wealth Advisors®, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Birmingham, AL. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and wealth management strategies and has been in practice for 28 years. To contact him, call (205) 313-9150 or visit his website at mavencrosswealth.com. Offices are located at 31 Inverness Center Parkway – Suite 550, Birmingham, AL 35242 and 1817 Commons North Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a regis- tered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. g hSmith Lake Livingtm © 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. 44 | smithlakeliving.com
Smith Lake Stakeholders 205-300-8000 JOIN US TODAY ! PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY RIGHTS. Alabama Power Company regulates water levels on Lewis Smith Lake without any concern of property owners, shoreline erosion, and dock damage. Stand up and have a voice if you own property or visit Lewis Smith Lake. More information, meetings, and membership applications will be forth coming on social media. adfall2020 smithlakeliving.com I 45
BENJI Barefoot Decks By Rachel Sweigard Smith lake contains a variety of homes, docks, and decks that dot the shorelines and cliffs surrounding the water. Some homes are mod- ern, some are tradi- tional, and others are somewhere in between. The docks and decks at- tached to these homes range from standard, to over the top, to down- right amazing. The decks built by Benji with Barefoot Decks fall into the latter category. When asked how long he has been in the deck business, Benji explains, “Well, as long as I can remember! I quit school at 14 to start working, and I’ve been doing it ever since”. What started as a small business many years ago has now blossomed into one that has gained the attention of the Smith Lake community. Barefoot Decks stand out above the rest because they are built to hang off of bluffs and cliffs giving homeowners a view unlike any other. Benji’s decks range in price from $10,000-$60,000 depending on the customer’s wants and needs. The spectacular views that come with sitting high on a cliff as the sun rises or sets are priceless. Benji’s business got its name for a simple reason, he liked to work barefoot when he first began building decks for people. Many southerners will understand Benji’s preference. The summers below the Mason-Dixon are often brutal, and the idea of wearing closed-toed shoes is enough to send people into heat stroke. In the market for a new deck? Consider some- thing a little different, and opt for a cliff-hanging deck built by a local man who has been in the business for years, and isn’t scared to work barefoot. Contact #: 256-615-5680 g hSmith Lake Livingtm 46 I smithlakeliving.com
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Mount Vernon Baptist Church Curry, Alabama Youth Lake Day 48 | smithlakeliving.com
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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 AddGasAndGo Watercraft LLC Mobile Repair Service & Sales 256-590-5369 Greg Huffman Owner Certified Mechanic 50 | smithlakeliving.com
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