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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 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
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
CONTENTS Smith Lake Living™ { Fall 2019} www.SMITHLAKELIVING.com • 7 Emergencies Dial 911 • 9 Smith Lake Living ™ Contact Information 14 • 14 Designing a Dream By Kristine Bullock • 20 Smith Lake Task Force • 24 Smart Yard - Smith Lake By Kristine Bullock • 26 Smith Lake Area Storm Shelters • 28 Smith Lake Community Meeting -Cullman Co. Designing a Dream • 30 Wake Battle - Smith Lake • 37 Fredricks Outdoor Concert July 6, 2019 • 38 The Current Economic Expansion is Now the 64 Longest in U. S. History. By Jeff Roberts & Associates Poor Man • 44 Septic System Maintenance Poker Run 2019 By Rachel Sweigard • 47 Shock Alarm - Think before you jump! • 48 Labor Day on Lewis Smith Lake 2019 By Samantha Acton • 56 Smith Lake Water Level Report 58 • 58 S & S Foods By Rachel Sweigard S & S FOODS • 62 Williams Hardware & Building Supply By Rachel Sweigard • 64 Poor Man Poker Run • 66 Sipsey Fork Trout Unlimited By Kristine Bullock 20 • 70 ALEA Marine Patrol • 72 Smith Lake Artwork • 74 Events • 75 C.A.S.T. for Kids • 76 Smith Lake Living™ 365 • 78 Advertiser Index Smith Lake Task Force 30 66 Sipsey Fork Trout Unlimited Wake Battle Smith Lake Park 6 | smithlakeliving.com
Emergencies Dial 911 Smith Lake Area Marine Patrol Smith Lake Area Fire Departments & Sheriff ’s Offices Arley Volunteer Fire & Rescue Helicon Volunteer Fire & Rescue ALEA Marine Patrol Division 236 Helicon Way 6019 Helicon Road 301 S Ripley Street Arley, AL. 35541 Arley, AL. 35541 205-384-1300 256-736-4554 Montgomery, AL. 38104 334-517-2950 Bremen Volunteer Fire Dept. Houston Volunteer Fire Dept. www.alea.gov County Road 110 4825 County Road 63 Houston, AL. 35572 Cullman County Sheriff Bremen, AL. 35033 205-489-2495 1910 Beech Avenue S.E. 256-287-0055 Cullman, AL. 35055 Black Pond Volunteer Fire Dept. Jones Chapel Volunteer Fire Dept. 256-734-032 3041 County Road 8 96 County Road 940 Cullman, AL. 35057 www.cullmansheriff.org Double Springs, AL. 35553 256-747-3654 205-489-3967 Walker County Sheriff 2001 2nd Avenue Cold Springs Volunteer Fire Dept. Logan Fire & Rescue Jasper, AL. 35501 9110 County Road 109 4225 County Road 818 205-302-6464 Bremen, AL. 35033 256-287-1705 Logan, AL. www.walkercountysheriff.com 256-747-871/ Winston County Sheriff Crane Hill Volunteer Fire Dept. Loretto Volunteer Fire Dept. 11 Blake Drive 15123 County Road 222 7648 County Road 437 Crane Hill, AL. 35053 Cullman, AL. 35057 Double Springs, AL. 35553 256-747-2700 256-737-9780 205-489-2115 Curry Fire & Rescue Mt. Zion Volunteer Fire Dept. www.winstonsheriff.org 90 Smith Lake Dam Road 4375 Fall City Road Jasper, AL. 35503 Smith Lake Area EMA Jasper, AL. 35504 205-295-1520 205-387-0364 Cullman County EMA 2020 Beech Avenue S.E. Dodge City Volunteer Fire Dept. Trimble Volunteer Fire Dept. 554 County Road 72 4896 County Road 222 Cullman, AL. 35055 Hanceville, AL. 35077 Cullman, AL. 35357 256-739-5410 256-287-0186 256-734-8366 Phyllis Little – Director Double Springs Fire Depts. Walker County EMA 21 Main Street 1801 3rd Avenue South Double Springs, AL. 35553 Jasper, AL. 35501 205-489-5155 205-384-7233 Good Hope Volunteer Fire Dept. Continued on Page 26 Regina Myers – EMA Coordinator 25 Super Saver Road Cullman, AL. 35055 Winston County EMA 256-775-1888 23415 Alabama 195 Double Springs, AL. 35553 205-489-2747 Jimmy Madison - Director smithlakeliving.com I 7
Smith Lake Living Smith Lake Living, LLC Fall 2019 Vol. XV No. 3 788 County Road 97 Smith Lake Living™ ask for everyone to help when boating on Bremen, AL 35033 Smith Lake to remember Safety, Safety, and Safety. Please do pre inspection of boat to make sure all equipment is on board and in Editor working order. Kristine Bullock Smith Lake has open arms for all visitor to do some fishing, fall site seeing, or just relaxing by the shoreline. Maybe a fire or Photography an outdoor tv screen to watch your favorite sports team or movie. Eddie Hand We are truly blessed to have such a beautiful place, Smith Lake to call our home. Contributing Writers The people on Smith Lake are extended family and Smith Lake * Kristine Bullock * Samantha Acton * Living wants to thank all of Search & Rescue teams, ALEA Marine * Rachel Sweigard * Jeff Roberts * Police, Smith Lake Task Force, First Responders, residents that h * Eddie Hand * ave open their homes up, and all the friends and businesses that have furnished drinks and food for the S&R teams. OUR PRAYERS are with everyone See you on the Lake Scan on your smart phone Smith Lake Living Magazine Eddie Hand www.smithlakeliving.com Published by Publisher Smith Lake Living, LLC Smith Lake Living “ a community magazine” Advertising ISSN 2150-3486 For information about advertising in Smith Lake Living Magazine, please call Issued by United States Copyright Office Eddie Hand 256- 287-1545 Email: [email protected] Library of Congress 101 Independence Ave. S.E. Letters Washington, DC 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 Airplane over Ryan Creek ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION AVAILABLE By Eddie Hand $ 15 check only (Make checks payable to Smith Lake Living LLC) a community magazine Mail to: Smith Lake Living 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: ______________________________________FL 19 8 | smithlakeliving.com
Smith Lake Living™ a community magazine Smith Lake Living ™ offers numerous platforms to help the Smith Lake Community to stay in contact, by print media, web sites, social media, magazine app, phone call, or mail us a note. PRINT MEDIA: Smith Lake Living is printed quarterly, (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) with a 40 k plus reader- ship. Magazines are distributed in a three county area, (Cullman, Walker, & Winston Counties) Copies are avail- able free of charge at all advertiser locations, marinas, convenience stores, civic organizations, and other high lake traffic areas. Smith Lake Living LLC offers an annual subscription for $ 15.00, mailed to your address or a friends address. WEB SITES: Smith Lake Living ™ offer two web sites for residents and visitors to access for Smith Lake informa- tion, water levels, water temperature, events, photo galleries, advertisers listing of phone #’s and link to their web site, archive magazines available for flip viewing, weather, subscription order form, and comment page. www.smithlakeliving.com www.smithlakemagazine.com SOCIAL MEDIA: The magazine has 7 Facebook pages, the main page Eddie M Hand, Smith Lake Living has 5000 friends and activity post and updated daily. Smith lake living page, Smith Lake Magazine page, Smith Lake Living Magazine page, Smithlakeliving page and post are shared to all these pages. Smithlaketv facebook page offers live steam video of lake scenes, events, Smith Lake folks and businesses. We encourage our viewers to send us a friend request, like, or follow our pages. SMITH LAKE LIVING APP: The magazine app can be downloaded on your mobile phone or mobile device free of charge on APP STORE or GOOGLE PLAY. The app features the latest copy of the magazine that offers flip page viewing. A link to our Advertisers and their contact information. A link to our web sites www.smithlakeliving. com and www.smithlakemagazine.com. Featured is subjects about our company, contact information, events, photos, etc. So download our app today and stay up to date for Smith Lake happenings. CONTACT US BY PHONE OR EMAIL: Phone # 256-287-1545 land line 205-527-7544 cell or text. Email: [email protected] or [email protected] MAIL / ADDRESS SMITH LAKE LIVING LLC, 788 County Road 97, Bremen, AL. 35003 Smith Lake Living would like hear your comments, opinions, historical facts or myths, or how we can serve our community better. Just contact and we will give you a call, text, or email, in a timely manner. Thank you for allowing us to serve the community for the past 15 years. Join Smith Lake Living ™ campaign to help smith lake keep the title ... “ Cleanest Lake in the State” Leave No Mark™ www.leavenomark.com Go to our web site www.leavenomark.com or message us our Facebook page LEAVE NO MARK ™. Listed on this site will have a listing of all the dates, time, and location of the cleanups on the lake. BE A VOLUNTEER ! smithlakeliving.com I 9
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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
Designing a Dream By Kristine Bullock In many of our imaginations, our dream home can be found to unfold somewhere between past memories and future expectations. Some dream of cabins with walls built from trees that so gracefully transform themselves into shelter. Others dream of old English cottages that resemble dollhouses, or beach retreats with views as vast as the night sky. For Deborah and Greg, their dream home was ultimate- ly realized on the shorelines of Smith Lake. Unlike many, Deborah not only had the dream, but also the facilities to create and design a beautiful home that will undoubtedly create memories for generations to come. Deborah was born and raised in Alabama, and spent her career working as a real estate agent in the Birmingham area. Greg spent his childhood in Atlanta prior to relocating to Alabama in the late 1970’s. He is currently the managing partner for The Welch Group, a wealth management and investment firm. Together, they have four children and six grandchildren. In 2016, the two decided that they want- Continued on Page 16 14 | smithlakeliving.com
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The Weyandt Family ed to purchase a weekend get-away house where their growing family could spend time together. With its reputation as the cleanest lake in Alabama, as well as the proximity to Birmingham, Smith Lake became an attractive location. Deborah and Greg purchased their first home on Smith Lake three years ago. The house was new construction, and while the property checked many of their boxes, Debo- rah had dreams of designing an architectural novelty. As a real estate agent, Deborah’s knowledge of floor plans and home styles was immense. She began designing their dream home on her computer with inspiration drawn from architecture from the pacific-northwest. This style of home typically includes wood siding that carries on from where concrete foun- dation slabs end, post and beam structures, deep overhanging eves, and large windows. Each feature serves to take advantage of the landscape surrounding the home. Continued on Page 18 16 | smithlakeliving.com
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Decks overlooking the lake With inspiration in mind, Deborah and Greg found a very gently sloping lot with a solid rock shoreline where they could envision the house being built. Ultimately, they chose Kevin Noe with Cornerstone Con- struction as their homebuilder and general contractor. “Kevin was very willing to work with us, and was very responsive and accommodating. He shared our enthusiasm about building something new with materials and applications he had never used before” Deborah shared. The 3100 square foot home, which includes five bedrooms and three and a half baths, was complet- ed in a little under a year. The home utilizes board form concrete, Trespa Pura NFC® siding, shed roof, and storefront windows to elicit a clean, contemporary feel. Walking in the front door, visitors are greeted with views of the lake from every angle. The use of windows is the couple’s favorite aspect of the home. Deborah and Greg have undeniably created a home away from home at Smith Lake. The house will remain a retreat for their family to gather together to enjoy great company, make lasting memories, and create new friendships. With plans of retirement creeping up their doorstep, the possibilities for what lays beyond the front door are endless. g hSmith Lake Livingtm 18 | smithlakeliving.com
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Smith Lake Task Force The Smith Lake Task Force was organized after Harold Beasley, former owner of Duskin Point Marina, lost his son, Mike Beasley, in a boating accident in May of 2001. An annual poker run was introduced to raise funds for the Mike Beasley Memori- al Foundation, which supports every entity that provides emergency service coverage on Smith Lake in Walker, Winston, and Cullman counties. The foundation achieved its goals of purchasing a specially equipped boat, deep-water camera equipment, tow vehicle, and all other necessary equipment for deep-water recovery. The equipment is inventoried, insured, and maintained by the Walker County Sheriff’s Department, and is a valuable tool that has been used on wa- terways all over the state. The Smith Lake Task Force consists of all three county sheriff’s offices and Emer- gency Management Agencies in the Smith Lake area. This includes the Cullman County sheriff’s office, Cullman County EMA, Walker County sheriff’s office, Walker County EMA, Winston County sheriff’s office, Winston County EMA, and many volunteers. The Smith Lake Task Force is a non-profit agency operated by a board of directors. Help keep Smith Lake safe by donating to the Smith Lake Task Force. Donations may be sent to the following: Smith Lake Task Force 595 County Road 3135 Houston, AL. 35572 g hSmith Lake Livingtm 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
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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
Smart Yards: Practicing Environmental Consciousness By: Kristine Bullock The Alabama Smart Yards (ASY) program was created to promote environmental consciousness to homeowners and neighborhoods. ASY is a cooperative alliance consisting of the Alabama Cooperative Ex- tension Service, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, the Alabama Master Gardeners, and Auburn University. Together, they have a mission to encourage conservation, efficiency, and responsi- bility in landscaping practices. The ASY manual outlines numerous scientifically based and environmentally sustainable landscaping practices, and can be found online at www.slideshare.net. In the state of Alabama, there over 3,000 miles of impaired streams, over 100,000 acres of impaired lakes and reservoirs, over 280,000 acres of impaired bays and estuaries, and over 120,000 acres of im- paired ocean (EPA, 2010). A leading cause of these impairments is excessive pollutants that enter lakes and streams through storm water runoff, which is directly impacted by land practices. Thankfully, integrating environmental practices into yard designs can reduce many of these pollutants. In order to keep the water that contributes to Smith Lake clean, the ASY manual recommends the following action plan: 1. Make a Plan and Set Goals: Create a design plan that fits your family’s needs. Analyze the existing site, and decide which plants and trees you want to keep. Consider all the components in your plan including soil, plants, water, wildlife, and pests. 2. Living on Water: Place intensively maintained plantings, such as turf grass and vegetable gar dens, away from the water’s edge. This will reduce polluted runoff from entering the waterways. ASY recommends a no fertilizer, no pesticide buffer zone of at least 10 feet along the shoreline. 3. Picking Native Plants: Using native trees, shrubs, and flowers for landscaping and gardens can reduce the need for watering, fertilizers, and pesticides. Choose low maintenance plants that have low watering needs. The Alabama Power Company has published a Shoreline Management Practices resource that can be found online at www.apcshorelines.com. The following native plants are recommended: Button Bush, Tag Alder, Deciduous Holly, Sweet Gum, Maple (all varieties), Yellow Poplar, Oak (all varieties), Pine (all varieties), Bald Cypress, Sycamore, Weeping Willow, River Birch, Native Azalea, Fern, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Carolina Jasmine, and Sweet Shrubs (clianthus flondus). Continued on Page 25 Allows runoff directly into the lake - Incorrect Methods Shoreline natural area with mulch, plants, & riprap that filters runoff. - Correct Methods 24 I smithlakeliving.com
Fredricks Outdoor | 1312 South Bethel Rd, Decatur, AL 35603 256-340-8899 | [email protected] 4. Water Efficiently: Reduce the need for watering by choosing water efficient and drought toler ant plants. Homeowners are also encouraged to purchase a rain shutoff device or soil mois ture sensor. It is also recommended to water in the morning between 4 and 7 AM. 5. Properly Care for and Maintain Landscape: Pruning and lawn maintenance is important in the health of any landscape. It is also essential to properly fertilize. 6. Recycle Yard Waste: Recycling yard waste is easy! Leave grass clippings on the yard to de compose. Composting can also help to add essential nutrients to plants, while also recycling yard waste. 7. Reduce Storm Water Runoff: ASY guidelines recommend the following: a) pick up after pets, b) clean up oil spills and leaks, c) sweep up grass clippings, fertilizer, and soil, and d) avoid over fertil izing your lawn. The ASY manual includes countless ways that homeowners can contribute to making Alabama’s waters clean and sustainable. Smith Lake residents are encouraged to visit the ASY manual website listed above, or check out www.apcshorelines.com for more information about shoreline best management practic- es. Let’s do our part to keep Alabama beautiful! g hSmith Lake Livingtm smithlakeliving.com I 25
Smith Lake Area Storm Shelters Cullman County Sipsey 283 Park Road Brushy Pond Senior Center 2729 County Road 143 Sipsey Bremen Thach 1220 Thach Loop Road Thach Chapel Village / Jones Chapel Winston County Storm Shelters 74 County Road 1034 Jones Chapel Addison Fire Station 16852 County Road 41 Crane Hill Senior Center 15095 County Road 222 Addison Crane Hill Arley Fire Station 236 Helicon Road Town of Dodge City 130 Howard Circle Arley (Town Hall Basement) Double Springs (3 Shelters) Dodge City 23415 Highway 195 197 Main Street Dodge City Volunteer Fire Department # 2 11 Blake Drive 7150 County Road 223 Double Springs Dodge City Helicon Fire Station City of Good Hope 3 Shelters 6019 Helicon Road 134 Municipal Drive (City Hall Basement) Arley 301 Dap Gap Road 301 Municipal Drive (Behind City Hall) Houston- Cross Road Central Fire Station 72 County Road 3128 Good Hope Houston Smith Lake Park Central Fire Station 416 County Road 385 36 County Road 3462 Cullman Houston Walker County Storm Shelters Boldo g hSmith Lake Livingtm 6670 Old Birmingham Highway Jasper 26 | smithlakeliving.com
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Smith Lake Community Meeting Brushy Pond Community Center Cullman, AL. August 8, 2019 R to L: Steven Fletcher, APC Shoreline Manager, Garry Buchanan, Captain ALEA Marine Patrol, Corey Harbison, State Repreentative, Gary Marchman, Cullman County Commissioner, Matt Genrty, Cullman County Sheriff, Garlan Gudger, State Senate Representative A Smith Lake Community Meeting was held on August 8, 2019 at Brushy Pond Community Center. The purpose was to meet with government officials to discuss concerns about the lake. A large crowd of local and lake residents attended to receive a report from Captain Gary Buchanan from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division. He stated that there would be an increase to four marine patrol officers who will be assigned to Smith Lake. On holiday weekends, resources will be pulled from other districts to have an additional increase in the number of patrol officers. Captain Buchanan discussed the difference between wet and dry counties, and reported that because there are three coun- ties in the Smith Lake are that are dry, it is illegal to have alcohol on a vessel. Captain Buchanan answered questions about what is considered the centerline of the lake channel for proper boat opera- tion. He shared that the marine “Rules of the Road” indicate that boats should be driven right of the center of the lake channel, and should yield to the right when passing oncoming boats. Representative Corey Harbison and Senator Garlan Gudger addressed the community economic bill that allows on prem- ises alcohol sales at marinas in Cullman County. Sheriff Matt Gentry pointed out that on the west side of Cullman County, the population triples on summer weekends, which significantly increases lake traffic. Consequently, the sheriff’s office assigns school resource officers to patrol the Smith Lake area to handle the increase in calls and traffic. Commissioner Garry Marchman stated that the Smith Lake tourism industry has created an increase in the economic impact to the county budget. This is in large part because lake tourists eat at local restaurants, and buy gas and products from local county businesses. g hSmith Lake Livingtm 28 | smithlakeliving.com
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Daellli-cnisaootuludsr,aral nAckha-utosh-tiabbelee.f, Small tbhaetcFhlybienegf,A way ! Greg Anderson 256 - 841 - 4494 www.sullivancreekranch.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. 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 32 | smithlakeliving.com
Over 100 million SOLD on Smith Lake in 2018 ! smithlakeliving.com I 33
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Large Crowd attends the Fredricks OUTDOOR concert on the water ! FIREWORKS - July 6 , 2019 smithlakeliving.com I 37
The Current Economic Expansion is Now the Longest in U.S. History. What Does This Mean for Your Finances? The current U.S. economic expansion recent- Currently, trade turmoil represents one of the most ly enjoyed its ten-year anniversary. This means that notable risks to the intermediate-term economic out- for the past decade the economy, as measured by look. The ongoing dispute between the world’s two the nation’s gross domestic product has been consis- largest economies, the U.S. and China, has already tently growing without a measurable pull-back, or re- had a negative impact on the pace of global growth, cession. This long expansion follows the very difficult and the impact could rise. The United Kingdom and economic decline of 2008 and 2009, a period often European Union also still seek an agreement to less- referred to as the Great Recession. en the economic disruption of the U.K.’s pending exit If you are a stock investor who has been keeping an from the Union. Federal Reserve interest rate actions eye on recent headlines, you may wonder how long and pockets of geopolitical unrest are also important this expansion will last, and what may trigger the next to watch and something experts monitor closely. economic downturn or recession. Read on for some How to prepare for future uncertainty perspective. Whether the expansion continues on for a while or Expansions don’t die from old age comes to end in the near term, it’s important to re- Fortunately, recessions do not come and go based on member that it’s normal for the markets to move in the calendar. Often, recessions are the result of im- cycles, with periods of expansion and recession. And balances in major economies built-up over a period historically, the markets have rallied and risen high- of expansion, as evidenced by the housing bubble in er after times of decline. That being said, if you’re 2007 and the dot-com bubble in 2001. However, de- nervous about what a possible downturn in the near spite the longevity of the current expansion, the U.S. term could mean for your portfolio, consider the fol- economy currently seems to be on solid ground. lowing four steps: History tells us that in some cases, a specific event may also send the economy into a recession. An ex- 1. Maintain a properly diversified portfo ample occurred in the mid-1970s as gasoline avail- lio that effectively represents your true views ability was curtained by the OPEC oil embargo. In the on risk. early 1980’s the U.S. economy also suffered a par- 2. Focus on owning quality investments, ticularly painful economic downturn after the Federal which may include well established stocks Reserve moved interest rates sharply higher to finally and high-grade bonds. curtail inflation problems. 3. While a market pullback can be a pain What could create a setback today? ful thing, every downturn comes with poten So, if old age doesn’t cause an economic down- tial opportunities. While the investments you turn, what will? The answer is that many unforeseen hold may be dropping in value, the invest events could trigger a recession. Predicting the tim- ments you want to buy could be getting ing of such an event is virtually impossible. Many an- cheaper, making it a good time to consider alysts and investors are watching key global trends buying. for insights that may be warning signals for what is going to happen in the economy. Continued on Page 42 38 | smithlakeliving.com
Je Roberts ChFC ,® CRPC ,® CFS ,® BFATM Private Wealth Advisor | Founder and President (205) 313-9150 • je [email protected] • mavencrosswealth.com MavenCross Wealth Advisors®, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. “Dedicated to being the obvious choice in nancial planning for my neighbors at Smith Lake.” Barron’s® Top 1,000 Advisors – State by State Ranking, 2009-2011 Barron’s® Top 1,200 Advisors – State by State Ranking, 2014-2019 Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisors, 2017-2019 Forbes Best-in-State Financial Advisors, 2018-2019 nABaiprrMJsoeesenaamvsnnertraeeimefeorneotoncostsrncbr,tuniaiium’pLse’enasnrr.lm®gaPpidFlasnl.rie;ioeedaIoscaarNstvteFdcletiim.lnhRiudspnIrogcAnariawasregonvdnsdhiaadeavtcwrtnshugoiisetsadeecvoaorlbmrterenSrienarsvs’IyessoneePasneprrrhoCadttevei,omhdlte.roirusrvfdg©eineolinai.vdseord2Raedomnyctvn0raaeoeis1utaondsa,an9neorkrsdbccreiAfppuoynsealreemimcgpoiAtcrntshaditepmtoey-furshiobddiilecaepxera,reibdrsfrtripdeiypehesbroedgrefetiywoimhutsFFormelneniaaiitnnFFrtrhaaeoaiyannivennrnnaycaryaacclirmnuoanirieaaamclfaancsllita,sit,daiT,ah:dwIolrlnaiecv.nTemhsocignssii.omcmeueoaAfhsttilrpseasial4oiollstuasi0onrraiwn0tgrn’innshgydaaaTcmheenreneaonxdtrincospzcrimsddesahrauFtcetoalaciboipsenopnnoemrrsngrmaardoone.vngi,dtfpeoecfateuodlemtinsicadra.seedtleinvtiotAnCvhcocanetreedlo,uaeaavmrardlna,daeistesdpasncveonesoadikjrtstusrwiisostdngadhrlolr,iggissseosra.e,/tkwnayqFdwiaeduonttrhbahrraegyayrib,lcsedibwceSthaoeayosHirms/ftimsosSheOpfoadHptrahrOsfloiOkeiepnfaKrnenorOnvlsofaaRcsisKfcrnuAeieeogecbssRrmsensimeeaiepapaceolslirroranteaoceirrtadpahexvdtrlvrdpi.,ocdieiKeehsnsaxeerxoendplidpryiFedesaetniitrfotsnrjiaciaunieancecednggnt.lnoiogsacPcetcerteianoehasad.r,rtleBaegst,cbrnfuarIabeoynedrandaldrBcirsdocoaf.eeaornnnAidrpisr’trtstemmeeioo®narrenniofelisaos’aosrtdnar®ifaiip.amdnnnfrtKruedcdaiavgtlesineuucceayirscodarciFtfeetmceeaiie:vrinecpsseaedtnasiodsnniloasbrebontecfsydirttilctaaasiFhabitdnlauyiiyfSnesdl.anmemsAaacdcurndtrmaevaoccvirrnictriceike.ayesmerrAlsooisoispaTra,fm.f’nrsIiDNitimnanesfhougcreeceei.iewtlptsuumh,rdrieeeserne: t, smithlakeliving.com I 39
The Current Economic Expansion is Now the Longest in U.S. History. What Does This Mean for Your Finances? 4. How long you have before you need money is a key factor to how well your portfolio may with stand future uncertainty. If you have decades before you need to withdraw (such as your retirement savings), it’s possible that volatile markets could actually work in your favor, due to the power of compound interest. On the flip side, if you need money in the near term you may want to consider reducing your risk or selecting investments with more downside protection. 5. Talk to a financial advisor who can assess your current financial situation and investments. Together you can discuss whether making any changes could help you be more prepared for what may lie ahead. Jeff Roberts, ChFC®, CRPC®, CFS®, BFATM is a Private Wealth Advisor with, and Founder and Pres- ident of, MavenCross Wealth Advisors® a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Birmingham, AL. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset manage- ment strategies and has been in practice for 27 years. To contact him, call (205) 313-9150 or visit his website at www.mavencrosswealth.com. Offices are located at 31 Inverness Center Parkway, Suite 550, 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. © 2019 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. g hSmith Lake Livingtm 42 | smithlakeliving.com
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
Septic System Maintenance... They also recommend that homeowners contact a licensed technician to clean their home’s septic tank and effluent filter every three to five years. By Rachel Sweigard Owning a home is a fantastic investment. However, being a homeowner undoubtedly comes with re- sponsibilities because each home requires yearly maintenance. One system that is often forgotten is the septic tank system. Septic tanks are commonly found in rural areas that do not have centralized sewer systems. Each county in the state has an Environmental Services division that serves the public in garbage collection and wastewater management, among other things. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) oversees each county’s Environmental Services division, and is responsible for making information known to the public about managing many things, including septic tank systems. The ADPH enforces the state law that requires all septic tank installers and plumbers have a license from the state wastewater board. They also recommend that homeowners contact a licensed technician to clean their home’s septic tank and effluent filter every three to five years. This maintenance will increase the life span of the system, prevent potentially expensive repairs, and protect groundwater from contamination. Installing an effluent filter in the system will alert the homeowner when the septic tank needs maintenance. While maintenance is the best practice for homes with septic tanks, homeowners should be aware of the signs of potential system problems which include: wet spots in the yard that won’t drain, slow draining toilets and/or drains, gurgling sounds coming from the drains, and sewage odors. If a homeowner notices any of these signs, it is important that they have a licensed technician come check their system. The ADPH has published a list of do’s and don’ts that not only help to keep a septic tank in good con- dition, but also improve the environment. For example, the ADPH recommends that homeowners conserve water to reduce the amount of wastewater that their septic system has to handle. They also recommend that homeowners repair leaking faucets and toilets, install an effluent filter in the septic tank, and have the tank inspected yearly and pumped regularly by a licensed professional. It is also important that homeowners not pour things like coffee grounds, medication, fats/grease, oil, or other items down their drains. Since the ADPH recommends regular maintenance of septic tank systems, it is important that home- owners find a septic tank technician that they can trust to maintain their system. The Smith Lake area boasts several plumbers capable of serving the community’s needs, such as Strickland Septic Services in Cullman, Jasper, Decatur, and Bremen. Visit their website at www.stricklandsepticservices.com for more information. g hSmith Lake Livingtm Mr. Strickland pumping a septic tank at a lake home in the Crane Hill area. 44 | smithlakeliving.com
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SMITH LAKE RESIDENT / REALTOR® DARREN RASPINO (205) 807-2381 DarrenOnSmithLake.com 46 I smithlakeliving.com
Think Before You Jump ! www.shockalarm.com SHOCK ALARM smithlakeliving.com I 47
By Samantha Acton Labor Day is right around the corner! With the hot weather slowly cooling off, this is the perfect time to take off for a long weekend and celebrate. Family and friend gatherings and barbeques are a must, but there are other fun events going on around Lewis Smith Lake that can also be enjoyed. This year will be the 23rd annual Sweet Tater Festival at Smith Lake Park. This event is a perfect way to spend Labor Day weekend, and offers entertainment for adults and children alike. From Sweet Tater Relays to Sweet Tater Pie Eating Contests, everybody is destined to have a great time. Enjoy music, arts and crafts, and great food, which will of course include delicious sweet potatoes. There really is nothing like the Sweet Tater Festival, and this is definitely an event that offers a unique experience to all visitors. Please visit the Sweet Tater Festival Facebook page, or go online to www.cullmancountyparks.com for more details. Smith Lake is so beautiful. When long weekends come around, it is important to make it a priority to take in as much of the outdoors as possible. Local vendors can help make this weekend worth every minute. Labor Day is an American federal holiday meant to honor American workers who have made this country strong and productive. Utilize this day, and support local area businesses in preparation for the holiday. Look- ing to take the boat out this Labor Day? Going fishing? Camping? Grilling out? Jasper, Crane Hill, Cullman, and other surrounding areas of Smith Lake have a variety of local businesses that offer boat detailing and main- tenance, fishing supplies, sun protection gear, food, ice, and so much more. Everything needed to gear up for Labor Day weekend is close at hand. Support these local area businesses and their American made products as they help contribute to the growth and stability of our community. So, take a hike, paddle board, catch a food-eating contest, eat some ice cream, have a grill out, or just relax. This year, do it right! Enjoy your Labor Day weekend as we close out the summer. Most importantly, enjoy your time off at the beautiful Lewis Smith Lake. g hSmith Lake Livingtm Honor American Workers - Made in America ! 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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