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CONTENTS • 7 Smith Lake Info / Water Level • 60 Soaring for Smiles • 9 An Independence Day to Remember By Kristine Bullock By Samantha Acton • 64 Smith Lake Housing Construction Marker is... • 14 A Retreat to Remember HOT1 HOT1 HOT1 By Kristine Bullock • 66 Don’t Litter - Help Keep Smith Lake the Cleanest Lake in • 24 Crane Hill Communities Volunteer Fire & EMS the State. By Rachel Sweigard Cullman County Sheriff’s Office - Crane Hill • 26 Boating Safety & Laws • 68 Where have all the buoys gone. End of a Smith Lake Landmark By Rachel Sweigard • 30 Smith Lake Fisheries • 70 Smith Lake Living 365 ™ • 74 Events By Rachel Sweigard • 75 Wright’s Store & Deli • 38 Economic Depression and Emotional Competence • 78 Advertiser Index By Jeff Roberts & Associates Smith Lake Living™ { Summer 2020 } 14 Soaring for Smiles A Retreat to Remember 60 9 26 Where have all the buoys gone. End of a Smith Lake Landmark. 68 An Independence Day to Remember! Boating Safety & Laws 64 Smith Lake housing Smith Lake Fisheries construction market is: 30 HOT! HOT! HOT! www.SMITHLAKELIVING.com 6 | smithlakeliving.com
Smith Lake Info: Shoreline Permit Fees as of Jan.1, 2020 Local Office (205) 384-7385 www.apcshorelines.com Elevation above sea level ( Full Pool): 510 feet Area: 21,200 acres Shoreline: 642 miles Lake level depth at dam: 264 feet Watershed drainage area: 944 square miles 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 license by FERC with the follow- ing uses: energy, flood control, recreation and economic opportunity, irrigation and drinking water, and fish/ wildlife habitats. Smith Lake Water Levels Lake Level - June 8, 2020 .................. 510.0’ Rule Curve Lake Level June 5 , 2020 .. 510.0 ’ 0.0 inches Above/Below Rule Curve 0.0 Feet Above Full Pool Historical Average Lake Level .................. 509.5’ Record High Water Level March 1973 .......... 521.2’ Record Low Water Level October 1971 ........ 488.8’ Source Corps of Engineers Water Temperature June 8, 2020 82 degrees F smithlakeliving.com I 7
Smith Lake Living Smith Lake Living, LLC Summer 2020 Vol. XVI No. 2 788 County Road 97 Smith Lake boat traffic has seen a major increase this Bremen, AL 35033 season. Boaters, for the most part, have been obeying all of the boating laws, with just a few unlawful showoffs. Editor Most of the lake events have been rescheduled, post- Kristine Bullock poned, or canceled this year, and will be held in 2021. Photography The Fourth of July fireworks show at Smith Lake Park has been canceled. Make memories on the lake this year by cele- Eddie Hand brating with your family, friends, and fur babies. Take a boat ride, have fun doing watersport activities, or hang out at the Contributing Writers dock with your favorite tunes and enjoy a beverage. * Kristine Bullock * Samantha Acton * Smith Lake Living is wishing everyone a wonderful and * Rachel Sweigard * Jeff Roberts * safe Fourth of July. * Eddie Hand * . Smith Lake Living Magazine See you on the Lake Published by Eddie Hand 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 Email: [email protected] United States Copyright Office Library of Congress Letters 101 Independence Ave. S.E. Letters to the editor are welcome, but must include the writer’s name and a daytime Washington, DC phone number SUBSCRIBE TO S LLmIiVthINakGe Cover Smith Lake Living Magazine Marty Roberson ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION AVAILABLE SMITH LAKE $ 15 check only By Eddie Hand (Make checks payable to Smith Lake Living LLC) Mail to: Smith Lake Living LLC a community magazine 788 County Road 97 All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be Bremen, AL. 35033 reproduced without written consent of the publisher NAME: ________________________________________ Copyright 2020 ADDRESS:_____________________________________ 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: ______________________________________SU 20 8 | smithlakeliving.com
An Independence Day to Remember By Samantha Acton Fourth of July celebrations are well on their Boat docks can be utilized for grilling. Hot way! While things may feel different this year for res- dogs and hamburgers are a simple and fun food to idents of Smith Lake, celebrations can still be made grill with guests. To keep the patriotic feel, home- memorable. We have all been cooped up for far too made red, white and blue cupcakes are fantastic long, and it is time to get outside and take in the hot summer treats as well. Be sure to follow all social distanc- sun as it shines down ing rules, and keep gatherings small and on the beautiful intimate. Wash hands thoroughly water. The lake before cooking and serving offers endless dishes, and avoid setting options when food out buffet style. In- it comes to stead, try serving guests outdoor their food to keep activities to everybody safe. enjoy with Another fun family and and safe way to friends. appreciate the out- Here are doors with guests some ways is to enjoy water to begin sports and vehicles. planning the Take the boat out and best Fourth of go fishing, or use in- July ever! ner-tubes and skiing as entertainment. There are With many endless activities to experi- annual events being ence in or on the water. Find an canceled on the lake this activity that family and friends will year, it may be difficult to decide how to bring in this Independence Day. Well, the answer enjoy the most, and have it ready to go for can be found all around! Let us begin by decorat- this Fourth of July day of fun in the sun! ing for the occasion. Decorations for Fourth of July parties can be exciting, especially those that fit the This day represents our freedom in this theme of the day. Red and white carnations are not country, and now, more than ever, we want to be only a beautiful way to decorate a home, but they do free from the battles that we have faced this year. not require too much upkeep, and are very inexpen- We are all in this together. So, enjoy this day, enjoy sive. Hanging an American Flag outside a home or the sun, enjoy your loved ones, and most of all, boat dock is an absolute must as it shows off pride enjoy life. for this momentous day. Stringing up red, white, and blue lanterns for the evening is also a wonderful way Have a happy Independence Day! to maintain ambiance, and will keep spirits intact well into the night. g hSmith Lake Livingtm smithlakeliving.com I 9
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A Retreat to 14 | smithlakeliving.com
o Remember By Kristine Bullock Lewis Smith Lake has notoriously been named by locals as the cleanest lake in Alabama. Many hail Smith Lake as the most beautiful lake in the Southeast, with some claims that it is a con- testant to be one of the cleanest lakes in the Unit- ed States. A lesser known title that may soon be awarded to Smith Lake is “The Best Lake to Retire”. Becky Bonham recently chose Smith Lake as her destination for retirement, and it is likely that the area will continue to see an immigration of retirees from all over the country to enjoy this hidden gem. Bonham was born in Cullman, and has spent the majority of her life living between Montgomery and Birmingham. She recently made the decision to downsize her home in attempts to cut back on maintenance and upkeep so that she can rest and enjoy her later years. While her “must-have” list did not have too many items, Bonham knew that she wanted to find a home that had livable outdoor space. For this reason, she kept coming back to properties located on Smith Lake. Continued on Page 16 smithlakeliving.com I 15
Turtle Point Drive Ultimately, Bonham was led to the Silverock Cove Community. Located just one hour from both Birmingham and Huntsville, Silverock is located in a lush, 85-acre wooded area along the shorelines of Smith Lake. This exclusive community was designed by Nequette Architecture & Design, and includes homes that are designed and intentionally placed to highlight views of the lake. With timeless architec- ture and extraordinary attention to detail, it is no wonder that Bonham fell in love with the community. The 2,100-square foot townhouse features three beds, and three and a half baths. The main floor includes the kitchen, living room, and a half bath. The master bedroom and bathroom are located upstairs, along with a guest room, additional bathroom, and laundry room. The lower level features a den, bedroom, full bathroom, and bunk room. This gorgeous home contains wide plank flooring and wood planked walls throughout, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large sun deck. Continued on Page 18 16 | smithlakeliving.com
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Kitchen Area Guest Bedroom Master Bedroom 18 | smithlakeliving.com
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- A distinctive characteristic of living in Silverock Cove is that it comes with a built-in community. Residents have access to two resort-style pools, an award-winning com- munity pool house, on-site dry boat storage, wet slips with concierge service, and over one mile of lakefront boardwalk. This was a selling factor for Bonham as she did not want to feel as if she was “moving out into the woods by [herself]”. While many res- idents of Silverock Cove are not full time, she has already had the opportunity to meet many of her neighbors. Bonham cannot think of a better way to spend her days in retirement than rel- ishing in all of the calm and tranquility that the Smith Lake waters have to offer. As a mother to two grown children, grandmother to four, and great-grandmother to one, she has more than enough to keep her hands busy! With the company of her two loyal canine companions, her days at Smith Lake will undoubtedly be filled with joy. g hSmith Lake Livingtm 20 | smithlakeliving.com
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Crane Hill Communities Volunteer Fire and EMS Department training with water rescue and fire boat. Cullman County Sheriff ’s Office Crane Hill Field Office 24 I smithlakeliving.com
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Boating Safety & Laws It is well known that life comes with rules. People are intro- By Rachel Sweigard duced to rules when they are babies and continue to follow those Continued on Page 28 rules and others for the rest of their life. Life on Smith Lake is no different. One of the most beloved pastimes on Smith Lake is boating and participating or competing in water sports. Any boater, hopeful- ly, knows that rules come with boating and they are in place for the safety of everyone on the lake. There are many rules for boating on Alabama’s waterways. First, the operator of any vessel must be at least 14 years old and have a vessel license to operate it independently. Boaters also must maintain a safe speed so that dangerous wakes can be prevented and follow all established speech zones. Boats must not carry more passengers or cargo than its weight limit will allow and must carry the appropriate safety equipment on board, such as one readily-ac- cessible lifejacket per person. Boaters must also take care when pulling skis, wakeboards, or innertubes behind the boat as they must pull them so that the person on the device does not strike any other object on the water. Boating under the influence carries the same weight as driving under the influence and boaters must be respon- sible as to not put others in danger due to alcohol or drug use while boating. Boaters should also be aware that some bodies of water in Alabama are “dry” and do not allow alcohol to be in boats or other vessels on the water. In addition to the rules for boat operation, the state of Al- abama also has “rules of the road” that must be followed. First, vessels must keep to the right when passing head-on and give right of way to the vessel being passed if it is necessary to pass another vessel. When passing at a right angle, the vessel on the left should give right of way to the vessel on the right. Motorboats should yield to 26 | smithlakeliving.com
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Boating Safety & Laws non-motor-powered boats, except in certain situations. The director of Marine Patrol can restrict certain areas of state waters in regards to speed or activ- ities on the water as appropriate. Alabama law also states that vessels can- not be operated recklessly or carelessly that disregards the safety of others. Examples of reckless operation are: weaving through congested waters at high speed, following too closely, crossing or jumping wake too closely, and intentionally spraying another boat with water by cutting close to the boat. Boats also must be properly lit based on the size of the vessel. Anyone rid- ing a personal watercraft such as a jet ski must wear a lifejacket at all times and have a “kill switch” attached to the operator unless the watercraft has a self-circling feature. It is up to everyone to be aware of the rules and regulations of boating on Alabama’s waterways, such as Smith Lake. It is also important to be aware that Smith Lake is regularly patrolled by many marine patrol officers and that they are in place to keep Smith Lake safe for all visitors. For more information about boat rules and safety, visit https://www.alea.gov/dps/marine-patrol/ boating-rules-and-regulations as the aforementioned rules and regulations is not an all-inclusive list. g hSmith Lake Livingtm 28 | smithlakeliving.com
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Smith lake fisheries By Rachel Sweigard Smith Lake is well known for many recreational activities, fishing being one of them. Each year, fishers and anglers alike flock to the Lake to compete in tournaments, fish with friends, or just spend a few solitary hours on the water. The fisheries on Smith Lake supply fishers with a variety of fish to be caught and allow for endless hours spent on the water. Currently, the population of the fisheries on Smith Lake is unknown, but for good reason. According to Damon Abernethy, the Assistant Chief of Fisheries with the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries department (ADFF), a population study requires many fish to be killed, which the ADFF does not believe is a valuable risk to take. Abernethy says that the fisheries on Smith Lake are very healthy and that while the density of fish on the lake is low, the low numbers allow for good numbers of small fish. Annually, many species of fish are stocked on Smith Lake such as the Gulf Strain Striped Bass. To continue to allow for Smith Lake and its fisheries to be as healthy as possible, Abernethy and others at ADFF are monitoring the fish population and use a slot limit to control the abundant small fish that create competition for forage in the Lake. The various species of fish on Smith Lake impact one another and contribute to Smith Lake being a prime location for fishing in the South. Abernethy expects the Blueback Herring’s introduc- tion to the lake will change the dynamics of the bass fishery on Smith Lake. The Blueback Herring, classified as an invasive species, has been introduced recently on Smith Lake and Abernethy expects to see species such as striped bass and spotted bass benefit from the introduction. Blueback Her- rings eat small fish and can work to control certain species of fish in their early life stages. Abernethy also addresses the practice of moving baitfish from one reservoir to another as it can be destructive to fisheries. Abernethy equates this to certain species looking identical to one another and the wrong species being transferred. Due to this concern, the ADFF put a wild-caught baitfish regulation into effect last year. There is a great deal of thought and work put into the fisheries on Smith Lake to allow the lake to continue to be a great location for fishing, whether competitive or leisurely. g hSmith Lake Livingtm Blueback Herring 30 | smithlakeliving.com
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$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Economic Depression and Emotional Competence Financial dorks, like myself, woke up early on The U.S. economy (measured by GDP) will the morning of Wednesday, April 29th in anticipa- likely be dramatically negative in the second quarter tion of the first quarter (Q1) gross domestic product (Q2) of 2020. Those numbers will be released on (GDP) growth rate being released. GDP represents July 30th. The worst quarter in U.S. history was a the total monetary value of all final goods and -10.0% annualized GDP drop in the first quarter of services produced within a country during a spe- 1958.1 Q2 of 2020 could be substantially worse. cific period of time (typically one year). Simply put, Some of the largest and most respected investment it measures the economic output of a nation and firms in the world are projecting Q2 GDP growth is commonly referred to as ‘the size of the econo- numbers could be -20.0%, -30.0%, and I have even my’. The GDP growth rate measures how fast the heard -40.0%. For those of us in financial circles, economy is growing by comparing one quarter of the this is not new information. Most of us concede that country’s gross domestic product to the previous unemployment is going way up (potentially 20.0%, quarter. Generally, we want to see positive GDP which could be twice that of the Global Financial growth rate numbers. With no scientific backing for Crisis), and Q2 will likely involve a very meaningful comparison, I describe GDP growth to clients using contraction of the economy. However, we are won- a baseball analogy . . . “+1.0% GDP growth is like dering how much the U.S. stock market has already hitting the ball and getting on first base. +2.0% GDP priced-in the brutal Q2 numbers. If the market has growth is like getting on second base. +3.0% is like not already priced-in the troubled economic waters hitting a triple (third base). +4.0% GDP growth is to come, then it would be reasonable to expect U.S. like hitting a home run with the bases loaded in the equity markets to tumble again. last inning of the game.” Sometimes the numbers are not positive at all and the economy is contract- If the U.S. economy continues to be large- ing. For example, the Q1 2020 GDP growth rate was ly on hold throughout the second quarter (Q2) of released at -4.8%. I describe negative GDP growth 2020 and unemployment reaches new highs, it is as “Halfway through the game it gets called due to possible that we could see the U.S. stock market rain, and your team was behind on the scoreboard.” retest the lows from March 23rd. The combination of those variables could set many news outlets into The common rule of thumb defines a reces- a frenzy. At the risk of sounding stereotypical, it is sion as two consecutive quarters of negative GDP important to note that the national media (particu- growth. The National Bureau of Economic Research larly television) seems to embrace sensationalism, (NBER) would disagree. It is a private non-profit and we are likely to see the information turned into group of academics, well known for providing start some eye-catching headlines that have the potential and end dates for recessions in the United States. to highly elevate viewer emotion. I am concerned This group uses many more measurements than about the messaging that clients may hear and want the “two consecutive negative quarters” method. to set some expectations in advance to hopefully They are not known for their timely prognostications. prevent unnecessary panic. Sometimes, their announcements have come years after the event occurred (for example, waiting until My point is that the confluence of high un- July 17, 2003 to determine the 2001 recession end- employment, a dramatic GDP decline, stock prices ed in November 2001). The history books may show testing lows, and the continuation of COVID-19 could that we are currently in a recession. Personally, I provide enough ammunition to really scare people if am of that opinion. Time will tell. not presented thoroughly, or worse, if presented with Continued on Page 42 38 | smithlakeliving.com
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$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Economic Depression and Emotional Competence the intention of arousing fear. Specifically, I would 4) the economy will likely be turned back on expect to hear the word “depression” being used if before it gets depression-level bad. Q2 is particularly challenging. “Are we headed for a depression?” could be plastered on the news ev- Whether we experience a depression or not, erywhere you turn. Folks, let’s just practice a little what I want you to take away from my words is that reason and behavioral finance this time and not what’s important is your perception of depression allow the media to control the narrative that is often and the fact that the term may be widely used with- designed to alarm us. To be fair, I should not gener- out any fair and reasonable framework explanation. alize “the media” because certainly not all sources Another point that I want you to take away is this . . . of news are flawed. Far from it. For purposes of this please be careful how you react to the word posting, I am referring to “the media” as any opinion “depression”. Again, we have not experienced a news source that delivers content with a political depression in the United States since the Great slant in a manner that is not comprehensive and/or Depression, which spanned from 1929 and 1939. is likely to be misleading. I do not know any respected financial professional If you Google search “What is a depression?”, the who believes our current climate will lead to what the first link that pulls up for me is an economy experienced during those 10 years. There- Investopedia page providing general information. It fore, if/when the term “depression” is used in the is important to note there is not a governing body news, be mindful of what goes through your brain . . . that declares depressions the way the NBER de- and that is my point. Naturally, we picture black and clares recessions. Depressions are not a common white photos risk. We have not had one in over 80 years, so of sad souls who are lined-up in the cold streets I imagine there aren’t any experts meeting each while seeking access to food. That horrible imagery month on a “Depression Declaration Committee”. may appear frequently on your television screen Browsing the Internet, you may read that a depres- when discussing this topic. We link those images sion is characterized as a dramatic downturn in to every American in the country at that time, which economic activity in conjunction with a sharp fall in was not the case, and some people project those growth, employment, and production. Depressions conditions onto our lives today and begin to unravel are often identified as recessions lasting longer than emotionally. The only reference any of us have to a three years or resulting in a drop in annual GDP of at “depression” is an event that happened before any least -10.0%. of us were alive (or any of us could remember). I am writing these words because I believe some in Here are three simple yet profound differences be- the media could latch on to the Q2 2020 GDP growth tween the 1930s and today: number (that could easily be worse than -10.0%) and 1) An estimated 9,000 banks failed in the Great start the “depression” conversation. Personally, I do Depression.2 Today, we have liquidity in our current not believe that we are about to experience a depres- system, and the banking system is nowhere near sion for a few reasons: failure; 1) I do not believe the 2020 recession (yet to be 2) Today the accommodative Federal Reserve declared) will last long enough; has acted more quickly and to a greater degree than 2) there is so much fiscal and monetary support any other time in our history. Over 80 years ago, the in place; Fed took the opposite stance and was tightening pre- 3) I believe the medical/biotech community will produce some sort of vaccination remedy for Continued on Page 44 COVID-19; and 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
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Economic Depression and Emotional Competence maturely. The history books show that this was the wrong move and ultimately caused things to get worse at that time; and 3) 2020 is a man-made economic event. We turned off the U.S. economy during an economic expan- sion to protect ourselves against a pandemic. This climate was not brought on by a collapse of the financial system or a credit crisis but instead it was an event-driven and calculated economic decision. I suggest you consider two things: 1) Do not allow the images from the Great Depression to influence your perspective of what is occurring in 2020; and 2) Understand that the only things you likely know about a depression are simply not happening at this time. Generally, media companies make money by you read- ing, watching, and clicking their content. If you really think about it, are you reading, watching, and clicking because news channels are helping you accomplish your financial goals or is it to satisfy the burning ques- tions/thoughts/fears that are placed in your mind? Additionally, are your sources of financial and economic information empowering or derailing your emotional competence to make wise decisions through adversity? In my opinion, and I am extremely biased, the best place for you to gather information that pertains to your family’s financial plan is a skilled financial advisor. Yes, the challenges we face are serious. And yes, 2020 will go down in the economic history books. It just won’t look like the black and white depression images you may have planted in your head. We will get through this. As always, please seek the counsel of your trusted financial professional if you have questions about what is happening and how it pertains to your financial plan. 1 First Trust, Monday Morning Outlook, April 27, 2020 2 thegreatdepressioncauses.com The views expressed here reflect the views of Jeff Roberts as of May 18, 2020. These views may change as market or other conditions change. Actual investments or investment decisions made by Amer- iprise Financial and its affiliates, whether for its own account or on behalf of clients, will not necessarily reflect the views expressed. This information 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 considered a guarantee either. Jeff Roberts, ChFC®, CRPC®, CFS®, CKA®, BFA™, APMA® is a Private Wealth Advisor with, and Founder and President 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 registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. g hSmith Lake Livingtm 44 | 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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