Cullman Alabama LIVE • WORK • PLAY Strawberry Festival, May Dinner on First, May Mud Run, May Smith Lake Park Sweet Tater Festival, September Stony Lonesome OHV Park Fishing on Smith Lake For More Infomation: WWW.CULLMANIS.COM WWW.CULLMANCOUNTYPARKS.COM WWW.CULLMANRECREATION.ORG smithlakeliving.com I 51
Timber Ridge “ A Premier Subdivision Featuring Over 50 Single Family Lots.” • Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to own on beautiful Smith Lake! • Lots have a gentle slope to pristine water and convenient to I-65, Cullman & Jasper. • Located at the intersection of Ryan and Lick Creeks. Contact : Billy Williams 256-507-0965 www.discoversmithlake. com A Shoreline Properties, llc Development 52 I smithlakeliving.com
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Brian Glenn, RSPS Darren Raspino Resort & Second Smith Lake Resident Property Specialist REALTOR® Direct: (205) 807-2381 REALTOR® [email protected] Direct: (205) 388-9777 [email protected] www.SmithLakePropertySearch.com #NewWayToLake SmithLakeGPS.com SaferSmithLake.com 54 | smithlakeliving.com
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Jenny Marlowe NMLS #454063 If you’re looking to buy or sell a home smithlakeliving.com I 57 in the Smith Lake area, give me a call at (205) 469-1705. NMLS #363905 bankfirst.mortgage/jmarlowe 6461 County Road 41 Arley, AL 35541
“Laurel Remembers Lake Times...” From lazy days lounging on the dock, to By Laurel Hand surfing and skiing sunrise till sunset, there is A typical visit begins with an argument nothing quite like a summer day spent on Smith regarding who will tube first, even though Lake. I have been making the trip to Smith Lake we know that eventually everyone will get a with my family from my hometown in Birming- turn. Next, my grandfather, who is also our ham, Alabama since my grandparents built their resident boat driver, pops in the Taylor Swift permanent residence there in 2002. Our days “Fearless” CD as he proceeds to throw us at Smith Lake always begin with a car packed around on the tube as we hang on for dear full of snacks, sunscreen, and an excited bunch life. A fierce competition sets in to see who of kids pulling out of the driveway, and end with will be the last man standing after the others that same group returning to Birmingham ex- have wiped out. After several hours on the hausted, sun-kissed, and full of laughter and boat, everyone is famished. We always head lake memories. Going into this summer, I will over to The Grille at Trident Marina, and lunch cherish time spent with my family at the lake typically includes chicken fingers and fries. even more since I am headed off to college at Then, it’s back on the boat for an afternoon Auburn University in the fall. Although I know of skiing and surf lessons. I will never for- my lake days will not end with this summer, I will get the encouraging voices saying, “arms be starting another chapter of my life away from straight, knees bent, let the boat pull you up, home with new friends and opportunities. So, don’t stand up too soon, and keep your eyes my visits will unfortunately become more infre- on the back of the boat.” We conclude each quent. As I look back on past summers, some of of these ideal days with a soak in the hot tub, my favorite memories are from days I’ve shared or sit on the porch chatting before we say our with family and friends on the lake. goodbyes. Continued on Page 60 58 I smithlakeliving.com
Williams Hardware & Building Supply 205-387-1977 • LUMBER • ELECTRICAL 5059 County Road 41 • PLUMBING Arley, AL. 35541 • PAINT • MASONRY “ Your Friendly Neighborhood Hardware Store in Arley, Alabama” 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 59
We’ve had many hilarious mishaps and memorable moments during our trips. One such moment is when my dad and grandfather left my sister and me on the tube in the pouring rain in an attempt to “ride out the storm.” The rain felt as though it was piercing our skin like tiny needles. Another vivid memory is when my mom jokingly warned of the alligators in the lake, and my sister’s friend nearly refused to tube that day. Finally, there was a day when I forgot to sunscreen the back of my legs, and was totally fried after a day of belly tubing. Through the years, Smith Lake has held many of my childhood memories. While I will be saying hard goodbyes to my family members, I will also be saying a sad farewell to one of my favorite summer homes. g hSmith Lake Livingtm Smith Lake Living™ Memories 60 | smithlakeliving.com
Carefree Lake Living...OWN at Smith Lake! PHASE 3 LOTS NOW OPEN - VISIT NOW - OPEN 7 DAYS CUSTOM HOMES, CABINS & RV RESORT PRIVATE LOT SALES Call Today: 256 709-1820 smithlakervresort.com smithlakeliving.com I 61
Smith Lake Small Businesses By Laurel Hand Since Since our country was plagued with the coronavirus pan- demic last March, small business America has suffered, and continues to struggle into 2021. However, Smith Lake’s small businesses are continuing to thrive with their commit- ment to perform at their best and support one another. These small businesses, such as local contractors, restaurants, marinas, lawn care services, and boat dealers, have preserved their community focused mindset, even during this global pandemic, and are determined to provide their clients with the best possible ser- vice. Smith Lake greatly values the idea of community, and small businesses act as another “neighbor” to its residents by building relationships with customers, and catering specifically to each of their needs. A neighbor, which can be simply defined as “someone who lives in close proximity to someone else,” is given a new heartfelt meaning by small businesses who redefine a neighbor as “someone who makes a community feel like home, and is willing to lend a helping hand.” Since small businesses are owned and operated by familiar faces of the commu- nity, they are more than just products and services. They are people who want to make a difference and serve those they call both neighbors and friends. 62 | smithlakeliving.com
• SHOP LOCAL • YOUR “ NEIGHBOR” • SUPPORT SMALL Although the dedication of small businesses to perform highly in their fields has helped them remain open, it is also the consumers job to uphold their end of the customer, business relationship. Our country is entering an- other year of great uncertainty. Contributing to the “support small” or “shop local” movements is vital to preventing small businesses from closing their doors permanently. Small businesses are the cornerstone of the Smith Lake community, and the livelihood of many families. It is their determination, as well as the community’s support, that keeps them open and operational. g hSmith Lake Livingtm smithlakeliving.com I 63
Outdoor Kitchens & Fireplaces, Grills, Kohler Stanby Generators, Outdoor Lighting, & more... By Rachel Sweigard The Best Reliable Fireplace and Patio in Bremen, AL specializes in the sale and installation of outdoor kitchens and fireplaces. They offer several brands including American Fyre, Real Fyre, White Mountain Hearth, and Hearth- stone. Each brand offers unique benefits and customization capa- bilities. For example, customers can opt for a traditional fireplace design, or go a more contemporary route and choose a fire pit, fire table, or fire bowl. Reliable Fireplace and Patio also offers permanent and portable outdoor grills to complete any outdoor cooking setup. Permanent grills can be designed and built to match the finish and design of a total outdoor kitchen, or designed in a neutral way so that it matches the surrounding environment. Many types of grills are available includ- ing gas, charcoal, or infrared to suit each customers’ preferences, and many grills have a variety of temperature ranges that allow outdoor cooks to cook anything from smoked meats to grilled steaks. Reliable Fireplace and Patio is owned by Smith Lake local, Rodney Hawkins. Hawkins has been in the HVAC business for many years, and also sells Kohler Home Standby Generators, which are extremely valuable during long power outages. Reliable Fireplace and Patio has a new facility located in Bremen off of Highway 69. Their address is 27150 County Road 222, and they can be reached at 256-339- 6000. g hSmith Lake Livingtm Outdoor Kitchen Outdoor Firetable 64 I smithlakeliving.com
Cullman 256-339-6000 27150 County Road 222 Bremen, AL. 35033 reliablefireplaceandpatio.com Fire Pit Outdoor Firetables Outdoor Lighting Reliable Power Systems LLC Smith Lake HVAC SALES 256-287-2080 27150 County Road 222 & SERVICE BRemen, aL. 35033 CuLLman 256-734-9011 Certified professional installation & sales 1013 7th. StReet S.W . CuLLman, aL. 35055 of KOHLER Home Standby Generators. RELIABLEPOWERSYSTEMSLLC. COM smithlakeliving.com I 65
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Be a Volunteer... Help Keep Our Roadways Free of Litter! By Rachel Sweigard LtoR Matt Gentry-Cullman County Sheriff , Tom Miller - LTCV, Gary Marchman - Cullman County Commissioner Tom Miller, a resident of the Smith Miller applauds the work of both the Lake area, is currently working diligently Cullman County Sherriff’s Office and the with other locals to organize a clean-up ef- Cullman County Commission as they have fort along Smith Lake roadways. In the past, been “extremely helpful” with his efforts. inmates of the Cullman County Jail worked The Cullman County Commission has even to keep roadways clean, but due to extenu- offered to provide a dumpster as well as ating circumstances, they are no longer able bags to use for litter collection. to support this effort. Consequently, Miller is organizing a steady group of volunteers Miller strives to create other op- to step in and help keep roadways clean. portunities for area residents to volunteer A priority of his is to ensure the safety of their time if they do not want to be on the volunteers. So, he has partnered with the side of the road picking up litter. He hopes Cullman County Sheriff’s Office to have an to create a community fund to allow people officer posted at clean-up sites, which will to donate to the cause. He also hopes to ensure that motorists are not driving too fast create refreshment stands along the road- around volunteers. way to allow volunteers to take breaks, and will need volunteers to work at the stands. Continued on Page 70 68 | smithlakeliving.com
Live on lake time... www.centennialhomesllc.com 205-965-3631 205-369-5325 smithlakeliving.com I 69
March 3, Cullman County LTCV organizational meeting at the Crane Hill Sheriff ’s Office Field Office. A Facebook page detailing the clean-up efforts is currently under construction. Miller urges residents of the lake to share this page so that anyone interested in the cause can stay informed. Miller expects to post signage along the roadways to advertise. There will also be interest meetings at the Crane Hill precinct of the Cullman County Sheriff’s office. Interested residents are encouraged to attend once dates have been determined. g hSmith Lake Livingtm 205-531-4222 Stop Roadway Litter 70 I smithlakeliving.com
Get your smithlakeliving™ APP FREE GET CONNECTED STAY UP TO DATE ON SMITH LAKE HAPPENINGS ! Leave No Mark ™ www.leavenomark.com Don’t Litter Help Keep Smith Lake the Cleanest Lake in the State Sheriff’s Office 1910 Beech Ave SE Cullman, AL 35055 Phone: 256-734-0342 If a Cullman County resident would like to report a road that needs to be cleaned: please email: [email protected]. Sanitation provides a white goods service on the second and fourth Thurs- day of each months. This service provides for the pick up of discarded household appliances, bedding materials, chairs, and sofas. Please contact the Cullman County Sanitation Department no later than Monday prior to the Thursday pick up date by calling 256-287-1142. Smithlakeliving.com I 71
Church on Smith Lake... Children’s Ministry By Rachel Sweigard Smith Lake has many hidden gems that only locals know about. These gems include secluded sloughs, cliffs, and wooded areas. A lesser known gem is the Church on Smith Lake that meets at Smith Lake RV Resort in Crane Hill. According to the owner of the RV Resort, the Church on the Lake is its “best amenity”. The Church on Smith Lake has been meeting for approximately seven years. It began as a ministry of another local church, but blos- somed into a stand-alone organization that is led by the members of its own congregation. Sandy Harris, owner of Smith Lake RV Resort and a member of Church on Smith Lake, says that the church is proof of the power of prayer. She and many others prayed over the creation of this church for many years before it became what it is today. In the warm months, the church meets outside to enjoy all that Smith Lake has to offer. Lately, church services have been held indoors in a new pavilion that Smith Lake RV Resort has on the premises. 72 I smithlakeliving.com
Harbison Self Storage ,LLC ICE VENDING STORAGE UNITS & LAUNDRY MAT 6526 COUNTY ROAD 41 Contact info: P.O. Box 65 Cell: (205) 388-1320 Arley , AL. 35541 (205) 471-3958 (205)388-0117 One unique thing about the Church on Smith Lake, according to Harris, is the children’s church ministry. Each Sunday morning, two Church on Smit Lake members, Cindy and Aubrey Negron, teach children’s church while the adults listen to the sermon and participate in worship. Children’s church consists of a Bible lesson, a craft related to the lesson, and leaders always provide a snack. Harris states that Cindy and Aubrey are incredible with the children during children’s church, and they are a large part of what makes children’s church so special. Cindy and Aubrey both have a love for children, which is evident to anyone who sees them interact with the youth of the church. The children’s church lessons are Bible-based, and non-denomina- tional. Harris remarks that Cindy and Aubrey let prayer guide them as they prepare the lessons each week. Continued on Page 75 smithlakeliving.com I 73
Events Trident Marina Concerts Series @ The Grill Church on Smith Lake Summer Series Smith Lake RV Resort Check Trident Marina Facebook Page for 800 County Road 202, Crane Hill Dates & Times. 9 a.m. Every Sunday Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Rock Creek Mission April 15-16 Lake Cleanup Easter to Labor Day Kings Boat Ramp next to Rock Creek Marina For more information: 205-914-6586 For more information: 205-701-1286 Bloomin’ Festival 2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Open April 17-18 April 1-3 St. Bernard Prep School Smith Lake Dam Boat Launch 1600 St. Bernard Drive, SE For more information:www.bassmaster.com For more information: 256-739-6682 2021 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Justin Moore at Fredricks Outdoor. April 16-17 April 24, 5 pm Smith Lake Park Boat Launch For more information: For more information:www.bassmaster.com fredrocls/evemts/events/spring21 Smith Lake Crawfish Boil Cullman Strawberry Festival May 1 May 1 Devil’s Branch, Smith Lake, Al. Depot Park 211 2nd Avenue NE fredricks.events/cfb For more information: 256-734-9157 Arley Day Festival MLF Fishing Tournament May 15 May 1 Hamner Park, Arley Al. Smith Lake Dam Boat Launch For more information: 205-384-4571 Memorial Day Night Ride Cullman - Dinner on 1st. May 29 Stony Lonesome HOV Park May 21- Cullman Parks For more information: 256-734-9157 For more information: www.cullmancountyparks.com 5K Mud Run Smith Lake Cleanups May 8 Renew Our Rivers -A.P.C Stony Lonesome OHV Park For more information & Registration: FOR 2021 SCHEDULE www.cullmancountyparks.com www.alabamapower.com/renewourrivers 74 | smithlakeliving.com Check Smith Lake Living™ Facebook Pages or Download Smith Lake Living APP to get updated events on the Lake.
Harris explains that the Church on Smith Lake is a community church “led by the people”, and their goal is to make everyone feel welcome. She expresses that visitors and members alike can “come as you are, and expect a blessing”. The Church on the Lake meets every Sunday at the Smith Lake RV Resort, which is just over a mile away from Trident Marina. They will have a special Easter service on Easter Sunday, April 4th at 9 a.m., and everyone is invited. g hSmith Lake Livingtm smithlakeliving.com I 75
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Advertiser Index Add Gas and Go- PWC Repairs 256-590-5369 www.addgasandgowatercraft.com Lake League 256-708-Home www.lakeleague.com Arrowhead RV Park 256-747-2519 www.arrowheadpark-camp.com Lakeside Innovation Boat Docks 205-489-6158 www.wahoodocks.com Bama Steel Structures, Inc. 256-338-2066 www.bamasteelstructures.com Lake Shore Inn & Marina 205-489-2462 www.lakeshoreinnandmarina.com BankFirst Mortgage 205-469-1705 www.bankfirstmortgage/jmarlowe Lamar’s Glass 205-387-’0297 www.lamarsglass.com Bank of Walker County 205-295-0033 www.bankofwalkercounty.com Leon’s Marine 256-734-3223 B & H Tree Service 256-287-1446 Lynn Layton Auto Dealerships 256-353-8150 www.lynnlayton.com BMS Marine 205-265-2690 www.smithlakedockrepair.com Mustard Seed Nursery 256-737-7333 www.mustardseednursery.net Boat Lifts of Alabama 256-636-2922 www.boatliftsofalabama.com Nelems Marine 205-221-3072 www.nelems-marine.com Brian Glenn 205-388-9777 www.smithlakepropertysearch.com Oasis Outdoors 1-888-599-0590 www.oasisoutdoors.com Bugs Be Gone 205-955-PEST www.bugsbegoneal.com Oden Glass 256-734-2800 Caliber Home Loans 205-908-3587 www.DanielDHomeLoans.com Reliable Fireplace & Patio 256-339-6000 www.reliablefireplaceandpatio.com Classic Closets 205-486-9023 www.classicclosets.net Reliable Power Systems llc 256-734-9011 www.reliablepowersystemsllc.com Centennial Homes 205-965-3631 www.centennialhomesllc.com Riverpeak Partners - Raymond James 205-874-1804 www..facebook.com/riverpeakpartners Cornerstone Construction 205-384-9990 www.webuildsmithlake.com Riverside Fly Shop 256-287-9582 www.riversideflyshop.com Country Mall Convenience Store 256-747-6235 Russell Marine 256-841-6365 www.russellmarine.net Cullman Alabama www.cullmancountyparks.com S & S Foods 256-287-2663 www.ssfoods.net Cullman Alabama www.cullmanis.com Sharon Miller- ReMax Platinum 256-747-2613 www.smithlakehomes.net Cullman County Sheriff’s Office 256-734-0342 www.cullmansheriff.org Shoreline Properties LLC 256-507-0965 www.shorelinedevelopments.com Culllman Furniture Market 256-841-6754 www.cullmanfurnituremarket.com ShowcaseLighting Floors & More 205-387-0238 Cullman Overhead Door & Glass 256-734-0792 www.cullmanglass.com Smith Lake Air Park 256-507-0965 www.discoversmithlake.com Darren Raspino 205-807-2381 www.smithlakepropertysearch.com Smith Lake Barge & RipRap 205-221-4229 www.smithlakebargeandriprap.com Dodge City Collision Center LLC 256-287-0680 www.dodgecitybodyshop.com Smith Lake Blind Co. 205-873-1379 [email protected] Duncan Bridge Marina & RV 205-387-1208 www.duncanbridgemarina.com Smith Lake Rentals & Sales 800-769-0757 www.smithlakerentalsandsales.com Duskin Point Marina 205-384-6942 www.duskinpointmarina.com Smith Lake RV & Cabin Resort 256-709-1820 www.smithlakeresort.com Elite RV & Boat Storage 256-734-2382 Speegle’s Marina 256-734-0698 www.speeglesmarina.net Fabri Tech Inc Boat Docks 256-385-2336 www.fabritechboatdocks.com Sullivan Creek Ranch 256-595-4090 www.sullivancreekranch.com Flotation Systems Inc. 800-711-1785 www.aluminumboatdocks.com Target Pest Control 256-739-5487 www.targetpestservice.com FSI- Paradise Pad 256-287-0445 www.aluminumboatdocks.com The SnowBird Retreat 269-967-6233 http://alabama-snowbird.com Fredricks Outdoor 256-340-8899 www.fredricksoutdoor.com Tidwell Carpet & Flooring 256-739-5091 Freedom Insurance Agency 256-737-0011 www.freedomagency.net Timber Ridge 256-507-0965 www.discoversmithlake.com Free State Vinyl 256-747-6867 Touchless Covers of Alabama 256-794-1443 www.touchlesscover.com Goldiggers Bar & Grill 205-489-2462 Trident Marina 256-286-0050 www.tridentmarinas.com Harbison Coin Laundry/Storage 205-388-1320 Walker Brothers LTD 256-796-2211 www.bearpenatsmithlake.com 256-734-5673 www.wernerstradingco.com Harrison Drug 205-489-8806 Werner’s Trading Company 256-739-7001 205-387-1977 www.windemereatsmithlake.com Heritage Pharmacy 256-287-3333 https://stores.healthmart.com/HeritagePharmacy White Willow 256-652-4886 256-747-2082 High Point Furniture 205-384-5990 www.highpont-furniture.com Williams Hardware HydroHoist ® of Alabama 205-384-6990 www.hydrohoistalabama.com Windemere at Smith Lake Jeff Roberts MavenCrossWealthAdvisors 205-313-9150 www.mavencrosswealth.com Wright’s Store & Deli Justin Dyar “Mr. Smith Lake” 205-468-6375 www.justindyar.com Follow Us on FACEBOOK 78 | smithlakeliving.com
56SHASRHOANR’OS N’S REAL ESTATE CORNER ““AA ppllaacce wwhheerree ttiimmeellyy iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn ccaann help witthh yyoour SSmith Lake IInnvveessttmmeentt”” Smith Lake Property Owners…..I Have Buyers Who Want To Purchase Your Lake Property! They say that “real estate is local”.this is a true statement! Market conditions are determined by many factors, one of them being supply. Let’s REAL ESTATE CORNERtake a look at what has transpired recently with Smith Lake activity. Smith Lake has experienced increased levels of interest during the past sev- eral years. As a consequence, a greater number Those who consider themselves “ready to purchase” should have all their “ducks in a row” with a “plan B” in place, just in case!. For sellers, conditions couldn’t be more ideal for selling your Smith Lake property. Having discussed a strategy with your realtor, in the event multiple offers are re- of people, both full and part time, enjoy what lake ceived, will provide for a smooth and timely transfer of life has to offer. Below are cyclical factors which ownership. The key to divesting one’s lake property in an expeditious manner, secure at the outset, a market cause market conditions to fluctuate. analysis by a qualified Smith Lake realtor. A knowl- Increased numbers of sellers placing their prop- edgeable Smith Lake realtor, can readily identify which erty on the market (elderly owners divesting properties, on the market, are priced appropriately. themselves of property or those with situations which limit their ability to make use of the lake). As we enter the prime time Spring selling season, dis- Increasing numbers of buyers reflecting genera- cuss with some detail, your expectations and needs tional preferences, seeking a variety of lakefront with your realtor. In turn, ask your realtor what actions, properties. if any, need to be addressed in order to increase the Economic factors which create “boom or bust” “demand factor” of your Smith Lake property? conditions.subsequently affecting real estate No one can predict what the future holds with Smith waterfront price points and inventory levels. Lake real estate market conditions. Those knowing Today’s market is as “unusual”...as any in the what’s current today.can take advantage! recent past. Inventory levels at lower price points, Please Contact Sharon to receive the latest market have shrunk to an almost nonexistent level. Mid conditions which will influence the purchase and range price points haven’t fared much better. High end properties haven’t experienced as sale of Smith Lake waterfront properties much of an inventory drought as other price Email Sharon - [email protected] points. With the above factors to consider, it is manda- tory that buyers understand the playing field. Imagine visiting a property for sale, confirming your decisions, then making an offer to purchase, only to find out the property is under contract? Call or Text @ 256-318-9001 Platinum Listing & Selling Smith Lake For Twenty Seven Years smithlakeliving.com I 79
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