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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 Smith Lake Living™ { Winter 2019} www.SMITHLAKELIVING.com • 7 49th. Annual Birmingham Boat Show 14 By Rachel Sweigard From Long Island to Sweet Home Alabama • 9 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year • 14 From Long Island to Sweet Home Alabama 66 By Kristine Bullock BMS MARINE • 20 Mr. Paul Ross - Sky-dives at 90th birthday 20 By Rachel Sweigard • 24 Renew Our Rivers - 20th. Year Anniversary Mr. Paul Ross By Eddie Hand 24 • 30 8th. Annual Walker County Survivor’s Luncheon • 36 Mustard Seed -Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary • 38 New Year’s Checklist By Jeff Roberts & Associates • 44 OASIS Outdoors, Inc. By Kristine Bullock • 47 Christmas Gifts. By Rachel Sweigard • 56 Water Level / Water Temperature • 60 Food to Nourish the Soul & Cultivate Togetherness By Kristine Bullock • 66 BMS Marine, Inc. By Kristine Bullock • 70 Smith Lake Living 365 © • 72 Smith Lake Wildlife • 74 Events • 75 Steve Leslie Concert By Charles Hollis • 78 Advertiser Index Renew Our Rivers 20th Year Anniversary 60 44 Sullivan Creek Ranch The Marcum’s OASIS Outdoors 6 | smithlakeliving.com
See you at the 49th. Annual Birmingham Boat Show By Rachel Sweigard Since 1972, the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) has opened its doors to the Birmingham Boat Show, the oldest and largest boat show in the state of Alabama. The boat show has become a tradition that many people look forward to. For many, the reason that the Boat Show is such a loved event is because boating is an activity that is close to the hearts of many Smith Lake residents, and often evokes fond memories of time on the water with family and friends. The 49th annual show will be held January 23- 26, 2020. The BJCC is located at the interchange of I-65 and I-20/59 in downtown Birmingham, and is easily accessed from any of the surrounding cities and towns. The event will showcase 250,000 square feet of the latest and greatest in “boats, mo- tors, fishing gear, guides, outfitters, and related outdoor gear,” according to the event’s web- site. Each year, several big-ticket items are given away. Last year, this item was a 2019 Yamaha WaveR- unner EX Watercraft. Unfortunately, a list of giveaway items for the 2020 Boat Show is not yet available. There are many educational exhibits available at the Boat Show including: gun safety and proper firearm handling from the Alabama Hunter Education Association, a United States Coast Guard exhibit explaining their responsibilities for taking care of state lakes and rivers, and a demonstration on the latest technology in marine electronics. According to the event’s website, many local marinas will have exhibits at the event as well. Such mari- nas include: Duskin Point Marina, Nelems Marine, Russell Marine,and Trident Marine Group. This year’s door deals include: Thursday, January 23rd — buy one, get one free adult ticket with a coupon from the Boat Show’s website, and first 100 children 12 years and under will get one free trout pond fishing session; Saturday, January 25th — first 1,000 visitors receive a free fishing cap courtesy of Sylacauga Marine and ATV and Tracker Boats, and a free hotdog from any concession stand. Event hours are 12-9 pm Thursday and Friday, 11 am-9 pm Saturday, and 12-5 pm Sunday. Tickets are $10 at the door or online, and children 12 years and under get in free when accompanied by a paying adult to encourage “family togetherness” as stated on their website. For more information, please visit www.birming- hamboatshow.com g hSmith Lake Livingtm smithlakeliving.com I 7
Smith Lake Living Smith Lake Living, LLC Winter 2019 Vol. XV No. 4 788 County Road 97 What a better way to celebrate this holiday season than sitting Bremen, AL 35033 by a fire overlooking the lake. Take a hike, play board games, create some crafts, or enjoy your favorite sport; things are always Editor more entertaining at the lake! Kristine Bullock The New Year holds abundant opportunities, especially with such a hot economy. Fall and winter bring an opportune time to Photography look for a lake property. With upcoming boat shows on the hori- zon, a new boat may be in store for the 2020 lake season. Eddie Hand Thank you to all Smith Lake Folks for supporting Smith Lake Contributing Writers Living Magazine and our advertisers. * Kristine Bullock * Samantha Acton * Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! * Rachel Sweigard * Jeff Roberts * *Charles Hollis * Eddie Hand * 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 DUNCAN BRIDGE 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: ______________________________________WN 19 8 | smithlakeliving.com
Merry Christmas Happy New Year 2020 from Smith Lake Living™ 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
From Long Island to Sweet Home Alabama By Kristine Bullock The story of Jean and Richard Kessinger begins unlike many stories from the residents of Smith Lake, on the shores of Long Island. The couple grew up ten minutes from each other in this expansive and densely populated New York Island. But it wasn’t until 1976 that Jean and Richard would meet, and were married three years later. They went on to start a family, and Richard began what would become a 36-year career with ExxonMobil. He started as a deck hand for the company, and three years later obtained his Master of Towing Vessels as well as a First Class Pilot License becoming one of the youngest skippers in the East Coast Fleet. Jean took time away from her career in accounting once their children were born. She developed a passion for interior decorating, and is now an accomplished seamstress creating stunning drapery and bedding. Jean also has a talent for restoring and refurbishing recovered furniture. Richard’s career took the family from Long Island to Baton Rouge and Houston before they eventually found their way to Smith Lake. But as one can imagine, this story isn’t as simple as it seems. Continued on Page 16 14 | smithlakeliving.com
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Bar with Fish theme decor’ over looking the Lake. Master Bedroom with View of the Lake. 16 | smithlakeliving.com
In 2008, Jean and Richard tragically lost what they thought would be their retirement home in Galveston, Texas from Hurricane Ike. The couple decided not to rebuild, and instead began researching lakes across the country from Texas all the way up to Virginia to purchase a new home to enjoy. Smith Lake made the list, and subsequently became the first lake they visited. Jean and Richard planned a five-day trip to Smith Lake, ended up staying for nine, and also bought a house! Jean and Richard moved to Smith Lake in 2012 without knowing a soul. Over the years, the couple has not only reimagined the weekend home they purchased into their own little slice of paradise, but they have also created a network of life-long friends. The five bed, three and a half bath home faces west, so the sunset views are nothing short of astonishing. The home has five garages, three of which were converted into a woodworking studio that Richard utilizes to create magnificent art. An upstairs bedroom was also trans- formed into a sewing studio for Jean. It is unlikely that any other home on Smith Lake contains as much creative talent as theirs. Continued on Page 18 Jean’s Handmade Quilts Jean’s Sowing Room. smithlakeliving.com I 17
Some of the other notable features of the home include two kitchens, two fireplaces, a twenty-foot pantry, outdoor stone shower, fire pit, two twenty by forty square foot decks, a screened in porch, and an outdoor bar. The blood, sweat, and tears that Jean and Richard have poured into this house truly trans- formed the property into a magnificent home. To bring a little bit of Long Island to Smith Lake, the couple installed ship portholes in the stone by the waters edge. They also have an anchor from the Texas Navy in their front lawn, which dates all the way back to the 1800s. With tranquil days of retirement upon them, Jean and Richard plan to enjoy the fruits of their la- bor. As a gifted seamstress, Jean will continue to sew beautifully crafted quilts, many of which are given to charitable causes. The couple will also continue to nurture the friendships they have made by hosting pizza classes at their home to teach others how to make good ole’ fashioned New York Pizza. With plans of con- tinued travel in their future, Jean and Richard will undoubtedly instill creativity, laughter, and adventure into the hearts of all they meet. g hSmith Lake Livingtm 18 | smithlakeliving.com
RtoL: Jean & Richard Kessinger Marina, Savu, Hudson, Java smithlakeliving.com I 19
- Mr. Paul Ross Celebrates his 90th. birthday with a sky-drive jump Skydive Alabama , Cullman Regional Airport. By Rachel Sweigard When asked what their goals for life are, most people answer that they want to live to see their 80th, 90th, or even 100th birthday. Others say that they want to do an act that will pump adrenaline through their veins. Few people combine the two feats, and say that they want to do an adrenaline-inducing act on their 90th birthday. Paul Ross is one of those few. Ross, a former process developer who worked on space shuttles, lives in Cullman, Alabama with his wife of 65 years. Before moving to Cullman, Ross and his family lived in Michigan until his job relocated him to the area several years ago. Infatuated by flying and all things to do with the field of aeronautics, Ross had want- ed to go skydiving for many years. His brother was a paratrooper during World War II, and the two had a very close relation- ship. Ross had toyed with the idea of skydiving for many years until finally, his wife bought a sky- diving trip for him as a surprise for their 50th wedding anniversary when Ross was 75 years old. Ross says that the experience was thrilling, and he thought for several years that he would like to do it again. In fact, he says that he would have liked to jump solo, but this feat requires exten- sive training. Finally, at 90 years old, Ross went skydiving for a sec- ond time, this time in Vinemont, Alabama with his daughter, granddaughter, and grandson. Ross recalls that he was not nervous, but that he trusted the people from the skydiving company who would be jumping with him and his fam- ily. Ross says that the expe- rience exceeded his expectations because the plane was much better than the one used during his first trip. The addition of his family on the adventure also made it more enjoy- able. Ross shares that he would consider skydiving again, and would love to try a solo adventure. He wholeheartedly recommends it for anyone who is healthy and can handle a little bit of fear. g hSmith Lake Livingtm Photo Special to Smith Lake Living LLC Skydive Alabama / TJ Small 20 | smithlakeliving.com
- Nelems Marine powered by Suzuki ! 205-221-3072 www.nelems-marine.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
Renew Our Rivers 20th. Year Anniversary Alabama Power Company By Eddie Hand On October 8, 2019, the Alabama Power Company (APC) hosted a luncheon at the Union Station Train Shed in Montgom- ery, AL. to celebrate the Renew Our Rivers 20th Anniversary. Vol- unteers, APC staff, government officials, and the media attended this platinum event. The Renew Our Rivers program held over 30 cleanups on Alabama waterways in 2019, and over the years have had over 117,000 volunteers and removed 15.5 million pounds of trash and debris from shorelines across the Southeast. At one point during the luncheon, the event officials asked the large crowd how many had volunteered over the past 15 years, and more than half of the group stood up. Mike Clelland, Alabama Power Environmental Affairs Specialist and coordina- tor of clean ups, remarked, “We had a very successful year, and thank everyone for participating in the clean ups”. Susan Comes- ky, APC’s Vice President of Environmental Affairs added, “The Renew Our Rivers program continues to grow. This partnerships brings together our employees, lake homeowners, boat owners, Mike Clelland organizations, community volunteers, students, and many other Thanks Renew Our Rivers Volunteers. groups throughout the year”. The Renew Our Rivers program has received numerous awards and recognition. This year, the program received a pres- tigious environmental conservation award from The Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) for its work in the protection and im- provement of water quality. Continued on Page 26 24 I smithlakeliving.com
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Renew Our Rivers Smith Lake was well represented at the event with all three civic groups in attendance including Smith Lake Civic Association, Winston County Advo- cacy Inc., and Smith Lake Environmental Preserva- tion Committee. Smith Lake civic groups hold lake cleanups every spring and fall. Residents are urged to volunteer to help keep Smith Lake the cleanest lake in the state. One important question raised by volunteers and APC staff was how to get more young adults involved. Everyone in attendance agreed that educa- tion is the key to keeping our waterways and road- ways litter free. LtoR: Jim Murphy - SLEPC Lake Cleanup Chairman Susan Comesky, APC’s Vice President of Environmental Affairs Jim Easton- President Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, Inc. The 20th Anniversary Renew Our Rivers event was such a wonderful way to bring together like-mind- ed people with the same mission to clean up Ala- bama’s shoreline, lakes, and waterways. “What a better way to celebrate our success than to do more cleanups next year, “ suggested Mike Clelland. For more information about lake cleanups and schedules through the Renew Our Rivers program, please visit www.apcshorelines.com Continued on Page 28 g hSmith Lake Livingtm 26 | smithlakeliving.com
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Fall Cleanup Sept. 9th & 10th. Smith Lake Civic Association Walker County Contact RogerTreglown 205-300-5253 Fall Cleanup Sept. 12th. Winston County Advocacy, Inc. Winston County Contact Jim Eason [email protected] Fall Cleanup Sept. 20th. Smith Lake Environment Preservation Committee Cullman County Contact Jim Murphy 205-529-5981 THANK YOU SMITH LAKE VOLUNTEERS JOIN OUR EFFORT AND KEEP SMITH LAKE THE CLEANEST LAKE IN THE STATE 28 | smithlakeliving.com
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8th Annual Walker County Survivor’s Fall Luncheon Walker County Hands of Hope The eighth annual Walker County Survivor’s lun- Walker County Hands of Hope cheon was held at Westside Baptist Church on November Committee members 2, 2019 in Jasper, Alabama. Over twenty sponsorship Greg tinker tables were beautifully decorated, each table having a Guest Speaker theme. Victoria’s Restaurant prepared the lunch, and Bevill State Ambassadors volunteered as servers. Committee members Gwinna Boyd, Claava Cooner, Renee Norris, Nancy Bentley, and Sherry Nolen welcomed all the sponsors and attendees. The com- mittee members gave reports on projects, and proudly announced the formation of a new non-profit named Walker County Hands of Hope. This non-profit will enable funds raised for families affected by cancer to stay in the Walker County area. Ken Norris gave a prayer, and the Vaughn family provided entertainment. The guest speaker was Greg Tinker, a well-known teacher, coach, and pastor of Saragossa Church of the Nazarene. Greg gave a touching testimony about his battle with multiple myeloma. Greg shared his personal stories about receiving chemotherapy treatments, and undergoing a bone marrow transplant. Greg thanked everyone for their prayers, and provided support that touched all those in attendance. For more information about Walker County Hands of Hope, please call (205) 302-2342. Bevill State Ambassadors Anah Paige Morrow & Ken Norris 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 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
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New Year’s Checklist The new year always brings a fresh canvas nations on your investment portfolio, IRAs, annuities, that we each get to paint for the next chapter of our life insurance, and 401(k) plans, to name a few: lives. While some people are mired in the creation of 1. Are there beneficiary designations on all of new year’s resolutions, I believe we should also use your financial assets? this time to recalibrate our lives around some tried 2. Are your beneficiary designations accurate? and true tenets of your finances… what I call the ‘old- and are you 100% sure about that? ies but goodies’. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough 3. Have you experienced life changes that may pages in this magazine to cover everything that I, as alter the way your beneficiary designations need to a financial advisor, would suggest you tackle. But as be arranged (births, deaths, new marriages, divorc- you begin 2020, do yourself a favor and make sure es, charitable intentions, etc.)? you have at least tightened up the following compo- 4. Do your beneficiary designations align with nents of your financial life. the plans laid out in the wills/trusts that you have es- tablished? This one is particularly important for those Estate Documents: Three years ago, Caring. of you who have already worked with an attorney to com conducted a survey which found that 6 in 10 draft your estate planning documents. For example, American adults do not have a will or living trust. your will or trust may direct your IRA to go in one direc- These numbers align with the collective experiences tion, but the IRA’s beneficiary designation may name of the 8 financial advisors on my team and the clients someone or something else. Be sure to review your that walk into our offices. People, please, consult beneficiary arrangements annually to avoid making with a trusted lawyer who specializes in estate plan- estate distribution mistakes. ning and scratch “Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Living Wills” off your to-do list. Increase Retirement Savings: For those of you who are still in the “accumulation phase” of life, And if you already have these documents in building wealth is a primary objective. I encourage cli- place, maybe now is a good time to reflect on their ents to increase their annual savings each year. For accuracy. How long ago were your estate documents example, if you are saving 10% into your 401(k) plan, created? Are you certain that they reflect your current consider increasing it to 11%. When we sit down with desires and plans? Have you experienced changes young folks who are starting on their path to financial in life that may cause your previous estate work to success, we remind them that they should target to be outdated? We advise clients to review their estate save at least 10% towards retirement every year and, documents with their attorney every 3-7 years, de- ideally, they are saving 15%. Based on their unique pending on changes in their lives. goals, the savings amount may need to be even high- er. Not everyone is able to save as much as they would Beneficiary Designations: The easiest way to like towards their long-term goals, but that should not make new clients uncomfortable is to start asking take the pressure off. Each year revisit your ability to them about their current beneficiary designations. save more and, if you can, increase whatever you are Take time to review your current beneficiary desig- currently doing, even if it is just a small amount. nations. Designating beneficiaries should be one of the easiest and most helpful financial and estate Continued on Page 42 planning tools but, if not managed correctly, it has the potential to turn into a nightmare. Ask yourself the following questions about the beneficiary desig- 38 | smithlakeliving.com
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New Year’s Checklist Risk Assessment: Every investor should determine their “risk tolerance”, which is classically defined as the degree of variability in investment returns that an individual is willing to accept. Some of my colleagues in the financial industry interchange the words “risk tolerance” with “loss tolerance”, and I can understand why. In 27 years, I have never had a client call my office in a panic saying, “My account is making too much money!” But nearly every financial advisor has taken a call to the contrary at some point in his/her career. We all like to make money, and I think it’s safe to assume most of us don’t like to lose. The building blocks of investing involve the alignment of your tolerance for risk and the position of your investment portfolio. Specifically, I like to see people’s tolerance for risk aligned with their investment risk profile (i.e., how they are currently invested). If your goal is to be a “moderately conservative” investor but your portfolio is positioned in a “moderately aggressive” model allocation, then your risk tolerance is out of alignment with your investment risk profile. So, ask yourself, is my portfolio prepared for the next recessionary environment? Are you comfort- able with the worst expected outcome for investment markets? Track Your Progress: As a financial planner, I believe everyone should have a written plan. I also believe that a well-crafted financial plan needs to be implemented and monitored on a regular basis. If you worked with a financial professional in the past and have made some sound financial decisions, good! But a key to successfully accomplishing your goals is to monitor your progress along the way. Whether you are providing for your child or grandchild’s college education saving, planning for your retirement, enjoying your retirement and wanting to make sure it can last, strategizing charitable giving goals, or planning the orderly distribution of your estate, chances are a written plan is needed. Let the start of the year be the reminder to seek the guidance of a knowledgeable financial advisor who can show you the progress you are making or help you adjust your plans as needed. These are only some of the tenets you should address at the beginning of each year. If you need help getting started or want to adjust your existing plans, consult a financial advisor and tax professional in your area. Use this list to begin an annual conversation with a competent advisor. And be sure to consult your attor- ney with all legal matters. g hSmith Lake Livingtm Jeff Roberts, ChFC®, CRPC®, CFS®, BFATM, Private Wealth Advisor, Founder and President 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 wealth management strategies and has been in practice for 27 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. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advi- sor 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 cannot guarantee future financial results. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2019 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. 2786955ACMR1019 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
By Kristine Bullock With headquarters in Cullman, Alabama, Oasis Outdoors has over 25 years experience building aluminum structures that are sure to exceed every customer’s expectations. Oasis Outdoors ensures that every structure comes with “an extraor- dinary blend of passion, art, and science”. Each pavilion, gazebo, or fire pit swing is built with “rare skills and tedious attention to detail”. All outdoor structures are handcrafted, eco-friendly, and manufactured in the United States. Oasis Outdoors produces all products from high strength, structural grade aluminum. Aluminum is the preferred material for use in outdoor construction above steel and wood. Aluminum is low maintenance, lightweight, naturally resistant to corrosion, and extremely strong and durable. By purchasing aluminum structures, customers can be guaranteed that their product not only lasts a lifetime, but will also be aesthetically pleasing. With over two decades of experience, the design team at Oasis Outdoors will leave no element overlooked. Featured products from Oasis Outdoors include pavilions, gazebos, and fire pit swings. Each outdoor structure is fabricated and pre-assembled by a talented team of craftsmen. Strict quality standards are upheld throughout every step of the pro- cess. Continued on page 48 44 | smithlakeliving.com
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SMITH LAKE RESIDENT / REALTOR® DARREN RASPINO (205) 807-2381 DarrenOnSmithLake.com 46 I smithlakeliving.com
Christmas Gifts By Rachel Sweigard Christmas is right around the corner and yet again, you have done the same thing that millions of people do every year—procrastinate. The good thing about life on Smith Lake is that a home décor gift will never go unappreciated and there are multiple businesses just a short drive away from the Smith Lake area where you can snag the perfect gift, even if it’s last minute. High Point Furniture in Jasper carries a large variety of home décor items such as name brand furniture as well as home accessories such as mirrors, pillows, vases, and accent tables. High Point carries furniture brands such as La-Z-Boy, Rowe, Flexsteel, Hooker, Bernhardt, and Tempur-Pedic. They have frequent sales and promotions that vary. Visit High Point Furniture on- line at https://www.highpoint-furniture.com/ or call 205-384-5990. If you are in the market for more of an overhaul than new furniture or home décor items can provide, Showcase Lighting, Floors and More in Jasper should be on the top of your list. Showcase Lighting, Floors, and More carries an expansive variety of lighting fixtures, big or small, simple or extravagant, to give just the right touch to each room in your home. As their name states, they also carry a wide variety of flooring options that vary from tile and stone to hardwood, carpet, and luxury vinyl. Visit Showcase Lighting, Floors, and More online at www.showcaselight- ingfloorsandmore.com or give them a call at 205-387-0238. White Willow, a design and décor boutique in Cullman, is the perfect stop for that one-of-a- kind home décor item. White Willow also offers custom design and planning services for any room in your home. Their services vary from a quick refresh or a complete overhaul of your current space. Their webpage, www.whitewillowcullman.com has a variety of testimonials of current and past customers as well as a portfolio that showcases their designs. The can be reached at 256- 739-7001. White • Willow 302 1st. Avenue S.E. Cullman, AL smithlakeliving.com I 47
OASIS The Marcum’s “ If I had to do over, I would have made the Pavilion larger, to accommodate more furniture and accessories.” Pavilions and gazebos offer a unique heavy wall design, which is unique to Oasis Outdoors. “These high end post layouts matched with our heavy duty 26 gauge metal roof panels in a variety of colors make for the most durable yet elegant addition to a backyard, patio, or poolside”. Pavilions and gazebos can also be customized to include cupolas, lighting, screened-in layouts and more. Oasis Outdoors’ fire pit swings are made from high strength structural grade aluminum, and have an open-air design featuring beautiful framework and bracing, decorative posts, and custom manufactured base molding. Optional fireside seating is available which offers “classic five-foot wooden swings arranged artfully around the fire pit” that will serve as the centerpiece for conversation and entertainment. For more information about Oasis Outdoors, please visit their website at https://www.oasisoutdoors.com. g hSmith Lake Livingtm 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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