Lake Martin Magazine

For those of us who live on the shores of Lake Martin, we see, feel, smell, taste and live the majesty of this beautiful lake. One only has to view its beauty and awesomeness from places like the Kowaliga bridge, the Smith Mountain Fire Tower, the lookout at the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail head, and Acapulco Rock to know what a treasure we have in this east-central part of Alabama.

In the five years that I have been president of Lake Martin Resource Association (LMRA), the most frequent concern that I receive from members is a request for a private “No Wake” buoy.

Lake Martin Resource Association President Charles Borden has announced that he plans to retire from his role as president of the organization at the end of this year. Borden has been a member of LMRA since the 70s and was named president in 2008.

When you get in your boat this summer and take out across the beautiful waters of Lake Martin, will you ever consider that there may be underwater hazards that might cause you danger? Probably not! You have faith that the lake is safe and that underwater hazards have been identified and marked.

My career with the IRS over 32 years involved dealing with disputes between the taxpayer and the Internal Revenue Service. When I was asked to breathe new life into an old organization, I chose to avoid conflict and to bring a positive point of view to my leadership perspective. I also chose to develop “partnerships” that would contribute to our success. As the president of the Lake Martin Resource Association since January 2008, I believe LMRA has accomplished that objective.

Real Island resident Charles Borden has a hand in several volunteer organizations around the lake. He helped form the Lake Martin Resource Association and the Search and Rescue of Elmore County. He’s also a member of the Real Island Fire Department and volunteers at Children’s Harbor