alabama living spec july 2012
DESCRIPTION
Alabama Living SPEC July 2012TRANSCRIPT
Bass TrailSeries continues on bass fishing destinations
FarewellLongtime Alabama Living editor Darryl Gates retires Page 11
July 2012
Southern PineeleCtriC Cooperative
www.southernpine.org
Southern Pine’s new Frisco City office is now open!
Covers_TOD_July.indd 35 6/18/12 1:40 PM
Alabama Living JULy 2012 3
AlAbAmA living is delivered to some 420,000 Alabama families and businesses, which are members of 22 not-for-profit, consumer-owned, locally directed and taxpaying electric cooperatives. AREA cooperative member subscriptions are $3 a year; non-member subscriptions, $6. Alabama Living (USPS 029-920) is published monthly by the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and at additional mailing office.
POSTmASTER send forms 3579 to: Alabama Living, P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, Alabama 36124-4014.
AlAbAmA RuRAl ElEctRic AssociAtion
AREA PREsidEntFred Braswell
EditoRDarryl Gates
MAnAging EditoRMelissa Henninger
CREAtivE diRECtoRMark Stephenson
ARt diRECtoRMichael Cornelison
AdvERtisingBrooke Davis
RECiPE EditoR Mary Tyler Spivey
AdvERtising & EditoRiAL oFFiCEs:
340 TechnaCenter DriveMontgomery, Alabama 36117-60311-800-410-2737E-mail: [email protected]
nAtionAL AdvERtising REPREsEntAtivE:
National Country Market611 South Congress Ave., Suite 504Austin, Texas 787041-800-626-1181www.nationalcountrymarket.comwww.alabamaliving.coop
USPS 029-920 • ISSN 1047-0311
Printed in Americafrom American materials
12 Save the lighthouseSand Island Lighthouse has a storied history, and many believe it should be preserved for future generations.
14 Alabama Bass Trail Writer John N. Felsher visits more destinations on the state’s bass fishing trail.
Vol. 65 No. 7
July 2012 lıVıNg
departments
9 Spotlight 10 Power Pack 14 Alabama Bass Trail 17 Fish&Game Forecast 20 Consumer Wise 22 Alabama Gardens 24 Worth the Drive 26 Cook of the Month 38 Alabama Snapshots
ON THE COVER: Laurel Stephenson of Prattville contemplates her swim to Desoto Falls.PHOTO by MaRk STEPHENSON
6 New Frisco City office opensYears in the planning, Southern Pine’s new Frisco City office is now a reality. It is a safer and more convenient facility that allows the co-op to provide better customer service to Southern Pine members.
manager
Vince Johnsonc O - O P e d i tO r
Melanie Harrison
Covers_TOD_July.indd 36 6/18/12 1:40 PM
southern Pine Electric cooperative
brewtonHeadquarters:2134 South Blvd.
P.O. Box 528Brewton, AL 36427
251-867-5415
District offices:
Atmore39 West Sunset Drive
Atmore, AL 36502251-368-4842
Evergreen205 Wild Avenue
Evergreen, AL 36401251-578-3460
Frisco City3943 Bowden St.
Frisco City, AL 36445251-267-3196
toll-Free outage Reporting number
1-866-867-5415
board of trusteesVernon Baggett
Chairman
Hilbert HallVice Chairman
Allen LangSecretary-Treasurer
Bobby Ballard
David Cook, Jr.
Dwight Maloy
Keith Pugh
Cleve Roberson
Aaron White
4 juLy 2012 www.southernpine.org
Manager’s Comments
When it rains, it poursVince Johnsonmanager of southern Pine Electric cooperative
It is often said that when it rains, it pours, and my fam-ily and I can certainly testify
that old saying is true. this past march was one of the toughest months of my life.
march began with a very welcome early spring. the sun was shining, the weather was cool and flowers everywhere were in bloom. I don’t think anyone can argue that spring isn’t a beautiful time of year. However, for my family and me, that beauty was all taken away during the second week of march when we lost my last surviving grandmother. Her name was eudith Killam and she was one of the most Godly
women that I have ever known. I was fortunate to have grown up just a mile down the dirt road from her house, so I spent a lot of time with her and my granddad. I have many, many memories from my youth of working in the yard with her and listening to her stories all day long. If I wasn’t in the field with my granddad, I was helping her clean up her yard, which she was very proud of, or helping her dig a new flower bed.
she would always talk about life and what was really impor-tant to her—her family. I hon-estly believe that she prayed for all of us (and there are a lot of
us) by name every day. she always gave me advice on how to handle things go-ing on in my life as I grew up. I can hear her now, as I write this article, singing one of her favorite hymns. Her bible was full of notes and things that she had written about her children and grandchildren. there are hundreds of scriptures underlined with notes and some thoughts that she had about their meanings.
my grandmother taught me many things but the one thing she always stressed to me, as she did to her own
spec july 2012 magazine.indd 4 6/18/12 4:37 PM
Alabama Living juLy 2012 5
southern Pine
office HoursBrewton Office 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Atmore Office Evergreen Office Frisco City Office 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Payment optionsDuring normal office hours at our Atmore, Brewton, Evergreen or Frisco City offices.
Cash, check, viSa or MasterCard credit or debit cards, or by money order. Payments may be made over the telephone using a VISA or Mastercard credit or debit card.
after hours at any of our offices by leaving your payment in our convenient night deposit box.
e-check, viSa or Mastercard credit or debit card payments may be made anytime on our Web site at: www.southernpine.org
Mail your payment to: Southern Pine E C P. O. Box 528, Brewton, AL 36427
Convenient payment points. Pay bill from the 1st - 10th of each month at: James Brothers Furniture, East Brewton; United Bank, Flomaton; Excel Hardware, Excel; and People’s Exchange Bank, Beatrice.
Ask about our Levelized Billiing, Credit Card and Bank Draft payment options. You will need to fill out paperwork for these options.
children, was to be a Godly person. she encouraged me to always seek God’s face every day in all that I did. she would always say, “the Lord knows what’s in your heart.”she and my granddad also taught me that there is nothing wrong with a hard day’s work. I appre-ciate that more than anything because it has helped me get through many hard days here at southern pine.
A week later, we unexpectedly lost my cousin randy enfinger. randy and I were the same age and had grown up together. We had gone all through school and played baseball together from the age of eight all the way through high school. We had spent many days hunting and sneaking into mr. Hilry johnson’s fish pond. (I don’t want to go into that!) We spent most of our childhood to-gether, but as adults we didn’t see as much of each other as we would have liked. Families and work responsibilities kept us going in different directions most of the time. However, we did still share some time dove hunting every year.I drive past randy’s house every day and I still have difficulty com-ing to terms with his passing at such a young age. I have a baseball with his signature on it and dozens of articles that talk about his performance on the baseball field. I will always remember the night we won the 2A state baseball Cham-pionship. that was one of the happiest nights of our young
lives. I will never forget how fast randy could throw a ball or the wild look in his eyes as he came across second base, throwing the ball to me at first, trying to make a double play. I will always treasure those times that we had together growing up in the poplar dell commu-nity.
I hope you will make time for your friends and loved ones. None of us is promised to-morrow and it is so easy to get caught up in this world and all of its distractions and lose sight of what is really important—our friends and family. A
Happy Fourth of July
All Southern Pine Elec-tric Co-op offices willl be closed on Wednes-day, July 4, 2012 in observance of Independence Day.
Offices will reopen at normal times the next day, Thursday, July 5.
Happy Fourth of July from all of your friends at Southern Pine EC.
spec july 2012 magazine.indd 5 6/18/12 4:37 PM
6 juLy 2012 www.southernpine.org
New Frisco City office now a realityMany turned out for June 1st Grand Opening
On Friday, june 1, 2012, southern pine elec-tric Cooperative of-
ficially opened its new Frisco City district office. mem-bers, employees and special guests participated in the ribbon cutting and celebra-tion of the Grand Opening.
General manager vince johnson says he is pleased to have this effort completed and is ready to begin utiliz-ing the new facility.
“this is a project we have considered for many years and now it is a reality. I believe the new facility will
allow southern pine em-ployees to better serve our membership for years to come,” says johnson.
the Frisco City office was the only southern pine dis-trict office that did not offer members the convenience of a drive-through window.
the existing building also had considerable flood-ing issues that continued to worsen. these problems caused concern for both members’ and employees’ safety. In fact, over the past years some members had slipped and fallen due to the
drainage problems.Co-op management has
for years tried to resolve the flooding problems and determine some simple and inexpensive way to build a drive-through window for the existing office. After much study and delibera-tion, southern pine’s board of trustees determined that it would be more cost effec-tive to build a new building that would not have flood-ing issues and could offer more space, a drive-through window and other conve-niences, than to attempt to
Southern Pine’s new Frisco City office is now open for business.
spec july 2012 magazine.indd 6 6/18/12 4:37 PM
southern Pine
Alabama Living juLy 2012 7
remodel the old building to meet desired specifications
Ground was broken in the fall of 2011 and the building was completed in late may. the new office offers much more space inside and outside than the old one. It features a much larger lobby, workspaces and training room. restrooms are equipped with showers for employees to use dur-ing times of severe weather when they must work long hours and often stay at the co-op office in order to serve the needs of members.
the drive-through win-dow is conveniently located at the front of the building just off the main street and allows busy members to simply pull through and pay their bills.
the new warehouse was badly needed, as well. there has never been enough
warehouse space to store important materials such as transformers indoors, or to house heavy construc-tion equipment that would be best protected from the elements. that is no longer the case with the new ware-house. It is much larger and allows important equipment to be safely stored inside better protection and easier
access. meeting the needs of its members is southern pine’s main reason for existence. the many valuable features of the new Frisco City of-fice will help southern pine employees continue to offer excellent member service in a more comfortable, safer and convenient location. johnson wishes to thank
everyone who had involvement in the Frisco City office building project. He also wishes to send out special thanks to the fol-lowing people and companies: • to the southern pine membership for their patience during the con-struction process. • to the southern pine board of trustees for their continuing com-
trustee Allan Lang prepares to cut the ribbon at the grand opening.
Gregory George and Dorothy Barrimond were the first members to visit the new office lobby.
spec july 2012 magazine.indd 7 6/18/12 4:37 PM
8 juLy 2012 www.southernpine.org
mitment to the members of southern pine. • to all southern pine em-ployees who have helped in the process and put in many long, hard hours of work to make this office come to fruition, especially district supervisor pat Harrison and all the Frisco City employees for their tireless help, sup-port and patience through-out this project. • to manager of safety ray-mond Wiggins who served as project manager from the initial drawing of the plans to the final completion of
the office. • to sam skipper and the crew of skipper Construc-tion, LLC of evergreen, Ala, who built the new office • to Willie Crutchfield, FICF, retired state manager Ger-
ald reed and state manager jason reed of Woodmen of the World for donating and placing the new united states flag and flag pole for the office. • to mayer sue stark, town Clerk Charlene Harrison and the Frisco City town Council for their continuing support of the project. thank you to all the mem-bers, local dignitaries and special guests who turned out to help celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Frisco City office of south-ern pine. We at southern pine hope that the mem-bership will find the conve-niences of the new office to be beneficial both now and in the future. A
Kathy Brooks helps Elizabeth Dean, the first member to use the new drive-through window.
Line technician Helpers David Saucer (kneeling) and Josh Lowery (standing) proudly stock shelves and supplies in the new Frisco City warehouse before the Grand opening of the office.
spec july 2012 magazine.indd 8 6/18/12 4:37 PM
Alabama Living JULY 2012 9
In JulySpot Light
JULY 19
Old Alabama Town concert plannedThe Capital City Shape Notes Concert will be July 19 at Old Alabama Town in Montgomery. Singers will sing from shape-note hymn books published in Alabama including the Sacred Harp and the Christian Harmony from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The concert is free to attend. Call 334-242-4076, ext. 234, or visit www.oldalabamatown.com for more details.
JULY 20-22
Deep sea fishing rodeo set for mid JulyDauphin Island will once again host its annual Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, with more than 3,000 anglers from 24 states fishing in the Gulf of Mexico for three days for more than $400,000 in cash and prizes in 30 categories. Last year’s event was the Guinness Book of World Records largest fishing tournament. Call 251-471-0025 for more information.
JULY 27 And 28
Tractor pull proceeds benefit school athleticsThe Alabama Championship Tractor and Truck Pull, one of the largest events in the South, will be July 27 and 28 from 7 to 10 p.m at Tanner High School in Athens. Both nights will include six classes sanctioned by the NTPA/Mid-South Pullers Association. Saturday night events will include dual-wheel farm tractors. Food concessions and t-shirts available. Admission is charged. Call 256-232-5411 for questions.
IN AUGUSTAUg. 2-5
Red Door Theatre presents new playThe Red Door Theatre in Union Springs will present Dearly Departed, a play revolving around a colorful group of Southern eccentrics. Evening performances on Aug. 2, 3, and 4, are preceded by a seated dinner (reservations required). The Sunday, Aug. 5, performance is a 2:30 p.m. matinee. Contact 334-738-8687 or [email protected] for info. Visit www.reddoortheatre.org to learn more about the event and the theatre.AUg. 2-5
Longest yard sale passes through stateVisit the World’s Longest Yard Sale from Aug. 2-5. The southern portion starts at Lookout Mountain Parkway from Gadsden and Fort Payne to Chattanooga, Tenn. Call 888-805-4740 for more details.
For more Alabama Events, visit page 29.
10 JULY 2012 www.alabamaliving.coop
Power Pack
Safe ways to recycle mercury and batteriesA number of common consumer products contain mercury, a toxic substance that can be harmful to human health and the environment. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) encourages users of mercury-containing products to become familiar with and follow requirements of local recycling laws.
ThermostatsMany existing wall thermostats contain mercury switches that provide for efficient control of temperature around a desired set point. The switches are securely housed, and the likelihood of consumer exposure to mercury remains extremely low. When taken out of service, however, mercury thermostats should be managed and disposed of properly.
The Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC), a not-for-profit organization, facilitates the collection of all brands of used, wall-mounted mercury-switch thermostats by heating, cooling and air conditioning (HVAC) wholesalers. Local electrical distributors or contractors may be a participant in TRC and can help you to recycle your mercury thermostat.
Rechargeable batteriesRechargeable batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras, and remote-controlled toys. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) provides a recycling service for your used portable, rechargeable batteries and old cell phones. The RBRC recycles the following battery chemistries: nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH), lithium-ion (Li-ion) and small sealed lead (Pb). Visit www.RBRC.org to find local participating retailers and other sites that accept rechargeable batteries for recycling.
Source: ElEctrical SafEt y foundation intErnational
Utility bill pay scam promises help from governmentAlabama residents should be advised
that people are trying to scam homeown-ers by posing as utility company workers and government officials who offer to pay their bills.
There have been reports of customers victimized in the north and south of the state by scammers who offer to pay their utility bills through a new federal program. An unidentified person has been calling homeowners and telling them they qualify for government assistance to pay their bills. They acquire banking information and So-cial Security numbers while on the phone.
The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips to avoid falling for this scam:
• Never provide your social security number, credit card number or banking information to anyone requesting it over the phone or at your home unless you initiated the contact and feel confident with whom you are speaking.
• If you receive a call claiming to be your utility company and feel pressured for im-mediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your utility bill.
• Never allow anyone into your home to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless you have scheduled an appointment or have re-ported a utility problem. Also, ask utility employees for proper identification.
• Always think safety first. Do not give in to high pressure tactics over the phone for information or in person to get into your home.
The BBB advises homeowners who are contacted to participate in the scam to contact their local law enforcement office.
State park spotlight: Desoto State ParkDesoto State Park encompasses more than 3,500
acres along the Little River, and is nestled on Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama. The park has dining and meeting facilities, along with a large outdoor deck available for gatherings. It features 25 motel rooms, mountain chalets and rustic cabins. Mountain chalets are equipped with full kitchens and private decks. The park is also home to
the Mountain Inn Restau-rant, which overlooks the Little River. It is open daily. The state park is located eight miles northeast of Fort Payne, off of Interstate 59 in the northeastern tip of the state. For questions, call 256-845-5380 or email Desoto.
Nearly 29 years ago I wrote my first article as editor of Alabama Living. Today, I’m writing my last.Sometimes we don’t get to pick our profession – it somehow picks us. You apply for a job you think you really want, you don’t get it, you settle for something else, and lo and behold, 30 years later you’re retiring from a job you’re not sure you wanted. It was a good job, though, you might say.
That was not the case with me. I really wanted this job. Ever since grade school I have been fas-cinated by the world of magazines. I had regu-lar subscriptions to MAD magazine and Boys’ Life. Classics Illustrated com-ics – actually any comic book – dominated my reading list. At Auburn University Montgomery I worked on the school’s newspaper, but also was editor of the literary magazine, a job I dearly enjoyed.
Then it was fall 1983 and I was city editor of the (Montgomery) Alabama Journal scanning the classified ads, when I happened upon an adver-tisement for “Magazine Editor” of something called AREA Magazine. I had to have that job. I applied with all the deter-mination of a John Deere tractor, and I got it. Five years, I thought, as editor of this magazine, then I’ll move on to an even bigger market. Yep, the Atlanta, New Or-leans, even New York magazine publishing world seemed within my grasp.
But then some-
thing unexpected happened. I fell in love. Well, let me clarify: I was (still am) happily married to the girl of my dreams, merrily raising two wonder-ful boys, who, by the way, are now grown. So I’m not talking about that kind of love. I fell in love with the culture of Alabama’s cooperatives.
I soon learned that AREA Magazine – now Alabama Living – is not only the voice of the 22 electric cooperatives in this state, but it serves as a mirror that reflects the faces of more than 1 million electric co-op members. You folks are the backbone of our great state. Every month my job took me to you. I wrote about your hob-bies, your jobs, your homes, your families. You invited me to din-ner, and sent me on my way with a Mason jar of local honey or a bag of boiled peanuts. Like I said, I fell in love.
So I stayed. And from this chair I watched “our little book” grow into the state’s largest consumer publication, with a monthly circulation of more than 400,000. Despite its growth, though, I’m proud to say Alabama Living has maintained its local feel and local appeal. Sure you can find r e c i p e s online, but wouldn’t you rather flip through our magazine and see what the Cook of the Month is up to? Yep, I thought so.May 31 was my official retirement date. As I move from editor of Ala-bama Living to reader of Alabama Living, I know I have been given the exquisite gift of getting to meet so
many of you in person. That’s made this job so much more than a ca-reer. That’s made it fun. For that, I can only say thanks to you all.
– Darryl Gates
Alabama Living JULY 2012 11
Looking back on 29 years of Alabama Living
12 JULY 2012 www.alabamaliving.coop
Th e d a y ’s m a r i n e forecast calls for a light chop in Gulf
waters as our 20-ft. boat leaps wave to wave. The Sand Island Lighthouse is on the bouncing horizon. In 1837, John Mccloud became Sand Island’s first lighthouse keeper. The same rough water battling us fought him.
“The Corps of Engineers spent $6 mil-lion dollars pumping sand to it,” Dau-phin Island’s Jim Hall shouts above the outboard motor’s roar. Hall is with the Alabama Lighthouse Association. “But it’s going to eventually wash away again. They must continuously add more sand.”
Working from a government grant, workers dredged and laid 1.4 million cu-bic yards of sand to this dry spot in the Gulf of Mexico. Today its 131-foot conical icon sits on fresh white land – for now. In the 1800s Sand Island was 400 acres; today it is 15 and shrinking. “People don’t realize how swift this current is,” Jim says,
as we anchor and wade to shore. “The water constantly flows east to west.” And when the water goes west, so does the is-land, eroding a little at a time.”
Most South Alabamians have seen Sand Island from shore. It is 4.2 bumpy miles from Dauphin Island. But few have actually been on it, and fewer still in the lighthouse. It’s not exactly hospi-table. In addition to occasionally treacher-ous currents that can ground a boat, the lighthouse entrance is about 20 feet up, through a window. The main door was bricked over decades ago. So with rickety ladder in place, we climb.
A beacon in the Gulf of Mexico has a storied history
By Emmett Burnett
SandIslandLighthouse
SandIslandLighthouse
Early 1960s view of the Sand Island Lighthouse
Alabama Living JULY 2012 13
Balancing on a foot-wide window ledge one peers inside the mammoth column once home to isolated lighthouse keepers. No one climbs the badly corroded spiral staircase to the top. It’s not safe, and there is really no reason to – the 10 x 5 foot Fresnel lens is gone, now on display at the Fort Morgan Mu-seum near Gulf Shores. Hugging the lighthouse like an amateur Indi-ana Jones, we move around the outside cir-cumference on a nar-row ledge. Although it is about 10 feet thick at the base, the brick, ta-pered wall is crumbly to the touch, after be-ing battered by hurri-canes over the century.
Looking straight up at this ocean tower, one wonders, how did they build it? Perhaps more amazing is the fact that it has been built three times. In 1837, Congress re-sponded to complaints of inadequate lighting offered by a tall Sand Island spindle with a light on it, visible a mere 6 miles. The first working lighthouse, 55 feet tall, was built to replace the spindle. But erosion and competition from the more powerful Mobile Point Lighthouse prompted sail-ors to call Sand Island’s “a second-class beacon.”
Lighthouse 2 was built in 1848. Stand-ing 200 feet, it was the tallest ever built on the Gulf Coast. The magnificent struc-ture became the perfect home for Union soldier spies, and on Feb. 23, 1863, under cover of darkness, Confederate soldier John W. Glenn rowed from Dauphin Is-
land to Sand Island and placed 70 pounds of gunpowder under the tower. He lit the fuse and ran for his life in a downpour of bricks and Union dead.
The third and present lighthouse was built and then activated on Sept. 1, 1873. In 1903 two keepers manned the beacon. One went to shore, leaving his co-worker.
Both were unaware of a massive hurri-cane brewing in the Gulf. After the storm, the keeper who went to shore returned to battered Sand Island, then wired the mainland: “Sand Island light out. Island washed away, Dwelling gone. Keeper not to be found.” He never was.
Sand Island’s light-house was deactivated in 1932. But it never dimmed for the people who love it. “This and the Middle Bay Light-house are all that is left of our rich maritime history,” says Jim. “We have got to preserve it.” He and the 200 plus members of the Ala-bama Lighthouse As-sociation visit the site often, making minor repairs, maintenance, and keeping an eye on the place.
“I’ve worked on lighthouses in Maine and Canada,” says member Halvor Bier-ing of Fairhope. “But Sand Island’s is dif-
ferent. It has been so long since active service. We have a long way to go in re-storing it. But if done, it will be beautiful.” Halvor and Jim feel this lighthouse saved many lives. Now is the time to return the favor. For more information or to make a donation, see www.sandislandlighthouse.com.A
Seewww.sandislandlighthouse.com
to make a donation.
Want to help savethe lighthouse?
Sand Island Lighthouse awaiting restoration
14 JULY 2012 www.alabamaliving.coop
Lake Logan MartinSometimes called “The Lake of a Thousand Coves,” Lake Lo-
gan Martin covers 15,263 acres near Pell City and creates more than 275 miles of shoreline. Impounded in 1964, the lake runs more than 48 miles along the Coosa River and drops to more than 110 feet deep in places.
Lake Logan Martin served as the venue for four Bassmaster Classics, most recently in 1992. The lake can produce many large-mouth bass in the 4- to 6-pound class, but the lake record largemouth weighed 14 pounds, 11 ounces. The lake can also pro-duce some Kentucky spotted bass approach-ing seven pounds and redeye bass up to three pounds.
“Lake Logan Mar-tin is on fire for bass right now,” said Chris Jackson, a guide and bass pro from Dora. “It has potential for big fish, although not as big as Guntersville. The sheer numbers of spotted bass is phenomenal. We wake spinnerbaits as fast as we can and they just annihilate it.”
Spotted bass generally prefer deeper, rockier conditions and more current. Look for them in the upper reaches of the river and in major creek channels. For tempting spots, throw baits that resemble shad.
Thick grass covers many parts of Lake Logan Martin below Interstate 20. Largemouth bass tend to hunker down in thicker cover around grassy flats or fallen trees. Also look for bass along channel drops where fish can move freely between deep and shallow waters.
“I fish Logan Martin quite a bit, usually at least once a week,” said Mark McCaig, a tournament fisherman from Oxford. “Logan
Martin has always been one of the best spotted bass lakes in the coun-try, but over the last few years, largemouths have dominated. Up the river, people can fish ledges in 5- to 6- feet of water all day long. In the summer, bass sit in 12 to 18 feet of water around brush, but people can usually catch some fish in the grass early in the morning. I of-ten fish the grass with a 5/16-ounce swim jig and then move deeper where I use either a jig or worm.”
Lay LakeOne of the oldest impoundments in Alabama, Lay Lake dates
to 1914 and covers about 12,000 acres in St. Clair, Talladega, Shelby, Coosa and Chilton counties. Running 50 miles along the old Coosa River channel, it offers anglers more than 289 miles of shoreline.
The Alabama Bass Trail
Coosa River leads to outstanding bass action
For more information on the Alabama Bass Trail, see www.alabamabasstrail.org.
By John N. Felsher
Mike Wurm, a professional bass angler from Hot Springs, Ark., and Jonathan Newton, a professional bass angler from Rogersville, fish near a dock.
Beginning near Rome, Ga., the Coosa River flows 280 miles to the southwest with more than 90 percent of it in Alabama. South of
Wetumpka, it merges with the Tallapoosa River to create the Alabama River. Along the way, it flows through some of the best bass waters in the country.
On March 8, Gov. Robert Bentley announced the Alabama Bass Trail to promote 11 of the best fishing waters in the state. This is
the second of a four-part series focusing on those lakes and rivers.
Alabama Living JULY 2012 15
16 JULY 2012 www.alabamaliving.coop16 JUnE 2012 www.alabamaliving.coop
TOP PHOTO: Gerald Swindle, a professional bass angler from Warrior, fights a bass that struck a jig with a plastic creature trailer.BELOW: Swindle shows off some of his favorite crankbaits. Crankbaits come with many different types and shapes of lips.LEFT: Kevin VanDam, a professional bass angler from Kalamazoo, Mich., adds another bass he caught to his livewell.
Alabama Living JULY 2012 17
The lake can produce some great bass catches. In February 2010, Kevin VanDam won the fourth Bassmaster Classic held on Lay Lake. In three days, he caught 15 bass weighing 51 pounds, 6 ounces.
The middle to lower portion of Lay Lake generally contains more grass beds, stump fields, brush and boul-ders. This area typically holds the big-gest largemouth bass. At the lower end of the lake, anglers find deep structure and open, clearer water.
Although it can produce big large-mouth bass, most anglers know Lay Lake for its giant spotted bass. Some top seven pounds. The upper portion of the lake retains much of its riverine shape. Water flowing through the dam creates current that often sparks spot-ted bass feeding frenzies.
Lake JordanThe southernmost impoundment
on the Coosa River, Lake Jordan dates to 1928 and spreads across 6,800 acres near Wetumpka. The lake offers anglers about 188 miles of shorelines. Weeds, abundant rocks and bluffs drop into deep water and woody cover, creating
excellent bass habitat. A fertile im-poundment with a good forage base, Lake Jordan ranks among the best wa-ters in the state for fast growth rates among both largemouth and spotted bass.
In the summer, many anglers fish around docks. Bass move up under docks to take advantage of the cool, shady waters beneath them. Docks also provide excellent ambush cover and overhead protection from birds of prey.
“I like old, crusty wooden docks with large diameter pilings the best,” explained Alton Jones, a former Bass-master Classic champion. “I also look for secondary structure, like brush piles. I also like docks near pathways that bass use, like creek channels or little ditches. I look for some type of bottom structure that funnels fish into a particular spot, like a creek channel or little ditch that swings in close to a dock or even under it.”
For booking trips with Jackson, call 205-704-2425 or see Chrisjacksonfish-ing.com. For more information on these lakes and others on the Alabama Bass Trail, see www.alabamabasstrail.org. A
Bass tournament benefits girl with rare illnessBrandon McCullogh and Pete Graham, both of Mobile, won the
Breanna Moore Benefit Bass Tournament, held May 19, 2012, at Big Creek Lake near Wilmer. They landed a five-bass limit weigh-ing 10 pounds, 12 pounds. McCullogh and Graham anchored their bag with a 4-pound, 8-ounce largemouth that took tourna-ment lunker honors.
The tournament raised money for Breanna Moore, a 4-year-old girl suffering from a rare medical condition called Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome. Also known as Opsoclonus-Myoclonus-Ataxia, OMS affects about one person in 10 million and attacks the nervous system. Currently, there is no known cure. The money will be used to pay for Breanna’s medical treatments.
Each team paid $50 to enter the tournament. The tournament paid cash prizes to the top anglers, based upon the number of entries. Many of the anglers who won cash prizes donated their winnings back to the Moore Family to help them defray medical expenses.
For more information or to make a donation to the Breanna Moore Benefit Fund, call Mandy Moore at 251-422-2054.
Tables indicate peak fish and game feeding and migration times. Major periods can bracket the peak by an hour before and an hour after. Minor peaks, half-hour before and after. Adjusted for daylight savings time.
Minor Major Minor Majora.m. p.m.
JUL. 18 - - 05:37 07:52 12:37 19 01:07 06:07 08:22 01:22 20 01:37 06:52 08:37 01:52 21 02:22 07:37 09:07 02:22 22 03:07 08:22 09:37 02:52 23 09:22 03:52 03:22 10:07 24 10:52 04:52 04:07 10:37 25 - - 05:52 12:37 11:22 26 - - 07:22 03:22 12:07 27 - - 08:37 08:22 04:52 28 01:22 09:37 09:52 05:37 29 02:37 10:37 10:52 06:07 30 03:37 11:22 11:37 06:37 31 - - 04:37 07:07 12:07
AUG. 1 - - 05:37 07:37 12:37 2 01:07 06:22 08:07 01:22 3 01:37 07:07 08:37 01:52 4 02:22 07:52 08:52 02:22 5 08:37 02:52 09:07 02:52 6 09:22 03:37 03:07 09:37 7 10:22 04:22 03:22 09:52 8 - - 05:22 12:07 10:22 9 - - 06:37 - - 10:52 10 - - 07:52 - - 12:07 11 - - 09:07 09:37 05:52 12 01:52 09:52 10:37 05:52 13 03:07 10:37 11:07 06:07 14 04:07 11:22 11:37 06:22 15 04:52 11:52 12:07 06:52 16 - - 05:37 07:07 12:22 17 - - 06:22 07:22 12:52 18 01:22 07:07 07:52 01:22 19 01:52 07:52 08:22 01:52 20 08:37 02:37 02:37 08:37 21 09:37 03:22 03:07 09:07 22 10:52 04:07 03:37 09:37 23 - - 05:22 01:07 10:22 24 - - 06:37 03:37 11:22 25 - - 08:07 08:52 04:37 26 01:07 09:22 10:07 05:07 27 02:52 10:22 10:52 05:37 28 03:52 11:07 11:37 06:07 29 04:52 11:52 12:07 06:37 30 - - 05:37 06:52 12:22 31 - - 06:22 07:07 12:52
In northeast Alabama, the nearly 33-mile Chief Ladiga Trail is a regional playground that passes through welcoming towns and pastoral landscapes. Following a former CSX railroad corridor,
the rail-trail is named for the Creek Indian leader who signed the 1832 Cusseta Treaty, surrendering the tribe’s remaining land in the area.
Remarkably flat and smooth, the trail arcs from Woodland Park in Anniston northeast through small towns and quiet countryside to the state line with Georgia, where it connects to the Silver Comet rail-trail. It begins on a slightly raised rail bed before entering open fields, passing beneath canopies of pine, dogwood and other native trees and alongside enchanting wetlands. You’ll find numerous ac-cess points along the way.
The first stop is Weaver, where you might want to pop in to the nearby grocery store for snacks. Back on the trail, twin stone foundations of a railroad trestle flank the route. Five miles along, in Jacksonville, you’ll pass an old train depot, restored in 2010 and now providing, among other things, a resting place for trail users. You’ll also find the Jacksonville State University campus. Just off the trail is the historic town square, which boasts several shops and restaurants (climb Mountain Street and turn right on Route 21).
Keep alert over the following nine miles, as you may catch a deer or fox watching you. You’ll soon reach central Piedmont, a quaint community that embraces the trail with a welcome center, benches and a sandwich shop just steps away.
From Piedmont the scenery begins to change. Duggar Mountain
and the southern Appalachians provide a backdrop to fields that transition to forests. Terrapin Creek skirts the trail, and soon a bridge carries you over it. Here, the trail travels through protected wilderness within Talladega National Forest. Equestrians should check the trail website and contact the trail manager to inquire about equestrian use on the trail.
At the Georgia state line, the Chief Ladiga Trail becomes Geor-gia’s Silver Comet Trail, which stretches for another 62 miles, mak-ing the trails the longest pedestrian path in the country. A
PARkING& TRAILAccESS:Directions: From I-20, take exit 185 and head north about 10 miles through A n n i s to n o n route 1/Quin-tard Avenue; bear right on Mcclellan Boulevard/route 21 on the north side of town. A few miles past the split, turn left on Weaver road; continue about a mile, then turn left again on Holly Farms road to the well-marked Woodland Park trailhead.
Trail mix: Scenic chief Ladiga Trail leads to Georgia’s Silver comet Trail
18 JULY 2012 www.alabamaliving.coop
Alabama Living JULY 2012 19
20 JULY 2012 www.alabamaliving.coop
Q: We have an old inefficient electric resistance furnace. I have heard there are some new types
of heat pumps that use a big water tank and don’t need backup heat. How do these systems work, and are they efficient?
A: Although electric resistance heating can be relatively expensive to operate, it is 100
percent efficient—that means all the electricity you pay for ends up heating your house. With a gas or oil furnace, you lose some heat out the flue. The problem with electric resistance heating is it costs more to produce 1 Btu from electricity than it does by burning fossil fuels.
A heat pump can produce 3 Btu of heat for your house for each 1 Btu on your electric bill. This is because the heat pump does not actually create heat directly. It uses a compressor, coils, and other equipment to draw heat from the outdoor air and pump it into your house.
The heat pump system you refer to is called a reverse cycle chiller. It basically uses a standard high-efficiency heat pump to produce heat during winter and cool air in the summer. A typical air-source heat pump heats or cools a refrigerant that
flows directly through an indoor coil. Air blows over the coil to heat or cool your house. A reverse cycle chiller heats or cools water in a small (20- to 40-gallon) insulated tank. The water then flows through the indoor coil. The entire system will cost 15 percent to 20 percent more to install than a standard heat pump/electric furnace combination.
The output capacity of a typical heat pump is sized for the cooling Btu requirements of the house. In most parts of the U.S., the heating Btu requirements are greater. To make up the difference, a backup electric resistance furnace is required during very cold periods. As the outdoor temperature drops, the heat
output of the heat pump also drops just as the heating needs of your house increase.
You might think you could install a larger capacity heat pump to provide enough heat for your house even on very cold days. This would be possible with an air-source heat pump, but it would not work well in the air-conditioning mode. An oversized air conditioner results in short cycles, indoor temperature swings, and poor dehumidification.
The primary advantage of a reverse cycle chiller is it transfers heat to an insulated water tank. This allows you to install a heat pump with an extra large capacity for adequate heating even in cold weather without the associated summertime cooling issues. Many of the major HVAC manufacturers’ heat pumps can be used with a reverse cycle chiller system.
During summer, this large heat pump cooling capacity chills the water in the insulated tank to 40 degrees or so. The chilled water is run through a coil in the blower system, which cools and dehumidifies indoor air just like a standard heat pump. The heat pump can cycle on and off as needed to chill the water in the tank independently of the indoor blower. Therefore the blower can run as long as needed to provide comfort and efficiency.
Another key advantage of having the heated water tank is its wintertime defrost mode. A heat pump regularly switches to the cooling mode to defrost ice that collects on the outdoor condenser coils. During this time, expensive electric resistance heat comes on or chilly air blows out the registers.
With a reverse cycle chiller, the heat to defrost the coils comes from the heated water tank so warm air continues to blow out the registers. During regular operation, the temperature of the air coming out the registers is also warmer than with a typical air-source heat pump.
In addition to eliminating or greatly reducing the use of backup resistance heating, a reverse cycle chiller provides options for efficient heating. Because the heat is coming from the insulated water tank, you can select different types of heating for different rooms. The hot water can be piped through a heat exchanger (fan coil) and typical ductwork to produce heated air.
The following companies offer reverse cycle chiller systems: Aqua Products, 800- 840-4264, www.aquaproducts.us; Multiaqua, 864-850-8990, www.multiaqua.com; and Unico System, 800-527-0896, www.unicosystem.com. A
Send your questions to:James DulleyAlabama Living6906 Royalgreen Dr.Cincinnati, OH 45244
You can also reach Dulley online atwww.dulley.com
consumer Wise
James Dulley is a nationally syndicated engineering consultant based in cincinnati.
This reverse cycle system is completely located outdoors. Notice the heavy insulation on the piping.
SOURCE: AqUA PRODUCTS
Hot Water can Heat Housesusing a reverse cycle chiller with your home’s heat pump can be a less costly alternative to supplemental resistance heating
Alabama Living JULY 2012 21
AREA’s 7th
Quilt competition
What is it? • Acompetitionforallcooperative
handworkers to make squares for the 7th AREA cooperative quilt
• Wewouldliketorepresentasmanycooperatives as possible.
• Winnerswillbegivenstatewiderecognition and have their square included in the quilt.
PARTICIPATION IS FREE!For information and guidelines,please complete the form below
and mail or fax it to:
Linda PartinAlabama Rural Electric Association
P.O. Box 244014Montgomery, AL 36124
Fax: 334-215-2733
or e-mail: [email protected]
or visit the link at www.areapower.coop
Judges for thesixth quiltcompetition
CALLING ALL QUILTERS
I would like toparticipate in AREA’s
7th Quilt Competition.Please send guidelines and information to:
Name _______________________________________
Address _____________________________________
City _________________________________________
State ________ Zip __________________________
Phone _______________________________________
E-mail _______________________________________
Cooperative __________________________________ (Listed on cover of magazine)
The theme for this quilt is‘Spotlight on Alabama’s Official State Symbols’
22 JULY 2012 www.alabamaliving.coop
My back patio is home to numer-ous pots of cooking herbs—oregano, rosemary, thyme,
chives and mint as perennials and usually basil and cilantro as annuals. Like most plants in my yard, these herbs have to make it without much pampering. I am lucky to water them some weeks, and the perennial herbs stay outside year-round, so they have to withstand the winter as well.
Lately, though, I’ve been considering moving those perennial herbs into the ground where they can put down deeper roots and may require even less attention. And in the process I have been considering other herbs for ornamental purposes, most specifically hyssop and creeping thymes.
Hyssop is new for me to try because I typically grow herbs for cooking. While it can be used in small amounts to add a savory zing (it’s supposed to be very good in soups, salads and used on some meats—duck has been suggested), hyssop is grown commercially for use in colognes and liqueurs and it has a long history of use as an herbal remedy, including many Biblical references as a cleansing herb.
For me the appeal of hyssop, which is a member of the mint family that is native to North America and Europe, is not for my kitchen but for its work in the garden where it draws bees, butterflies and hummingbirds and repels some insect pests.
Hyssop is an upright plant that can range in height from one to five feet tall and its fragrant flowers (there is even a bubblegum-scented option) come in an array of colors—purple and pink, blue, red and orange and white, depending on the cultivar—that bloom from the summer through fall.
I will likely use hyssop as a border plant, but it is also great for garden beds,
in rock gardens and in containers, and it is considered a great companion plant in vegetable gardens because it controls some pests and those bees it draws help pollinate other crops.
Creeping thyme, on the other hand, is what I hope to put underfoot. It is one of the few groundcovers that withstands foot traffic and, when stepped upon, creeping thymes emit a lovely scent, plus their soft texture makes even barefoot walking a delight. It can be used as a groundcover carpet or planted between stepping stones and it’s also lovely tucked into the landscape among rocks or cascading over walls.
A number of cultivars of creeping thyme are available offering flowers of pink, purple and lilac hues and they are all low-maintenance, hardy and spread nicely to fill in cracks and crevices in walkways and other areas.
Needless to say there are many other herbs that can make charming landscape plants—rosemary, bee balm, sage and lavender to name a few—so don’t hesitate to explore the options. Do keep in mind, however, that some of them can become invasive (mint, for example) so select with care!
If you’re looking for other garden ideas, take time this summer to attend local workshops and visit public gardens. One amazing option is the 11th annual Farm, Home and Wildlife Expo to be held Aug. 4, noon to 5 p.m., at the Chilton Research and Extension Center in Clanton. This free event features samples of all sorts of yummy garden fruits and recipes as well as information on growing fruits and vegetables and other educational opportunities ranging from farm pond management to food safety advice. For more information call 205-646-3610 or visit www.aaes.auburn.edu/researchcenters/chilton/news.php. A
Beyond the kitchen—Herbs in the LandscapeBy katie Jackson
Garden Tips: July
Prune summer-blooming shrubs after they have finished flowering. remove any dead or diseased branches.
Sow seeds for cool season vegetable crops directly into the garden by mid-July.
Pull weeds from garden beds as they emerge and before they can flower and go to seed. Keep fresh water in birdbaths.
Watch for insect and disease damage on indoor and outdoor plants.
Plant pumpkin seeds for a Halloween harvest.
Plant fall vegetables such as cabbage, parsley and collards. Pick all vegetables regularly to ensure continued bearing.
remove flowers from basil and cut mint to encourage new shoots.
Keep container plants well watered during the summer. Apply water until it runs out of the pot’s drainage holes.
Katie Jackson is associate editor for the Alabama Agricultural experiment Station. contact her at [email protected]
Power Plants
Alabama Living JULY 2012 23
24 JULY 2012 www.alabamaliving.coop
Worth the drive
To help celebrate Alabama’s 2012 “Year of Food,” each month freelance writer Jennifer Kornegay will take you to an out-of-the-way restaurant worth the drive.
Maybe it’s because I’ve got an uncle Chuck that I’m quite fond of, but for me, the name
subconsciously conjures up words like congenial, fun and family. So when I was first introduced to Chuckwalla’s Pizzeria at Chuck’s Marina in Dadeville on Lake Martin, I was already prejudiced — on the positive side — before I’d ever had a bite of my food.
Of course, even to those without an “un-cle Chuck” connection, Chuck’s brightly col-ored buildings perched on a slight hill seem to shout, “Come on over and stay awhile” above the din of boats and their wakes slap-ping the retaining wall. And that’s exactly what owners Greg and Jane Harris want you to do: park your car or tie up your boat and relax on the large deck (part covered, part not) with a cold drink and a hot slice of pizza and soak in the waterfront view.
Greg actually bought Chuck’s Marina from its namesake about 20 years ago. Since it was already a landmark of sorts, he decided to keep the name, and accord-ing to Jane, will gladly answer to Chuck when confused patrons innocently make that mistaken assumption. But the restau-rant portion of Chuck’s, Chuckwalla’s Piz-zeria, is all Greg; he added it about a year after he took over the marina. His wife Jane has been helping out ever since they got together, about nine years ago.
So Chuck’s has the requisite laidback lake atmosphere; it’s got friendly owners; it’s got a great view. Without good food though, none of the above really matters. But actu-ally, none of the above does matter. As I and other Lake Martin lovers and area residents can attest, the food at Chuck’s is so good, we’d happily eat it in a dark room with a lone, dingy window framing a glimpse of an interstate overpass. All the other stuff is just icing on the cake.
Or, more accurately, extra cheese on the pizza, because that’s what you’ll find at Chuck’s. Pizza, pizza and more pizza. (And wings and mini-corn dogs if, for some strange reason, you don’t want Chuck’s pizza.) If a pizza-dominated menu at a lake restaurant seems a little odd to you, let Jane explain. “Everybody likes pizza,” she
said. “It’s a very versatile food that people can customize to their liking, so it’s easy to satisfy almost everyone.”
Satisfy? I’d say thrill. There are some diverse options to choose from, but the basics of any Chuck’s pizza include fresh tomatoes, fresh herbs and quality cheese all on a firm foundation of either medium or thin crust. For the true Chuck’s experience, mosey on up to the ordering window and ask for the Chimney Rock pizza, a hefty creation named after the lake’s iconic cliff that lures teenage boys to jump off of it and hundreds of boaters to watch. It’s loaded with just about everything they’ve got back in the kitchen, which includes mountains of meat, and if you get it on the thin crust, you may have to employ a knife and fork; the crust often folds under the weight of the toppings.
Non-meat lovers should try the Algae pizza with its special garlic sauce, onions, olives, artichoke hearts and more. Kids usually go for the Goat Island pizza; it’s got a triple layer of pepperoni with extra, EXTRA cheese.
There’s also a bar under the covered portion of the deck with several beers on tap, as well as WineStoppers, a wine bar/wine shop around from the ordering win-dow that offers specialty wines from small vineyards by the glass and in bottles to buy and take home.
While I downplay the lakeside setting in favor of the food, Jane believes the proxim-ity to the water influences the flavors. “Our attention to fresh ingredients is important, but so is the lake. I think being right on it really does make everything taste better,” she said. A
DadevilleChuck’s Marinahome of chuckwalla’s Pizzeria237 Marina road, Dadeville, AL (256) 825-6871
chuck’sMarinaHang Around for Smooth Sounds
During the summer months, chuck’s is packed during the day, but on the weekends, it gets even livelier at night. When the sun goes down, the music starts up. every Friday night from 7p.m. to 11 p.m., you’ll find a band playing at chuck’s. on Saturday evenings, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., anybody can take a turn at the mike for karaoke night.By Jennifer kornegay
JenniferKornegay
Alabama Living JULY 2012 25
26 JULY 2012 Editor’s Note: Alabama Living’s recipes are submitted by our readers. They are not kitchen tested by a professional cook or registered dietician. If you have special dietary needs, please check with your doctor or nutritionist before preparing any recipe.
Alabama Recipes
Picnic
cook of the Month: Cindy Kusnierz, Baldwin EMC
Tomato, Basil and Feta Salad 6 Roma tomatoes, diced 1 cucumber, peeled,
quartered lengthwise, and chopped
3 green onions, chopped 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves,
cut into thin strips
3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic
vinegar 3 tablespoons crumbled
feta cheese salt and freshly ground
pepper to taste
In a large bown, toss together all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 4.
I was married to my husband Steve seven years ago, and one of my most favorite wedding presents was a nifty antique picnic basket with all the trimmings; containers for food, wine glasses, dinnerware, and beautiful napkins all tucked into the nooks and crannies of a pretty box. We used it about twice a year for various occasions and four years later, we
had our first outdoor picnic (in our backyard) with our then 5-month-old daughter. She had just learned to sit up on her own and eat “table food.” Picnics always stay
with me as fun family memories!
Please send all submissions to: Recipe Editor, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124. Or e-mail to: recipes@areapower. coop. Be sure to include your address, phone number and the name of your electric cooperative.
You could win $50!If your recipe is chosen as the cook-of-the-month recipe, we’ll send you a check for $50!
Upcoming recipe themes and deadlines are: August Budget Friendly Deadline: June 15 September Microwave Meals Deadline: July 15 October Tailgating Deadline: August 15
Alabama Living JULY 2012 27Want to see the Cook of the Month recipe before the magazine gets to your door?Become a fan of Alabama Living on facebook.
Bowtie Pasta Salad
I box bowtie pasta 1 cucumber 1 zucchini 1 yellow squash
8 ounces feta cheese crumbled
Italian dressing to taste
Cook pasta. Add dressing and toss while pasta is warm. Add vegetables and cheese. The cook likes to serve this with Rotisserie chicken.
Jamie Petterson, Tallapoosa River EC
Cucumber Lemonade
1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut in chunks (about 2 cups)
3/4 cup sugar 2 lemons, juiced water
Put the cucumber and about 1 1/2 cups of water in a blender. Blend until well pureed. Strain the liquid into a pitcher and discard the pulp. Add the sugar and about 1 cup water to the blender. Blend thoroughly to dissolve the sugar. Add the blended water/sugar mixture to the pitcher. Juice the lemons and add the juice to the pitcher. Add enough water to make 8 cups of liquid. To transport, pour into a thermos or other spill-proof container. At your picnic site, give the lemonade a stir and serve over ice.
Sandy Adams, Marshall-DeKalb EC
Sweet and SaltyChocolate-Bacon Fudge
4 4-ounce semisweet chocolate baking bars, chopped
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 pound bacon, cooked until crisp
2 cups toasted pecans, chopped
Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Spray with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium saucepan, combine chocolate, condensed milk, butter, and cream. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Crumble bacon and reserve 1/4 cup. Stir pecans and remaining bacon into chocolate mixture. Spoon mixture in prepared pan; Smooth top with spatula. Sprinkle reserved 1/4 cup crumbled bacon over chocolate mixture, pressing down gently. Cover and chill for 4 hours or until set. Cut into squares to serve. Makes 32 pieces.
Becky Terry, Joe Wheeler EMC
28 JULY 2012 Editor’s Note: Alabama Living’s recipes are submitted by our readers. They are not kitchen tested by a professional cook or registered dietician. If you have special dietary needs, please check with your doctor or nutritionist before preparing any recipe.
Aunt Bee’s Fried Chicken 1 frying chicken, cut up 2 eggs, beaten salt to taste
All-purpose flour Shortening or
vegetable oil
Wash chicken. Dip the pieces in beaten egg seasoned with salt, then roll into flour. Heat cooking oil in frying pan. When hot, add chicken pieces and cook slowly for 15 to 20 minutes. Turn chicken pieces over 3 or 4 times. After the pieces turn brown, cover with lids and cook for 20 minutes or until done.
Loretta Robinson, Sand Mountain EC
4 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise
3 tablespoons olive oil Kosher salt and pepper 1 pound of Strip steak 2 medium onions, sliced
into 1/4 inch rounds
2 tablespoons of salt free spice mix
4 pieces of French bread, halved
4 pieces of green-leaf lettuce
Heat grill to medium high. In a medium bowl, toss the tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of the oil and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Season the steak with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and grill to desired doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Meanwhile, brush both sides of the onion slices with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and sprinkle with the spice mix. Grill until tender, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Grill the tomatoes, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Form sandwiches with the bread, lettuce, steak, onions and tomatoes. Melba Bryan, Cullman EC
Grilled Steak Sandwich
1 pound rhubarb, julienned
2 cups apple cider vinegar
Salt Pepper 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar 1/2 cup peeled, sliced fresh
ginger
3 tablespoons garlic, thinly sliced
1 1/2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
1 small cabbage, thinly sliced
1 large carrot, grated 2 tablespoons olive oil
Place rhubarb in a large heat proof bowl; set aside. Boil vinegar, salt and pepper to taste, and next 4 ingredients. Pour over rhubarb and let cool. Refrigerate overnight. Drain rhubarb, reserving 1/2 cup of the liquid. Toss rhubarb with cabbage, carrot, reserved liquid, and olive oil. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until cabbage softens. Bring to your picnic and enjoy!
Robin O’Sullivan, Wiregrass EC
Rhubarb Slaw
Easy Picnic Salad
3 favorite apples or pears
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1⁄3 cup chopped celery 2 tablespoons
chopped walnuts 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1⁄8 teaspoon salt 1 8-ounce container
fat free lemon yougurt
Directions: Cut apple or pear into bite size pieces, add remaining ingredients and toss to combine.
Beth Taylor, Joe Wheeler EMC
August
2 - 4 • Foley, Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation 15th Annual Professional Rodeo Foley Horse Arena, 113 East Rosetta Ave. Nightly pre-rodeo activities 7 p.m. Rodeo 8 p.m. Tickets: Adults-$12, Children 12-4 $6, 3 & under free Benefits peer-to-peer support programs for students in Baldwin Co. schools Information: 251-971-3633 or www.jennifermoorefoundation.com
3 & 4 • Albertville, Main Street Music Festival. Vendors, children’s activities. Concerts by Phil Vassar, Sister Hazel and Warm Admission: Free
11 • Dothan, Football Fest Dothan Civic Center – 5-9 p.m. Samples of tailgating food, collegiate football merchandise for sale, trivia contest and keynote address from Gene Stallings Admission for speech: $10 VIP reserved seating with steak dinner and meet and greet with Coach Stalling: $100 (only to first 250 registrants) Information: 334-699-1475 www.wiregrassfootballfest.com
18 • Russellville, Antique Tractor Show in conjunction with Watermelon Festival. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Trophies and prizes Admission: Free Contact: Mike Powell 256-332-7652
18 • Dothan, Dothan Indian Artifact Show WestGate Gym Multiple venders displaying cases, pipes, bowls, spears, arrowheads, clothing, jewelry, books and educational displays. Flint Knapping Demo, raffle and refreshments Contact: Troy Futral, 334-821-5823 www.dothanshow.com
25 & 26 • Tensaw, 199th Anniversary of Fort Mims. Exciting 1813 re-enactments between settlers, militia and Indians; living history, period weapons, displays and crafts, old-time music Contact: Claudia Campbell 251-533-9024 www.fortmims.org
25 • Burkville, Alabama Okra Festival 278 Harriet Tubman Road. Free family-friendly event with live music, all kinds of food, fresh local vegetables
and preserves, arts and crafts and children’s activities Contact: [email protected]
25 • Fyffe, 8th Annual Fyffe UFO Days August 25 (Unforgettable Family Outing) Gates open at 9 a.m., entertainment at 10 a.m. Live music, arts and crafts, entertainment and games for the kids, antique tractors and cars Admission: Free Contact: Brandi Clayton at Fyffe Town Hall 256-623-7298 or [email protected]
Come join us for a day of fun at the Geraldine Town Park. Great entertainment, food & fun! Cruise-In begins at 11 a.m. Festival starts at noon with various local artists, including Backwoods Revival, Chosen Generation, Pat Upton, Country Case and a variety of other great
talent. Traditional Pit Cooked BBQ chicken plates, Black Pot Pinto Beans & Cornbread, hot dogs and other tasty eats. Arts & Crafts Booths welcome. For more information Call Geraldine Town Hall at 256-659-2122
Around Alabama
To place an event, mail to Events Calendar, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124; e-mail to [email protected]. (Subject Line: Around Alabama) or visit www.alabamaliving.coop. Each submission must include a contact name and phone number. Deadline is two months prior to issue date. We regret that we cannot publish every event due to space limitations.
Geraldine, Picnic in the Park July 21
Linda Armstrong / Shutterstock.com
Alabama Living JuLy 2012 29
Follow Alabama Living on facebook ®
Follow Alabama Living on Twitter® @Alabama_Living
Scan this code with your phone and join Alabama Living on Facebook.
July_Page29.indd 1 6/18/12 9:56 AM
30 JULY 2012 www.alabamaliving.coop
Market Place
Miscellaneous
SAWMILL eXcHANGe: NorTH American’s largest source of used portable sawmills and commercial equipment for woodlot owners and sawmill operations. over 800 listings. THe place to sell equipment. (800)459-2148, www.sawmillexchange.com
NeW AND uSeD STAIr LIFT eLeVATorS – car lifts, Scooters, Power Wheelchairs, Walk-in Tubs – covers State of Alabama – 23 years (800)682-0658
18X21 cArPorT $695 INSTALLeD – (706)383-8554
INTerIor WooDS: cYPreSS, ceDAr, HeArT PINe, PoPLAr, ASH - www.howardcustomlumber.net (251)847-2334
DIVorce MADe eASY – uNcoNTeSTeD, LoST SPouSe, IN prison or aliens. $179.00 our total fee. call 10am to 10pm. 26 years experience – (417)443-6511
uSeD reNTAL WorK cLoTHeS – PANTS $4.99, SHIrTS $3.99, JAcKeTS $10.95 – call (800)233-1853 or order online www.usedworkclothing.com
(THIS IS THe SPecIAL AD We Are SuPPoSe To WATcH For)
HeLP LINeS For ALABAMA FAMILIeS MorTGAGe BeHIND??? call (888) 216-4173 BANKruPTcY ADVIce??? call (877) 933-1139 oWe BAcK TAXeS??? call (877) 633-4457 DIScouNTeD DeNTAL call (888) 696-6814 creDIT Score coAcH call (888) 317-6625 NoNProFIT DeBT HeLP call (888) 779-4272 - careconnectusa.org, A Public Benefit org
MeTAL rooFING $1.79/LINFT – FAcTorY DIrecT! 1ST QuALITY, 40yr Warranty, energy Star rated. (price subject to change) 706-383-8554
WALL BeDS oF ALABAMA / ALABAMA MATTreSS ouTLeT – SHoWrooM collinsville, AL – custom Built / Factory Direct - (256)490-4025, www.andyswallbeds.com, www.alabamamattressoutlet.com
AerMoTor WATer PuMPING WINDMILLS – windmill parts – decorative windmills – custom built windmill towers - call Windpower (256)638-4399 or (256)638-2352
KeeP PoND WATer cLeAN AND FISH HeALTHY with our aeration
systems and pond supplies. Windmill electric and Fountain Aerators. Windpower (256)638-4399, (256)899-3850
Free BooKS / DVDS – SooN government will enforce the “Mark” of the beast as church and state unite! Let Bible reveal. The Bible Says, PoB 99, Lenoir city, TN 37771 – [email protected], (888)211-1715
Business Opportunities
STArT Your oWN BuSINeSS! MIA Bella’s Gourmet Scented Products. Try the Best! candles / Gifts / Beauty. Wonderful income potential! enter Free candle Drawing - www.naturesbest.scent-team.com
PIANo TuNING PAYS – LeArN WITH American Tuning School home-study course – (800)497-9793
Vacation Rentals
GuLF SHoreS PLANTATIoN - GuLF view, beach side, 2 bedrooms / 2 baths, no smoking / no pets. owner rates (205)339-3850
SMoKIeS – PIGeoN ForGe, TN cABINS – (251)649-3344, (251)649-4049, www.hideawayprop.com
orANGe BeAcH coNDo, 3Br/3BA; 2,000 SQ.FT.; beautifully decorated; gorgeous waterfront view; boat slips available; great rates - owner rented (251)604-5226
DAYToNA: oceANFroNT coNDo…near boardwalk and other attractions..See the sunrise over the Atlantic from your queen size bed…pool and many other amenities..Non-smoking..call Jennifer in Scottsboro at 256-259-2244
TeNNeSSee’S FINeST SMoKY MouNTAIN VAcATIoN GeT AWAY! cozy cabins by owner – (865)712-7633
GuLF SHoreS coNDo - 2Br/1BA - AFForDABLe rATeS & Beachfront - call (256-507-1901) or email [email protected]
cABIN IN MeNToNe – 2/2, BroW view, hottub – For rent $100/night or Sale $199,000 – (706)767-0177
GATLINBurG – DoWNToWN LuXurY creeKSIDe coNDo – 2Br / 2BA, sleeps 6 – [email protected], (256)599-5552
GreAT LAKe LIVING - 3Br/2BA, 2 satelite TV’s, deep water, covered dock - Pictures www.vacationsmithlake.com. $75 night - (256) 352-5721, [email protected]
PIGeoN ForGe, TN: $89 - $125, 2Br/2BA, hot tub, air hockey, fireplace, swimming pool, creek – (251)363-1973, www.mylittlebitofheaven.com
KATHY’S orANGe BeAcH coNDo – 2Br/2BA, NoN-SMoKING. BeST rates beachside! Family friendly – (205)253-4985, www.Kathyscondo.eu.pn
GATLINBurG ToWNHouSe oN BASKINS creeK! GreAT rATeS! 4Br/3BA, short walk downtown attractions! (205)333-9585, [email protected]
GATLINBurG / PIGeoN ForGe – 2 and 3 BeDrooM LuXurY cABINS – Secluded, home theatre room, hot tub, game room – www.wardvacationproperties.com (251)363-8576
PANAMA cITY BeAcH coNDo – oWNer reNTAL – 2Br / 2BA, wireless internet, just remodeled inside and outside – (334)790-0000, [email protected], www.theroneycondo.com
GATLINBurG, TN – FoND memories start here in our chalet – Great vacation area for all seasons – Two queen beds, full kitchen, 1 bath, Jacuzzi, deck with grill – 3 Night Special - call (866)316-3255, Look for us on FAceBooK / billshideaway
ALABAMA rIVer LoTS / MoNroe couNTY, AL – Lease / rent – (334)469-5604
HeLeN GA cABIN For reNT – SLeePS 2-6, 2.5 BATHS, FIrePLAce, Jacuzzi, washer/dryer – www.cyberrentals.com/101769 - (251)948-2918, email [email protected]
PIGeoN ForGe, TN – 3 BeDrooM, 1.5 bath house for rent $75.00 a night – call Bonnie at (256)338-1957
GuLF SHoreS / FT. MorGAN / NoT A coNDo! The original “Beach House” on Ft. Morgan peninsula – 2Br/1BA – Wi-Fi, pet friendly, non-smoking – $895/wk, (256)418-2131, www.originalbeachhouseal.com
GuLF SHoreS - 3Br / 2BA oN BeAcH – W/D, 4 queen beds, sleeps 8 - VrBo#354680 Gulf Shores east – (251)979-3604
FT. MorGAN GuLFSIDe – 2/2, AIr, cable and quiet – owners (251)675-2483 or cell (251)709-3824. LeAVe MeSSAGe!
GuLF SHoreS coNDo - 4 MILeS from beach or outlet mall, 2Br / 2BA, pet friendly, http://www.vrbo.com/396334, (251)213-0688.
WeST BeAcH – 3 GreAT coNDoS – cALL (404)219-3189, (404)702-9824 or email [email protected]. www.GuLFSHoreS4reNT.coM
GuLF SHoreS: FeSTIVe coNDo AT SeA AND SuN on west beach with private beach access close to restaurants and all attractions.. private pool,,non smoking. call Jennifer in Scottsboro at 256-259-2244
eDGeWATer BeAcH IN PANAMA cITY – Beach front condo – 1Br / 2BA – (334)596-4921
LoGcABIN VAcATIoN – WeeKeND reNTAL – Hottubs, King Beds – Mentone and Guntersville – (256)657-4335, www.mentonelogcabins.com, www.vrbo.com/404770
TWo GuLF SHoreS PLANTATIoN coNDoS – excellent beach views – owner rented (251)223-9248
GATLINBurG, TN cHALeT - 3Br/3BA BASKINS creeK – PooL, 10 minute walk downtown, Aquarium, National Park – (334)289-0304
FT. WALToN BeAcH HouSe – 3Br / 2BA – Best buy at the Beach – (205)566-0892, [email protected]
PeNSAcoLA BeAcH coNDo – GuLF FroNT – 7TH FLoor balcony – 3Br / 2BA, sleeps 6, pool – (850)572-6295 or (850)968-2170
GuLF SHoreS BeAcHSIDe coNDo available April thru December – 2Br / 2BA, WiFi, No smoking / No pets – call owner (256)287-0368, cell (205)613-3446
ForT MorGAN BeAcH HouSe – SLeePS 6, $150 Per NIGHT – WWW.vrbo.com #407162, (251)540-1086
ALWAYS THe LoWeST PrIce $65.00 – Beautiful furnished mountain cabin near Dollywood, Sevierville, TN – (865)453-7715
GuLF SHoreS, WeST BeAcH - GuLF view, sleeps 6 - www.vrbo.com/92623, (404)641-4939, (404)641-5314
SMoKIeS - PIGeoN ForGe, TN cABIN – http://www.vrbo.com/402409 - $130.00 a night, fully furnished – (251)254-1622
orANGe BeAcH, AL coNDo – SLeePS 4, GuLF AND rIVer amenities – Great rates – (228)369-4680
GuLF SHoreS coNDo – 1Br, sleeps 4, Gulf-front – owner
Alabama Living JULY 2012 31
(251)342-4393, www.brett-robinson.com, unit I104e
MeNToNe, AL – LooKouT MouNTAIN – billiard table, Jacuzzi, spacious home, sleeps 12 – www.duskdowningheights.com, (850)766-5042, (850)661-0678.
GATLINBurG: FABuLouS VIeWS - PooL, HoT TuBS AND MANY oTHer amenities. call Jennifer in Scottsboro at 256-259-2244. Non-smoking
GuLF SHoreS – crYSTAL ToWer coNDo - 2 bedroom/ 2 bath, Great ocean View - www.vrbo.com #145108 - call owner (205)429-4886, [email protected]
ForT MorGAN BeAcH HouSe - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, HDTV, WiFi –www.wardvacationproperties.com, (251)363-8576
GuLF SHoreS / GATLINBurG reNTAL– Great rates! (256)490-4025 or www.gulfshoresrentals.us, www.gatlinburgrental.us
FT. WALToN, FL coNDo – 1Br, sleeps 6 – Gulfside – owner (251)342-4393, www.seaspraycondos.com, unit 105A
GuLF SHoreS BeAcH coTTAGe – AFForDABLe, WATerFroNT, PeT friendly – http://www.vrbo.com/152418, (251)223-6114
MouNTAIN cABIN, WeArS VALLeY NeAr PIGeoN ForGe – All conveniences, 3 / 2 – Brochure available – (251)649-9818
GuLF SHoreS / FT MorGAN BeAcH HouSe - 3/3 . A short walk to the Gulf of Mexico - WINTer rental $9oo.oo A Month, plus half of utilities – Summer rental $850.00 a week, sleeps 6 adults – call (251)540-7078.
Camping / Hunting / Fishing
VALLeY HeAD, AL LoDGe – 5/2, fishing and hunting – Weekly, monthly rates available for summer – cabins available also – www.lookoutcreekfarm.com, (256)635-6420
rANGe, AL – For reNT: 9 BeD BuNKHouSe eVerYTHING FurNISHeD – camper and campsites available – real reasonable – (251)248-2086, (850)623-8415
FOR SALE
12.5 Acre PecAN orcHArD – coVINGToN couNTY, ANDALuSIA: Three ponds, 30 X 60 metal barn/office, power and water. GreAT LocATIoN - visit: www.allisonland.com, (205)789-0327 - $139,000
LAND AVAILABLe For LeASING…Approximately 3 miles south of evergreen on u.S. 31 next to old
evergreen Tire center approximately 1 miles north of Fair-view community contact Lillie Pierson @ [email protected]
GuLF SHoreS GeTAWAY! 32’ “PArK model” 2006 BrecKeNrIDGe TrAILer for SALe - $6,500 – excellent condition! Sleeps 5 – In storage at Gulf State Park – (334)749-0302
LAKe GuNTerSVILLe – APProXIMATeLY 3.25 Acre LoT IN ceDAr coVe SuBDIVISIoN – deeded enclosed boathouse w/ electric lift and remote control roll up door – on Mink creek and Main river – $115,000.00 or oBo – (205)424-5543, (205)565-1545
SuMTer couNTY – 80 AcreS, house, outbuildings, lake, timber, deer, turkey – (480)718-5021 or (205)742-8126
We PurcHASe SeLLer FINANceD NoTeS, Trust Deeds, contracts for Deed, commercial / Business Notes and more, Nationwide! call (256)638-1930 or (256)601-8146
Travel
cArIBBeAN cruISeS AT THe LoWeST PrIce – (256)974-0500 or (800)726-0954
Musical Notes
PLAY GoSPeL SoNGS BY eAr - 10 lessons $12.95. “LeArN GoSPeL MuSIc”. chording, runs, fills - $12.95 Both $24. Davidsons, 6727Ar Metcalf, Shawnee Missions, Kansas 66204 – (913)262-4982
Education
BecoMe AN orDAINeD MINISTer correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for christ outreach, PMB 767, 6630 West cactus B-107, Glendale, Arizona 85304. http://www.ordination.org
WWW.2HoMeScHooL.orG – YeAr round enrollment. everybody homeschools. It is just a matter of what degree – (256)653-2593 or website
Free BIBLe correSPoNDeNce courSe – write to 23600 Alabama Highway 24, Trinity, AL, 35673
Critters
ADorABLe AKc YorKY PuPPIeS – eXceLLeNT BLooD LINeS – (334)301-1120, (334)537-4242, [email protected]
cHIHuAHuA PuPPIeS. TINY, registered, guaranteed healthy, raised indoors in loving home, vet records and references. (256)796-2893
How To Place a Line Ad in Marketplace
Closing Deadlines (in our office):
September 2012 – deadline – July 25
october 2012 – deadline – aug. 25
november 2012 – deadline – Sept. 25
-Ads are $1.65 per word with a 10 word minimum and are on a prepaid basis
-Telephone numbers, email addresses and websites are considered 1 word each
-Ads will not be taken over the phone. You may email your ad to [email protected] or call (800)410-2737 ask for Heather for pricing.
-We accept checks, money orders and all major credit cards
Mail ad submission along with a check or money order made payable to ALABAMA LIVING, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124 – Attn: Classifieds.
Alabama Living JULY 2012 33
34 July 2012 www.alabamaliving.coop
spec july 2012 magazine.indd 34 6/18/12 4:54 PM
Alabama Living JuLy 2012 35
Southern Pine
Mark your calendar for Sat., Sept. 1 and attend Southern Pine’s 2012 Annual Meeting at W. S. Neal High School!
Willis wins scholarshipExcel High School student receives Southern Pine award
Southern Pine Elec-tric Cooperative recently named David Willis II as the recipient of the co-op’s an-nual $ 1,000 college schol-arship.
The scholarship is pro-vided through the Electric Cooperative Foundation Scholarship program that was created by the electric cooperatives of Alabama in 1997. The purpose of the program is to provide scholarships for post-sec-ondary and vocational ed-ucation for qualifying high school seniors. Dependents of members of participat-ing cooperatives, such as Southern Pine Electric Co-op, are eligible to apply for the scholarships. This is the eleventh year that scholar-ships were awarded from the fund.
David Willis II is the son of David and Deborah Wil-lis of Frisco City, Ala. and is a recent honor graduate of Excel High School. He has received a number of academic awards as he has worked to maintain a near-ly perfect GPA throughout his high school career.
Willis plans to major in engineering. He will first attend Alabama Southern Community College in Monroeville, Ala., and then transfer to an as yet unde-cided university to com-plete his degree.
David’s hobbies include basketball and other sports, hunting, fishing, playing video games and hang-ing out with his friends. He spends much of his free time as a volunteer at the local nursing home where he visits with residents and often plays challenging games of dominoes.
“It means a lot to me to see the smiles on the fac-es of the residents when I walk in to visit with them,” says Willis.
Activities Director of Monroe Manor Nursing Home Felecia Black says, “David Willis starting volun-teering with his local high school honor society. He decided to turn this into a long-term program includ-ing but not limited to up to five hours of volunteer work per week for the past two years . . . He has a true
love and compassion for our residents and they look forward to his visits and donations. Not two weeks ago, one of our residents lost his watch, and David gave him the watch off his arm. This speaks to his true character.”
Southern Pine is proud to have such an outstanding young man as their 2012 scholarship recipient. Con-gratulations, David . Good luck in all of your endeav-ors! A
spec july 2012 magazine.indd 35 6/18/12 4:55 PM
36 JULY 2012 www.alabamaliving.coop
We all remember the story of Chicken Little who was walking in the woods when an acorn hit him on the head. Convinced the sky was falling, he ran to tell the king of the impending danger. On his way, he ran into a number of acquaintances (mostly fowl with rhyming names). He convinced them the sky was falling and that they should accompany him to tell the king. However, they met up with Foxy Woxy, who, under the pretense of showing them the way to the king, led them into his lair where he ate them for dinner.
As culture and technology have changed, so has Chicken Little. Today’s Chicken Little is often a highly degreed, well-dressed, articulate individual with a briefcase and PowerPoint presentations. However, Chicken Little still wants to visit the king and tell him the sky is falling. He likes to talk on television, in newspapers and in magazines. And Chicken Little likes million-dollar government grants to define how badly and quickly the sky is falling.
There are many Chicken Littles among us. Remember Y2K? Many
computer experts warned that the modern world would go dark at midnight on Dec. 31, 1999, and billions of dollars would be required to restore the failed networks unless immediate and drastic action was taken to correct computer defects and avoid certain disaster. We and many other companies spent thousands, if not millions, of dollars and man-hours to correct systems and prevent impending disaster. Others did nothing. Of course, Jan. 1, 2000, came and went without any destruction. The sky did not fall. Chicken Little was disappointed that his time before the king ended without a great disaster, but he moved on.
Of course, I couldn’t write an article without mentioning global warming or climate change. Al Gore, Jim Hanson and a number of other scientists have created a robust industry predicting the damage from droughts, floods, rising sea levels, increasing storms and general climate chaos caused by unmitigated man-made climate change.
Al Gore says, “Humanity is sitting on a time bomb. If the vast majority of the world’s scientists are right, we have just 10 years to avert a major catastrophe that could send our entire planet’s climate system into a tailspin of epic destruction.” Mr. Gore wants to visit the king to tell him that all is lost unless we plant trees, properly
inflate our tires and use low-energy light bulbs.
Jim Hansen, a NASA employee and a full-time climate alarmist, states, “The latest climate models show the planet is on the brink of an emergency.” He has called for the prosecution of electric utility officials (people like me) for high crimes against humanity and nature. Mr. Hansen continues with the same “the sky is falling” mantra he has repeated since 1988, although the actual global temperatures stubbornly refuse to match his models’ predictions. It should be noted that when Hansen took his message to the king, he personally received $1.6 million in research fees over and above his NASA salary.
So what is the psychology of Chicken Little? He loves the talk shows and the adulation. He likes sitting with the king. He enjoys calling down destruction on those that do not heed his warnings. He is not a great and kind soul who warns of danger but a small mind that wishes us to suffer should we refuse his advice. Catastrophe is not his fear but his hope. If you don’t think so, listen to Mr. Gore, Mr. Hansen and other Chicken Littles. Finally, Chicken Little really wants to be Foxy Woxy, lure us into his lair and have us (and our money) for dinner.
Thank you for reading. Keep your eye on the sky, and I hope you have a good month. A
Our Sources Say
Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative
chicken Little, Ph.D. Folk stories are the foundation of all cultures, not just ours. They may be the earliest method of passing knowledge from generation to generation. And, folk stories are always based upon life’s lessons (they are not just entertainment).
Alabama Living JULY 2012 35
38 JULY 2012 www.alabamaliving.coop
Submit Your Images!sePTeMbeR TheMe: “My truck”send ColoR PhoTos wiTh a laRge self ad-dRessed sTaMPed enveloPe To: Photos, Alabama Living, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL, 36124.Rules: Alabama Living will pay $10 for photos that best match our theme of the month. Alabama Living is not responsible for lost or damaged photos.deadline foR: July 31
My old car II
1. l a r r y b u r n s w i t h granddaughters hallie and Cassie submitted by Larry Burns, Geraldine
2. “shorty” and his 1934 car submitted by Phyllis Heathcock, ohatchee
3. don and May alice Mims with their ‘55 Chevy submitted by Vicki Mozingo, Deatsville
4. 1926 Model “T” ford submitted by Andrew o. redmon, Wadley
5. hobert and isa west submitted by Harriett West, Andalusia
6. 1966 Mustang submitted by Debbie Mccay, Moulton
7. Roscoe in his 1949 Cadillac submitted by Wayne and Susan Patton, cullman
Alabama Snapshots
4
1
5
7
2
3
6
Mail order form to: Alabama Living Southern Occasions P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124-4014
NAME: ______________________________________________________
ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________
CITY: ___________________ STATE: ______ ZIP CODE: ___________
o CHECK o CREDIT CARD PHONE NUMBER: ______________
Credit Card Number: __ __ __ __-__ __ __ __-__ __ __ __-__ __ __ __
Expiration Date: _____________________ CVV# ____________________
Signature: ____________________________________________________
COOK BOOKS @ $19.95 each _____
CHURCH BOOKS @ $32.95 each _____
TOTAL: ___________shipping included
Southern Occasions$1995
SHIPPED
Alabama Living’s latest cookbookcontaining recipes from four yearsof Alabama Living magazine.
c o o K B o o K
THEChurches
of ALABAMA
$3295SHIPPED
A beautiful pictorial history of Alabama’s churches ranging from small rural
churches to towering urban cathedrals.
Two Exclusives from Alabama LivingORDER YOURS TODAY!
