Alfa Friends & Family Spring 2011

Alfa’s Running Craze Cowboys Gunning For Fun On Top Of A Fishy Business

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Spring 2011

c o n t e n t s 5

Alfa Offers $1,500, iPad In Student Video Contest

Alabama high school students have until March 31 to enter a contest sponsored by Alfa that’s aimed at stopping teen deaths caused by distracted driving. The winners will receive cash and prizes.

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Tops In A Fishy Business

Alabama Catfish Farmer of the Year Travis Wilson stresses the importance of water quality when he and his family produce nearly 3 million pounds of fish each year.

8

Straight Shooters

The Bama Bandits are gunning for fun as Cowboy Mounted Shooting becomes one of the fastest-growing equine sports.

12

Ag In The Classroom

Teachers have until April 15 to apply for the annual Alabama Agriculture in the Classroom Summer Institute that helps them bring life on the farm back to their classrooms.

On The Cover

16

From left, Rex Seabrook, Sonya McInvale and Troy Stubbs are just a few Alfa employees who have joined the running craze in recent years.

Alfa employees have joined the running craze sweeping America

Running Craze

where thousands are lacing up and taking strides to better health and a happier lifestyle.

19

Peanut Recipes

March is National Peanut Month, and the recipes in the Country Kitchen offer a great way to help celebrate.

28

Alfa Honors Teachers

Three Alabama teachers are tops in their class and received $1,000 from Alfa, while their schools each received $1,000 from the Alabama Farmers Federation.

F R I E N D S & FA M I LY • S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

3

www.AlfaFarmers.org

M G K P

President’s

O

essage

ne of the highest compliments you’ll hear from a farmer is, “He’s not afraid to get his hands

Atlanta.

“We are not sufficiently impressed by the process of getting food from dirty.” the farm to the table,” Rowe said. “It’s It’s not that farmers don’t apprecinot happening by magic. There’s not a ate professions where starched white steak tree in the backyard.” shirts and air-conditioned offices are The TV personality urged farmers the norm. They just feel a special kinto become advocates for their industry, ship with those whose calloused hands both to combat negative publicity and bear witness to a lifetime of labor. to encourage young people who want Perhaps that’s because farming to pursue agriculture as a career. requires you to wear many hats.

As a defender of the working man, Farmers not only till the soil and tend Rowe is openly critical of those who livestock, but they often serve as their would marginalize jobs like farming own mechanics, welders and construction. and carpenters.

“We used to tell our kids that So when Mike Rowe, learning a trade was a great way executive producer and to secure a worthwhile future,” host of Dirty Jobs on the Rowe told the Huntsville Times “Discovery Channel”, in an article last year. “Today, started a campaign to we tell them if they want to get celebrate and recruit a really good job they need a skilled workers, farmers four-year degree. We’ve lumped took notice. Rowe’s almost the skilled trades into the ‘alterJerry Newby evangelistic message native education’ category and about the loss of American turned the entire field of study tradesmen struck a chord with farminto some sort of a vocational consolaers, who’ve seen their own numbers tion prize.” dwindle.

Although the Alabama Farmers In fact, about one-third of Federation has helped hundreds of stuAmerica’s skilled workers are age 50 dents get a college education through or older, and for every four construcscholarship programs, we agree with tion workers who retire, only one new Rowe that America must also encourworker is entering the field. The story age vocational training. is much the same in agriculture, where One way the Federation is working the average age of an Alabama farmer to strengthen vocational programs is now almost 58. is through support of the Career To combat the decline in construc- Technology Initiative, which provides tion workers, Rowe and the Alabama grants to fund extended contracts for Construction Recruitment Institute vocational agribusiness teachers. launched the “Go Build Alabama” It’s our hope that this initiative — campaign last fall. The effort, which is along with Ag in the Classroom, FFA aimed at boosting interest in Alabama’s and the 4-H Club — will spur interest construction industry among young in farming and skilled trades among people, attracted about 30,000 visitors our youth. to the GoBuildAlabama.com Web site After all, our food, comfort and in its first four months, including 2,100 economic prosperity all depend on who registered on the site’s career those men and women who “aren’t database. afraid to get their hands dirty.”

Meanwhile, Rowe carried his message to the nation’s farmers in January, ______________________________ For more information, visit when he spoke at the American Farm mikeroweworks.com.

Bureau Federation’s annual meeting in

Alabama

Country

Market

www.AlfaFarmers.org

ardener

itchen

lace

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Volume 87, Number 1 ________________________ Debra Davis, Editor Darryal Ray, Associate Editor Mike Moody, Graphic Designer ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION Paul Pinyan, Executive Director Jeff Helms, Director of Communications FEDERATION OFFICERS Jerry Newby,

President, Athens Hal Lee,

Vice President/North, Hartselle Dean Wysner,

Vice President/Central, Woodland Ricky Wiggins,

Vice President/Southeast, Andalusia Jake Harper,

Vice President/Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn,

Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Joe Dickerson, Lexington Ted Grantland, Somerville Donnie Garrett, Centre Darrel Haynes, Cullman John E. Walker III, Berry Marshall Prickett, Wellington Richard Edgar, Deatsville Dickie Odom, Boligee Garry Henry, Hope Hull Carl Sanders, Brundidge David Bitto, Elberta Sammy Williams, Columbia Debbie Freeland, Grand Bay Ben Haynes, Cullman Friends & Family (ISSN 1522-0648) is published quarterly by the Alabama Farmers Federation, 2108 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, Ala. 36116. For information about member benefits of the Alabama Farmers Federation, visit the Web site www.AlfaFarmers.org. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and additional mailing offices. Printed in U.S.A. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Friends & Family, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001.

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Paul Hurst, Hurst & Associates, Inc., P.O. Box 6011, Vernon Hills, IL 60061. Phone: 800-397-8908; Fax: (847) 438-8105. Classified ad and editorial inquiries should be directed to the editor at (334) 613-4410.

ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER: Ad­vertise­­­­­­­ments contained in Friends & Family do not represent an endorsement by the magazine or the Alabama Farmers Federation.

EDITORIAL MATTER from sources outside of the Alabama Farmers Federation is sometimes presented for the information and interest of our members.

Such material may, or may not, coincide with official Alabama Farmers Federation policies. Publication of material does not necessarily imply its endorsement by the Alabama Farmers Federation.

ADDRESS editorial, advertising and address change correspondence to Friends & Family, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, AL 36191-0001.

www.AlfaFarmers.org A member of American Farm Bureau Federation

F R I E N D S & FA M I LY • S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

From left are State School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Morton, student advisers Sarah Bethea of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School in Montgomery and Katie Wendland of Autauga Academy in Autaugaville, Alabama Independent School Association Director Don Oswald and Alfa Insurance President Jerry Newby announced the contest at a press conference in Montgomery.

Alfa Offers $1,500 And An iPad For Top Student Video

By Debra Davis

A

labama high school students have until March 31 to enter a contest aimed at saving lives by increasing awareness of the dangers caused by distracted driving. The winning entry will earn $1,500 cash and an iPad. The Alfa Drive Smart initiative began Jan. 1 and offers eligible students an opportunity to creatively express their thoughts and concerns about distracted driving, particularly texting and driving, to help educate and influence fellow teens and older drivers to “drive smart.”

Through the online video contest, Alfa will award prizes to the student or student group that produces the best video discouraging distracted driving. The winning student’s school also will receive a cash award. Videos can be up to one minute in length.

“Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers,” said Alfa President Jerry Newby.

“Anything that distracts a driver, young or old, causes us great con-

F R I E N D S & FA M I LY • S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

cern. Through this project, we hope to prove to all drivers, and especially teenagers, that their safety is far more important than any phone call or text message.”

The first-place winner or group will receive one iPad plus $1,500 in cash. The winning student’s (or group’s) school will receive $1,500.

The second-place winner will receive one iPod Touch plus $1,000 in cash.

The school of the second-place winner or group will receive $1,000.

The third-place winner or group will receive one iPod Nano plus $750 in cash. The school of the third-place winner or group will be awarded $750.

The Alabama State Department of Education and the Alabama Independent School Association have partnered with Alfa for the contest and are encouraging students to enter and watch the videos.

“I have one primary concern that ranks above all others – the safety

and well-being of Alabama’s young people,” said Dr. Joseph Morton, state school superintendent. “I hope this contest challenges students to use their imagination and creativity to develop a message of safety that resonates across the state and the country.”

“Sadly, many of our member schools, students and families have been impacted by the unnecessary and avoidable incidents that result from careless behavior while driving,” said Alabama Independent School Association Director Don Oswald. “This program should serve as a wonderful outlet for students to express their thoughts and concerns with their peers.”

The official contest entry form and a list of contest rules are available online at AlfaDriveSmart.com.

Approved contest entries will be posted to the site.

Visit AlfaDriveSmart.com to see a sample video and view the contest rules.

5

www.AlfaFarmers.org

By Debra Davis

T

ravis Wilson of Dallas County said he probably wasn’t chosen Alabama’s Catfish Farmer of The Year because he thinks outside the box. More likely, he said, it’s because he and his family think beyond the pond bank.

Travis was recognized during the annual Catfish Farmers of America meeting in Mobile in February, but it’s what he and his family do on their farm each day that earned him the award.

The farm is known for utilizing, and even inventing, some of the latest technology for catfish production.

The Alabama Catfish Producers, a division of the Alabama Farmers Federation, selected Travis earlier this year as the nominee, which was confirmed by the Catfish Farmers of America. Federation Catfish

www.AlfaFarmers.org

Division Director Mitt Walker said Travis was chosen for the award for his environmental stewardship, production, innovations and leadership.

“We are blessed to have clean fresh water and a good claybased soil,” said Wilson, who grows catfish with his father, Butch Wilson, and his brotherin-law, Willard Powe. Their ponds cover 450 acres just west of Selma. “Without good water quality, you won’t be successful in the catfish industry.

“I think I owe whatever success I have to my father who has always been willing to try new things. We’ve done lots of research with Auburn University to help improve the way we do things. Some of it has worked, and others, well, we know now that they won’t work.”

As Alabama’s Catfish Farmer of the Year, Travis will represent the state this March at the Boston Seafood Show, the nation’s largest seafood show. He also will appear in promotional advertising for the Catfish Farmers of America.

Travis, 37, grew up farming with his dad on their 1,750-acre farm where they also raise beef cattle. His dad began raising catfish in 1990, and when Travis finished college, he returned home to the family’s business, as did his brother-in-law. The farm typically produces about 3 million pounds of catfish a year.

Married for 10 years, Travis and his wife, Keisha, have two sons, Trevor, 8, and Cole, 6.

“One of the best attributes of being a farmer is being with your 6

family most of the time,” he said.

“I like the fact that my sons are growing up the same way I did. It allows me to instill my principles and values in them every day.”

Catfish production brings a certain pioneer spirit to agriculture, according to Travis, who described his dad as “a man of dreams.” Some of those dreams have turned into experiments that are helping revolutionize the industry.

In addition to the traditional ponds, their farm includes a raceway system where catfish are grown in a confined area of a pond with special attention paid to feed consumption, water quality and waste management.

By focusing on a smaller area of the pond with a larger number of fish, the feed conversion, which equates to higher profits, increases as well.

The latest addition to the farm is a 120- by 80-foot insulated barn, built with the help of a soybean checkoff grant from the United Soybean Board. The barn holds 10 large fish tanks. The tanks have the capacity to raise 100,000 pounds of tilapia every six months with a filtered water system.

“Soybeans are a large component of fish food and if we can increase fish production inside barns like this, then we would create more demand for their product (soybeans),” Travis said.

“We’re growing tilapia in the tanks right now, but we are interested in fine-tuning the system so that we can raise our catfish fingerlings year round and have them bigger when we are ready F R I E N D S & FA M I LY • S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

to put them in the ponds.”

The barn’s wastewater provides nutrient-enriched, liquid fertilizer that flows into a new greenhouse next to the barn where hydroponic lettuce is grown for a budding organic market.

“Trying new things is what has kept our farm afloat when a lot of others have left the business,” he said. “But if you’re not constantly taking care of your fish, you won’t be in the fish business long because they won’t survive.

“And I want consumers to know that when they eat fish grown on our farm they are getting a safe, delicious product grown by farmers who care about what we do.”

Alabama has about 200 catfish farmers who grow fish in 19,200 acres of water. The state ranks second in the nation in catfish production, and in 2010 produced 137 million pounds of catfish valued at $106 million.

F R I E N D S & FA M I LY • S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

For The Toughest Jobs on Planet Earth

®

FOR THE TOUGHEST JOBS ON PLANET EARTH® 1-800-966-3458 Made in USA © 2011 Gorilla Glue Company

7

www.AlfaFarmers.org

Photo courtesy of Jessica Cummings

By Darryal Ray

two sets of five balloons. A double, custom-made holster sits angled high above their waist, making it easier to draw the two .45 caliber pistols they carry. Riders charge across the starting line with one gun in hand, firing at the first set of five balloons. After the fifth shot, the rider holsters the first gun and draws the second as he or she begins a dash to the finish line, shooting the last five balloons along the way. The fastest and most accurate wins.

The crack of the gun, the smell of the black powder and the clouds of smoke that hang in the air above the arena are all part of the attraction for Shannon Andress, a regional 4-H Extension agent for Montgomery, Macon and Elmore counties.

“I’d been interested in mounted shooting for many years, but I didn’t really have the courage to try it until about two years ago when I went to a shoot,” said Andress. “I was just going as a spectator because cowboy mounted shooting events don’t charge an admission fee – they’re just happy to have anybody observe the sport.

So the guy in charge saw me looking very longingly, leaning over the wall, and he said, ‘Do you want to try this?’ He was taking a chance, not knowing that I was a fairly experienced horse person. So, I did and fell in love with it.”

Even so, it took her two years of competing before she sunk the $1,300 into her set of Ruger Vaqueros Montado, her weapon of choice, and another

S

ome are Outlaws, Bandits, Renegades or Desperadoes. Others are Peacemakers, Rangers or Regulators.

It may sound as if they are on opposite sides of the fence, but the truth is that truth, justice and the cowboy way rule in the world of cowboy mounted shooting competition.

“It’s not so much about who wins as it is a lot of fun,” said Eddie Vanderslice, president of the Bama Bandits.

“It’s very Christian-oriented, it’s for the family. We don’t tolerate any drinking, no ugly language. It’s not for everybody, but that’s just the way it’s going to be with us.”

The Bandits, based out of Bruce Faust’s Iron Horse Ranch in Wetumpka, is one of three clubs in Alabama that are part of what has been called the fastest-growing equine sport in America. The national organization, the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, counts a membership of about 10,000.

Although only established in 2009 by Vanderslice and a handful of others, the Bandits club numbers about 60 members — easily the most in the state — and is still growing.

“It’s growing about as fast as we can control it now,” said Vanderslice, who owns a fabrication and machine shop in Bessemer. “Every time we put on a shoot in Wetumpka, we’ll get three-to-five new members.”

It’s easy to see why — mounted shooting is a sport steeped in the romance of the Old West. Although the contestants shoot only black powder blanks, mounted shooting still offers a hefty dose of firepower and horsepower. Often described as “barrel racing with guns,” it’s an event that — except for the balloon targets and orange cones that mark the course — looks like a scene out of Lonesome Dove or True Grit.

Competitors dressed in mid-1800s Old West outfits dash through a randomly selected course that consists of

Michelle Cummings (opposite page) puts her horse through the paces at a recent shoot. Above, it’s show time as the Bama Bandits prepare to enter the arena for a recent demonstration at Montgomery’s Garrett Coliseum. Right, Ted Matyjasik and Paladin have learned to coordinate their efforts, and Jill Brewer has ‘bling’ as well as ‘bang.’

F R I E N D S & FA M I LY • S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

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www.AlfaFarmers.org

At left, Bandit President Eddie Vanderslice and Allan Andress are ready for some shootin’.

$250 into her custom holsters. “It takes awhile to know what equipment works best for you,” she explained.

“And in the cowboy mounted shooting world, people know this and they don’t want you to go out and buy the wrong kind of gun that doesn’t fit your hand or is the wrong length.

They don’t want you to get the wrong set of holsters that won’t work for you. People here will beg you, ‘Here, try my holsters!’ or ‘Try my gun!’ or even ‘Try my horse!’ That’s how we hook people in cowboy mounted shooting.”

Now a member of the Bandits’ board of directors, Andress competes almost monthly with her husband, Allan and 11-year-old son, Sam, who competes in the under-12 Wrangler division where only cap guns are used.

“It’s a sport for everybody,” she said. “We have shooters of all ages.

There’s a lady in Florida in her mid80s, and she out-shoots everybody.

Of course, she takes it at a slow lope but if you shoot clean — shoot all 10 targets — you’re going to beat somebody who ran three times faster than you but missed one or two. So, it’s not just about speed.”

Andress became such a fan that she began recruiting new members like Michelle Cummings, a 20-yearold police dispatcher whom she met while posting flyers about the club at a local Western wear and tack store.

“I first saw mounted shooting www.AlfaFarmers.org

at the Alabama Horse Fair in 2009 before the Bama Bandits club was ever started,” says Cummings, who is attending Troy State UniversityMontgomery with hopes of becoming a state conservation officer. “I wasn’t really sure how I was going to try it until I met Shannon. She told me all about the new club that was forming so as you can imagine I was very excited. When I tried it the first time that was it, I was addicted.”

Cummings’ first attempt at mounted shooting came in November 2009, and she began attending as many practices with the Bama Bandits as possible. “My first competition was March 2010,” she recalled. “I was new at the sport and my horse was young and new to being ridden. So, needless to say, our first shoot didn’t go very well.”

“The hardest part about riding and shooting is the control of your horse,” added Cummings, who was already familiar with handguns. “If you don’t have good control, your focus is on the horse and not on shooting and learning how to shoot faster. Pulling the hammer back every time before pulling the trigger takes a lot of getting used to — your hand gets tired and you can get behind real quick.”

Cummings also emphasizes the value of a good horse.

“My horse, Lakota, is still young and doesn’t have a good handle on him yet,” she said.

“He doesn’t mind the gunfire but he turns like a freight train. My other horse, Caricia, has a good handle on her, but the gunfire makes her nervous.”

The gunfire doesn’t bother Bandit member Ted Matyjasik, a heli-

copter instructor at Fort Rucker.

“Probably the most difficult part of this is the horse,” said Matyjasik.

“Well, if you’re not used to shooting guns, that can be difficult, too. But trying to get the horse settled in can be tough. Some horses can do it, some can’t. Then it’s a matter of you and the horse. You’ve got to figure out what his job is and what you’re job is. Then, between the two, you try to coordinate the effort.”

Vanderslice has coordinated the effort better than most. He’s a “Level 4” competitor, the highest in Alabama and just two steps below the top echelon of shooters.

“I have to have five wins to move up to a Level 5 shooter and I lack one more,” Vanderslice said. “You can only accomplish that by going to Tennessee and places like that where they’ve been shooting a lot longer because you have to have a minimum of five participants that are also in Level 4 in order to move up. So, I have to travel out of state to get my move up. But in time, all those Level 1’s we have are going to move up, and we’re going to develop a really good shooting club. Still, it’s not so much about who wins as it is just a lot of fun.” ______________________________ For more information about the Bama Bandits and upcoming shooting events, visit www.BamaBandits.com and www.cowboymountedshooting.com.

Shannon Andress tells audience at Garrett Coliseum that mounted shooting is for everybody.

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F R I E N D S & FA M I LY • S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

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1/28/11 12:29 PM

Applications Sought For AITC Summer Institute

By Debra Davis

A

pplications are being accepted until April 15 for the annual Alabama Ag in the Classroom (AITC) Summer Institute, a grassroots program coordinated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that arms teachers with materials and strategies to increase student knowledge of agriculture.

Set for June 15-17 at the Marriott Shoals in Florence, the workshop will include activities for kindergarten through sixth-grade teachers and field trips to several area farms. The activities incorporate language arts, science, social studies and math skills.

“AITC is a program that educates teachers and students about agriculture in our state, and provides opportunities for children to learn about farming and how important it is to our daily lives,” said AITC Chairman Kim Earwood. “The summer institute provides books and hands-on activities that teachers can carry back to their classrooms. The activities teach children about agriculture, while at the same time reinforcing classroom curriculum of history, math, science, reading and writing that complement the Alabama Department of

www.AlfaFarmers.org

Education’s course of study.”

Educating teachers about agriculture, Alabama’s largest industry, is significant because it instills the importance of agriculture and how it impacts everyone’s lives on a daily basis, Earwood said.

“There was a time when most children in Alabama grew up on a farm. But today, fewer children are raised in a rural setting and many really don’t understand how important farms are,” she said. “Agriculture is part of our state and nation’s history, and it’s definitely part of our future as we look for ways to feed a hungry world and find renewable fuels.”

The most popular part of the summer institute, however, is the farm tours, Earwood said.

“Our tours allow the teachers to actually meet a farmer and ask questions about what happens at their farm,” Earwood said. “It helps make farming seem real, especially to those teachers who have never been on a farm. When you hear a teacher who has been teaching for 28 years tell you it is the best workshop she has ever attended, it shows that the program’s efforts are all worthwhile and headed in the right direction.”

Sponsors of the program

12

include the Alabama Farmers Federation, Alfa Insurance, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, Alabama Poultry Contract Growers Association, Alabama Poultry and Egg Association, Alabama Farmers Federation State Soybean Committee and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Proceeds from the sale of Ag Tags also benefit the program.

The institute will be limited to 95 educators, and applicants will be selected on the basis of an application form provided by the AITC Planning Committee. It is available online at www.AlabamaAITC.org.

Lodging, most meals and workshop materials will be furnished.

Teachers also can receive continuing education credits. For more information, contact Kim Earwood, director of the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Women’s Division and AITC chairman, at (334) 612-5370 or email KEarwood@AlfaFarmers.org.

Applications should be sent to: Amy Belcher, Alabama Ag in the Classroom, P.O. Box 3336, Montgomery, AL 36109-0336 or faxed to (334) 240-7169.

Autauga County farmer Andy Wendland discusses his corn crop with teachers who previously attended an AITC Summer Institute.

F R I E N D S & FA M I LY • S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

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t Alfa, runners throughout the company are lacing up their shoes and participating in races of all distances; from events in rural Alabama to some of the largest and most prestigious races in the world in places like Chicago, New York, Boston and even Disney World.

According to Running USA, a non-profit organization monitoring trends in running, the number of finishers in races of all distances has hit record levels. But running is more than just competition; for many it’s a complete lifestyle change benefitting their mental and physical health and, in many cases, their favorite charities as well.

“I can’t begin to describe how much it’s changed my life,” said Rex

Seabrook, 41, Alfa Farmowner Underwriting Manager. “I feel better about myself, I feel more energetic, and I feel that it will help me live a longer and healthier life for my wife and daughter. Heart disease runs in my family, and I want to do all I can to be around when my little girl graduates high school, college, gets married and has her family. I want to be an involved and active grandfather some day.”

Seabrook has completed two marathons and one half-marathon.

His favorite race was the Pensacola Marathon when his daughter placed the coveted finisher’s medal around his neck.

Many runners say an early morning run provides positive benefits in their professional and personal lives throughout the day.

“Running has helped me in all phases of my life - from my faith, home and work,” said Alabama Farmers Federation Area Organization Director Matthew Durdin of Jasper. “I listen to praise music or download a daily devotion and listen to it on long runs. I feel energized at home after running, and that also helps me stay focused on

what I need to accomplish at work.”

Durdin, 38, has been running for five years. He’s completed five half marathons and one run/swim/run race. His goal is to complete the full marathon distance this year.

Keith Bowen, 38, of Prattville is a Resource Specialist II with Alfa who has logged a lot of miles. Since 2006, he’s completed nine half marathons and 14 marathons, including backto-back marathons over two days in January 2010. He also has completed the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual marathon, the Boston Marathon, a race with strict entry requirements based on qualifying times.

“My most memorable was the Boston Marathon in 2009 and words cannot describe it,” said Bowen.

“Basically, you run 26.2 miles with at least a million people cheering for you and it is the closest thing to feeling like a rock star. No other race has compared to the Boston Marathon thus far.”

Alfa employees have joined thousands of runners who’ve turned their passion into a pastime aimed at helping others. Millions of dollars each year are raised for charity through races of all sizes. In 2010,

Far left, Alfa Customer Service Representative Leigh Marsh recently finished her 12th half marathon. Left, Alfa runner Keith Bowen with wife, Amy, and son, Jamison, after qualifying for the prestigious Boston Marathon at the Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville in December 2008.

www.AlfaFarmers.org

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F R I E N D S & FA M I LY • S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

the Bank of America Chicago Marathon alone had 10,000 runners who raised $10 million for charities around the globe. Almost every local race benefits charity in some way, bringing another meaningful aspect to those who participate.

“Most of the local 5K’s and 10K’s that I have done are for some sort of charity,” said Customer Service Representative Leigh Marsh of Pell City. “I raised over $2,000 to help find a cure for cancer. I also ran a half marathon for autism. Some races the entry fee goes to a certain charity, and others you actually have a set amount of money to raise for the charity in order to participate in the race.”

Prattville Alfa Agent Troy Stubbs, 32, lives in Wetumpka and has organized local road races that raised thousands of dollars for two charities.

He’s been an active runner since 2005 competing in more than 25 races, including four marathons and three half marathons.

“I really enjoy participating in these local events,” said Stubbs. “It is a great way to get out and support various causes. But, perhaps the best part is seeing people achieve their personal goals of being physically fit.”

Many runners say the beauty of the sport is the convenience (you can run anywhere) and the price tag is reasonable (all you really need is a good pair of running shoes). After that, it’s all about finding motivation.

Sonya McInvale, 47, is an auto underwriter for Alfa. She started running in 2008 to get in shape and has since completed three half marathons and is preparing for two more.

“Personally, I think it’s the fastest way to lose weight and keep it off,” she said. “It’s also a fairly cheap sport to get started in.”

Getting started is easy, and most people do not need to run marathons or half marathons to find success and health benefits.

“The main thing is to just get out there and start walking. I would suggest maybe finding a local 5K and setting a goal,” said Marsh. “You can find out about local 5K’s from a Web site called Active.com or your local sports store.”

Marsh, 40, said she started running in 2007 and has completed 12 half marathons and one full marathon. This from someone who admits she was not athletic prior to her discovery of running.

“I was not very athletic as a child.

I was teacher’s aide during my PE classes to get out of having to actually exercise,” said Marsh. “Now I am getting up in the freezing cold, rain, snow or heat of the summer for a race before most people even get up to start their day. Sometimes I still can’t believe it.” ______________________________ Editor’s note: Marc Pearson, 34, competed on his high school cross-country team.

After a break from running during college, he resumed the sport to improve his health. He has since completed the Chicago Marathon twice, including running as a charity runner for the Organization for Autism Research.

Area Organization Director Matthew Durdin hopes to complete his first marathon this year.

Alfa Auto Underwriter Sonya McInvale has completed three half marathons and is preparing for two more.

F R I E N D S & FA M I LY • S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

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www.AlfaFarmers.org

www.AlfaFarmers.org

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F R I E N D S & FA M I LY • S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

By Teresa Wilson

M

ore than 100 entries were judged in the National Peanut Festival Recipe Contest where winners received cash and prizes that totaled more than $2,000.

Barbara Baxley of Midland City was named the overall adult winner for her Peanut Butter Taffy Apple Cookies. Jaycie Walker of Headland was the top student winner for her Awesome Peanut Butter Cake.

The annual event is coordinated by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, which sponsors the contest along with the National Peanut Festival Association.

This year’s contest featured something for every palate — from Peanut Butter Fudge and Chicken Peanut Wraps to a Peanut, Ham & Cheese Log and a Golden Peanut Corn Dog. The competition featured two divisions and five categories: cakes, miscellaneous, candies, cookies and pies Contestants came from Alabama, Florida and Georgia, to have their culinary creations critiqued by a 10-judge panel that included local restaurateurs as well as officials from

Little Miss National Peanut Festival Queen Alexa Rodgers from Geneva County samples Jaycie Walker’s prize-winning cake. college culinary programs.

“You really have to judge each one on its own, and you really can’t compare,” judge Mark Panichella, an instructor with the culinary management program at Chipola College in Marianna, Fla., told The Dothan Eagle.

“Flavor, appearance and uniqueness — can it be duplicated by someone at home? — all go into choosing a winner.”

Of course, March is National PEANUT BUTTER TAFFY APPLE COOKIES

1 stick margarine, room temperature 1/2 cup extra crunchy peanut butter 1 egg 1 1/2 cups cake flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed 1 11-ounce bag of butterscotch chips 1 cup dried apples, chopped 1 cup caramel apple dip 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat margarine and extra crunchy peanut butter in a large bowl until smooth. Add egg. Beat well. Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt together. Add flour

F R I E N D S & FA M I LY • S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

19

Peanut Month, a time to celebrate one of America’s favorite foods.

Roasted in the shell for a ballpark snack, ground into peanut butter or tossed in a salad or stir-fry, peanuts find their way into everything from breakfast to dessert.

Coincidentally, March is also National Nutrition Month — a great time to recognize the nutritional value of peanuts. One serving of peanuts is a good source of protein, Vitamin E, Niacin, Folate, Phosphorus and Magnesium. Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat.

There are many claims about the origin of peanut butter. Africans ground peanuts into stews as early as the 15th century. The Chinese have crushed peanuts into creamy sauces for centuries. Civil War soldiers dined on ‘peanut porridge.’ Those uses, however, bore little resemblance to today’s peanut butter.

In 1890, an unknown St. Louis physician supposedly encouraged the owner of a food products company, George A. Bayle Jr., to process and package ground peanut paste as a nutritious protein substitute for people with poor teeth who couldn’t chew meat. The physician apparmixture, brown sugar, butterscotch chips and dried apples to peanut butter mixture. Beat until well blended. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes. Cool cookies about five minutes on cookie sheet. Put cookies on wire rack and cool completely. Spread 1 teaspoon of caramel apple dip on each cookie. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Makes four dozen cookies.

Barbara Baxley, Midland City 2010 National Peanut Festival Grand Prize — Adult Division

www.AlfaFarmers.org

ently had experimented by grinding peanuts in his hand-cranked meat grinder. Bayle mechanized the process and began selling peanut butter out of barrels for about 6¢ per pound.

While peanut butter may not be that inexpensive these days, it’s still a good, nutritious investment — particularly when used in the recipes like those below.

MARINATED PORK CHOPS WITH PEANUT PARSLEY PESTO

4 (6-ounce) boneless, center cut pork chops, about 3/4-inch thick 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2/3 cup tightly packed fresh parsley 1/2 cup lightly salted peanuts 1/3 cup loosely packed fresh basil 1 garlic clove, peeled 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup grated Romano cheese

To make the pork chops: combine the pork chops, garlic, oil, mustard and lemon zest in a bowl; toss well to coat. Refrigerate 1 hour. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.

Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper and place on pan. Cook, until well marked and cooked through, 6-7 minutes per side. Transfer to serving plates and keep warm.

Meanwhile, combine the parsley, peanuts, basil, garlic and lemon

juice in the bowl of a food processor. Process until chopped, about 1 minute. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the oil until combined. Add the cheese and pulse to combine.

To serve, top each pork chop with 2 tablespoons of the pesto.

Refrigerate remaining 1/2 cup pesto in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Serve it as a spread on low-carb bruschetta or on a bowl of low-carb pasta.

PEANUT CREAM CHEESE BROWNIE BARS

1 package Duncan Hines milk chocolate brownie mix 1 stick melted butter 1 egg, beaten well 1 cup chopped dry-roasted peanuts 1 box confectioner’s sugar 2 eggs, beaten well 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup finely chopped nuts 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Combine brownie mix, butter and one egg. Mix well. Toss in peanuts.

Mix well. Press into a buttered 9-by13 inch pan. Combine confectioners sugar, two eggs, cream cheese, peanut butter and vanilla. Mix well. Pour onto brownie mix. Top with one cup of crushed peanuts. Bake 50 minutes on 300 degrees. Serves 4.

Cathy Carter, Wassau, Fla. 2009 National Peanut Festival Grand Prize — Adult Division

NO BAKE PEANUT BUTTER PIE

4 ounces cream cheese 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted 1 cup crunchy peanut butter 1/2 cup milk 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed 1 deep-dish chocolate flavored or graham cracker crust

In a large mixer bowl combine cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar; mix well. Add peanut butter and mix. Slowly add milk and mix well. Fold in whipped topping. Pour into pie shell and cover. Freeze for at least 30 minutes. Drizzle each serving with chocolate syrup.

Lemon Peanut Crinkles

1 box Duncan Hines Cake mix (lemon) 1 egg 1/2 cup peanut butter 1 8 oz. Cool Whip, thawed 1 cup finely chopped honey roasted peanuts 1 cup Confectioners sugar Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix cake mix (dry), Cool-whip, egg, and peanut butter. Add chopped peanuts. Dip by teaspoon and roll in a small ball.

Roll ball in confectioners sugar. Place on well greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Ann Fennell winner of 2010 National Peanut Festival Cookie contest winner ______________________________ Editor’s Note: For more recipes featuring peanuts, go to www.alpeanuts.com and click on the consumer link.

AWESOME PEANUT BUTTER CAKE For Icing: Mix peanut butter with confectioner’s sugar. Add butter and milk. Mix well. Add extra confectioner’s sugar if needed. Spread on layers and sides of cake.

1 box Betty Crocker Cake Mix, butter 1 1/4 cups water 1 stick real butter 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla

Jaycie Walker, Headland 2010 National Peanut Festival Grand Prize Student Division

ICING: 18-ounce jar chunky peanut butter (Jaycie prefers Jif) 1 1/2 boxes of confectioners sugar, sifted 1/4 cup real butter, softened 5-ounce can evaporated milk

Mix as directed on cake box using real butter and add vanilla. Bake in three 8-inch greased pans for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely, and frost with peanut butter icing.

www.AlfaFarmers.org

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F R I E N D S & FA M I LY • S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

“…classic! The [Stauer] tanzanite are a beautiful shade of violet blue…full of color!”

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Endangered Gem Disappearing Tanzanite is found in only one remote spot on Earth, and it’s 1,000 times rarer than diamonds. Experts say the mines will soon run dry forever, but today you can own more than 1 carat for Better Than FREE!

T

ime is running out. Geological experts predict the world’s supply of tantalizing tanzanite will disappear in a matter of just a few years. Maybe sooner. High-end retailers are raising prices on this rare stone. And gem dealers are in a mad scramble to secure their claim before it’s too late. Let them scramble.

Our buyer recently secured a huge cache of beautiful rare tanzanite, the precious stone loved for its vivid violet-blue color. Today you can own over 1 carat of this rare stone (1,000 times rarer than diamonds) in our spectacular Tanzanite Cluster Ring with a suggested retail of $795 for only $99.

Want to learn how to get this magnificent ring for Better Than Free…read on.

Order the exclusive Tanzanite Cluster Ring (1 1/5 ctw) for $99 and we’ll give you a $100 Stauer Gift Coupon. That’s right. You pay $99 and you get the Tanzanite Ring AND $100 toward your next Stauer purchase. This is our impossible Better Than FREE offer.

It started with a lightning bolt. One strike set the African plains on fire and uncovered a secret that was buried for more than 585 million years. Tanzanite naturally occurs in only one place on Earth: Tanzania’s remote Merelani Hills, in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro.

World’s most endangered gem. Top-quality tanzanites can often fetch higher prices than diamonds. But, once the last purple USING THE RING SIZE CHART gem is pulled from that remote spot beneath Place one of her rings on top of one of the circle diagrams. Her Kilimanjaro, that’s it. No more tanzanite. ring size is the circle that matches the inside diameter of the ring Reserve your piece of gem history. If you go diagram. If her ring falls between sizes, order the next larger size. online right now, you’ll find one of the

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Scott Named Assistant To The President For Alfa Insurance

A

lfa Insurance President and CEO Jerry Newby has named Al Scott of Montgomery to the position of assistant to the president.

Scott will continue to serve as general counsel and corporate secretary for the Alfa Insurance companies, and will now play a more visible role in representing Alfa and in coordinating functions of the company’s various divisions, Newby said.

“Al is a good man and trusted friend who is dedicated to serving our members and policyholders,” said Newby, who also serves as president of the Alabama Farmers Federation.

“As assistant to the president, he will be available to help with the obligations of this office while continuing to provide wise counsel to me and our board of directors. Al is a loyal employee who understands the importance of both the Federation and Alfa Insurance.

His knowledge and experience with all phases of our organization will be invaluable as we work to provide the best service possible to Scott our members and policyholders.”

A graduate of Auburn University, Scott earned his doctor of jurisprudence from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in 1981.

He served as law clerk for Alabama Supreme Court Justice Hugh Maddox and as attorney for the city of Montgomery before joining Alfa as assistant general counsel in 1993.

Scott was named general counsel for Alfa in 1997 and was promoted to senior vice president in 1999.

“I am honored that Mr. Newby has asked me to serve in this new capacity, but I recognize the great responsibility it brings,” Scott said.

“Mr. Newby is incredibly busy. A lot of people come through his door, and a lot of things land on his desk.

Certain things come up that only he as president can address. My job is to

F R I E N D S & FA M I LY • S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

do whatever I can to lighten his load so he has the time to properly address those matters.

This is another step by Mr. Newby in his commitment to serve Alfa’s policyholders and members.”

Scott and his wife, Billie, live in

Montgomery where he is a member of Eastwood Presbyterian Church.

They have two daughters, Lee, who teaches school in Anniston, Ala., and Allison, who serves as public information coordinator for Alabama Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey.

In today’s economy, wise purchases are more important than ever. With skyrocketing prices of natural gas, propane and fuel oil, homeowners around the world have found that a WaterFurnace geothermal system is a smart choice. WaterFurnace geothermal systems tap into the clean, renewable energy found in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. With additional benefits like no outdoor unit, and safe, clean, quiet, reliable operation, a WaterFurnace geothermal unit makes a typical furnace and air conditioner seem pretty ordinary.

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waterfurnace.com/geo101 | (800) GEO-SAVE (436-7283) WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc.

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www.AlfaFarmers.org

Q: Why does your #1 soybean customer eat like a pig? ☐ Your local diner serves tofu-bacon. ☐ He knows you’re picking up the check. ☐ Because a lot of your customers are pigs.

Your soybeans travel a lot farther than just the local grain elevator. Go to www.BeyondTheElevator.com to learn more about your number one customer AND your operation’s profitability.

©2011 United Soybean Board (41216-ALSB-01/11)

www.BeyondTheElevator.com

AMERICAN HISTORY

American Revolution Silver Dollars FOUND! Authentic coins from 1783 – the year we won our independence!

A

fishing expedition off the southern coast of the U.S. recently netted a cache of American Silver Dollars lost at the bottom of the sea for over 200 years—and upon closer examination it was discovered that many of these coins are dated 1783— the year we won our freedom!

Actual size is 39 mm

The Silver Dollar of our Founding Fathers.

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin could have carried these same coins in their pockets when our country was born. Jefferson asked the Continental Congress to adopt this Silver Dollar as the country’s FIRST Silver Dollar. Congress agreed. The rest is history. And now that they are available to the American public, the coin of our founding fathers is tangible history you can secure for your very own.

Now, through this discovery, you can own a set of TWO of these historic treasures — at a truly affordable price!

Authentic items from the time of the Revolutionary War are seldom found or can be seen only in museums. Over the last 227 years most colonial American Silver Dollars have been lost or melted down for their precious silver. Containing a hefty 27 grams of 90.3% silver, these coins were real money back then—and real money today. They currently sell elsewhere for as high as $295 each. But because of this historic discovery and our exclusive negotiations, for a limited time, you can own not just one of these coins of our Founding Fathers, but a set of TWO 1783 Silver Dollars—for our best price of only $149!

That’s less than $75 for each Silver Dollar! Both coins are hand selected for their detail, one featuring a visible date on its front, and the other the Spanish Coat of Arms on

its reverse. And both are beautifully mounted in a special full color protective display.

This is American history you and your family can own and give as gifts to your children and grandchildren— gifts they are certain to treasure and lovingly pass down for generations!

Act Fast to Avoid Disappointment!

Our supplies of these incredible historical artifacts of the American Revolution are rapidly disappearing.

We URGE you to call NOW to avoid the “Sold-Out” notice.

1783 Silver Dollar 2-coin Set $149*

SAVE $126 Off what they’ve sold for elsewhere!

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THREE 1783 Silver Dollar Sets $139 Each* SAVE $30!

FIVE 1783 Silver Dollar Sets $135 Each* SAVE $70!

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1-800-456-2466 Offer Code SRS187-02

Please mention this code when you call.

14101 Southcross Drive W., Dept. SRS187-02 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

*Plus shipping & handling. GovMint.com is a private distributor of worldwide government coin issues and is not affiliated with the United States government. Facts and figures were deemed accurate as of September 2010. ©GovMint.com, 2011

www.GovMint.com

M G K P

Blue Phlox

By Lois Chaplin

L

ately I’ve spoken to many gardeners who have told their landscape plants, “you’re on your own,” in response to the last few years of weather extremes. These plants either make it through the heat, drought, cold, or excessive rains, or they don’t because they aren’t getting a lot of help from their gardeners. One alternative for gardeners is to look to native wildflowers for color. Many natives are built to withstand fluctuations in the local climate or can be chosen for their adaptation to specific conditions, such as woodland soils where root competition from trees doesn’t suit traditional bedding plants.

Lucky for us, growers are getting better at cultivating many of these species and making them available.

Woodland species such as trilliums, blue woodland phlox, columbine, Jack-in-the-pulpit, Solomon’s seal, cardinal flowers, wild ginger, Indian pinks and others are great additions for shady gardens. The key to using these plants is understanding their subtleties and seasonal shows. Don’t expect them to bloom for six months

like annuals. Some, such as woodland phlox, are very showy when they bloom in spring, but then they all but disappear. Others such as trilliums, keep their pretty leaves on show after the flowers fade. Solomon’s seal is all about foliage texture, so it gets used a lot like a fern. Wild ginger needs to be appreciated up close for its arrowshaped or heart-shaped foliage and interesting color pattern of the leaf.

Other natives have been in popular cultivation for years, many hybridized to improve on some quality that we love best about them.

Gaillardia is one of these, growing rampantly on sandy and sunny roadsides and adored by butterflies, it’s one of the most cheerful native perennials. The purple verbena that you see on the roadside in south Alabama in the spring and summer is the parent of the popular Homestead Purple verbena. Purple coneflowers, milkweeds, ageratum, rudbeckias, and asters are a few sun-loving natives in production that are prized for the same reasons. So, yes, there are just as many fantastic selections for sun available as there are for shade.

One way to learn about wildflowers and how to use them is to

GET GROWING AT THE CO-OP. www.AlfaFarmers.org

President’s

essage

Alabama

ardener

see them in person. The Huntsville Botanical Garden has a nice wildflower Country walk that is at its bestitchen in spring.

Trilliums-on-parade is the best way to describe the trillium collection there. Anyone who wants to see lots of different species should visit the collection, which is partially mainMarket tained by the Huntsvillelace Wildflower Society. It is one of the largest in the country. Trillium is a genus of woodland wildflowers that like shade and rich woodland soil. They are known for a unique growth habit of three leaves in umbrella like pattern and delicate flowers in early to mid spring. You may know it by another name, wake-robin. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens also has a beautiful wildflower garden. Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga., is another place to see wildflowers in the spring.

Of course, you can also do lots of Googling to look up pictures and entries about these without ever leaving home.

Often, undisturbed wildflowers will multiply in sweeps all around, offering color and interest from the earliest spring through fall. If you have shade, many of the same woodland natives may be the answer to enlivening your landscape. Besides the hues and textures that they provide for our woodland or sunny gardens, most are easy to grow. Dressing up a garden with a few natives is also a wonderful way to help further the preservation of these southern treasures and not feel too guilty by telling these plants that they’re on their own once you give them time to get established. After all, they were here long before we were. ______________________________ Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

WWW.ALAFARM.COM 26

F R I E N D S & FA M I LY • S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

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Teachers, Schools Win $1,000 Through Alfa Contest

By Melissa Martin

To ensure her students remain as eager about fun and learning as she is, she often reaches into her ‘bag of tricks’ — techniques gained from experience as a coach, parent and wife. What really sets Thorn apart in her field, though, is that in addition to the required curriculum, she also teaches her students sign language.

Cheryl Hall, a third-grade teacher at Lacey’s Springs School in Morgan County, is the March Teacher of the Month. She reaches out to her students in a slightly unorthodox way — the U.S. Postal Service. Before school begins each fall, she sends each of her students a letter to let them know how excited she is to have them in her class. During the year, she also helps students learn about the importance of giving to their community.

Programs such as Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Math-A-Thon®, along with canned food drives and other beneficial campaigns, allow Hall to pass along her enthusiasm for helping others.

During 2011, Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation are honoring one outstanding teacher from each of Alabama’s eight state board districts, two principals and two private school teachers. Application information is available under Ag Links in the Ag Resources section of AlfaFarmers.org.

A

lfa has awarded three of Alabama’s top teachers $1,000 each through Alfa’s Teacher of the Month program in January, February and March. Each of the winning teachers’ schools also received $1,000 from the Alabama Farmers Federation.

January’s Teacher of the Month was Veronica Parker, a teacher at Hazel Green Elementary School in Madison County. She said children should use all of their senses to learn, so teachers should provide many different learning styles, explains Parker, who has taught second grade at Hazel Green since 1997. Prior to that, she taught kindergarten for seven years.

Parker’s love of education and people, as well as her academic preparedness and willingness to serve her community, helped her earn the Teacher of the Month award.

She said she’s humbled by the designation, but added that her day is made each time she steps into a classroom.

February’s winner was Coach Leslie Thorn of Forest Hills Elementary School in Lauderdale County. While most educators will agree that engaging students in any class can be a challenge, she sets out each day to promote healthy habits and enrich the lives of her students through her physical education class.

FARM BUREAU MEMBERS Actual Savings of

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETINGS OF ALFA MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY ALFA MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY & ALFA MUTUAL GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY

20-25%

Enjoy Life’s Special Moments Again...

Don’t Let Hearing Loss get in the Way!

Is Hearing Loss

Affecting Your Life?

Do you often ask people to repeat themselves?

Do you have a problem understanding speech while you are in crowds?

Do people seem to mumble or speak in a softer voice than they used to?



YES

 YES 

NO

YES

NO



The annual meetings of the policyholder members of Alfa Mutual Insurance Company, Alfa Mutual Fire Insurance Company and Alfa Mutual General Insurance Company will be held at the Executive Office of the Company, 2108 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama, 36116, on April 13, 2011, at 9:00 a.m., to consider and act upon the following:

 NO



Farm Bureau Members guaranteed Free pre-approval Professional Audiologists & Specialists Statewide Free Hearing Aid Assessment Discounts on Hearing Instruments 60 Day Trial / 100% Guaranteed Custom Fit 1 Year FREE Supply of Batteries (1 case per instrument)

1. To elect directors in accordance with the bylaws.

2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

The record date fixed for determining members entitled to vote at said meeting is the close of business on February 25, 2011. If a member has authorized the Company’s Board of Directors to vote as his/her proxy at said meeting and wishes to revoke such proxy, such member may do so by written notice to the Secretary of the Company, by registered mail to the address set forth above, at least 20 days prior to said meeting.

Your Hearing is your most important sense for Communication and Quality of Life. The ClearValue Hearing program is the most comprehensive program available.

Activate your FREE Membership TODAY!

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toll free

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---H. Al Scott, Secretary

*Activation mandatory for enrollment, scheduling and listed discounts and services. www.AlfaFarmers.org

28

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Classified Facts For just $2 per word your classified ad in Friends & Family reaches 340,000+ subscribers each quarter. So if it’s a recipe, service or an item for sale, let Friends & Family help.

CLOSING DATE: Ads must be received by the 10th day of the month prior to publication (Ex: Fall issue closes Aug. 10). Dates for publication are Spring (March), Summer (June), Fall (September) and Winter (December).

Ads received after closing will automatically run in the next available issue unless notified. No changes may be made after closing. Minimum 10 words per ad.

PRE-PAYMENT REQUIRED FOR ALL ADS. No fax or phone orders. Cash or credit cards accepted. Phone 1-800392-5705, ext. 4410 for more details.

Send your ad with payment, payable to Alabama Farmers Federation, to: Friends & Family Classified P.O. Box 11000 Montgomery, AL 36191-0001

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PIANO TUNING & REPAIR – Rev. Hicks, Rt. 1, Coy, AL 36435. (334) 337-4503.

THE RIVERHOUSE – Lake Guntersville, RUSTIC, on the water, with boathouse SLEEPS 11. (256) 571-7326 www.vrbo.com/239961.

BUYING SILVER COINS – 1964 and before, paying 7 times face value. Call (334) 322-2869.

GATLINBURG – Elegant 4 bedroom/3 bath, back porch over creek, 10-minute walk to aquarium. (800) 435-3972.

MISCELLANEOUS

WWII GERMAN WAR RELICS WANTED

BY COLLECTOR! Helmets, Daggers, Uniforms, Swords, Medals, Flags, Etc. Paying Cash! Call: (334) 354-2975; Email: alamilcollect@gmail.com Write: Allen, PO Box 11304, Montgomery, AL 36111.

Escorted Tours Since 1952

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Vacation Packages $995-$1295.

Call 1.800.CARAVAN. Visit Caravan.com.

Grow 1/2-dollar size muscadines

& blackberries. 1Over 200 varieties 2.25w.1h4C8.21.10.Farmers.indd 10/12/10 3:46:54 PM FINDING GOLD IN ALABAMA Fun! How of fruit, nut, and berry plants. to find and pan Alabama gold.

Ison’s Nursery & Vineyard www.goldmaps.com.

“PLAY GOSPEL SONGS BY EAR!” 10 lessons $12.95 “LEARN GOSPEL MUSIC” Chording, Runs, Fills $12.95; both $24. Davidsons, 6727FF Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66204.

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CABINS IN THE SMOKIES – Pigeon Forge, convenient, peaceful setting (251) 649-3344 or (251) 649-4049 – www.hideawayprop.com.

AFFORDABLE BEACHSIDE VACATION CONDOS Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL. Rent Direct from Christian Family Owners Lowest Prices on the Beach.

Spring Special 4 Nights Efficiency Unit (2 adults & children) $444.00 Includes Everything (1, 2, & 3 bedroom units also available.) (205) 556-0368 or (205) 752-1231 www.gulfshorescondos.com.

www.AlfaFarmers.org

GULF SHORES BEACH HOUSE – Nice 2/bedroom, great Gulf view. Spring $800/ week. Summer $995/week.

(251) 666-5476.

30

F R I E N D S & FA M I LY • S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

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All varieties are extremely fragrant, especially in the evening. Angel Trumpets are excellent container plants that make an impressive display for your deck or patio.

These tropical beauties thrive in bright sunlight during the dog days of summer, just make sure to give them plenty of water. Can be brought indoors in the north for use as a house plant. Hardy in zones 8-10. Prices for all of one color.

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we are open 7 days a week 8 am – midnight ESt • Sunday 9 am – midnight ESt • OffEr Only gOOd tO nEw diSh SubScribErS • Se Habla español Digital Home Advantage plan requires 24-month agreement and credit qualification. Cancellation fee of $17.50/month remaining applies if service is terminated before end of agreement. Programming credits apply during first 12 months. $10/mo HD add-on fee waived for life of current account; requires 24-month agreement, continuous enrollment in AutoPay with Paperless Billing. Showtime offer ($39 value) requires AutoPay with Paperless Billing; after 3 months then-current price applies unless you downgrade. DISH Platinum offer requires qualifying HD programming, AutoPay with Paperless Billing; after 3 months you must choose to continue subscription. Free Standard Professional Installation only. All equipment is leased and must be returned to DISH Network upon cancellation or unreturned equipment fees apply. Limit 6 leased tuners per account; upfront and monthly fees may apply based on type and number of receivers. HD programming requires HD television. Prices, packages and programming subject to change without notice. Offer available for new and qualified former customers, and subject to terms of applicable Promotional and Residential Customer agreements. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer ends 5/17/11. SHOWTIME and related marks are registered trademarks of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS Company. Google TV: Limit one per account. DVR Integration Service fee will apply. Requires broadband Internet. Available with compatible DISH Network receiver models only (ViP® 622, 722, 722k). Restrictions may apply for existing customer to upgrade. Subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. Google TV is a trademark of Google Inc. Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are owned by Logitech and may be registered. InfinityDISH charges a one-time $49.95 non-refundable processing fee. Indiana C.P.D. Reg. No. T.S. 10-1006. *Certain restrictions apply. Based on the availability in your area.