April 2018 central

Make room for roadside crews APRIL 2018

Central Alabama Electric Cooperative

A decade of savings The Co-op Connections Card: a benefit of membership

Updated business listing inside

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Vol. 71 No. 4 April 2018

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LIVING

ON THE COVER:

Celebrating 10 years of savings with the Co-op Connections Card!

Central Alabama Electric Cooperative 103 Jesse Samuel Hunt Blvd.

Prattville, AL 36066 www.caec.coop Advertising and Editorial Offices: 340 TechnaCenter Drive Montgomery, Alabama 36117-6031 1-800-410-2737 For advertising, email: advertising@areapower.com For editorial inquiries, email: contact@alabamaliving.coop National Advertising Representative: National Country Market 611 South Congress Ave., Ste. 504 Austin, TX 78704 1-800-626-1181 www.nationalcountrymarket.com Alabama Rural Electric Association: Fred Braswell, AREA President Lenore Vickrey, Editor Allison Law, Managing Editor Mark Stephenson, Creative Director Danny Weston, Art Director Jacob Johnson, Advertising Director Brooke Echols, Advertising Coordinator Laura Stewart, Communications Coordinator Nalin Crocker, Graphic Designer Alabama Living is delivered to some 420,000 Alabama families and businesses, which are members of 22 not-forprofit, consumer-owned, locally directed and taxpaying electric cooperatives.

Subscriptions are $12 a year for individuals not subscribing through participating Alabama electric cooperatives. Alabama Living (USPS 029-920) is published monthly by AREA. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and at additional mailing office.

Upgrading CAEC’s Titus substation FEATURES

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Substations: stepping up to provide power

For 80 years, CAEC’s substations have helped deliver quality power to our members.

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Country weddings

Taking vows in rural, rustic settings is a trend that’s gaining in popularity. Alabama has a variety of such spaces to host your special event with country flair.

FAVORITES

9 Spotlight 30 Alabama Gardens 40 Outdoors

Bears on the move

Alabama’s bear population numbers about 400, state biologists say, with some living near residential areas where they are never seen.

44 Cook of the Month 54 Hardy Jackson’s Alabama In this issue:

POSTMASTER send forms 3579 to: Alabama Living, P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124-4014.

USPS 029-920 ISSN 1047-0311

Printed in America from American materials Alabama Living

Page 9 Page 28

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Look for this logo to see more content online!

APRIL 2018 3

Board of Trustees Terry Mitchell Chairman, Stewartville (256) 249-3128

Charles Byrd Vice Chairman, Deatsville (334) 361-3324

Mark Presnell, Sr. Secretary/Treasurer, Wetumpka (334) 567-2689

C. Milton Johnson Statesville (334) 412-2843

Patsy M. Holmes Wetumpka (334) 567-8273

David A. Kelley, Sr. Rockford (256) 496-0160

Jimmie Harrison, Jr. Maplesville (334) 366-4338

Van Smith Billingsley (205) 755-6166

Chase Riddle Prattville (334) 365-3648

Mark Gray Clanton (205) 351-1889

Contact Us Toll Free: 1-800-545-5735 Outage Hotline: 1-800-619-5460 www.caec.coop Prattville Office: 103 Jesse Samuel Hunt Blvd.

Prattville, AL 36066-6773 Clanton Office: 1601 7th St. North Rockford Office: 9191 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka Office: 637 Coosa River Pkwy.

The changing landscape of vegetation management During the last 80 years, while many things have changed at your cooperative, one thing has remained constant—our goal to deliver reliable power to your home or business. One of the challenges that we face on a regular basis, both here at Central Alabama Electric Cooperative (CAEC) and across our industry, is trees and vegetation that cause unplanned service interruptions. Electricity plays a much more vital role for us today than it did 80 years ago and preventing vegetation-related Jacoby Dennison, service interruptions is critical.

CAEC Manager Trees growing close to electrical lines and other equipment, such as poles of Vegetation Maintenance and transformers, can cause electrical faults. They may also limit access to electrical equipment for inspection and routine maintenance. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, trees in close proximity to energized conductors may pose safety hazards to the public and utility personnel. These are the predominant reasons why CAEC maintains the vegetation along the utility right of way (ROW).

To address this issue, in 2000, after conducting an extensive evaluation, CAEC made a strategic decision to change its operating practices by merging all Vegetation Maintenance (VM) personnel and equipment into one department. Also during this same time, and due to a fleet of aging equipment, our vegetation maintenance activities, including trimming, mowing and herbicide application, were bid. This resulted in contracts for the implementation of an Integrated Vegetation Management Program (IVM), which established defined maintenance cycles. We understand that in order to provide our members with the most reliable service possible, we must have a proactive vegetation maintenance program that prevents problems and interruptions caused by vegetation growing on or falling into the power lines.

Even with all of these advances, we continue to monitor and improve our IVM program.

For example, we determined that preventing limbs from falling onto the lines was an area where we could improve; consequently, we are now requiring trimming contractors to remove overhanging limbs from above the power lines, up to a height of 70 feet from the ground. This pre-emptive approach to removing these hazardous limbs will benefit our members in the future.

With our aggressive IVM program in place, our outage reports show that a large percentage of outages is caused by branches and trees from outside the right of way, a distance of 15 feet on each side of the line. Since January 2014, approximately 40 percent of the total power outages have been caused by trees or limbs falling from outside of the 30-foot right of way. Our crews constantly look for and identify these possible danger trees and work with members and landowners on solutions.

We’ve come a long way from the initial 478 miles of line we had in 1939. Today we monitor and maintain over 5,000 miles of line from the constant reliability threat vegetation can pose. But as we’ve learned over the years, a system is only as strong as its vegetation management program—something we will continue to be dedicated to. A

| Central Alabama Electric Cooperatve |

A decade of savings Ten years ago, CAEC and cooperatives across the country rolled out a unique benefit of being a cooperative member—the Co-op Connections Card program.

The Co-op Connections Card offers co-op members product and service discounts at participating local and national businesses.

When we began the program in 2008, we had 74 local businesses offering discounts. That number has since grown to 113 local Co-op Connections Card discounts in Central Alabama (a listing of those can be found in the center of this magazine), offering valuable discounts on everything from dining and automotive needs to printing and nail services.

But your card’s value doesn’t end with local businesses—currently, 511 co-ops across the country participate in the program with over 32,000 local and national business offerings available to all card holders. That’s a huge jump over the initial 50 national businesses we started with just 10 years ago!

One of the biggest values of the Card is the prescription drug benefit. By using your card, you can receive discounts ranging from 10 to 85 percent off certain prescriptions at more than 60,000 national and regional pharmacy chain stores. While not designed to be a substitute for insurance, this powerful member benefit has saved members more than $100 million nationwide on their prescriptions alone, with CAEC members saving about $630,000 in the last decade.

As the Co-op Connections Card program has grown and evolved, new benefits have been added. Additional Healthy Savings Discounts help members further with services such as dental, vision, hearing, chiropractor visits, lab work and imaging. To help local businesses, the B2B (Business-to-Business) program was launched to serve as a resource for discounts for business owners.

Look at the insert in this magazine for local and national deals or visit www.connections.coop or www.caec.coop for the newest deals and updates! www.caec.coop

Accessing these savings is also easier than ever before. In addition to the website (www.connections.coop), members can access deals via the free mobile app, available for Apple and Android devices, by searching for “co-op connections.”

A decade of savings with one simple card— just one of the many benefits of being a CAEC member. A

APRIL 2018 5

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Substations: Stepping up to provide power As we celebrate our 80th Anniversary, we’ll look at how your co-op has changed and evolved over the years to better serve you.

Electricity enhances your life, from lights and entertainment to the comfort level of your home. But since power plants usually aren’t next door to homes, power must travel long distances to reach your location. The complicated process of delivering power from Point A (power plant) to Point B (your home or business) combines several key components, which includes substations.

Substations are a vital part of how Central Alabama Electric Cooperative (CAEC) delivers your power. Our first substation, located in Speigner, came online in 1939. This one substation served CAEC’s initial members for seven years until a second substation, in Evergreen, was energized in 1946.

Today, we have 24 substations (including those two original subs) serving 43,000 homes and businesses.

To move electricity efficiently from the generation point, along transmissions lines and to the distribution system requires a high voltage—an electromotive force that acts a lot like water pressure.

But what is the purpose of a substation? Distribution substations serve as essential “transit” points in this system that can “step down” this high voltage. High voltage may be great for speeding power along transmission In an undated photo, crews work on lines; however, if electricity were to enter your home at too high a level, CAEC’s first substation located in Speigner. This substation ran on its electronics could be damaged. Substations keep voltages constant, preventoriginal transformer until 1999. ing harmful fluctuations from occurring, and we use them to switch loads.

If one substation goes out, we can put that load onto a linked substation, quickly restoring power to homes and businesses until repairs can be made on the impacted substation.

Several types of substations are found between power plants and homes.

Each contains a wide array of equipment, including transformers, regulators, lightning arrestors, circuit breakers, insulators and more.

The Titus substation, which came online in 1979, was the last CAEC substation to be upgraded with a new transformer in 2013.

As you can imagine, substations are an expensive and huge undertaking, which takes years of planning before they are completed. Most substations require 10-20 years’ worth of planning before they can be energized. In 1939, the land for the Speigner substation cost CAEC $37.90 and the estimated cost of building a sub at that time was $15,000, whereas today’s substations can range in cost from $1.5-2 million. But amazingly, the return on investment for subs, with proper care and maintenance, can last for generations. For example, the original Speigner sub transformer, which is a critical piece of voltage-altering equipment, was not replaced until 1999 and two other substations, Rockford, erected in 1958, and Maplesville in 1968, still have their original transformers.

Substations remain a vital part of your electric cooperative’s system, helping to ensure a safe, reliable and affordable supply of power for decades to come. A

6 APRIL 2018

Make room for roadside crews When the winds blow and storms roll across our area, you might be more alert and expectant to see our line crews on the side of the road working to restore power. But do you expect to see them roadside on a bright and sunny day?

To maintain our 5,000 plus miles of line, CAEC’s crews and contractors work not only during storms, but on clear days as well, a time when you might find yourself more easily distracted while driving. To help make our roadways safer for drivers, utility workers, emergency responders and maintenance personnel, The National Safety Council (NSC) observes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This recognition draws attention to the dangers of not having your full attention on the road around you.

One of the leading causes of distracted driving is motorists being preoccupied by mobile devices—causing 1.6 million crashes and 330,000 injuries each year according to the National Safety Council. To help combat this issue, Alabama bans texting while driving for all motorists and cell phone use for novice drivers (age 16 to 17) with fines and punishments for those caught breaking these laws.

Additionally, in 2009, Alabama passed a law (Move-Over Act) designed to protect individuals who are conducting business on Alabama’s roadways.

In addition to these laws, CAEC personnel take safety precautions to make drivers aware of their presence, including signs to warn motorists they are in the vicinity, such as cones around vehicles at the work site, rotating and flashing yellow lights and reflective traffic vests. If you approach a crew while traveling on a two-lane road, moving over to the next lane might not be an option. In this case, slow down when approaching roadside crews. If you approach a crew while traveling on a four-lane road, and safety and traffic conditions allow, you should move over into the far lane.

Drive without reading or sending texts, email, using the internet or social media of any kind.

Wait to text or call others until they have stopped driving and stop texting or end a phone call with others if you learn they are driving.

Utilize Bluetooth technology to either conduct your phone calls or to send an auto reply text message informing those texting you that you are driving and cannot respond.

If driving with a passenger, ask him or her to text or make calls for you.

When alone, turn your cell phone off before starting to drive.

Pull over to a safe location to eat or apply make-up—these can prove just as distracting as a cell phone.

If you are the passenger of a distracted driver, point out the danger of his/her action and offer to help with the task.

There’s plenty of room for all. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe on our local roadways. A

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APRIL 2018 7

The power behind your power As April arrives, it brings with it the showers that produce spring flowers. It also heralds the beginning of a potentially stormy season that can inherently include power outages. While Central Alabama Electric Cooperative (CAEC) strives to provide reliable electricity to our members, there are times when Mother Nature has other plans. Most of us can ride out a storm from the comfort and convenience of our homes. However, there is a group of professionals that spring into action when the weather takes a turn for the worst – co-op lineworkers.

That’s why in 2013, the U.S. government designated April 18 as National Lineman Appreciation Day. Braving stormy weather and other challenging conditions, lineworkers must often work 40 or more feet in the air to restore power. Listed as one of the 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S., lineworkers perform detailed tasks next to high voltage power lines.

In addition to the highly visible tasks lineworkers perform, their job today goes far beyond climbing to the top of a pole to repair a wire. Line crews use their laptops and cell phones to map

outages, take pictures of the work they have done and troubleshoot problems. In our community, CAEC employees are responsible for keeping 5,956 miles of line across 10 counties in good operating condition, in order to deliver power to our members 24/7, regardless of the weather, holidays or personal considerations.

While some of the tools that lineworkers use have changed over the years, namely the use of technology, the dedication to the job has not waivered.

Their commitment to service, especially during some of the worst weather conditions, is one of the main reasons national “thank a lineman” day was established. Whether they are constructing new power lines or restoring outages, lineworkers are dedicated to all of us who enjoy the conveniences that are powered by electricity.

So during the month of April, if you see a lineworker, pause to say thank you to the power behind your power. Let them know you appreciate the hard work they do to keep the lights on, regardless of the conditions.

Paying our Part Have you filed your taxes yet? With April being the month most associated with filing taxes, did you know that even though your co-op is a not-for-profit organization, we pay taxes each year as well? Taxes that benefit the communities we serve.

In 2017, CAEC contributed to regional, state and federal governments by paying over $10.3 million in taxes. Of the $10.3 million, over $1.1 million was paid in ad valorem taxes. The revenue from ad valorem taxes goes to school districts, volunteer fire departments and other vital services for our communities.

In addition, CAEC paid $530,000 in city business licenses and another $43,000 in state and county use tax for the year. Sales tax is paid when the cooperative buys goods and equipment.

Payroll taxes, totaling almost $3.5 million, were paid in 2017. These taxes include employer-funded state unemployment compensation as well as the social security and Medicare taxes funded by both the employee and CAEC. The co-op also paid approximately $1.9 million in gross receipt taxes and approximately $3.1 million in utility taxes. A

Brighten up with outdoor lighting Did you know CAEC offers outdoor, dusk to dawn lighting? Often known as “security lighting” the co-op will furnish, install and maintain the lighting equipment, which can be attached to an existing pole or installed on its own pole, for a low monthly fee. Rate information can be found on our website (www. caec.coop) under “Rates & Availability” or call one of our Customer Service Representatives for more information at 1-800-545-5735.

APRIL 2018 8

April | Spotlight

Whereville, AL

Identify and place this Alabama landmark and you could win $25! Winner is chosen at random from all correct entries.

Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified.

Send your answer by April 9 with your name, address and the name of your rural electric cooperative. The winner and answer will be announced in the May issue.

Contribute your own photo for an upcoming issue! Send a photo of an interesting or unusual landmark in Alabama, which must be accessible to the public. A reader whose photo is used will also win $25.

Event reminds drivers to be safe around work zones Those who work in roadway construction zones face dangers every day they’re on the job, and Alabama will continue to support a national effort to make drivers aware of these dangers.

Alabama will again participate in the National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 9-13. The annual spring campaign is traditionally held at the start of the highway construction season to encourage safe driving.

In Alabama, the effort is coordinated by the Struck-By Alliance, a voluntary group of businesses and agencies that have an interest in promoting safety along the state’s highways. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) takes a lead role in the group; others involved include the Alabama Associated General Contractors of America, Alabama Power Company and the Alabama Rural Electric Association, which publishes Alabama Living.

(Utility crews do much of their work on road rights-of-way.)

This year’s theme is “Work Zone Safety: Everybody’s Responsibility.” For more information, visit workzonesafety.org.

This Month In

Submit: By email: whereville@alabamaliving.coop By mail: Whereville P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124

MARCH’S ANSWER The tiny town of Mooresville in Limestone County, population 58, is home to the Old Brick Church of Mooresville, completed in 1839, according to the historical marker next to the church. A popular wedding venue, its most interesting feature may be the sculpture of a hand pointing toward heaven atop the steeple.

The property on which the church stands was donated

by Gov. Thomas Bibb and his wife, Parmelia, to be used for a community church. The Cumberland Presbyterian denomination owned the building until the Methodists bought it in 1898. It has also served as a Baptist mission. In 1994, the United Methodist Church conducted a deconsecration service, and passed ownership to the town. (Photos submitted

by Cynthia Salyer, Central Alabama EC) The random guess winner for March is Ted Thies of Arab EC.

Alabama Living

®

ALABAMA HISTORY Honoring Our People

April 21, 1924

Ira Louvin of the Louvin Brothers country music duo was born in Section, Alabama. Known for their intricate harmonies and excellent musicianship on the mandolin and guitar, Ira and his younger brother Charlie Louvin produced some of the most influential gospel and secular music of the 1950s. Over a short 16-year career, the brothers released ten top-20 Billboard hits, including “I Don’t Believe You’ve Met My Baby” and “The Knoxville Girl.” The Louvin Brothers joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1955 and were inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-1493 APRIL 2018 9

Al

| News you can use | SOCIAL SECURITY

RURAL HEALTH

Connect with Social Security via automated services

Stigma is an unnecessary barrier to mental health care

E

very day thousands use it to do business with Social Security. We strive to offer the kind of services that meet people’s needs. And sometimes you want fast and direct answers over the phone.

We have that option.

You can call us toll free at 1-800-7721213. Our automated services are available 24 hours a day and include some of the most popular services that people need. With automated services, you can request a benefit verification (proof of income) letter, replace a lost SSA-1099 (tax summary needed for taxes), request a replacement Medicare card, ask for form SSA-1020 to apply for help with Medicare prescription drug costs, or request an SS-5 application for a Social Security card.

When our automated services ask such things as, “How can I help you?” Just say, “Get a proof of income letter” or “Replace Medicare card.” Next, you will be asked for some personal information to identify yourself, then we will respond to your request. We will mail you the document or form you requested. It takes less time to use automated services than to reach a representative by phone on a busy day.

Sometimes, you just need Social Security information such as, “What date will my check arrive?” or “What is the SSI program?” Automated services feature messages about these popular topics. If payment delivery date is the type of info you need, when asked “How can I help you?” just reply “Payment delivery date.”

You will hear a recorded message stating the current month and the future month’s payment dates. Other topics include direct deposit, SSI messages, the cost-ofliving adjustment, Medicare prescription drug program, tax information, representative payee, and fraud. Dial, and listen — what a simple way to stay informed.

To connect with us through our automated services, visit socialsecurity.gov/ agency/contact/phone.html. Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached by email at kylle.mckinney@ssa.gov.

10 APRIL 2018

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everal years back, I was conducting a community health assessment of a small, rural community in South Alabama to identify its greatest health issues and needs. My first job after finishing college was with the Alabama Department of Mental Health. Because of this experience, mental health care and needs have always been of special concern to me.

As a part of this health assessment, I visited the local outpatient mental health center to meet with the clinical director to discuss mental health-related issues, trends, and needs in the community. I was surprised when he refused to discuss such general topics until I received permission from his supervisor. This experience started me thinking about the stigma attached to certain mental health and other sensitive health conditions as a very real barrier to health care.

Keeping health conditions and issues in the closet is greatly contributing to establishing and increasing stigmas that are actually creating barriers to health care.

The question must be asked: Could this unnecessary stigma be a contributing factor in the horrible school violence in this country? This director should have been required to get out and speak with civic organizations, churches, etc. to inform the community about local mental health.

A large portion of our population does not understand mental health. What is depression? What are the symptoms of depression? What is schizophrenia?

What treatments and other options are available for persons with mental health needs? Bringing such conditions out of

Letters to the editor

E-mail us at: letters@alabamaliving.coop or write us at: Letters to the editor P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124

Generational Alabama Living Whenever I read through the magazine, I really enjoy it. I like how Alabama Living includes a wide variety of topics, from current events to recipes to short

the closet and openly discussing them may help identify many of the undiagnosed who need assistance. It may also increase local awareness and concern to the point of producing more local buy-in and support for mental health care.

Such open and public conversation can also remove much of the stigma associated with sensitive health conditions, like mental health, HIV/AIDS, and drug abuse or dependency. Open discussion can enable many sensitive health conditions to become recognized as normal conditions that involve normal people and for which successful treatments are available.

Attempts are being made to care for patients with more sensitive conditions together with other general health care, rather than having such care provided in separate facilities. Seeing someone walking into a mental health clinic or a facility dedicated to the treatment of other sensitive conditions would virtually be an announcement that they have that condition. This integrative care model holds promise in decreasing the stigma attached to certain health conditions.

If you are a member of a civic organization, church, or other source that provides programs, I encourage you to have programs on topics that can diminish the stigmas attached to sensitive health conditions to enhance access to such health care.

Dale Quinney is executive director of the Alabama Rural Health Association, 1414 Elba Highway, Troy, 36081.

stories. Occasionally, we have come across a picture of, or a name of, someone my family knows from the various places we have lived in Alabama, and it makes the state feel that much more homey and familiar.

Seeing how Alabama Living involves readers in the stories is also neat to me. I am 18, and reading the stories of people who have been on the earth longer than I have really gives me a picture of how life used to be in Alabama, and I really enjoy that. Thank you for the work that you put into the magazine!

Cara Brown, Troy www.alabamaliving.coop

| Alabama Snapshots |

Country Roads Country road on our cattle ranch.

SUBMITTED BY Caroline Mann, Double Springs.

Pinewood Road, Andalusia, AL SUBMITTED BY Tina Boles, Andalusia.

North Baldwin County, January 2018.

SUBMITTED BY Deborah Walters, Fairhope.

Horton Covered Bridge located off Highway 75 between Oneonta and the town of Susan Moore. SUBMITTED BY Sheila Edwards, Cullman

Country road in Elberta. SUBMITTED BY Patti Pursley, Robertsdale.

Doug and Becky Martin, taken on County Road 832 in Wadley. SUBMITTED BY Becky Martin, Wadley.

Submit Your Images! June Theme: “Gone Fishing” Deadline for June: April 30

SUBMIT PHOTOS ONLINE: www.alabamaliving.coop/submit-photo/ or send color photos with a self-addressed 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. Photos may also be published on our website at www.alabamaliving.coop and on our Facebook page. Alabama Living is not responsible for lost or damaged photos.

Alabama Living

APRIL 2018 11

Tying the knot in the country Rural wedding venues growing in appeal

By Lori M. Quiller

Stone Bridge Farms in Cullman hosts more than 80 weddings a year.

PHOTO BY SMITH SQUARED PHOTOGRAPHY

C

ould the days of black-tie weddings be numbered? Probably of other places in the city, but they just didn’t seem to be the right not, but the number of weddings hosted in more casual, rusfit. The farm was far more laid back, and that’s more our style. The tic settings are certainly on the rise farm had housing for our family to stay in Alabama. all week and have plenty of space, and According to TheKnot.com, an online there was a playground for the kids, too. wedding resource, ranch or farm-style All these things fit into our budget niceweddings have been on the rise since ly, and it just felt like the right spot for 2012. Nuptials in the country can prous.”

All kinds of venues vide a rustic and memorable event for Alabama has a variety of locations the bridal party and their family and for couples looking for the perfect rural friends, and Alabama has plenty of spacwedding spot. es to host your special day with a counThe Hitching Post Farms is 30 acres try flair. of land in Eclectic, Ala., owned by DiLisa Woodham, owner of Woodham ane and Robert Crosby. While it may not Farms in Dothan, Ala., agreed that rural have started off as the couple’s dream to weddings have become much more pophost weddings on the property, now it’s ular in recent years and is a trend that’s truly a labor of love. here to stay.

“A lot of our clients want that outside, “Oh, absolutely! It’s more than just rustic look for their wedding,” Diane country chic, I think. These types of Crosby says. “They want their wedding wedding have a certain type of unmisto be different and special. We work very takable charm and sweetness about hard to make that happen for them. Evthem. We want people who come here ery wedding is always something speto feel special.” cial, not just for the couple, but for us, Newlywed Christina Clark Okarmus too. I feel like it’s my responsibility to said she and her husband chose a Lee Christina and Matt Okarmus were married last fall at a farm in Lee County. Christina says the relaxed setting fulfill these dreams of these brides who County farm for their outdoor wedding was a perfect fit for them. come here and have been planning their in September 2017 for several reasons, PHOTO BY ROB SMITH, FLIPFLOPFOTO weddings their entire lives. It’s an honor but it was the laid back atmosphere that to help fulfill those dreams for them.” sealed the deal.

However, The Hitching Post Farms was almost lost before it be“It was a perfect fit for us,” Okarmus says. “We visited a couple

12 APRIL 2018

www.alabamaliving.coop

it back until he could restore the family’s 75-acre estate so he could carry on his family’s tradition of hosting weddings on the property.

According to event coordinator Janet Fortner, Stone Bridge Farms handles catering and flowers, as well as photography, for their clients. There’s even a baker on staff, although it’s not mandatory to use the staff baker.

“Sometimes it’s just easier to do everything at one place. We would like the event to be a one-stop-shop so it’s less stressful for our clients,” Fortner says. “We have a design team meeting with our brides on day one, [so they can] get to know them from three to four months out from the wedding. Then we’re there with them to help get them down the aisle as stress-free as possible. Our goal is to make each event as stress-less as possible.”

The outdoor space at Hitching Post Farms offers plenty of room for a reception.

PHOTO BY ALEX & DYLAN PHOTO AND VIDEO Stone Bridge Farms, a customer of Cullman EC, offers lodging with five cabins and three homes on property for rent to out-of-town guests. The locagan. The Crosbys had rented the property for a time before evention doesn’t host only weddings, but also corporate retreats, meettually purchasing it for themselves. Their dream was to build their ings, birthday parties, showers and other events. perfect home, but they decided to build a barn instead to use for family camping events. Then tragedy struck.

Beyond the farm “When the tornadoes came through in 2011, it took out our If the rustic charm of a barn or farmland isn’t quite what you’re home. So we started building on to the property to what we have looking for, did you know there’s a vineyard in North Alabama at now. It took 18 months to rebuild. Out of that destruction we were the foothills of the Appalachian mountains? able to make something very special and beautiful that we can Wills Creek Vineyards and Winery in Attalla, Ala., is a working share with others,” she says. vineyard — and not what you might expect from an outdoor wedFor couples looking for an all-inclusive, but still farm-style locading venue. tion, Stone Bridge Farms in Cullman, Ala., has been hosting wed“When I think of Napa Valley and I see pictures of weddings in dings since 2010 and does more than 80 each year. It’s an old family Napa, I’m reminded of our wedding space next to our vineyards tradition that owner Ron Foust has been working to bring back to where it’s lush and green — it’s just such a different setting than life. a rural barn setting,” says owner Janie Coppey. “Our location is As a young boy, Foust remembers his grandfather, a minister special because you can see the Appalachian foothills that run on for more than 50 years in Cullman County, performing marriages, the other side of the road, and depending on the focal point of the baptisms and other ceremonies on the family property. Slowly over photographer, some of those mountains will be in your photos. In the years, parcels of the family land were sold. Foust began buying

Hitching Post Farms offers a rural setting for weddings and receptions in Eclectic.

PHOTO BY ALEX & DYLAN PHOTO AND VIDEO

Alabama Living

APRIL 2018 13

The 75-acre estate at Stone Bridge Farms offers ten venues for ceremonies.

PHOTO BY SMITH SQUARED PHOTOGRAPHY

Wills Creek Vineyards at the Windmill in Attalla.

the spring, summer and fall, everything is so colorful and makes a beautiful setting for a wedding.”

Wills Creek Vineyards and Winery and the event space is two miles away from the six-acre vineyard. The vineyard is a popular destination for bridal showers, brunches, proms, class reunions and other events, thanks to the location’s covered event space. With an on-site coordinator to help pull details together, Coppey says the goal is always to take as much stress off the client as possible.

“Brides, grooms and their families have enough stress, so we want to take as much of that off them to help make their day as special and memorable as possible.

We want them to enjoy their day, have Tips for finding b e a u t i ful a rural wedding space memories, Ask questions. If you’re on a budget and and enjoy using an outdoor space, you should know up the vinefront if there are set-up and cleaning fees, what yard while decorations are provided, and whether it’s mandatory they’re to use the venue’s caterer and florist. h e r e ,” Have an idea of how many guests plan to attend.

Coppey Your quote will be based on this number. says. says. Do your research. It’s fine if you haven’t settled on your wedding style when you meet with your venue representative, but your meeting will go much better if you have some ideas. The venue will most likely have an event planner on staff to help you along in the process.

PHOTO BY JANIE COPPEY

Kendra and Hunter Townson after their wedding at Stone Bridge Farms.

PHOTO BY SMITH SQUARED PHOTOGRAPHY

A panoramic view of Stone Bridge Farms.

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The focal point of the reception at Kendra and Hunter Townson’s wedding at Stone Bridge Farms.

PHOTO BY SMITH SQUARED PHOTOGRAPHY www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

APRIL 2018  15

SONGS ABOUT

ALABAMA AND THE STORIES BEHIND THEM

By Emmett Burnett

Missing home

Nashville recording artist Allison Moorer explains the popularity of Alabama namesake songs: “The word sings well. It flows,” she instructs and offers proof. “Try it. Say ‘Alaaaa Bamaaaa.’ See? It flows. You can’t do that with Rhode Island.”

Raised in Washington County, the younger sister of country star Shelby Lynne is well qualified to speak of flowing words. Allison has written over 200 songs, released 7 albums and 11 singles, including “Alabama Song.”

From her debut album of the same name, the lyrics speak of home “where the trees grow tall and green… where the skies shine bright and blue…if you’re going, I’m going with you.”

“I wrote it 20 years ago, a time when I was away from home,” she recalls. “I felt a little marooned and was thinking how special it is returning to the Deep South.”

It came from outer space

We all love “Stars Fell on Alabama,” but beware. It has a dark side. The tale of starry-eyed sweethearts was inspired by a night of terror.

On Nov. 12, 1833, the greatest meteor sighting in recorded history ignited southern skies like a nuclear bomb.

There were estimates of 200,000 shooting stars per hour.

And on a clear moonless night, Alabama was Ground Zero.

“In 1833 there was no news and no warnings,” notes Bill Cooke of the Meteoroid Environment Office at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. “Terrified, many thought it was the End Times.”

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Frightened masses shivered under wagons and in shelters – impromptu shields from heaven’s wrath. A horrified cotton planter noted, “My God, the world is on fire.”

In 1934, Carl Carmer wrote a book of essays titled “Stars Fell on Alabama,” acknowledging 1833’s spectacle.

Inspired by the book, music composer Frank Perkins and lyricist Mitchell Parish realized the potential for a song of the same name.

But how does one create music based on a stellar holocaust? Easy: Love conquers all, even flying space rocks. Hence the lyrics:

“We lived our little drama We kissed in a field of white And Stars Fell On Alabama Last night...”

“Little drama,” perhaps the biggest understatement in music history, alludes to the fear-frozen night, when stars fell on Alabama.

Turn it up

The words “Sweet Home Alabama” have been embossed on automobile tags, served as an unofficial motto, and been licensed by the State Department of Tourism. And the Lynyrd Skynyrd song that made it popular? Wow. “It has been used in various facets, from political campaigns to countless movies,” says Rachel Morris, archivist and coordinator at

Illustration by Nalin Crocker

S

ongs of Alabama have enriched lives since the state was a state of mind. But our songs in the heart, notes in the head, and lyrics in memory are more than meets the ear. How many tunes about the Heart of Dixie can you name? (And by the way, “Heart of Dixie” is the title of the 2013 debut single of country singer Danielle Bradbery – though it isn’t actually about Alabama.)

the Center for Popular Music at Middle Tennessee State University. “It is perhaps the most recognized song about Alabama.”

Ironically, “Sweet Home Alabama” was written by two Floridians and a Californian, and recorded in Georgia. It is basically a protest song of a protest song.

“Lynyrd Skynyrd responded to Neil Young’s ‘Southern Man’ and ‘Alabama,’ which dealt with racism and slavery in the American South,” notes Alabama Tourism Department publications director Rick Harmon. But there was never a feud between the band and the artist.

The lyrics cover a broad range of mid-1970s issues, including Watergate, Gov. George Wallace, and prevailing music trends.

Many ponder the song’s famous first words, “turn it up.” Hidden message? Secret code? Buried treasure map? After years of research, the true meaning of “turn it up” is revealed: Turn it up means turn it up.

During recording, lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant asked someone to increase the volume in his headphones. Unaware the microphone was live, Van Zant’s request was immortalized.

That old college try

You don’t know Ethelred Lundy Sykes. But if you’ve ever watched an Alabama football game, you know his work.

In the early 1920s, the Birmingham native competed for a University of Alabama scholarship and lost. But Ethelred enrolled anyway, becoming active in student life and continuing his unwavering passion for contests.

In 1926 he submitted an entry in the school’s Rammer-Jammer humor magazine’s quest for best new battle march. Sykes’ musical offering was a little ditty he called, “Yea Alabama!”

Perhaps you’ve heard it: “Yea Alabama! Drown ‘em Tide!

Every Bama Man’s Behind You, Hit your stride.” Yep, Ethelred wrote that, and won $50.

“Yea Alabama!” became the University of Alabama fight song, typically sung by a choir of 150,000 at the top of their collective lungs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The late Ethelred Lundy Sykes never wrote another song, opting instead to join the military, where he served in the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command, and retired as a brigadier general.

The ghost who sang “Your Cheating HearT”

Music is often described as hauntingly beautiful, but “Midnight in Montgomery” is beautifully haunted.

With close to 3 million YouTube hits, the video rivals the song in popularity. Lyrics unfold a story at Hank Williams’ Oakwood Annex Cemetery gravesite. Singer Alan Jackson, en route to a gig, steps off a Montgomery bus to pay respects to country music’s king.

But the late Hank Williams is no longer late.

Jackson sees a ghost.

“I don’t know if the video and song increased visits to Williams’ burial site,” says Oakwood’s spokesman, Phillip Taunton. “People have visited the grave almost daily since Williams died (Jan. 1, 1953).” They often leave memen-

Visitors enjoy a tour of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia.

PHOTO BY MARILYN JONES

tos like flowers, guitar picks, and bottles of beer. Which perhaps Hank Williams appreciates, because as Alan Jackson croons, “Oh Hank’s always singing there.”

Alabama, our official song

In the mid-1860s, Tuscaloosa’s Julia S. Tutwiler, educator, humanitarian, and women’s rights advocate, completed her European studies and returned to Alabama. The state of the state left her heartbroken.

Tutwiler felt we could do better. Documents provided by Courtney Pinkard, reference archivist at the Alabama Department of Archives and History, noted Tutwiler’s thoughts: “Never for a moment doubt the outcome of struggle if maintained with courage and devotion to principle.”

Around 1868, she wrote a poem, which later became “Alabama,” a rallying cry set to music by Birmingham composer and organist Edna Cockel-Gussen in 1917. It became our official song by a vote of the Legislature on March 9, 1931.

Several attempts have been made to replace it. “It has an elementary school auditorium assembly feel to it, but you aren’t going to please everyone,” says Kevin Nutt, folk life archivist at the Archives. “’Sweet Home Alabama’ was floated as a replacement.

Who can sing that?”

For now, Tutwiler’s classic rules. Each stanza ends with “Alabama, Alabama, We will aye be true to thee!” May it be said by us all, in music, lyrics, and song. APRIL 2018 17

Edward Hopper (American, 1882–1967), New York Office, 1962, oil on canvas, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery, Alabama, The Blount Collection

Famous art is right at home in Alabama

By Marilyn Jones

A

labama may not be synonymous with fine art, but our museums are home to some truly world-class collections and pieces. You can appreciate their beauty or perhaps their emotional power; some offer glimpses into our history, telling us about our culture and where we came from. Whatever the purpose, you can make new discoveries with a short drive to one of Alabama’s fine art museums.

Birmingham Museum of Art

The museum has an impressive collection of more than 27,000 objects representing cultures from around the world including Asian, European, American, African, Pre-Columbian and Native American art. The museum also houses the largest collection of Wedgwood ceramics in North America, and its holdings of Asian art are the most extensive in the Southeast.

Katelyn Crawford, The William Cary Hulsey Curator of American Art, says one of her favorite exhibits in the American galleries is Magic City Realism: Richard Coe’s Birmingham, an exhibition featuring detailed etchings of Birmingham during The Great Depression.

“In celebrating industrial Birmingham, Coe joined fellow Alabama artists in creating a body of American scene images of the South,” says Crawford.

Admission is free; artsbma.org, (205) 254-2565.

Richard B. Coe, American 1904–1978, Down Town Birmingham, about 1935, etching on paper.

PHOTO COURTESY BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART

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Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn University

“We value all artwork in our collection, not because of their individual monetary value, but the value in what the piece can teach us about the time and culture in which it was made,” says Museum Director Marilyn Laufer.

“Our Advancing American Art collection … (was) acquired by the university in 1948. Looking at those pieces, we get a real sense of the issues and ideas that concerned Americans during that World War II period,” says Laufer. “It is amazing to see how many of those concerns are still prevalent today.”

The university often hosts special exhibitions. Audubon’s Last Wilderness Journey: The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America is currently on view with a comparison exhibition on the seldom reproduced four-footed mammals.

“We’ve exhibited Rubens and Rembrandt, prints by Edvard Munch and sculptures by August Rodin. In our own collection, we have works by such renowned artists as Georgia O’Keeffe, Rufino Tamayo and Jacob Lawrence,” says Laufer, reminding everyone that each “visit to the museum will provide a new discovery.”

Admission is free; jcsm.auburn.edu.

Mobile Museum of Fine Art

“Grey Fox,” 1843, Hand-colored lithograph, The Louise Hauss and David Brent Miller Audubon Collection.

PHOTO COURTESY JULE COLLINS SMITH MUSEUM OF FINE ART, AUBURN UNIVERSITY

“Like most art museums, we view our collection less in terms of monetary value and more in terms of its place in the history of art,” says Museum Director Deborah Velders. “We are most proud of our community’s support … the vast majority of our collection of nearly 11,000 objects were gifts from this community, as is the financial support for the majority of our exhibitions and programs.

“We own artworks and crafts by many of the ‘canonical’ names in the history of art, such as Pierre-August Renoir, Thomas Moran, Louis Comfort Tiffany glass, Frederick Remington, Salvator Rosa, Robert Rauschenberg and many others,” Velders says.

“While our collection is not comprehensive nor

represents fully ‘the history of art,’ it includes significant works that help students and adults alike learn more of our world’s cultures through its art,” says Velders.

Admission is charged; mobilemuseumofart.com

With a collection of nearly 11,000 objects, guests can spend hours enjoying the many galleries of the Mobile Museum of Art. PHOTO COURTESY

MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART

Alabama Living

APRIL 2018 19

Huntsville Museum of Art

According to Samantha Nielsen, director of communications, the museum is extremely proud of its exhibit Buccellati: A Silver Menagerie.

The silver creations were designed and fabricated in Milan, Italy, by the luxury jewelry firm of Buccellati. Betty Grisham of Huntsville donated the works of art to the museum.

“We have the world’s largest (Buccellati) public collection,” Nielsen says. The artists combined Renaissance period techniques, luxury materials and the extensive use of texture engraving to create objects of great beauty.

Buccellati clientele included the Vatican as well as the Royal Houses of Italy, Spain, Belgium, England and Egypt. Highlights of the museum’s collection include a four-foot tall flamingo, a reclining giraffe and a marine centerpiece consisting of Mediterranean Sea creatures arranged around a natural amethyst geode.

“The latest addition is a family of deer commissioned by the museum to honor Betty Grisham.”

One of the museum’s most famous pieces is Luigi Lucioni’s Ethel

Buccellati: A Silver Menagerie features a four-foot tall flamingo and a reclining giraffe.

PHOTO COURTESY HUNTSVILLE MUSEUM OF ART

Waters. “The official unveiling of the painting was held at the museum on Feb. 1 during the opening celebration of African American History Month,” Nielsen says. “This historical painting was thought to be lost and hadn’t been seen by the public since 1942.”

Admission is charged; hsvmuseum.org.

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

The museum collections “feature primarily American art, and particularly that of the Southeast and Alabama,” says Senior Curator Margaret Lynne Ausfeld.

It has grown to represent 200 years of our country’s history.

“One of the earliest works … in the American paintings collection was made by an anonymous artist around the 1870s right here in Alabama and most likely in Montgomery,” she says. It depicts Montgomery in “an earlier frontier era, most likely during the very early 19th century when Alabama was a territory or during early statehood.”

The museum also features William Merritt Chase and Frank Duveneck. “Chase’s Woman in a Chinese Robe is an excellent example of this artist’s skill as a portraitist and still-life painter,” Ausfeld says. Other outstanding works include Georgia O’Keeffe’s Hills Before Taos and John Singer Sargent’s Mrs. Louis Raphael.

Other notable pieces include Mary Cassatt’s Francois in Green, Sewing and an example of 19th century marble sculpture by Edmonia Lewis, Hiawatha’s Marriage.

“The museum’s best-known painting is by the American 20th century painter Edward Hopper, New York Office,” but Ausfeld stresses there are many collections in the museum as well as programs designed to educate the public about art and this museum’s collection.

Admission is free; mmfa.org.

John Singer Sargent (American, 1856–1925), Mrs. Louis E. Raphael, ca. 1906, oil on canvas, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery, Alabama, The Blount Collection

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Alabama Living

APRIL 2018  21

Avoiding the ‘grandparent scam’

By Richard Bauman

I

answered the phone one morning and heard someone who sounded like our grandson, Edward, say, “Hi grandpa, it’s your favorite grandson.” And that’s how the “grandparent scam” usually starts.

That jovial greeting is usually followed by a tale of woe. In this instance, Edward was supposedly in New York for a buddy’s bachelor party. He had wrecked a rental car and been arrested for DUI. Then comes the plea for money. He needed $8,000 to pay his fine and to fix the car. “Please help me out, grandpa,” that’s followed by another plea: “Please don’t tell my parents. I’ll explain it to them when I get home.”

My response to the fake Edward: “You’re a fraud,” and I hung up on him.

I knew that Ed wasn’t at a bachelor party in New York. He lives in California, and is a 14-year old high school freshman.

What should you do if you get a phone call supposedly from one of your grandchildren claiming to be in another state, or even a foreign country, and desperately needs several thousand dollars to get out of a jam?

First, be careful. Our natural inclination is to jump in and help but that could be the worst thing to do. Instead of reacting quickly:  Take a deep breath or two, relax and be noncommittal  Ask for a phone number where you can later reach him/her  Contact the supposed grandchild’s parents, siblings and others who would know if he or she is away from home as claimed.  If you know your grandchild’s cell phone, call him/her and leave a voicemail if need be, or text asking him/her to call you.  Be wary if the caller doesn’t sound like your grandchild; ask about it. Scammers usually will say it’s a bad connection or he/she has a cold or make some other vague explanation for their odd sounding voice.

Typically, grandparents are asked to wire the money to some out of state or out of the country location. Sometimes grandparents are told to buy several thousand dollars in prepaid debit cards and then phone the “grandchild” with the scratch-off numbers on the back of the cards. They can then use those numbers to get the money.

According to the National Council on Aging, the grandparent scam is successful because it is so simple, and devious, and it uses one of older adults’ most reliable assets – their hearts.

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Older people are often easy targets for such cons, according to the AARP, because:  They’re more likely to be home during the day  They expect people to be honest  They are less likely to act when defrauded.

Further, the National Council on Aging estimated that senior citizens are robbed of about $3 billion annually via various financial scams.

Scamming grandparents can be lucrative for well-practiced criminals. Especially since the odds of being caught and prosecuted are slim.

One incarcerated scammer told journalist Carter Evans: “You can make $10,000 … in a day if you do it properly. Once you get them emotionally involved, then they’ll do anything for you, basically.”

“The effect (of the scam) on the victims is so great. It’s not simply the loss of the money. They feel stupid, they feel gullible, and they have nightmares about it and anxiety and depression,” says former Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellyn Lindsey, who successfully prosecuted the scammer that Carter Evans interviewed.

There are also email versions of this swindle. You receive an email supposedly from a friend who is in a foreign country, and has been robbed and needs money to pay for a new passport, his/her hotel and airfare home. I received such an email from my friend Connie, who said she was stuck in London. I knew it was a scam since Connie had died six months before the email arrived.

Recently, my wife received an email plea for help from a nun she knows who was ostensibly stranded in the Philippines. She called the nun’s cell phone and learned she was not stranded in the Philippines or anywhere else. She told Donna she had received numerous calls from people concerned about her well-being.

If a supposed grandchild, relative or friend either calls or emails and claims to be in dire need of money, after having had some devastating experience in either another state or a foreign country, fight the urge to react quickly to the request. Take the time to verify his or her story. It might truly be someone in need of help, but the call or email is more likely just an attempt to separate you from your money.

Lastly, when you receive a call from a number you don’t recognize, let your voicemail answer the call. Scammers don’t usually leave messages. www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

APRIL 2018  23

Sweet surprise

| Worth the drive |

Union Springs cook bakes up an unplanned success Story and photos by Jennifer Kornegay

S

ome say anything tastes better served on fine china and scooped up with a silver fork or spoon. At FPH Bakery in downtown Union Springs, you’ll find both fancy flatware and elegant plates in use, but the cakes, pies, soups, sandwiches and salads served here don’t need the aesthetic boost.

Judging by the packed dining room and a bakery counter that almost empties every day, owner and baker Amber Anderson could probably send out her kitchen creations on paper towels, and folks would still rave.

Anderson opened French Pressed Home (FPH) Bakery in February 2017, and its quick rise to success came as a sweet surprise, especially since owning a bakery and café was never really in her plans. Always interested in cooking, she taught herself to bake and a few years ago, made a few cakes at a friend’s request. The friend liked them and spread the word.

Soon, Anderson was taking orders for her cakes weekly and then moved into wedding cakes. Demand for her desserts ballooned into more than she could handle, and with twin boys also in need of her time, she was close to calling it quits. “I realized I had to expand or fold,” she says. “So I grew and opened the bakery.”

She’s been thrilled by the support of her community, a hometown she and her family adopted only a few years ago. “The people here have been so great,” she says. “I knew they would be. I fell in love with this area and its people the first time I came.”

Born, raised and living in San Diego, Calif., until 2013, Anderson and her family made their way South after the recession in 2008 decimated her husband’s contracting business and left them looking for a fresh start. “I didn’t know where we wanted to go, but I knew it was time to leave California,” she says. “I never really thought about the South, but I was looking at houses all over online, and the affordability of properties 24 APRIL 2018

down here piqued my interest.”

At the time, Anderson was running a vintage goods business and blogging about it (her blog’s name was French Pressed Home) while dreaming of running a bed and breakfast, and a historic house in Union Springs caught her eye. “I came down to look at the house, and I liked it, but I also liked the town,” she says.

She didn’t get that first house and realized it wasn’t the right time for her to pursue a B&B, but she and her husband were still smitten with Union Springs, so they stayed (and bought a new house in

Amber Anderson displays a freshly iced red velvet cake from her business, French Pressed Home (FPH) Bakery.



Take a look inside FPH Bakery at alabamaliving.coop!

Alabama Living

APRIL 2018  25

(Right) Chocolate-drizzled Napoleons are ready for customers; (Below, top to bottom) FPH Bakery is located in a renovated downtown building that housed Holmes Café for 55 years; Kacee Green holds a chocolate cake with chocolate ganache icing; FPH’s chicken salad is made with pecans, grapes, celery, poppy seeds and steak seasoning.

FPH Bakery

108 Conecuh Ave. Union Springs, AL 334-738-2017 Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Follow FPH Bakery (@FPHBakery) on Facebook to see daily lunch specials and more.

26 APRIL 2018

 Union Springs

the old town). The move shocks some. all things French, baking is associated with “People ask me all the time about how France, and I do want this place to feel like a different it must be here compared to San home, to be comfortable,” she says.

Diego, but it’s really not,” she says. “The San Friendly staff, Anderson included, roll Diego I grew up in in the 1970s had this real out the welcome, and exposed brick lit by neighborhood feel and culture, kinda like a glittering chandeliers provides some oldsmall town. That’s not how it is today, but world flair. The china and silver are charmthat’s how it was for a lot of my time there.” ing but not pretentious: All mismatched, Union Springs’ leisurely pace and genuine they’re from the collection Anderson people reminded her of that childhood and amassed in her previous business. Delights instantly pulled her in. like cakes topped with bright berries and Now, she’s bringing others to the town. delicate napoleons glistening with drizzled Lunchtime at FPH stays busy; locals come chocolate perch on pedestals of varying in for a box lunch (a sandwich, chips and heights on a worn wooden counter, “icing” choice of dessert) or maybe a bowl of chili on the spot’s appeal and hospitality. or chicken and rice soup with a cup of cofThe vibe is all Anderson, but she’s also fee. Early afternoon sees a steady stream embracing the property’s past. “It was a of people sating a sugar fix, getting a sweet restaurant called Holmes Cafe, run by two snack or an entire cake or pie to go. brothers, for 55 years, and there were a lot Others drive over from Montgomery, of happy eating memories made here,” AnAuburn and Troy. Many come for a bite of derson says. She’s hoping to continue the her claim to fame: salted caramel cake, her legacy. riff on a Southern She’s also hoping staple that eschews her presence downThink your dietary restrictions town helps other the traditional cooked icing for mean FPH Bakery is off limits? businesses and enrich buttercream Maybe not! Anderson often courages new ones with her homemade to locate in the city’s “secret recipe” car- whips up a couple of gluten- center too. “I love amel (with a hint free and sugar-free baked good this place and want of salt) stirred in. options for those who can’t to do all I can to “The usual caramel promote this comicing down here is indulge in the others. munity and be a actually hard to get part of the positive right,” she says. “I decided not to even try change already happening,” she says. “It’s exand compete with everybody’s Nana.” citing to see new business open in this area.”

And while Anderson’s baked goods – butShe’s equally excited by her first year’s tery croissants, fudgy brownies, fancifully accomplishments and looking forward to festooned cupcakes, cookies, pies and more a prosperous 2018, but putting satisfied – take the front seat, driving a lot of the baksmiles on her customer’s faces is the sweet ery’s traffic, a savory dish is not far behind reward that turns her lips up. “This is hard in popularity. Whether it’s between two work, but it’s really fun too, and for me, it’s pieces of bread or mounded on the aforenot about making a ton of money,” she says. mentioned pretty plates with pickles and “It’s about making people leave here happier crackers on the side, FPH’s chicken salad is than they were when they came in.” giving the pastries and other confections a run for their money. Combining both fine, While you’re there soft shreds and meatier chunks of roasted The town of Union Springs is a popular day chicken, sliced red grapes, chopped pecans, trip for groups. If you visit, be sure to check pureed celery, a dash of steak seasoning and out the Josephine Art Center, 126 Prairie St. poppy seeds with a just enough silky mayo N., where you can visit the local historical to hold things together, it’s creamy, crunchy, museum, view Alabama artwork, create your tart, peppery and salty all at once. own work of art, host a private party, book Housed in an old building on the edge of an historic tour of Bullock County, or even downtown that Anderson’s husband Bruce check out a ghost tour! More at artatjosecarefully renovated, FPH has a convivial phine.com, email promiseland@ustconline. atmosphere that’s a draw too. She used her net or (334)703-0098. blog’s name for the bakery, and it fits. “I love www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

APRIL 2018  27

Alabama motorists can now choose a license plate design that commemorates the state’s bicentennial.

For more information, call your local tag office or visit our website at www.Alabama200.org

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April | Around Alabama

3-14

Photo courtesy of the Piney Woods Arts Festival.

Sylacauga, Sylacauga’s ninth annual “Magic of Marble” Festival showcasing Sylacauga’s beautiful white marble will feature sculptors in action at the city’s Blue Bell Park. Visiting Italian master sculptor will teach on site and conduct a symposium for visiting sculptors at the Comer Library. Tours offered to the marble quarries that manufacture calcium carbonate and those that lift dimensional stone. Marble sculptures from seven previous festivals and marble products will be on display at the Comer Library, and the Gantts/IMERYS Observation Point overlooking an historic quarry will be open to the public. Festival activities are free.

For more information, visit www.bbcomerlibrary.net/marblefestival or call Ted Spears, 256-267-6655.

7

Enterprise, 3rd Annual Mitchell Automotive Chick-Fil-A 5K and 1-mile fun run at Enterprise High School to benefit WinShape Summer Camp scholarships. Register at itsyourrace.com. $25 for 5K, $15 for 1-mile fun run. 5K begins at 8 a.m. Registration includes t-shirt and family fun zone activities. See the Enterprise CFA Facebook page for more information.

7

Millbrook, Hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an experienced ANC naturalist during the Tour of Lanark Hike. Activities are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., but guests are encouraged to arrive by 10 a.m. to enjoy all the activities. For times and more information, visit alabamawildlife.org.

7

Ozark, 12th annual Ozark Crawdad and Music Festival. Food and craft vendors, live music and children’s activities. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. downtown on the Court Square.

Free. 334-774-2618.

7-8

Enterprise, Piney Woods Arts Festival at Enterprise State Community College. 9 a.m.5 p.m. Saturday and 12-4 p.m. Sunday. The 44th annual Piney Woods Arts Festival is one of the oldest juried arts and craft shows in the area. Featuring original works by 100 artists, a children’s fun center, food and entertainment. Special events include a Civil War living display and Weevil City Cruisers Car and Truck Show. Free. Coffeecountyartsalliance.com

13-May 19

Monroeville, “To Kill a Mockingbird” at the Monroe County Heritage Museum, 31 N. Alabama Ave. The Mockingbird Company presents “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The play features two acts at the old courthouse. For show times and ticket information, visit tokillamockingbird.com.

More than 100 artists will be featured at the Piney Woods Arts Festival April 7-8 in Enterprise.

14

LaFayette, 21st Annual LaFayette Day for Valley Haven School, on the Courthouse Square. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Arts and crafts, antique cars, children’s activities, entertainment, food and more. Free. For more information, contact Craig Brown, 334 7562868 or Lynn Oliver, 334 219-1890.

14

Demopolis, Rooster Day, sponsored by the Marengo County Historical Society. 9 a.m.-11 p.m. This event celebrates the rooster auction of 1919, which raised funds to build a bridge over the Tombigbee River connecting Marengo and Sumter counties. Cock’s Crow 5K; arts, crafts and food at the Rooster Fair in public square; live entertainment; and kids’ activities. Free; the rooster auction at Lyon Hall is $20.

Roosterdaydemopolis.com

tors and thousands of vendors. Proceeds benefit community projects. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. $5 adults, $2 ages 2-12. Calicofort.com

21-22

Guntersville, Art on the Lake 2018 features more than 120 booths with original arts and crafts. Includes games for kids, food trucks, BBQ and sweet treats. $2 admission for ages 13 and up. Rain or shine. Guntersville Recreation Center, 1500 Sunset Drive.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sunday. artonthelake-guntersville.com

21

Fort Mitchell, Pioneer Day Quilt and Art Contest, 561 Alabama Highway 165. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. EDT. Art contest and quilt show, blacksmith demonstrations, wagon rides, re-enactors, music, entertainment and more. Visit the reconstructed 1813 Fort, the Tavern and the Carriage House. $5.

For more information and entry forms, visit visitfortmitchell.org.

21

Fairhope, Bald Eagle Bash. This annual fundraiser for the Weeks Bay Foundation is held at the waterfront Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center on U.S. Highway 98. Enjoy fresh shrimp prepared by top local restaurants and live music. 4-7 p.m. $40 in advance, $45 at the gate, free for children 10 and under. BaldEagleBash.com or 251-990-5004.

14-15

Boaz, The Alabama Farm & Poultry Expo and Spring Outdoor Show featuring Farm & Poultry vendors. Arts & crafts, food court, children’s area and entertainment. Farm sessions and demonstrations by the AL Farm Extension Service. 256-593-8154.

Hokes Bluff, 3rd Annual “Booking it Through the Bluff ” Triathlon. 22.6-mile bike ride through Eastern Etowah County ending at the Hokes Bluff Ferry, 3 mile Coosa River Adventure and 4.5 mile run through Hokes Bluff, ending at the Hokes Bluff Community Center. Compete in each event or put a team of three together to compete. Kayaks available for rent on race day. Must have your own bike. Register at foundation@hokesblufflibrary.org or call Alex Sims at 256-492-9846.

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14-15

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28-29

Loxley, 31st Annual Baldwin County Strawberry Festival, Loxley Municipal Park.

Arts and crafts, food vendors, carnival, children’s games, antique car show, exhibits and live entertainment. Proceeds benefit Loxley Elementary School and ARC Baldwin County. baldwincountystrawberryfestival.org

14-15

Fort Deposit, Calico Fort Arts and Crafts Fair. More than 100 exhibi-

Montgomery, A former Auburn football player, a death row exoneree, a coloring book designer and an award-winning food blogger are part of the diverse lineup for the 2018 Alabama Book Festival. They join a long list of best-selling authors taking part in the annual event at Montgomery’s historic Old Alabama Town from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Books by festival authors will be available for purchase and authors will be signing their books following their presentations. alabamabookfestival.org.

To place an event, e-mail events@alabamaliving.coop. or visit www.alabamaliving.coop. You can also mail to Events Calendar, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124; 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.

Alabama Living

21

Geneva, Festival on the Rivers, Robert Fowler Memorial Park. This family festival features arts and crafts, specialty items and food vendors; entertainment at food court begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, with a parade at 5:30 p.m.

GenevaRiverFestival.com

Decatur, Morgan County Master Gardener Association Plant Sale at the Morgan County Fairgrounds, 2919 Fairground Road. The plant sale features unusual plants, houseplants, succulents, annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, wildflowers, mixed containers, and some of the south’s top passalong plants. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

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APRIL 2018 29

Al

| Gardens |

Spring planting time:

Picking the perfect plants I f, like me, you’re looking forward to home-grown summer vegetables, herbs and flowers, it’s time to get planting.

Those of you who thought ahead and started seeds inside or in a cold frame or greenhouse already have a great source of plant material ready to go in the ground.

But don’t forget to harden them off first.

“Hardening off ” is a process that gradually transitions young, tender plants from their sheltered indoor life to the more extreme world of the great outdoors.

Start the process by putting seedlings outside during the day in a shaded, protected area for a couple of hours, then bring them back inside. Gradually lengthen the amount of time they spend outside and the amount of sun exposure they receive on each consecutive day and, in about a week, they should be ready to go out into the world. (The length of time for hardening off varies depending on weather conditions and plant type, so check seed packages for recommendations.)

If you haven’t thought ahead, though, transplants (ready-to-plant seedlings) are abundantly available at retail outlets throughout the state, and they make growing all kinds of annual plants pretty darn easy, especially if you follow these tips.

• Pick smaller plants. Avoid extra-large plants and look for smaller, more compact plants that are about as wide as they are tall. Beware of plants that are overcrowded. If there are several plants in a single pot or seedling cell, it may seem like you’re getting more plants for your money, but they may be less healthy or stunted.

• Pick quality plants. Buy only healthy plants that exhibit good color in their leaves and stems and show no signs of Katie Jackson is a freelance writer and editor based in Opelika, Alabama. Contact her at katielamarjackson@gmail.com.

30 APRIL 2018

yellowing, wilting or damage. Make sure their growing media is moist and the transplants are not root-bound.

Try to avoid buying vegetable, fruit or herb plants that are already flowering, and look for flowering plants that have buds, not blossoms, so you’ll ensure a longer blooming period.

• Plant quickly. Try to avoid buying transplants more than two days before planting. If you have to wait longer than that to get them in the ground, store them in a warm, sunny, but protected spot and keep them well watered.

• Plant properly. Gently remove transplants from their containers so you don’t damage their tops or roots, and plant them deep enough so the soil can support them as their root systems develop. Water them well immediately after planting, and water them frequently for several days after planting.

Hold off on applying fertilizer, which can burn tender leaves and stimulate excessive foliage growth. Mulch around the plants to keep moisture near their roots and suppress weeds.

When buying transplants, quality is important, and one way to ensure good quality plants is to buy “local.” Look for plants that were produced in Alabama or the Southeast — that means they didn’t have far to travel to get to your garden, so they should be less stressed. If the source

of the plant is not listed on the label, ask the store’s staff or manager where they came from.

In addition to transplants, many annual seeds can now be sown directly into the garden. If you collected seed from last year’s plants or know a gardener who is willing to share ones they collected, that’s ideal. But if you need to buy seed, go for quality. A great source of fresh seed — and seed that is tried-and-true in your area — is a store that sells bulk, loose seed (farmer cooperatives and feed-and-seed stores, for example).

If you can’t find the seed or plants you’re looking for at a local store, catalogues provide exceptional choices, especially for less common selections such as non-GMO, organic, heirloom or newly released varieties and cultivars. Just make sure you’re ordering from a reputable company by checking consumer reviews and reviewing their guarantee and return policies.

Oh, and if in your excitement you overbuy seeds or transplants, don’t toss them out. Donate them to a community or school garden and share the wealth. That way you and others can look forward to all kinds of gardening rewards in the months to come.

APRIL TIPS  Plant peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants and parsley.  Sow seed for corn, squash, cucumbers and various beans and melons.  Apply fertilizer to warm-season lawns.  Prepare summer gardening and irrigation equipment.  Plant summer annual flowers and summer-blooming bulbs.  Keep an eye out for weed, insect and disease problems and treat as needed.  Keep bird feeders and birdbaths full for spring migrators and nesters.  Turn compost piles or start new ones.

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

APRIL 2018  31

Birders take flight and travel the globe

By Gayle Gresham

L

ooking for your travel to take flight this year? Become a birder and enjoy all kinds of new places to visit while adding bird species to your list and enjoying time spent wherever this activity takes you.

Birdwatching is rising in popularity in the United States and throughout the world. Anyone can do it, whether you live in the city, the suburbs or the country. You can set up your own feeders in your own backyard and keep a list of the species that visit you. Or, if you love to travel and you enjoy birdwatching, you can visit wilderness refuges, travel to bird festivals, and take guided tours of bird habitats anywhere in the world.

Backyard birdwatching

It’s great to start bird watching by simply looking out your window and seeing the birds that congregate in your yard or on your patio. Is that a bluebird? What type of bluebird? An eastern, western, or mountain bluebird? You can go old school by checking a field guide like Peterson’s or Sibley’s or you can look up bluebirds on http://allaboutbirds.org (Cornell Lab of Ornithology). Check the range map and see which is common in your region. Look at the markings and distinctive features.

Many birds show enough variation to make an ID with ease. The All About Birds website also contains recordings of each bird’s song so identification can also be made by the birdsong.

Going high-tech with your identification tools can make it easier to take them along when you travel. Download the Merlin Bird ID app (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) to your cell phone. The app asks five questions to help identify a bird. It then pulls up bird photos matching the description that have been seen in your region. Or, take a photo of the bird, upload it to Merlin and it will identify the bird for you.

Those who catch birdwatching fever often keep a list of the birds they have seen or heard. A life list consists of all of the bird species seen in your lifetime while a yearly list tics off every bird species seen in a year.

A list can be kept in a simple notebook, in 32 APRIL 2018

a special birding notebook, or it can be a simple notation of date and place beside the picture in a guide book. Computer list options include Birder’s Diary software, which also allows photos, or use the eBird mobile app for cell phones, which uses GPS coordinates for bird species sightings.

As you become familiar with the birds in your backyard, you will be able to recognize when a bird not common to your area appears. When you see a rare bird, you can report it through eBird or the American Birding Society so other birders can visit your backyard and add it to their lists.

Local birding

If birdwatching has captured your attention and your curiosity has grown beyond the birds showing up in your backyard, then what? It’s time for some birding excursions.

First, call someone you know who is a birdwatcher. Don’t know anyone? Start asking around. You might be surprised by which of your friends are birders. Ask at your library about birdwatching clubs or search the internet for local and state birding clubs and chapters of the Audubon Society for programs, events and field trips.

You can go out on your own, but it’s helpful to have someone teach you how to locate and identify the birds. Grab your binoculars, camera and cell phone and head to the wilderness or city park.

One way to learn from an experienced watcher is to join the Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count, which allows beginner birders to take part.

Participants count every bird seen or heard in a 15-mile diameter designated circle over a 24hour period of time between Dec. 14 and A pair of tree swallows get into a tiff in a backyard tree.

PHOTO BY KEN CHRISTISON

Jan. 5. The count acts as an annual census of birds across the world.

Travel birding

Your interest in birds has been piqued and now you’d like to see species of birds that are not local to your area. It’s time to travel! You can either travel to see birds in a certain locale or go on vacation and see what interesting birds are in your planned location. Once again, the internet can help you identify places to see birds. There are more than 562 National Wildlife Refuges and 38 wetland management districts in the United States. Visit the www.fws.gov/ refuges website for locations and information. There are also 10,234 state parks and 58 national parks, giving you plenty of opportunity to travel and find birds.

At least 38 states have American Birding Association Birding Trails. A designated Birding Trail system links wildlife refuges, state parks and national parks in a state, along with noted habitats found along the route. The trails may be hiking trails or highways to drive. Information on state birding trails can be found on the internet.

The World Birding Center in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas features nine locations with more than 500 species of birds at the convergence of two major migration flyways. Bird festivals are another great way to see specific birds and take part in workshops and tours. Many festivals coincide with migration to see the greatest number of species in a set place.

Competitive birding

You’ve learned to identify birds, enjoy the challenge and you’re ready to dive further into birding, perhaps on a competitive level. There are various events for all ages sponsored by bird organizations. Join The Big Sit! hosted by Bird Watcher’s Digest — 24 hours of sitting in a 17-foot diameter circle with a team counting every birds species seen.

“Big Day” events or birdathons are sponsored by bird associations and often raise pledges for their societies and conservation by counting how many species of birds can be seen in 24 hours. They can be www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

APRIL 2018  33

done individually or in teams. The Global Big Day is sponsored by eBird and on May 13, 2017, almost 20,000 birders from 150 countries turned in 50,000 checklists with 6,564 species of birds spotted in one day.

That is more than 60 percent of all of the species of birds in the world.

Stretching that day to a year, The Big Year is the ultimate challenge in birding.

It is a competition to see who can see the most birds in one year in a specific geographical area.

A little curiosity and a greater awareness of birds can take you in many directions.

Travel, see the country, see the world, and see the birds as you go! Maybe a Big Year is in your future. Gayle Gresham writes from her electricco-op powered home in Elbert, Colorado.

She now has Merlin Bird ID on her phone and is ready to go watch some birds.

Alabama’s trails offer an abundance of bird-watching locations Alabama has an abundance of bird species – 430 at last count – to watch, from the Tennessee border to the Gulf Coast.

The Alabama Birding Trails is a system of eight trails highlighting the best public locations available to watch birds yearround. According to its website, alabamabirdingtrails.com, our state provides a critical habitat for hundreds of bird species, from the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker to the now flourishing bald eagle.

As interest in wildlife observation grows, more people want to explore our amazing biodiversity, which makes Alabama second only to Florida in the Eastern U.S. in total number of species of plants and animals.

The eight Alabama Birding Trails unify existing and potential birding sites into a series of cohesive trails and loops that are collectively marketed as part of a statewide system. Many of the sites along the various trails are already being used by thousands of birders and other visitors annually.

The Alabama Birding Trails program recently announced the addition of 10 new birding trail sites, bringing the total number of locations to 280 in 65 counties.

Two of the new sites are on Forever

Wild properties: the Wehle Forever Wild Tract near Midway, and the Yates Lake Forever Wild Tract near Tallassee.

The eight other sites are: Heflin’s Cahulga Creek Park; Coosa County’s Flagg Mountain, near Weogufka; the Lee County Public Fishing Lake, near Opelika; the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve and Nature Center, in Auburn; Minooka Park, in Jemison; the Moss Rock Preserve, in Hoover; Shades Creek Greenway, in Homewood; and the Smith Mountain Fire Tower, near Dadeville.

Alabama’s Birding Trails offer the public a chain of eight geographic regions: North Alabama, West Alabama, Appalachian Highlands, Piedmont Plateau, Black Belt Nature and Heritage, Pineywoods, Wiregrass, and Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. Specific information on each region is available at the alabamabirdingtrails. com website.

This project is a collaborative effort by the Alabama Tourism Department, University of Alabama Center for Economic Development, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Birmingham Audubon Society, chambers of commerce across the state, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Forest Service and others.

A killdeer, which often performs a “broken wing” routine to draw a predator away PHOTO BY KEN CHRISTISON

Red-tailed hawk watches a squirrel PHOTO BY DAVID MORRIS ON UNSPLASH

White egret near San Francisco Bay

Brown-headed nuthatch in Alabama PHOTO BY MARK LANGSTON

PHOTO BY ALFRED LEUNG ON UNSPLASH

34 APRIL 2018

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Alabama Living

APRIL 2018  35

| Alabama People |

Jordan Fisher

Singer, actor, dancer … doing it all Alabama’s Jordan Fisher came to national TV prominence in November when he won the 25th season of “Dancing With the Stars” with his professional dancing partner, Lindsay Arnold. But some fans may not realize that Fisher has been acting, dancing and singing more than half his life.

Born and raised in Birmingham, Fisher caught the performing bug early. His fifth-grade crush asked him to join the drama club with her, and he started acting, singing and dancing that first day.

That summer, he joined the Red Mountain Theatre Company, one of the South’s premier fine arts education centers. He went from his first school play to community theater to regional theater to joining a professional theater company in a short amount of time.

He wants to do it all – music, theater, as well as acting. He released an EP of pop-soul-R&B music in August 2016, and was featured on the soundtrack of the Disney hit “Moana.” He’s set to release a full album of R&B music this year.

He’s had recurring roles on multiple TV series, including “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” and of course the big win on DWTS. He made his Broadway debut in the megahit “Hamilton,” playing the roles of John Laurens/ Phillip Hamilton.

And he turns 24 in April.

– Allison Law You were born and raised in Alabama. Talk about your upbringing here.

It’s kind of incredible, when I say that I’m from Alabama. I don’t really have much of an accent, and people are like, for real? ...

I can’t think of a better place to spend the majority of my childhood. Standards and morals and all of these things, growing up in the South, that’s something in my opinion that’s priceless. Very proud to be an Alabamian and very proud to have spent a majority of my childhood there. (As a teenager, he traveled back and forth between Alabama and Los Angeles for four years before moving to LA permanently.)

How quickly time passes. Growing up such a fan of sports and people and a love for my family and all of these things, I feel like the root of all of that started with my environment growing up, and that’s Birmingham, and I couldn’t be more proud of the growth of that city.

You acted in the Broadway smash “Hamilton” (from November 2016 through March 2017). Talk about that.

I love it, I miss it to death. It’s kind of hard, when you want to do everything, which is what I do. I wear all the hats, and do TV and film and Broadway, and I’m a recording artist and a writer and a producer and an author, it’s hard to just be able to do one thing for a long period of time. You kind of have to alternate all these things. Eventually, the end goal is that I can pick and choose whatever I want, whenever I want, and right now it’s a matter of having to continue to strike while the iron is hot, which keeps me super busy. It keeps me constantly honing and learning and building my craft and my world as an artist. That will eventually get me back to Broadway, the same way it will always take me back to TV and film and music and touring. But Broadway, I love it just a little bit more than everything else.

I have to ask about “Dancing With the Stars.” How was that experience?

Unbelievable. I learned a lot about myself, and Lindsay, she cracked the whip in all the right ways.

It resulted in an amazing friendship. Really more of a family. That’s my favorite memory, taking away from all of this, is the family I got to build on that show, with Lindsay, with the other pros on the show. … We really put in a lot of time and energy and effort, and I’m just very grateful that America saw that and put in the votes.

Do you get back to Alabama very often?

I get back more frequently now. Ellie Woods is the love of my life. We actually grew up together at the Red Mountain Theatre Company. She is in school for clinical dietetics at the University of Alabama. We see each other every three weeks. That’s the bottom line, period, the end.

Whether I go to Birmingham quietly and spend time with her in Tuscaloosa, or she comes to LA or meets me in whatever city I’m in, we see each other every three weeks. When you make the choice and you make the commitment, you make it work, period. We make it work. work. PHOTO BY ANDREW ROSE

36 APRIL 2018

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Alabama Living

APRIL 2018  37

| Consumer Wise |

Aim for quality when managing a renovation contractor

By Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen

Q:

We followed your advice last month and hired a contractor we think will give us an energy efficient renovation. How do we manage the job to make sure the project turns out right?

A:

Last month, I offered tips on how to hire a good contractor, but it’s smart to realize that after the hiring is complete, contractors need to be managed.

First, you should decide who will be the main contact with your contractor. Clear communication is critical because a renovation that includes energy efficiency improvements comes with extra challenges. A single point of contact will help avoid confusion, conflicts and cost overruns.

Before the work starts, have a discussion with your contractor about quality. You want the contractor to know you’ll be carefully overseeing the work and that there may be others involved in this oversight, such as building inspectors, your electric cooperative or an independent energy auditor. You can discuss the standards of a professional, high-quality job. And you can agree on the points at which the contractor will pause so you or someone you designate can review the work. At a minimum, an inspection should take place before you make an interim payment.

Here are a few examples of interim review points: • The building envelope should be properly sealed before insulation is installed because air leaks increase energy use and reduce comfort.

• Replacement windows should be properly flashed and sealed before siding and trim are installed, which prevents moisture problems and air leaks.

• Some insulation measures can be inspected before they are sealed up behind walls or ceilings.

• Almost all efficiency measures require some kind of final inspection. For example, infrared thermometers can show voids in blown insulation, and fiberglass batts can be visually inspected to ensure there are no air gaps and the batts are not compressed.

HVAC measures require special attention. Nearly half of all HVAC systems are not installed correctly, which often causes uneven temperature distribution throughout the home, along with higher energy bills. ENERGYSTAR® has a special program to ensure quality HVAC installation. Forced air systems typically have poorly balanced supply and return air delivery that can often be improved. Air flow can be measured at each register, and a duct blaster test can identify and quantify duct leakage.

When you review the work, it may be helpful to take photos or to bring in an energy auditor. Be sure to have these inspections outlined in the contract and discussed beforehand so the contractor is comfortable.

It will be tempting to add “just one more thing” along the way, and the contractor may agree a change is simple and possible within the timeframes. Contractors and customers often miscommunicate about change orders and end up disagreeing about a additional costs when the project is completed. Before you make any changes, be sure to get a written cost quote. If it’s significant, you can then weigh the cost against the benefit of the change.

It’s a good idea to maintain good records as the project progresses. These records could be helpful for building inspectors or to qualify for rebates or tax credits.

When the renovation is complete, it may be tempting to sign the check, shake hands and breathe a sigh of relief that it’s all over. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, it may be worth the extra step of having a final audit by a licensed energy auditor.

My neighbors were saved from a home renovation disaster when an energy audit discovered the energy efficiency contractor had failed to produce the promised efficiencies. The contractor had to perform thousands of dollars’ worth of improvements to fulfill the contract before my neighbors made the final payment.

Once you confirm that the work is 100 percent complete, you can write a check for the final payment, then sit back and enjoy your revitalized, more energy-efficient home! This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency. For more information on managing a home renovation contractor, please visit: www.collaborativeefficiency. com/energytips.

HVAC technicians or energy auditors can use diagnostic equipment to measure air leakage and air flow.

Patrick Keegan writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. Write to energytips@collaborativeefficiency.com for more information.

38 APRIL 2018

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Alabama Living

APRIL 2018  39

| Outdoors |

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Bears on the move

As bear and human populations increase, so do contacts

A

s weather improves, more Alabamians venture outdoors to enjoy hiking, picnicking, turkey hunting, fishing and other activities, but they are not alone! Another very large, toothy Alabama resident could watch their every move.

“Historically, black bears lived throughout the entire state,” says Thomas Harms, the top large carnivore biologist for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “The population in Alabama is expanding.”

Harms estimates that 400 or so black bears live in the state. Probably about 300 bears live in Baldwin, Mobile, Washington and Monroe counties. Another 50 to 100 live in the Little River Canyon area of northeastern Alabama. Others may wander through just about any county at times.

John N. Felsher lives in Semmes, Ala. Contact him through Facebook.

40 APRIL 2018

Most Alabama male bears weigh about 300 to 350 pounds and females about 100 pounds less. Compare that to grizzlies, which could exceed 1,500 pounds and stand more than nine feet tall. While not as big as their giant cousins, black bears still pose a serious danger to anyone who crosses their paths.

Incredibly powerful predators with big claws and teeth, black bears can kill people and cause extensive property damage if they wish. Fortunately, attacks rarely happen. Actually quite shy, the official Alabama state mammal characteristically tries to avoid people. A bear could live near a residential area and no one will see it.

“The last thing a bear wants to see is a human,” Harms says. “We haven’t had any bear attacks in Alabama in modern times.

Like most animals, bears have a natural fear of people. It’s surprising how well such a large animal can remain hidden. People can go in the woods every day and not see a bear, but the bear probably sees the per-

son every time. They know when a person is in the woods and they want to get away as quickly as they can.”

Some hikers carry whistles or horns with them to frighten off any bears they might see. Others carry pepper spray as a last resort. Anyone who does spot a bear in the forests should just leave it alone and go somewhere else.

“A bear is not out to eat a human,” Harms says. “If you stumble upon a bear in the woods, let it know you are there so it can get away. Give the bear space. Back away from it. Don’t turn and run away from it because that could trigger a predatory instinct in the bear.”

However, as the bear and human populations continue to grow, the two species might bump into each other more frequently, particularly in places like Mobile County with large human and bear populations. Most bear-human encounters typically involve food. An omnivore, a bear will eat practically anything. www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

APRIL 2018  41

Don’t give bears any reason to come around a house. Never intentionally feed a bear or put out food to attract one. In bear country, put refuse in bear-proof trashcans. At night, bring in pets and pet food.

Never leave any food or food residue where a bear can find it. A bear could smell an old sandwich wrapper and tear anything apart looking for food.

“Bears can be dangerous, but they don’t have to be,” Harms says. “If bears begin to associate humans with food, that causes problems. Some people put out corn feeders, whether to hunt deer or just draw animals to the property. Bears find that corn. Bears are also looking for fruit or mast-producing trees.”

Young male bears probably cause the most problems. When young bears reach a certain age, their mother pushes them away as she prepares to breed again. On their own for the first time, these strong youngsters wander long distances looking for food, a mate and territory to call home, one not already occupied by larger bears.

“Young male bears start moving about in May,” Harms says. “They are young and dumb. Up until that time, momma has been telling them what to do. They don’t show any fear of humans and sometimes walk through the middle of big towns.

That’s when we get a lot of calls about people seeing bears.”

When a female black bear reaches about two years old, she starts to breed. In Alabama, bears normally breed in July or August. About every two to three years, a female will deliver one to four cubs in January or February. She will likely live about 10 to 20 years and might produce 10 to 15 offspring in her lifetime.

In the spring, hikers, hunters or other outdoor enthusiasts might spot a mother with one or more cubs or possibly just a cub by itself. Never attempt to catch or approach a bear cub. Cubs may look like cute and cuddly fuzzballs, but they are not pets and probably not alone or lost. Momma is likely not far away. Get away from the cub and stay out of that area.

If you see a bear in Alabama, please report it to the ALDCNR at game.dcnr. alabama.gov/BlackBear or call the nearest ALDCNR office.

For more information, call Harms in Spanish Fort at 251-626-5153. Wildlife researchers weigh a black bear they captured in Washington County and check its health before releasing it. About 400 to 500 black bears live in Alabama, mostly in the southwestern and northeastern parts of the state.

PHOTO BY KARIN HARMS

42 APRIL 2018

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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

AM Major

APR. 15 -16 12:16 17 12:46 18 01:31 19 02:16 20 03:01 21 04:31 22 10:01 23 08:31 24 09:16 25 09:46 26 04:01 27 04:31 28 05:01 29 -30 12:01

05:31 06:01 06:16 06:46 07:16 07:46 08:16 01:16 02:31 03:01 03:46 10:31 11:01 11:31 05:16 05:46

06:31 07:16 08:01 09:01 10:01 11:46 --12:46 02:16 03:31 04:31 11:01 11:31 06:46 07:16

12:01 12:31 01:01 01:46 02:31 03:31 04:46 06:16 07:46 08:46 09:46 10:31 05:16 06:01 12:01 12:31

MAY.

06:52 07:07 07:37 07:52 08:07 01:22 02:22 03:07 03:22 03:52 10:52 11:22 11:52 05:37 06:07 06:37 07:07 07:37 08:22 09:22 01:22 02:22 03:07 10:22 10:52 11:22 04:52 05:22 05:52 06:07 06:37

08:52 09:37 10:37 11:52 ---12:52 02:52 04:07 05:07 11:22 12:07 07:22 08:07 09:07 09:52 11:07 12:07 --01:37 03:22 04:22 10:37 11:22 06:52 07:37 08:07 08:52 09:37

01:52 02:22 02:52 03:37 04:22 05:22 06:37 07:52 08:52 09:52 10:37 05:52 06:37 12:22 01:07 01:37 02:22 03:22 04:22 05:22 06:37 07:52 09:07 09:52 05:22 06:07 12:07 12:37 01:07 01:37 02:07

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Alabama Living

PM Minor Major

APRIL 2018 43

| Alabama Recipes | It’s Alive!

Thanks to its short list of fairly accessible ingredients, bread, in its many forms, is the world’s most-eaten food. Most leavened bread gets its rise from yeast, and the way this little organism works is pretty interesting. Yeast is alive, and each individual yeast cell must eat to continue living. Yeasts’ favorite food is sugar, and when they’re added to bread dough, the yeasts feast on the sugars, breaking them down and emitting carbon dioxide and alcohol. As a gas, the carbon dioxide forms bubbles, which grow and expand, “plumping up” the dough. This process intensifies in the heat of the oven, as does the evaporation of the alcohol.

Garlic Rosemary Bread recipe on page 46.

44 APRIL 2018

www.alabamaliving.coop

Knead

some

dough?

A warm-from-the-oven slice of freshly baked homemade bread is worth its weight in gold and definitely worth the effort required to make and bake it.

B

read has long been associated with money. The person bringing home the majority of a family or household’s income is the breadwinner. We often say someone doing well financially is “raking in the dough.” The link has its origins in the important role bread has played in the welfare of cultures around the world since man first started farming.

As one of the oldest “prepared foods,” daily bread was essential for life, and thus, it attained high value. In places like ancient Egypt and middle-ages France, bread was used as credit and currency.

Today, most of us no longer live by bread alone, and as some of us try to watch our waistlines, bread — with its high calorie and carb count — has been given a lesser place of prominence in many modern diets. But this just puts it on a pedestal again, giving it a new kind of value as something some deem a splurge or a luxury.

Our access to all kinds of bread makes it even more special. We can easily get our hands on bread types from all over the globe: flat but pillowy Indian naan; a skinny, crusty French baguette; or a round of chewy Italian ciabatta. If you prefer to go all-American, you’ve still got lots of options: a soft loaf of tangy sourdough, a slice studded with raisins and swirled with cinnamon, a beer-boosted bread or just a plain piece of basic white.

And if you want to stay true to our region, cornbread is certainly the South’s favorite bread. Or is it the biscuit? (It’s definitely risen beyond the realm of bread but is still bread nonetheless.) That’s a debate with no wrong answer.

Wherever your bread cravings take your taste buds, set aside some time to try out a few of this month’s reader submitted recipes.

BY JENNIFER KORNEGAY | FOOD/PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOKE ECHOLS

Alabama Living

APRIL 2018 45

Garlic Rosemary Bread 2 cups lukewarm water (105 degrees Fahrenheit) 1 package active dry yeast (21/4 teaspoons) 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt 41/3 cups all-purpose flour, divided 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided Sea salt In a large mixing bowl, combine water and yeast. Add 1 cup of flour and salt; stir with a wooden spoon until combined. Stir in rosemary leaves and minced garlic. Add remaining flour, one cup at a time, stirring until thoroughly combined. Cover with plastic wrap and set in a warm spot to rise for 1 hour. Add one tablespoon of olive oil in an 8 or 10-inch cast iron skillet; using a napkin or your fingers, coat bottom and sides of skillet with the olive oil. Flour your hands; remove plastic wrap and using your hands, transfer dough to prepared skillet and shape into a disk. Cover with a kitchen towel and let stand for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Drizzle remaining olive oil over the top and sprinkle with sea salt. Score the top of the loaf with some shallow knife cuts.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until top is nicely browned. Remove from oven and turn the bread out onto a wire cooling rack. Leave to cool for a few minutes and serve. (If you do not have an iron skillet, you can use a stoneware baking dish).

NOTE: Remove bread from pan as soon as it comes out of the oven because bread left in the pan will become moist and soggy.

Mary Rich North Alabama EC

Mayonnaise Biscuits 1 cup self-rising flour 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 2/3 cup milk Combine all ingredients and spoon into greased muffin tins. Bake at 425 degrees until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Yield: 6 biscuits. Easily doubled or tripled for more biscuits.

Sherry Phillips Central Alabama EC 46 APRIL 2018

No Corn Jalapeno "Cornbread" 1 cup almond flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 egg, beaten 1/2-3/4 cup milk 1/2 cup pickled (not hot) jalapenos dried on a paper towel 3/4 cup grated cheddar or Fontina cheese 1 tablespoon cooking oil Place an 8-inch cast iron skillet into the oven and preheat to 400 degrees.

Combine flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a bowl. Add in egg and milk; mix lightly until smooth and fluid.

(Add more milk if necessary so that batter is loose enough to spread evenly into bottom of skillet). Remove hot skillet from the oven and add 1 tablespoon oil. Spread oil over bottom. Place back in oven and heat for 5 minutes.

Remove skillet again and pour in half the batter. Spread into a layer over the bottom. Place the dry jalapenos over the batter and then add the cheese over the top. Pour the rest of the batter over the jalapenos and cheese. Spread with spoon to cover evenly. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until top is golden. Serves 2 to 4. Delicious, Paleo and gluten free.

Gay Cotton Baldwin EMC

Spoon Bread Muffins (Rolls) 1 egg, beaten 1½ sticks margarine, melted ¼ cup sugar 4 cups self-rising flour 1 package yeast 2 cups warm water Dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir in flour, beaten egg, sugar and melted margarine. Stir until mixed well. Can use immediately or will keep well in a covered bowl that is refrigerated for one week. To bake: spoon mix into greased muffin tins and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

LaCretia Bevel North Alabama EC

Easy Popovers 1 1/4 cups milk 11/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 large eggs Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease a 6-cup popover pan. Pour milk into mixing bowl, add flour and salt and use a hand mixer to blend well, making sure not to over-mix the batter.

Add eggs one at a time, beating each until completely blended. Pour batter evenly into popover cups, filling will be about 3/4 full. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees and continue baking 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately.

Shari Lowery Pioneer EC

Easy Beer Bread 3 1 1 1/4 1 4 1/4

cups all-purpose flour tablespoon baking powder teaspoon salt cup honey bottle of beer tablespoons butter cup optional ingredients: shredded cheese, olives, jalapenos and 1 teaspoon (or more if you like) Italian seasoning blend

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x5x3-inch bread loaf pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt until combined. Slowly pour the beer and honey into the flour mixture, add optional ingredients if you desire and stir until combined. Pour half of the melted butter into the bottom of the loaf pan and spread it around evenly. Then add the batter to the pan in an even layer and brush the rest of the butter around evenly on top of the batter. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the top of the bread is golden brown and a toothpick or knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Shari Lowery Pioneer EC

Coming up in May...

Junior Cooks! www.alabamaliving.coop

Cook of the Month:

Robin O'Sullivan, Wiregrass EC Robin O’Sullivan loves fresh, local strawberries, and when they’re in season each spring, she’s always looking for ways to incorporate them into her cooking. She’d made chocolate-banana bread for years, and then one day, decided to branch out and try chocolate-strawberry bread instead. “It was really just an experiment,” she said. “I love the flavor combo of chocolate and strawberry, so I figured it would work.” It did. It’s become a regular in her baking rotation, and while it is technically bread, she admits it’s flirting with being a dessert. “It’s sweet and a bit rich, but like a banana bread, you can still eat it for breakfast,” she said.

Chocolate-Strawberry Bread 1 pound whole strawberries 2 cups sugar 11/4 cups vegetable oil 4 eggs 3 cups all-purpose flour 3 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottoms of two 9x5-inch or 8x4-inch loaf pans. Lightly flour. Slightly mash strawberries; set aside. In a large bowl, mix sugar and oil. Stir in eggs until well blended. Stir in strawberries until well mixed. Stir in remaining ingredients, except chocolate chips, just until moistened. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into pans. Bake 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire rack. Cool completely before slicing.

the best of

Traci McKelvy, Joe Wheeler EMC customer service director, left, presents March's prize pack to 15-year-old Carissa Pittman of Hartselle.

more than 250 delicious recipes, from appetizers to soups to breakfast, desserts and more!

Mail order form and payment to: Best of Alabama Living Cookbook P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124-4014 Name: Address:

This month's prize pack winner is Jamie Petterson of Tallapoosa River EC!

Send us your recipes for a chance to win!

Online: alabamaliving.coop Email: recipes@alabamaliving.coop Mail: Recipes, P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124

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June: Heirloom Recipes | April 8 July: Frozen Treats | May 8 August: Corn | June 8 Cook of the Month winners will receive $50, and may win “Cook of the Month” only once per calendar year. One gift basket winner will be drawn monthly at random and each name will be entered only once. Items in basket may vary each month. To be eligible, submissions must include a name, phone number, mailing address and co-op name. Alabama Living reserves the right to reprint recipes in our other publications.

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 Living

APRIL 2018 47

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APRIL 2018 49

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| Our Sources Say |

The solar revolution

I

work in the electric utility industry and am drawn to issues associated with the industry. Recently, a number of cities and states have declared a goal of a 100% renewable electric supply.

Most often, the cornerstone of the renewable movement is solar energy. Some people have declared we are in a solar revolution.

I view the goals of total renewable cities and states as impossible without great advancements in energy production and storage. I wrote about “Renewable Lies” last September. This month I visit solar power more closely.

The price of solar panels has declined exponentially and the cost of solar power has also declined. Solar technology works in producing electricity at least when the sun is shining. Solar advocates point out that enough solar energy hits the earth in a single day to power the planet for a full year. Solar generation can be installed by individuals and scaled up by utilities. Solar power is the hottest, coolest thing in electricity.

However, a recently released book by Varun Sivaram, Taming the Sun: Innovations to Harness Solar Energy and Power the Planet, lays out the case that solar power will need much more policy support and innovation to reach the heights predicted.

Dr. Sivaram holds a Ph.D. in physics, and is a solar expert and energy advisor. He favors alternative energy sources and supports solar power, but finds the limitations of solar power must be recognized to truly break through. I haven’t ready his book yet, but I have read three reviews and Dr. Sivaram’s synopsis.

First, silicon technologies dominate the solar generation market today. However, Dr. Sivaram believes silicon technologies have plateaued. Manufacturing techniques are still improving but are leveling off. Solar panel manufacturers spend only 1% of revenue in research and development, a level well below the average for a major, evolving industry. That will have to increase if more efficient solar technologies in organic and quantum dot panels are developed.

Second, Dr. Sivaram states that solar development has leveled at a range of 5% to 10% of total electric usage in Greece, Germany, Italy and Spain, four of the countries with leading solar deployment. He believes additional development in those countries will

require additional breakthrough in solar technologies. The leveling of solar deployment will reduce the demand for solar panels and reduce manufacturing efficiency.

Third, Germany and California have experienced operational problems in integrating solar power into the grid, which needs reliable generation sources. He finds intermittent solar power creates additional operational expenses for the grid, even as the cost of solar power falls. Solar-induced grid costs will inhibit additional solar development.

Fourth, Dr. Sivaram notes that lithium-ion batteries are not well-suited for days or weeks of electric storage. Additional development in battery storage is necessary for efficient electric storage required for wide-scale solar generation deployment.

Fifth, Dr. Sivaram notes, in addition to additional expenses for the electric grid, deployment of localized solar power shifts costs among retail customers. Utilities can’t effectively collect the fixed costs required to maintain reliable generation resources to backup solar generation; collection of those fixed costs are shifted to non-solar customers. The shifting of costs among customers will result in disruption of efficient operation of the electric grid, which is necessary to support the intermittent nature of solar power.

Dr. Sivaram’s conclusion is that marginal improvements in silicon panel technology alone will not be enough to drive a solar revolution. He calls for systemic innovation, including restructuring the entire energy infrastructure, economic markets and energy policies to allow for high penetration of solar generation.

He believes that a series of integrated energy breakthroughs are required to move closer to a solar energy future. He believes additional government investment in energy research and additional subsidies for solar generation will be necessary to drive additional solar innovation.

I assume that means Dr. Sivaram believes the 30% federal tax credit for solar generation is not enough. Taxpayers apparently need to kick in even more to chase the promise of a successful solar revolution. I am in agreement with at least one renewable power advocate that we aren’t close yet.

I hope you have a good month.

Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative

52 APRIL 2018

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| Hardy Jackson's Alabama |

The discovery of the Orline St. John illiam Harris was deadheading when he saw the hog chains.

That was what he told me back in 1991 when I interviewed him in his store at ‘Possum Bend, west of Camden and not far from the Alabama River.

“Deadheads” were sunken logs that had lain long in the water and had taken on the tea-color that was highly prized by furniture makers. “Hog chains” were the rods used to stabilize steamboats that once plied the waters.

Moving closer, Harris could see the outline of the hull.

It was 1954.

Harris was a riverman. All his life he had heard stories of steamboat wrecks. Now he had found one.

Getting some friends to help him, they began free diving and soon their efforts brought results. Out of the mud and silt came twisted metal, nails, buttons, bits of copper and scraps of leather and cloth. Then one of them recovered a piece of broken dinnerware, with something written on it. As they washed away the muck, the bright blue words came clear: “Orline St. John Tim Meaher.”

The names recalled one of the era’s great steamboat captains, Tim Meaher, and one of the era’s great tragedies. In March of 1850, the steamboat Orline St. John caught fire and burned. Nearly 40 passengers and crew perished, including all the women and children on board.

With the wreck identified, Harris wanted to know more. So he began digging into old courthouse records and there he found mention of a strongbox and its treasure. The news could not be

Harvey H. (Hardy) Jackson is Professor Emeritus at Jacksonville State University and a regular contributor to Alabama Living. He can be reached at hjackson@cableone.net.

54 APRIL 2018

contained and soon the local press reported that “Wilcox Gold Hunters” were at work on the river. Fearing for the future of their find, Harris and his friends obtained salvage Then rights. they brought in a “centrifugal pump” to blow away the silt.

Up came an impressive array of artifacts – dishes, razors, knives, forks, needles, thimbles, buttons, shoes, blots of cloth, barrels, kegs, and thousands of nails.

Once they found a box intact. On its way to the surface it broke apart and what they thought were coins spilled out – but they were only brass-collar buttons.

Also brought up were items that personalized the tragedy: “a miniature locket” with a “blue and pink enameled design” that was likely worn by one of the women, and a “dainty baby dress” that had survived the fire and almost a century under water, but fell to pieces when it dried.

They did not find any gold. There were lumps of coins which have been melted together by the intense heat, but there was no treasure.

Harris took what he found home and displayed it at his store.

Meanwhile, in 1969, the U.S. Corps of Engineers built a dam at Miller’s Ferry, about 20 miles below the wreck. Soon the Orline St. John was under 40 feet of water.

But river rumors die hard and even today it is told around of how after the lake was full, divers went down, found the gold – bars about the size of “cakes of Octagon Soap” according to one report -- and spirited it away.

Maybe they did.

Or maybe there was never any treasure.

Or maybe it is still there.

William Harris died in 2008 at the age of 98. Illustration by Dennis Auth

W

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