February 2026 South Alabama EC

Stories | Recipes | Events | People | Places | Things | Local News February 2026

South Alabama Electric Cooperative

LEARNING ON THE JOB

SAEC’s Jaiden Trawick enjoys the challenges of working with technology

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CONTENTS

Vol. 79 No. 2 | February 2026

Manager David Bailey Produced by the staff of South Alabama Electric Cooperative ALABAMA LIVING is delivered to some 450,000 Alabama families and businesses, which are members of 22 not-for-profit, consumer-owned, locally directed and taxpaying electric cooperatives. Subscriptions are $15 a year for individuals not subscribing through participating Alabama electric cooperatives. Alabama Living (USPS 029-920) is published monthly by the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and at additional mailing office.

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ALABAMA RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

AREA President Karl Rayborn Editor Lenore Vickrey Managing Editor Allison Law Senior Graphic Designer Sean Burnley Art Director Danny Weston Advertising Director Jacob Johnson Graphic Designer/ Production Coordinator Brooke Echols

ADVERTISING & 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:

American MainStreet Publications 1-800-626-1181 www.AMP.coop www.alabamaliving.coop

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:

For co-op members, contact your local electric cooperative. Non-members, send your address change to contact@alabamaliving.coop.

USPS 029-920 • ISSN 1047-0311

Printed in America from American materials

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F E AT U R E S

5 High winter bills

Confused about why your winter electric bills are higher even though you never touch the thermostat?

12 State of Symbols

Alabama’s official state symbols range from the colorful camellia to a red-bellied turtle to the state song, once sung by every child in our public schools.

18 Big Band Sound

The Dothan Moonlighters have been entertaining audiences with their cavalcade of Big Band hits for 50 years this month.

DEPARTMENTS 10 Spotlight 29 Around Alabama 34 Cook of the Month 40 Outdoors 41 Fish & Game Forecast 46 Cup o’ Joe

34 Plenty of Pasta

Pasta, whether it’s fancy spaghetti or traditional mac and cheese, can be the base for a delicious meal. Our cooks share their favorite recipes.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! ONLINE: EMAIL: MAIL:

www.alabamaliving.coop letters@alabamaliving.coop Alabama Living 340 Technacenter Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 Get our FREE monthly email newsletter!

Sign up at alabamaliving.coop

ON THE COVER

Information Technology Specialist Jaiden Trawick enjoys the daily challenges and evolving nature of his job at South Alabama Electric Cooperative. See story on Page 8.

FEBRUARY 2026 3

The next chapter Board of Trustees James May President At Large

Raymond Trotter Vice President District 3

Ben Fox Secretary/Treasurer District 4

Johnny Garrett District 1

Bart Snyder District 2

Janet Kervin District 5

David Lowery District 6

Tim Sanders District 7

DAVID BAILEY General Manager Well, college football season is over. The Alabama deer season is fast closing. But it’s still winter, so what else is there to do?

For romantic guys like me, you need to turn your focus to your wife or girlfriend. February is the month of love, and Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14.

Lately, I’ve been writing about the changes in the electric industry, but I would like to focus on a specific change at South Alabama Electric Cooperative.

One of your long-term cooperative employees is retiring in February. Chris Sanders has served the cooperative faithfully for over 40 years. Now he has decided to focus on another chapter in his life.

Chris and I have worked together at the cooperative for 33 years, but we have known each other our entire lives. Yes, we are second cousins, but we are as close as any brothers. Just ask his wife, Tammy. Her regular complaint about our long phone conversations: “Don’t y’all see enough of each other that you don’t have to talk to each other all the time.”

Chris is the general foreman for your cooperative. He has basically held every position for the outside employees. To say I am proud of Chris is an understatement. I think about how God blessed us both with great careers. If you had told us about our cooperative careers over 40 years ago — when we worked together at the peanut-buying point in Ariton — we would have laughed our socks off. No way we could see this in our future. God is definitely good.

Chris’ attention to serving cooperative members is unparalleled. He has done all he can for members and fully understands they pay for us to have jobs and retirements. I don’t want to paint our working relationship as all serious.

Laughter fills the office many afternoons, which is why I will miss him.

Chris and I grew up in a time when dads were tough on male children, wanting them to be the best. Chris is younger than me, but I remember a football game his senior year at Zion Chapel High School. He played running back when

he normally played center and linebacker. He scored four touchdowns. We celebrated on the field after the game, and Chris’ dad, Johnny Sanders, known as J.A., came up to Chris and says, “Son, on that last run, if you would have cut it back to the right sideline, you would have gotten touchdown number five.”

That was how dads were then, always pushing us to be better.

Chris and I have talked about how the tough way they raised us made us into the men we are today. J.A. would be proud of the career Chris has completed.

One of the hardest things to do in leading your cooperative is saying goodbye to employees/friends because we are family here. Not working with Chris will be tough, but I know his next chapter will be as full and fun as the chapter he’s closing at South Alabama. I may not see him as much, but I’m sure we will burn up the phone, and I am sure I will hear Tammy in the background saying, “My goodness, don’t you all ever get tired of talking to each other?” Well Tammy, the answer is no.

Happy retirement to my cousin, brother, friend and employee. You have earned it, and I have to tell you just one more time as your boss, “Tighten up, Cod.” Now that the South is basketball country, February is a warmup to March Madness. But February can produce some very cold weather, and electric bills can still be high. So, please conserve electricity use.

I guess I should address my earlier statement about being romantic.

I am as romantic as an elephant is eloquent moving around a china shop. My first date was to the movies with my to-be wife to see the romantic classic “First Blood.” Being the romantic guy, Rambo was setting a great example for us other romantic guys.

So, I’m not romantic, but I will say Happy Valentine’s to my wife and daughters.

Enjoy your time with all your family. It is all way too short. n

Go Paperless!

Signing up for e-billing is easy. Download the electronic billing agreement or complete it online at southaec.com under Billing Options. All you need is your account number and a current email address.

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SAEC SAECService Service Area Area

High energy bills have you down?

LOWNDES

£ ¤

China Grove Shady Grove

Highland Home

£ ¤ 331

Petrey

29

Saco

PIKE Josie

Shellhorn

Honoraville

Banks

£ ¤ 29

BUTLER

Troy Luverne

your heating system has to work to maintain your indoor temp.

One day, it’s 68 degrees outside.

Then, a massive cold front pushes through and the next day’s high only reaches 33. But you keep your thermostat set at 73 on both days. Setting your thermostat too high increases your energy use dramatically. Adjusting it by even a few degrees can make a difference in your consumption and your bill. n

Springhill

Goshen Glenwood

Winter months can be hard even in the warmth of south Alabama. The temperatures drop to some of the coldest of the year outside, but inside we’re nice and toasty — until the electricity bill comes due.

Why does your energy use climb when the thermostat setting on your heating unit hasn’t changed?

Basically, the bigger the difference between the outside temperature and your thermostat’s setting, the harder

BULLOCK

MONTGOMERY

£ ¤ 331

Brundidge

BARBOUR

Henderson

Brantley

CRENSHAW

Jack New Hope Victoria

DALE

£ ¤ 29

COVINGTON

COFFEE

£ ¤ 231

Contact Information Mailing address P.O. Box 449 Troy, AL 36081

Website www.southaec.com Find us here:

Phone 334-566-2060 800-556-2060

Payment Options SAEC Connect Available from the App Store and Google Play

Thermostat setting

BY MAIL P.O. Box 449 Troy, AL 36081 WEBSITE www.southaec.com PHONE PAYMENTS 877-566-0611, credit cards accepted

Outside temperature

68º F

33º F

NIGHT DEPOSITORY KIOSK Available at our Highway 231 office, day or night PAYMENT POINTS Kiosk in office lobby Regions Bank - Troy branch Troy Bank and Trust - all branch locations First Citizens - Luverne branch Banks Buy Rite - Banks Country One Stop - Honoraville IN PERSON 13192 U.S. Hwy. 231, Troy, AL 36081 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Amount of heat your unit needs to make: 5 degrees

Amount of heat your unit needs to make: 40 degrees

Questions?

For questions concerning capital credits, contact: capital.credits@southaec.com.

For questions concerning billing, contact: billing@southaec.com.

For questions concerning construction, contact: construction@southaec.com.

Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 2026 5

High marks

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MILKEN FAMILY FOUNDATION

Goshen agriscience teacher honored with Milken Educator Award When Goshen High School agriscience teacher Christian Stanley was told he was needed for an assembly, his first thought was the school’s Agriscience Academy was receiving recognition.

He had no inkling that a national awards program wanted to recognize him as an outstanding K-12 teacher and give him a cash prize of $25,000 to spend as he saw fit.

“I’ve always been one to push my students into the spotlight,” Stanley says, admitting it was cool and surprising to receive a Milken Educator Award.

In December, he stood in front of cheering students, fellow teachers and others as his name was announced as Alabama’s 43rd recipient of a Milken Educator Award since the state joined the program in 1998.

Stanley is the first recipient from Pike County Schools.

“Christian Stanley excels as an educator, mentor, colleague and community leader,” Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop said during the event.

“The Pike County Agriscience Academy is unparalleled. Students are lucky to have

such rich, hands-on experiences that allow them to make meaningful contributions to the global economy and build the foundation for a bright future.”

The Milken Educator Awards program is an initiative of the Milken Family Foundation and is hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching.” Surprise presentations are held in school assemblies across the country honoring early- to midcareer teachers for their achievements and for the promise they show as educators. There is no formal application or nomination process for the awards.

Bishop, a 2001 Virginia Milken Educator, and other Milken Educators attended Stanley’s presentation along with dignitaries such as Alabama Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey.

“Mr. Stanley represents everything we hope for in Alabama classrooms,” Mackey said during Stanley’s award presentation.

“He has a heart for students, provides excellent instruction and has a deep commitment to his school and community.”

The Milken Educator Awards program has given more than $76 million in individual cash prizes since 1987 and invested over $146 million in the national network to help recipients broaden their impact by encouraging young people to consider a career in education.

Stanley, now part of a national network of over 3,000 Milken Educators, says his own agriscience teacher had a big impact on him and led to his career choice.

“Personally, what it means to me is being able to help empower my local community and my students,” Stanley says of the award. “That’s the part that I honestly really care about, being able to utilize this award and the recognition that comes with it to allow people to see how great of a program we have, how great of a community

Christian Stanley is celebrated by his FFA students, Alabama State Superintendent of Education Eric G. Mackey, far left, and Alabama State Board of Education Member Tracie West, far right. Students from left to right: Jack Redmon, McKinley Smith, Collin Shepherd, Ella Claire Mills, Mason Adair, Amanda Sleasman, Addi Richburg, Mary Michael Jordan, Jaiden Law

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The Milken Educator Award includes a cash prize. Goshen High students hold up cards revealing the amount of the award.

Goshen is. Professionally, it tells me the hard work we’re doing here at Goshen High School is being seen on a statewide and nationwide level, and that’s excellent.”

Stanley’s love of his profession centers around his students. He gets excited when he hears from first-generation college students or those who chose a career path they might not have otherwise known about had he not exposed them to it.

“The thing that I enjoy the most about education is whenever the students come back and tell me about the impact I had on their life, or whenever I see what they’re accomplishing,” Stanley says. “That’s really the biggest thing to me that really strikes me about education that you really don’t get in a lot of other professions.”

While Goshen has students from traditional agriculture backgrounds, Stanley says the majority of students have no experience living on a farm.

Stanley is originally from a rural community in southern Illinois. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in ag education from Southern Illinois University before he came to Auburn University as a graduate assistant to work on his master’s degree. This is his fourth year at Goshen High School and its Agriscience Academy, which is unique in offering dual enrollment for students in 10th through 12th grades. Students can earn short-term certificates or an associate’s degree in agriculture technologies before they even graduate high school.

But Stanley says the Goshen program is also unique in the diversity of agriculture offerings.

“We have three commercial-sized greenhouses, we have

Alabama Living

aquaponics where we have fish, we have cattle, we have goats — so, we hit on a little bit of everything,” Stanley says. “I think that’s really unique for kids because it allows them to see what they really enjoy in the agriculture industry, and sometimes, more importantly, what they really don’t enjoy that much and couldn’t see themselves doing.”

Stanley says he and his wife, Madison, plan to use his $25,000 cash prize for their son, John-Rillis, who is now 3 months old.

“We’re going to put that toward a college fund for him to ensure he has that ability whenever he gets to that age,” he says. n

Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop congratulates Christian Stanley.

FEBRUARY 2026 7

E

EE OY L P M

Jaiden Trawick joined SAEC as an IT specialist in May 2024.

Jaiden Trawick enjoys the responsibility, constant change in technology role Technology constantly evolves, and that is what Jaiden Trawick likes about his job as an information technology specialist at South Alabama Electric Cooperative. Hired in May 2024, Trawick enjoys the challenges that come with an ever-changing field.

What are your responsibilities?

I support the day-to-day operations of the IT department — troubleshooting hardware or software problems, installing new equipment and assisting my colleagues with any technical issues they may have. I’m also responsible for delivering our IT and information security training, making sure employees understand best practices.

What made you want to join the SAEC team?

Working at South Alabama is great because I get real responsibility and input at my workplace, even though I’m in an entrylevel role. I can meaningfully contribute, and I’m not limited to a small set of tasks. That level of trust makes the work more engaging and helps me feel like my efforts matter.

What is your favorite part of the job?

day brings a new challenge, problem or technology to figure out.

Constant learning can feel overwhelming to some, but I like having to stay curious and adapt.

What do you think is the most important impact SAEC has on its community?

In my opinion, the biggest impact SAEC has is providing an essential service on a not-for-profit basis. Since there are no shareholders to satisfy, we can provide more affordable electricity instead of making a profit. Money is reinvested back into our members and the community, instead of being sent elsewhere.

What’s your favorite thing to do when you aren’t working?

I love to play chess — even though it makes me feel like the dumbest person in the world sometimes.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

You only get one life, don’t waste it by worrying what others think. n

I learn a lot at work. IT is a constantly evolving field, so there’s never a point where you feel like you’ve learned everything. Each

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Alabama Snapshots

Just the two of us

Leslie and Melanie Stokley enjoying retirement in Barlow, Alabama.

SUBMITTED by Melanie Stokley, Millry.

Morgan and Taylor at the county fair.

SUBMITTED by Morgan Moses, Fyffe.

Two baby goats at Little Hooves Farm. Known as kids, the baby goat’s behaviors are a mix of high-energy acrobatics and curious exploration. SUBMITTED by Tara Rowell, Jackson.

Brothers TyLee and Andrew, enjoying the outdoors while hiking at Russell Cave.

SUBMITTED by Beth Rich, Bridgeport.

Dale and Robbie Maxwell celebrating 45 years of marriage in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. SUBMITTED by Robbie Maxwell, Scottsboro.

April theme: “Gone fishin’” | Deadline: February 28 Submit photos at alabamaliving.coop/submit-photo or by scanning the QR code. Photos submitted for publication may also be used on our website and on our social media pages.

Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 2026 9

Spotlight E-mail us at: letters@alabamaliving.coop

Letters to the Editor

THIS MONTH IN

ALABAMA HISTORY

Reflecting on that first color TV

The Arrest of Aaron Burr

Your most recent article, “It’s Black and White to Me” (“Cup o’ Joe, January 2025) made me reflect and laugh. The circumstances of our first color TV were very similar. We also had a pine-paneled den and the TV was a piece of fine furniture.

The only significant difference is that we did not have to wait for a technician to come after delivery, and I was able to delegate channel changing to my little sister. The absolute best part was that I got the old black and white TV in my room. I was the only kid in the neighborhood with a TV in his room. I thought I had arrived and arrived in style. Countless are the number of nights of listening to the national anthem playing at 12:00 midnight and then watching ant races until I fell asleep. The event detailed in the article must resonate with a large number of citizens.

Thank you for sharing.

Timothy D. Garner, Gulf Shores

Find the Hidden Dingbat!

PHOTO FROM ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY

In February 1807, former vice-president of the United States Aaron Burr was arrested in present-day Alabama. The charge was suspicion of treason. A deadly 1804 duel with Alexander Hamilton had defined this outsider’s political legacy. But on the southern frontier, Burr faced a new reckoning.

Burr had come to Washington in 1791, unseating popular U.S. Senator Phillip Schuyler of New York, who was Hamilton’s father-in-law. Then, in 1800, Burr challenged Thomas Jefferson for president. A second-place finish ushered him into the vice presidency. Still, many in Washington regarded Burr with suspicion. His fatal duel with Hamilton near the end of his term in office only compounded these feelings of enmity.

Cast out of politics, rumors circulated about Burr’s intentions. Some said he planned to create a rival nation, carved from the West or the Spanish territories in the South, and make war upon the country of his birth. In November 1806, President Jefferson issued a proclamation calling for Burr’s apprehension and trial.

Months later, in the small hours of a cold night, Burr and a companion rode through the settlement of Wakefield in Washington County. The unusual occurrence alarmed a watchful land agent named Nicholas Perkins. He and the local sheriff followed the nightriders to a neighboring home.

There, by the light of the fire, Burr’s distinctive facial features, including piercing black eyes, betrayed him.

Perkins quickly alerted Lt. Edmund Gaines, commander of nearby Fort Stoddert. On the morning of Feb. 19, 1807, Gaines caught up with Burr near McIntosh and detained him. In early March, Gaines dispatched a small group of well-armed men from Fort Stoddert to transport the prisoner North for trial. Burr was vice president of Acquitted for lack of evidence, the United States from 1801 Burr withdrew from public life. to 1805. He was arrested for treason in 1807 in the — Scotty Kirkland Alabama territory.

Corrected legislative maps The map for the House of Representatives printed in January’s Alabama Living contained incorrect information for House Districts 11 and 12. The representative for District 11 is Heath Allbright and for District 12, Cindy Myrex. Correct maps and co-op listings are available at alabamaliving.coop/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ Alabama-Living-Legislative-Maps-01-26.pdf 10 FEBRUARY 2026

or write us at: Letters to the editor 340 TechnaCenter Dr. Montgomery, AL 36117

Nearly 500 of our readers correctly spotted the January dingbat, a cup of hot cocoa near the top of the Alabama State House in the photo on Page 14. Some of our readers had fun with this location, including Jessica Morris, who wrote: “I imagine legislative staff would love hot chocolate delivery by air instead of taking the stairs or elevators. The dingbat on the State House window frame had us imagining drone delivery.” Jeanie Haugen of Tyler wrote that before she started searching, she thought it would be hidden in something brown. “After I turned a couple of pages, there it was on Page 14…I found it pretty quick this time.”

Usually it takes her two or three times through, but this time, she wrote, “I now think I will go make me a cup of hot chocolate.”

Good idea, Jeanie! And we’re grateful for those of you who read while you’re searching, like Betty Browning of Groveoak, a member of Sand Mountain EC. On Page 14, she notes, “Chief Operating Officer Sean Strickler talks about how important it is to know our leaders. We don’t need to only find out about things when they go wrong, but also when they go right. I enjoyed finding out about this while hunting for the cocoa.” Thanks, and keep reading, Betty!

Congratulations to Nancy Kramer of Robertsdale, our randomly drawn winner of $25 from our sponsor, Alabama One Credit Union. This month, we’ve hidden this candy heart somewhere in these pages but remember, it won’t be in an ad or on pages 1-8. Good luck!

By email: dingbat@alabamaliving.coop

Sponsored by

By mail: Find the Dingbat Alabama Living 340 TechnaCenter Dr. Montgomery, AL 36117 www.alabamaliving.coop

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 with your name, address and the name of your rural electric cooperative, if applicable. The winner and answer will be announced in the November issue.

Submit by email: whereville@alabamaliving.coop, or by mail: Whereville, 340 TechnaCenter Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117.

Contribute a photo you took 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 chosen will also win $25.

January’s answer: From the observation deck at Cherokee Rock Village near Leesburg, enjoy a 100-mile view of three states. This unique mountaintop public park features picnic tables, pavilions and miles of trails, caves, crags and crevices.

Enjoy rock climbing, bouldering, bird watching, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, geocaching and other outdoor family activities. Primitive camping available. (Photo contributed

by Paula Langhurst of Marshall-DeKalb EC) The randomly drawn correct guess winner is Anna Roberts of Baldwin EMC.

Take Us Along!

See more travelers on page 28!

We’ve enjoyed seeing photos from our readers on their travels with Alabama Living! Please send us a photo of you with a copy of the magazine on your travels to: mytravels@alabamaliving.coop.

Be sure to include your name, hometown and electric cooperative, and the location of your photo.

We’ll draw a winner for the $25 prize each month.  Rebecca and Warren Abraham of Dothan took a motorcoach tour in Ireland and Edinburgh, Scotland for their 40th anniversary last year. “We had a great time, and took several pics with Alabama Living in Ireland and Edinburgh, but this is one of my faves,” Rebecca writes. “The morning of this photo was very overcast. But by afternoon we had that beautiful blue sky, and HAD to take more photos of the castle on the hill!”

They walked up Castle Rock (a volcanic crag 443 ft above sea level) to this historical castle where they saw St. Margaret’s Chapel, built by her son around 1130 on the highest part of the rock. Queen Margaret died in the castle in 1093 and was later canonized. The oldest building in Edinburgh, the chapel is still used for weddings and christenings.  Lynn Suddith of Littleville, a member of Franklin EC, took her magazine to Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i, Hawaii, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

Alabama Living

Sarah Beck and Terri Beck Strunk took Alabama Living along on a visit to see their cousin, Tonya Wright, in Ashboro, North Carolina. They are members of Black Warrior EMC

 Gage Wilhite was on a mission trip with Desperation Church to Morostica, Italy, when he made a stop at the Paris airport along with his magazine. He’s a member of Cullman EC.

 Don and Kay Presley of Ralph took along Alabama Living while visiting Cabra Castle in County Cork, Ireland in March. They are members of Black Warrior EMC. FEBRUARY 2026 11

Clyde May’s Whiskey Alabama’s Official Spirit.

PHOTOS TAKEN AT ALABAMA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, TUSCALOOSA

The Lane cake Denise Cochran Fisher of “South Alabama Cooking” holds a Lane cake.

PHOTO BY JORJALYN LOFTON

PHOTO COURTESY OF DENISE COCHRAN FISHER

ALAB A STATE of SYMBOLS

BY EMMETT BURNETT

F

rom a homegrown horse to homemade whiskey, a mammoth monster to a tiny butterfly, a fighting fish to a celebrated rock, Alabama is a land of symbols. Some are heroic, others are inspiring and a few take the cake. Actually, one is a cake.

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Basilosaurus cetoide A life-size replica of a prehistoric whale that inhabited our waters millions of years ago.

Basilosaurus cetoide is our state fossil

BAMA State Dessert: The Lane cake

In 1898, Clayton, Alabama’s Emma Rylander Lane entered her cake in a county fair contest. Winning the event was just the beginning. Word spread about the confectionary delight akin to fruitcake on steroids. The Lane cake received statewide and national acclaim.

The Lane cake is mentioned in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and became a favorite of President Jimmy Carter who served it in the White House. In Alabama the cake became a favorite dessert.

“Making a Lane cake is not too difficult,” says Denise Cochran Fisher, social media host of “South Alabama Cooking.” “But you must have everything just right. Use only egg whites and whip those whites until they have peaks. That gives it a lightness and freshness.”

The cake, which includes raisins, coconut, pecans, and bourbon (or grape juice for the meek), was designated our State Dessert in 2016. (Read more about Lane cake in the May 2022 Alabama Living, alabamaliving.coop/articles/ 5-essential-dishes-every-alabamian-should-know-howto-make.)

Alabama Living

State Spirit: Clyde May’s Whiskey

Formerly Conecuh Ridge Alabama Fine Whiskey, Clyde May’s Whiskey is our brew of distinction.

In the early 2000s, several Alabama legislators pushed Clyde May’s brand to claim official designation of State Spirit. “I think they wanted the brand, not just for the spirit of the whisky, but for the spirit of the man who made it,” notes L.C. May, Clyde May’s grandson.

The elder May manufactured and sold his brew illegally and served prison time for doing so. He was also a devout family man and served in the U.S. Army with honors.

Clyde May died in 1990. His whisky is now sold legally.

The beverage of benevolence gained state officiality in 2004 but not without a fight. Gov. Bob Riley vetoed the legislature’s selection. The governor did not want the state’s official drink to be a brand name. He was overruled.

Clyde May’s Whiskey became our official spirit in 2004.

State Fossil: Basilosaurus cetoide

Behold, Basilosaurus cetoide, a prehistoric whale, creature of nightmares, and our State Fossil.

FEBRUARY 2026 13

PHOTO COURTESY ALABAMA AUDUBON PHOTO BY CARMEN FLAMMINI

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1) Yellowhammer - Alabama State Bird 2) Monarch Butterfly - Alabama State Insect 3) Black Bear - Alabama State Mammal 4) Racking Horse - Alabama State Horse. I’m McGregor is the current reigning World Grand Champion.

PHOTO BY CHRIS JESSEE

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“This was a monster,” notes Alabama Natural History Museum Director, Dr. John Friel, about the whale that ruled 35 million years ago. “It was a top predator in its day.”

A life-sized replica of the 60 foot-long beast is suspended from the Tuscaloosa-based museum’s ceiling. The museum’s curator of paleontology, Dr. Adiel A. Klompmaker, adds, “The species was declared the State Fossil in 1984 because it is fairly common in Alabama.”

State Insect: The Monarch Butterfly

Many consider the monarch butterfly as a lovely, dainty, frequently fluttering winged bug. Lovely they are. Dainty they are not.

“They are beautiful and rugged,” notes Carmen Flammini, Alabama Cooperative Extension agent. “Monarchs fly from Alabama, around the Gulf of America, onward to Mexico, and back to Alabama. That’s a 2,000 mile trip.”

Thanks to Alabama schoolchildren, who pressured the State Legislature, the monarch was designated the State Insect in 1989. The well-traveled bug is a worthy symbol of hope, resilience and beauty.

The monarch is often confused with the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly, our state mascot, also designated in 1989. We also have a State Agricultural Insect – the Queen Honeybee.

In 2006 the State Legislature designated a State Mammal.

Selection criteria included an animal indicative of Alabama’s rich biodiversity and ecology. Debate was short. The American Black Bear was perfect.

“Black bears are all of that and more,” notes Chris Jessee about the state’s designation. The Saraland resident and professional bear photographer adds, “To me, the appeal of black bears is their strength and independence. They do their own thing.

“Bears are not afraid of a stick breaking in the woods because they are the biggest thing in the woods and they know it. They are not nervous.”

Courage, strength, and peaceful coexistence are exemplified by ’Bama’s bears, a worthy symbol indeed.

PHOTO BY NATASHA DOUGLAS

State Mammal: The American Black Bear

4

State Reptile: The Red-Bellied Turtle

Actually we have several stones of distinction. The state gemstone is the star blue quartz. The state mineral is hematite.

But when it comes to pure rock-steady beauty, nothing beats the marvel of marble, designated our state rock in 1969.

“Anywhere you see pure white marble, it’s probably from Sylacauga,” says Judy Green, director of Sylacauga’s Comer Museum and Arts Center. “Our marble is all over the world.”

The world includes Washington D.C. where Sylacauga’s marble adorns the Lincoln Memorial, the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, and the Supreme Court Building.

In 2005, the Alabama Legislature approved the red-bellied turtle (pictured in the Table of Contents on page 2) as our state reptile because of its uniqueness in our state. Mobile and Baldwin counties are among the few places on earth where the red-bellied turtle exists.

“Even in our area, reds are not widely scattered,” notes Dr. David Nelson, associate professor emeritus, Department of Biology, University of South Alabama. “They are a federally protected species.”

It is also a chain-link fence protected species. As noted by Dr. Nelson, “female red-bellied turtles are aquatic and only visit shore to seek elevated dry land to lay eggs.” Unfortunately, roads are elevated on dry land and lure turtles to their demise.

The Alabama Department of Transportation installed fencing at red bellied turtle-laden road areas to prevent death by asphalt.

State Bird: The Yellowhammer

State Horse: The Racking Horse

State Rock: Marble

Also known as the northern flicker, the yellowhammer is our official state bird, as designated in 1927.

“The name derives from its yellow tail feathers and yellow patches on its wings,” notes Ralph Havard, president of the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries. The “hammer” part of its name comes from the bird’s tapping on trees.

Havard adds, “Alabama made a good choice with the yellowhammer as state bird. They are strikingly beautiful.”

Alabama Living

“The racking horse originated in Alabama. It is the only breed that calls Alabama home,” says Bill Stricklen, president of the Racking Horse Breeders Association of America, headquartered in Decatur.

He adds, “the Racking Horse is very gentle, people-oriented, with a great disposition, and has an impressive stride.”

The breed was officially recognized by the USDA in 1971 and designated Alabama’s official State Horse in 1975.

FEBRUARY 2026 15

A Japanese import, the camellia found favor with Alabamians in the 1800s. By the 1900s, our botanical pink passion reached a fevered pitch.

In 1949 Butler County’s Greenville Men’s Camellia Society attempted to replace the state’s unofficial flower, the goldenrod - nature’s sneeze machine – with the camellia. The legislative drive failed, due to lingering resentment about World War II and Pearl Harbor.

Undeterred, the society spent the next decade building camellia support. The Greenville Camellia Society’s president, Jan Newton, recalls, “People conducted mass plantings, held camellia shows, and continuously lobbied the state.”

Greenville’s pink perseverance worked. In 1959, Governor John Patterson signed off on the camellia, which become the state’s official flower. In January, Alabama’s governor was honored with a camellia named in her honor, the Governor Kay Ivey Camellia.

PHOTO BY VLADIMIR WRANGEL

State Flower: The Camellia

PHOTO BY BILLY POPE, ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES

1

State Saltwater Fish: The Fighting Tarpon

Few lay claim to fresh and saltwater symbols in the same state. Alabama can.

The fighting tarpon was designated in 1955 as Alabama’s official saltwater fish. Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, notes about this feisty fighter, “They play an important role in the state’s outdoors economy by drawing seasonal anglers from across the country. Tarpon are also known for putting up a strong fight, which makes them an appropriate symbol to represent Alabama.”

2 1) Fighting Tarpon - Alabama State Saltwater Fish 2) Brown Shimp Alabama State Crustacean

State Crustacean: The Brown Shrimp

Blankenship continues, “Typically brown shrimp make up the largest share of commercial shrimp landings each year, pumping tens of millions of dollars into the state’s economy.

The shrimpers who supply our seafood industry with this delicious crustacean reflect the hard work and determination Alabama is known for.”

These are but a few of Alabama’s State Symbols. Others include: State Amphibian, the Red Hills Salamander State Fruit, blackberry State Game Bird, Eastern Wild Turkey State Marine Mammal, West Indian Manatee State Nut, the pecan State Outdoor Drama, “The Miracle Worker” State Shell, the Johnstone’s Junonia And many more.

State Freshwater Fish: The Largemouth Bass

“When you think of fishing in Alabama, the largemouth bass is at the top of the list for anglers throughout the country,” adds Commissioner Blankenship about the 1975 inductee.

“This fish, maybe more than any other game animal, bonds us through shared experiences in the outdoors. It is a fitting emblem for outdoor recreation in Alabama.”

PHOTO BY DR. CY ECHOLS

State Song: Alabama

Camellia - Alabama State Flower

16 FEBRUARY 2026

We close with the State Song, “Alabama.” Sadly, “Alabama,” for many years taught to and sung by countless Alabama public schoolchildren, is seldom performed anymore. Over the years state government leaders have attempted to replace the ballad in favor of something more contemporary. Suggestions included “Sweet Home Alabama,” “My Home’s in Alabama,” and “Stars Fell on Alabama.” All failed.

“Alabama” was penned in 1931 by Julia Tutwiler, educator, writer, and women’s prison reform advocate. Tutwiler Prison is named for her.

The song’s lyrics open and close with “Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!” Certainly “symbolic” words to live by.  www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 2026 17 NOVEMBER 2023 17

PHOTO BY LENORE VICKREY

Conductor Joe Daughtry, right, leads the Dothan Moonlighters in a World War II-themed concert last November at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery.

Dothan Big Band Celebrating 50 Years

BY LENORE VICKREY

18 FEBRUARY 2026

K

urt Caldwell, 16, has an unusual range of music tastes, from metalcore to soft jazz. And on Thursday nights, you’ll find him, bass trombone in hand, playing hits from the 1940s like “Satin Doll” and “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” tunes that are a popular part of the repertoire of the Dothan Moonlighters, a Big Band-era band that has been entertaining crowds since 1976.

A junior at Rehobeth High School in Dothan, Kurt, and his trombone-playing brother, Trey, 26, are among the younger members of the group that plays gigs throughout the Wiregrass area.

Seated on the same row of trombonists are men six decades older: John Belcher, 77, and his cousin, Byron, 81. When they begin to blast out the notes of “New York, New York” or “I’ll Fly Away,” however, the years that separate them fall away.

“We are a family,” says John Belcher. “The camaraderie of being with that group of folks once a week and performing with them is something you just can’t put a price on.”

The Moonlighters are one of the only big band orchestras in the state that plays a wide range of music from the 1930s to the 2000s.

In November they played for an outdoors, 1940s-themed evening for

donors on the terrace of the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery. In December, they opened for the Atlanta Pops Orchestra at a holiday concert in Dothan, and Feb. 5 they will play for the Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging (SARCOA) at the Enterprise Civic Center. On Feb. 13, they’re booked for a Valentine’s Dance at Abbeville Methodist Church.

Not only does the group play for civic and professional groups, but it has an impressive record of community service, raising $33,000 for the Vivian B. Adams School in Ozark and a high of $110,000 overall in 2016, according to manager Terrell Glover. He has been with the band for all of its 50 years, has recruited many of the current members, and provides rehearsal space in his warehouse. Glover, with the help of Mary McLean, keeps the band’s books, its music, and has binders full of programs from all its concerts going back decades.

“The band now has 20 musicians, two vocalists, two set-up men and one sound man, totaling 25 members,” says Glover, 73, who plays trumpet. While some groups that call themselves a band may have only a lead guitar, bass guitar, a drummer and piano player, “Well, that’s our percussion section,” he says. “We have five saxophones, six trombones and five trumpets.” www.alabamaliving.coop

World War II-Era Origins

Glover says the band’s origins date back to the pre-World War II days when Richard Shill, a Pittsburgh, Pa., native with musical training who was stationed at Dothan’s Napier Field, was sent to Europe without a specific assignment. Instead, his commanding officer learned he’d played with some of the better known big bands in college and asked him to put together a band for his fellow soldiers to boost their morale.

“That was the thing that kept them together, that music from their time and knowing that their girlfriends and their wives and friends back home were listening to the same music as they were,” says Glover. “That brought tremendous comfort to those soldiers over there.”

When Shill came back to Enterprise after the war, he took over his father-in-law’s business and put his horn in the attic, Glover says. “It Alabama Living

PHOTO BY LENORE VICKREY PHOTO BY LENORE VICKREY

stayed there for 45 years and when he retired, he got his horn back out, started practicing and joined the civic band in Dothan. He’d been working with some of the local high school bands, exposing them to Big Band music, and got the idea to form a big band out of the civic band.”

Glover was playing French horn in that band, but since dance bands don’t have a French horn, he switched to trumpet. “I’ve been playing trumpet ever since and that’s how we got started. We had the first meeting at Honeysuckle Middle School in February 1976.”

They settled on the Moonlighters name (other ideas were “The Foot Lifters” and “The Peanut Vendors”). “The band was kind of up and down and had different managers until I took over in 1991,” Glover says, “and we’ve been playing steady ever since.”

Members range in age from their 80s to teens, and include an Army Black Hawk helicopter pilot, two retired ministers, a retired contractor, college instructors, and real estate, insurance, and phone company executives, and more.

Conductor Joe Daughtry, 72, who earned a degree in music education from Auburn where he played in the marching band and with the Auburn Knights band, had a successful career in the telecommunications industry in Texas. Family responsibilities brought him back to his hometown of Dothan in 2011.

That Christmas, he attended a Moonlighters concert and spotted his old Dothan High School band mate, Terrell Glover, in the band.

“I told my wife, I’m gonna go over there and speak to Terrell,” Daughtry says, “so I’m walking across the floor and Terrell looks up and sees me coming across and he sticks his finger out at me and he said, ‘Joe Daughtry, I will see you at rehearsal Thursday night.’”

Daughtry told Glover he hadn’t picked up his trombone in 20 years and it would take six weeks for him to get back in shape enough to join them. But he agreed, playing every day for six weeks until he was ready. “I worked my butt off,” he says. Now he conducts the band, as well as playing first trombone.

John Belcher had a similar story, playing in his high school band and then not picking up his trombone for 20 years before joining the Moonlighters in 1990. He took a 10-year break when travel with Blue Cross kept him from being able to rehearse, but came back eight years ago.

Now, he says, “It’s the highlight of my week.”

Follow The Dothan Moonlighters on Facebook and watch their concert videos on YouTube. The Moonlighters can be reached through Facebook Messenger or contacting Terrell Glover at 334-618-6845.

COURTESY THE VIVIAN B. ADAMS SCHOOL

For some of their concerts, the band plays for free, Glover says, including fundraisers for SARCOA, the Houston-Love Memorial Library, the Elba Theater, Honor Flights and more.

“There’s something almost every month,” Glover says.

The Moonlighters are a special favorite of students at the Vivian B. Adams School in Ozark, which serves individuals with intellectual disabilities from six Wiregrass counties. “We love the Moonlighters,” says school Resource Coordinator Susan Owens.

“They’ve played probably four or five times for us. Our students as a general rule just love music, and to have a group that will interact with them, that means a lot. They encourage them to clap and sing along. They are just so encouraging to us and we love that.”

Abby Royal, 16, has been playing saxophone with the Moonlighters since October 2024 and says performing at the school is the most fun she’s had with the group. “It was very lively and I enjoyed seeing the people dance,” she says.

“It is a joy to play for those folks,” adds Belcher. “It just warms your heart.”

The group has two vocalists, Tim Willis, a retired minister of music and worship at Ridgecrest Baptist Church who also serves as emcee, and Maria Speight, a retired social worker who has sung professionally with nationally known musicians for more than 30 years. Speight’s nephew is a student at the Adams School, so the connection there is personal.

“Everyone, no matter what their age, commits to doing this music and creating an atmosphere for the people who come to hear us play,” she says. “We all have a great time, we love the music and it’s a pleasure to work with people who bring professionalism to the gigs as well as great music.”

Top, band manager Terrell Glover shows a wall of programs and posters of the Moonlighters’ performances through the years; band members rehearse weekly in Glover’s warehouse; vocalist Maria Speight dances with an audience member at the Vivian B. Adams School in Ozark, a recipient of funds raised by Moonlighters’ concerts.

FEBRUARY 2026 19

Siblings Earn Titles in Rise to the Top

of Duck Calling Art

BY JOHN N. FELSHER

20 FEBRUARY 2026

PHOTOS COURTESY LYNNE WISENER

A

ny family would be blessed with one member winning championships, but two siblings in the Wisener family of Guntersville are champions in the world of duck-calling, with one the reigning world champion.

Jake Wisener has won multiple duck calling contests, including two Alabama state duck calling titles, but hasn’t quite topped what his younger sister Kacie Wisener achieved in her rookie year of competing.

“We live about 50 yards from Jake, his wife and children,” says Lynne Wisener, their mother. “Everybody knows when it’s getting close to duck calling season.

It’s definitely loud, but we enjoy it. We are very proud of them both.”

Jake began his foray into duck calling competitions, not quite by accident, but close. At age 12, the active athlete suffered a torn Achilles tendon that required surgery.

“I was playing football, basketball, baseball, everything,” Jake recalls. “I didn’t hurt it, but it began to hurt over time. They said that tendon was too short and would continue to hurt until they fixed it.”

Unable to put any weight on his foot, Jake could do little more than look at his iPad or watch TV for months. While watching “Duck Dynasty,” he became fascinated with blowing duck calls. He watched videos to teach himself the art of duck calling.

“We had been duck hunting a few times with friends and really enjoyed it, but we knew nothing about calling ducks,” says his father Mark, a Methodist pastor and owner of a turf management company.

“When Jake was hurt and shut down for that long, duck calling was one of the things that interested him that he could do.

Coming home from work one day, I heard calling coming from his room. I thought it was another video, but it was Jake.”

Above: Jake Wisener in Stuttgart, Ark. by mural of the late Butch Rickenbach, founder of RNT Calls.

At left: Jake competes in the World Championship Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, Ark.

Jake practiced vigorously for weeks, honing his skills. While Jake practiced, sister Kacie listened intently. At age 10, she blew her first call and hunted a few times.

“I listened to my brother forever,” Kacie says. “I would occasionally pick up a call and blow it.”

When the family attended the 2012 Tennessee Valley Hunting and Fishing Expo in Huntsville, Jake noticed a booth for Mayday Calls from Union Grove, not far from Guntersville. He picked up a call and started blowing it.

Impressed, the owner suggested the youth enter some calling competitions and even made a call for Jake. A couple

months later, Jake entered his first local contest and won it.

“I entered that first contest for fun,” Jake says. “I really didn’t know much about contests. Competing never entered my mind. I just wanted to be a good hunter.

The idea of communicating with an animal and convincing it that I was not a human was very interesting to me. I relate it to a chess match between man and nature.”

Jake started entering more prestigious events. While Jake competed, Kacie listened to the calls he and the other men made.

“The more I listened to the men, the more it stuck in my head what a duck call is supposed to sound like,” she says. www.alabamaliving.coop

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At one event, the family met Butch Rickenbach, founder of RNT Calls, a major duck call manufacturer. He sponsored Jake and taught him about competition calling.

In 2017, Jake won the Last Chance Regional Duck Calling Contest. Held the night before the World Championship Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, Ark., that event qualified Jake to compete in the men’s adult championship contest for the first time the next day.

“I owe all my success to Butch,” Jake said. “He became a friend and mentor.

He was like a grandfather to me.”

The calling championship annually takes place during Thanksgiving week in conjunction with the Wings Over the Prairie Festival in Stuttgart. The event began in 1936 and marks its 90th year this fall. To date, Jake has competed in three world championships at Stuttgart.

Each year, the Wisener Family rents a recreational vehicle to travel to Arkansas.

During those hours-long trips, Kacie

PHOTOS COURTESY LYNNE WISENER

At Right: Kacie Wisener competes in the World Championship Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, Ark. Below: Kacie with world championship trophy.

22 FEBRUARY 2026

would listen to Jake practicing his routines in the back of the RV. Driving home from Arkansas after the 2024 championship, Kacie listened to her brother as usual.

“Whenever we went to Arkansas, Butch would hand me a call to blow,” Kacie says.

“When I called, everyone said it sounded good and that I should enter calling contests. I never wanted to jump on the bandwagon of competing, but everyone said that if I didn’t enter the 2025 contest, they would be mad at me. Jake helped me prepare.”

When the family returned home, Kacie began making TikTok videos documenting her journey into competitive calling. The videos became very popular with people encouraging her to compete.

“The videos blew up,” Kacie says. “I would occasionally make a video, but in the last month before the contest, I tried to do one about every day. People said we need more women to compete.”

Finally, she entered the 2025 Women’s World Championship Duck Calling Contest, also held in Stuttgart. She competed against six other women and now reigns as the current women’s world champion duck caller.

“Winning a world championship is definitely much harder for the men because they have a lot more competition, but it’s still a big accomplishment for a woman to win a world championship,” Kacie says.

Now 22, Kacie teaches prekindergarten and is the assistant volleyball coach for Guntersville High School where her team won the state championship.

Jake, now 25, recovered from his injury enough to become the starting quarterback at Guntersville High School.

He later played in college. He took two years off from calling and married Dayleigh. The couple now raise daughter Remi, 3, and son Reed, 1. Jake works as a firefighter.

“Jake has been very successful on many levels throughout the years of competing,” Lynne says. “Through all those years, Kacie has watched, listened and supported her brother in this journey. We are extremely excited to see what Kacie’s journey will be now that she has accomplished this win for the world championship.” 

UPCOMING EVENTS Full Moon on 5th

March 6 • May 1 5th Street, Downtown Meridian

Meridian Maker Faire March 7

Soulé Steam Museum

Sipp & Savor April 11 The MAX

Threefoot Festival April 18

Downtown Meridian

Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival May 7-9

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www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 2026 23

Worth the Drive

House of Plenty Brings Variety to Northwest Alabama

BY ALLISON LAW

P

art studio, part demonstration kitchen, part event venue, part restaurant – the House of Plenty fulfills a multitude of needs in rural Hamilton, tucked into Marion County in the northwest part of Alabama.

The House of Plenty has evolved since September 2021, when owner Jonathan Moore fell in love with a commercial space in the downtown area. With a nudge from his wife and now business partner, Kalyn, he followed his heart to create an outlet for his cooking and hospitality skills while also serving the needs of the community.

The mom-and-pop places in the area are putting out good products, Moore says, but he felt the need to provide more variety and diversity of foods and services. And he wanted it done with true Southern hospitality.

“The heart behind what we do is, beyond the food for me, it’s about the hospitality. It’s about making people feel special and valued and taken care of, and I use food as an avenue to do that,” Moore says. “It’s about creating a place where everyone is welcome, and they can come here and be nourished, hopefully more than with just with the meal.”

Eat in, take home;

Jonathan Moore instructs a class at one of House of Plenty’s Studio Sessions.

The design of the eatery is deliberate; the space can be used as a regular restaurant, or as a cooking demonstration setup.

24 FEBRUARY 2026

PHOTO BY HOUSE OF PLENTY

hot lunches, cold foods, sweets and more

‘Bring them to the table’

Moore is actually from the Midwest, near St. Louis, and didn’t grow up with Southern ingredients and flavors.

But he did have family members who enjoyed cooking, so when cousins were out playing football, Moore was in the kitchen, learning how to cook for a crowd and special occasions.

As a young adult, he had a traveling job that brought him to Hamilton for a short assignment. He fell in love with the community, made friends and found a church home; when the assignment was over, he decided to stay, met and married Kalyn and started working at a local restaurant. There, he learned how to run a restaurant and how to cook for 200 instead of 20.

Another restaurant job followed for a couple of years, then a job at a local pharmacy through the pandemic. In February 2021, Kalyn gave him the confidence to “follow my dreams and passions for creating a place to host people and to bring them to the table.”

While still working at the pharmacy, he’d started a blog, sharing recipes and trying to demystify cooking and make it accessible. On nights and weekends, he would rearrange his kitchen, set up a camera and film videos for the blog. But all that took away from family time and was difficult to do with two small children running around.

Then came the idea to have a studio space where he could create recipes and film videos. He picked up catering jobs to make it pay for itself. The space, which he calls a “studio kitchen,” serves many needs; the open cooking space in the middle allows him to host cooking classes, but the open area up front can be used as an event venue. www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 2026 25

Kalyn had the idea to create Take Home Tuesdays, to supplement the business. Every weekend, Moore sends out a memo to text subscribers, and they can place an order over the weekend for what House of Plenty will have on that menu on Tuesday. Then on Tuesday, they pick up the meals on their way home. The first week, they sold out in an hour.

He doubled the amount of food and sold out again.

House of Plenty

117 1st Ave. SW, Hamilton, AL 35570 205-921-2427 | Houseofplenty.net Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday for Take Home Tuesday pickups

lHamilton

26 FEBRUARY 2026

PHOTO BY HOUSE OF PLENTY

At this point, it was just Moore doing all the cooking, planning, menu designing, everything. He hired someone with kitchen experience to help and then a couple weeks later needed to hire others “because it just kept growing.” The phone rang off the hook for catering orders for weddings, business lunches and other events.

“The Take Home Tuesday and catering response was so large, I never actually got to do the creative side of … doing shoots and recipe development. The blog and videos had to go on pause, because I didn’t have any time.”

It was two years, once the catering side settled down a bit, before he was able to start filming more YouTube content in the studio that he designed just for that purpose. “We beefed up our schedule with some more classes, and then we did what we call a Chef ’s Table, which is like a private ticketed event … it’s a secret menu. They don’t know what they’re going to get until they arrive.” It’s a fine dining affair, with antique china and flatware, linen napkins and names on placecards.

Those events have been popular, but Moore felt there was more they could do to diversify the dining options in Hamilton. “I thought, what can I do out of the space I have?

And that’s how the Lunch Counter was birthed.”

With the other events during the week, Moore would have food left over that he didn’t want to go to waste. “So I’d make up some extra things, and I’d send out a text to some of my customers saying ‘hey, I’ve got some chili, I’ve got this casserole and that casserole,’ and every Friday it cleared out.”

He started with one cooler and hired another person to make fresh sandwiches and salads every day, along with chicken salad and snacks and such – all cold foods. The idea to have these options available at lunchtime, as a grab-andgo, went over well.

A few months later, he started to offer one hot plate option every day; it’s not a menu that customers pick from, but one of several lunch options that rotates. One day could be poppyseed chicken; another, Baja fish tacos; and Thursday is always loaded baked potato day.

The store also sells baked goods — cookies, danishes, savory pasties and more — made in-house from scratch.

All this reimagining and evolution is at the heart of House of Plenty, Moore says.

“We want to constantly bring something new and fresh and reimagine what the culinary experience can be, so that we have a changing landscape in the culinary area here in Hamilton,” he says. “We want to make sure that those things are consistent for our everyday and weekly customers.

“We want to offer that sort of consistency, but also bringing in other things, like our Chef ’s Table, or classes – something new and different,” he says. “We provide a bigcity experience, but in a rural place, and we try to make it as accessible as we can to all people.” 

PHOTO BY ALLISON LAW

A diversity of options

1

2

3

1) House of Plenty offers one hot plate for lunch every day, with 10 to 12 options they pull from and rotate. These are Baja Fish Tacos with chipotle slaw and Baja sauce with homemade guacamole and salsa on the side. 2) Jonathan Moore shows a cooking class at House of Plenty how to make Chicken Spiedini (chicken tenderloins, pounded flat, marinated, and coated in parmesan, breadcrumbs, and lemon zest, shallow fried, then braised in tomato sauce). Also in the class, they learned how to build a platter salad and how to make some salad dressings from scratch. 3) An array of delectable sweets at the House of Plenty, set up for a catering order. www.alabamaliving.coop

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Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 2026 27

Take Us Along!

Continued from page 11

 Joseph and Patricia Tarver of Satsuma, members of ClarkeWashington EMC, cruised to Freeport in the Grand Bahamas, Key West and Nassau for their 50th wedding anniversary, along with their Alabama Living.

 Laura Gaskin of Hartselle, a member of Joe Wheeler EMC, took a trip to The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, to learn about her family’s heritage.

 Dana Creel of Cullman EC got in some good reading in front of the Sea ‘N’ Suds Restaurant while on the beach at Gulf Shores.

o ll e H

 Neil and Deb Pierce of Dixie EC traveled last year to see their great niece, Maddie, perform in “The Little Mermaid” at the historic San Antonio Majestic Theatre. She took time out to read the May issue.  Baldwin EMC members Robert Bantivoglio and Renea Fields of Gulf Shores traveled to Providenciales Turks and Caicos.

“It was a fabulous time!” reports Renea.

CROSSWORD

Down Across 1 “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the ole 1 Alabama beach city where you can enjoy dolphin ____ ___” , 2 words cruises on Valentine’s Day 4 Courageous leader who fought for an end to racial 2 Raggedy doll 3 Romantic luxury hotel and spa in segregation (includes initials and last name) Fairhope, The _____ 9 African nation which has produced many Olympic 5 Tuskegee native who sang “Endless gold medals in long-distance running Love” with Diana Ross, _____ Richie 10 In 1926, he was the originator of the concept of 6 Social media platform which Black History month, Carter _____ created its first Black History Month 12 In no way programming in 2018 13 Hotel that’s part of the Wyndham brand 7 Juniper-flavored spirit 16 Rosa Parks left a ____ of standing up against 8 Wonder injustice and racism throughout her life 11 Faithful pet 18 Shade tree 20 “Water for _____s”, romantic drama starring Robert 14 Everything 15 Madame, for short Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon 17 Affirmative answer 24 Greek god of love 19 Hospital workers, abbr.

25 Fathers 21 Handheld device, abbr.

27 Alabama river where you can find rare ____ lilies 29 Tuskegee ____: the first African military aviators in 22 Natural environment 23 Act passed to protect rights of the US Army Air Forces in World War II people with disabilities 32 In addition 33 Black singer who starred in a comedy drama and 26 Affectionate gestures 27 Pacific salmon famously sang the original soundtrack of “The 28 Romantic spa in Mobile, Battle ____ Bodyguard,” Whitney ______ 29 “Scarface” star, Pacino 35 Origination point for the 1965 marches against segregation and for the constitutional right to vote 30 Fish eggs 31 Approaches 37 Body of salt water 32 Buzz Lightyear’s owner 38 Female deer 34 Witness 39 ___ dreams 36 Hawaiian garland 40 Heavens above

28 FEBRUARY 2026

BY MYLES MELLOR

Answers on Page 45. www.alabamaliving.coop

Around Alabama

FEBRUARY 7 Fort Morgan, 2026 Fort Morgan Tour of Homes, a fundraiser to benefit the area volunteer fire department.

Five of Fort Morgan’s most distinctive architectural homes, each offering its own take on coastal living and design, will be featured. All are short-term rentals and showcase the relaxed, family-friendly lifestyle of the area. Hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

FEBRUARY 7 Wetumpka, Galentine’s on Main, 116 Company St. All “girls” welcome to come downtown for a day of fun and shopping. Merchants will offer deals and discounts. Search for the event’s page on Facebook.

FEBRUARY 7 Millbrook, Millbrook Revelers Mardi Gras Festival and Parade. Festival grounds open at 9 a.m. with more than 60 vendors and activities for children. Parade begins at noon after the staging at Mill Creek Park, behind Smokehouse Bar-B-Q restaurant on Main Street. Millbrookrevelers.org FEBRUARY 14 Livingston, Mardi Gras 2026. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Vendors, live music by Tyler Sellers, inflatables and games for children, parade at 12:30 p.m. and barbecue judging at 2 p.m. Visit the city’s Facebook page at City of Livingstonlston, AL. FEBRUARY 17 Gulf Shores, Mardi Gras Parade, 10 a.m. The Mystic Order of Shriners joined with the Pleasure Island Players in 1979 to become the oldest parading order in Baldwin County. Parade starts at the intersection of highways 59 and 182. GulfShores.com FEBRUARY 17 Wetumpka, Arti Gras 2026, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Wind Creek Penthouse, 301 Hill St. This fundraiser for The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts features catered food, drinks and wine, a mask contest and an art pull. See the event’s page on Facebook.

FEBRUARY 21 Anniston, 46th annual Heritage Festival, 920 Museum Drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event celebrates Black History Month with live music, local vendors and museum tours. Young people are encouraged to enter the oration competition to develop public speaking skills and practice creative writing.

Search for the event’s page on Facebook.

FEBRUARY 21-22 Decatur, Home and Garden Show, Ingalls Harbor Pavilion, hosted by the Greater Morgan County Builders Association. Latest trends in custom home building and remodeling ideas for every room of the home. Gmcba.org

Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 26-28 Monroeville, Monroeville Literary Festival, a project of the Monroe County Museum.

Among the festival’s highlights are the presentations of awards, which this year will honor Ace Atkins and Patricia Foster; other authors scheduled to speak include John Archibald, Anne Byrn, Emily Carpenter, Carolyn Haines, Honoree Fanonne Jeffers, Lesa Carnes Shaul, Tom Spencer and Joe Kittinger. Visit monroevilleliteraryfestival. com for a full schedule of events.

PHOTO BY M.STUDIO/ADOBE STOCK

EVENTS

The annual Seafood Festival will be Feb. 28 at The Wharf in Orange Beach.

FEBRUARY 28 Orange Beach, 34th annual Seafood Festival, The Wharf, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Food, arts and crafts booths, music for the whole family, a kids’ zone and large car show with antique, classic and hot rod vehicles along Main Street. Event is free; funds raised from the car show benefit MAAAC, which raises money to benefit Orange Beach city schools. Orangebeachal.gov MARCH 5-7 Florence, 29th George Lindsey UNA Film Festival, on the campus of the University of North Alabama.

Festival celebrates independent filmmaking and features various categories for professionals, students and young filmmakers. It also honors its namesake, actor George Lindsey, and is Alabama’s longest-running film festival.

Details will be noted on the website and social media channels. Lindseyfilmfest.com MARCH 5-8 Selma, Bridge Crossing Jubilee, commemorating the 61st anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the Selma-to-Montgomery March and the signing of the Voting Rights Act. Featuring educational events for young people, the 50-mile Peace Rally and Walk, public conversations, mass meetings, battle of the bands, cultural village, church services, Super Soul Sunday benefit concert and more. Selmajubilee.com MARCH 7 Montgomery, 2026 Monster Truck Nitro Tour, 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Garrett Coliseum, 1555 Federal Drive.

334-356-6866 or stop by the Coliseum.

MARCH 7-8 Gulf Shores, 12th annual Ballyhoo Festival, Gulf State Park. A juried fine art festival featuring 100 artists and $6,000 in awards. Additional focus is on cultural exchange, including presentations by the Poarch Creek Indians and live music, fiddle and banjo competitions and food vendors.

Ballyhoofestival.com

MARCH 20-26 Montgomery, SLE Rodeo, Garrett Coliseum. The Southeastern Livestock Exposition supports youth who are involved in livestock in Alabama; proceeds benefit such programs as livestock shows, Alabama 4-H, youth rodeo associations and others. Visit slerodeo.com for information on the rodeo activities and schedule.

MARCH 21 Fort Payne, DeKalb County Master Gardeners 2026 plant sale, VFW Fairgrounds Post 3128, 151 18th St. Native plants, herbs and perennials from Master Gardeners’ own gardens. Pollinator and beekeeping information will also be available. 256-630-0979.

MARCH 27-28 Furman, Wilcox Historical Society Tour of Homes, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eight houses, two churches, a welcome reception and more. Guest speaker will be Charlie Hurt, opinion editor of The Washington Times and co-host of Fox and Friends Weekend. His presentation will focus on our nation’s founding fathers and early American history. Tickets available on Eventbrite.com.

MARCH 28 Opelika, Auburn Rodeo 2026, Sistrunk Farms, 15400 U.S. 80. Tailgating in the parking lot all day, live music by Treaty Oak Revival, Muscadine Bloodline, Kaitlin Butts, The Bends and Hayden Blount, and rodeo beginning in the afternoon (bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding). Tickets, parking passes and more info at TheAuburnRodeo.com To place an event, e-mail events@alabamaliving.coop. or visit www.alabamaliving.coop. You can also mail to Events Calendar, 340 TechnaCenter Dr., Montgomery, AL 36117; 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 on FB instagram.com/alabamaliving

FEBRUARY 2026 29

Gardens

Pruning Ornamental Shrubs in Alabama: PHOTO BY BETHANY O’REAR

A Simple Guide

For larger shrubs, a pruning saw may be needed.

I

f you’ve ever wondered when or how to prune your ornamental shrubs, you’re not alone. In Alabama, where our climate encourages lush growth, pruning is essential for keeping plants healthy and attractive. But here’s the good news: With a little know-how, pruning doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Pruning isn’t just about shaping plants to look pretty. It’s about plant health. Removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches improves air circulation and reduces pest problems. It also encourages new growth and flowering.

Think of pruning as giving your shrubs a fresh start.

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is pruning at the wrong time. The May Rule is a great guide for making sure that you get the timing just right.

Bethany O’Rear, a horticulturist for more than 20 years, is a regional agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, specializing in commercial and home horticulture.

30 FEBRUARY 2026

• Spring-flowering shrubs (bloom before May) should be pruned right after they bloom. These plants set their flower buds in summer for the next spring, so pruning too late means cutting off next year’s flowers.

• Summer-flowering shrubs (bloom after May) bloom on new wood. Prune these in late winter or early spring before growth starts.

Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall—it can stimulate tender growth that may be damaged by winter cold.

While this timing rule applies to most shrubs, there are always exceptions. Some plants have unique growth habits or bloom cycles that require special consideration.

When in doubt, check recommendations for your specific species.

How much is too much? A light touch goes a long way.

In most cases, it is best to remove no more than one-third of the plant at a time. Over-pruning can stress shrubs and reduce flowering. Start by cutting out dead or crossing branches, then step back and look at the plant’s natural shape. The goal is to enhance, not fight, its form.

In rare cases, shrubs that have become overgrown or woody may benefit from renewal or rejuvenation pruning. This involves cutting the entire plant back to 6–12 inches from the ground to encourage vigorous new growth. It’s best done in late winter or early spring and only on species that tolerate severe pruning, such as hollies, forsythia and spirea.

A note of caution: Conifers (like junipers and arborvitae) should never be candidates for renewal pruning as they do not regenerate from old wood and can experience a decline in plant health if cut back severely.

Additionally, this type of pruning on conifers often leaves them permanently disfigured and unattractive, with sparse foliage and bare stems that never recover their natural form. Use this drastic measure sparingly and only when other pruning methods can’t restore the plant’s health or shape.

And remember pruning is never a solution for planting the wrong plant in the wrong place. If a shrub’s mature size or growth habit doesn’t fit the space, constant pruning won’t fix the problem. Choosing the right plant for the right location is always the best long-term strategy.

Sharp, clean pruning tools make all the difference.

Hand pruners work for small branches, while loppers handle thicker stems. For larger shrubs, a pruning saw may be needed. Always make cuts just above a bud or branch junction, and angle them slightly to shed water.

This helps prevent disease.

Our humid climate can lead to fungal issues, so pruning for good airflow is key. Also, fast-growing shrubs like ligustrum or hollies may need more frequent attention.

Don’t forget to sanitize your tools between plants, especially if you’ve removed diseased wood.

Pruning ornamental shrubs isn’t just a chore; it’s an investment in your landscape’s beauty and health. By pruning at the right time and using proper techniques, you’ll enjoy vibrant, well-shaped plants year after year. So, when the time is right, grab those pruners and give your shrubs the care they deserve!  www.alabamaliving.coop

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FastHelp is the sleek new medical alert device with the best of combinations: a quality, high-tech engineered device that’s also an extremely great value because there are no monthly bills ever. ■ Alabama Living

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FEBRUARY 2026 31

Consumer Wise

PHOTO BY MARK GILLILAND, PIONEER UTILITY RESOURCES

If you’re looking for a new TV, Energy Star-certified models are 34% more efficient than conventional models.

Should I Upgrade

My Appliance?

B

uying a new appliance can feel daunting. Before you hand over your hard-earned money, here’s how to choose an appliance that will help you save money over time.

When shopping, keep in mind that not all new appliances are high efficiency and not all old appliances are inefficient.

The less efficient your current appliance, the more you will save with an upgrade. The yellow EnergyGuide label on new appliances shows the yearly energy cost, kilowatt-hour electricity use and Energy Star logo, if certified.

Let’s look at some appliance examples to see how the costs and savings stack up.

Refrigerators have seen major efficiency improvements over the years. New refrigerators use up to 73% less energy than 1970s models and about a third less than 20-year-old models.

On a visit to my mom’s house, she proudly showed off her 1980s refrigerator she bought when her 1970s harvest gold model died. If her 80s fridge uses 2,000 kWh per year, at 14 cents per kWh, it costs $280 per year to operate. New Energy Star-certified refrigerator prices start at $500 with yearly energy costs ranging from $38 to $122. If mom buys a new Energy Star-certified refrigerator for $1,000 with $100 yearly energy cost—saving her $180 per year—it will pay for itself in about 5 1/2 years.

If you intend to keep your old appliance, be sure to weigh the additional energy costs. Maximize efficiency and keep your food safe by setting your refrigerator to 37 degrees and your freezer at 0 degrees.

New Energy Star-certified clothes washers and dryers are also more efficient than older models. Use the Energy Star Product Finder at energystar.gov to compare products.

Integrated Modified Energy Factor measures the washer’s energy efficiency. A higher number is better. Integrated Water Factor measures water efficiency. A lower number is better.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company.

She has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy at home, and she writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing nearly 900 electric co-ops.

32 FEBRUARY 2026

I recently bought a new washing machine when my old front-load machine died. I was considering a topload machine. When I compared Energy Star-certified top loaders to front loaders, I changed my mind. Energy Star-certified front loaders use about 50% less energy and water than top-load agitator washers and about 25% less energy and water than top-load impeller washers that don’t have an agitator.

My new washer cost $698. According to the appliance’s EnergyGuide, based on six loads of laundry a week and an electricity cost of 14 cents per kWh, the yearly energy cost is $15. Similar non-Energy Star-certified models were $48 per year. Mine didn’t cost much more than non-Energy Star models and will help me save over time.

Then I had to make the decision about buying the matching dryer. My dryer was functional but had features I didn’t like. At 14 cents per kWh and running roughly six loads a week for an hour each, my old dryer used $131.04 per year.

The new matching Energy Star-certified dryer cost $698 and estimates annual energy use at 607 kWh, which is $84.98 per year at 14 cents per kWh. With an estimated savings of $46 per year, the dryer would take 15 years for the savings to cover the price. That’s a long time and not worth the cost.

To improve your washer and dryer efficiency, wash in cold water, don’t over dry clothes and clean your lint trap between every load.

Just like the light bulbs in your home, LED televisions offer increased efficiency. Energy Star-certified televisions are 34% more efficient than conventional models. If you have a working LED television, swapping to an Energy Star model is more efficient but may not make up for the cost of a new TV. Instead, check the efficiency settings on your TV or buy a smart power strip that turns off other connected devices when not in use.

Whatever appliance you are upgrading or replacing, make an informed decision by comparing the cost of operation and shopping Energy Star models to help lower your electric bill.  www.alabamaliving.coop

Meet the Beauty in the Beast Discover this spectacular 6½-carat green treasure from Mount St. Helens!

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Alabama Living

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FEBRUARY 2026 33

Alabama Recipes

Perfect

Pasta

Food prepared and photographed by Brooke Echols

A

Greek Spaghetti

34 FEBRUARY 2026

nne Ward says her recipe for Greek Spaghetti “isn’t what I’d call typical Greek spaghetti,” because “every time I make it it’s a little different.” She created her recipe based on a dish she had several years ago at a small Greek restaurant in Clearwater, Fla. “I was an insurance examiner for the state of Alabama,” she recalls, and while there working on a case her aunt and uncle took her to eat at the restaurant. The spaghetti was a side dish to an entrée. She liked it so much she wanted to make it for herself and her family, and “I’m always willing to try something new.” The result was her prizewinning recipe that uses sausage for the meat, and what she calls “stoplight” bell peppers to add color and taste. Those ingredients aren’t typical, she admits, “but you know I’ve always got to mess with recipes!” She says her children like it and her neighbors like it, and now she’s glad Alabama Living readers will get a chance to taste it as well. Anne won Cook of the Month honors in 2024 for her recipe for “Butter Buckle Ice Cream Dessert.” “I’m just tickled I won for the second time,” she says. “Wow!” -- Lenore Vickrey

www.alabamaliving.coop

Cook of the Month Anne Ward, Dixie EC Greek Spaghetti 1 14-16-ounce package smoked sausage (Polish kielbasa, Conecuh, Kelley's, etc.) cut into rounds or bite-sized medallions 1-11/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken, vegetable broth) 1 pound fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced thick 2 large or 3 medium sweet onions, sliced thick Fresh or refrigerated garlic, minced 3 bell peppers (1 each green, red and yellow), sliced thick 2 celery stalks, pared (destringed), sliced thick Greek seasoning, to taste 1 lemon, zest and juice 1 8-ounce bag baby spinach or baby kale and spinach blend (or 1-10 oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained) 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter 1 16-ounce package long noodles (spaghetti, fettuccini, linguini) Grape tomatoes, halved, optional for garnish Capers, optional for garnish Feta cheese, optional for garnish Brown sausage medallions in large Dutch oven. Remove from pan and set aside. Deglaze pan with white wine or broth. Add mushrooms and onions. Cook down until soft but not mushy. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Cook celery and peppers in microwave, 6-9 minutes on high, stirring after each 3 minutes. Drain any moisture that cooks out. Add Greek seasoning to taste and lemon zest. Add spinach/kale and cook only until wilted. Add back the browned sausage. Cook an additional few minutes. Add olives. Turn off heat.

Cook noodles in salted water in accordance with package directions to al dente. Drain, reserving about a cup of the salted water. Add 1 stick butter to the hot noodle pan and stir until melted. Add lemon juice. Cook about 1 minute on low. Turn off heat. Stir in noodles to coat with the lemon butter sauce. Add lemon buttered noodles and any remaining sauce to the sausage and vegetables. Mix well. Add a little of the reserved salted pasta water if you need to thin out the sauce.

Garnish with halved grape tomatoes (uncooked) at the end, if desired. Garnish with capers and/or feta cheese (optional). Serve alone or with Greek salad and garlic bread.

Alabama Living

P

asta is my love language. In a perfect world, pasta is calorie-free. But sometimes we just have to splurge a little and I have a tasty way to do it. We take one of the best food products of the great state of Alabama and make a delicious and easy One- Brooke Burks Pan Conecuh Pasta dish. It is southern comfort food done easy with minimal clean up. Now that is what I call a beautiful thing!

Find more recipes like this at thebutteredhome.com.

One-Pan Conecuh Pasta 1 pound smoked Conecuh sausage 2 cups rotini pasta, cooked al dente 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 can diced tomatoes, drained 11/2 cup Half & Half 1 tablespoon plain flour 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper Pinch red pepper flakes 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese Cook pasta and drain; set aside. Slice sausage and brown in a large skillet. Remove and drain. Place butter in the same skillet over medium to low heat. Once melted, add flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly add in Half & Half and whisk until thickened. Lower heat and add sausage, tomatoes, both cheeses and seasonings. Add cooked and drained pasta back to pan. Heat through for a minute and remove from heat.

Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve.

PHOTO BY THE BUTTERED HOME

FEBRUARY 2026 35

Spaghetti Pie

Mac and Cheese

1 1 1 1 4 1 8

16 ounces elbow macaroni 2 boxes chicken broth 1 stick butter 16 ounces block-sharp cheddar cheese, grated 1 can white cheddar cheese soup 1 large can evaporated milk 1 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon white pepper 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon creole seasoning

pound box angel hair spaghetti pound ground beef 8-ounce package cream cheese medium white onion, chopped finely ounces mozzarella cheese 5-ounce can tomato paste ounces Parmesan cheese

Sauce: 1 16-ounce jar marinara sauce 1 medium tomato, diced and crushed 4 ounces ricotta cheese ¼ teaspoon each: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder Cook spaghetti per directions on package. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Brown ground beef in a large skillet until no red is present. Move beef to one side of the skillet and then saute the chopped onion in the beef fat. Add a couple ounces olive oil, if skillet is too dry. Add tomato paste and cream cheese. Stir ingredients together until cheese is melted. Leave on low heat, stirring as necessary.

Pour the marinara sauce into a two-quart pot and put on medium heat. Add the diced tomatoes and ricotta cheese until cheese is melted. Add the marinara mix to the skillet and mix thoroughly. Season with garlic powder, onion powder and Italian seasoning. Grease a large 15-inch deep dish pizza pan. Mix half the Parmesan cheese into the cooked spaghetti. Press the bottom of the pan with the cheese and spaghetti mixture. Cover the spaghetti completely with the sauce and meat mixture.

Cook spaghetti pie in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove pie from oven and cover top of pie with the other half of the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella. Return pie to oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove from oven and cook for 10 minutes. Cut and serve.

Lonnie S. Meaders Baldwin EMC

ENTER TO WIN $50 Cook Of The Month Prize!

Mom's Signature Dish May theme: enter by March 6, 2026

Boil noodles in chicken broth. Drain, but do not rinse. Pour in a 9x13-inch pan and cut up butter and place on top. In a saucepan, mix all remaining ingredients and stir on low until melted. Pour over macaroni noodles. Top with more shredded cheese and place in oven on broil just long enough to create a nice cheesy crust.

Valarie Walker Joe Wheeler EMC

The Best Macaroni Salad 1 pound elbow macaroni 4 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded ½ red onion, chopped 4 ribs celery, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 cup frozen English peas ½ cup mayonnaise ¼ cup vinegar ½ cup fresh dill 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sweet pickles, chopped 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper Cook macaroni, rinse in cold water. Mix noodles, cheese, onion, celery, bell pepper and peas. Whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, dill, sugar, pickles, mustard, salt and pepper. Pour over noodles. Coat well and chill.

Charlotte Megginson Black Warrior EMC

WEBSITE: alabamaliving.coop or scan here: EMAIL: recipes@alabamaliving.coop MAIL: Alabama Living Recipes, 340 Technacenter Montgomery AL 36117 Valarie’s CreamyDr.,Southern-Style Please include the name of your electric cooperative

36 FEBRUARY 2026

www.alabamaliving.coop

Spaghetti Pie

Chicken Vermicelli

Pierogi Lasagna

1 3-pound whole chicken 1 large onion, chopped 1 medium bell pepper, chopped 1 12-ounce package vermicelli ½ stick butter or margarine 1 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup 1 10.5-ounce can cream of celery soup 2 cups cheese, shredded, divided Salt, pepper and poultry seasoning, to taste

12 lasagna noodles, divided 6 cups mashed potatoes, divided 2 sweet onions, thinly sliced and divided 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter Salt and pepper, to taste

Place whole chicken in a large stock pot and cover with water, add seasoning and boil until fully cooked. Remove to cool (reserving broth in pot), then debone and cut or shred the meat. Add vermicelli to reserved broth, simmering gently. Meanwhile, sauté onion and bell pepper in butter or margarine. Mix together chicken, vegetables and soups; add to vermicelli. Mix gently. Divide into two casserole dishes, top each with one cup of cheese. Bake one of the casseroles at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Freeze the other.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions and set aside. In a large skillet, add onions, butter, salt and pepper. Sauté on medium heat until soft, about 10 minutes. Place 4 lasagna noodles in an even layer on bottom of baking dish. Next layer is 1/2 of the mashed potatoes (3 cups) followed by 1/2 of the sautéed onions, then 1/2 cup cheese.

Repeat another layer of noodles, remaining mashed potatoes, sautéed onions and 1/2 cup cheese. Top with the remaining 4 noodles and 1 cup cheese. Bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Johnette Brown Baldwin EMC

Paula Langhurst Marshall-DeKalb EC

Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 2026 37

Pet Health

Helping stray animals JUHKU - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

takes all of us

I

t was one of those winter nights just before Christmas when the wind sounds like it’s carrying secrets — sharp, restless, and full of voices from the woods. The kind of cold that sneaks under the door frame and makes you hesitate before stepping outside.

That’s when they saw her — a thin, trembling shadow near the woodpile.

At first, just a flash of eyes reflecting the porch light. Then a hesitant step forward. A little dog, all ribs and worry.

She froze when the door creaked open. Her tail gave one uncertain wag, as if asking permission to exist.

“Mercy me,” the husband murmured. “She’s half a ghost.”

The wife nodded, already heading inside for a blanket and a leftover piece of cornbread. Compassion doesn’t always wait for a plan — it just moves.

They didn’t name her that night.

You don’t name heartbreak until you’re sure it’s staying. But they left out food, water, and the softest blanket they had. By morning the blanket was crumpled and warm.

The food was gone. The dog was still there, sitting in the pale dawn light like she’d finally decided she was safe.

When the couple stepped out, she didn’t run. She lowered herself to the ground, tail thumping, eyes searching their faces for the verdict — stay or go.

Julie Bjorland is a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) and has been working alongside Goutam Mukherjee, DVM, MS, Ph.D. (known as Dr. G) for the past 20 years. To suggest a topic for discussion, email contact@alabamaliving.coop

38 FEBRUARY 2026

That’s how most stray stories begin: a decision made quietly in the cold, with no fanfare. Just a human and a dog and a moment of mercy.

The hard truth about strays

Stray dogs aren’t always born wild. Most start out as someone’s pet — until they aren’t. Some run off during fireworks and never find their way back. Others are abandoned when the rent’s due or when puppies outgrow their “cute” phase. Some, heartbreakingly, are tossed out on purpose, as if loyalty were disposable.

Winter is especially cruel. Thin coats can’t keep out the cold. Empty bellies ache louder at night. Water freezes, paws crack, and even the strongest survival instinct begins to fade when the temperature drops.

Shelters do what they can, but most rural areas don’t have enough space or funding. Rescue volunteers drive back roads in old trucks, leaving food and prayers. For every dog saved, two more go unseen.

That’s why small acts — a meal, a blanket, a bit of patience — matter so much.

Compassion isn’t measured by how many animals we can save, but by how many hearts are willing to try.

Earning trust, one meal at a time

It took three days before she dared to step onto the porch. A week before she let them touch her. They learned she liked her food warmed and her blanket near the heater. The wife started calling her “Mercy,” the husband said “Missy” — and somehow both stuck.

Each night she came closer — from the porch edge to the doormat, then one cold morning, straight into the kitchen like she’d always belonged there. She wanted to trust, but trust is hard currency for a soul that’s been spent before. Each inch closer was a tiny rebellion against fear.

She didn’t bark or beg. She just curled up by the woodstove and sighed — that long, heavy sigh of someone who’s finally stopped running.

The wife watched her for a while before whispering, “She’s home now, isn’t she?”

“Looks that way,” her husband said.

“Guess we’ve been adopted.”

“

Compassion isn’t measured by how many animals we can save, but by how many hearts are willing to try.

The warmest thing we own

There are thousands of Missys out there tonight — dogs curled in ditches, huddled under trailers, pacing behind gas stations. Each one with a story that began with someone and could end with someone else — someone who decides to care.

Not everyone can take in a stray, and that’s okay. But everyone can do something. Drop food at a rescue, foster for a week, share a post, or report an animal in danger. Every small kindness ripples outward.

Still, kindness alone can’t mend the whole problem. Real change takes more than warm hearts — it takes informed voices. We need stronger animal-protection laws, and for that, we need to understand what works.

If you’ve ever wondered where to start, visit paws4change.com — an educational site run by an animallaw expert. Learn what’s being done, what’s needed, and how your voice can help shape compassionate legislation.

Because compassion isn’t about fixing every problem — it’s about refusing to ignore one.  www.alabamaliving.coop

Spirituality

Meets Artistry

“I never expected it to be so beautiful that it takes your breath away.”

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n a quaint village, nestled between rolling hills, lived a young woman with a deep appreciation for gemstones. Her grandmother gifted her a delicate cross pendant adorned with opals. The opals shimmered with a mesmerizing play of colors, reflecting hues of blues, greens, and fiery oranges. Her grandmother shared the legend of the opals, believed to bring hope, purity, and luck to those who wore them.

Using this story as inspiration, Stauer brings you the Opal Spirit Cross Pendant. With over 2 total carats of Kyocera lab-created opals set in .925 sterling silver encased in yellow gold, this pendant is a radiant celebration of beauty and craftsmanship. Each opal captivates with a kaleidoscopic dance of fiery oranges blending into oceanic blues, streaked with flashes of vibrant green that seem to come alive with every movement. The shimmering opals are skillfully arranged to create an enchanting, otherworldly glow, embodying the spirit of hope and harmony.

This breathtaking combination of color and craftsmanship is available as a limited availability of only

Alabama Living

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Don’t miss your chance to own this exclusive tribute to timeless elegance and meaningful symbolism.

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FEBRUARY 2026 39

Outdoors

STRIPED DYNAMITE Scrappy fighters go on a rampage attacking baitfish

PHOTO BY JOHN N. FELSHER

Terry Bates shows off a white bass he caught on a spinnerbait while fishing around cypress trees on a cold February day.

A

labama sportsmen can fish for abundant, widespread, hard-fighting pugnacious powerhouses that outfight many larger species, but few do.

“White bass are widely distributed throughout Alabama,” says Michael P. Holley, a Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division biologist in Eastaboga.

“The only place they are uncommon is the coastal plain in southeast Alabama.”

True bass not related to largemouth or smallmouth, which belong to the sunfish family, white bass belong to the temperate bass family with striped bass and yellow bass.

Crossing white bass with stripers creates hybrid bass.

Also called sand bass, white bass resemble smaller, stockier versions of striped bass. They can exceed six pounds, but most range about one to three pounds. The Alabama state record stands at 4.75 pounds, a fish caught in the Warrior River on Valentine’s Day. For the best white bass action, fish in late winter or early spring before they spawn. Spawning requires high energy reserves. Therefore, the prolific and highly aggressive striped predators gather in massive schools to gorge themselves before spawning and females carrying roe reach their heaviest weights of the year.

“In February, white bass focus on food sources to prepare for the coming spawning season,” Holley says.

“Adult white bass mainly eat other fish, primarily shad.

When water temperatures reach the upper 50s, they move John N. Felsher is a professional freelance writer who lives in Semmes, Ala. He also hosts an outdoors tips show for WAVH FM Talk 106.5 radio station in Mobile, Ala. Contact him at j.felsher@ hotmail.com or through Facebook.

40 FEBRUARY 2026

into spawning habitat and swim upstream to spawn in reservoirs and rivers. Many creeks in Alabama have good white bass spawning habitat.”

Spawning depends upon water temperature. White bass typically begin spawning when water temperatures measure about 60 degrees. Depending upon the location and weather, spawning could begin in late February or March and might last through late May. “White bass spend most of their time in open water, staying close to schools of threadfin and gizzard shad that they prefer to consume,” Holley says. “They constantly relate to baitfish schools or congregate around dams when baitfish are there except during spawning season when they move below dams and into creeks and tributaries with rocky shoals.”

The chunky fish provide incredible sport on light tackle.

With insatiable appetites, white bass viciously attack anything that resembles a threadfin shad or other small baitfish. Use a light spinning rod with six- to 10-poundtest line. Throw any shiny or white lures that simulate threadfin shad. Some good artificial temptations include lipless or lipped crankbaits, small jerkbaits or spinners, chrome spoons and shiny blade baits. White bass even hit flies that resemble minnows.

“What is really exciting about catching white bass is the fast action they provide when they concentrate on feed before spawning,” Holley said. “Shad is their primary food source, so any lure mimicking a small baitfish works well. My personal favorite white bass lure is a Number 5 Rapala Shad Rap in a shad pattern, but a host of other small crankbaits also work.”

Anglers can also use live shiners or small shad. Fish these on a free line or under a cork. Occasionally pop the cork, but live fish don’t require excessive additional motion. Just the struggling shad on the hook should provide sufficient temptation.

The gregarious fish regularly travel in huge schools when hunting shad and other baitfish. Once anglers find such a school, action can come extremely fast. Since they concentrate in giant schools, readily strike lures or live baits and fight like champions, they make excellent sport fish for children or novice anglers to catch.

“White bass are a great way to introduce kids to fishing,” Holley says. “When white bass congregate below dams or in creeks and tributaries before spawning, they provide fast action and are fun to catch.”

The Tennessee, Coosa and Warrior river systems offer the best white bass action in Alabama, but any flowing streams and associated reservoirs in the state could hold white bass. Anglers might catch some in the Tombigbee and Alabama systems as well. The state worked to improve fishing in some areas.

“Due to lower abundance in our electrofishing surveys and some poor year-class development, we did some recent stockings of white bass on Martin Reservoir and Mitchell Reservoir,” Holley says. “The biggest threat to white bass is siltation and sedimentation on the shoals and rocky habitat they use to spawn in creeks and tributaries.”

In the right spot at the right time, even the youngest anglers frequently catch white bass on every cast and might land boatloads of fish in a short time. More important than that, they will catch great memories.  www.alabamaliving.coop

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2026 FEBRUARY

Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

MARCH

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

EXCELLENT TIMES A.M.

9:06 - 11:06 9:54 - 11:54 10:18 - 12:18 10:42 - 12:42 11:30 - 1:30 NA 1:06 - 3:06 1:54 - 3:54 2:42 - 4:42 3:30 - 5:30 4:18 - 6:18 5:06 - 7:06 5:54 - 7:54 6:42 - 8:42 7:30 - 9:30 A.M.

8:18 - 10:18 9:06 - 11:06 10:42 - 12:42 11:30 - 1:30 NA 1:06 - 3:06 1:54 - 3:54 3:42 - 5:42 4:30 - 6:30 5:18 - 7:18 6:06 - 8:06 6:54 - 8:54 7:42 - 9:42 8:30 - 10:30 9:18 - 11:18 10:06 - 12:06 10:54 - 12:54 NA 12:30 - 2:30 1:18 - 3:18 2:06 - 4:06 2:54 - 4:54 3:42 - 5:42 4:30 - 6:30 5:18 - 7:18 6:06 - 8:06 6:54 - 8:54 7:42 - 9:42 8:30 - 10:30 9:18 - 11:18 10:06 - 12:06

MOON STAGE

PM

9:30 - 11:30 10:18 - 12:18 10:42 - 12:42 11:06 - 1:06 NEW MOON 11:54 - 1:54 12:42 - 2:42 1:30 - 3:30 2:18 - 4:18 3:06 - 5:06 3:54 - 5:54 4:42 - 6:42 5:30 - 7:30 6:18 - 8:18 7:06 - 9:06 7:54 - 9:54

GOOD TIMES AM

PM

3:33 - 5:03 4:21 - 5:51 4:48 - 6:28 5:09 - 6:39 5:57 - 7:27 6:45 - 8:15 7:33 - 9:03 8:21 - 9:51 9:09 - 10:39 9:57 - 11:27 10:45 - 12:15 11:33 - 1:03 NA 1:09 - 2:39 1:57 - 3:27

3:57 - 5:27 4:45 - 6 ;15 5:11 - 6:41 5:33 - 7:03 6:21 - 7:51 7:09 - 8:39 7:57 - 9:27 8:45 - 10:15 9:33 - 11:03 10:21 - 11:51 11:09 - 12:39 11:57 - 1:27 12:45 - 2:15 1:33 - 3:03 2:21 - 3:51

PM AM

8:42 - 10:42 9:30 - 11:30 11:06 - 1:06 FULL MOON 11:54 - 1:54 12:42 - 2:42 1:30 - 3:30 2:18 - 4:18 4:06 - 6:06 DST 4:54 - 6:54 5:42 - 7:42 6:30 - 8:30 7:18 - 9:18 8:06 - 10:06 8:54 - 10:54 9:42 - 11:42 10:30 - 12:30 11:18 - 1:18 12:06 - 2:06 NEW MOON 12:54 - 2:54 1:42 - 3:42 2:30 - 4:30 3:18 - 5:18 4:06 - 6:06 4:54 - 6:54 5:42 - 7:42 6:30 - 8:30 7:18 - 9:18 8:06 - 10:06 8:54 - 10:54 9:42 - 11:42 10:30 - 12:30

2:45 - 4:15 3:33 - 5:03 5:09 - 6:39 5:57 - 7:27 6:45 - 8:15 7:33 - 9:03 8:21 - 9:51 10:09 - 11:39 10:57 - 12:27 NA 12:33 - 2:03 1:21 - 2:51 2:09 - 3:39 2:57 - 4:27 3:45 - 5:15 4:33 - 6:03 5:21 - 6:51 6:09 - 7:39 6:57 - 8:27 7:45 - 9:15 8:33 - 10:03 9:21 - 10:51 10:09 - 11:39 10:57 - 12:27 NA 12:33 - 2:03 1:21 - 2:51 2:09 - 3:39 2:57 - 4:27 3:45 - 5:15 4:33 - 6:03

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Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 2026 41

Be weather

AWARE

Take steps to keep safe during spring’s severe storms

Be prepared and stay alert to changing conditions during spring’s severe weather season. From March to May, South Alabama Electric Cooperative’s service area typically sees its share of thunderstorms and severe weather.

Last year, SAEC experienced damage from a tornado that tore through the area.

Here are some tips to stay safe during severe weather.

• Keep an eye on changing weather conditions. Monitor weather information through a NOAA weather radio or local media. A severe thunderstorm can cause considerable damage to property and trees. Storms can produce 1-inch hail or larger as well as wind gusts over 58 mph — and that’s the minimum definition of a severe thunderstorm.

Stronger storms can produce dangerous lightning, heavy rains and tornadoes.

• If a tornado warning is issued for your area, take immediate action to protect yourself. Remember, in storms with heavy rain, you may not be able to see a tornado as it approaches.

42 FEBRUARY 2026

• Designate a safe place in your home for shelter during a tornado warning. Windowless, interior rooms or hallways are considered the safest options.

Crouch down and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Get under a sturdy piece of furniture like a heavy table or desk. If you’re not at home, seek shelter in the lowest level of a sturdy building.

• If you’re in a vehicle, mobile home or outdoors, try to get to the nearest sturdy building or storm shelter. If you get caught outside with no safe shelter, lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.

• After a tornado, be careful entering any structure that has been damaged and watch out for debris and broken glass.

• Do not touch downed power lines or anything in contact with those lines. If you are in a vehicle that is in contact with a downed line, stay inside and call 911. A line does not have to be sparking to be live. Never drive over a downed line. n

The National Weather Service issues watches and warnings for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Know the difference.

Conditions are favorable for severe weather. Both severe thunderstorm and tornado watches typically cover a larger area. Be ready to act quickly if a storm warning is issued.

Issued when a tornado is occurring, has been detected

by National Weather Service radar or has been received from a trained spotter or law enforcement official.

Take immediate action to protect yourself and others.

Source: National Weather Service

www.alabamaliving.coop

y p p Ha

Valentine’s Day

WE LOVE BRUNDIDGE, AND WE THINK YOU WILL TOO! Whether you are a lifelong city dweller or a small-town native who left and seeks to return, we think you’ll love our community.

We have small-town charm, neighbors who know each other, quaint businesses, historic buildings and lots of community events. We want to keep the things people love even as we grow.

THIS VALENTINE’S DAY, COME FALL IN LOVE WITH BRUNDIDGE! brundidge.org Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 2026 43

Our Sources Say

Climate and Power

T

his month I offer a paper prepared by Jesse Ausubel for the American Electric Power Board in 2019. Jesse is the director of the Program for the Human Environment at Rockefeller University in New York City. Jesse and I have been friends since we served together on the EPRI Board in the early 2000s. You are not the smartest person in any room he is in. I have revised Jesse’s paper to fit the space.

I speak now because in 1977 I was among the first researchers to make a living from the question of how human activities change the climate. Work to which I contributed in the early 1980s was recognized with the 2018 Nobel prize in economics to William Nordhaus. In the past couple of decades my own work has concentrated on adjacent challenges such as how to measure ocean life and the quantities and origins of hydrocarbons. While I have not participated in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change or other campaigns in the climate wars, I have remained informed about them. I offer perspective and proportion, not the latest gossip or squabbles.

These are my ten statements that summarize my understanding on power and climate.

• No one knows what will happen to emissions, how the climate will change, or the consequences.

• The question is risk aversion.

• Biases of stakeholders, whether business executives,

environmental activists, or university professors, predictably color risk and environmental assessments.

That said, I can offer my view.

• Density of consumption, rising watts per square meter, drives the energy system.

• Methane and uranium are the way through decarbonization to a hydrogen–electric economy.

• Public policies to lift efficiency have not much affected long-term trends.

• Public policies do strongly affect adaptation to hazards, or “Trailer parks causes tornadoes.”

• Societies are moving indoors and climate-proofing.

• Nevertheless, seek to monitor environmental variability and change, objectively.

• Form a club of China, India, Russia, and the US if you aim to determine the global energy future.

Let me begin with the difference between the known, the unknown and the unknowable. A crucial factor is the level of detail; broad averages may be knowable, but rarely particular outcomes. A similar factor is that the rough hillsides of real life contrast with the smooth surfaces of mathematical models, and a small detail, unknowable, may change the behavior of a system. Moreover, as we complicate our models, they themselves may become unknowable. Researchers and analysts, whether on Wall Street or in natural sciences, tend to blur the distinction and over long periods of time things that were unknowable may become known. But the world and environment of 2050, much less 2080 or 2100, Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.

are largely unknowable. Hard limits impede predictability, so let’s be modest.

Many try to improve foresight, but anyone who confidently describes 2050 should also be required to put much of her or his personal wealth on the bet. Reports including the IPCC are prepared by people who risk nothing. Corporate directors take risks that the report writers cleverly avoid.

Future greenhouse gas emissions, the fraction of emissions that will remain in the atmosphere, how climate responds to changes in chemical composition of the atmosphere and other factors, how ice sheets respond, and how Ohio or Texas or Venezuela will adapt, each of these questions offers a range of possibilities that jointly broaden into a spectrum from negligible to catastrophic.

After 40 years of ever more head-scratching about climate, we are left with the broad truth that “Something terrible could happen.” We do not know, and probably cannot know, whether Earth’s climate system operates gradually like a dial or abruptly like a switch. We do not know whether among the very numerous feedbacks the positive or negative will prevail. The alarmists could be right, but so could the skeptics. In assessing the assessments, we come back to what anthropologists call the cultural bias of the forecaster.

That said, I offer my own view. Over the long run, the spatial density of energy consumption at the level of the end user drives the evolution of the energy system. Think of Earth at night and the most brightly illuminated spots, those with the highest demand or usage in watts per square meter. These spots, basically modern cities, or one might say, data centers, proliferating in China and India, drive the overall system. As the spatial density of energy consumption rises, only electricity and gases satisfy demands for precision, power, cleanliness, reliability, and other attributes. In turn, for generation, the sources that can achieve economies of scale win over the long run, and the firms that can capitalize and manage them. The compact and thus scalable sources of power generation are methane and nuclear.

Finally, what about a firm making and distributing electricity? First, one need not take a side in the falsely polarized climate issue. Maintain some humility about times as distant as 2080; the integrated circuit and the word software were invented only in 1958, 61 years ago. Much we would like to know will stay unknowable.

We do need to assess our own risk aversion and make some investments accordingly. The investments should foster decarbonization via methane and nuclear, and efficiency and reliability. Consider carefully whether to promote pictures of wind turbines and solar roofs as images of the future.

Keep climate-proofing and reducing threats from related hazards, many of which people induce or amplify. Give away 5G smart phones and digital assistants if you want to promote electrification. Support and share in the costs of global environmental monitoring systems. Forego the big multilateral blah-blah and support careful relationships among China, India, Russia, and the US to understand and shape the evolution of the global energy system and our climate. And stay profitable. Red ink is not green.

I hope you have a good month. 

44 FEBRUARY 2026

www.alabamaliving.coop

Classifieds How To Place an Ad in Marketplace Closing Deadlines (in our office): April 2026 Issue by February 25 May 2026 Issue by March 25 June 2026 Issue by April 25

Ads are $1.75 per word with a 10 word minimum and are on a prepaid basis; Telephone numbers, email addresses and websites are considered 1 word each.

Ads will not be taken over the phone. You may email your ad to hdutton@areapower.com; or call (800) 4102737 ask for Heather for pricing.; We accept checks, money orders and all major credit cards. Mail ad submission along with a check or money order made payable to ALABAMA LIVING, 340 TechnaCenter Dr., Montgomery, AL 36117 Attn: Classifieds.

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Cup o’ Joe

ILLUSTRATION BY DENNIS AUTH

If You Can’t Beat ’Em, Scoot ’Em

“W

hat in the world did you just do?”

That’s not something I usually say at one of the happiest places on earth. Yet there I was, on a recent trip to Universal Studios in Orlando, saying it to my wife.

Because on the second morning, in front of my kids and grandkids, she committed a small but unforgivable act of betrayal, one that stomped my dignity flat.

She ordered me an electric scooter.

Yes, I arrived with a bum right knee. Yes, I walked about eight miles the first day that felt like the Bataan Death March. Yes, I swallowed enough ibuprofen to fill a small bag of peanut M&Ms. But still, an electric scooter is crossing a big line. I considered that thing a rolling obituary notice. In my mind, it’s saying to the world, “Yes, I have all my affairs in order.”

I’m not in denial about getting older. I’ve made several concessions to Father Time. I quit doing regular yoga because every time I went to the class, something new snapped, crackled and popped. I called it twist and shout.

These days it’s chair yoga for me. I have begun playing golf from the “super senior” tees which are so short my younger buddies refer to them as the “tombstone tees.”

I swapped power walking for water aerobics, which is easier on my aging joints, but hard on my pride. Am I too old to even walk?

However, after about an hour of complaining, denying, and downing another round of anti-inflammatories, I reached a scary place, a place I had never been before. My physical pain finally outweighed my conceit.

So at last, I grudgingly took the keys from my wife, climbed aboard the scooter like an old man mounting a tractor, turned on the ignition, and sat there in silence.

Almost immediately, justification kicked in.

“Wow, this seat is soft,” I thought.

Joe Hobby is a standup comedian, a syndicated columnist, and a long-time writer for Jay Leno. He’s a member of Cullman Electric Cooperative and is very happy now that he can use Sprout from his little place on Smith Lake. Contact him at jhobby2000@aol.com.

46 FEBRUARY 2026

“It’s kinda like a golf cart, and I use those.”

“And nobody knows me down here.”

“And she’s already spent the money, so I really don’t have a choice.”

The process was complete. “I’ll use the stupid thing,” I said.

When I rode the scooter down the elevator and out to the path leading from our hotel to the front gate, my head was on a swivel. “Please Lord, don’t let anyone from home see me,” I thought. I felt like a villain in a low-budget James Bond movie. All I needed was a cat in my lap, a British accent, and a plan for world domination.

Quietly, quickly, and smoothly, the scooter took me to the front gate. Honestly, it was kind of fun. I even raced my wife’s scooter and whipped her easily. And my knee brace gave me enough credibility that everyone probably thought I had surgery instead of just surrendering.

Once I got inside the park, things got a bit dicey because of the crowds. It reminded me of Black Friday at a shopping mall. I had to pay close attention because there were people constantly cutting in front of me. If I had only thought to bring an air horn. They must have thought I was just another pedestrian, which I was not.

Unlike my wife, who has no problem plowing through the groups that get in her way, I eventually learned the trick; match the speed of the walkers. Once I did that, I blended into the crowd. Soon I became just another pedestrian who happened to be on an electric scooter.

When we got to the rides, the attendants would instruct us where to park, and asked us if we needed a wheelchair.

My wife always eagerly accepted their offer; however, I firmly declined.

One big line was enough to cross in a week.

A little while later, my six-year-old granddaughter said her legs were tired, and asked if she could ride with me. I would never say no to such a pretty hitchhiker. So, for the next three days, I had a passenger.

And let me tell you something. It’s impossible to blend into a crowd with a scooter when there’s a little girl riding with you who’s waving at everyone like she’s in the Rose Bowl parade.

Just roll with it.  www.alabamaliving.coop

See the Forest Through the Trees

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GET TO SHOOTING! FOR YOUR SHOT AT SOME COOL CASH.

Get ready for your chance to shine in Alabama Living magazine. We want to see more of your awesome photos! Grab your camera and start thinking ahead to what you’ll enter in our annual photo contest.

Winners and honorable mentions will be published in the magazine later this year. First-place winners in different categories will win $100!

ANNUAL Keep an eye out for the photo categories, official rules and deadlines in an issue in the late spring.

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