July 2023 Cullman

Stories | Recipes | Events | People | Places | Things | Local News July 2023

Cullman Electric COOPERATIVE

Up close with jellyfish The many uses for tomatoes

Manager Tim Culpepper Co-op Editor Lindsey Dossey

ALABAMA LIVING is delivered to some 420,000 Alabama families and businesses, which are members of 22 not-for-profit, consumer-owned, locally directed and taxpaying electric cooperatives. Subscriptions are $12 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.

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

ALABAMA RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

AREA President Karl Rayborn Editor Lenore Vickrey Managing Editor Allison Law Creative Director Mark Stephenson 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 611 South Congress Ave., Suite 504 Austin, Texas 78704 1-800-626-1181 www.AMP.coop www.alabamaliving.coop USPS 029-920 • ISSN 1047-0311

Country cooking

20

Printed in America from American materials

VOL. 76 NO. 7

F E A T U R E S

JULY 2023

9 Beach vacation

Summer time often means time at the beach, as shown by the smiles in our readers’ snapshots this month.

16 Roanoke’s dolls

For 35 years in the early 1900s, a Roanoke woman created thousands of what became known as the “Alabama Indestructible Doll.”

34 Tasty tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes are at their peak this month, and we’ve got recipes using this favorite food in a variety of delicious ways.

16

D E P A R T M E N T S 11 Spotlight 29 Around Alabama 34 Cook of the Month 40 Outdoors 41 Fish & Game Forecast 46 Hardy Jackson’s Alabama ONLINE: alabamaliving.coop ON THE COVER

Look for this logo to see more content online!

Visit Enterprise , Alabama, and there are two things you’ll be told not to miss: the Boll Weevil monument and a meal at Cutts Restaurant, a local icon that’s been operated by the same family for over 60 years.

34 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Though fascinating to look at in an aquarium, these Chrysaora quinquecirrha, or sea nettle, are the most common stinger type jellyfish on Alabama’s coast.

Story, Page 12.

ONLINE: www.alabamaliving.coop EMAIL: letters@alabamaliving.coop MAIL: Alabama Living 340 Technacenter Drive Montgomery, AL 36117

PHOTO: Lenore Vickrey

Get our FREE monthly email newsletter!

Sign up at alabamaliving.coop JULY 2023 3

| Cullman EC |

Cullman Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees

Phillip Garrison District 1

Sheila Sizemore District 2

Robert Tidwell District 3 (Chairman)

James Fields, Jr. District 4

Lisa Weeks District 5

Daryl Calvert District 6

J. David Hembree District 7

Chad Alexander District 8

Lynda Carter At-Large

4 JULY2023

Fireworks, Memories & Future Plans

By Justin Lee

As a young boy growing up in Baldwin, Cullman County, July was always a special time, especially July 4th. My brother and I would wait with anticipation for the day to come. We knew mom and dad would both be off work, and we would be cooking out with our family. But most importantly, we knew a trip to see Mr. Tom Moore at the 278 Quick Stop and Firework Stand was all but guaranteed.

Mr. Tom, as we called him, was always the highlight of our day. We never knew how much we could spend, but he was always sure to throw in a few extras. I can still remember the genuine smile on his face as he saw our eyes light up while he filled our paper bag full of tiny explosives.

Fast forward many years, and July took on a whole new, — and much more special— meaning. My wife and I had our first child on July 3, 2014. What better way to celebrate a birthday than with a fireworks show every year! Each year on his birthday, I flash back to my childhood days and my son and I both have bigger smiles than anyone in the room. I can’t sneak in the M80 explosions like my dad used to, but there is still plenty of fun to be had. I vividly remember his 3rd birthday: grilling hamburgers on the back porch and trying not to let anyone know that the heat was about to kill me. It didn’t help that my cheap frozen hamburger patties had so much grease dripping down that one may have thought I started a bonfire instead.

I remember thinking there was no better feeling than the rush of cool air from the heat pump as I walked into the house. It had no doubt been valiantly running wide open all day thanks to the high heat, leading to a much higher power bill for the month. But the relief it provided was worth its weight in gold.

The extreme heat of summer is something our cooperative has dealt with for decades. Just like extreme cold in the

winter, these two times of the year test our system more than any other. While most people commonly refer to their home electricity in kilowatt hours (KWH), at Cullman Electric and other utility engineering offices around the world, Kilowatt (KW) Demand is the key driver of the entire system and determines the cost.

During the peak heat of summer, Cullman EC may experience a KW Demand that is more than double the normal capacity carried by the system. This often aligns perfectly with July 4th, when everyone is at home, lake houses are full, and tens of thousands of heat pumps are churning to keep up with the day’s heat. It’s during these times that we study the needs of the system and prepare for the future.

The results of these studies can be seen system wide. Ryan Creek Substation built in 2018 is relieving load growth from 24th Street. In Trade, a brand new substation is very close to completion to keep up with some of the growth on Smith Lake. Additionally, we anticipate the completion of the new substation in Berlin by the end of this year. Looking further ahead, expansions are planned for Jones Chapel, Hanceville Industrial and Holly Pond. At the same time, line crews are working hard, performing voltage conversions and upgrading our primary lines from 12kV to 25kV, which will double our carrying capacity for whatever may lie ahead. Whether it’s continued housing growth, electric vehicles or industrial expansions, Cullman Electric is committed to providing our members with the reliable and efficient system they need.

I hope you all have a blessed July 4th full of many memories. We will be standing by to help power them. n Justin Lee is the manager of engineering and technicians at Cullman Electric Cooperative.

www.alabamaliving.coop

| Cullman EC |

HOLIDAY CLOSING

Contact Information

Cullman Electric Cooperative will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, for the July 4th Holiday. Cullman EC’s 24-hour dispatch center will be staffed, line crews will be on standby and members can make payments online at CullmanEC.com/pay-bill or at any of the payment kiosk locations: Addison Office, Cullman Office or Hopper’s Market in Fairview.

HOW TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK DROWNING

Each year, 3,800 people die from drowning.

Electric shock drowning occurs when an electric current escapes boats, docks and lights near marinas, shocking nearby swimmers.

There are no visible signs of current seeping into water, which makes this a hidden danger.

The electric shock paralyzes swimmers, making them unable to swim to safety.

Swimmers

Boat Owners

• Never swim near a boat or launching ramp.

Residual current could flow into the water from the boat or the marina’s wiring, potentially putting anyone in the water at risk of electric shock.

• If you feel any tingling sensations while in the water, tell someone and swim back in the direction from which you came. Immediately report it to the dock or marina owner.

• Ensure your boat is properly maintained and consider having it inspected annually.

GFCIs and ELCIs should be tested monthly.

Conduct leakage testing to determine if electrical current is escaping the vessel.

• Use portable GFCIs or shore power cords (including “Y” adapters) that are “UL- Marine Listed” when using electricity near water.

• Regularly have your boat’s electrical system inspected by a certified marine electrician. Ensure it meets your local and state NEC, NFPA and ABYC safety codes.

IF YOU SEE ELECTRIC SHOCK DROWNING TAKING PLACE:

THROW A LIFE RING

CALL 911

DO NOT enter the water. You could become a victim, too.

Sources: Electrical Safety Foundation International, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Cullman Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at https://www. usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.

Alabama Living

Addison - branch office 31132 US Hwy 278 West Addison, AL 35540 Phone 256-737-3200 (main business number) 800-242-1806 (toll free) 256-737-3201 (report an outage) Website & Social Media www.cullmanec.com Follow Cullman Electric Cooperative on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @cullmanec

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS FOR:

TURN POWER OFF

Office locations Cullman - headquarters 1749 Eva Road NE Cullman, AL 35055

Payment Options Draft Pay your bill by automatic draft from your checking account or credit card Online Payments may be made 24 hours a day by check, credit card or debit card on our website at www.cullmanec.com Kiosks Payments may be made 24 hours a day at Cullman EC’s offices on Eva Road and in Addison. The kiosk located at Hopper’s Family Market in Fairview is available during regular business hours

By Mail Cullman Electric Cooperative PO Box 2303 Cullman, AL 35056-2303 Night Deposit Available at both office locations

JULY2023 5

| Cullman EC |

Touch a Truck 2023

Hundreds of guests came to the Cullman County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 13, 2023, to enjoy the beautiful weather and explore large equipment, emergency vehicles, work trucks and so much more.

Special thanks to all of this year’s participants: Cullman County Sheriff ’s Department, Hanceville Fire & Rescue, Cullman Power Board, Cold Springs Volunteer Fire Department, Cullman EMS, Preferred Rental, Johnson’s Crossing Fire & Rescue, Thompson Tractor, R.E. Garrison Trucking, Wallace State Community College, Cullman County Schools, Cullman Fire & Rescue, Dixie Tractor, James R. Smith Trucking, Cullman City Police Department Helicopter, Seven Daughter’s Scoops, Chick-fil-A, Frios and Johnny’s BBQ.

Clockwise from top left: Young girl tries out a tractor brought by Preferred Rental; Two brothers take a look inside the Cold Springs Volunteer Fire Department truck; young boy tries out a tractor from Dixie Tractor; CEC Lineman Ernie Geisen helps kids explore the City of Cullman police helicopter; a father and son explore the inside of a modern fire and rescue truck showcased by Johnson’s Crossing; and a young boy explores the inside of a Cullman Electric Cooperative bucket truck. This year’s event also featured food trucks

by Johnny’s BBQ, Chick-fil-A, Seven Daughter’s Scoops and Frios. We appreciate everyone who came out to enjoy this year’s event! We hope to make it even better in 2024!

Cullman Electric Cooperative Privacy Policy Cullman Electric Cooperative collects nonpublic personal information from its members in the following ways: 1. Information that Cullman Electric receives from member applications for electric service or broadband service or from credit applications or other information received from members.

2. Information that is compiled in the ordinary course of business such as usage and payment histories for member accounts.

3. Information Cullman Electric receives from third parties such as consumer reporting agencies.

Nonpublic personal information may include credit scores, social security numbers, usage or payment 6 JULY2023

histories, bank account or credit card information or other private financial information. Cullman Electric does not disclose nonpublic personal information to non-affiliated third parties, except as required by law or in providing electric and other services to its members. Non-affiliated third parties who have access to nonpublic personal information typically provide services to Cullman Electric and its members and are restricted in the use of any information they may receive by confidentiality agreements. Cullman Electric may disclose nonpublic personal information to third parties such as credit bureaus or credit reporting agencies in the ordinary course of business such as in the collection of past due Cullman Electric or Sprout accounts.

Cullman Electric does not sell nonpublic personal information or share such information with third parties for profit. Information is only shared with trusted vendors and other service providers to provide efficient services to the members of Cullman Electric Cooperative and their families. Cullman Electric maintains safeguards to prevent the disclosure of nonpublic personal information to unauthorized third parties and monitors the information collected to make sure that no security breaches have occurred.

Cullman Electric reserves the right to change privacy policies and disclosures. Any material changes in this policy will be communicated to the members in the form of a revised privacy notice. n www.alabamaliving.coop

| Cullman EC |

IT PAYS TO GO PAPERLESS! Receive up to $60 in bill credits Switch to paperless billing: $5 bill credit Switch to draft payments: $5 bill credit $50 bill credits each quarter for 5 paperless billing members.

To receive the billing credits: • Have a Cullman EC online account? Log in, click “Account Management” and choose paperless billing.

• Scan the QR Code to complete an online request form • Call 256-737-3200 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday; 7:30 am- 4pm)

Billing that does not include a Cullman EC electric membership account (EX: water only, heat pump loan) is not eligible for a $5 paperless billing credit. $5 bill credit is for new participants only. Members receiving the $5 bill credit must remain on paperless for 12 consecutive months or be subject to a one-time $5 charge. Limit one $50 bill credit per year for quarterly drawing winners.

looking for more ways to save?

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MONEY SAVING TIPS EACH WEEK @CullmanEC

scan here Alabama Living

JULY2023 7

| Cullman EC | ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY PHPETRUNINA14

Web Water! by the

Now sprouting up around Lewis Smith Lake Now you can enjoy high-speed Sprout Fiber Internet at your home on Lewis Smith Lake. With speeds of up to 2 GIG*, you can stream all of your favorite content, connect smart devices and even work remotely from your lake house and extend your weekend getaway. Ask about our custom Wi-Fi solutions.

Log on lakeside,

thanks to Sprout!

2 GIG* $119.99 per month

1 GIG $79.99

per month

300 Mbps $59.99

per month

Visit cullmanec.com/sprout to sign up today! *2 GIG available in limited areas.

8 JULY2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

Beach vacation

| Alabama Snapshots |

The Roberts Family at Souvenir City, a must stop in Gulf Shores. SUBMITTED by Kelly Roberts, Wetumpka.

My dream vacation in Hawaii with my sister Donna Parrish and my best friend Ramona Calvert. SUBMITTED by Debbie Boyd, Addison.

Poppy and Emma enjoying the pirate ship cruise in Panama City Beach. SUBMITTED by Nicole Dunn, Clayton.

Grandchildren (L-R) Thomas, Anna, Brooks, Honor, Layla, Kate and Kinslee on a very windy day in Gulf Shores. SUBMITTED by Sheree Powell, Tallassee.

September theme: “Covered Bridges” | Deadline: July 31

Online: alabamaliving.coop | Mail: Attn: Snapshots, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124

RULES: Photos submitted for publication may also be published on our website at alabamaliving.coop and on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Alabama Living is not responsible for lost or damaged photos. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to have photos returned.

Alabama Living

JULY 2023 9

Spotlight | July Play it safe at the beach this summer One of the highlights of a beach trip is water recreation. But the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reminds everyone to be mindful of safety around water this season.

Never swim alone. Stay in groups, and don’t drift too far from shore.

• Don’t swim near piers, pilings and platforms.

• Do not swim in areas being used by fishermen. Avoid swimming in areas where schools of fish are present.

• Use extra caution when water is murky. Avoid being in the water during nighttime hours.

• Rip currents are most prevalent when the waves crash perpendicular to the beach, rather than at an angle. Look for gaps between the waves; a small patch of calm water surrounded by waves is often a rip current. And look for discolored water near the shore. Rip currents tend to drag large amounts of sediment back out to sea; they’re identifiable by a noticeable flow of sand extending away from the shore.

• Heed beach warning flags, which are posted at all public beach areas in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Gulf State Park.

For more on summer safety, visit alea.gov.

Take us along!

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.

Longtime Troy doctors Dr. Todd B. Pearlstein and Dr. Pamela S. Trantham took their South Alabama EC edition of Alabama Living all the way to the pyramids in Egypt. The doctors had their home and medical practice in Troy for more than 30 years.

Samantha Law of Cullman EC sent us this photo of her daughter, Olivia Law, who was visiting Japan with the JET Program for a year, teaching English. She lives in Hitachi, Japan (Iberaki Prefecture).

Hitachi and Birmingham, Alabama are sister cities. Birmingham gifted the city of Hitachi with a replica of Vulcan which she visited with her copy of Alabama Living.

Judy Knopps, a member of Sand Mountain EC from Valley Head, and Kay Hatifield visited Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with their magazine.

Alabama launches statewide action plan to eliminate cervical cancer by 2033 Alabama ranks third in the nation in the incidence and deaths from cervical cancer, and the burden is even worse in rural counties.

To address the problem, the state Department of Public Health, primary care providers and several other health and advocacy groups have launched “Operation Wipe Out Cervical Cancer Alabama.”

The action plan will use evidence-based strategies to promote vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), encourage cervical cancer screenings, and ensure follow ups when a screening indicates abnormal results.

HPV vaccinations help protect children and adolescents before they are exposed to the virus. Cancer screenings among women ages 21 to 65 detect abnormal cells in the cervix, which can lead to cancer. And appropriate follow-ups improve the chance of recovery from cervical cancer.

For more information on the statewide action plan, and to find out how you or your organization may get involved, visit alabamapublichealth.gov.

10 JULY 2023

Joyce Elliott of Gulf Shores and a member of Baldwin EMC, visited Oahu, Hawaii, with her magazine.

Diane Tucker of Cullman and a member of Cullman EC took her Alabama Living along on a safari in Tanzania, Africa. She’s shown here at the Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge.

Kelley and Gregg Lee of Albertville, members of Marshall-DeKalb EC, took an anniversary trip to Playa de Carmen, Mexico, with their magazine.

Carey Segars of Grant, a member of North Alabama EC, took Alabama Living all the way to the Arctic Circle, Alaska.

www.alabamaliving.coop

July | Spotlight

Whereville, AL

Find the hidden dingbat!

The snazzy red convertible hidden as if it was a golf shirt logo on Page 38 of the June issue didn’t fool many of our readers. In fact, Ginger Sebright of Somerville was pleased to find the dingbat because even though it was tiny, she knew the car looked familiar. “We had to find it,” she wrote.

“That’s our car!” She is a member of Joe Wheeler EMC and their car is a 1979 Fiat spider 124. Jessica Morris of Coffee Springs enjoys looking for the dingbat with her seven-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter. They found the convertible on their second read-through. “They see pointers, horses, fish, whales, and alligators on collared shirt chests, so they thought the car dingbat was a new shirt logo,” writes the Wiregrass EC member. ”We had fun searching (like usual). Good way to keep busy now that school is out for summer.” Getting your kids into the hunt is another way Ada Graham’s Spruce Pine family finds the dingbat. This time, 12-year-old Michael was the first one to find it on his first time looking. They are members of Franklin EC. Congratulations to our randomly drawn winners Phil & Sheila Bird of Hamilton. This month, we’ve hidden a baseball. Batter up!

By mail: Find the Dingbat Alabama Living PO Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124

Sponsored by

By email: dingbat@alabamaliving.com

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 August issue.

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

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.

June’s answer: This diminutive building was at one time the Bank of Gainesville, Ala., circa 1835-1840. It was moved to Tuscaloosa in the 1960s and returned to Gainesville by a local benefactor in the 1990s. The bank now occupies its original location adjoining the triangular town park. This is the only remaining commercial structure of the period. The town, perched on a wooded bluff overlooking the Tombigbee River in Sumter County, was a key inland shipping point in the cotton trade. (Information from the Society of Architectural Historians; photo by Allison Law of Alabama Living.) The randomly drawn correct guess winner is Rick Syklawer, Wiregrass EC. Alabama Living

Grant program to benefit state’s historic places The Alabama Historical Commission (AHC) has received $6 million from Gov. Kay Ivey and the Legislature for the Preservation of Alabama’s Significant Sites (PASS) grant program. The program will assist in the preservation and repair of historic sites in Alabama.

Preference will be given to any structure constructed for government or public purposes before 1840 that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is owned by a local city, town, county government, or non-profit organization, or any structure built before 1965 that is eligible for or listed in the National Register of Historic Places and significantly contributed to the Civil Rights Movement.

Local and county governments, as well as non-profit organizations, are eligible to apply. Sites receiving grant funds from the National Park Service or receiving state or federal historic tax credits are not eligible for funding. In addition, there is no maximum grant amount and funds will be given to “brick and mortar” projects for the physical preservation of historic sites.

The deadline is July 10, 2023. For more, visit ahc.alabama.gov/ Resources/grants.aspx JULY 2023 11

Jellyfish: The mnemiopsis is a comb jelly – not a true jellyfish, but because of its appearance it often fools people as being a jellyfish.

PHOTO COURTESY AUBURN UNIVERSITY

the aquatic dinosaur that lives on in our oceans

By Emmett Burnett

I

n a book of Who’s Who of Alabama Animals, jellyfish claim the chapter, “Wonderfully Weird and Occasionally Wicked.” Few creatures pique one’s curiosity, evoke awe, and sting like the dickens, more than Alabama’s glob of distinction.

The Gulf Coast has more than 60 species of jellyfish. Most we never see, but some swim among us. Resembling something from “Star Wars,” nature’s Jell-O has changed little since prehistoric times. It is literally an aquatic dinosaur that survived.

Jellyfish have no brain, heart, or central nervous system. Under those conditions, a human would be dead on arrival, but for jellyfish? No problem.

What makes this animal a living being and not wet Play-Doh? We asked experts who refer to jellyfish as “jellies,” because a jellyfish is not a fish.

“There are many misconceptions about jellies,” says Dr. Anthony Moss, Auburn University associate professor and marine program coordinator. “Most people think jellies just float around but actually, many on the Alabama coastline are good swimmers.

“Some make sharp turns and maneuver tentacles in a manner that makes it more likely to trap prey - plankton and tiny fish,” he adds.

Most jellyfish swim the way jets fly, through propulsion. They suck water in their bodies and push it out, causing motion.

Pretty impressive for an aquatic existence void of cognitive thought. But what jellyfish lack in brains, they make up in nerves.

In fact, we get on their nerves. It’s how they know we are there.

“We are still looking at how jellyfish think,” Dr. Moss says about the gelatinous mystery. “They don’t have a nervous system but they have a nerve bed, distributed through its entire body.

“The cells coordinate muscular contractions and access envi12 JULY 2023

ronmental conditions. Jellyfish are much more capable of sensing the environment than we used to think. They sense prey possibly through smell and vibrations in the water.”

And yes, most of Alabama’s memories of jellies are not pleasant.

Their stings range from mildly annoying to, in rare cases, hospital care. But if jellyfish could discuss their stings, it would say, “Don’t blame me, blame my tentacles!” They are correct.

As head curator of the Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Brian Jones knows jellyfish through research and personal experience. “Oh yeah, I’ve had a few stings in my day,” the curator smiles. He explains the animal’s thought process – or the lack thereof – during stinging.

Touch it, you’re stung

“Jellyfish stinging cells are embedded with tethered harpoons,” Jones says. “The cells are triggered by touch. If you rub against it, you are shot. The sting is a mechanical stimuli reaction. The jellyfish has no say in the matter – its nerve pad does.”

Once the barb is injected, a toxin is pumped through the tethered line into the jelly’s prey – small fish, larva, tiny crustaceans, or collegiate spring breakers. Hence the sting.

The good news is, once deployed, the tentacle / barb can be used only once, just like a honeybee’s stinger. The bad news is, unlike the honeybee’s stinger, a jellyfish has thousands of tentacle barbs, each locked and loaded.

Even if the tentacle is torn off and free floating – touch it, trigger it, you’re stung. Even if the jellyfish is washed ashore and dead, touch the nerve cells, and you are stung.

Fortunately a jellyfish sting typically wanes within an hour. First aid actions vary. www.alabamaliving.coop

Head Curator Brian Jones discusses jellyfish with a visitor at the Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. PHOTO BY EMMETT BURNETT

Alabama Living

JULY 2023 13

“I find one of the best treatments is first, pull the stinger from your skin. Usually your fingertip’s skin is too tough for the barb to penetrate,” notes Jones. “After the barb is out, submerge the wound in hot water. Heat breaks down the proteins in the venom.”

According to Auburn University, seven jellyfish are common on Alabama’s coastline: the sea nettle, moon jellyfish, cannonball, Portuguese man-of-war, oceanic jelly, sea wasp and mushroom jelly. But among the most common sightings is the comb jelly. It is cute, fascinating, and fake.

“People mistake comb jellies for jellyfish because comb jellies look like jellyfish and have similar lifestyles,” says Jones. “The neat thing about comb jellies (is) if you touch one, it glows bright blue-green. A chemical reaction in their transluA jellyfish indicative of cent bodies produces light.” a species often seen on As we gaze into the Alabama Alabama’s coastline.

Aquarium’s tank filled with comb PHOTO COURTESY AUBURN UNIVERSITY jellies resembling living lightbulbs, he continues, “People see comb jellies at night in the gulf, by the thousands. They look like stars in the water. It is an amazing sight.”

As for our Gulf Coast stingers, the sea nettle is most common. It grows to four inches in diameter and has 24 tentacles. “Sea nettles eat comb jellies,” says Dr. Moss, “but they have a nasty sting.” Recipients of the nettle’s wrath compare it to a wasp sting.

Moon jellyfish, though intimidating in size, as much as 18 inches in diameter, pack a milder punch. Humans stung note it as an annoying, itchy spot on the skin.

The cannonball jellyfish is so named because it is 10 inches in diameter and shaped like a cannonball. Though mildly venomous, it is mostly a nuisance for shrimp fishermen, clogging their nets.

But the bad boy of Gulf waters is aptly named: Portuguese manof-war. “It has a bad attitude and a terrible sting,” warns Dr. Moss.

It can sting through your clothes and can leave a permanent scar.”

The Portuguese man of war’s tentacles never stop growing.

Their appendages can be – and this is not a typo – 100 feet long.

With tentacles swaying in every direction, a person can be 30 feet or more away from the man of war, and still be stung.

“Babies and people with heart conditions are in the most danger,” warns Dr. Moss. “For most of us, the man-of-war is not life-threatening, but will sting with pain you will never forget.”

If you encounter one – a large purple to blue float, on the water’s surface – run, swim, whatever it takes, get away from it. Fortunately, the Portuguese menace is not as common as other jellyfish.

On the positive side, jellyfish are important to the environment.

“Sea turtles love them,” adds Brian Jones. “Many fish eat them too.

In addition, lots of jellyfish eat other jellyfish.”

In Asian countries, jellyfish are a delicacy but so far, not that popular here, but could be. There’s always room for Jell-O, but be sure to remove the stinger. Ed. note: At presstime, the Alabama Aquarium was temporarily closed for renovations but was expected to reopen in early July.

Check its website for the latest updates: disl.edu/aquarium Comb jellies photographed at the Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. PHOTO BY EMMETT BURNETT

14 JULY 2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2023 15

Roanoke never forgot Ella Smith and her

“Alabama Indestructible Doll”

By Jim Plott

I

n a November 1922 newspaper advertisement, just in time for Christmas, the Montgomery Fair department store on Dexter Avenue in downtown Montgomery featured a range of Ella Smith dolls, all for sale priced from $1.25 to $2.75 each.

The dolls, marketed as the “Alabama Indestructible Doll” and made in Roanoke, Alabama, were very popular for decades at the turn of the century and beyond.

Fast forward to February 2022, when an episode of the popular PBS program “Antiques Roadshow” featured two of the dolls which were sold and marketed in their day as the “Alabama Indestructible Doll.” Although the dolls had minor clothing blemishes, they were given an appraised value of between $1,000 and $1,300. The owner, who’d inherited them from her mother whose aunts were the original owners, wasn’t a big fan of the dolls which she described as “terrifyingly hideous.”

Ella Smith might not appreciate that assessment. Her story dates back to 1897, when Verna Pittman, a young neighbor in Roanoke, presented her with a broken bisque doll in hopes she could repair it. After some unsuccessful attempts, Smith resorted to her own ingenuity by making a plaster of Paris mold for the head, overlaying it with material and painting the face. It marked the birth of an idea.

Over the next 35 years or so, Smith tirelessly crafted and sold the Alabama Indestructible Doll, constantly making improvements. She was awarded a total of 12 U.S. patents, although not all were related to the dolls.

Her dolls earned awards at prestigious events such as the 1904 World’s Exhibition in St. Louis and the Southeastern Fair in Atlanta.

Smith meticulously used oilbased paints for the dolls’ facial features, hair, 16 JULY 2023

hands, feet and shoes, and human hair occasionally adorned the dolls. Depending on the year, size and style, doll prices ranged from $1 to $12.

In her catalog, Ella Smith proudly marketed her products as durable and washable “just like children.” She guaranteed “no cheap stuff ” was used and they would withstand rough play from children.

“Dolls are to be played with and loved, in the midst of which little hands fumble, a doll is broken, and so is a little heart,” she was quoted as saying by Virginia Brannon Smith, who, as a child met Ella Smith.

Born in Troup County, Georgia, and reared in Langdale, Alabama, Smith received an art degree at LaGrange (Georgia) College. She moved to Roanoke in 1886 where she become an art teacher at Roanoke Normal School. There she married S.S. “Bud” Smith, a local carpenter. Although the Smiths never had any children, they adopted and reared a girl and a nephew.

Initially manufacturing dolls from her house, as her business expanded she was able to hire employees and move into an adjacent building constructed for her by her husband. At the peak of the business, she and her employees were producing 8,000 handmade dolls a year including black dolls, which were rarely made at the time, particularly in the South.

“These dolls are painted to represent all races of people. We mean to try to please all people as near as we can,” Smith said at the time.

In addition The state Department to doll makof Archives and History ing, Smith has several Ella Smith red e x p l o Dolls in its collection.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY

Alabama Living

JULY 2023 17

other ventures, including painting, photography and inventions other than doll making.

The Randolph County newspaper, The Randolph Leader, described her as a woman of “opposites.”

“She was a tremendous woman … simple but touched with genius, great-hearted but bluntly plain spoken, generous to her own hurt, devoted to children, but often overly harsh. Sometimes it was easier to tell what she was not rather than what she was,” the newspaper wrote in 1957.

Unpredictable, perhaps, but what is certain is that Smith boldly dared to step into a man’s world years before women acquired the right to vote. At the same time, she often referred to herself as Mrs. S.S. Smith.

Tragedy struck unexpectedly. In 1922, during a return sales trip to New York City, two of her doll salesmen were killed in a train wreck. The family of one successfully sued Smith, nearly bankrupting her.

Consequently, she closed the factory, released her employees and resumed doll making in the house. She rarely ventured out and seldom engaged in going to the movies – once a favorite pastime.

While her dolls might have been indestructible, Ella Smith wasn’t. Ailing with diabetes and Bright’s disease, a kidney affliction, and what many say was a broken spirit, Smith died in 1932. She was buried in the local cemetery just blocks from her house.

In the 1990s, a series of postage stamps commemorating American dolls, including the Ella Smith Doll, prompted the city of Roanoke to honor one of its most famous citizens with doll shows and other events. Over time, even that annual ceremony waned.

Except for a welcome sign on the south entrance to the city proclaiming Roanoke as the home to the Ella Smith Doll, there is not much indication in the city of her or the dolls’ existence. The Doll Factory behind the house has become dilapidated and parts of it,

concealed by thick brush, are falling in.

These days, most of the dolls are owned by private collectors.

The Alabama Department of Archives and History has several Ella Smith dolls in storage and the Museum of East Alabama in Opelika has several of the dolls on display.

Her Main Street home still stands and is now a law office. Attorney John Tinney, however, felt it fitting to let several upstairs wall hooks, used by Smith in the doll-making process, remain in place.

Locals, like Dorothy Tidwell, executive director of the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce, say they are still aware and proud of Smith’s accomplishments.

There is an ongoing drive to rejuvenate the Randolph County Museum in the old post office and have an Ella Smith exhibit.

“We haven’t forgotten Ella Smith and her dolls,” Tidwell, also a museum board member, says.

While Smith’s dolls these days are often viewed as “creepy” by newer generations who grew up with more life-like dolls, there is no disputing her contribution to the doll industry or her place in American life, according to appraiser Billye Harris, who owns Ashley Dolls and Antiques in Whitsett, North Carolina, and who was the appraiser on the “Antiques Roadshow” segment.

While Ella Smith dolls might have been valued at a higher price in the past, the doll market overall has seen a decline in values in recent years, Harris says.

“I believe this is because of the birth of internet sales and antique dolls are more easily found. The majority of antiques in general have seen a decrease in value over recent years, but I feel that is about to make a slow but sure turnaround.”

She’s a fan of the unique dolls made in Alabama. “Ella Smith and her dolls are an important part of doll history,” Harris said. “Her dolls represent how a woman in times that most women did not work outside the home was able to engineer, create and market her dolls.” The Ella Smith house is now the law office of attorney John Tinney.

PHOTO BY JIM PLOTT

Ella Smith, standing third from the left on back row, employed up 12 people in the production of her dolls.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RANDOLPH LEADER

Glenn Buxton, director of the Museum of East Alabama, holds one of several Ella Smith Dolls on display at museum in downtown Opelika. The museum is dedicated to the histories of Lee, Chambers, Macon, Tallapoosa and Russell counties. All the dolls were donated from owners in the Opelika area.

PHOTO BY JIM PLOTT

18 JULY 2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2023 19

| Worth the drive |

Enterprise restaurant is ‘a family tradition, yours and ours’ Story and photos by Lenore Vickrey (Related story, Page 24)

I

f you visit Enterprise, folks will make sure two things are on “it’s just become an icon in this area.” your to-do list: Seeing the Boll Weevil Monument downtown Their motto, “A family tradition, yours and ours,” is proudly and eating a meal at Cutts Restaurant. proclaimed on a sign in their dining room, where patrons start And that’s just fine with the Cutts family, who’s owned the lining up for lunch at 10:30 a.m. restaurant for more than 60 years. “So many families have grown But the current owner and chef, Ashton Cutts, arrives way before that, starting the day’s cooking and prepping between 4:40 up here, that they’ll come (back) in from Timbuktu or somewhere and 5 a.m. Ashton, Rick’s nephew, bought the restaurant from his and they’ll call their parents and say, ‘We’ve got to go eat at Cutts,’” uncle in April 2021. After 30 years, Rick was ready to retire and says Rick Cutts, who worked at the restaurant growing up, and wanted to keep it in the family. then owned and managed it for His nephew, who’d worked in 30 years. the restaurant growing up as His grandparents, Hubert and did many of the Cutts children, Pearlie Bell Cutts, along with his was the ideal choice. “I’ve been parents Larry and Ellen Cutts, extremely proud of him,” says started the business in 1967 as a Rick. “He grew up cooking with country grocery in Level Plains my mother who was the best selling chili dogs. “They came up cook in the world.” with a chili recipe which is still Ashton, who’d retired from a family secret,” he says. When the Army and earned degrees in business got too big for that location (a former Phillips 66 staHVAC and building trades, was tion), they moved it to another eager to take the job. “I started Phillips 66 station and expanded cooking with my dad, hangthe menu to include hamburging out in the kitchen with my ers, hot dogs and barbecue sandgrandmother,” he recalls. Most of the recipes are hers, including wiches for lunch only. those for the restaurant’s dressThey moved to the Enterprise location in 1974, “and when my ing, mashed potatoes, barbecue grandparents got ready to resauce, and of course, the famous chili dog sauce. tire, my daddy bought them out “The way we cook the turin 1980,” says Rick. “The original restaurant was the whole nips, butter beans and all the kitchen and you came in from vegetables was how she did it,” the back door. In 1988, Daddy Rick adds. And that means from added this (the current restauscratch (no instant potatoes) and rant dining area that has a caf- Ashton Cutts with two favorite menu items, the Alabama Lobster Roll dessert pies handmade by a fameteria-type line to serve country and the Cutts Chili Dog. ily member who’s been baking cooking). That wall was the back them every morning for 40 years.

The country cooking fare features 14 vegetables and four meats, door and it was just a snack bar. On Saturdays, we go back to that.

Monday through Friday. Each day is something different, from It’s our retro day.” spaghetti to pork chops to brisket, but the mainstays that are alAfter his dad suffered a stroke in 1991, Rick bought the restauways available are barbecue, chicken fingers and fried chicken. rant from him rather than allowing anyone from outside the famVeggies include black-eyed peas, creamed corn, loaded potato ily to take over. “Really, never dreaming it would blow up like it casserole, brussels sprouts, butter beans, macaroni and cheese, has,” he says, referring to the restaurant’s huge following. He was, and still is, an independent insurance agent by trade, but he soon turnip greens and more. In a week, they’ll feed 3,500 people or found himself and his family growing the restaurant over the about 4,000 meals.

Don’t want a full plate? Head to the front counter and order years, adding catering for local businesses and organizations, and 20 JULY 2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2023 21

from the short order menu of chili dogs, burgers, wraps and Ashton’s specialty, the Alabama Lobster Roll.

“There’s no lobster in it,” says Ashton, chuckling. “It’s barbecue on a hot dog bun, covered in cheese, pickles, coleslaw and both barbecue sauces.” He created the dish when a TV news crew asked him to make them something special “and it was the only thing I could think of.” The name was in honor of a friend from up north.

Famous all over

Cutts gets a lot of traffic from families headed to the Gulf Coast beaches, many of whom see the positive reviews on Trip Advisor.

“A lot of people have a tradition to stop here on the way to the beach,” Ashton says. “They buy the merchandise and see what new things we’ve got. I ship barbecue sauce and the hats everywhere.

I’ve shipped chili dogs – hot dogs, the sauce, buns and all – to Alaska, and barbecue sauce to a hockey player in Canada, with hats and pepper sauce.” A man in Arizona ordered 32 bottles of barbecue sauce, and a few months later he wanted more, so he drove to Enterprise to buy them.

The chili dog landed Cutts on the State Tourism Department’s list of “100 Dishes to Eat” in Alabama.

In addition to running the restaurant, Ashton stays busy with the catering business and can feed up to 300 people. At Thanksgiving time, they sell between 500 and 700 half gallons of their

Cutts Restaurant

417 E. Lee St. Enterprise, AL 36330 334-347-1110 Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday Online: cuttsrestaurant.com and on Facebook

22 JULY 2023

Enterprise

l

famous dressing so customers can bake it in their own kitchens, along with turkey breast and ham.

During the Covid shutdown, the restaurant was closed only 2 weeks, and then ran a homemade drive-through for take-out orders out of their back door, Rick says. “We had a tent set up, Ashton manned the tent and rang ‘em up right there. It was hard but we got through it.”

The Cutts name grabs attention, even hundreds of miles away.

Several years ago, Rick was wearing his Cutts cap while vacationing in San Francisco. A man kept looking at him, and finally came up to him and asked, “Are you familiar with that restaurant? I’ve eaten there several times.” Rick told him yes, he was the owner.

Turns out the man was an Atlanta-based clothing salesman who called on a customer in downtown Enterprise who would bring him to Cutts when he was in town.

Ashton got the same reaction in Birmingham earlier this year at a hotel bar. “A guy sitting next to me started telling people from Chicago I was famous,” he said, smiling. Misti Cutts Dixon, Rick’s daughter, recently returned from Disneyworld where her husband wore his Cutts cap. “We were on the Disney bus and a lady sitting in front of us asked us if we were familiar with the restaurant,” she says. The lady turned out to be from Troy.

Small world, yes. But one that Cutts is happy to be a part of.

“The restaurant has become part of the community,” says Rick.

“We’re extremely blessed for it to be that way.” Clockwise, Cutts has been in its Enterprise location since 1974; the lunchtime crowd starts arriving at 10:30 a.m.; former owner Rick Cutts, left, and nephew, current owner Ashton Cutts; Maddy Cutts holds photo of her dad, Ashton, working behind the counter in the same location when he was about her age; Traci Waggoner is ready to serve customers from the extensive selection of meats and vegetables.

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2023 23

Family restaurant’s hot dogs inspired her children’s books

By Lenore Vickrey

W

hen Misti Cutts Dixon was in 6th grade in Enterprise in reers. The first was Karl the Construction Worker, followed by 2000, a local radio station was publicizing a contest by Pete the Policeman, Sam the Lineman, Gary the Garbage Man Scholastic Magazine and the popular group NSYNC to and Fred the Farmer, her best seller that highlights local crops promote literacy. from the Wiregrass area.

Misti, using the name M.C. Dixon, began writing the books af“They wanted people to write in about why you enjoyed readter her son, now 6, was born. She woke up at 4 a.m. to feed her ing,” she recalls. The top prize would be a library of new books for new baby and began writing the books in her head, then finally on the winner’s school. paper. “I’m one of those people who constantly needs something Intrigued, she wrote an essay and sent it in. “Back then you had to do, so I guess working fulltime wasn’t enough,” she joked. to listen to the radio,” she says, “and I learned I’d won the conThe books were illustrated by 1000 Storybooks, and are pubtest for my school!” A special perk was that her school wound up lished by Lucky Thirteen Publishing LLC, a publishing company having the town’s only copy of the new Harry Potter book. Misti’s Misti founded and established on her own. The books are sold picture was in the local paper. on Amazon and at Target, Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million, “Ever since then, I’ve been good at reading, writing and numas well as at local book signings and special events. Misti even bers,” says Misti. But her father (Rick Cutts, then owner of Cutts designed her very own stuffed Restaurant, featured on previous Larry, who accompanies her to page), being practical, advised book events, where she speaks to her to go to school and get an acchildren about careers, having big counting degree. dreams, setting goals and working So, Misti did that, graduathard to achieve their goals. ing from Troy University with a She has another line of books, bachelor’s and master’s degree in a series of romance novels writaccounting and then working in ten as Nicole Dixon (Nicole is her the accounting field, eventually middle name). “I am exclusive to at Wiregrass Electric CooperaAmazon and Kindle Unlimited,” tive where she has been an acshe says. “I have so many e-readcountant for the past nine years. ers it’s easier for me to make them Along the way, she married her available that way.” She works husband Lance Dixon, a certified with the same designers to select electronics technician who built the book cover models, fonts and his own biomed company, Preciother design features, and pubsion-Med Biomedical Solutions, lishes the novels under the same covering the Southeast. Working publishing company. Paperback in the cooperative field as well as versions are also available on her the biomed industry, they soon website and at Cutts Restaurant realized how difficult it was to find on the merchandise shelf with the employees with the needed skills Larry books, Cutts T-shirts and and experience in technical areas exclusive baseball caps. to fill jobs previously held by peo- Misti Dixon and her series of Larry the Hot Dog books.

She continues to get up before ple who were retiring.

PHOTO BY LENORE VICKREY dawn every morning, typing her Together, they began to brainlatest book on her Nova Lenovo Yoga laptop. Her 10th romance storm and came up with the idea of creating a children’s book novel will be released this summer. that could introduce young readers to the value of technical and The writing gene is already making its appearance in the skilled careers at an early age. “Growing up and working in the younger generation, as Misti’s 10-year-old daughter, Guilianna, family restaurant, behind the register or behind the serving line, has co-written (as G.R. Dixon) with her mother a spinoff series I would see people in different uniforms and outfits coming in featuring one of Larry’s friends, Daisy the Donut, who visits more to eat, and I would think to myself, what are these people doing, friends at their different workplaces. what is their career?” Misti says.

“We’ve gone through the whole writing process together,” MisThus began The Adventures of Larry the Hot Dog, inspired by ti says proudly. “All five books have been written and edited. The her experiences in the restaurant serving the famous hot dogs, first book should be ready by Christmas.” and named after her grandfather, Larry Cutts, who ran the eatery in the 1980s.

For more information, visit nicoledixonauthor.com and follow her Larry is the star of the series of five books, each carrying the on Facebook at M.C. Dixon, Author. magical character on an adventure with friends in different ca-

24 JULY 2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2023 25

| Alabama People |

Ashley Dumas

Discovering Alabama’s early history Raised in a middle-income family in Fairhope, Dr. Ashley Dumas felt compelled to pursue a college degree that would guarantee a stable job and career. However, after getting a sample of archaeology under Dr. Gregory Waselkof while at the University of South Alabama, she heeded the advice of her aunt, a high school guidance counselor, who suggested she pursue her passion and things would work out. As a result, she obtained a degree in anthropology and French from USA, then went on to the University of Alabama to earn both her master’s and doctorate in anthropology. In 2009 she was hired at the University of West Alabama in Livingston to help with the school’s Center for Study of the Black Belt, but her duties expanded to include the studies of the late prehistory and history of the Southeastern United States. She is also the director of the UWA-owned Fort Tombecbe Archaeological site, a French and later Spanish and English outpost on the Tombigbee River.

A few years ago, a Dumas-led archaeological team in west Alabama unexpectedly found European-made artifacts dating to the time of the Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto’s expedition in the Southeast United States around 1540. The discovery also suggests that the excavation site could be in the vicinity of Mabila, a fortified Indian village during which forces of De Soto and Chief Tascalusa engaged in an epic battle. A reported 2,500 Indians died in the engagement and while the Spanish losses in men were few, the battle essentially derailed the gold-searching expedition, and injuries suffered by De Soto resulted in his later death.

Historians and archaeologists have primarily relied on three journals written by those on the expedition and another based on interviews to retrace De Soto’s path from Florida through the Southeast U.S. Despite that, Mabila has never been found and suspected locations vary over a wide area of west and southwest Alabama. – Jim Plott Your archaeological excavations uncovered Spanish artifacts dating back to the time of the De Soto Expedition in the 1540s. Is that an indication you might have discovered Mabila?

We don’t have the battle site of Mabila, but we have found what we think is the chiefdom of Tascalusa so that is important to distinguish. We believe we have a 16th-century chiefdom in the location that matches the 16th-century Spanish chronicles. But we are still looking for Mabila.

What types of artifacts have you uncovered?

We have found a lot of 16th-century native pottery (based on the way it is made and decorated). The location of this pottery tells us we have several clusters of farms within shouting distance of one another.

We also now have over 100 pieces of 16th-century European objects. We have 26 JULY 2023

fragments of late medieval horseshoes, iron celts or chisels that were probably used as trade items and fragments of brass candlesticks. All the objects are really obvious in the way they are made that they are from that period. Finding 16th-century metal was a huge surprise, but it has fallen into line with the belief that we have the chiefdom.

What is significant about Mabila and the battle?

The Battle of Mabila was a turning point in the colonization of eastern North America. It was the beginning of the end for the De Soto expedition. De Soto believed he could conquer this area as the Inca (in South America) had been conquered.

But by the time he made it to present-day Alabama he had little to show in terms of the mineral wealth he was seeking. He had not been able to pacify the indigenous people as he intended. It sounds hyperbole, but if they had succeeded some people think we would all be speaking Spanish today.

You have said that Mabila is as important as Jamestown and St. Augustine. How important would it be in terms of Alabama and American history to find the Mabila?

It would be critically important. It would be considered a sacred site for native peoples even though it was (a victory that took a devastating toll). The Spanish won the battle, but they lost the war because of the fierce resistance. It is a legendary place in Alabama history, and it just makes for a good story.

The expedition lost basically all their supplies in the fire that consumed the town. So the expedition was struggling after that. They were not able to conquer this region, and as a result there were no other substantial attempts by Europeans to settle in what is now North America for another 150 years.

What little known fact about Alabama’s early inhabitants do you think is important for people to know?

I think it is important that people understand that Indians of this period were not simplistic.

They had complex social and political lives and religious beliefs. On the other hand, they were farmers and probably had the same concern about crops of farmers today. They were not monolithic; they were diverse. There were multiple ethnicities and multiple languages spoken across the Southeast and Alabama. www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2023 27

SOCIAL SECURITY

Social Security celebrates the Americans with Disabilities Act T his year, we celebrate 33 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its importance to many beneficiaries.

We’re committed to the principles and spirit of the ADA, and the way it improves the lives of millions. Matt’s story is an example of how the ADA and our Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can help beneficiaries achieve their career goals.

As a job seeker who is deaf and needs accommodations, Matt was reluctant to tell prospective employers about his disability. He worried that employers would not hire him if they knew about his disability.

That’s when Matt connected with our Ticket Program. This program supports career development for people ages 18 to 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work.

Through this free and voluntary program, approved service proKylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached by email at kylle.mckinney@ssa.gov.

viders offer supports and services as participants move toward financial independence through work.

Matt learned how his employment might affect his benefits. He also learned that our Medicare-related work incentive allows him to pursue a career without worrying about health care coverage.

If Matt’s disability interfered with work, he could return to receiving benefits without having to file a new application through the expedited reinstatement process.

Matt now works full-time as a human resource analyst. Thanks to the ADA, he received accommodations for the interview process and on the job. He also found that the Ticket Program helped him find a path to a better future. You can learn more about the Ticket Program at choosework.ssa.gov.

Our online booklet, Your Ticket to Work: What You Need to Know to Keep it Working for You, found at ssa.gov/pubs/EN05-10062.pdf, provides detailed information about the program.

You can learn more about Matt’s story at choosework.ssa.gov/ library/matt-success-story.

Please share these resources with your loved ones.

July

crossword

Across 1 It’s celebrated on the 4th of July 9 State with a red X on its flag, abbr.

10 Make money 11 Prayer ending 12 Red expanse in the Bible 15 Visit 16 Pearls’ home 18 Mother, for short 20 Military projects, abbr.

22 JAG proceeding 23 Basketball association, abbr.

24 Nickel symbol 25 University newbie 26 1492 vessel 27 Southern state, abbr.

29 Alabama Air Force base where the Wright Brothers founded the first civilian flying school, 2 words 32 Time before an event 33 Like well-cooked BBQ ribs 34 Alabama county named after a revolutionary war general

5 Airport named after Ens. Clarence Moore ____ Jr, the first WWII casualty from Montgomery 6 __ Prado, Spanish art museum 7 Space org, with a base in Huntsville 8 The core of the US Army’s missile and rocket programs, _____ Arsenal 13 Battleship which sailed into Tokyo for the formal surrender ceremonies at the end of WW II 14 Alabama airport which serves as home for the F-16 Fighting Falcons 17 Marine Corps general during WW II born in Hatchechubbee, Russell County, Holland _____ 19 Army depot at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains that is the Center of Technical Excellence for the M1 Abrams tank 21 Circle ratio 25 Sends, in a way 27 Liquid rock 28 The Star Spangled Banner, for one 29 Ran into 30 Relay race section 31 Road, abbr.

Down 2 Audacity 3 Former 4 Large spreading tree

28 JULY 2023

by Myles Mellor

Answers on Page 45 www.alabamaliving.coop

Around Alabama

18

Pell City the Pell City Historical Society will host Andrew Eden, who will make a presentation on the Battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga and the founding of the nation’s first national military park. Free. 1 p.m. at the Venue on 20th. See the group’s Facebook page.

21-30

Northwest Alabama W.C. Handy Music Festival.

This ten-day series of primarily music events around the Shoals area honors the musical legacy of W.C. Handy, known as the “father of the Blues,” and the talented musicians who hail from the Shoals or who recorded there.

Wchandymusicfestival.com

Several towns and small cities will hold Fourth of July fireworks celebrations.

PHOTO COURTESY ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE

JULY

2 and 4

Prattville Independence Day activities. On Sunday, a patriotic concert by the Prattville Pops and Community Chorus begins at 3 p.m. at the Doster Center. On Tuesday, a parade begins at 9 a.m. downtown, followed by the Lions Club barbecue until 2 p.m. at Pratt Park. Cardboard boat races at 10:30 a.m., with a pool party from 1 to 5 p.m. Fireworks at the Clocktower begin at dark. PrattvilleAl.gov

3

Alexander City 19th annual Celebrate Freedom Christian concert and fireworks show, on the front lawn of Benjamin Russell High School at 6 p.m. Musical artists will be Jason Crabb and Colton Dixon, with Christian comedian Mickey Bell. Free; bring lawn chairs.

Food available for purchase on site. Sponsored by the Alabama Cross Road Events.

3

Opelika Freedom Celebration, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Opelika High School, 1700 LaFayette Parkway. Silver Wings Parachute Team, music, hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn and activities for the whole family. Fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Opelika-al.gov

3-4

Grand Bay Grand Bay Watermelon Festival, 10327 Taylor F. Harper Blvd. Arts and crafts vendors, food court and entertainment area. On Monday, gates are open 3 to 7 p.m. with no admission. On Tuesday, gates open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; $5 per vehicle admission. Open car show, pretty baby contest, free sliced ice-cold watermelon, rides, games, contests and more. Fireworks at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

GrandBayWatermelonFestival.org

4

Cullman Fourth of July fireworks and music festival at Smith Lake Park, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Food and arts and crafts vendors; park has tent camping and cabins.

CullmanCountyParks.com

4

Fairhope Fourth of July concert and fireworks display, Henry George Park and

Alabama Living

the Fairhope Municipal Pier. Baldwin Pops Band concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the park, with fireworks around 9 p.m. 251-929-1474.

4

Gulf Shores Independence Day Celebration, Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. (Pier closes to the public beginning at 7 a.m. to setup for fireworks.) GulfShoresAl.gov

4

Headland Fourth of July parade and fireworks. Fun on the square begins at 4 p.m., and the ag parade begins at 5 p.m. Fireworks show at Douglas Park begins at 8:30 p.m. Food trucks, glitter tattoos, balloon animals and more.

Business.headlandal.org and click on “events.”

4

Henagar 41st Annual Sand Mountain Potato Festival, Henagar City Park. Parade begins at 10 a.m. with activities in the park following. Free entry. Festival includes musical entertainment, car show, craft vendors, food vendors, and game vendors. Fireworks display at 9 p.m. 256-657-6282.

22

Clanton 13th annual Chilton County Arts Festival, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Clanton Performing Arts Center on the campus of Jefferson State. Vendors will sell only hand-crafted art at this free indoor event.

ChiltonCountyArtsCouncil.com or call 205990-9409.

27-30

Mobile Gulf Coast Ethnic and Heritage Jazz Festival.

Events include an evening of poetry at the Ben May Main Library, a jazz gala, and concerts on the Mobile Civic Center Grounds. Musicians will include Kent Jordan and friends, Excelsior Band and Zulu Tramps, Donald Harrison, Thad Wilson, Madoca and friends and Kim Scott.

Gcehjazzfest.wordpress.com

29

Daphne Taste of the Eastern Shore, a fundraiser benefiting the Daphne High School Band. 6 to 10 p.m., Daphne Civic Center. Multiple locally owned restaurants will be featured, along with a silent auction and live music by the Velcro Pygmies. Tickets are $50 per person; email susiepooh1979@yahoo.com

AUGUST

15

3-6

15-16

18-19

Wetumpka River and Blues Music and Arts Festival, 4 to 11 p.m. in downtown.

Featuring Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, Jukebox Brass Band, Kat Riggins, the Green Springs and the Fabulous Fliptones.

Vendors selling handmade art and food vendors on site. Search for the event’s Facebook page.

Cullman 16th annual Shoot for a Cure 3D archery tournament at Camp David, 3735 County Road 940. Sponsored by Circle of Hope, all proceeds go to the Bruno Cancer Center. Family atmosphere with door prizes and concessions available; awards will be given for age divisions and levels of competition. Search for Circle of Hope Cullman on Facebook.

Northeast Alabama the World’s Longest Yard Sale. More than 650 miles of yard sales and unique treasure finds await travelers along the Lookout Mountain Parkway from Gadsden to Chattanooga, Tenn.

VisitLookoutMountain.com

Russellville Franklin County Watermelon Festival. 5:45 to 10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

Watermelon cutting and contests and fun for the whole family. Music acts on the main stage are Tremayne and Velcro Pygmies on Friday and REWIND, Austin Bohannon and Colt Ford on Saturday. Franklincountychamber.org

To place an event, e-mail events@alabamaliving.coop. or visit www.alabamaliving.coop. You can also mail to Events Calendar, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124; Each submission must include a contact name and phone number.

Deadline is two months prior to issue date. We regret that we cannot publish every event due to space limitations.

Alabama Living on FB

Alabama Living on Twitter @Alabama_Living

instagram.com/alabamaliving

JULY 2023 29

PET HEALTH

Drugs for pets have their place in a vet’s toolbox

A

re all drugs bad? The answer is neither a simple “bad” nor “harmful.” Pharmaceuticals are important tools in the veterinary toolbox.

We get quite a few clients who are suspicious, distrustful, skeptical, and anxious about giving their pets pharmaceutical medications. For example, we had a client who came to see us from an hour and a half away because her local vet gave her “too much” antibiotics for a hot spot on her dog. We have also gotten a few texts inquiring about our opinions on the “dirty” pharmaceutical industries.

For nervous pets, we recommend taking some premedications home before the vet visit, or any stressful procedures like blood draw. While most clients are open to this suggestion, some reject sedatives and prefer to proceed without them. Additionally, a lot of anxious dogs do not get treated because owners are reluctant to give antipsychotic drugs, either because they fear a personality change in the pet or that the pet will be sleepy all the time.

So what do we do? It is an ongoing issue for us, as quite a few clients come to us because we are “holistic.” Many of these folks come to us from hours away. We cannot just tell them that “this is the way we do things, take it or leave it.” They deserve better. They deserve to be heard.

The whole situation is complicated. In the case of the dog with the hot spot, the antibiotics prescribed were within the recommended dose range for those antibiotics, though it was at the higher end. I know of some professors who believe that some skin infections do not get resolved because we do not give antibiotics at high enough dosage for a long enough time. If trained by this professor, the vet was doing right by what they believed. Nothing wrong at all within the scope of proper medicine.

I do understand the general discomfort about pharmaceuticals Goutam Mukherjee, DVM, MS, Ph.D. (Dr. G) has been a veterinarian for more than 30 years. He owns High Falls Holistic Veterinary Care near Geraldine, Alabama. To suggest topics for future discussions, email him at contact@alabamaliving.coop

30 JULY 2023

after the opioid crisis (where both the pharmaceutical industry and the prescriber have played less-than-ethical roles). Another glaring example is Vioxx, a painkiller made by Merck Pharmaceuticals for about six years in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Merck withdrew the drug in 2004 and paid billions to end thousands of lawsuits by patients who alleged the drug caused heart attacks and strokes.

But on the other hand, I am in awe of the human ingenuity in creating these magical chemicals (medications) that can do miraculous things. I tell clients (tongue in cheek), I love drugs! There is beautiful chemistry behind them. I also love herbs, acupuncture, and so on and so forth.

So, when should we use “drugs” versus herbs, chiropractic, acupuncture, or reiki? This is not an easy call! Ultimately it is a simple matter of checks and balances. In a 14-year-old dog, I would worry a whole lot less about the long-term side effects of pain medications versus the quality of life. In the case of a 3-year-old dog, I would like to seek other ways to help.

As vets, we are like all others with our strong opinions. But as professionals, we are also aware of your value to our business, and we are willing to sit down and talk to you. Find a vet near you who will listen to you. Sometimes you may have to look around to find the right veterinarian for you; this is no different for your personal physician.

After all, it is your pet and we are here to help you. It is our job to discuss the possibilities and let you make the final decision. Find a vet who will suit you.

On a related note: Ask Dr. Google as many questions as you want. I like to see a client who has spent a good bit of time researching and learning about their pet’s health. Honestly, Dr. Google knows way more than I will ever know. This Dr. G has access to pretty much all of human knowledge, and none of us will ever come close. However, where we can shine will be to add wisdom to the knowledge.

I see a good bit of chronic cases where I don’t expect to “cure” them, but I offer clients that I can go on this journey with them and do my best without causing any harm. We all need to walk together and that’s the best that we all can do! www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2023 31

| Gardens |

Summer school in the garden:

A DIY extravaganza “Private” gardens

Supplies: • A small plot in the yard or a large unbreakable pot or container • A trowel and other kid-friendly gardening tools (nothing too sharp if they are young) • Seeds or transplants • Small garden-related figurines, pretty rocks and other embellishments Directions: Help each child plan what they want to grow; consider letting them pick a focus, such as edible or flowering plants, and/or a theme, like fairy tales or favorite cartoon characters or shows. Gather appropriate supplies then set them loose to dig, plant and create. Put them in charge of watering and tending their creation.

Seed-starting/rooting 101

Keep children busy this summer by giving them some responsibility in creating and tending their own little private garden.

S

ummertime is not only a busy time in the garden – it’s often a crazy-busy time for all the parents, grandparents and caregivers who are trying to keep out-of-school kiddos busy and engaged.

Luckily, it’s possible to combine the two.

Gardens are fabulous outdoor “classrooms” where all of us, regardless of age, can learn about and from the natural world. Gardens also provide opportunities to build school-worthy skills in such “academic” areas as math, science, social studies, history, language, art and even fitness. In addition, gardens are the perfect place to acquire and hone important life skills such as responsibility, respect (of self and others), teamwork and patience.

Granted, the idea of setting a band of wound-up children loose in our well-tended gardens is a bit nerve-wracking, but most of our concerns can be mitigated by combining a healthy dose of prior planning with a few fun, easy projects, a wealth of which (suitable for all ages, including adults) can be found online and in myriad books and magazines.

32 JULY 2023

After years of summers spent with my own grandchildren, now ages 2 to 12, I’ve developed a long list of activities and projects (ideas borrowed and adapted from much more inventive minds than my own) that don’t break my budget or back or test my patience. (I sure don’t want to tarnish my grandmotherly halo!) Here are a few of the easiest.

“Found art” garden collages/ shadow boxes

Supplies: • Craft glue • Repurposed cardboard boxes or panels or posterboard • Flowers, stems, moss, acorns, pinecones, etc. gathered from the yard and garden • Pencils, markers, paints and other art and craft supplies as desired Directions: Take the kids on a scavenger hunt to collect natural objects (see above for ideas) then sit them down in a shady spot and let them glue and decorate their discoveries into works of art.

Supplies: • New or used seedling trays or small transplant pots; repurposed egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, small boxes, etc.; or mason jar or other clear glass container (Google “DIY seed starter pots” for more ideas.)

• Seed starter potting soil/media • Seeds or cuttings Directions: Prepare containers (you may want to wash repurposed items) and fill with potting media or water if you’re rooting new plants from clippings or kitchen scraps like potatoes, carrots and avocado seeds.

Plant seeds or suspend cuttings in containers. Gently water potting media until well moistened but not soaked and place containers in a spot with the appropriate amount of light, which will depend on plant you’re growing. Watch them sprout.

“You rock” garden art

Supplies: • Rocks of any shape and size but usually easier if they have smooth surfaces • Acrylic paints and markers or permanent marker pens • Other art and craft supplies, as desired • Glue, if needed for embellishments (any glue will do but “super” brands www.alabamaliving.coop

hold up better in outdoor conditions; some may require closer adult supervision) Directions: Collect rocks from the yard or neighborhood (just don’t take stones from others’ yards without permission) or buy craft rocks. Clean dirt from the rocks’ surfaces as needed using a mild soap and water. Allow them to dry, then let the kiddos create. Rocks can be pre-painted with a base coat of acrylic paint or left with a natural surface.

These are just a few of my tried-and-true favorites, but there are tons more ideas out there, including options for older kids and even for young-at-heart adults. One bit of advice, though, from my years as gardening parent and grandparent: Success lies in the process, not in perfection.

Alabama Living

JULY TIPS  Plant pumpkin seeds for a fall harvest.  Keep planting hot-weather veggies like summer peas, cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes, especially if you want to extend the growing season.  Start seeds for cool season crops like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and kale. Fertilize (using organic fertilizers whenever possible) vegetable plants as needed.  Warm season turfgrasses and some ornamental shrubs and perennials can also be fertilized if needed.  Divide and repot houseplants that have become too crowded in their containers.  Keep up with watering, weeding and harvesting duties.  Take the kids (or just yourself) to a public garden or into the cool woods.

JULY 2023 33

| Alabama Recipes |

Food styling and photos: Brooke Echols

Tomato Jam

34 JULY 2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

Cook of the Month: Kathy Ledford Gledhill, Sand Mountain EC

K

athy Gledhill likes to describe her “Tomato Jam” as “a scaled-down version of tomato relish.”

She was trying to think of a way to make the relish without cooking a large quantity, and she came up with this month’s winning recipe. With July being a peak month for eating in-season fresh tomatoes, her jam is a different way to use the favorite summertime food. “I like to use fresh tomatoes and I prefer Roma tomatoes, but it doesn’t matter,” she says. The Roma variety have less seeds and their firm consistency just make them easier to chop. Kathy also uses brown sugar in this recipe, when normally she uses white sugar when she makes a relish. “I just try different things,” she adds. The tomato jam pairs well with any other vegetable and goes very nicely with cornbread, says Kathy. While she doesn’t can her jam, it could be canned to last longer. “I just like to think of it as a way to preserve tomatoes.”

WIN $50!

November:

Slow Cooking Enter by: August 4 More upcoming themes and deadlines:

December: Cookie Contest | Sept. 1 Visit our website: alabamaliving.coop Email us: recipes@alabamaliving.coop USPS mail: Attn: Recipes, P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124 Cook of the Month wins $50! Recipes can be developed by you or family members. You may even adapt a recipe from another source by changing as little as the amount of one ingredient. Chosen cooks may win “Cook of the Month” only once per calendar year. To be eligible, submissions must include a name, phone number, mailing address and co-op name. Alabama Living reserves the right to reprint recipes in our other publications.

Tomatoes and Macaroni 1 large onion, diced 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 29-ounce can stewed tomatoes (or 1 quart home canned tomatoes) 2 cups elbow macaroni 2 cups water Place diced onion in a 4-quart pot. Add 1 large can stewed tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 cups of water. Bring these ingredients to a boil. Stir in 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Return to a boil and cover; reduce heat. Cook on low for 15 minutes. Serve hot.

Linda Evans Wiregrass EC Alabama Living

Tomato Jam 2 to 3 pounds tomatoes, seeded, cored and chopped 1 small onion, chopped 1 teaspoon garlic 1 teaspoon salt ¾ cup brown sugar 2 or 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Put all ingredients in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer until thickened. Let cool. Put in jars and store in the refrigerator. Will keep for about 10 days.

Patriotic Tomato Tart 1 cup flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut in pieces 1/2 cup light sour cream 2 cups grape tomatoes, cut in half 8 ounces blue or purple potatoes 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and mix it all into crumbs. Stir in the sour cream until you have a ball of dough. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours. Steam the potatoes, then thinly slice. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Roll the dough into a big circle and lay it on a baking sheet. Place potatoes, cheese, and tomatoes on the dough (bonus points if you make a flag design!). Fold edges of the dough in about an inch. Bake 25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. Cool 10 minutes, then slice. If you can't find blue/purple potatoes, use small red potatoes. Serve the tart on a big blue platter for a patriotic look.

Robin O'Sullivan Wiregrass EC

Salsa 1 quart tomatoes ½ tablespoon cumin 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon minced garlic 15 diced jalapenos, from a jar 1 package cilantro Blend all ingredients together until smooth.

LaWanda Noonan Joe Wheeler EMC JULY 2023 35

F

ried Green tomatoes hold a special place in the hearts of many.

However, I have Brooke Burks found as I grow older that some of my most beloved Southern fare no longer agrees with my waistline. It was this that led me on a quest to find healthier swaps for some of my favorite things. Made with almond flour, almond milk and parmesan cheese, and by baking them in the oven gives these Oven Fried Green Tomatoes all of the texture and flavor you expect but with a lot less guilt. Find more recipes at thebutteredhome.com.

Baked “Fried” Green Tomatoes 3-4 medium green tomatoes, sliced ½ cup almond milk 1 egg ½ cup almond flour ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon smoked paprika ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper ½ teaspoon pink salt Photo by The Buttered Home Parmesan cheese Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Fit a sheet pan with a small amount of cooking spray or parchment paper.

Slice tomatoes to about ¼ inch thick. Mix almond milk and egg, whipping until combined in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne and salt.

Place tomato slices in egg mixture and remove with a fork. Dredge in dry mixture and set aside on the prepared sheet pan until all are battered. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and bake for about 10-15 minutes until brown. Carefully remove from the oven and turn tomatoes over and sprinkle with more parmesan cheese. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes until done. Cool and serve.

Easy Tomato Pie

Joy's Chili Mix

Real Simple Pico de Gallo

1 9-inch pie crust, prepared according to package directions 3 large tomatoes, thinly sliced 2 teaspoons sea salt 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 small bag cheddar cheese, shredded 1 small bag mozzarella cheese, shredded 1/4 cup mayonnaise

5 pounds of tomatoes, peeled and cored 3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped 2 large onions, chopped 2 green bell peppers, chopped 3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon cumin 2 tablespoons salt 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon black pepper

2 large fresh and vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped 1 sweet onion, chopped finely 1 large green pepper, pitted and chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, pitted and chopped (optional) 1 fresh lime Salt, a pinch Fresh cracked pepper, to taste Tortilla chips

Thinly slice tomatoes. Place on paper towels in a single layer. Sprinkle with sea salt. Allow to sit 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Blot tomatoes with dry paper towel. Arrange tomatoes in cooked and cooled pie crust. Mix mayonnaise with half the cheeses, minced garlic and chopped basil. Spread mixture over tomatoes. Sprinkle remaining cheese over top. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, approximately 35 minutes. Let pie cool and enjoy!

Robbie Vantrease Cullman EC

Combine all the chopped vegetables, garlic, and apple cider vinegar in a pot and cook for 15 minutes, or the consistency that you prefer. Add to the dry seasonings and cook another 5-10 minutes.

Pour your mix into warm Mason jars and leave ½-inch space at the top of the jar. Wipe the rims carefully. Place your lids and rings on the jars and place in a rolling water bath for 15 minutes. Check USDA recommended time according to your altitude. Place on counter and listen for the glorious sound of popping!

Cook's note: Add canned beans, a pound of meat and two tablespoons of chili powder, plus a jar or two of mix to make a meal.

Mix all ingredients together without mashing or squishing, toss lightly, and make sure all the veggies have lime juice on them to keep the color.

Cook's note: You can add salad shrimp to this recipe for ceviche or add roasted corn for a nice contrast!

Carla P. Norman Covington EC

Joy Griswold Dixie EC 36 JULY 2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

Roasted Tomato Soup 6 Roma or vine-on tomatoes, cut in half, stem end trimmed 1 or 1.5 pound container cherry or grape tomatoes, left whole 1 large yellow or white onion, halved and thinly sliced 4 ribs celery (with leaves), diced into 1-inch pieces 5 cloves garlic, smashed 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 bay leaves 2 tablespoons chicken soup base, see cook’s note 5 cups water 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 cup heavy cream or 8 ounces evaporated milk Salt and pepper, to taste Optional toppings: freshly shaved Parmesan cheese and croutons Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place prepared vegetables in 9x13-inch glass pan and add olive oil. Stir until vegetables are coated with oil. Do not cover pan; roast for 1.5 hours until celery and onions are tender, and vegetables are a bit caramelized. Remove pan from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

Scoop vegetables and drippings into a 6-quart stockpot. (Use a stainless steel pot; avoid a pot with a non-stick surface.) Add 5 cups water, soup base and bay leaves; stir well until soup base is dissolved. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer; stir well and cover the pot with a lid; cook for 20 minutes. Fish out the 2 bay leaves and remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend to a rustic consistency, not totally smooth. Put pot back on the burner; add butter and cream or evaporated milk; stir until milk and butter are blended in. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Soup is ready to serve.

Cook's notes: The celery and celery leaves adds a deep savory dimension.

It’s important to cut the celery and onions into small pieces so they become soft in the oven and are easier for the immersion blender to chop. Five cups of chicken broth can be substituted for the soup base and water. I prefer soup base because it’s more flavorful. This soup is delicious hot or cold.

Jane Alexander Baldwin EMC Alabama Living

Quick Tomato, Basil and Bacon Tart

Quick Tomato, Basil and Bacon Tart 1 teaspoon olive oil 4 slices unsmoked bacon, diced 1 puff pastry sheet, thawed 2 tablespoons pesto, plus additional for garnish 3 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved 1 4-ounce package baby mozzarella Fresh basil, cut plus additional for garnish Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet. Heat oil in frying pan and fry bacon pieces until crisp. Set aside.

Lay out puff pastry on a baking sheet and score a 1/3-inch border around the edge, taking care not to cut all the way through. Spread pesto on the pastry.

Top with bacon, tomatoes and mozzarella. Bake for 20 minutes until pastry is puffed around the edges and is golden in color. Serve with extra pesto drizzled and fresh basil on top. Serve with a salad.

Fredabelle’s Salsa 8 cups fresh tomatoes, peeled and diced 3-4 red bell peppers, diced 1½ cups onion, diced 2 green bell peppers, diced 1 cup apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons salt 1 tablespoon garlic salt ¾ cup brown sugar 2 6-ounce cans tomato paste 2 8-ounce cans tomato sauce Cook tomatoes and drain some liquid before adding other ingredients. Simmer together for 1 hour and seal in jars to store. Can be kept in the refrigerator as well.

Nancy Sizemore Baldwin EMC

Barbara Lawson Baldwin EMC JULY 2023 37

| Consumer Wise |

Seal in savings with efficient exterior doors Q:

I like the style of my front door, but it is drafty. Can you recommend ways to fix the drafts and make it more energy efficient?

A:

The front door of your home has a lot of meaning. It sets the stage for the home and is the first impression for your guests. Beyond curb appeal, the front door is a good place to look for energy savings.

Efficient exterior doors seal tightly and don’t allow air to pass through. Limiting airflow from exterior doors can result in lower heating and cooling costs. Throughout the years, the construction of exterior doors has improved to increase their efficiency. If your door is older, it likely is not insulated.

There are two strategies to address an inefficient front door: Purchase a new one or work with what you have.

If you want to replace your front door for aesthetic purposes, make it more functional or improve its efficiency, consider upgrading to an ENERGY STAR®-certified model. The ENERGY STAR® certification ensures the door you buy meets efficiency criteria for your local area. It also means the National Fenestration Rating Council independently tested and verified the door.

Certification requires any windows in the door to be double or triple pane to reduce heat flow, which results in a more efficient home. While windows in doors offer aesthetics, more glass means less efficiency. ENERGY STAR® offers different criteria based on the amount of glass the door has. That means that the bigger the windows in a door, the lower the efficiency. The most efficient doors have no glass or windows in them.

U-factor is the primary rating for efficiency on doors and windows. U-factor is the inverse of R-value, which is the rating used for insulation. Unlike R-value where higher is better, the lower the U-factor, the more energy efficient the door. Check the U-factor on ENERGY STAR® doors at your local hardware store or online to help choose the most efficient door in your preferred style.

ENERGY STAR®-certified doors are made of the most efficient materials, such as fiberglass, wood cladding and steel with polyurethane foam core. They are built to fit snugly into their frames, reducing drafts and airflow.

When it comes to doors, you don’t have to sacrifice style for efficiency. There are many styles available to match the architecture, whether your home is historic or modern.

When completely replacing a door and the frame, you can use expanding foam or caulk to fill the space between the door jamb and structural framing. ENERGY STAR® doors have specific installation instructions to ensure the desired efficiency.

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 more than 900 local electric cooperatives.

38 JULY 2023

Adding a storm door can help seal in your home and is less expensive than replacing the entire door.

PHOTO COURTESY MARK GILLILAND, PIONEER UTILITY RESOURCES

If a new door isn’t in your budget, there are less expensive options to reduce air leakage and improve your home’s efficiency.

All of that coming and going throughout the years can wear out weatherstripping. If you can see daylight around the edges of the door or underneath it, it’s time to stop those air leaks.

Weatherstripping around the door jamb can be adjusted to make a snug seal or replaced if it’s too far gone. Apply one continuous strip along each side, and make sure it meets tightly at the corners.

There are many different types of weatherstripping products on the market, so shop around for what’s right for you. Don’t forget the door sweep at the bottom of the door.

Adding a storm door can also help and is less expensive than replacing the entire door. Most storm doors have options for using a screen or glass. Swapping the screen for the glass insert can help save energy in both the winter and in the summer if you use air conditioning. Consider a storm door that’s easy to switch between glass and screen so you can maximize the benefits.

Open the door to energy savings by improving the efficiency of your exterior doors––without compromising the aesthetics of your home. www.alabamaliving.coop

Licensed and Insured New Right of Way clearing Reclaiming Existing Right of Way Forestry Mulching

(334) 818-0595 htcompanyllc@gmail.com

Alabama Living

JULY 2023 39

| Outdoors |

Teaching kids about fishing creates bonding experiences

M

y dad always took part of his vacation during July to spend it fishing with his sons. With school out, this month offers an excellent time to introduce children to

an undesirable species or even a nuisance. Watch that child’s face light up when hooking a big one.

Start youngsters with an old cane pole or cheap child’s rod that fishing. won’t cost much to replace if – or should I say “when” – the child As the youngest, I came along much later than my two brothers breaks or loses it. A worm or cricket dangling under a bobber and older sister, so I spent considerable time with my dad hunting waiting for a bluegill or catfish to take it down builds a foundation and fishing after the older three left the house. Dad always used to for that child to learn more advanced techniques.

In salt water, buy some shrimp and find a place where youngsay, “You can either go fishing or take small children fishing, but sters won’t need to do much casting. Thread a shrimp on a hook, you can’t do both at the same time. Decide what you are going to tie on a sinker and drop it straight to the bottom. Don’t worry do and stick with it.” about chasing trophy speckled trout. Anything that bends a rod By that, he meant that if adults want to go fishing, they should would excite young anglers. I’ve go with likeminded, skilled anglers and enjoy themselves. Howseen children battle 3-pound ever, if they want to take young gafftopsail catfish with more children fishing, they must make enthusiasm than people fightthe day all about the youngsters. ing tuna weighing nearly 200 They might not catch as much, pounds.

Make it more than a fishing but they will certainly catch intrip. Dad always tried to turn finitely more important things. every outing into an adventure, Great memories!

Many people today don’t unas well as a teaching experience, derstand this philosophy. They even if we just walked along a want to catch fish more than ditch looking for frogs. He always took time to explain how they want to take their children everything connected in nature. fishing. Dad would rather watch Dad pointed out different birds a child catch a tiny bluegill than or anything else we encountered. for himself to land a state record.

Even if fish were biting like crazy, When I was young, he spent uncountable hours tying on and he would pause to watch a mother otter swim with her babies or a baiting hooks, untangling knots, hawk dive to catch its breakfast. unsnagging baits, etc. and never Children easily grow bored. yelling at me. He seldom even Keep them active and involved in picked up his own rod. activities. Bring plenty of snacks Taking young children fishing and refreshments. Don’t stay out requires extreme patience. They too long. If children want to do will make mistakes. Don’t expect something else, let them do it as them to perform like master anglers. I’ve fished with many of the long as it’s safe. When they have top professional anglers in the had enough, go home.

A young angler concentrates on watching her bobber for a bite while world. Even the best of them snag fishing off a pier. When taking young children fishing, keep it simple Alabama manages 23 stocked lures, backlash their reels, break and interesting. public fishing lakes in 20 counrods and lose fish occasionally. ties. These lakes vary in size from PHOTO BY JOHN N. FELSHER Instead of yelling, calmly teach 13 to 184 acres. Most exist in a children how to perform certain actions correctly. Don’t do everypark-like setting where anglers can catch various species from thing for a child. Young sportsmen learn best by doing and even bream to bass off the bank or in boats. At some lakes, people can making their own mistakes. Just do what’s necessary to keep the rent boats and equipment. These lakes make outstanding places child and others safe without breaking anything. to teach children how to fish.

When teaching youngsters how to fish, keep it simple and fun.

Fishing with small children isn’t about catching a limit of lunkFish for whatever bites. A young child doesn’t care what pulls on ers, but landing lasting memories. Spending that time takes efthe line. A child will enjoy catching what many anglers consider fort, sacrifice, patience and frequently, frustration. However, a parent will never meet a better fishing companion than one crafted over time. 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 JULY 2023

For information on Alabama public lakes, visit outdooralabama. com and click on “fishing,” then “public fishing lakes.” www.alabamaliving.coop

CECIL PIGG STEEL TRUSS, INC. P.O. BOX 389, ADDISON, AL 35540

WE SELL: Steel Trusses • Hay Barns Lumber • Equipment Sheds Building Material Packages Painted Metal • Work Shops Insulation • Kneebraces Galvalume Metal

STEEL TRUSS BUILDINGS BUILT TO YOUR SPECIFICATIONS

256-747-8178 • FAX: 256-747-8760

DOUG HANNON’S FISH & GAME FORECAST 2023

EXCELLENT TIMES

JULY

A.M.

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

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

AUGUST

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 We Th

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

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 8:30 - 10:30 9:18 - 11:18 10:06 - 12:06 10:54 - 12:54 11:18 - 1:18 A.M.

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 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 NA 12:30 - 2:30

GOOD TIMES

MOON STAGE

PM

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 8:54 - 10:54 9:42 - 11:42 10:30 - 12:30 11:18 - 1:18 11:42 - 1:42 PM

12:06 - 2:06 FULL 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 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 12:06 - 2:06 FULL MOON 12:54 - 2:54

AM

PM

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 2:57 - 4:27 3:45 - 5:15 4:33 - 6:03 5:21 - 6:51 5:48 - 7:18

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

AM

PM

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 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 6:09 - 7:39 6:57 - 8:27

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

The Moon Clock and resulting Moon Times were developed 40 years ago by Doug Hannon, one of America’s most trusted wildlife experts and a tireless inventor. The Moon Clock is produced by DataSport, Inc. of Atlanta, GA, a company specializing in wildlife activity time prediction. To order the 2023 Moon Clock, go to www.moontimes.com.

Alabama Living

JULY 2023 41

42 JULY 2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2023 43

| Our Sources Say |

Managing one of Alabama’s most valuable resources W

hen I think about water resources in Alabama, I often remember the great times I’ve enjoyed out on our lakes with family and friends. In July, there is nothing quite like taking a cool dip in the fresh waters that surround us.

After all, at least one-sixth of the surface area of Alabama is comprised of lakes, reservoirs, ponds, wetlands, estuaries and flowing rivers and streams.

TVA manages the water supply throughout our region to support recreational opportunities – and also to ensure sustainable water supplies are available to run power plants, support wildlife and provide clean drinking water to residents.

The effective management of our water supply is paramount to Alabama’s agricultural industry as well. Members of our staff recently talked with the owners of Bridgeforth Farms, one of the largest farms in North Alabama that produces cotton wheat, corn, soybean, sorghum and canola.

The farm has been in the Bridgeforth family for five generations, after George Bridgeforth Sr., a freed slave, made his first purchase of land 12 years after the Civil War ended.

Kevin Chandler is general manager, Alabama District Customer Service, for the Tennessee Valley Authority.

44 JULY 2023

Current owners Gregory and Billy Bridgeforth, representing the fourth generation, and Lamont, Carlton and Kyle, representing the fifth generation, share an immense appreciation for this life-giving resource.

“Clean water is equally important as clean air,” Billy says. “TVA water management is vitally important to our farm.”

Bridgeforth Farms receives irrigation water from TVA’s Wheeler Reservoir, and about 98% of the farm’s irrigation is supplied by the Tennessee River.

Providing a sustainable supply of water to farms like Bridgeforth requires a keen understanding of resources, and careful planning and foresight to ensure water use aligns with the needs of farmers now and into the future.

In developing their Water Supply Report, TVA specialists analyze the amount of water being used in the region every five years. They then use this information to predict water supply levels 25 years out.

In 2022, a new version of the report provided key insights into how water is used today and how stakeholders may use it in 2045.

The forecasting helps TVA’s specialists analyze use and adjust programs to best support the region’s continued economic and population growth.

And a glimpse at water use in recent years tells the tale.

About 98 percent of farmers in North Alabama rely on Wheeler Reservoir for sustainable water.

From 2015 to 2020, water withdrawals declined nearly 17%, with an additional 11% drop expected by 2045.

“Water use analyses allow TVA to effectively manage the integrated operation of the TVA river system,” TVA Water Resources engineer Jenny Sharkey says.

The reuse of water in the region also speaks to sustainability initiatives.

In 2020, for example, about 8.4 billion gallons of water were withdrawn each day, but the system returned about 98% for reuse, according to the Water Supply Report.

“The residents of the Valley are good stewards of the water,” TVA Water Supply program manager Gary Springston says.

The effective management of water – both use and reuse – undergirds TVA’s long-term goals of supporting the environment while strengthening economic development and energy infrastructure.

And it’s all designed for a noble purpose: Serve those who call this region home.

“The way we operate our integrated river system is for the people of the Valley,” says Amanda Turk, manager of Hydrologic Impacts and Risk Evaluation. “Our mission is for the people of the Valley.”

Ultimately, sustainable and clean water ensures farms like Bridgeforth can continue supplying high-quality products to customers. www.alabamaliving.coop

| Classifieds | How To Place a Line Ad in Marketplace Closing Deadlines (in our office): September 2022 Issue by July 25 October 2023 Issue by August 23 November 2023 Issue by September 23 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)410-2737 ask for Heather for pricing.; We accept checks, money orders and all major credit cards. Mail ad submission along with a check or money order made payable to ALABAMA LIVING, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124 – Attn: Classifieds.

Miscellaneous WALL BEDS OF ALABAMA - SOLID WOOD & LOG FURNITURE – Outdoor Rockers, Gliders & Swings, HANDCRAFTED AMISH CASKETS $1,599 - ALABAMA MATTRESS OUTLET – SHOWROOM Collinsville, AL – Custom Built / Factory Direct (256)490-4025, www.wallbedsofalabama.com, www.alabamamattressoutlet.com TIMESHARE VICTIMS! - Call (800)223-1770 TimeShareBeGone.com - Timeshares legally cancelled for less - A+BBB Rating - Five Star Reviews - 100% Money Back Guarantee! Trust is our reputation! Since 2007 FUNERAL INSURANCE PLANS FOR ANY BUDGET. No Exam, East Qualification. Visit finalexpenseassured.com or call (813)352-2587

Vacation Rentals GATLINBURG – DOWNTOWN LUXURY CREEKSIDE CONDO – 2BR / 2BA, sleeps 6 – aubie552@gmail.com, (256)599-5552 AFFORDABLE BEACHSIDE VACATION CONDOS – SUGAR BEACH CONDOS in ORANGE BEACH, AL – Rent Direct from Christian Family Owners – Lowest Prices on the Beach! www. gulfshorescondos.com, (251)752-2366, (251)656-4935 LAKE HOMES / CABINS – Verified Owners. No Booking Fees. ALAVHR.com MENTONE, AL LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN COTTAGE RENTALS – Best brow views, River Front – cottagesofmentone.com, Call or text (504)4818666 PANAMA CITY BEACH CONDO – Owner rental – 2BR / 2BA, wireless internet, just remodeled inside and outside – (502)7777819, larrysusemichel@reagan.com, www. theroneycondo.com

GULF SHORES / ORANGE BEACH / FORT MORGAN – Choose from hundreds of beach houses and condos! Verified Owners. No Booking Fees. ALAVHR.com BEAUTIFUL HOME IN CARRABELLE, FL – “FISH A PIER HERE” – 3BR / 2BA, Private Dock for Fishing – (850)697-5300, mysandybeach.com ORANGE BEACH CONDO, 3BR/3BA; 2,000 SQ.FT.; beautifully decorated; waterfront view; easy beach access; boat slips – GREAT RATES Owner rented (251)604-5226

Land, Lots & Real Estate Sales MOUNTAIN VIEW HOME SITES ATOP SAND MOUNTAIN. Protective Restrictions, www. pellsgap.com

Education FREE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE – write to P.O. Box 52, Trinity, AL, 35673

Pet Friendly – Save $$$ by booking directly from Verified Owners. ALAVHR.com MILITARY / SERVICE DISCOUNTS on dozens of rentals. No Booking Fees. (251)333-6500, ALAVHR.com OWNERS – Join the fastest growing regional site in Alabama. Low annual fee. Verified Owners, no booking fees or commissions. Alabama Vacation Home Rentals. Locally Owned and Operated. (251)333-6500, ALAVHR.com

Answers to puzzle on Page 28

Alabama Living

JULY 2023 45

| Hardy Jackson's Alabama |

Illustration by Dennis Auth

Turning the ice cream, before electricity

A

mong the many labor-saving devices made possible by electricity, the most important to me as a boy was the electric ice cream freezer.

For it was my labor that it saved.

As you know, “Memory Lane” is full of the potholes that reminiscing tends to fill and forget. I am as guilty of “rose tinting” the past as the next guy, and when someone challenges the accuracy of a recollection, I often fall back on what my cousinin-law Kathryn Tucker Windham replied when similarly challenged: “If it did not happen that way, it should have.”

So, it follows that I remember fondly the ice cream that we made and not what it took to make it.

Which was work.

The division of labor was simple: women made the custard and men turned the crank.

In theory.

In reality, my reality at least, the custard magically appeared and it was left to the boys of the family to freeze it.

The men supervised.

Harvey H. (Hardy) Jackson is Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hhjackson43@gmail.com

46 JULY 2023

And advised.

“You need more ice.”

“The drain hole is clogged.”

“Turn steady.”

“Too fast.”

“Too slow.”

While the boys turned the crank.

The girls helped their mothers.

Slowly, much to slowly as I recall, the custard hardened and the crank got harder to turn. As it did, the fatherly advice took on a certain urgency.

“Don’t stop turning” – advice that convinced us that a missed turn on the crank would spoil the everything.

“Add more ice.”

“Add more salt” – years passed before I learned the role salt played in the freezing process. Some things a boy accepts on faith.

“Clean the drain hole,” for if the salt water did not flow free, it would back up into the ice cream.

Then, after a while, the crank became too hard for a boy to turn. Then one of the men took over and, when it was done, took credit for the doing.

Another life lesson learned. How to get win praise for someone else’s work.

Finally, even the strongest could not turn it.

The paddles were removed and the ice cream that stuck to them was given to the children for a lick or two.

Then the top was put on, the paddle-hole was plugged, and the ice cream was packed for later.

Impatiently, we children waited.

For unless it was an “ice cream social” where the ice cream was the main dish, the ice cream was dessert.

No one had to warn children not to eat too much “dinner” and spoil their ice cream appetites.

Impossible.

So we fidgeted through the blessing, gnawed on a drumstick, played with our vegetables, and remained nearly famished when the time arrived.

“Don’t eat it too fast or you’ll get a ‘brain freeze’.”

Which we did and, we did.

And when that passed, we ate some more.

Now I am certain that the table contained many appetite delights, but none are remembered like I remember the ice cream.

Homemade ice cream made the moment, and the memory, for me.

And, thanks to electricity, I don’t have to turn it myself. www.alabamaliving.coop

Wishes you a happy and safe summer!

DEADLINE: July 12

Photo by Arthur Davis Baldwin EMC submitted in 2022 contest.

Annual photo contest!

Our readers impressed us last year with the quality of their entries in Alabama Living’s annual photo contest, which runs in the September issue. Start thinking now about the 2023 contest, because we want to see more of your awesome photos! First-place winners receive $100, and those photos plus other honorable mentions will be profiled in the magazine.

Photos must be uploaded to our website, alabamaliving.coop (no hard copies accepted). The categories this year are nature (animals, insects, scenery), at play (sports, recreation, fun) and travels (events and places of interest). Complete rules are posted on the website. Start sending us your best photos!