March 2023 Sand Mountain

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

Sand Mountain

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Raised in the co-op world New Speaker of the House brings experience, influence

CEO/GENERAL MANAGER

Mark Malone CO-OP EDITOR

Diane B. Hale 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

30

F E A T U R E S

Printed in America from American materials

VOL. 76 NO. 3

MARCH 2023

5 Save the Date

The dates for SMEC’s 2023 Annual Meeting have been announced.

34 Grab a pizza this!

Homemade pizza isn’t only about tomato sauce and cheese. Our cooks top theirs with chicken, shrimp and even fruit!

38 Anxious canines

Leaving your dog alone for periods of time can result in destructive behavior. Our pet vet has some advice for dealing with separation anxiety.

34

D E P A R T M E N T S 11 Spotlight 29 Around Alabama 32 Outdoors 33 Fish & Game Forecast 34 Cook of the Month 46 Hardy Jackson’s Alabama ONLINE: alabamaliving.coop ON THE COVER

Look for this logo to see more content online!

POP-UP GARDEN TOURS

Many of the state’s public gardens and gardening organizations will be hosting garden tours ths spring, so be on the lookout for opportunities to pop into or linger in local gardens.

New Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter’s roots go deep in the electric cooperative world. Read more about him and other lawmakers with ties to our coops, beginning on Page 12.

PHOTO: Carter Photography & Design

38 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

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

Get our FREE monthly email newsletter!

Sign up at alabamaliving.coop MARCH 2023 3

Play it Safe: 10 Do’s and Don’ts When Using Portable Generators

Board of Trustees David Henderson Larry Godwin Randy L. Bailey Luke Freeman Roland Hendon Raymond C. Long Leo Bomian Danny Lacey Brad Gilbert 402 Main Street West P.O. Box 277 Rainsville, AL 35986 (256) 638-4957 fax www.smec.coop In case of power outages, you may call us 24 hours a day: Rainsville-PowellFyffe-Sylvania 256-638-2153 Bryant-Higdon-Flat RockHenagar-Ider-Pisgah 256-657-5137 Fort Payne 256-845-1511 Valley Head-Mentone 256-635-6344 Collinsville-Geraldine 256-659-2153 Section-Langston-Marshall Co. 1-877-843-2512

facebook.com/SMEC.coop 4 MARCH 2023

Storm season is upon us, which means greater potential for power outages. If you’re planning to use a portable generator in the event of an outage, Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative reminds you to play it safe.

With proper use and maintenance, portable generators can provide great convenience during an outage. However, when generators are used incorrectly, they can be extremely hazardous. In a 2022 report, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated 85 U.S. consumers die every year from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning caused by gasoline-powered portable generators.

Here are 10 do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when using portable generators: 1. DO: Install backup CO alarms.

2. DO: Keep children and pets away from portable generators at all times.

3. DO: Position generators at least 25 feet outside the home, away from doors, windows and vents that can allow CO to enter the home.

4. DO: Ensure your generator is properly grounded. Use a portable ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to prevent electric shock injuries.

5. DO: Use three-pronged extension cords that are rated to handle the load of the generator.

Inspect extension cords for cuts, frays or other damage before use.

6. DON’T: Operate a generator inside your home or an enclosed (or partially-enclosed) space.

Generators produce high levels of CO, which can be deadly.

7. DON’T: Open windows or doors while the generator is running.

8. DON’T: Rely on generators as a full-time source of power. They should only be used temporarily or in emergency situations to power essential equipment or appliances.

9. DON’T: Overload generators.

They should only be used to power essential equipment. Make sure your generator can handle the load of the items you plan to power. www.alabamaliving.coop

| Sand Mountain Electric | 10. DON’T: Connect generators directly into household wiring unless you have an appropriate transfer switch installed. If a generator is connected to a home’s wiring without a transfer switch, power can backfeed along power lines and electrocute utility lineworkers.

While generators provide convenience

during power outages, they can quickly become hazardous––even deadly––if improperly operated.

Before you operate a portable generator, be sure to thoroughly read the owner’s manual for important safety information and tips.

If you have questions about proper use of portable generators, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 256-638-2153.

DeKalb County Schools Coliseum 1504 Main Street, Rainsville, AL 35986

DeKalb County Schools Coliseum 1504 Main Street, Rainsville, AL 35986

Collinsville High School Henagar Jr. High Ider High School Plainview High School Sylvania High School Alabama Living

MARCH 2023 5

KEEP KIDS SAFE AROUND

Trees and Power Lines When kids take a break from gaming or other devices, they may head outdoors to play. If they will be climbing trees, scope out the area first to ensure that the treetops do not have power lines running through them.

Not realizing power lines are energized, children may reach up to grab a line or accidentally come too close to it when they are playing or sitting high up in a tree.

Even if the power lines are not touching the tree, contact could happen once weight is added to the branch.

In addition, teach kids to fly kites, drones and remote control planes or toys in open areas free from power lines.

If a toy or other object lands in a substation, please call Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative to retrieve the item. Never approach the fence or try to enter the area.

Take time to teach children and teens how to respect and identify potential electrical hazards.

6 MARCH 2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

| Sand Mountain Electric |

HOW ELECTRICITY REACHES YOU Transmission Lines and Substations

Generation

Electricity is produced at a generation facility either by renewable or non-renewable energy sources.

After the electricity is generated, it travels through high-voltage transmission power lines to electric substations, where the voltage is lowered.

Distribution Lines

Once the voltage is lowered, the electricity travels over distribution power lines, which ultimately deliver the electricity to our homes and businesses.

SUNDAY

Alabama Living

MARCH 12

MARCH 2023 7

ELECTRONICS EFFICIENCY WORD SEARCH

Did you know there are ways you can reduce your electronics energy use?

Read the energy-saving tips below, then find and circle the bolded words in the puzzle.

B J C M G S N A M O R S W U L R A F O D V T L L P D I O S W E B T E M V C E U X S Y W D G C B P T D P O W E R S T R I P H Y G M E T U A U Y H Z P U Z A R P Q E R U T L R N Z N U Y R F I H L V I C E Q V P C E S G T D F F W K E M R L B N H O E B H W C F Q W S U K Y N Z M A Q I L I F K N G L O I K B A B S R E G R A H C E N O H P C L N O Y O V I M A I V I R X T E V S U A I L K O L U Y N F C Y H V K S L F G T R I P B T G P O W E R M A N A G E M E N T • Use a power strip with an on/off switch when powering multiple electronics to easily manage energy use.

• For devices that require batteries, use rechargeable ones, which are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

8 MARCH 2023

• Unplug electronic products that consume energy even when they’re not in use, like phone chargers.

• Use the sleep or power management mode on your computer to save on energy costs.

www.alabamaliving.coop

| Alabama Snapshots |

Family Heirlooms

This pitcher and bowl set is a family heirloom from my father’s family. Passed down to me by my grandmother. SUBMITTED by Susanlynn Allen, Guntersville.

Maggie Laura Mae Harris posing with the “Laura Mae” chifforobe that was originally owned by Maggie’s great-aunt, Laura Mae Pell Black, in the 1940s. SUBMITTED by Leslie Harris, Rainsville.

In 1908, an emancipated slave made this basket for my mother to gather eggs. They lived in Barbour County at the time and Mom was 3 years old. SUBMITTED by Lynda Truman, Florala.

This crucifix belonged to my grandfather, Aloys Krueger, when he emigrated from Bottrop, Germany in the 1920s. SUBMITTED by Alison I am the fifth generation who has owned this antique glass pistol. Originally a whiskey bottle, it was given to my grandpa, Rouse, Wetumpka.

This dress was handmade about 32 years ago and Oliver Crawford, in about 1883 by my great-great grandpa. has been worn by several family members. It will be SUBMITTED by Dale Crawford, Dutton. passed on to the next generations for the girls to wear.

SUBMITTED by Ella Mae Lathan, Chatom.

May theme: “My kid’s stuffed animals” | Deadline: March 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

MARCH 2023 9

Spotlight | March Financial relief may be available for timber owners

Visit Alabama’s sites with All-In-One tickets

Financial relief may be available to assist timber owners who suffered damages as a result of the severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that left a path of destruction across several counties in Alabama on January 12, 2023.

The Alabama Forestry Commission encourages adversely affected forest landowners to reach out to their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices to request funding through the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP).

To find contact information for your local FSA office, visit offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.

The Alabama Department of Tourism and Travel wants everyone to get out and enjoy some of the state’s metro area attractions with the All-InOne tickets, which are passes for admission to attractions and tours in one geographic area at one low price.

Each All-In-One ticket is a special grouping of attractions. The tickets highlight: • The Birmingham area, with attractions including the McWane Science Center and the Civil Rights Institute; • Huntsville and North Alabama, with Ave Maria Grotto and the Jesse Owens Museum, among others; • Florence/Muscle Shoals area, with such attractions as the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and Helen Keller’s birthplace, Ivy Green; and • Montgomery, Selma and Tuskegee, with attractions including the Hank Williams Museum and the Montgomery Zoo. For more information on these tickets, visit alabama.travel and scroll down to “Attraction Tickets.”

Whereville, AL

Identify and place this Alabama landmark and you could win $25! Winner is chosen at random from all correct entries. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. Send your answer with your name, address and the name of your rural electric cooperative, if applicable. The winner and answer will be announced in the April issue.

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

Do you like finding interesting or unusual landmarks? Contribute a photo you took for an upcoming issue! Remember, all readers whose photos are chosen also win $25!

February’s answer: This sculpture, titled “Blue,” is made of granite and glass and stands at one of the entrances to the University of West Alabama in Livingston. Artist Antoinette Prien Schultze of Elliot, Maine, installed the sculpture in 2006.

“I carved the sculpture in 2003 and feel the setting at UWA is perfect,” Schultze says in an email. “It is a heroic sculpture in form … I love the earthy primal presence of granite, coupled with the ethereal quality of the glass creating strength and fragility.”

(Photo by Allison Law of Alabama Living).

The randomly drawn correct guess winner is Connie Marine of Livingston, Alabama.

10 MARCH 2023

You can snack healthfully!

Snacking has a bad reputation, but it can be an important part of a healthy diet. It comes down to choosing healthy snacks and watching portion sizes.

Here are five healthy workday snacks, courtesy of Live Well, Work Well: • Almonds – 1.5 ounces, or about 35 nuts • Greek yogurt parfait – one cup yogurt with ½ cup berries • Berries and cheese – ½ cup berries with low-fat string cheese • Apple and nut butter – one apple with one tablespoon nut butter • Veggies and hummus – about eight baby carrots with four tablespoons hummus

Correction

In our February issue, the title of Wade Brown was incorrect in the story on pickleball. Brown’s title is director of tennis at the Montgomery Country Club. www.alabamaliving.coop

March | Spotlight

Find the hidden dingbat! Take us along!

Combine pickleball and Mardi Gras and what do you get? Last month’s hidden dingbat! Nearly 300 of you correctly found the green, gold and purple Mardi Gras beads on one of the pickleball rackets pictured on Page 13. Arina Ellard, age 15, of Foley, wrote us that she hadn’t looked for the monthly dingbat in a long time, but decided to give it a try. “When I saw that the dingbat was Mardi Gras beads, I thought to myself, ‘This is going to take me forever to find.’ Not even a second after turning the page, I spotted the beads on the guy’s racket and I couldn’t stop laughing for a good bit!” Jackie Jerrell told us that she “loves the intrigue” of finding the hidden object. “It really keeps your mind activated!”

That’s the idea, Jackie!

Collen Dixon, a member of Pioneer EC in Selma, enjoyed bringing her grandchildren, Ava and Jordan, in on the search.

“Like all children (they were) curious as to what I was doing,” so they started looking. “Both were so happy when we found this month’s dingbat. This is the first opportunity to search and (we) found it within five minutes of searching. A great bonding weekend.” Sherry Miller of Guntersville didn’t try to find the dingbat at first, thinking it was going to be too hard. But on her first look, she spotted it. “By the way,” she wrote, “I’m a pickleball player and I love it.” Thanks to all who entered, and congratulations to Regina Moore of Vinemont, a member of Cullman EC, our randomly drawn winner who wins a gift card from Alabama One Credit Union.

Remember (and thanks to reader Gail Stevens of Hanceville for her suggestion), the Dingbat will never be on Page 1-8 or in an advertisement. Good luck this month in finding the hidden crayon, in honor of National Crayon Day on March 31.

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

Wiregrass member Kris Flippo of Slocomb traveled to St. Lucia, West Indies, where he read his magazine at the Sandals La Toc.

Ellie and Matthew Reed of Woodville and members of North Alabama EC, visited the National Cathedral in Washington, DC with their magazine during fall break last year.

Tommy Wilkinson of Crane Hill took his copy along for a visit to Thomas Donuts in Laguna Beach, Florida. He’s a member of Cullman EC. Tommy, did you save us some?

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

Liked pickleball cover (February 2023)

Pickleball shoes, sox, shirt & hat? Who knew! Paired with a delightful sloth wearing an ugly Christmas sweater, all sported by a true grit pickleballer fresh from knee replacement surgery? Now there’s an athlete completely devoted to his sport!! A true spokesperson (not to mention fashion guru) for all the pickleballers (and those who wish they were) out there just waiting for the winter weather to break to get back out on the courts and smash a few into the kitchen. Quick, where are the paddles? Grab the balls and bring on the sunshine! Whew! I’m building up a sweat just thinking about it.

Keep up the great work, S. Wolfe, Tallapoosa River EC

Alabama Living

Donna Davis and Helen Hawkins of Arab and nine other family members visited Alaska. They are shown at an overlook of a mountain range surrounded by Denali, Mt. Hunter, and other mountains.

They are members of Arab EC.

Sponsored by

By email: dingbat@alabamaliving.com

Letters to the editor

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.

Linda and Charles Green, from Scottsboro and members of Sand Mountain EC, took a 15-day European river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam when this photo was taken at Bamberg, Germany.

Kyn and Gail Pickett of Kinsey, members of Wiregrass EC, visited Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park with their magazine. They report, “We had cold weather and snow there while seeing the many scenic locations plus wildlife.”

MARCH 2023 11

Ledbetter brings co-op experience to the State House 12 MARCH 2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

PHOTO BY CARTER PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

Mr. Speaker

PHOTO BY CARTER PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

By Minnie Lamberth

A

noting that 5,000 to 6,000 children in the state are without homes. labama’s recently elected Speaker of the House, Nathaniel A more fluid process, he says, “will give them a chance to be placed Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, enjoyed a long career with Sand in caring and loving homes. I think that’s important for our state.”

Mountain Electric Cooperative before he headed to Montgomery to represent parts of DeKalb County in the state’s House The Legislature will also look at renewing the Alabama Jobs Act of Representatives. and the Growing Alabama Act. This legislation, originally passed “If you look at it, I was raised in the co-op,” Ledbetter says. “I in 2015 and renewed in 2021 to support economic development, started at such a young age there.” is set to expire in 2023. “We’ve created over 65,000 jobs, netted When Ledbetter was a junior in high school, he got a job mowover $45 billion in investment into our state because of the Aling the grass for the co-op. “After that I went to work with them abama Jobs Act. I think that’s something we’ve got to pass.” The full time.” He completed a four-year apprentice program to beJobs Act provides business incentives for qualifying projects locome a journeyman lineman, then pursued a certificate in field cating or expanding in Alabama, while the Growing Alabama Act engineering and switched to that role. “Later on, I became a key provides tax credits related to support for the qualifying projects accounts manager over our largest customers,” he says. of local economic development organizations. “It’s important that Ledbetter ultimately stayed with Sand Mountain Electric for 33 we renew those,” Ledbetter says. years before retiring and running for the House District 24 seat, Ledbetter’s presence at the Legislature is invaluable to the electric cooperatives of Alabama, says Sean Strickler, vice president of which he won in 2014. During that same term, he pursued a leadership role with a run for majority leader in 2017. “I don’t think public affairs for the Alabama Rural Electric Association, which anybody expected that I represents the state’s 22 would win,” he acknowlelectric cooperatives. edges. However, his col“The electric cooperative leagues voted him into this business isn’t a simple one position, and he became the and most elected officials first freshman legislator to need some insight from ever be elected to majority industry experts, but Ledbetter knows more about leader. He was reelected in the cooperative way of 2018 and ultimately served thinking than me or most in that role for six years.

When former Speakexperts do because of his er Mac McCutcheon anbackground. So if he feels nounced that he would not there is an issue that will run for reelection, Ledbethelp or hurt the Cooperater threw his hat in the ring tive he will search me out to be his replacement. The as often as I search him Republican caucus nomout.” inated him for Speaker of Serving in the House of the House in November Representatives is not Ledbetter’s first turn at elected 2022, and he was officially office. He ran for Rainsville elected by the full membership on Jan. 10 at the start Speaker Ledbetter sings with the Boys in the Band, an Alabama tribute band, at a City Council when he was of the Legislature’s organi- reception following his investiture.

23 years old, served three PHOTO BY DAVID ROBERTSON zational session. terms, then took a shot at Leadership roles, Ledbetter says, give him an opportunity to the mayor’s office. He didn’t win, but earned the job in the next have more influence in how the state progresses. “I think Alabama election when the incumbent chose not to run again. He served as had been going in a good direction. The thing we looked at doing Rainsville mayor until 2002 when he stepped down to move into was to continue that direction and hope to continue to work to management at Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative. improve it,” he says. “I think we all want to see our state do better.”

Ledbetter also delved into property development and other businesses. He and his wife, Teresa, bought a local newspaper Key topics await lawmakers and ran it for several years. “We kept trying to do different things, When the Alabama Legislature’s 2023 regular session begins on think out of the box, to keep it growing,” he says. They expanded it March 7, Ledbetter foresees that legislators will address several to Jackson County and added magazines and digital components key topics. before selling it to another newspaper owner.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than Ledbetter’s primary career, however, has been at Sand Mountain EC, and he has high praise for how co-ops treat their custommorphine, will be one of the issues on the front burner. “We’re losing too many young adults because of it. We need to make stricter ers and what he learned from that model. laws to let people know that if they bring fentanyl into Alabama, “The customer relations with electric co-ops across the state of they’re going to be punished to the point that they don’t want to Alabama is as strong as any entity in our state,” he says. “Being reliable and dependable, knowing people can trust you … you learn do that,” Ledbetter says. some of that. It was a good process for me. It was good for my Education and mental health funding will continue to get attention, while adoption will be another area of focus. “We’ve got career to grow like I did in my company. We’ve had a lot of opportunities. We’ve been really, really blessed.” to clean up our adoption process and make it more fluid,” he says, Alabama Living

MARCH 2023 13

Electric co-ops benefit from connections in the Legislature

By Minnie Lamberth

H

ouse Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, isn’t the only elected official with connections to the electric cooperative community. Two state representatives and one state senator also have strong relationships with the co-op world.

State Rep. Donna Givens, R-Loxley, had a 47-year career with Baldwin EMC before she retired to run for the House District 64 seat and represent central Baldwin County.

After her high school graduation, Givens began working parttime at the drive-up window to fill in for an employee out on maternity leave. When the new mother elected not to return, Givens was asked if she wanted to stay on the job at the co-op. Because this would mean adjusting her plans for college, she had a big decision to make.

“My daddy said, ‘What better place could you work once you finish your degree? You’ve got the ideal place.’” She took the job, adding, “I did my schooling at night.”

Givens served in a number of roles, including keypunch operator, collections and special projects. In 1998, she took on a newly created position in governmental affairs.

“This was new for Baldwin EMC and the state of Alabama,” she says. Though there’d been a statewide governmental affairs position with the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives (AREA), which publishes Alabama Living, Givens explained that Baldwin EMC was the first co-op to create the position at the local level. The job was a great fit for her, she says.

“I loved it up until the day I retired.”

With her November 2022 election to the House of Representatives, Givens believes her service to constituents will benefit from the great relationships she’s built in her community and in the Legislature, as well as her background in economic development.

State Rep. Van Smith, R-Clanton, is a retired educator first elected to the House of Representatives in 2019 to fill an unfinished term for House District 42, which covers parts of Chilton and Autauga counties. He was elected to his first full term this past November. He has served on the board of trustees for Central Alabama Electric Cooperative since 1994 and, as an extension of that service, he has filled terms on both the PowerSouth and AREA boards.

Smith says his respect for co-op trustees began when he was a young educator teaching agriculture at Selma High School. “I saw young people who were getting to go to leadership workshops provided by our electric co-op,” he says. His exposure to youth tour plus other leadership workshops made an impression.

14 MARCH 2023

Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter addresses the House of Representatives after his election.

Donna Givens thanks the Alabama Rural Electric Association for presenting her with the Jack Jenkins Award in 2018 for her service to electric cooperatives. www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

MARCH 2023 15

Rep. Van Smith has served on the board of Central Alabama Electric Cooperative since 1994.

Sen. Clyde Chambliss speaks to Baldwin EMC Board Chairman Peggy Vanover Barnes after participating in a legislative panel during a past Alabama Rural Electric Association Summer Conference.

Later, when he became principal at Billingsley School, he says, “We were recommending young people to go to those workshops as well.”

As he learned more about the co-op, he said he admired the trustees’ willingness to serve. “When I was given the opportunity to do that, I was thankful to be considered,” Smith says.

Smith also sees ways he is bringing his co-op experience to the State House. “The opportunity to do things that benefit the entire group – that’s the cooperative way,” Smith says. “We band together for the benefit of all.”

Noting that cooperatives work to keep the quality of power high and the cost as low as possible, he believes that mindset can be useful as elected officials look for what can benefit the state.

“Yet we want to do it at a cost that doesn’t penalize anyone.”

In the upper chamber, state Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, elected in 2014 to the District 30 seat, also has co-op ties.

Earlier in his career, Chambliss was working as an engineering consultant in Montgomery, and Central Alabama Electric Cooperative was one of his clients. Among his projects, he worked on preliminary layouts during the initial stages of developing Interstate Business Park, a commercial and retail development in Pine Level.

Later, he was invited to join the staff, and his role expanded into manager of business and community development. He worked for the co-op for several years prior to launching his own firm, Chambliss Engineering, in 2002. Even then, he continued to have a relationship with CAEC while he was serving on the Autauga County Commission. His first of three terms began in 1996, and he served as chairman from 2000 until 2008.

One takeaway from his experience with CAEC, Chambliss says, is the knowledge he gained about the district he represents, which currently covers areas of Autauga, Elmore, Chilton and Coosa counties. “I was able to learn the communities of four primary counties that the co-op serves and the people of the communities and the needs. Then it so happens the district I was in changed, and it was a very close resemblance of the co-op’s territory,” he says.

“What it also helped me see was the wide-ranging needs of my district – which has some of the fastest growing areas (as well as) areas that struggle. I have all of that in my district, and those needs are very, very different.”

This insight into the people and places of the communities he represents “has been invaluable,” he says.

While helping photographer Bryan Carter set up a cover photo shoot for this month’s article on House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, Alabama Living editor Lenore Vickrey pulled a random book from the historical volumes stored on the shelves of the speaker’s office in the Alabama State Capitol. It was a compilation of the “General Laws of the Legislature of Alabama” passed during the sessions of 1947. Ledbetter was happy to pose with the volume at his ceremonial desk, and curiously opened the book to the first page. Something caught his eye: “Look at this,” he said, pointing to a name on the first page. “There’s the last speaker from DeKalb County, W. M. Beck.” Irony? Maybe so. Rep. Beck, who was from Ft. Payne, indeed served as speaker from 1947 to 1951, during James E. “Big Jim” Folsom’s first term as governor. Seventy-six years later, another DeKalb County native is proud to carry on the legacy representing his home district while also leading the Alabama House, just as his predecessor did seven decades ago.

16 MARCH 2023

PHOTO BY CARTER PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

Historical legacy

Ledbetter points out a familiar name to editor Lenore Vickrey. www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

MARCH 2023 17

| Worth the drive |

Chef and son put a New Orleans spin on classic fare Story and photos by Jennifer Kornegay

“I

like playing with my food; I love trying new things and putting a new spin on classic dishes,” says JP Pendergrass, chef and owner of Gadsden’s JP & Son Café. With a rambunctious combo of bouncy zydeco tunes and the clinking forks of a full dining room in the background, he’s explaining the inspiration behind his eatery’s menu, which features a mix of New Orleans’ mainstays and his personal twists on the city’s culinary traditions.

And he’s not riffing on his own. As the restaurant’s name implies, his son Corrigan is beside him in the kitchen. “We play off each other with ideas, and we’re having fun,” Pendergrass says. “I hope we can build a real legacy here.”

Legacy may be a strong word for a spot still in its infancy; it

celebrates six months of being open in April. But the crowds filling the small space, including repeat diners, are an equally strong and positive indication that Pendergrass is not wrong to think about the Café’s future. They’re lured by the Ragin’ Cajun Reuben, house-brined and smoked pastrami that’s sliced, mounded with Creole-mustard-based slaw and stuffed between toasted rye; wings rubbed with a blend of Cajun spices, smoked then fried and served with a sweet barbecue sauce for dipping; the Conecuh-beef mix patty of the Who Dat burger that’s smothered in Creole cream sauce and dusted with crushed Zydeco chips; and Pendergrass’ salad version of a signature Big Easy sandwich.

“The muffuletta salad is just all the great layers of the sandwich minus the bread,” he says. A drizzle of house-made pepper bacon

Fried green tomatoes over corn succotash with Creole cream sauce for dipping.

18 MARCH 2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

MARCH 2023 19

J.P. Pendergrass, chef and owner of JP & Son, brings his New Orleans area roots to his Southside restaurant.

“I’ve always known I wanted to be in food,” he says. “I played ‘chef ’ as a kid. I’d write out a menu and have my family order from it, then I’d make what they ordered.” And while some kids were out riding bikes or making mud pies on Saturdays, Pendergrass was trying out kinds of cheesecake. “I loved to make cheesecake and experiment with varieties, so that’s what I’d do on the weekends.”

He decided against the culinary school path and instead learned on the job, moving to California and working in some of the Golden State’s finest restaurants, including San Francisco’s House of Prime Rib. He and his then-teenage son moved back South and to Gadsden in 2012, where he began working for a new barbecue joint in town, Local Joe’s, helping it start its catering business.

After a short stint at a now-shuttered fine dining spot downtown, he returned to Local Joe’s and oversaw all its catering work. The owner was well aware of Pendergrass’ skills and encouraged him to put them to use working for himself. “He said I should I open my own place, and then this building (JP & Son’s location), which had been a Local Joe’s location, came open, and I knew it was time,” Pendergrass says. “I asked my son if he’d join Starting young me, and he said yes, so coming up with JP & Son may be Pendergrass’ first Muffuletta salad topped with Cajun blackened chicken the name was easy.” foray into restaurant ownership, but and pepper bacon vinaigrette.

Everything else has been a bit more he’s been in the culinary world for dework, but so far, things are going “recades. Or longer, if you count his childhood kitchen adventures. ally great,” says Pendergrass. “The community is supporting us.”

And not just in the cafe. Pendergrass is taking advantage of his catering knowledge, providing his Cajun-Creole dishes for a variJP & Son Café ety of events and occasions. He offers private chef dinners too and 1640 AL-77 l Southside has plans to do more in 2023.

Southside, AL “We’ll be adding more specials at dinner, and we’ll be staying 256-456-5080 Jpandson.cafe open later on Friday and Saturday nights,” he says. “We have to, Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7 p.m. to accommodate demand. I think people are enjoying what we’re Tuesday-Saturday doing here.” vinaigrette complements the salt and tart of the salad’s chopped olive mix, taking things to a tangy new level of tastiness.

In a recent visit to the eatery, every plate in sight was cleaned of its generous portions, and yet, JP & Son does a brisk dessert business too. Pendergrass’ Rum Runner Banana Pudding, his mashup of an Alabama favorite with a NOLA standard, claimed best-seller status almost as soon as it hit the menu. “I wanted to deviate from regular Alabama banana pudding, so I infuse the pudding with rum and raisins, and I then make my own pecan shortbread cookies to replace the ‘nilla wafers,” Pendergrass says. “The result is kind of a cross of banana pudding and bread pudding.”

So far, every offering has found some fans, but the most popular dish is the gumbo; the restaurant goes through 50 gallons a week. “Mine is a blend of Cajun and Creole gumbo styles — it’s started with a roux but has okra too and tomatoes — so it’s my take on gumbo.” Working with both Cajun and Creole flavors feels natural to JP, who grew up right outside New Orleans. “It’s my roots; I just love to eat this kind of food and cook this type of food,” he says.

20 MARCH 2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

MARCH 2023 21

| Alabama People |

Michael Staley

Leading the charge on electric vehicles Michael Staley is president of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition (ACFC), a non-profit dedicated to reducing American dependence on foreign oil by supporting efforts to expand markets for alternative transportation fuels and advanced technology vehicles. Staley says fuels such as electricity, propane, and natural gas can reduce transportation costs for businesses and consumers and deliver better air quality for communities.

With so much recent development in the electric vehicle (EV) market, we asked Staley to explain why families and businesses should consider their EV options next time they are purchasing a new or used vehicle.

Tell us a little about your growing-up years, career and family.

I grew up in Memphis, attended Mississippi State for two years, and then graduated from the UAB School of Business in 2003.

Congressman Spencer Bachus hired me straight out of college, and I was honored to serve as his chief of staff from 2007 until his 2014 retirement from Congress. I will always be thankful to Spencer for enabling me to work at the highest level where business, government, and society intersect in our country. Out of that experience, I have committed my career to serving clients I believe in and can defend to my family and my friends. My wife, Kate, is currently taking time away from her job as a nurse practitioner to be a fulltime mom to our son Ryan, who turns three in May. How did you get involved with the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition?

The Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition was an organization that I became familiar with while working for Congressman Bachus, so I had my first periodic interactions with the group and its leaders in that capacity. Our conversations always challenged the stereotypical expectations of an air quality advocacy organization in the halls of Congress. As a congressional staffer, I traveled to many foreign countries and witnessed first-hand the impacts of uncontrolled emissions on public health and the environment.

ACFC leaders came across to me as genuinely caring about bringing people together to advance domestic air quality through common sense solutions. When I was approached years later to lead the organization, I saw it as an opportunity to improve my community by promoting transportation efficiency; to help save people and businesses money using advanced technology; and to strengthen Alabama’s capacity for economic growth and vitality, particularly in the transportation sector.

What’s the one thing people need to think about when considering how an electric car may fit into their life?

Don’t let your mind get stuck on early EV models that topped out with less than 100 miles of range and often looked like a car you’d expect to see at the circus. If you have a house with electricity, recognize that you have a very low-cost vehicle fueling station at home. If your employer offers charging, that might be free!

Electricity also has very low price volatility.

EV fuel efficiency ranges from 2 miles per kilowatt hour (kWh) for a pickup truck to 5 miles per kWh for some of the most efficient models. Charging a 2mi/kWh electric pickup truck at home will cost around 7 cents per mile. For comparison, an 18MPG gasoline truck will cost about 18 cents per mile to fuel when gasoline prices are around $3.30 per gallon. EVs don’t need $75 oil changes or $250 transmission services, either. If you are worried about EV battery life, ask your dealership about EV warranties. Lastly, find out if there are tax incentives to install a charger at home or to purchase an EV which could sweeten the deal even more.

Is Alabama in good shape to provide the infrastructure needed to power all the electric cars anticipated in the coming 5 to 10 years?

Electric utilities constantly plan to understand and adapt to changes in electricity demand from their customers. I am confident Alabama utilities are preparing for a future that involves steady increases in electric transportation fueling.

Will you be considering an electric vehicle for your family?

We are a two-car household and expect the next vehicle we purchase to run on electricity.

What strides have you seen in the electric car industry in Alabama?

Three major forces are at play when we talk about electric vehicles in Alabama. They are our state economy, politics, and EV technology. First, as a top automotive manufacturing state, Alabama is on the leading edge of automotive research and development in a world that is embracing electric transportation. Second, people often write off electric vehicles as some far-fetched progressive pipe dream, but further investigation reveals something much different from opinions shaped in the political arena. Donald Trump, not Joe Biden, was president in 2017. That was the same year Mercedes announced more than $1 billion investment to build EVs and EV batteries in Alabama.

In supporting EV technology, Alabama leaders are responding to automakers who are major job creators, not politics, and this will keep our state competitive at the top of the list of American automobile manufacturing and exporting states for the next generation at least.

22 MARCH 2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

1

Senate

7 2

To contact Senators: (334) 261-0800 or legislature.state.al.us

8

6 3

4

9

4

10

17

17 5

17

5

12 11

20 19

18

21 14

21

14

19 12

11

14

11

20

15

16

17

5

18

16

13

14

21

15 11

30 27

24

25

30

23

26 28

23

31

22

22 34 33

29

28

29

President Pro Tempore

22

35 32

Alabama Living

25

Alabama’s 2023 State Senate and House of Representatives and their respective legislative district numbers are shown on the following three pages. A listing of all senators and representatives by electric cooperative is on Page 26.

MARCH 2023 23

24 MARCH 2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

1

17

18

71

61

16

3

1

70

63

16

7

62

2

72

14

14

13

16

15

55

60

9

5

49

56

57

49

8

2

46

52

12

4

73

47

51

11

6

58

9

10

48 43

46

54

59

25

44

53

19

6

45

11

22

41

50

34

20

21

32

50

27

27

30

30

26

33

36

22

32

28

35

30

32

36

29

29

35

23

81

36

39

24

40

29

To contact Representatives: (334) 261-0500 or legislature.state.al.us

House of Representatives

37

14

8

2

9

5

16

4

15

55

60

25

49

56

57

6

46

52

9

10

73

47

51

53

19

6

22

58 48 43

46

54

59

20

21

44

45

41

50

50

Alabama Living

MARCH 2023 25

104 103

100

105

101

101

99

102

65

65

71

97

98

71

96

102

72

94

64

65

95

66

68

104 103

100 105

101

99

102

66

90

101

68

69

67

98 97

49

96

102

92

42

94

64

90

69

42

69

78

88 77

90

76

74

31

92

31

33

91

89

75

31

87

81

89

84

85

86

83 38 83

Map Provided by:

93

82

79

37

38

80

69

42

77

76

74

Speaker of the House

69

78

88

31

75

31

STATE SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES BY COOPERATIVE Arab Electric Cooperative Inc Senator

District

Arthur Orr

3

Garlan Gudger

4

Clay Scofield

Covington EC

Pioneer EC

District

Senator

District

9

Will Barfoot

25

Donnie Chesteen

29

Josh Carnley

District

Senator

District

31

Rob Stewart

23

Will Barfoot

25

Chris Sells

90

Clay Scofield

9

Ginny Shaver

39

Josh Carnley

31

Representative

Representative

Representative Scott Stadthagen

9

Randall Shedd

11

Wesley Kitchens

27

Prince Chestnut

67

Jeff Sorrells

87

Rhett Marques

91

Kelvin J. Lawrence

69

Chris Sells

90

Matthew Hammett

92

Sand Mountain EC

Baldwin EMC

Cullman EC

Senator

Senator

Greg Albritton

22

Chris Elliott

32

Arthur Orr

Rob Stewart

23

Vivian Davis Figures

33

Representative

Representative

Senator 8

Andrew Jones

10

Garlan Gudger

4

Ernie Yarbrough

7

Corey Harbison

12

Nathaniel Ledbetter

24

Tim Wadsworth

14

Wesley Kitchens

27

Representative

64

Jennifer Fidler

94

Scott Stadthagen

9

Brett Easterbrook

65

Frances Holk-Jones

95

Randall Shedd

11

Alan Baker

66

Matt Simpson

96

Dixie EC

Thomas Jackson

68

Shane Stringer

102

Senator

Senator

Steve Livingston 3

Donna Givens

Black Warrior EMC

District

South Alabama EC Senator Will Barfoot

25

Will Barfoot

25

Jay Hovey

27

Billy Beasley

28

Kirk Hatcher

26

Billy Beasley

28

Representative

Gerald Allen

21

Rob Stewart

23

Representative

Kelvin J. Lawrence

69

Chris Sells

90

Greg Albritton

22

Bobby Singleton

24

Reed Ingram

75

Pebblin Warren

82

Berry Forte

84

Rhett Marques

91

Patrice McClammy

76

Jeremy Gray

83

Wes Allen

89

Berry Forte

84

Southern Pine EC Jimmy Holley

31

Representative Ron Bolton

61

Thomas Jackson

68

Joe Lovvorn

79

Bill Lamb

62

Kelvin J. Lawrence

69

Ed Oliver

81

Brett Easterbrook

65

A J McCampbell

71

Franklin Electric Cooperative

Prince Chestnut

67

Curtis Travis

72

Senator

Central Alabama EC

Larry Stutts

Senator April Weaver

14

Tom Whatley

25

Rob Stewart

23

Clyde Chambliss

30

Troy Stubbs

31

Kelvin J. Lawrence

69

Ben Robbins

33

Reed Ingram

75

Van Smith

42

Ed Oliver

81

Russell Bedsole

49

Jerry Starnes

88

Prince Chestnut

67

Representative

Cherokee EC Senator Andrew Jones

10

Keith Kelley

12

Representative Mack Butler

29

Ginny Shaver

39

Clarke-Washington EMC 22

Rob Stewart

23

Representative Brett Easterbrook

65

Thomas Jackson

68

Representative 6

Jamie Glenn Kiel

18

Kelvin J. Lawrence

69

Coosa Valley EC Lance Bell

11

Keith Kelley

12

Randy Price

13

Representative Mark Gidley

29

Randy Wood

36

Craig Lipscomb

30

Corley Ellis

41

Barbara Boyd

32

Susan DuBose

45

Ben Robbins

33

Jim Hill

50

Steve Hurst

35

22

Rob Stewart

23

Representative Brett Easterbrook

65

Chris Sells

90

Senator

Alan Baker

66

Mike Jones

92

Thomas Jackson

68

Billy Beasley

28

Arthur Orr

3

Garlan Gudger

4

Larry Stutts

6

Tallapoosa River EC

Representative

Senator

Parker Moore

4

Scott Stadthagen

9

Randy Price

13

Ernie Yarbrough

7

Randall Shedd

11

Jay Hovey

27

Terri Collins

8

Representative

Marshall DeKalb EC

Steve Hurst

35

Chris Blackshear

80

Senator

Bob Fincher

37

Ed Oliver

81

Debbie Wood

38

Jeremy Gray

83

Joe Lovvorn

79

Berry Forte

84

4

Greg Reed

5

Tim Wadsworth

14

Tracy Estes

17

Kyle South

16

Josh Carnley

31

Clay Scofield

9

Andrew Jones

10

Representative Brock Colvin

26

Mark Gidley

29

Tombigbee EC

Wesley Kitchens

27

Ginny Shaver

39

Senator Garlan Grudger

Representative

Senator Steve Livingston

8

Clay Scofield

9

Representative Ritchie Whorton

22

Mike Kirkland

23

Wesley Kitchens

27

Senator Billy Beasley

28

Donnie Chesteen

29

Wiregrass EC Senator

Pea River EC

Senator

Greg Albritton

Joe Wheeler EMC

North Alabama EC

Senator Greg Albritton

Senator

Jimmy Holley

31

Representative Berry Forte

84

Marcus Paramore

89

Rick Rehm

85

Steve Clouse

93

Billy Beasley

28

Donnie Chesteen

29

Representative Rick Rehm

85

Rhett Marques

91

Paul Lee

86

Steve Clouse

93

Jeff Sorrells

87

TO CONTACT LEGISLATORS Email via www.legislature.state.al.us | House: (334) 261-0500 | Senate: (334) 261-0800 26 MARCH 2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

MARCH 2023 27

SOCIAL SECURITY

Slam the scam:

How to spot government imposters

D

o you know how to spot a government imposter scam?

Knowing how to identify potential scammers will help safeguard your personal information.

There are common elements to many of these scams. Scammers often exploit fears and threaten you with arrest or legal action. Scammers also pose as Social Security or other government employees and claim there’s a problem with your Social Security number (SSN) or your benefits. They may even claim your SSN is linked to a crime.

When you identify a potential scammer:

Hang up right away or ignore the message.

Never give personal information or money.

Report the scam immediately to our Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/scam-awareness/report-the-scam.

If you owe money to Social Security, we’ll mail you a letter with Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached by email at kylle.mckinney@ssa.gov.

March Across 1 Traditional Irish musical gathering 5 Rainy 8 Green color associated with Ireland 10 Long stories 11 Runs into 15 Remove 17 Samuel’s teacher, in the Old Testament 18 Large shade tree 20 “Dubliners” author 21 Irish trait in an often used phrase 22 Old time you 23 Golf starting point 24 Like the Cliffs of Moher 27 Young sprigs that are Irish symbols 30 Irish television 32 White wine aperitif 33 Drink with rice 34 “In Dublin’s fair city, Where the girls are so _____”

28 MARCH 2023

payment options and appeal rights. We only accept payments electronically through Pay.gov, Online Bill Pay, or physically by check or money order through our offices.

We will never do the following:

Threaten you with arrest or legal action because you don’t agree to pay us money immediately.

Promise a benefit increase in exchange for money.

Ask you to send us gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, internet currency, cryptocurrency, or cash through the U.S. mail.

Scammers continue to evolve and find new ways to steal your money and personal information. Please stay vigilant and help raise awareness about Social Security-related scams and other government imposter scams. For more information on scams, please visit ssa.gov/scam.

Tell your friends and family about government imposter scams.

Let them know they don’t have to be embarrassed to report if they shared personal financial information or suffered a financial loss.

The important thing is to report the scam right away.

Together, we can “Slam the Scam!”

crossword Down 1 Irish ____ liqueur 2 Cocktail addition 3 Artisanal beer letters 4 Concealed 5 Popular drink on Saint Patrick’s Day 6 Turn over the salad 7 Irish symbol with a sun in the middle of it, 2 words 9 Truck track 12 Iconic Celtic singer 13 Observe 14 Irish novelist Oscar 16 Elevated railway, for short 19 The first woman to become President of Ireland, ___ Robinson 20 Happiness 23 Number of leaves in a shamrock 25 Blarney stone location 26 Traditional Irish instrument 27 Atmosphere, from earth 28 Maui’s state, abbr.

29 Garfield, for one 31 “Father ___” : Irish comedy

by Myles Mellor

Answers on Page 29 www.alabamaliving.coop

Around Alabama APRIL

1

Many activities during the Monroeville Literary Festival take place in the courtroom of the Old Courthouse Museum. (contributed photo)

MARCH

3

Montgomery Alabama History Day, Auburn University at Montgomery, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each fall and winter, middle and high school students statewide research historical topics of interest. They present their findings in the spring at history day, as papers, documentaries, websites, dramatic performances or visual exhibits. AlabamaHumanities.org

3-4

Monroeville Monroeville Literary Festival. Formerly the Alabama Writers Symposium, this annual event brings many of the state’s most distinguished writers and scholars for two days of readings, workshops and discussions for all ages. A project of the Monroe County Museum, the festival features several awards, including two named for Monroe County’s most celebrated writers – Harper Lee and Truman Capote. Many events are free; visit MonrevilleLiteraryFestival.com for a full schedule.

11-12

Orange Beach Festival of Art at Waterfront Park on Canal Road, beginning at 10 a.m. Visual, performing, musical and culinary arts will be celebrated, with more than 100 vendors displaying a variety of media. Also a kids’ art alley, a culinary arts court with local fare, and a music and songwriters’ stage. 251-981-2787 or email artcenter@ orangebeachal.gov

18

Dothan Spring Farm Day at Landmark Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy the sights and sounds of life on the farm in the 1890s.

Try your hand at churning butter, plowing with horses and mules and other farm chores. Arts and crafts, wagon rides, music, antique tractors, kids’ activities, farm animals and food vendors.

Adults $10; seniors and military $8; kids $6; park members and children 2 and under free.

LandmarkParkDothan.com

24-25

Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee, commemorating the 58th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the Selma to Montgomery march and the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Dozens of activities all weekend, including a parade, battle of the bands, public conversations, film screenings, a unity breakfast, vote march and rally, gospel concert and awards ceremony. For details, visit SelmaJubilee.com or call 334-526-2626.

Pine Apple Wilcox Historical Society’s annual tour of homes. The keynote speaker at the welcome reception on March 24 is the Right Honorable Countess of Carnarvon of Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England. Highclere is known as the setting for the PBS series “Downton Abbey;” since 2001, the countess and her husband, Geordie, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, have lived and maintained the 5,000-acre estate. The tour on Saturday will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and feature 10 homes, two churches and other historic sites.

WilcoxHistoricalSociety.org or 256-975-7616.

4

25

4-5

25-26

3-5

Evergreen 7th annual Collard Green Festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities for all ages, including vendors, a steak cookoff and a collard green and corn bread cookoff. A car show will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Evergreen Regional Airport. EvergreenAreaChamber.com Gulf Shores Ballyhoo Festival, Gulf State Park, 20115 State Park Road.

This fine arts festival and cultural exchange features local seafood and live music. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Sponsored by the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance.

BallyhooFestival.org

Winfield The Pastime Theatre 2023 concert season continues with The Kentucky Headhunters. 1052 U.S. Highway 43.

Tickets are $35. Doors open at 6 p.m., with show at 7 p.m. Search for The Pastime Theatre on Facebook or call 205-487-3002.

Ozark Crawdad and Music Festival, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This annual event celebrates the history of the city and region, featuring the area’s most famous regional dish as well as local music acts throughout the day. Pony rides, bouncy houses, petting zoos and more for children. Arts and crafts and festival foods. 334-774-2618.

1, 15, 22, 29

Pell City Walking tours through downtown Pell City sponsored by the Pell City Historical Society. First tours begin at 10 a.m. each Saturday in April (except Easter weekend). Register at City Hall, 1905 1st Ave. North. The 11th annual statewide walking tours are promoted by the Alabama Tourism Department. Follow the Pell City Historical Society Facebook page for more information.

3

Pell City Pell City History Day at the municipal complex, 1000 Bruce Etheredge Parkway, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. For more information on this meet and greet, follow the Pell City Historical Society Facebook page.

15-16

Decatur Morgan County Master Gardeners’ annual plant sale, Point Mallard Pavilion. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

MorganCountyMasterGardeners@gmail. com

22-23

Enterprise Piney Woods Arts Festival, Enterprise State Community College. This juried arts and crafts show features more than 50 vendors, including artists, jewelry makers, dancers, poets and musicians, plus food trucks, a Civil War living display, a children’s fun center and car and truck show. Free. Sponsored by the Coffee County Arts Alliance. 334-406-2787 or visit CoffeeCountyArtsAlliance.com

29

Cullman Relay for Life, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Depot Park. All are invited to support the fight against cancer. helen@weltimail.com

Answers to puzzle on Page 28

Greenville Alabama Medieval Fantasy Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 4776 Fort Dale Road. Pageantry and history come to life with hundreds of costumed characters recreating a 9th century village. Enjoy music, comedy and theatre, food and drink, handmade arts and crafts, historical artisan demonstrations and games. Almff.com

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.

Like Alabama Living on facebook

Alabama Living

Follow Alabama Living on Twitter @Alabama_Living

MARCH 2023 29

| Gardens |

Popping into gardens:

A new take on garden tours

Jesse Chappell, far right, is one of several Lee County Master Gardeners who host pop-up garden tours throughout the year. The gardens range from formal to naturalized and some, such as the one Jesse and his wife Sherry tend, represent the finest in “edible” landscapes. These pop-up tours provide members frequent opportunities to see what’s growing, and in this case buzzing, in one another’s gardens. PHOTO BY CAROL CLEMMONS

P

op-up shops — temporary stores that spring up in unexpected places — have become quite popular in the retail world, and now the concept is also all the rage among a group of gardeners.

That group, the Lee County Master Gardeners of Alabama, has been using the pop-up model for several years to host local garden tours aimed at helping members share their gardens with one another.

In late 2020, interest in these events burgeoned as the group, though still cautious about COVID 19 exposure, became increasingly keen on reconnecting with one another in person.

Gardens provided the perfect venue — outside with room to socially distance — and by using an online scheduling service (SignUpGenius), attendance could be controlled to avoid overcrowding. Tours were also limited to one or two hours on a single day, which meant neither hosts nor attendees had to commit long periods of time to participate in the events.

LCMGA member Carol Clemmons so loved the casual and educational aspects of the tours that, shortly after earning her Master Gardener certificate in 2020, she volunteered to serve as the pop-up tour Katie Jackson is a freelance writer and editor based in Opelika, Alabama. Contact her at katielamarjackson@gmail.com.

30 MARCH 2023

event coordinator.

Clemmons was soon recruiting more and more of her fellow LCMGA members to host tours, which sometimes took a little wheedling because many feared their gardens weren’t polished enough to be tour worthy.

“Those are exactly the gardens we wanted,” Clemmons says, explaining that one of the delights of the pop-up tours has been to see gardens as works-in-progress. And, once members began to see each other’s gardens, more and more were willing to participate as hosts.

The result is that, from late 2020 to fall of 2022, LCMGA hosted 24 tours featuring a diverse array of garden styles — from traditional to naturalized to cottage and more. On those tours, visitors have been able to experience a wide range of plants including daylilies, hydrangeas, trilliums, maples, vegetables and fruits in their prime.

They’ve also been able to see how fellow gardeners creatively incorporate everything from honeybees and chickens to original art into their garden spaces and learn how they deal with pests and other gardening challenges.

A big advantage of pop-up events is that they can be scheduled on the spur of the moment as plants come into their full glory. And the tours can be held year-round.

“No matter the season, there is always

something to see in a garden,” Clemmons says, which is why she intentionally schedules tours in the off-season, often returning to previous tour sites to see how the landscape has changed.

Still another perk of the tours is that hosts are often generous with plant material, sending “free samples” home with the participants.

LCMGA’s pop-up tours are intended to be free educational and social opportunities for their Master Gardeners and Friends of Master Gardeners members and interns as well as their family and friends. (LCMGA’s biennial garden tour, which will be held this year on May 13, is their primary fundraiser.) However, other groups could easily monetize the concept or adapt it to fit their specific needs and goals.

“The tours have been a wonderful way to promote learning and fellowship,” Clemmons says. “And they are so much fun!” For those and many other reasons, she encouraged other groups to embrace the concept.

By the way, from now through the fall many of the state’s public gardens and gardening organizations will be hosting garden tours, so be on the lookout for additional opportunities to pop into or linger in local gardens. Or simply invite your own friends and neighbors to pop over and see your garden. You and they will be happy you shared!

MARCH TIPS  Sow seed for carrots, beets and most leafy greens.

 Start seed indoors for tomatoes and peppers.

 Plant summer-blooming bulbs.  For the healthiest transplants, try to buy them as soon as they arrive at the store.

 Plant warm season annual flowers.  Divide perennials such as hostas, chrysanthemums and daylilies.

 Prepare gardening tools and equipment for the coming season.

 Check irrigation systems for leaks and broken parts before using.

 Keep an eye out for local plant sales and other gardening events.

 Keep bird baths and feeders clean and filled.

 Visit www.aces.edu for detailed gardening tips and planting dates.

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

MARCH 2023 31

| Outdoors |

Spring brings renewal of fish stocks through spawning

A

Crappie don’t make traditional beds like many other fish. Ins spring approaches and water begins to warm, fish stead, males collectively clear out a place near a stump, fallen tree prepare for their annual rituals that renew life and restock or some other type of woody cover to protect themselves and their waterways. Each species spawns a little differently at offspring from predators. Then, they wait for the females to arrive. varied times.

Extremely prolific, each female crappie could produce between Everything depends upon water temperature. Not all waters 5,000 and 40,000 eggs. Eggs hatch in about two or three days. Parwarm at the same rate and not all fish even of the same species ents don’t defend the eggs or fry. spawn at the same time in any given waterbody. On a massive and Largemouth bass begin spawning when water temperatures complex system like a major river watershed or a large impoundment like Lake Guntersville, the same species could spawn in one reach about 65 to 68 degrees. They like water two to four feet deep cove today and not in a nearby cove for weeks. with sandy or gravel bottoms around weeds, flooded brush, fallen “Fish don’t all spawn at the same time,” says Phil Ekema, an Alatrees, docks or other cover. Male bass head shallow first. They use bama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division biologist in Tantheir lower jaws as pivot points and rotate themselves with their ner. “Fish could spawn at different times in different parts of the tails to scour out saucer-shaped nests. Females arrive about two to same lake. That’s nature’s way to ensure the survival of the species. three weeks later.

If they all spawned at the same time and something happened, Eggs hatch in eight to 10 days. Male bass guarding the nests they could have a failed eat very little, but they vigorously defend their eggs year class that decimates and young against a multhe population.” titude of predators until Rivers that carry water fry reach about a half-inch down from the north tend long. Then, the male drives to run colder so the tributaries and shallow backwaoff the young bass by eating ters warm fastest. Theresome. A male largemouth fore, fish might spawn in might spawn with multiple females over several an oxbow lake weeks earlier than those in the main months. river channel. Depending Like bass, bluegills and upon water levels, temother bream species hollow peratures and species, the out dish-shaped depressions in sandy or gravel “spawning season” could bottoms in one to three feet last for months. of water. Bream frequently Among freshwater fish, return to the same bedding a more northern species grounds each year. accustomed to colder temperatures, smallmouth Amy Gable shows off a bluegill she caught out of a bed while fishing a river Redear sunfish, also bass spawn around deeper backwater. Bluegills and other panfish species hollow out depressions in the called shellcrackers, spawn rocky outcroppings, logs bottom for nests in which to lay their eggs. They vigorously guard their nests and in the spring and the fall. and other cover when wa- attack anything that might pose a threat to the offspring.

In the spring, redears start PHOTO BY JOHN N. FELSHER ter temperatures reach spawning when water temperatures reach about 75 about reach 59 to 63 degrees. In the Tennessee River system, smallies usually spawn from degrees. Bluegills follow when water temperatures hit about 80 late March through May. degrees. A bluegill might spawn every 28 days as long as water Crappie spawn when water temperatures reach 60 to 65 detemperatures stay comfortable. Spawning often lasts into the fall. grees. Spawning begins in March but could extend into May. Catfish wait until late spring or summer for their annual reproductive ritual. Blue and channel cats begin spawning when water Crappie normally spawn in coves with gravel bottoms about two temperatures reach about 70 degrees, but spawning peaks when to four feet deep, possibly out to eight feet. On river systems, crappie might spawn on ledges in 14 to 15 feet of water. water warms to 80 to 84 degrees. These species begin spawning in Before moving shallow, crappie gather in deep staging areas May but could continue through August. Flathead catfish normally spawn in June or July. near creek mouths and other channels. When water warms sufficiently, males move into shallow water to look for bedding spots.

All catfish species deposit eggs in nests, but they look for cavities rather than build their own beds. Cats might deposit their eggs in hollow hogs, crannies in rocks, under root masses, holes in John N. Felsher is a professional freelance writer who lives in Semmes, Ala. He also hosts an outdoors tips show for WAVH FM undercut banks or even such things as buckets or tires on the botTalk 106.5 radio station in Mobile, Ala. Contact him at j.felsher@ tom. When spawning, catfish seldom bite baits, but some people hotmail.com or through Facebook. yank catfish from their cavities with their hands. 32 MARCH 2023

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

MARCH

A.M.

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

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

APRIL

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 Fr Sa Su

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

7:42 - 9:42 8:30 - 10:30 9:18 - 11:18 10:06 - 12:06 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 A.M.

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

GOOD TIMES

MOON STAGE

PM

8:06 - 10:06 8:54 - 10:54 9:42 - 11:42 10:30 - 12:30 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 PM

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

AM

PM

2:09 - 3:39 2:57 - 4:27 3:45 - 5:15 4:33 - 6:03 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

2:33 - 4:03 3:21 - 4:51 4:09 - 5:39 4:57 - 6:27 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

AM

PM

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

3:21 - 4:51 4:09 - 5:39 4:57 - 6:27 5:45 - 7:15 6:11 - 7:41 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 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

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

MARCH 2023 33

| Alabama Recipes |

Campari Pizza

Grab a

Pizza this!

34 MARCH 2023

Food styling and photos: Brooke Echols

www.alabamaliving.coop

Cook of the Month:

Jane Smith, Joe Wheeler EMC Campari Pizza (no sauce) Pizza crust (premade) 12 Campari tomatoes, sliced very thin 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs 3 big leaves fresh basil, cut in ribbons Garlic salt 8-10 ounces Italian or Italian blend cheese, finely shredded Toppings of choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, cooked ham cubes, peppers) Oil a 16-inch pizza stone with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Spread pizza crust evenly over stone. Sprinkle dried Italian herbs and fresh basil evenly over crust. Place thinly sliced Campari tomatoes evenly on crust. Sprinkle garlic salt on tomatoes. Spread half of cheese evenly over tomatoes.

Add toppings of choice, then spread remainder of cheese.

Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes, until crust and cheese are brown. Slice and serve.

Coming up next...

July Tomatoes Deadline to enter April 7

P

izza is a favorite around The Buttered Home! I often use the saying, "I can't please everyone, I am not pizza!" That’s so true, because it’s the perfect food that can be customized to fit any taste! But I will be honest, in trying to clean up my eating act Brooke Burks I struggled with not being able to have my perfect friend, pizza. So, instead of missing it or even giving in to temptation, I got in the kitchen and found a healthier way: Low-Carb Pepperoni Pizza Casserole. For more recipes like this, visit us over at www.thebutteredhome.com.

Low-Carb Pepperoni Pizza Casserole 1 pound Italian chicken sausage 1 teaspoon minced garlic Salt and pepper 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon onion powder 2 cups raw, riced cauliflower 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 cups low sugar marinara sauce 11/2 cups shredded mozzarella 1/2 cup to 1 cup turkey pepperoni slices, some cut into pieces; reserve some whole Preheat oven to 350°. Slice chicken sausage and brown in a skillet. Drain and cool. Set aside. In a large bowl, add in sausage. Add minced garlic, basil, oregano, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix in the raw, riced cauliflower, parmesan cheese, about 2/3 of the turkey pepperoni that you diced beforehand, and marinara. Stir to mix well. Pour in a 8.5x11inch casserole dish or 10-inch cast iron skillet. Spread evenly.

Top with mozzarella cheese and reserved whole slices of pepperoni. Bake for 20-30 minutes until melted and slightly brown on top.

Photo by The Buttered Home

More upcoming themes and deadlines: August: Pears | May 5 September: International Dishes | June 2 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.

Alabama Living

MARCH 2023 35

Philly Steak and Cheese Pizza

Fruit Pizza

Chicken Ranch Pizza

1 Store-bought pizza dough 1 jar alfredo sauce 6 provolone cheese slices 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded 1 package shaved ribeye steak 2 bell peppers, chopped 1 onion, chopped 1 stick unsalted butter

1 20-ounce package refrigerated sugar cookie dough 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened ¼ cup confectioners sugar 1 8-ounce carton frozen whipped topping, thawed 2-3 kiwis, peeled and thinly sliced 1-2 bananas, sliced ½ cup red grapes, halved Apples, green grapes, any other preferred fruit ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup orange juice 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1½ teaspoons cornstarch Pinch of salt

1 large pizza crust, thick or thin 2 cups chicken, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces 2/3 cup ranch dressing, divided 1 small can mushrooms, chopped and drained 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled ¼ cup green onion, sliced 3 cups shredded cheese

Heat a large skillet, add butter, peppers and onions. Cook until soft. Add shaved steak and brown. Drain and set aside.

Roll out pizza dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread alfredo sauce over dough. Top with cooked peppers, onion and beef. Tear provolone and place pieces all over pizza. Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes.

Kirk Vantrease Cullman EC

Shrimp Pizza 1 bag raw shrimp (41-60 count), cleaned, peeled and deveined 3-4 Roma tomatoes, sliced medium-thick 3 tablespoons lightly salted butter 2 large bunches fresh basil or 1 small jar pre-chopped basil 1 16-ounce package mozzarella, shredded 2 15-ounce pizza dough, rolled flat ½-3/4 cup olive oil ½ cup all-purpose flour ½-3/4 cup minced garlic, adjust amount to your liking

Pat cookie dough into an ungreased 14inch pizza pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until browned; cool.

Beat cream cheese and confectioners sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over crust. Arrange the fruit on top. In a sauce pan, bring sugar, orange juice, water, lemon juice, cornstarch and salt to a boil, stirring constantly for 2 minutes or until thickened.

Cool; brush over fruit. Chill and store in refrigerator. Makes 16-20 servings.

Combine chicken and 1/3 cup dressing in a large bowl; mix well. Add bacon, green onion, mushrooms and half shredded cheese; mix well. Spread other 1/3 cup dressing over pizza crust. Pour chicken mixture over pizza crust. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese over chicken mixture. Place on baking sheet, bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for about 25 minutes or until crust is browned and cheese is melted. Let set about 5 minutes and cut into wedges.

Peggy Key North Alabama EC

Beth McLarty Cullman EC

Philly Steak and Cheese Pizza

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Sauté shrimp in garlic, butter and a little basil until just slightly undercooked. Dust a flat surface and rolling pin with flour.

Roll out the dough to your desired size and thickness, noting that the dough will rise. Transfer to pan. Lightly brush dough with olive oil. Layer tomatoes, garlic, shrimp, basil and mozzarella.

Cook until bubbly and brown, approximately 12-15 minutes, rotating halfway through.

L. McDaniel Vinemont, AL

36 MARCH 2023

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

MARCH 2023 37

PET HEALTH

Help your dog with separation anxiety

A

couple of days ago I happened to glance over someone’s shoulder who was watching YouTube videos and saw a glimpse of a destroyed bedroom, and a dog. The dog looked sad, and to top it all, there was someone laughing in the background. I did not watch further, but this appeared to be a typical case of pet separation anxiety, and the laughter in the background really irritated me. Separation anxiety is far from cute!

Separation anxiety is self-explanatory by its definition. These dogs just don’t want to be left alone, or even be slightly away from the owner, in a different room, or in a cage.

Before we go further, let’s define anxiety, at least from a human standpoint! That’s the best we can do, right? Mind.org says “Anxiety is what we feel when we are worried, tense or afraid – particularly about things that are about to happen, or which we think could happen in the future.”

We don’t exactly know how dogs feel when they are away from their family, but it resembles panic in a human sense. Is she fearful? Is she upset? We just don’t exactly know! All we see are the results of her distress.

Separation anxiety shows up in a variety of ways. Some moderate to severe signs are straightforward: howling, barking, pooping, urinating and destruction of anything the dog can get to. Most owners seek help at this point for the sake of their property, not realizing how distressed their pet may be!

My bigger concern is when separation anxiety subtly shows up in not so destructive ways, like depression, excessive licking and grooming, restlessness, shivering and shaking, circling and pacing. Let’s call them mild and subtle separation anxiety disorders. In one study, it was estimated that 14-29% of all dogs have separation anxiety but only 13% of the owners actually sought professional help.

So, what do we do? We establish a tentative diagnosis! The only way to recognize separation anxiety is to have an internet camera in the room(s) so that you can see how your dog does when you are not there. There are several well-known brands like Nest and Blink. The Nest cameras are a little over $100 and are rechargeable (no need to wire). For budget conscious folks, we can simply 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

38 MARCH 2023

call these cameras “security” cameras, and then feel good about protecting our house!

OK, now that we have found out that our dog has separation anxiety, what do we do? Call the vet? Check Amazon for herbal and homeopathic remedies, buy an anxiety vest, get a pheromone diffuser, buy a green tea supplement, call a dog trainer?

It depends. If the anxiety falls in the first category where the signs are screaming at our faces, I say, run to the vet, get your dog some meds so that you can even start with some behavior modification training. Let’s look at many tools that are available to us without a vet (but most vet offices carry some of these products).

Herbs: a quick search of “herbs for separation anxiety” brought up over 2 million pages in Google. However, if you look through them, there are about 5-6 well known herbs that are commonly used. In my opinion after using them quite a bit in moderate to severe cases, they help a little bit, but just a little bit, and may be more appropriate for the mild and subtle separation anxiety cases.

Supplements: Again, there are many supplements, but they center around a few key ingredients like theanine from green teas and extracts from milk. It is highly likely that your vet carries products containing these and other compounds. My experience of using them in moderate to severe anxiety has not been that great except in some rare cases. But most of them carry 4-star reviews on Amazon.

Pheromone diffuser: There are calming pheromone diffusers like Adaptil. Again, I am not hugely impressed by their efficacy in moderate to severe cases.

Drugs: You may have already figured it out, I am heading towards medications and going to sing their praises! I am a holistic vet, which means I am very familiar with many alternative modalities, but I have to say that in good hands, and when used judiciously with great caution and care, the drugs can give those poor dogs a new life.

Make a longer (extended) appointment with your vet because these cases take time. Let them listen to you well, totally trying to understand the whole situation, to feel it in their gut and choose the appropriate medication(s). I usually start at the lowest possible dose and then go up over time. If needed, I mix several groups of medication to keep the need for each class as low as possible. www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

MARCH 2023 39

| Consumer Wise |

Save energy and money with a heat pump water heater

If you’re in need of a new hot water heater, consider upgrading to an energy-efficient heat pump water heater.

PHOTO COURTESY HOT WATER SOLUTIONS

Q:

I’m looking for options to replace my old water heater.

What should I choose to make my home’s water heating more efficient and save money?

A:

Consider upgrading to an energy efficient heat pump water heater. Heat pump water heaters—also called hybrid water heaters—use heat pump technology to heat water more efficiently than a standard electric storage water heater.

Think of them as a standard water heater with a heat pump on top. The heat pump heats the water two to three times more efficiently than the electric elements, but the unit still has the electric elements as backup, if needed.

Here are some details about their efficiency, how the units operate, installation considerations and when you should replace your old water heater.

Efficiency and operation

By moving heat instead of creating it, a heat pump water heater uses 60% less energy than electric storage water heaters. That can add up to hundreds of dollars a year and thousands during the life of the water heater.

Improved controls make it easy to set the desired temperature and programming, including vacation mode, which saves energy when you are out of town.

Some models offer Wi-Fi connectivity to be controlled by a smartphone from anywhere. Other helpful features include leak detection and automatic shutoff.

Installation considerations

A heat pump water heater uses heat from a room to heat water. It tends to make the space about 2 degrees cooler, which is something to consider before installation. Ideal placement is an unconditioned space, such as a garage or unheated basement. A 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.

40 MARCH 2023

Heat pump water heaters make it easy to set the desired temperature and programming, including vacation mode, which saves energy when you are out of town.

PHOTO COURTESY HOT WATER SOLUTIONS

heat pump water heater requires enough space around the unit to supply the air needed for efficient operation—about 750 cubic feet.

Heat pump water heaters tend to be slightly taller than storage water heaters and require additional clearance above the unit to access the filter for cleaning. If your water heater is in a conditioned space or a room smaller than the unit requires, venting might be a solution for your installation.

Another consideration is noise. A heat pump water heater generates about as much noise as a modern dishwasher, so it may not be a good solution if the water heater is located where sound could be a nuisance.

Installing a heat pump water heater is much like installing a standard electric water heater, except for the location of the cold-water inlet, which is located at the bottom of the unit.

Because moisture in the air condenses when it is drawn through the heat pump, it also requires a condensate drain that must be routed to a drain or pumped outside of the home.

Heat pump water heaters can replace electric, gas or propane water heaters. They typically require a 240-volt circuit, which might necessitate an electrical upgrade by a licensed electrician.

When to replace an old water heater

The life expectancy of a standard water heater is about 10 years.

If your water heater is older than that or showing signs of failing, you may want to consider replacing it with a heat pump water heater before it fails.

It’s easier to find the product you want when it is not an emergency replacement. It also can be more expensive to replace it during an emergency. While heat pump water heaters are sold at a higher price than standard water heaters, the cost savings over time can offset the purchase and installation cost––and will result in a more energy efficient home.

You also are likely to save by taking advantage of sales, rebates or tax credits. Check with your electric utility, state department of energy and federal tax information before purchasing a new water heater.

I installed a heat pump water heater in my home. I love it and can see how my energy use has decreased since installation. Now, if I can only figure out how to get my children to take shorter showers. www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

MARCH 2023 41

Payne Land Preparation, LLC

is a family owned and operated company.

We use a John Deere 333D track loader with a 5’ wide rotating drum mulching head that has carbide teeth for mulching brush, vegetation and up to 6” diameter trees.

Located in Jackson County and servicing all of North Alabama Our Services include but are not limited to: • Clearing over grown fence rows • Trails • Pastures • Shooting lanes • Property lines • Hunting areas • Fire breaks • Access roads • Right of ways • Tree tops left over from property that has been previously logged • Real estate tracks and future home sites.

Why choose Payne Land Preparation, LLC? • We treat your land as we do our own!

Check us out on Facebook Email: paynelandprep@gmail.com Phone: 423-488-6866

FREE ONSITE ESTIMATES! 42 MARCH 2023

Using a rotating drum mulcher benefits your land by: • Clearing down to surface of soil • Leaving roots intact to hold land and soil structure minimizing ground disturbance and erosion • Left over mulch helps prevent regrowth and returns nutrients back to soil • No brush piles, no burning or haul away • Improve the value and looks of your property We also offer stump grinding and backhoe services.

Contact us at 423-488-6866 or email us at paynelandprep@gmail.com www.alabamaliving.coop

BECAUSE YOUR FAMILY’S HOME COMFORT MATTERS! FINANCING AVAILABLE

FINANCING AVAILABLE

IN-HOME FINANCING AVAILABLE WITH APPROVED CREDIT* SERVING N.E. ALABAMA SINCE 1978

(256)

638-6608 *Call for Details AL Certification #89464

ALL EMPLOYEES ARE BACKGROUND CHECKED

YOUR WHY JOHNSON? HOME COMFORT Because IS OUR YourBUSINESS. Family’s Home COMFORT Comfort YOUReally CAN AFFORD. Matters

DAVID W. JOHNSON, FOUNDER, PRESIDENT and ONLY OWNER FOR 45 YEARS!

A Division of David Johnson Construction Co., Inc. 256.638.6608 256.574.3057 800.523.5816

w w w. j o h n s o n h e a t i n g c o o l i n g . c o m

Alabama Living

MARCH 2023 43

| Our Sources Say |

Don’t worry, be happy by taking a walk on an Alabama trail Y

ou may have noticed that you feel less stressed after you’ve spent time in nature. While it may seem anecdotal, your lift in mood is real. According to the American Psychological Association, time in nature helps “improve attention, lower stress, and create a better mood.”

In a recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, walking outside surrounded by trees, flowers, birds, and other sights and sounds of the natural world successfully lowered levels of major depression in people diagnosed with it.

“There is a growing recognition that walking in nature makes us happy,” says the study author.

Health and medical experts have long known that being in nature has a beneficial effect on one’s physical and mental health. This latest study adds to evidence that it can help with major depression in some cases—possibly a type of cost-free therapy for some.

It’s interesting to point out that although doctors already know that walking and other forms of exercise are helpful to the mood in general, this study compared walking in an urban setting with walking in a natural setting. It was being in the natural world that made the walk more effective on depression.

If you are like most Americans, you are probably spending 10 or more hours a day staring at a screen. It’s easy to lose track of time as you work, and then go online or watch TV for entertainment. In Alabama, though, we are fortunate to have plenty of nature not far from our doorsteps.

This month, while the weather is cool, grab a jacket and take a 20-minute walk in the woods.

Across the valley region, TVA maintains over 180 miles of trails that are geared to all types of abilities and activities. Ever since the COVID pandemic lockdown of 2020, it has become evident that public trails and open public lands benefit residents and visitors on a large scale. People flocked to public land to enjoy relaxation, recreation, exercise, and a break from COVID worries.

According to Clay Guerry, TVA recreation strategy specialist, “We realized that people saw public land as a sort of safe haven. It became very clear to us that it plays a major role in the health and well-being of people in the Tennessee Valley. Perhaps being surrounded by many opportunities to paddle, fish, swim, bike, and hike mean the people of the Valley are getting a boost in stress reduction.”

Deciding where to go and what is available when you get there has never been easier.

To get you started, consider visiting the Guntersville Reservoir, where the Buck Island Small Wild Area trail provides a relaxing walk through the woods for hikers, trail runners, bird watchers and other wildlife observers. Honeycomb Trail features five overlooks, and offers ample

opportunities to dip your toes in one of the many spring-fed creeks this trail encounters.

On the south side of Guntersville Dam, visit the Cave Mountain Small Wild Area.

This trail has an abundance of flora and fauna and is home to an important part of Civil War History. A cave on the property was mined for saltpeter – a base ingredient in gun powder – during the war.

If the weather is inclement and you really want to see some of the natural beauty in Alabama on your screen, watch a TVA video on YouTube, “Wildflower Walk Muscle Shoals.” The video will help you identify some of the flowers growing naturally along trails.

For more information on all of the TVA trails in our region, visit the recreation page on TVA.com.

Located at the Guntersville Reservoir, Honeycomb Trail features five overlooks and spring-fed creeks to help you relieve stress and explore nature.

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

44 MARCH 2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

| Classifieds | How To Place a Line Ad in Marketplace Closing Deadlines (in our office): May 2023 Issue by March 23 June 2022 Issue by April 25 July 2023 Issue by May 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 FREE MATERIALS: SOON CHURCH / GOVERNMENT UNITING, suppressing “RELIGIOUS LIBERTY”, enforcing NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW, Be informed! Need mailing address only. POB 374, Ellijay, GA 30540 – tbsmads@yahoo.com, (888)211-1715 Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Program!

Funds ARE Available For Businesses Impacted By COVID-19! FREE Evaluation! www.ERCRebates.biz 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 1949 CHEVROLET FLEETLINE DELUXE CAR. In need of Restoration, Does Not Run. (251)7099682, arich1644@gmail.com - $2,500 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, Easy Qualification. Visit finalexpenseassured.com or call (813)352-2587 GET MORE TRAFFIC & SALES FOR YOUR BUSINESS. SEO is the best option. Digital marketing doesn’t have to be hard - get a free consultation today at mbdigitalservices.com or call Braiden at 682-407-0752 with inquiries.

Business Opportunities

BEAUTIFUL LEWIS SMITH LAKE rentals in northern Alabama. Check these out and reserve at https://airbnb.com/h/dogtrot (sleeps 8) or https://airbnb.com/h/smith-lakedogtrotloft (sleeps 4) 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 GULF SHORES / ORANGE BEACH / FORT MORGAN – Choose from hundreds of beach houses and condos! Verified Owners. No Booking Fees. ALAVHR.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 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 GULF SHORES GULF FRONT CONDOS – 2BR / 2BA and 1BR / 2BA units. Owner rates, Spring and Summer dates available now – (256)3525721, amariewisener@gmail.com

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

Farm / Agriculture GROW MUSCADINES AND BLACKBERRIES , half dollar size – We offer over 200 varieties of Fruit and Nut Trees plus Vines and Berry Plants . Free color catalog. 1-800-733-0324. Ison’s Nursery, P.O. Box 190, Brooks, GA 30205 Since 1934 www.isons.com

“MONEY LIKES SPEED, SIMPLICITY AND AUTOMATION!” No “OPT-IN” Required! www.

MoneyLikesSpeed.biz

Vacation Rentals 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 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 Alabama Living

MARCH 2023 45

| Hardy Jackson's Alabama |

The bygone days of the Armadillo Gourmet Society I

am not a hunter.

I used to be, but not anymore.

But I am an eater, and when I think of eating what hunters bring in, I always think of the Armadillo Gourmet Society, a south Alabama institution that, for a brief time, combined wild game and illegal beer to raise money for a good cause.

Let me explain.

Back in the 1970s (according to my unnamed but thoroughly reliable source) a bunch of South Alabama hunters began meeting for breakfast. The group was bound together by their belief in the strict enforcement of conservation laws and their disdain for local liquor laws.

As is the case in most small towns, the breakfast bunch soon found itself the subject of reproach among the tongue-clickers in community; and so to show their critics “what a fine group of gentlemen they were,” they decided to sponsor a wild game supper, the proceeds from which would go to a worthy charity.

Calling themselves the Armadillo Gourmet Society, they immediately created a buzz by announcing that only 250 tickets would be sold ($20 apiece), and only men would be allowed to attend.

Society members cooked and donated their various specialties – deer hash, deer steak, deer sausage, fried squirrel and squirrel dumplings, possum and sweet potatoes, coon, duck gumbo, fried catfish, grilled bass, bass gumbo, fried rabbit, and wild hog cooked in the ground. The list went on and on to include, naturally, armadillo.

Wives and female friends contributed cakes and pies. One woman, the spouse of a member, was invited to attend because she could bake a cake in the shape of one of various animals. However, this nod to diversity was about as far as the group would go.

There was also fried rattlesnake and beer.

I’ll get to the rattlesnake in a minute.

First the beer.

Keep this in mind. The county in which

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

46 MARCH 2023

Illustration by Dennis Auth

this event was held was “dry.” During those days, alcohol could not be legally sold or bought within its borders.

Yet there was beer for $1 a can.

Some folks said it was a love-offering, and if you loved beer maybe it was. But let’s not split hairs here. It was sold and selling was against the law.

However, in this case it was the “law” that provided the beverage.

Yessir, according to my late father, who was a regular attendee (along with many other politicians), the beer came from what was collected when the sheriff ’s department caught a bootlegger and confiscated his stock.

Dry county, remember.

After the bootlegger was convicted and sentenced, rather than pour out the evidence, as had been the custom, it was held back and donated to the Armadillo Gourmet Society to raise money for the charitable organization the sheriffs sponsored.

(Those involved easily accepted the logic of this. The few who expressed some sort of ethical, moral, or legal reservations were politely ignored.)

And in the room where they sold the beer was a big pan of fried rattlesnake – an

appetizer. Tasted like fishy-chicken. Or gator.

I know, because I had the pleasure of attending a couple of times with Daddy, and I have the souvenir hats to prove it.

The gathering quickly become a major social event.

In a back room, away from the tables full of food, away from the beer and the rattlesnake, you could even have your choice (according to my sources) of either high stakes poker or an equally high stakes crap game.

And so it was that for a number of years the Armadillo Gourmet Society met, ate, drank, gambled, and raised money for a good cause.

Then it ended.

Reasons for its demise differ.

Some say it was a fight at the crap game.

Others claim changes in the courthouse and the legislature brought in office holders whose constituency was less tolerant of such things.

Or maybe the old group just wore out.

Wild game suppers are still held in Alabama, but none quite like those held by the Armadillo Gourmet Society. Or so my sources tell me. www.alabamaliving.coop

Reminds you to spring forward March 12