Tigers for Tomorrow Protects Wildlife, Educates Visitors
MENTONE
A Town Committed to History While Promoting its Future PORK RECIPES
Executive VP/ General Manager
Terry Moseley
Co-op Editor
Christi Scruggs
ALABAMA LIVING is delivered to some 450,000 Alabama families and businesses, which are members of 22 not-for-profit, consumer-owned, locally directed and taxpaying electric cooperatives. Subscriptions are $15 a year for individuals not subscribing through participating Alabama electric cooperatives. Alabama Living (USPS 029-920) is published monthly by the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and at additional mailing office.
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From Hieroglyphs to High-tech
While the new SIGNALS Museum of Information Explosion in Huntsville is big on nostalgia, visitors of all ages will find something of interest among the 2,000 artifacts, from phonographs to phones and short-wave radios to video games.
Let’s Go to the Fair!
Fall is a popular time for fairs across the state and
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Mentone Festival
The Mentone Fall Festival celebrates the arts while preserving the town’s history that is central to its identity.
Versatile Pork
Pork is a go-to for barbecues, but our readers’ recipes gave us lots more options to prepare this favorite meat.
www.pioneerelectric.com 1-800-239-3092
24-hour Outage Hotline: 1-800-533-0323
OF TRUSTEES:
WHAT IS THE ENERGY CHARGE?
By Terry Moseley, Executive VP/General Manager
In the last article, we explained the Access Charge—the fixed portion of your bill that helps cover the cost of keeping electric service available. Now, we’re taking a closer look at the Energy Charge. For most members, it’s the largest portion of your monthly bill, but it’s also the part of your bill you can control the most.
What is the Energy Charge?
The Energy Charge is based on how much electricity you use, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). On your bill, it shows up as “Electric Usage.”
It reflects the variable costs Pioneer Electric incurs to purchase and deliver that electricity to your home or business.
Every light you flip on, every appliance you run, every hour your HVAC system is working — all of that usage adds up and is measured by your meter. At the end of each billing cycle, the total number of kilowatt-hours is multiplied by the energy rate to calculate the Energy Charge.
What does it cover?
The Energy Charge includes:
• The cost to purchase wholesale electricity from our power supplier;
• Operational costs associated with delivering power; and
• A portion of the fixed costs not collected through the Access Charge.
This is the part of your electric bill that varies the most because it’s directly affected by your habits and usage patterns.
How weather impacts your usage
One of the biggest drivers of energy use is weather, especially when it comes to heating and cooling.
Hot summers lead to higher air conditioning use, which is one of the largest energy loads in most homes.
Cold winters increase usage from electric heating systems and space heaters.
Even mild swings in temperature can cause your HVAC system to cycle more often, raising your overall usage.
This is why your bill might rise—even if your habits haven’t changed—because extreme temperatures cause your home’s systems to work harder to maintain comfort. That higher usage translates into more kilowatt-hours, which increases the Energy Charge on your bill.
You have the power
While parts of your electric bill are fixed, the Energy Charge is where you have the most control.
Simple steps like adjusting your thermostat, taking short showers, or limiting large appliance use can reduce your usage and lower your bill. Investments in efficient heating and cooling systems, insulation and weatherization can make an even more noticeable reduction in usage.
In my next article, we’ll break down the Demand Charge—a cost that’s tied not just to how much electricity you use over time, but how much you use at one time. For Pioneer Electric, demand is one of the biggest drivers of wholesale power costs, and it’s an important piece of the rate puzzle.
GLENN BRANUM District 3
DAVE LYON
HENRY
BILL FARRAR District 2
TOM DUNCAN District 4
TIM STRONG District 6
LINDA ARNOLD District 8
MELVIA CARTER District 9
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4
BUTLER COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
DOORS OPEN AT 8:30
WIN GREAT PRIZES
One lucky member will win a bill credit worth $2,400 INFORMATION ON PIONEER ELECTRIC’S PROGRAMS & SERVICES
FOR THE KIDS:
Inflatables
Pedal Power
Safety City
Balloons
Face Painting
ENTERTAINMENT BY CURK MOSLEY
DON’T FORGET YOUR PHOTO I.D.
The Cavalry Comes to the Rescue
BY GLENN BRANUM
I smell smoke.
That is not a good feeling when you are inside your house. That happened to me at about 2:00 on a Sunday afternoon this summer.
My wife, Nancy, had gone with her sister to visit their brother in Boaz for the day, and I was there by myself. Concerned, I opened the front door to see if someone was burning trash somewhere and created the smell. No luck. I ran to the kitchen, and everything was fine. I then ran upstairs and immediately saw the haze and smelled the dense smoke.
By then, the smoke detectors were going off. Unable to find the source upstairs, I ran outside to the front of the house and saw flames coming out of the gable end up top.
My heart sank, and now in full panic mode, I tried to call 911. Unable to get the call to go through, I called my niece, Missy Alford, across the road and told her the house was on fire and to get help.
I hung up, ran outside and threw the main breaker switch. Then I started grabbing pictures, keepsakes and anything that had sentimental value. The important things in my house aren’t the expensive ones, but are the things that cannot be replaced. I got the old framed pictures of our grandparents and great-grandparents. I got my great-great-grandfather’s fiddle that we had hanging on the wall and a box of keepsakes that I had recently put together to display in the house. All the time, my heart was pounding, and I was scared beyond comprehension.
Just when I was in my deepest despair, the cavalry came.
First, there was my nephew, Barry “BJ” Alford, who lives across the road and is a fireman with the Greenville Fire Department. He was home and came flying up to the house within a minute or two. I was immediately comforted by the fact that I was not alone anymore—plus he was a firefighter and knew what to do.
We went upstairs and lifted the attic door cover. The attic was full of smoke, and we could feel the heat.
My nephew said, “It’s not good, Uncle Glenn. We don’t have much time if we are going to save it.”
But then we heard the sound of sirens. The Central VFD fire engine pulled up to the house. They are close by and made it there in about 5 minutes. They immediately started putting on gear and running hose to the house.
My nephew borrowed an extra set of their gear, and he, Hugh Dollar and Charles Thomas went upstairs to reach the attic, assisted by others who helped with the hose and manned the truck. As they were doing this, I heard another siren as the Greenville Fire Department (11 miles away) came blazing up the drive in their fire engine. Central VFD had put in a request for assistance from Greenville FD, and they immediately answered. A special thank you to the Greenville Fire Depart-
ment for allowing their unit to respond to a fire out our way. The City of Greenville is fortunate to have such a highly trained and responsive fire department.
And the help kept coming.
Midway-Damascus VFD (9 miles away) came right behind with their fire engine, a crew of firefighters from Friendship-Industry-Welcome (FIW) VFD (10 miles away) arrived, and then a tanker truck from Pigeon Creek VFD (12 miles away) pulled up.
In all, five different fire departments answered the call, and they were all here within 15 to 20 minutes of the 911 call.
The Butler County Sheriff’s Department also responded.
There are too many people to mention all their names, but I am thankful for every one of you.
Each group bailed out of their vehicles and began working the fire. I was impressed by the professionalism of the crews and how they all worked together for the common goal—putting out the fire.
While the fire crews were doing their job, an army of friends and neighbors
arrived. At one time, there were more than 30 folks working to put out the fire or get items out of the house. As I looked around, I was humbled by all the help.
Attacking the fire from both inside and outside the house, the fire crews worked in unison. Roughly 1,500-2,000 gallons of water later, the fire was out. We had a couple of rooms upstairs with extensive fire and smoke damage, but other than water damage, the downstairs areas were fine.
Once there was no more danger and things had settled down, I began to reflect and see just how fortunate we were. It is easy to see God’s hand in it all. If it had happened during a weekday, the house would have burned to the ground with our two dogs and cat inside. If it had happened at night, we might not have ever woken up to discover it. The quick response of the various fire departments that day was the only way the fire could have been put out in time.
I get tears in my eyes when I think of the guys enjoying their peaceful Sunday afternoon, and when they heard the call, they jumped up and rushed to the scene.
Being a volunteer fireman is a calling, and my hat is off to anyone who makes that commitment. They often work with limited resources, and they always covet support from the community.
One of their supporters has been Pioneer Electric’s Oper ation Round Up Foundation, which has contributed to all of the volunteer fire depart ments in the Pioneer Elec tric territory. I have been privileged to have served on the Board of Trustees of Pioneer Electric Coop erative since 2012. I have seen the impact that Oper ation Round Up has had
Our house was built in the 1850s. We moved it from Greenville to our land about eight miles southeast of town and restored it in 1997. It is made of heart pine and is therefore susceptible to burning quickly. We floored the attic after we moved it and added a couple of bedrooms and baths upstairs. The fire started in the attic above those rooms, and we think it was from a worn wire. We all knew that if that fire ever reached the heart pine on the first floor, it would be game over. As in all house fires, time was of the essence.
on those in the community. Operation Round Up also helps families that are displaced by fire and have financial needs. It is such a needed and worthwhile organization.
I encourage everyone to participate in Operation Round Up and also to consider a separate contribution to your local volunteer fire department. Pioneer Electric makes it easy for members to make monthly donations to these organizations by adding a recurring donation to your electric bill.
I am living proof that fire departments make a tremendous difference in our community and our livelihood. I will be eagerly making a contribution to each of the five fire departments that answered my call for help. First responders really are the heroes of the world.
We will now start the rebuilding process, and we give glory to God that no one was hurt and the house was saved.
Nancy and I want to say a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who showed up that Sunday afternoon and made that possible. Just like in the old westerns, the cavalry arrived in the nick of time and saved the day.
LET’S POWER SAVINGS
Check for MONEY-SAVING
REBATES
before you buy or replace your HEAT PUMP
Pioneer Electric offers ways to save on efficiency upgrades. We offer rebates on heating and cooling systems for both site-built and manufactured homes, to help maximize energy-efficiency and savings.
Members may also qualify for low-interest loans to help with the costs of energy efficiency upgrades for your home, including insulation and weather sealing.
SITE-BUILT HOMES:
Dual Fuel or Mini-Split Units:
• Up to $350 per ton
MANUFACTURED HOMES:
New Manufactured Homes:
We’ll cover the difference to the manufactured home dealer when you upgrade to a high-efficiency air source, dual fuel or mini-split heat pump.
Existing Manufactured Homes:
Convert from an electric furnace to an air source heat pump of at least 14 SEER and receive:
• Up to $400 per ton
Dual Fuel or Mini-Split Units:
• Up to $350 per ton
Fu n at the Fair
4.
by Allisyn Parsons, Lineville.
5. Ava Henderson and Reese Blackwood are friends of 9 years and love going to the fair together. Submitted by Jill Henderson, Cullman.
6. Brothers Amos Britton and Jep Britton, waiting to compete in the Mutton Bustin’ competition at the fair. Submitted by Jessica Britton, Cullman.
December theme: “Waiting for Santa” | Deadline: October 31
Submit photos on our website: alabamaliving.coop/submit-photo. Photos submitted for publication may also be used on our website and on our social media pages.
Caraline and Cameron Carr at the 2025 Clay County Fair in Ashland. Submitted
1. R.B. and Rose Mary Woods - 58 years of family tradition going to the Cullman County Fair. Submitted by Michelle Naylor, Vinemont.
2. Our granddaughter, Clarabel Richerson, riding the “Teacups” at the Baldwin County Fair last year. Submitted by Gwen Windham, Robertsdale.
3. Victoria Richardson and Jill Richardson. Submitted by Victoria Richardson, Jackson.
THIS MONTH IN ALABAMA HISTORY
Death of a Train Robber
In October 1890, the life of outlaw Rube Burrow came to its violent end on the streets of Linden, Alabama.
The life of a poor farmer held little appeal for the Lamar County native, so in the early 1870s, he set out for Texas and started a family. His younger brother Jim soon joined him. Hardship came in 1880, when his wife died of yellow fever.
Burrow was 32 years old when he and his brother robbed their first train in December 1886. His motives were never fully revealed. As they continued their spree, the legend grew. The next year, they made off with $2,600 (nearly $100,000 today) from an Arkansas train.
Detectives found Lamar County residents tightlipped on the whereabouts of the Burrow boys. But they eventually caught up with the pair in Montgomery. Jim was captured and would die in prison. Rube escaped by shooting his pursuer. He fled to Mississippi and robbed another train.
Back and forth he went for several years, between hideouts near his kin and other locales. On Sept. 1, 1890, Burrow held up a train near Pollard, netting the meager sum of $224. Said to be Alabama’s first train robbery, it was also Burrow’s last. Soon thereafter, he was captured in Marengo County. In the predawn hours of Oct. 9, 1890, he attempted escape from the Linden jail, engaged in a shootout with a local merchant and was killed.
Three hundred people viewed his body at Birmingham’s Union Station. A more mournful coterie awaited in Lamar County, where his father loaded the coffin onto a two-horse wagon and transported it to the cemetery. A journalist observing the affair wrote that “without prayer or preacher the remains of Rube Burrow were consigned to the only perfect rest they had ever known.”
– Scotty Kirkland
Thankful for 9/11 remembrance
Thank you for remembering to pause to remember 9/11, at least in one article (“Cup o’ Joe,” September 2025) Most everyone remembers where they were when 9/11 happened. As I traveled often for business, it was a fluke that I was working from home that day. Some business colleague called and said “put on CNN!,” which I did. Wow - the world changed that day.
Tom James, Dixie EC
Coastal BirdFest has new sponsor, timetable
The John L. Borom Alabama Coastal BirdFest, which provides guided birding excursions across pristine regional coastal habitats, will now come under the leadership of Alabama Audubon, the state’s preeminent birding conservation organization.
The Coastal BirdFest had been organized by the South Alabama Land Trust (SALT), which focuses on protecting land. Under SALT’s leadership, the Coastal BirdFest grew to more than 30 birding and nature tours across 20 venues over four days.
The event will also now move from the fall to the spring to coincide with the peak arrival of migrating birds returning from the tropics.
More details, including event schedules and ticket information for spring 2026, will be released in the coming months. Supporters can visit Alabama Audubon’s website at alaudubon. org and its social media channels for updates. (Information from Alabama News Center)
The ruby-throated hummingbird migrates to Alabama from Mexico and Costa Rica in the spring.
Find the Hidden Dingbat!
We hope last month’s dingbat, a fall leaf, was a little easier to find for our readers. Kassandra Garcia wrote us that “Normally I don’t ever find the dingbats this fast. Maybe it’s because my contacts were in.” She correctly guessed, along with nearly 200 other readers, that the leaf was hidden on Page 42 amongst the photo of white Alabama azaleas. Johnny Forbus, a member of Central Alabama EC from the Ray Community in Coosa County, was especially glad to find the leaf because “last month’s was a doozy! I must have looked over it a hundred times!” And Pamela Maten, a frequent dingbat hunter from Gilbertown and Black Warrior EMC, said she was afraid it would be hard to find this month with so many fall leaves on the pages, but was able to spot it on Page 42: “It was cleverly positioned!” Congratulations to our randomly drawn winner, Sharon Bates of Abbeville, who wins a gift card from our sponsor, Alabama One Credit Union.
In recognition of National Pork Month, which is October, we’ve hidden this little piggy somewhere in these pages. But remember, it won’t be in an ad or on pages 1-8. Good luck!
By email: dingbat@alabamaliving.coop
By mail: Find the Dingbat Alabama Living 340 TechnaCenter Dr. Montgomery, AL 36117
Sponsored by
Reuben Houston “Rube” Burrow
Whereville, AL
Identify and place this Alabama landmark and you could win $25! Winner is chosen at random from all correct entries. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. Send your answer with your name, address and the name of your rural electric cooperative, if applicable. The winner and answer will be announced in the November issue.
Submit by email: whereville@alabamaliving.coop, or by mail: Whereville, 340 TechnaCenter Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117. Do you like finding interesting or unusual landmarks?
Take Us Along!
Contribute a photo you took for an upcoming issue! Remember, all readers whose photos are chosen also win $25!
September’s answer: This black granite globe fountain is the centerpiece on the campus of the University of Mobile and sits in the center of the Dr. Fred and Sue Lacey Great Commission Lawn. It is part of an important tradition every year, when the new freshmen touch the globe as they walk into campus, and they touch it again when they graduate. This is based on the scripture found in Matthew 28:18-20. (Photo contributed by Katelyn Maten, Gilbertown) The randomly drawn correct guess winner is Jeremy Blackmon of Baldwin EMC.
In this photo, Leah Thompson Clackler and Allie Kelley Bobb touch the globe upon their graduation from the University of Mobile. (Photo submitted by Martha Kelley of Covington EC)
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.
Julia F. Chandler of Shady Grove in Pike County traveled with her high school friend Joyce Wilson to Vancouver, British Columbia, last year, and she took her Alabama Living along. “We ferried from Vancouver Island to Victoria Island and visited the well-known Butchart Garden,” she wrote. “My magazine was about torn apart but I held it and we had our picture made there. We both just turned 80 and our children didn’t think we should go on this trip! We had a ball and no problems.” Sounds like a great trip, Julia! She’s a member of South Alabama EC.
Clendon and Marlynda Thomas sent us this photo atop Mt. Alyeska, Alaska. They are from Buhl and are members of Black Warrior EMC.
Joyce Weiland of Decatur says this photo was taken “somewhere in North Dakota close to the Canadian border” where she reports it was “very peaceful and quiet!” She’s a member of Joe Wheeler EMC.
Jane Mardis of Montgomery, a member of Dixie EC, went to France where she saw the graves of impressionist artist Claude Monet and his family who are buried in Giverny.
Jasmine Murr of Roanoke was photographed in front of the “A World Apart” war memorial in Savannah, GA. She and her mother, Belinda Murr, made the trip last year and Jasmine writes about the magazine: “We absolute love reading it and love to find the hidden dingbat!”
Isaac and Brenda Morrow of Arab EC took their magazine on their first cruise to Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Belize. Brenda reports they were “shocked when the guy taking the picture started singing ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ because he was not from America.”
A very majestic inhabitant of the preserve.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TIGERS FOR TOMORROW
WILDLIFE THE GOOD LIFE Living
Enclave Provides Safe Habitat for Rescued and Rehomed Animals
BY EMMETT BURNETT
Ten miles west of Gadsden, Alabama is an Appalachian foothill aptly named, “Untamed Mountain.” The road in the picturesque forest spirals upward as birds chirp, squirrels chatter, tigers roar, wolves howl, and bears meander.
Wait. What?
You heard me – lions and tigers and bears – oh my! For on this mount is Tigers for Tomorrow, where big cats and other exotics live in safe and spacious enclosures indicative of their native habitats.
“But we are not a zoo,” notes Sue Steffens, founder of the 35-acre preserve celebrating 20 years of operation in Alabama this November. “Quite often, people do not realize when visiting a zoo, you see the most perfect specimens there are. If an animal is not flawless the zoo will not display it.”
On today’s visit, the grounds’ collection from across America includes eight species of wild cats, including 14 tigers and eight lions. In addition, hyenas, alpacas, foxes, porcupines and much more make the list of over 175 rescued and rehomed animals.
They live in enclosures – not cages. Each enclosure replicates the occupant’s wild habitat.
Some animals are here because they have lost their jobs or owners. “We have an ocelot who no longer wished to perform at an educational program,” Steffens says. “He’s doing just fine here.”
The couple compares their site to an assisted living facility for animals. Steffens notes, “I tell our staff, treat these creatures the way you would treat your grandmother.”
Education is a priority
Other species are perfectly fine, and only guilty of old age. “Sure, some of our animals may look a little rough and maybe walk a bit slower as they get older. We do too!”
Some tenants are former pets such as wolf dogs, brought in by people who thought breeding a domestic dog with a wild wolf was a good idea.
Tigers for Tomorrow’s president of the board, Wilbur James McCauley, and Sue Steffens, the preserve’s founder, visit with a macaw parrot. The husband and wife team and staff oversee approximately 175 rescued and rehomed animals.
The couple bring a wealth of knowledge and decades of experience in working with animals all over the country. “But I am not a trainer,” McCauley says. “We do not teach these animals to do tricks.”
“They have a good life here where they will live the rest of their lives,” notes Tigers for Tomorrow’s president of the board and Steffens’ husband, Wilbur James McCauley.
Actually, the animals teach visitors. Such education is a Tigers for Tomorrow priority.
Steffens explains: “We want to educate with passion. We believe in igniting a desire for nature and wildlife by engaging and informing our visitors. We hope to instill a deep appreciation and understanding of the natural world, encouraging visitors to become advocates for environmental stewardship.”
She adds, “We strive to foster relationships with animal ambassadors. They are key for creating a connection between humans and nature. Their stories send instinctual messages that resonate with our visitors by creating a powerful and empathetic link with the wild.”
In addition, the founder explains, “We create a ‘wow’ factor. The goal is to make moments of awe and wonder. Our aim is to provide an unforgettable encounter with wildlife that not only
PHOTO BY EMMETT BURNETT
educates but also deeply moves our visitors, leaving a lasting impression and a heightened awareness of the natural world.”
Tigers for Tomorrow receives over 30,000 guests yearly. In addition, the preserve receives funding from The Latham Foundation. The grant provides free educational programs for teenagers; more than 1,000 teens have been educated through the grant that includes free admission to the facility.
Part of the above mentioned “awe and wonder” can be experienced by merely walking down the gravel paths, observing animals, and witnessing staff interactions. Most of the furry friends are on a first name basis with staff members. Each tenant has a story.
Wildlife whispering
Dr. Dolittle has nothing on Steffens and McCauley as they, too, talk to the animals. “Hey buddy! What are you doing?” Steffens says, greeting Zarab, a proud male lion. Remarkably, the deluxe model cat talks back, uttering a guttural response interpreted as “I am fine.”
As the interview proceeds, Zarab the lion takes a seat and observes, as if agreeing with what is being discussed. He is about 10 feet away (separated by a chain fence).
“Over there is our grizzly bear. He loves his pool, and often shares food with little birds and chipmunks,” Steffens says. The towering brown bear also knows how to work the crowd. She notes, “He knows what visitors like. The more the visitors clap and cheer the more he does.”
The giant bear will take pool toys and playfully splash guests, much to their delight.
Last but not least are the preserve’s namesake, the tigers, over a dozen, the largest weighing about 600 pounds. Most of us never see a tiger from 10 feet away. They are much bigger when seen up close.
To demonstrate, Steffens coaxes a white tiger behind the fence to stand on its hind legs. She hand-feeds the feline of distinction a piece of chicken. The tiger is about the size of a living room sofa. Don’t try this at home.
Tigers for Tomorrow distributes 1,000 pounds of food a day to its animals. “We are fortunate because much of our animal food is donated,” Steffens says. Tyson and other food
companies supply meat that may not meet standards for grocery stores but are perfect for lions. In addition, deer farms, hunters, and people in the community often donate food.
Such is the day in an animal preserve perched on an Untamed Mountain. Speaking about working in such a unique job, McCauley explains, “It is more like a lifestyle than a job. Technically, we are never off work. When animals need you, they do not understand weekends, weather, or Christmas Eve. You have to be there.”
Steffens agrees, and addresses her commitment and the rewards of caring for the innocent when no one else would. “This is a wonderful job. I have done more than I ever could have imagined in life.”
Tigers for Tomorrow is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 4 to 11.
The fenced walkabout covers approximately 15 acres. Educational signs are placed throughout the facility. Staff members are happy to answer questions.
The animal refuge is part of the 140 “Untamed Acres,” with RV, camping, and glamping available. Campers enjoy perhaps the only place in Alabama where one can roast s’mores over a fire pit while stargazing and listening to nearby tigers roar and wolves howl.
All day and night, the animals speak from their dwellings. They are fed, cared for and loved, today and tomorrow at Tigers for Tomorrow.
Tigers for Tomorrow is located at 708 County Road 345, Attalla; call 256-524-4150. For more information, visit tigersfortomorrow.org.
1) A hyena at feeding time. 2) A favorite of staff and visitors, Tigers for Tomorrow’s grizzly bear performs for guests. 3) A tiger at play time with a favorite toy.
ates the Arts Festival Celebr
While Preserving Historic Campus
BY STEPHEN V. SMITH
For the mountain hamlet of Mentone in the northeast corner of the state, fall is more than a time to mark the passage of the seasons. In this town of just over 300 residents, it’s a time to celebrate the arts while preserving a history that is central to its identity.
The Mentone Fall Festival will be Saturday, Oct. 18, on the grounds of Moon Lake Campus. More than 80 artists and vendors will offer their paintings, woodwork, pottery, metalwork, homemade specialty foods and one-of-a-kind creations. Food trucks will keep visitors fed throughout the day, and kids will stay busy with many fun crafts and activities.
Festivalgoers will also enjoy musical performances, both in front of the main campus building and from the Shigley Amphitheater stage. Headlining this year’s festival will be Three On A String. Members of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, these musical ambassadors for the state carry their songs, laughs, and signature style to events across the country.
Another main act will be Compass Records artist Pierce Pettis. The singer/songwriter has enjoyed a storied music career that includes numerous albums and a touring schedule that takes him across America.
Beyond his own albums, Pettis’ songs have been recorded by the likes of Joan Baez, Art Garfunkel, Susan Ashton and Dar Williams. Garth Brooks had a huge hit with Pettis’ song, “You Move Me.”
Mentone is known across the Southeast for its summer camps that attract thousands to the mountain town each year to grow and learn against a backdrop of forested land, trails, creeks, and a river that supports an incredible biodiverse collection of flora and fauna.
“Visitors come to Mentone to slow down, to enjoy the natural beauty, and to celebrate the arts that are such an important part of who we are,” says Rob Hammond, a local camp owner who has been Mentone’s mayor for the past 21 years.
During the Fall Festival, visitors can enjoy the shops and galleries inside this historic schoolhouse on Moon Lake Campus.
Under Hammond’s leadership, Mentone has fought to overcome challenges that would have defeated some towns of its size. Fire has destroyed historic buildings that drew tourists to the area. The town faced safety issues on Highway 117, which were mitigated through a new bridge built by the Alabama Department of Transportation. Public water shortages that held back progress were addressed through a partnership with and the ultimate sale of the town’s system to a local water board.
The greatest blow to Mentone, however, came when the county school board closed Moon Lake Elementary at the end of the 2020-21 school year, citing declining enrollment and increasing operational costs.
This not only brought an end to a center of education, but also devastated a community that was deeply invested in the 100-year-old institution. Parents and community leaders had long supported the school by volunteering their time, donating supplies and other resources, and championing a student population that regularly scored among the best academic performances in the state.
“The loss hurt, but we didn’t let it defeat us,” says Hammond. “Assuming responsibility for that property was a huge undertaking for a town of our size, but we knew it was the only way to ensure the school would continue to be at the heart of this community.”
The school board deeded the property to the Town of Mentone, and work began transforming the campus. Today, it is home to several artist shops and galleries, and even a Cajun/ Creole restaurant. The front is graced by an impressive public art installation that pays tribute to the natural world and the spirit of community. Construction will soon start on the Moon Lake Arts Collective, a public access pottery and art studio offering pottery memberships, make-your-own pottery activities, and classes led by local and visiting artists. A new outdoor music series
was launched at the amphitheater this summer, and various functions are being planned for the former school gym that is being upgraded for events and performances.
Hammond points out that these efforts would be impossible without the support of town councilmen, local citizens, and elected officials at the state and federal levels. For instance, the town was recently awarded a $300,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to be matched by town resources. The work will improve the structural integrity, accessibility, and safety of the main building.
The Mentone Fall Festival is an important part of this work. A local non-profit originally coordinated the festival, known then as ColorFest. When the organization folded, the town stepped in to keep the tradition alive. Through the support of volunteers and the generosity of sponsors, the first two events raised more than $50,000, all reinvested into the campus.
“The festival is more than a celebration of the arts and a fun event for our citizens and the thousands who visit our community,” says Hammond. “It’s a major economic driver for Mentone. It helps us improve Moon Lake Campus to attract even more visitors. And when more people become aware of the campus, they also visit the other shops and restaurants in town. Everyone wins, and that’s important for a community whose main industry is tourism.”
Mentone is a town committed to preserving its history while promoting a future that embraces its character of arts, culture, and the environmental treasures that form its foundation. On the surface, the Mentone Fall Festival is a fun day of shopping, eating, listening to live music, and enjoying time with friends and family. But the real story behind the festival is the tenacity of a community that has courageously faced adversity with hope and vision by using its cultural assets to overcome.
Moon Lake Campus is located at 5866 E. River Road in Mentone. To access the parking area, travel east just past the Moon Lake Library and watch for the signs. There is a $5 parking fee. No charge for admission, but donations are welcome. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For event details, visit mentonefallfestival.com
The Town of Mentone has secured grants and invested local dollars to restore and maintain the historic Moon Lake Campus. The Mentone Fall Festival not only presents the work of more than 80 artists and makers, it also raises funds that are reinvested into upkeep and improvements of the property.
The Mentone Fall Festival features live music from the Shigley Amphitheater stage.
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from HIEROGLYPHICS to HIGH-TECH
SIGNALS Museum Traces the History of Communication
BY AARON TANNER
While the new SIGNALS Museum of Information Explosion is big on nostalgia, all visitors, regardless of their generation, will find something of interest here. From phonographs to phones (rotary, smart- and even the old “pay” kind) and short-wave radios to video games, the museum’s 2,000 artifacts highlight the evolution of mass communication, through an immersive and interactive experience.
The non-profit SIGNALS Museum opened its doors in Huntsville in March 2025. Inside the 15,000-square-foot facility are artifacts from the personal collection of Dr. Marc Bendickson, the former CEO of Dynetics, an information technology company headquartered in Huntsville.
Visitors see first-hand the progression of communication history through the museum’s collection. Images of Egyptian hieroglyphics and couriers on horseback from when Alabama first achieved statehood in 1819 at the beginning of the tour progress into displays of the first telephones and radios of the late 19th and early 20th centuries to televisions in the 1950s and ’60s, and eventually the hightech computers, video gaming systems and smartphones of today.
early 20th century.
The museum’s companion app offers a 3D interactive experience featuring such characters as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Edison, among others, to accompany the museum tour. In addition, several hands-on displays transport patrons to a bygone era: A two-person interactive game involving sending out an accurate telegraph message using Morse code; a 1920s telephone switchboard connecting local callers living in a pre-space age Huntsville; a plethora of phonographs and jukeboxes playing different sounds with a push of a button; and a 1960s-era mockup of a radio station control room where live deejays once spun records on turntables.
Also not to be missed is the HAM shack, where the local ham radio chapter meets to communicate with others worldwide using shortwave radio.
A Hometown Heroes wall of fame features several Huntsville innovators who played a vital role in global communication history, such as Olin King, who designed computers for IBM, and William Cummings, who founded one of the largest research parks in the United States that bears his name.
Other retro items on display include a pay phone from the days when public calls cost a quarter (or even a dime) and, preceding the once-popular electronics chain with the same name, a replica of a radio shack, where customers purchased radio parts separately.
the
PHOTOBYAARONTANNER
SIGNALS Executive Director Gina James explains that before the widespread use of electricity in the 1800s and wireless technologies in the early 1900s, there was no such thing as “instant” communication that we are accustomed to today.
Radio, television, and the telephone became musthave household items not only for urban areas where the population had easier access to these products, but also for rural Americans who no longer had to travel miles to the nearest town or neighbor to get the news of the day. “No longer did people have to venture outside their homes to receive information,” James says.
Besides news, radio shows such as “The Grand Ole Opry” allowed those living far from cities to partake in the popular entertainment of the day.
The museum is a first of its type, not only in Alabama but in the Southeast.
Educational opportunities
Despite being open for only a short time, the attraction has already hosted several school field trips, as well as regional and even international visitors, thanks to social media. “We have had visitors from Zimbabwe and several European countries,” James says.
Various age levels and tech abilities can enjoy the Rocket City’s newest point of interest. “If you are technologically advanced, you can scan and interact with the characters, or if you are older, you can come in and experience instant nostalgia from your childhood,” James says.
One example: the rotary phone, familiar to anyone of a certain age, but a puzzler to the younger generations. “The kids will punch the number, not realizing you dial them,” James says.
She adds that the phone section is the museum’s most popular, since you can physically touch these devices that were once common in households.
Those seeking educational opportunities will appreciate the STEM workshop on the functions of electricity, the classroom space for guest lecturers, and the on-site library, where patrons can check out materials about electronics for research purposes.
James recalls one review from a parent about the lessons taught at the museum: “She came in with her two sons, and both children left wanting to be engineers.”
The expansion of programs and field trip opportunities at the museum is underway, along with the addition of rotating exhibits, a new simulation of a television station where museum visitors will learn about the equipment necessary to produce a newscast, and the completion of the AM radio control room display. In addition, the organization plans to add members-only events and expand its speaker series by creating a special speaker’s bureau.
It will also market its venue space, which currently holds 80 to 100 people and includes a kitchen, to the community.
Approximately 80% of the artifacts are in good working condition, thanks to an on-site lab where Bendickson and several retired engineers help restore them.
Alabama’s newest up-and-coming attraction reminds the younger generation that instant communication on portable devices is a recent development in world history. “It was not always handheld like it is today,” says James.
A visit to the SIGNALS Museum of Information Explosion allows for an appreciation of the inventors and innovators who made the quick advancement of communication technology over the past two centuries possible.
The Museum is located at 1806 University Drive, Huntsville. For more information, including hours of operation, visit signals-museum.org or find it on Facebook.
1) Radios for the home in the mid-20th century came in many unique designs, including this design of a Coca-Cola cooler (top shelf) from the 1940s. 2) Visitors can match sounds to a particular vintage device in this interactive exhibit.
Guglielmo Marconi revolutionized wireless communication around the time of World War I.
PHOTO COURTESY GINA JAMES
PHOTO BY AARON TANNER
PHOTO BY AARON TANNER
‘Eclectic Southern’ Style
on display at Guntersville eatery
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JENNIFER KORNEGAY
Layers of grits, greens and smoky ham with eggs and an onion ring on top make Green Eggs & Ham a popular dish.
Jessica Hanners laughs a little when she talks about “farm to table.” Not because the owner and executive chef of Guntersville’s Homecoming & Company is mocking the concept. Just the opposite. It underpins her eatery’s mission.
Yet while some people see it as a more recent trend, she points to its circular history. “In most areas of the South, just decades ago, everything was farm to table!” she says. This fact brings out her laugh.
Hanners admits that changed somewhere along the way though, and stresses that’s why she opened her restaurant in 2018. “I want to bring awareness of traditional foodways and local farmers back to my community,” she says. “And I want to offer dishes made from scratch with clean, local ingredients.” Her unfussy yet uncompromising approach puts twists and tweaks on familiar favorites, with an emphasis on homemade, a style she dubs “eclectic Southern.”
The vision for Homecoming & Company grew during her years in the restaurant world. The Guntersvillearea native started cooking in restaurants at a young age. Her parents owned a restaurant in the South Sauty community about 20 minutes from Guntersville, and she studied hospitality management in college before honing her skills at Johnson & Wales University culinary school. After her studies, Hanners ended up on the West Coast, cooking in Portland, Oregon, before coming back South and helming Atlanta’s Souper Jenny restaurant group (five restaurants, an urban farm and a food-focused nonprofit) as its executive chef.
The restaurant’s name references her return home and its original location in the spot once occupied by her parents’ restaurant. She then relocated the restaurant to Guntersville, and last summer, Homecoming & Company moved again, this time to the historic Glover Building downtown. “It’s a special building and has held several different restaurants through the years. One of them was one of my favorites, so it felt like a natural fit,” Hanners says. The bright interior retains the same homey, quirky charm of her previous locations, with vintage plate collages and other colorful art adorning walls.
Hanners’ food philosophy remains unchanged too, with many popular menu items remaining, all reflecting seasonal items at their peak (approximately 90 percent of the produce used is local) and resonating with diners —
Jessica Hanners
and their taste buds. When people ask why Homecoming & Company’s smashed potatoes are so good, she tells them it starts with the ingredients. “The potatoes come from Whirlwind Farm just a few miles away in Geraldine, where they’ve been organic since the 1970s and grow more than 40 potato varieties,” she says.
The same goes for other dishes. Local pork and nonGMO corn stoneground at an area mill elevate standards like bacon and grits. And creative fare, like a Warm Hug (a fluffy daily-baked biscuit enrobed in chocolate gravy) and Green Eggs and Ham (layers of grits, silky collards, country ham and scrambled eggs crowned with an onion ring) show off her culinary chops. These breakfast delights and others are served all day.
Come lunchtime, folks file in for weekly specials like smoked-brisket-stuffed sweet potatoes and Hanners’ take on hush puppies made with summer squash as well as regular menu items including thick-cut fried pickles, buffalo-style fried cauliflower with creamy, cooling ranch and the goddess sandwich, savory roasted turkey slathered with house-made, herb-packed goddess dressing on organic sprouted-wheat bread. The veggie plate bears Hanners’ name. “I love getting the dill-pickle slaw and pinto beans on mine. Take a bite of those together and wow,” she says. She also enjoys her buckwheat pancakes sweetened with mashed banana, and they earn rave reviews from the gluten-free crowd, too. “I love that because we make things in-house, I am able to offer multiple gluten-free options that go beyond a grilled chicken salad, like our fried pickles, fried okra and fried green tomatoes,” she says.
But making everything adds to the challenges of running a restaurant. “It’s really harder than ever to be in this business right now; prices on everything are still high,” Hanners says. Yet Homecoming & Company continues to face and overcome hurdles, now going on its eighth year and adding dinner on Thursday through Saturday to its options.
“What keeps me going is I want people like me, those who care about the food they eat, who care about foodways and farmers, who care about supporting local establishments that treat their employees well, to have this place,” she says. And she points back to the significance of her restaurant’s name. “Bringing our mindful sourcing and commitment to not cutting corners and cooking from scratch to my home means a lot to me,” she says.
Homecoming & Company
524 Gunter Ave, Guntersville, AL 35976
256-202-1880 | homecomingandco.com
Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday & Wednesday
7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday - Saturday
1)
3)
Guntersville l
In summer 2024, Homecoming and Company moved to the historic Glover Building downtown. 2) Dill pickle slaw, pinto beans and collard greens make the perfect veggie-plate lunch.
Lighter fare includes creamy chicken salad, crispy crackers and fresh fruit.
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BY MYLES MELLOR
Alabama city where you can visit the Sleepy Hollow Haunted farm
Alabama city where you can enjoy Halloween on the Scarecrow Trail and at the “Festifall at the Garden”
Alabama town known for its German heritage and Oktoberfest celebration
Tiny town in Lauderdale county that hosts an Oktoberfest, St. _____
mixer at events
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EVENTS
OCTOBER 3-11
Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan Fall Bird Banding. Experience migrating birds banded and safely released – an up-close experience for all ages. Visit BandingCoalition.org for information.
OCTOBER 4
Gee’s Bend, 2025 Airing of the Quilts Festival, Gee’s Bend Welcome Center in Boykin, Ala. This event traces the living story of Gee’s Bend from its origins through its role in the Civil Rights Movement to its present day as a nationally-renowned artist community. Interactive programming, food trucks, entertainment and live performances from local choirs along with quilting demonstrations and storytelling from the descendants of the Gee’s Bend quilt makers. Registration is free, with a recommended contribution of $40 to support the community. Additional fees apply for quilt-making workshops, demonstrations, face painting and tours. AiringOfTheQuilts.org
OCTOBER 10-11
Troy, Pioneer Days 2025 at the Pioneer Museum of Alabama, 248 U.S. Highway 231 North. Two days of living history with demonstrations of traditional folk arts and crafts; skilled artisans and craftsmen in period clothing demonstrate blacksmithing, woodworking, candle dipping, rope making, spinning, weaving, quilting, Dutch oven cooking, traditional music, Native American cooking and more. Living history activities are from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.; museum closes at 5 p.m. Admission $12, children 5 and under and members free. 334-566-3597 or pioneer-museum.org
OCTOBER 10-11
Troy, Southeastern Mvskoke Nation 2nd annual Creek Friends Festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 242 County Road 2254. Featuring stomp dancing, native dancers, candy dance, stick ball, photo booth, nature trail walk, arrowhead dig, storytelling, drums, native artisans, live music, raffles, food and more. Oct. 10 is school day; Oct. 11 is $5 per adult, children 12 and under free. 334-657-6696.
OCTOBER 11
Oneonta, 41st annual Covered Bridge Festival, historic downtown, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, kids’ zone, food trucks, pancake breakfast, car cruise-in, and bus tour of the Blount County covered bridges. Sponsored by the Blount-Oneonta Chamber of Commerce. Email info@ blountoneontachamber.org or call 205-274-2153.
OCTOBER 17-18
Hartselle, Alabama Gourd Show, Sparkman Civic Center. The Alabama Gourd Society celebrates its 17th year with this event. Email gourdzilla@aol.com for information.
OCTOBER 24-25
Elba, Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama’s annual Powwow, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at the Ma-Chis Tribal Ground. Traditional dancers and drummers, cultural demonstrations, food and unique vendors, storytelling, nature trail exploration, Native artisans with handcrafted goods, kids’ activities and more. $5 per adult, $3 per student. 334-897-3207 or email powwow@machistribe.com
OCTOBER 25
Roanoke, 17th annual Fall on Main Street Festival, 827 Main St. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 200 vendors will host an outdoor art gallery, an art theatre, live entertainment, skilled artisans and hand crafters, collectible treasures, wood crafts, a kids’ zone, face painting, a holiday market, petting zoo, homemade delights and food. Be sure to visit the Randolph County Historical Museum. 334-863-1402 or email rancococ@teleclipse.net
OCTOBER 25
Cleveland, the Great Alabama BBQ Cook-Off, Blount County Multi-Purpose Center. Join Alabama Public Television for a full day of food, fun and fellowship with barbecue, live music, a beer barn and more. Free samples prepared by the barbecue competitors; get tickets to a full meal featuring barbecue and trimmings with your support of APT. PBS Kids characters and educational activities for children. Aptv.org
OCTOBER 25
Wetumpka, Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival, 301 Hill St. in historic downtown. 9 a.m. This one-day festival celebrates wildlife art as well as the natural beauty of Alabama. Art fans and outdoor enthusiasts gather for this event full of educational presentations, art exhibits and classes, vendors, food, children’s activities and expert demonstrations. TheKelly.org
OCTOBER 25
Opp, Opp Quilters annual quilt expo in conjunction with Opp Fest, at the Train Depot in downtown. Unique and lovingly crafted handmade quilts made by local quilters. Free admission. There will also be homemade crafts for sale; proceeds support charitable outreach programs in the community. Search for the Opp Quilters page on Facebook.
OCTOBER 25
Grove Hill, Pioneer Day, on the grounds of the historic Clarke County Museum. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Blacksmithing, basketweaving, candle dipping and wood carving demonstrations, as well as live music, children’s train rides, a petting zoo, crafts, games, face painting and living history re-enactors. Free. 251-275-8684.
The Airing of the Quilts Festival Oct. 4 celebrates the quilt-making tradition of Gee’s Bend.
NOVEMBER 1
Pike Road, Pike Road Arts and Crafts Fair, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the historic Marks House. Diverse types of quality art and craftwork, food, children’s activities and shopping just in time for the holiday seasons. Admission $5; children 8 and under are free. Cash only. Pikeroadcraftfair.com
NOVEMBER 1
Demopolis, Vine and Olive Festival, presented by Main Street Demopolis at the public square. Wine tasting, antiques, art, live music, children’s activities, food vendors, pop-up shops and more celebrate the area’s French heritage. Admission is free; wine tasting is $25. Search for Main Street Demopolis on Facebook and Instagram.
NOVEMBER 13-16
Fairhope, 13th annual Fairhope Film Festival. Award-winning films, exclusive parties and panels of film industry professionals will be featured in the scenic downtown area. The 2025 lineup will be announced in October; see fairhopefilmfestival.org for the latest updates.
To place an event, e-mail events@alabamaliving.coop. or visit www.alabamaliving.coop. You can also mail to Events Calendar, 340 TechnaCenter Dr., Montgomery, AL 36117; Each submission must include a contact name and phone number. Deadline is two months prior to issue date. We regret that we cannot publish every event due to space limitations.
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ROOTED in BEAUTY:
Alabama’s State Tree, Flower, and Wildflower
As highlighted in a previous article, Alabama’s natural landscape is steeped in history and rich in biodiversity. This month, I’d like to take a closer look at three of our state’s official botanical symbols — the Southern longleaf pine, the camellia, and the oakleaf hydrangea. Each of these plants represents a unique story of resilience, natural beauty, and ecological significance.
1. The Southern longleaf pine (Pinus palustris)
Designated as Alabama’s state tree in 1997, the longleaf pine is more than just a towering evergreen — it’s a keystone species in one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in North America. Historically, longleaf pine forests covered over 90 million acres across the Southeast. Today, less than 5% remains, largely due to logging and land conversion.
Scientifically, this tree is fascinating. It has a unique “grass stage” during its early years, where it focuses on root development while appearing as a tuft of needles. This adaptation helps it survive fire, which is essential for maintaining the health of longleaf pine ecosystems.
Longleaf pines prefer full sun and sandy, well-drained soils. Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained areas. These trees can grow up to 100 feet tall, so plant them with plenty of room to mature. Starting with seedlings in the “grass stage” may seem slow, but they’re establishing strong roots — growth will accelerate after this phase.
2. The camellia (Camellia japonica)
Alabama adopted the camellia as its state flower in 1959, replacing the native goldenrod. Though not native, the camellia has become a beloved garden staple across the state.
Originating from East Asia, it was introduced to the
U.S. in the 18th century and quickly gained popularity for its glossy evergreen leaves and stunning winter blooms. Camellias prefer acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Choose a sheltered spot with partial shade, protected from harsh afternoon sun and strong winds. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells, to help establish strong roots.
Cultivars like ‘Professor Sargent’, ‘Debutante’, and ‘Pink Perfection’ are well-suited to Alabama’s climate and offer a range of bloom shapes and colors.
3. The oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Unlike the camellia, the oakleaf hydrangea is native to Alabama and was named the state wildflower in 1999. Found naturally in woodland areas, this shrub is prized for its large, cone-shaped white blooms and distinctive oakshaped leaves that turn brilliant shades of red and purple in fall.
Ecologically, oakleaf hydrangeas support pollinators and provide habitat for wildlife. They thrive in part shade and tolerate a range of soil types, making them a versatile choice for home landscapes. Cultivars like ‘Snowflake’, ‘Alice’, and ‘Ruby Slippers’ offer improved bloom size, color, and compact growth habits.
Plant in areas with morning sun and afternoon shade. Moist, well-drained soil is ideal, and while they tolerate clay, adding organic matter improves performance. Space plants to allow good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal issues.
Together, these three botanical emblems reflect the rich natural heritage of Alabama. Whether you’re restoring native ecosystems with the resilient Longleaf Pine, brightening winter gardens with the elegant camellia, or showcasing native charm with the oakleaf hydrangea, each plant offers a unique blend of ecological value and ornamental beauty. They’re not just symbols — they’re living connections to Alabama’s past, present, and future landscapes.
Bethany O’Rear, a horticulturist for more than 20 years, is a regional agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, specializing in commercial and home horticulture.
DFrom Zoomies to Zen:
The Power of Pet Enrichment
o you ever get the feeling someone is staring at you? The back of your neck tingles, the tiny hairs stand up, and you just know someone’s eyes are boring into you. That’s happening to me right now as I write this. I try to resist, but curiosity wins. I peek over the top of my screen.
Busted! Eye contact has been made — my writing time is doomed. Three more pairs of eyes join the first. Four dogs, staring like a furry jury, silently chanting: “We’re bored. We’re bored.” I hold out one more second before the smallest, a self-appointed speaker of the group, lets out a sharp yip that says, “Motion to adjourn this writing session.” I know better than to reward demand barking, so I’ll ask her for a trick, reward her, and then launch into a group enrichment activity before my living room is turned into a den of chaos.
When we think about caring for dogs, we usually picture the basics — food, walks, grooming — but we often overlook one of their most important needs: mental exercise. Just like us, dogs need to work their brains as much as their bodies.
You may have heard that 15 minutes of mental work can be as tiring as an hour of running. While that statement is probably exaggerated, it highlights an important truth: Mental work can tire a dog far more efficiently than physical activity alone.
Most dogs need 30 minutes to two hours of daily exercise — less for puppies and seniors, more for working breeds — but even a good walk twice a day isn’t always enough.
Dogs used to have jobs — herding, guarding, retrieving. Now many spend the day waiting for us to come home. Left without anything to do, they can go stir-crazy, barking at imaginary squirrels, digging craters in the yard, or redecorating the couch cushions.
When left tied up or kenneled too long, some dogs can even become destructive, mentally unstable or even aggressive. The good news? Mental enrichment is cheap, easy, and fun. Puzzle feeders, Kongs, scent games, and quick training sessions turn that restless energy into problemsolving and tail wags.
wants to stalk, pounce, and solve problems. Without a job to do, cats may overgroom, wake you up at 2 a.m. with hallway zoomies, shred furniture, or, yes, even pee in protest. In the wild, cats would spend most of their day “earning” their food. Inside, we need to give them safe ways to hunt and explore. Just 10–15 minutes of play twice a day can prevent bad habits and turn your living room into a mini safari.
But where to start?
For the dogs
• Try the classic muffin tin puzzle — drop kibble in the cups, cover with tennis balls, and watch them problem-solve.
• A DIY snuffle mat or rolled-up towel can turn dinner into a nose-powered treasure hunt.
• Fill a cardboard box with crumpled paper and hide paperw rapped treats for dogs who love to dig.
• Scent trails — drag a treat along the floor, hide it, and let t hem track it.
• Hide-and-seek — have one person hold your pup while you hide, then call him to find you.
For the cats
• Build a cardboard “tower” or open-top maze out of boxes a nd cut peek-holes for spying and pouncing and hiding treats.
• Or try a paper-cup puzzle: cut six holes in a bottoms-up shoebox, pop in cups with a few treats, and watch them fish like tiny paw-powered crane machines.
My favorite for both cats and dogs when time is short? Scatter feeding. Toss a handful of their kibble onto the grass, rug, or under a blanket and let them hunt it down. And when you’re ready to really impress your friends, spend just 10 minutes a day teaching a fun trick — YouTube is full of easy tutorials. And don’t forget your horses and other pets — there are plenty of DIY enrichment ideas for them online too.
And cats?
Don’t let their 16-hour nap schedule fool you — under that fluffy exterior is a predator who
Rotate activities every few days to keep them fresh. Use part of their regular meal for rewards so they don’t gain weight, or teach them to enjoy veggies (we’ll cover that in a future article!). You don’t need fancy equipment or hours of time — just a little creativity and a couple of Google searches.
Enrichment isn’t a luxury — it’s how we help our pets live their best lives. A few minutes of mental play a day can turn boredom into joy, save your furniture, and bring more peace (and laughter) into your home.
Julie Bjorland is a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) and has been working alongside Goutam Mukherjee, DVM, MS, Ph.D. (known as Dr. G) for the past 20 years. To suggest a topic for discussion, email contact@alabamaliving.coop
Perfectly Porklicious!
Our Bacon Crusted Pork Smash Burgers are the perfect way to celebrate National Pork Month! These perfectly cooked beauties can be made on the flat top, a griddle pan or even in your cast iron skillet with lots of flavor and no fuss! They are perfect for tailgating or even a tasty burger on a Tuesday night. For more recipes like this and so much more, visit us at thebutteredhome.com.
Bacon Crusted Pork Smash Burgers
2 pounds ground pork
½ pound bacon cooked and crumbled
1 Vidalia onion
6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup garlic seasoning
Cook, drain and cool bacon. Crumble or process in a food processor until small. Mix ground pork with garlic southern flavor seasoning and mix well.
Portion ground pork into 1/4 cup portions and roll into balls. Each burger will have two patties. Slice onion into thin slices. Roll each pork burger ball in crumbled bacon and set aside.
Heat flat top, griddle or pan to medium-high heat. Place two pork balls on and allow to sit a bit until fat starts to render. Use a clean sheet of parchment and place on top of a ball, press with a burger press or heavy spatula until thin. Do for both burger patties. Cook for one minute on that side. Top one of the patties with a handful of sliced onions and flip both burgers. Allow to cook for one or two minutes more. Top the ungarnished burger with cheese and allow it to sit until cheese starts to melt. Place the patty with onion on top of the cheese patty and remove from heat. Allow to rest 1 to 3 minutes. Garnish and serve.
Brooke Burks
PHOTO BY THE BUTTERED HOME
Cook of the Month Amy Forehand, Wiregrass EC
When Amy Forehand, who works as a nurse in Dothan, gets home after a full day’s shift, the last thing she wants to do is spend a lot of time in her kitchen cooking supper. So she loves to make her easy stovetop Mongolian Pork recipe, which won her Cook of the Month honors for October. “I like it because it’s simple and takes such little time from start to finish,” she says. “It’s a low-fuss recipe. I’ll cook enough to last me the week.” She also likes to vary the ingredients and sometimes adds broccoli or bell pepper. “I probably fix it every other week, and when I have company it makes enough for them too.”
—Lenore Vickrey
Mongolian Pork
1 pound pork tenderloin
¼ cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons canola oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup dark brown sugar
¼ cup water
2 green onions, green parts only, sliced into 2-inch pieces
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons sesame seeds, for garnish
Tex-Mex Chipotle Pulled Pork
1½ tablespoons olive oil
3-4 pounds boneless pork loin
1 cup chicken broth
1 lime, juiced
1 medium onion, diced
2½ teaspoons garlic, minced
3-4 tablespoons pickled jalapeno pepper, diced
3 bay leaves, broken
1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
1 teaspoon course ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cut the pork loin in half and sear on all sides. When seared, place the pork loin halves in a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients to a mixing bowl and mix well. Pour over the pork loin halves and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. When the pork loin is done, place on a cutting board to shred with two forks. Remove bay leaves and reserve juices, peppers and onions in a bowl. Place the shredded pork on a large, foil-lined, baking sheet. Pour 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup of juices, peppers and onions over the shredded pork and mix well. Broil in oven about 5 minutes, watching not to burn. Remove from oven, stir pork and pour another 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup of juices over the pork. Return to the oven and broil another 5 minutes or until crisped to your preference. Serve with your favorite sides. Kathy Stewart Central Alabama EC
Cut the pork tenderloin into ½-inch pieces. Place the cornstarch in a large zip top bag; add the pork pieces to the bag and seal it, making sure to remove the excess air. Shake the bag to coat the pork in the cornstarch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pork pieces, shaking off excess cornstarch, and transfer to a plate. Add the canola oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the pork pieces in an even layer being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the pork in batches if needed. Cook the pork for 4-5 minutes, then flip the pork and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the internal temperature is 140 degrees. Transfer the pork to a clean plate and set aside. In the same skillet, add the garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, pepper and water and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Add the pork and sliced green onions to the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cooks. Serve over rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.
Cook’s note: Pork tenderloin usually comes in a two-pack. I used one for this recipe and froze the other one for another recipe later. I like to use a 16-ounce piece for this recipe.
Best Butt in Bama
7-9 pound Boston butt, trimmed of excess fat
12 garlic cloves, peeled
1 beer or apple juice
1 large white onion, chopped
BBQ sauce
Salt, pepper and other seasoning of choice
Marinade:
¾ cup Moore’s or Dale’s marinade
¾ cup Italian dressing
¾ cup vinegar
Mix marinade and set aside. Using a small paring knife, punch 12 holes in the pork butt, 6 on each side and insert garlic cloves. Strain 1 ¼ cups of marinade, reserving strained seasonings. Inject strained marinade into pork butt. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours, overnight is best. Remove pork from refrigerator one hour before cooking. Prepare grill or smoker to cook at 250 degrees. Season outside of pork with seasonings of choice. Place pork in the smoker or grill (fire on one side and pork on the other side) allow pork to cook for about 4 hours or until the internal temperature is about 140 degrees. At this point, using two long pieces of foil cross ways, place the pork on the foil, form a bowl and add the remaining marinade, onions and some beer or apple juice. Wrap pork loosely and place in a pan and return to heat source until the internal temperature is 202 degrees. Remove from the heat source and allow to rest for 1 hour. Drain liquid and shred or pull the pork and serve.
Jean G. Vick Baldwin EMC
Amy Forehand
Mongolian Pork FOOD
TP’s Applewood Smoked Pork Chile Verde
5-pound pork shoulder, boneless and tied
Spice rub, your favorite blend
Rinse shoulder and dry with paper towels. Coat with your favorite spice rub (I like to use a paprika, cumin, brown sugar mix with plenty of salt and pepper.) Let sit in the refrigerator overnight, uncovered. Pull pork shoulder out first thing next day and start your fire with whatever vessel and wood you’d like (I use an old school Weber Kettle with ½ Kingsford, ½ apple chunks, full charcoal starter.) When coal is rendered, push into one side of your grill, and add pork shoulder to side that has no direct heat. Cover with plenty of smoke coming through (I leave the lid slightly ajar with all the vents open.) Let this cook for 4 hours, restoking fire as needed. Should reach 165 degrees in the middle when fully cooked.
Sauce:
3 tablespoons olive oil
I large onion, coarsely chopped
6 cloves garlic
10 tomatillos, husked
2 large tomatoes, chopped
4 large jalapenos, seeded
3 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon ground pepper
2 tablespoons Mexican oregano
1 tablespoon cumin
2 cups chicken stock
1 can Modelo beer
3 ounces tequila
Put all the prepped veggies, salt, pepper, cumin and oregano in a large saucepan on medium heat and sauté until tender and sizzling. Add tequila and beer; stir. Add chicken stock and continue stirring for 5 minutes. Let cool a little, and with an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree into a smooth sauce. I like mine a bit more chunky, but texture is up to your preference. Meanwhile, when pork is done, let rest for an hour to cool in the refrigerator. Dice into 1-inch chunks. Add pork to simmering sauce and taste for salt. Simmer for 2 hours on low. Grab the tortillas and sour cream and ENJOY!
Thomas M. Price
Blackened Pork Rib Chops
2 ¾-inch thick bone-in, pork rib chops
1 tablespoon shortening
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Prudhomme Blackening Rub:
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
2½ teaspoons Kosher salt, (do not use table salt)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
¾ teaspoon white pepper
¾ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fennel seed
½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves
Use a mortar and pestle or fingers and palm to break down thyme, oregano and fennel before incorporating. Do not use a food processor or blender! Prepare the rub by mixing all the rub ingredients together. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and use it to coat one side of each chop then liberally sprinkle each coated chop with the rub. Gently press the rub on to the chops. Place chops, coated side down, on waxed paper and proceed to coat other sides with the melted butter and rub. Heat a large cast iron skillet or pan over high heat for 3-5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon shortening and 1 tablespoon butter to the hot skillet then swirl it so it is completely coated. Please be careful, there will be some splattering when the chops are placed into the skillet. Place the chops on skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side. The chops are done when their internal temperatures reach 145 degrees. The cooking time will vary based on the chops’ thickness. My ¾-inch chops take 3 minutes per side. Remove chops from the skillet and serve immediately. If desired, you can drizzle some additional melted butter over the chops.
Notes: this recipe is best prepared outside because of the intense smoke that will be generated while cooking. I use a portable Cajun propane burner to prepare this recipe. Also, I vastly prefer Paul Prudhomme’s blackening rub over all others.
Louis Toth
Arab EC
Cook of the Month Prize!
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TP’s Applewood Smoked Pork Chile Verde
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How do I calculate the return on investment when considering home upgrades?
If you’re
looking for the most bang for your buck, calculate the ROI of adding insulation and air sealing your home.
For many people, their home is the biggest investment and the largest purchase they make in their lives. We want to make sure that we make good decisions to protect and maximize the benefits of the investment in our homes. Energy efficiency upgrades are potential investments that can save money by reducing the energy used in your home and pay for themselves over time. Rooftop solar is another energy investment that can reduce your electric bill by generating your own energy at home.
Using return on investment is a common method to determine the benefit of an upgrade. It measures the gain or loss of an investment relative to the cost. ROI is calculated by dividing the net profit—the total cost of the investment subtracted from total revenue generated—by the cost of the investment and multiplying by 100 to find the ROI percentage. The higher the percentage, the better the investment. If you take out a loan, home equity line of credit or use a credit card, add the borrowed money and interest rate into the investment cost.
Let’s put the calculation to work on a few home project examples. Keep in mind, the numbers used below are hypothetical. Prices will vary based on the scale of your project and the cost of labor and materials in your area.
Let’s say you spend $3,000 to insulate your home, saving $330 per year for the next 20 years. Your net profit is $3,600. Then, divide the net profit by the total cost of the investment, $3,000, and multiply it by 100. That’s a ROI of 120%.
The energy efficiency impact of new windows in your home depends on the difference in efficiency of the new windows and the existing windows. You will see the most improvement when you go from the least efficient— single pane with no storm windows— to the most efficient new windows. The exact ROI for your home will also depend on your location, energy costs and the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.
The EPA estimates upgrading singlepane windows to Energy Star®-rated windows can save about 12% of your annual energy use. Let’s say you replace your existing windows for $5,000, saving $360 per year for the next 20 years. The ROI is 44%.
Windows and insulation upgrades have the added benefit of making your home quieter and more comfortable. They can also add value if you sell your home.
Adding insulation and air sealing your home are some of the most costeffective home improvement projects and can save money year-round by reducing the energy needed from your heating and cooling systems. The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that air sealing and insulation can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs or an average of 11% on total energy costs, with higher savings in the north and south because of more extreme temperature swings. Attics, walls, rim joists or floors over crawlspaces should be insulated. The ROI will vary based on your location, existing insulation levels and project cost.
Rooftop solar is another investment that some people consider. Let’s say a solar system costs $20,000 and is projected to save $30,000 over 25 years. With a net profit of $10,000, the ROI is 50%. Solar system costs and savings vary depending on where you live, how you pay for the system and your cost for electricity.
It also has the potential of adding value to your home if you decide to sell. Yet, if you have a solar system loan and lease, it can add complexity to a potential sale.
You might be eligible for tax credits or incentives through your electric cooperative or state programs to reduce the upfront costs for energy efficiency or renewable energy projects.
Most of us have limited funds for investing in our homes. Compare costs and potential savings to make the best decisions for your home and your bank account.
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
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Paddling Through Swamps Offers
children. Float hunters can cover considerably more acreage than people on foot.
Young children quickly grow bored sitting on cold ground and can never remain still or quiet. In a boat, children and novice hunters sit in relative comfort. Paddling through swamps, youngsters usually see more game or might even spot other swamp creatures while searching for squirrels. At least, they can see changing scenery. Furthermore, a boat can easily carry additional supplies, snacks and refreshments in an ice chest so hunters can take occasional breaks if they become hungry or thirsty. When hunting from a canoe, bring a dry box to store extra ammunition, clothes, phones, valuables and other supplies or equipment.
Sucking mud, palmettos, clutching thorny vines and other thick vegetation make walking through the swamp exhausting, noisy and nearly impossible. However, we moved along barely making a sound.
Soon after shooting hours began, we spotted an odd-shaped “knot” on the trunk of a cypress tree about 30 yards away. Then, the “knot” barely flicked its tail, looking almost like the Spanish moss draping the trees catching a whiff of breeze.
How did we approach so close to squirrels in a swamp where walking seems almost hopeless and never quiet? We conducted an amphibious sneak attack! Rather than smash our way through underbrush, we glided along in quiet comfort in a canoe.
“Hunting out of a boat is a fun and effective method of hunting squirrels,” says Thomas Harms, the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division supervising biologist for southwestern Alabama. “Hunting from a canoe is a quiet, easy way to cover a lot of territory and a great way to take children hunting.”
Alabama sportsmen can shoot game from any humanpowered craft. With a small boat, hunters can go where many people cannot go. Small children struggle to crash through impenetrable thickets or deep gooey mud. Often, swamp hunters must wade through water too deep for
Sportsmen can hunt solo or in teams. Double-teaming game makes the best way to hunt with children. The adult sits in the stern, controls the craft and helps spot game with the youngster in the bow ready for action with the gun pointing in a safe direction.
In a canoe or kayak, glide along slowly and quietly next to a treelined shoreline. Scan the trees for any activity that could indicate squirrels. Hunters regularly detect squirrels first with their ears. Periodically, stop paddling to listen for chattering, leaves rustling, branches shaking, objects dropping into the water or other sounds. After locating a squirrel, the paddler positions the craft so the shooter can make an ethical, safe shot.
To avoid paddling long distances across large waterbodies or against swift currents, some sportsmen tow or carry paddle craft in larger boats to smaller tributaries and backwaters where they plan to hunt. Sportsmen poling or paddling small, shallow-draft craft can reach places where few others ever attempt to go.
“People can take large boats close to their hunting places,” Harms says. “Then, they launch canoes or kayaks and paddle into their hunting spots.”
When hunting squirrels from paddled boats, sportsmen might spot other game such as feral hogs. Hunters might also see an occasional rabbit on patches of higher ground. During waterfowl season, sportsmen with the proper licenses, weapons and ammunition could jump ducks or other legal birds while quietly paddling along an Alabama stream. Some sportsmen cast for bass and other fish while watching for squirrels.
One of the best places to hunt from a boat, the MobileTensaw Delta includes nearly 100,000 acres of public hunting land in two wildlife management areas. Several major streams and numerous smaller tributaries run through bottomland hardwoods and cypress swamps.
“ The Upper Delta WMA is predominantly bottomland hardwoods with a diverse mix of mast producing trees like oaks as compared to the Lower Delta,” Harms says. “In a place like the Delta, it’s hard to get around on land and next to impossible to get close to a squirrel.”
Alabama paddlers might also try the David K. Nelson WMA near Demopolis or the Black Warrior WMA near Moulton. Sportsmen can drop a small craft into practically any water deep enough to float it and hunt areas that see very little pressure.
The 2025-26 Alabama squirrel and rabbit seasons run concurrently from Sept. 13 through March 1, 2026 with a limit of eight each per person per day. For public hunting lands, see outdooralabama.com/WhereToHunt.
PHOTO BY JOHN N. FELSHER
John N. Felsher is a professional freelance writer who lives in Semmes, Ala. He also hosts an outdoors tips show for WAVH FM Talk 106.5 radio station in Mobile, Ala. Contact him at j.felsher@ hotmail.com or through Facebook.
With a canoe, one person in the bow remains ready to shoot while the other paddles and positions the boat.
Last year I wrote a couple of times about climate nonsense. Since then, a lot of things have changed. To quote former President Barack Obama, “Elections have consequences.”
With Donald Trump’s re-election, the approach on many environmental issues has drastically changed, and the omnipresent focus on all things climate change has waned. However, that doesn’t mean climate nonsense has disappeared.
In the Deep South, this summer hasn’t been as hot as some. However, Europe has had a very hot summer, with temperatures over 100℉ for a number of days in France, Spain and Italy. The heat and lack of air conditioning in European countries has become the focus of culture wars and political arguments.
Air conditioning is not nearly as prevalent in Europe as in the U.S. Some sources estimate that while 90% of U.S. households have air conditioning, only 7% of French households have it, and only another 20% have fans. Very few French public buildings are air conditioned and most French schools, hospitals, and nursing homes don’t have air conditioning at all.
The French are conflicted on air conditioning. Only about half are in favor of air conditioning public buildings. Those who oppose air conditioning say they are scared of the American extravagance of conditioning their homes and public buildings. Others believe hospitals and nursing homes should have air conditioning, but it should not be available for everyone in their homes. Those against it often cite the environmental damage that increased carbon emissions will do to the climate, although most of the electricity in France comes from nuclear power that is carbon-free.
During this summer’s heat wave,
1,800 schools closed because of the heat. Patients in hospitals and nursing homes suffered because of the oppressive heat. Public buildings are not well ventilated, and work is difficult in hotter offices. Le Monde, a French newspaper, reported that climate-change-caused heat waves had resulted in 702 drownings in 2025, a 50% increase from 2024, as people sought relief from the heat.
The heat has caused a greater division between the environmental left and conservatives. Marine Le Pen, the leader of France’s conservative movement says, “Air conditioning saves lives. It is absurd that most schools and hospitals in France don’t have air conditioning.” France’s Green Party Leader, Marine Tondelier, counters, “I’m not opposed to air conditioning in schools and hospitals, but the real problem is poor insulation.” Instead of air conditioning, she suggests greening cities and making buildings more energy efficient.
The environmental press and environmentalists are opposed to air conditioning schools and hospitals and are also against more air conditioning in homes. Ouest-France, a French newspaper, says, “Air conditioning is an individual solution, but is a collective failure.” Liberation, a left-wing daily paper, argues that air conditioning is “an environmental aberration that must be overcome because it blows hot air onto streets and guzzles up precious energy.” Dan Lert, Paris’ deputy mayor in charge of green transition policy, states, “Air conditioning is what you’d call a maladaptation. To fix a problem, you make it worse.”
Conservative newspaper Le Figaro defends air conditioning because, “… making our fellow citizens sweat limits learning, reduces working hours, clogs up hospitals.” Atlantico, a French news website, insists, “Environmentalists have deprived France of air conditioning.”
Air conditioning has become not only a cultural issue, but a political issue. The environmental
left sees air conditioning as an evil and another example of leaders addressing the symptoms of climate change rather than dealing with its underlying causes. They argue that it is an energy-hungry technology that must be deployed sparingly for those who really need it, while society puts in place solutions that do not exacerbate global warming.
The hypocrisy of the environmental left is difficult to understand. They are willing to require people to change their lifestyles, live less comfortably, and be subjected to the risk of heat exposure today in hopes of maybe, someday, avoiding some risk of climate change. Some religious sects have worn horse hair shirts to punish themselves for their sins and to prove their faithfulness to their religions. They may have required others in their sect to do the same, but we should have moved beyond the requirement that everyone sacrifices their individual rights and choices to satisfy a minority’s concerns about climate change.
I can’t imagine living in the south without air conditioning. Where do the sacrifices end? There is still an effort to reduce the consumption of red meat to limit the number of cattle and their flatulence. Milk for children is more expensive because California is limiting the number of dairy cows to reduce the amount of cattle waste. An effort continues in some states to eliminate internal combustion vehicles despite changes made by the Trump administration on subsidies for electric vehicles. The war on fossil fuels continues to increase the cost of electricity.
All these actions either increase the cost of living or make living less enjoyable. Isn’t a better path to help people have a better, more enjoyable life and use the savings to deal with any climate consequences that might arise?
The climate hype is incredible. All this time I thought people drowned because they couldn’t swim.
I hope you have a good month.
Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.
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Oops! We messed up. The wrong puzzle answers were printed in last month’s issue. These are the correct answers to the puzzle on page 28 of the September issue.
The ‘Nickel Hamburger’ Moment
We used to have a history teacher in high school, an old guy with Coke bottle glasses and pants that hovered a good inch above his ankles. One of his favorite topics was talking about the Great Depression. He’d sit on the edge of his desk and say, “I remember when you could buy a hamburger for a…nickel!”
We would roll our eyes. A nickel? Oh, please. That sounded like something old people made up just to sound like they were forged in the fire of tougher times. We may have nodded politely, but in our heads, we were thinking, “Sure, Gramps. Now tell us about the time you saw your first horseless carriage.”
Unfortunately, now I believe that I’ve reached that stage in my life. I’ve officially become the guy who says things like, “Gas used to be 79 cents a gallon” or, “When I was a kid, there wasn’t any internet. We used a World Book Encyclopedia.” And just like that old teacher, I see this generation giving me that “Wow, you’re old” smirk, though they try to hide it. Quite poorly, I might add.
It hits you gradually. First, you realize you don’t know any of the artists on the Grammy Awards. Then you begin telling people you remember when “Saturday Night Live” used to be funny. And eventually, you reach the Oldie Trinity:
1. You start making involuntary noises when you get up.
2. You tell the same stories more than once, sometimes in the same conversation.
3. Most of your discussions concern doctor’s appointments and current medical afflictions.
And there’s the phone. Growing up, a telephone was a device attached to a wall, and if it rang during dinner, your dad would say, “They’ll call back.” Now, phones are glued to
everyone’s hands. And heaven forbid you call someone under the age of 30. You’ll get a text two hours later that says, “Did you butt call me?”
Friday nights used to mean going to the video store, pacing the aisles, and eventually renting the same movie you’d already seen five times. Now, thousands of movies are just a click away, and yet we still say, “There’s nothing to watch.”
And we actually listened to music. We sat around a turntable and not only played the entire album, but read the liner notes. We knew who played bass, and who wrote the lyrics. Now, kids skim through songs like they’re flipping through a drivethru menu. Oh, and menus have gone digital, too. Just scan the QR code, if you even know what that is.
I know. I sound like my dad, and his dad before him. That’s the way it goes. Every generation has their “nickel hamburger” moment - a mental bookmark where they say, “Things were better then,” or at least, “Things made more sense.”
But here’s the truth I’ve come to accept: It’s not about prices, or technology, or even nostalgia. It’s about time. The older you get, the more you realize it goes by in a blur. One day, you’re riding your bike without a helmet and drinking from the garden hose. Turn around, and you’re complaining about traffic, trying to remember your passwords, and having your spouse call your phone to help you find it. Again.
I’m not bitter. I’ve made peace with the fact that the world has moved on from my version of it. I’m just surprised how fast I became like the people on the Progressive Insurance ads, oblivious to the fact that while the kids around me politely nod, they’re checking their phones under the table.
And to the next generation, the ones who’ll eventually be telling their kids about the good ol’ days of TikTok influencers and Starbucks latte. Enjoy the ride while it lasts. In no time, you’ll be at the grocery store, see the price of eggs, and begin muttering about how back in your day, they were only $6 a dozen.
And the teenager next to you will smirk, while fiddling with some gadget you can’t even operate.
And the world will keep turning.
Joe Hobby is a standup comedian, a syndicated columnist, and a long-time writer for Jay Leno. He’s a member of Cullman Electric Cooperative and is very happy now that he can use Sprout from his little place on Smith Lake. Contact him at jhobby2000@aol.com.
