STORIES | RECIPES | EVENTS | PEOPLE | PLACES | THINGS | LOCAL NEWS October 2026
Cullman Electric COOPERATIVE
EAGLE PRIDE
Auburn Raptor Center Spreads Patriotic Spirit
THE LEGACY OF PETE THE CAT ALABAMA GHOST HUNTERS
CONTENTS
Vol. 79 No. 10 | October 2026
Manager Tim Culpepper Co-op Editor Lindsey Dossey
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.
12
ALABAMA RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION
AREA President Karl Rayborn Editor Lenore Vickrey Managing Editor Allison Law Senior Graphic Designer Sean Burnley Art Director Danny Weston Advertising Director Jacob Johnson Graphic Designer/ Production Coordinator Brooke Echols
ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL OFFICES:
340 TechnaCenter Drive Montgomery, Alabama 36117-6031 1-800-410-2737 For advertising, email: advertising@areapower.com For editorial inquiries, email: contact@alabamaliving.coop
NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE:
American MainStreet Publications 1-800-626-1181 www.AMP.coop www.alabamaliving.coop
CHANGE OF ADDRESS:
For co-op members, contact your local electric cooperative. Non-members, send your address change to contact@alabamaliving.coop. USPS 029-920 • ISSN 1047-0311
Printed in America from American materials
20
30
F E AT U R E S
9 Pumpkin Carving
October is the month to get out your carving tools and create a fun jack-o’-lantern, as our readers have done!
12 Spirited Fun
At locations across Alabama, visitors can take part in paranormal investigations at sites considered to be among the state’s most haunted. The good news is their spirits are generally friendly.
20 For Pete’s Sake
Pete the Cat creator James Dean visited his hometown of Fort Payne and was only too happy to spend time with fans.
DEPARTMENTS 10 Spotlight 29 Around Alabama 34 Cook of the Month 40 Outdoors 41 Fish & Game Forecast 46 Cup o’ Joe
30 Rail-to-Trail
It’s now possible to ride a bicycle from Anniston all the way to Atlanta, thanks to an extension of the Chief Ladiga Trail.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! ONLINE: EMAIL: MAIL:
www.alabamaliving.coop letters@alabamaliving.coop Alabama Living 340 Technacenter Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 Get our FREE monthly email newsletter! Sign up at alabamaliving.coop
ON THE COVER
Indy, an American bald eagle, was an ambassador for Auburn University’s Raptor Center as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration. More on Page 16. PHOTO: Auburn University Photographic Services
OCTOBER 2026 3
Cullman Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees
Phillip Garrison District 1
Trina Walker District 2
Robert Tidwell District 3 (Chairman)
James Fields, Jr. District 4
Lisa Weeks District 5
Daryl Calvert District 6
Kenny Griffin District 7
Chad Alexander District 8
Lynda Carter At-Large
4 OCTOBER 2026
Cheap Wi-Fi Extender may come with expensive lesson By Mark Freeman We all love a good bargain. Whether it is a discounted tool, a kitchen gadget we did not know we needed, or a package that arrives on the porch and leaves us wondering, “What did I order this time?” However, when it comes to equipment connected to your home internet network, the cheapest option may carry risks that are not shown on the product page. Recently, our team spoke with an elderly Sprout Fiber Internet subscriber who purchased an inexpensive third-party Wi-Fi extender from an online marketplace. A Wi-Fi extender improves wireless coverage by repeating the signal from your home router into rooms where the connection may be weak. After the device was installed, the subscriber received three copyright infringement notifications. She was close to receiving a fourth, which could have resulted in her internet service being suspended for five days. A copyright infringement notification is sent when copyrighted content—such as movies, television programs, music or software—is allegedly downloaded or shared without permission using a subscriber’s public internet address. The notification does not necessarily prove that the account holder performed the activity. It means the activity was traced back to the internet connection serving that home. In other words, your internet connection is a little like your vehicle. Even when someone else is driving, the license plate still leads back to you. During our conversation, the subscriber also explained that her checking account had recently been compromised and several unauthorized charges had appeared on her credit card. We cannot conclusively say that the Wi-Fi extender caused either the infringement activity or financial fraud without a detailed security investigation. However, the timing raised enough concerns that the device was removed and discarded. She then upgraded to Sprout’s Enhanced Wi-Fi service, giving her supported equipment that our team can help manage, update, monitor and troubleshoot. Not every inexpensive Wi-Fi device is malicious, and not every product purchased online is unsafe. However, unfamiliar networking equipment can arrive with outdated software,
weak default passwords, insecure remote-access features, limited security updates or little manufacturer support. A device that appears to be extending your Wi-Fi signal could become the weakest link in your home network. And when it comes to cybersecurity, the weakest link rarely announces itself by wearing a black hat and laughing like a movie villain. Before connecting a new router, extender, security camera, smart plug, streaming device or other internet-connected product, take a few precautions: Purchase equipment from a reputable manufacturer. Research the brand and make sure security updates and customer support are available. Change all factory-default usernames and passwords. Install the latest firmware updates. Use a strong Wi-Fi password that is not shared outside your household. Finally, remove any device you do not recognize or no longer use. Be especially cautious with products that require you to download an unfamiliar mobile application, create an account on an unknown website or provide unnecessary personal or financial information. Your home network now connects much more than computers. It may include phones, televisions, doorbells, thermostats, cameras, appliances, gaming systems and even light bulbs. Protecting your Wi-Fi is no longer just about keeping someone from borrowing your signal to watch videos. It is about protecting your personal information, connected devices and financial accounts. A bargain Wi-Fi extender may save a few dollars today, but nobody wants the free bonus feature to be “possible access for complete strangers.” When you need better Wi-Fi coverage, contact Sprout before adding unsupported equipment. Our team can help identify the best solution for your home and make sure your network is secure, reliable and properly supported. Stay connected—and stay careful about what you connect. n Mark Freeman is the vice president of Network Operations for Cullman Electric Cooperative / Sprout Fiber Internet. www.alabamaliving.coop
Holiday Closing Cullman Electric Cooperative’s offices will be closed on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026 for an employee Training Day. Cullman EC’s 24-hour dispatch center will be staffed, line crews will be on standby. Members can make payments online at CullmanEC.com/pay-bill, by phone at (256) 737-3200, drop payments in dropboxes at either office or at any of the payment kiosk locations: Addison office, Cullman office or Hopper’s Market in Fairview.
UNDERSTAND
YOUR BILL
Explore the costs and services behind the electricity you use every day with our online guide.
Contact Information Office locations Cullman - headquarters 1749 Eva Road NE Cullman, AL 35055 Addison - branch office 31132 US Hwy 278 West Addison, AL 35540 Phone 256-737-3200 (main business number) Website & Social Media www.CullmanEC.com www.SproutFiberInternet.com Follow @cullmanEC on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn Follow Sprout on Facebook and LinkedIn @sproutfiberinternet
Payment Options Draft Pay your bill by automatic draft from your checking account or credit card Online Payments may be made 24 hours a day by check, credit card or debit card on ourwebsites Kiosks Payments may be made 24 hours a day at Cullman EC’s offices on Eva Road and in Addison. The kiosk located at Hopper’s Family Market in Fairview is available during regular business hours
Scan QR to get started
Cullmanec.com 256-737-3200
Cullman Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your complete complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov. Alabama Living
By Mail Cullman Electric Cooperative PO Box 2303 Cullman, AL 35056-2303 Sprout Fiber Internet PO Box 2301 Cullman, AL 35056-2301 Night Deposit/Drop Box Available at both office locations OCTOBER 2026 5
You can eliminate extreme seasonal swings and have the peace of mind knowing you can stay on budget.
Scan here
to see if you qualify
LEVELIZED BILLING
lEVEL
Levelized Billing lets us average your monthly power bill so you pay approximately the same amount each month.
Email us at info@cullmanec.com Call 256-737-3200
Take control of your energy bills with SmartPAY Don’t Let Phantom Energy Haunt Your Bill!
Most users save 10-12% on their bills! With our free usage tracker, you can see exactly where you are at, set alerts, and adjust your habits to save even more.
Even when they’re turned off, some electronics still use electricity. TVs, gaming systems, coffee makers and chargers can quietly draw power 24/7.
Ä
Simple trick: Unplug devices you rarely use or plug them into a smart power strip that cuts power when they’re off. Stop phantom energy before it scares up your electric bill! Source: U.S. Department of Energy
SCAN TO SIGN UP
6 OCTOBER 2026
www.alabamaliving.coop
What is a Co-op?
Local voices shaping local solutions By Abby Berry
When you hear the word cooperative, what comes to mind? As your local electric co-op, we hope you think of Cullman Electric Cooperative. Regardless of the services offered, all cooperatives have one thing in common: they’re led by the people they serve, and that simple idea makes a meaningful difference. Cooperatives come in all shapes and sizes, each created to meet a specific need. Credit unions help members save and borrow money. Producer cooperatives, like Ocean Spray and Land O’Lakes, help farmers bring their products to market. Retail cooperatives, like REI and ACE Hardware, are owned by their shoppers or membership of store owners, while housing cooperatives give residents a voice in managing their communities. And utility cooperatives like Cullman Electric provide reliable electricity to the communities they serve. Unlike many businesses that answer to outside investors or shareholders, cooperatives are built for their members. Their goal isn’t simply to earn a profit; it’s to provide value, meet unique local needs and strengthen the communities they call home. That’s exactly what makes Cullman Electric Cooperative different. Our story began in 1936 when neighbors came together to bring electricity to the area when other utilities wouldn’t. While a lot has changed since then, our purpose has remained steady. We’re still here to provide power and high-speed internet while making decisions based on our community’s best interest. Being locally owned means we have the flexibility to focus on what matters most to the communities we serve. That’s why no two electric cooperatives are exactly alike. Every community has different needs, and every cooperative reflects those local priorities. For some co-ops, that means expanding programs that help members save energy and money. Others may focus on supporting economic development, investing in new technology or creating new opportunities for local students. At Cullman Electric, we give back by supporting local community agencies such as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for Cullman and Winston Counties, providing opportunities for local students through education programs and scholarships, hosting free community outreach events like Touch A Truck or creating our Community Cupboards to help support families going through a tough time. Alabama Living
You’ll also find the co-op difference in the little things. It’s the lineworkers restoring power after a storm. The employees answering your questions when you call. The team members volunteering at community events. The board members, your neighbors, who help guide decisions for the future. We’re your neighbor and local energy partner, and we’re committed to serving our community for generations to come. October is National Co-op Month, and we invite you to celebrate the cooperative difference, because this co-op belongs to you. Whether it’s Cullman Electric Co-op, your local credit union or ACE Hardware, cooperatives prove that when people work together, everyone benefits. Your membership is what makes our mission possible, and it’s what keeps us focused on serving the people and communities that matter most. n
Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives.
OCTOBER 2026 7
A grand slam!
More than a game More than internet
Before we stream the last games of baseball season, we have one final highlight reel to share. This summer, Team Sprout took to the field for our Clothesraiser softball game benefiting Curt’s Closet. It was fun, competitive and, most importantly, a chance to rally around an organization making a big difference for local kids. That spirit of community is part of who we are. Sprout Fiber Internet was built to bring fast, reliable fiber internet to our neighbors, but our investment here goes well beyond the internet connection to your home. This is our home field, too. We live here. We work here. We play here. And we’re proud to keep growing something good for the community we all share. Powerful connections. Brighter futures.
SproutFiberInternet.com | sprout@cullmanec.com | 256-737-3200 8 OCTOBER 2026
www.alabamaliving.coop
Alabama Snapshots
Carving Pumpkins
Bigfoot carved by Cara Adams. SUBMITTED by Scott and Lisa Dobson, Rockford.
Lane Feemster and Ida Smith. SUBMITTED by Anna Feemster, Fyffe. Spooky kitty. SUBMITTED by Cindy Stone, Foley.
Austin and Dylan Lass compete every Halloween on who carves the best Jack-O’-Lantern. This pumpkin is in pumpkin jail. SUBMITTED by John Lass, Orange Beach.
Carlie, Trace and Harley’s annual pumpkin carving on Halloween. SUBMITTED by Misty Turner, Sylvania.
December theme: “Our Christmas Pajamas” | Deadline: October 31 Submit photos at alabamaliving.coop/submit-photo or by scanning the QR code. Photos submitted for publication may also be used on our website and on our social media pages. Alabama Living
OCTOBER 2026 9
Spotlight E-mail us at: letters@alabamaliving.coop
Letters to the Editor
THIS MONTH IN
ALABAMA HISTORY
Reminded of joke
PHOTO COURTESY LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Professor Carver Arrives in Tuskegee
George Washington Carver working with students in a chemistry lab at Tuskegee Institute, around 1902.
“I cannot offer you money, position or fame,” began the closing line of the job offer from Booker T. Washington, principal of Tuskegee Institute and one of the nation’s leading voices for African American industrial education. “I offer you in their place work, hard work, the task of bringing a people from degradation, poverty and waste to full manhood.” The letter’s recipient was scientist and educator George Washington Carver, who Washington hoped to recruit for Tuskegee’s new School of Agriculture. Born in Missouri near the end of the Civil War, Carver was teaching at his alma mater, the Iowa State College of Agricultural and Mechanical Arts. Accepting Washington’s offer, Carver arrived in Tuskegee in October 1896 and remained there until his death almost 50 years later. His initial annual salary was $1,000 (roughly $40,000 today) plus living quarters and space to build his own research laboratory. Through his coursework and broader outreach efforts in surrounding farming communities, Carver distinguished himself as one of the nation’s leading apostles of crop diversification. Few did more to break the southern overreliance upon cotton production. He championed a wide array of alternative crops, especially the simple, powerful peanut, for which he identified more than 300 practical uses. His techniques and innovations helped struggling farmers lessen their dependence on expensive commercial fertilizers. Although declining health eventually took him out of his classroom, he continued on the lecture circuit until his death in 1943. Like Booker T. Washington, he is buried on Tuskegee’s campus. Reflecting the spirit in which he came to the Institute, Carver’s tombstone reads, “He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world.” — Scotty Kirkland
10 OCTOBER 2026
or write us at: Letters to the editor 340 TechnaCenter Dr. Montgomery, AL 36117
Reading Joe Hobby’s recent column “Just Say Mow,” I was reminded of the joke about a young new preacher who moved to town. One summer day, he was trying to get the parsonage’s old lawn mower to start. The neighbor’s kid walked over and told him, “Preacher, you have to cuss to get that mower to crank.” The preacher said, “Why, young man, I’m a man of God, I couldn’t possibly do such a thing.” The kid replied, “Well, just keep pulling that cord, preacher. It’ll come back to ya!” Scotty Kirkland, Wetumpka
Co-ops, forestry to take coordinated approach to wildfire response Alabama’s landscape is defined by its forests, rural communities, and the people who work every day to protect them. In that spirit of stewardship, representatives from Alabama’s electric cooperatives and the Alabama Forestry Commission are working together to strengthen communication, coordination and mutual understanding in the face of wildfire risks across the state. An initial meeting held earlier this year marked an important step toward building a stronger relationship between two organizations that play vital roles in Alabama’s rural areas, says Jantzen Flowers, regulatory compliance specialist with the Alabama Rural Electric Association. “While each serves a distinct mission, the cooperatives powering homes and businesses, and the Forestry Commission protecting the state’s forests, both recognize that wildfire response is strongest when agencies and utilities work side by side,” Flowers says. “The meeting focused on building familiarity between teams, understanding each other’s responsibilities, and identifying ways to streamline response efforts when wildfires threaten rural communities,” he adds. “These conversations emphasized the importance of communication, information sharing, and coordinated field awareness during emergency situations.”
Alabama Forestry Commission, AREA and Federated representatives from left, John Goff, Greg Brewer, Sam Cornwell, Karl Rayborn, Rick Oates, Jason Saunders, Ethan Barrett and Jantzen Flowers. www.alabamaliving.coop
Spotlight
Take Us Along!
Whereville, AL Identify and place this Alabama landmark and you could win $25! Winner is chosen at random from all correct entries. Send your answer with your name, address and the name of your rural electric cooperative, if applicable. The winner and answer will be announced in the November issue. Submit by email: whereville@ alabamaliving.coop, or by mail: Whereville, 340 Technacenter Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117. Contribute a photo you took for an upcoming issue! Send a photo of an interesting or unusual landmark in Alabama, which must be accessible to the public. A reader whose photo is chosen will also win $25. September’s answer: The old Bates Grocery, once owned and operated by Lowell and Elaine Bates, is located in northeast Madison County near the Tennessee line. Local residents recall buying ice-cold glass bottles of Cokes and “the best” homemade sandwiches there. Though it closed several years ago, new owners plan to fix up the building and reopen it, retaining its small-town charm and hospitality. (Photo contributed by Allan Rice) The randomly drawn correct guess winner is Delaina Greene of Joe Wheeler EMC.
We enjoy seeing photos from our readers on their travels with Alabama Living! Send us a high-resolution photo of you with a copy of the magazine (please, no phone screenshots) on your travels to: mytravels@alabamaliving.coop. Include your name, hometown, name of your electric cooperative and the location of your photo. We’ll draw a winner for the $25 prize each month. Rico and LaKesha Nelson of Seale celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary at Los Cabos, Mexico. They are members of Tallapoosa River EC. Keri Grizzard from Montgomery visited the famous Powell’s Bookstore, the world's largest independent bookstore of new and used books, while in Portland, Ore. visiting her grandchild. She is a member of Dixie EC.
Find the Hidden Dingbat! Judy Hendrix of Southern Pine EC was excited to find September’s hidden dingbat, a football, on her first time through the magazine. “My two youngest grandchildren and I always call each other and ask, ‘Have you found the dingbat yet?’” The football was tucked away on a shelf in the photo of Kenny’s Hwy. 198 Diner on Page 36. The Vanmaanen family of Arab had fun looking for the dingbat on a recent road trip to Huntsville. Heather Vanmaanen found it first, and alerted her sons, who immediately began their own search. Her 11-year-old stopped on Page 36, noting, “It has to be on here,” while his finger was actually right on the football without realizing it. “It made our first time finding the hidden football even more fun and definitely a memory we’ll laugh about every time we look for it,” she wrote. Congratulations to Modie Smith of Somerville, a member of Joe Wheeler EMC, our randomly drawn winner of $25 from Alabama One Credit Union. This month for Halloween we’ve hidden this orange witch’s hat. Remember, it won’t be in an advertisement or on Pages 1-8. Entries without a hometown and electric cooperative listed will not be considered for the prize. Good luck! By email: dingbat@alabamaliving.coop By mail: Find the Dingbat Alabama Living 340 TechnaCenter Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 Alabama Living
Joyce Harris of Jemison visited Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico, last September. She’s a member of Central Alabama EC.
Nancy Claridy McCormick of Seale and a member of Tallapoosa River EC, traveled to Heidelberg Castle while in Germany visiting her aunt, Irene Wehner, in Brebersdorf.
Sponsored by
Sheila Kidd of Clanton took her magazine along on a trip to St. Andrews State Park in Panama City, Fla. She’s a member of Central Alabama EC. OCTOBER 2026 11
host Hunting
Offers Spirited Fun
Paranormal investigations open doors to surprising encounters, new visitors and financial support at historic venues STORY AND PHOTOS BY COLETTE BOEHM
F
rom the shores of the Bon Secour River near the coast to an Underground Railroad stop in north Alabama, visitors can take part in paranormal investigations at sites considered to be among the state’s most haunted. But on these ghost tours, the spirits are generally friendly and venues reap rewards. “Ever since the age of six I have always had paranormal and psychic experiences where I have had things happen to me that are unexplainable,” says Lesley Ann Hyde, of Southern Ghost Girls Tours. “I feel angels speaking with me. I’ve had all these weird experiences.”
Lesley Ann Hyde leads ghost tours at historic venues throughout the state. Below: She greets patrons of a ghost hunt.
12 12 OCTOBER OCTOBER2026 2026
www.alabamaliving.coop www.alabamaliving.coop
Her fascination with those experiences, coupled with a heart for giving back to historic places, led Hyde to start Southern Ghost Girls Tours. She and her team, predominantly women, lead tours and “investigations” at historic venues throughout Alabama and beyond. The events introduce participants to the venue and its history and invite spirits to reveal themselves to the group. The experience blends a scientific approach, using tools and equipment, with what Hyde considers a spiritual element, her mediumship, along with the open-mindedness of the participants. “I ask that people be openminded,” she says. “We just want to make it a safe space; an environment where people feel comfortable. A safe space for people to explore something different that they’ve not done before.” Many participants, she notes, are interested in exploring a phenomenon they want to learn more about. “A lot of people at our tours are like, ‘You know, I’ve had these experiences, but I’ve never been able to tell people about it, and this is cool that there are other people I’m meeting that have had these same experiences.’ ” Hyde estimates about 50 percent of the people who come to her events have had some type of other-worldly encounter and are curious to find out more about what these experiences mean. Or, she says, they’re looking for closure by using her mediumship work. “It’s the best feeling in the world,” she says, “to help those people. It’s like they get a bonus psychic reading.” No matter their reason for coming, participants learn of the history and lore of the tour venues, and how they are woven into the fabric of their communities. The guests are also sustaining the venues by showing up. Each tour supports the host locations financially, fulfilling one of Hyde’s business objectives. Alabama Living
“I wanted to do something fun and give back to the community. And it popped into my mind: I’m going to start a company doing ghost tours. I’m going to start a company where we raise money for historic preservation.” Since the business’ inception she estimates it has contributed more than a half a million dollars back to historic preservation. “Every historic venue that we do the tours at, we give back. That’s really my mission and purpose for the company and for what I do. Plus, I just absolutely love it. I love getting to meet people.”
Different personalities, different energy
It’s clear that she has come to love the venues she visits regularly as well. Her tours are held at venues considered to be some of the most haunted in the state. They each have a personality of their own, she says, and in most cases, have resident paranormal personalities that join in the tours. “Every single venue has a different energy,” she notes. “In our investigations, we do try to speak with the residents of the houses, but there are other spirits that can come through. So, there is always a different vibe.” The form of that communication can be as varied as the “vibe.” Hyde recalls seeing what she considers evidence of active spirits in forms including setting off equipment sensors, footsteps in hallways and stairs, random item movements and figures appearing in photographs. In the nearly 10 years of investigations at the Arlington House in Birmingham, the spirit of Judge William Mudd often comes through. At Huntsville’s Historic Lowry House, they’ve witnessed a lot of activity related to the house’s Underground Railroad connections as well as the spirit of former resident Anne Lowry.
From top down: Many people have reported seeing a woman sitting in the upstairs window at Huntsville’s Historic Lowry House. The back stairway was the only way stowaways during the Underground Railroad era were allowed to enter their safe room. Electronic equipment is used to detect the presence of spirits.
OCTOBER 2026 13
The Original Alabama Ghost Girl: Kathryn Tucker Windham No discussion of ghosts in Alabama would be complete without giving a nod to author, photographer and legendary storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham (1918-2011). Her 1969 book, 13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey, penned with Margaret Gillis Figh, introduced a generation of children to the Windham family’s friendly spirit, Jeffrey, along with stories of other Alabama spirits. Southern Ghost Girls Tours owner Lesley Ann Hyde recalls Windham’s books being an influence during her childhood. “I was a huge fan as a little girl,” she said. “I vividly recall when we would get to go to the library at school. I would go straight for the 13 Alabama Ghosts, 13 Tennessee Ghosts, books and read them during library time and check them out. I absolutely loved them! Actually, for my 30th birthday, I got a complete set of all of her books! Still have them.” While Windham’s stories were about ghosts and haunted locations, her daughter Dilcy Windham Hilley notes that Kathryn’s true love was the sharing of the stories themselves.
14 14 OCTOBER OCTOBER2026 2026
While at the Swift-Coles Historic Home in Bon Secour, the rich history of the area adds variety to the spirits encountered. They include British soldiers and Civil War soldiers as well as family members who lived in the home. Through the use of a variety of electronic tools, combined with questions from both Hyde and tour participants, the events “allow the ghosts to tell their own story,” she says. Those personal stories help honor the history of venue, according to Hyde. “People who would never come to just a history tour of a place will come for the ghost hunt, and they’ll learn the history. They may not know that they’re learning history, but they’re having fun while learning the history.” Swift-Coles Manager Susan Reynolds agrees. “It’s a good way to bring people into the house. The people who come, as Lesley said, are here for the excitement, probably more so than the history. But we want to get people into the house. This is an old house and requires a lot of maintenance. And that’s expensive. This goes towards helping us to achieve that goal. It’s just another thing to get more people in to enjoy our house, and they’ll tell friends, hopefully.” Southern Ghost Girls Tours holds events in venues as diverse as Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, the Drish House in Tuscaloosa and the Historic Painted Lady Hotel in Birmingham. They also host Ghost Walks and Murder Mystery Dinners.
“She was much more interested in preserving the folklore and the history of the stories,” Hilley notes. “That was her purpose. To preserve the stories as folklore. “People would say, ‘Well, Miss Windham, do you believe in ghosts?’ And she’d say, ‘I believe that the people who tell me the stories believe. I believe them.’” Windham’s ghost stories, as well as her many other accomplishments, are documented at the Kathryn Tucker Windham Museum on the Thomasville campus of Coastal Alabama Community College and at kathryntuckerwindham.com.
PHOTO COURTESY TED TUCKER
This figure that appeared in a photo taken at SwiftColes Historic Home is thought by some to resemble former resident Susan Swift.
www.alabamaliving.coop www.alabamaliving.coop
Alabama Living
OCTOBER 2026 15
PHOTOS COURTESY AUBURN UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHIC SERVICES
Amanda Sweeney, the Raptor Center’s assistant director of education and training, holds Indy the bald eagle in Philadelphia.
Spirit OF
PATRIOTISM
Auburn Eagle Wows Crowds Beyond Jordan-Hare BY T. JENSEN LACEY
T
he American eagle. Its history seems to be blended into every patriot’s DNA. This raptor (bird of prey) represents courage, wisdom, strength and determination. It’s also our national bird. This year – our semiquincentennial – American pride is showing itself in a variety of ways and in celebrations across the U.S. For some of those celebrations, the proverbial star of the show is from Alabama. Specifically, the star is from Auburn University’s Raptor Center (AURC). For among those raptors at the AURC, one — an American bald eagle — has been the highlight of patriotic celebrations, in the form of gloved meet-andgreets at special events commemorating America’s 250th anniversary of independence. The AURC has made these things possible. Since opening its doors in 1972, the Center has rescued and rehabilitated thousands of birds of prey, including a variety of owls, eagles, falcons, hawks and vultures.
16 OCTOBER 2026
Most of these injured birds have been released back to the wild once their treatment and rehabilitation period is over. Some, on the other hand, become “imprinted,” which means they have become accustomed to being around and handled by humans and can no longer survive on their own. Once they become non-releasable they may be assessed for eligibility as an educational ambassador in other programs similar to the AURC. “The American eagle especially was on the brink of extinction when the Center first opened its doors in 1972,” says Dr. Robyn Miller, director of the AURC. “At that time, with the broad use of such insecticides as DDT, there were only a few hundred nesting eagle pairs in the entire United States. Now, with newer government restrictions and more conservation laws in place, the eagle and other raptors have made a comeback. I’m so glad that Auburn and the AURC could be a part of that.” www.alabamaliving.coop
Fall in the Blue Ridge Never Tasted THIS Good America’s Longest Oktoberfest — 56 Years and Counting!
Visit Helen, Georgia — a Bavarian alpine village just 90 minutes north of Atlanta, nestled in the Blue
Ridge Mountains — where authentic German beer, Oompah bands, bratwurst, and lederhosen-clad staff make every weekend feel like Munich. Join us September 10 through November 1 for the 56th Annual Helen Oktoberfest, the longest-running celebration of its kind in the country and one of the longest in the world.
Longest-running Oktoberfest in the country. We celebrate every day of the week in October!
Alpine Helen
Sautee Nacoochee, Cleveland & Unicoi State Park
Alpine Helen - White County Regional Visitor Center • 726 Bruckenstrasse, Helen, GA 30545
AlpineHelenWhiteCountyCVB Alabama Living
800-858-8027 | HelenGa.org OCTOBER 2026 17
‘Indy’ takes a different kind of flight
Miller tells of some of the events the eagles have taken part in this year. “This past July 3, we took our American bald eagle, Independence (affectionately referred to as “Indy”) to Independence Hall (in Philadelphia) for a gloved meet-and-greet mingle,” she says, and the excitement was evident in her voice. “It was incredible. Philly welcomed us with open arms and we were able to ensure that our national living symbol, and one of our greatest conservation success stories, was grounded in our 250th celebration of this country.” She continued: “We flew via Delta Airlines, which allowed Indy to fly coach class in her cage. We got to meet the staff of Independence National Historical Park and were able to connect with more people and educate them about bald eagles.” Miller says there was a lot of preparation to take one American bald eagle on a trip to one of these events. “To go out of state with an ambassador bald eagle included getting permits from Philadelphia, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Department and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee to ensure we’re adhering to all the strict standards and best practices for handling these raptors. Indy is still a wild animal, and we had to adhere to the regulations and the highest standards of welfare (for the bird).” Indy first joined the team in 2018 after a stint at a rehabilitation clinic in Florida because of a wing injury, Miller says. “She imprinted on humans, making it where she couldn’t be released back into the wild. She had her first official pre-game flight at Jordan-Hare Stadium in 2021.” Miller emphasized the impact of taking part in and bringing the AURC’s ambassador eagle to America’s 250th celebration. “Indy’s presence at the America 250 Time Capsule Dedication was an invitation to our national community to join us in recalling the bald eagle’s role in our history and in celebrating them as one of our nation’s conservation success stories,” she says. “After all, protecting our wildlife for the next 250 years is one of the most patriotic endeavors we can pursue.” For more on the center, its birds of prey, events and activities, fly on over to Auburn.edu/raptor.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF “WAR EAGLE” The very first eagle to fly over Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn was in the year 2000, and that eagle’s name was Tiger. Two others that have done the pre-game flight are Nova and Spirit. As of 2026, five golden eagles have represented Auburn as part of the pre-game flight. “Our latest eagle, Spirit, retired in 2021 and Indy took over her role in the flights,” Miller says. “Aurea, War Eagle VIII, is our current War Eagle. She made her debut flight in 2018.” This tradition has its roots from a legend going back to the American Civil War. There was a Civil War veteran who had found an injured eagle on a battleground. He is said to have taken it home and nursed it to health (a practice which is illegal today). He and that eagle were both regulars at Auburn football games. The story goes that, during one game in 1892, Auburn was losing to Georgia, but history took a turn for the Auburn Tigers when the eagle, with its six-foot wingspan, suddenly took off in a flight over the field. The fans became ablaze with excitement and saw Auburn defeating Georgia, coming from behind, with the team boosted on by fans’ shouts of “Look! It’s the war eagle!” Today, the raptor handlers first begin training the birds in an empty stadium before having them fly pre-game in a stadium full of fans. It is truly something to witness, especially when the birds swoop down for their edible rewards. There are quite a few videos of the eagles’ training on YouTube.
18 OCTOBER 2026
PHOTOS COURTESY AUBURN UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHIC SERVICES
Clockwise, from top right, Katie Pnewski, raptor specialist III, and veterinarian Dr. Amberly Sokoloff, VMD; Indy looks over the Philly skyline; Katie Pnewski and Indy visit with the Independence National Historical Park Rangers.
www.alabamaliving.coop
What could you do with a What could youdo dowith withaaa What Whatcould couldyou you do with lower auto payment? lower auto payment? lower lowerauto autopayment? payment? RATES AS LOW AS 3.99% APR* RATES AS LOW AS3.99% 3.99% APR* RATES APR* RATESAS ASLOW LOWAS AS 3.99% APR* 90 DAYS NO PAY*!
* * *! 90DAYS DAYSNO NOPAY PAY 90 !! 90 DAYS NO PAY
APPLY TODAY APPLY TODAY APPLY APPLY TODAY by scanning theTODAY QR code scanning the QR code byby scanning the QR code the QR code
Looking for a Looking fora a Lookingfor Looking better auto loan? better auto loan? better autoloan? better auto
Join Alabama ONE today Join Alabama ONE Join Alabama ONE today Join Alabama ONE today and discover how much you and discover how and discover how much you and discover how much you could save with competitive rates could save with competitive rates could save with rates could save with competitive rates on new, used, and refinanced on new, used, and new, used, and refinanced onon new, used, and refinanced auto loans. auto loans. auto loans. auto loans.
alabamaone.org/join alabamaone.org/join alabamaone.org/join alabamaone.org/join
Products & Services Products Products &Services Services Products &&Services Personal Personal Personal Personal Commercial Commercial Commercial Commercial Mortgage Mortgage Mortgage Land Mortgage & Agriculture Land & Land &Agriculture Agriculture Land &Insurance Agriculture Insurance Insurance Insurance Financial Wellness Financial Wellness Financial Wellness Financial Wellness Wealth Advisory Wealth Advisory Wealth Advisory Wealth Advisory Technology Solutions Technology Solutions Technology Solutions Technology Solutions
Become a member today and Become membertoday today and Become todayand and Become a amember drive toward better financial future. drive towardaaa abetter betterfinancial financial future. drive toward better financialfuture. future. drive toward
Federally Insured by NCUA ederally Insured by NCUA Federally Insured NCUA Federally Insured by by NCUA Equal Housing Opportunity Lender qual Housing Opportunity Lender Equal Housing Opportunity Lender Equal Housing Opportunity Lender
Credit Union Credit Union Credit Union Credit Union
*Terms and conditions apply. Loans are subject to underwriting guidelines. Offer not available on existing Alabama ONE loans. Must be a member of Alabama ONE to qualify. The minimum
ms *Terms and Loans are subject to underwriting underwriting guidelines. Offer not available on Alabama ONE loans. Must a member ofofAlabama totoqualify. The minimum loan amount is apply. $10,000. Cash back amount will 0.50%guidelines. of theguidelines. vehicle loan with amount toexisting a maximum of ONE $500. See an Alabama ONE for further important details, including and conditions Loans are subject tobeunderwriting Offer not available on existing Alabama ONE loans. Must be a employee member Alabama ONE qualify. The minimum erms andconditions conditions apply.apply. Loans are subject to Offer not available onup existing Alabama loans. Must be abemember of Alabama ONEONE to qualify. The minimum rates, and$10,000. other criteria. expires 31,vehicle 2026. Finance charges accruing ofof the disbursement date. Subject change without notice. APR is nanamount isisterm $10,000. Cash back will bewill 0.50% ofOctober theofvehicle vehicle loanwith withamount amount toaupmaximum a tomaximum of $500. See an Alabama employee for important details, including loan amount is Cashamount back amount be 0.50% the loan with amount a maximum $500. an Alabama ONE employee forfurther further important details, including Alabama Living OCTOBER 2026 19shown amount $10,000. Casheligibility back amount willOffer be 0.50% of the loan upupto begin of as $500. Seeloan anSee Alabama ONEONE employee fortofurther important details, including with 0.25% reduction for automatic payment. For example, 36-month term on $20,000 vehicle loan at 3.99%APR has a monthly payment of $590.42. 3.99%APR only for 36-month loan s, term and other eligibility criteria. Offer expires October 31, 2026. Finance charges begin accruing as of the loan disbursement date. Subject to change without notice. APR shown termother and other eligibility criteria. Offer expires October 31, 2026. Finance charges accruing as ofloan thedisbursement loan disbursement date. Subject to change without APR shown is tes, rates, term and eligibility criteria. Offer expires October 31, 2026. Finance charges begin begin accruing as of the date. Subject to change without notice.notice. APR shown isterm.is for payment. For example, example, 36-month termon on$20,000 $20,000 vehicle loan at 3.99%APR a monthly payment of of $590.42. 3.99%APR for loan with reduction 0.25% reduction for automatic payment. For example, 36-month term on $20,000 vehicle at 3.99%APR a monthly payment $590.42. 3.99%APR only for36-month 36-month loan term. term. th0.25% 0.25% reduction for automatic automatic payment. For 36-month term vehicle loan atloan 3.99%APR hashas a has monthly payment of $590.42. 3.99%APR only only for 36-month loan term.
For Pete the Cat creator has humble Alabama roots BY ALLISON LAW PHOTOS BY DAVID HAYNES
James Dean, creator of the "Pete the Cat" character and children's books, autographs a book for a young fan at the "Pete the Cat Festival" in August in Fort Payne. Dean made a drawing of Pete in each book he signed.
20 20 OCTOBER OCTOBER2026 2026
www.alabamaliving.coop www.alabamaliving.coop
Pete’s Sake N
estled in the valley between Sand Mountain and Lookout Mountain, Fort Payne is probably best known for music (home of 1980s country supergroup Alabama) and industry (“the Sock Capital of the World”).
But the first weekend in August, this small city embraces its groovier, artsy side, when native son James Dean comes back home for the “Pete the Cat Festival” – dedicated to the bright blue, laid-back, guitar-playing feline who’s delighted young fans for almost 20 years. A larger-than-life mural, painted by Dean himself, greets visitors to the downtown area. On a rainy Saturday in August, Pete the mural – with his oversized football-shaped eyes and red, high-top sneakers – watched over the crowd of fans gathered to meet Pete’s creator, who happily returns to the place he calls home (despite being a Georgia resident now). Dean was born here, but the family moved around and returned when he was in high school (he graduated from Fort Payne High School in 1976). All the kinfolks on his mother’s side are from the mountain area, which he calls “home.” “Lots of wonderful memories as a child up on Sand Mountain,” he recalls today. “My ties here are strong.” About a hundred lucky ticket-holding Pete fans waited in the morning drizzle for the doors to the historic Coal and Iron building to open. Some authors push through book-signings, limiting the number of items to be signed and having handlers move eager patrons through the line. Dean took his time, chatting with families and especially the children, giving each book a personalized Pete drawing. The event took hours, but no one seemed to mind the wait. One of the organizers of this event is Connie Fuller, who works with the Fort Payne Main Street program to promote downtown economic vitality. She’s also a friend of Dean and is not surprised at his popularity here, nor his willingness to spend time with fans. Alabama Living
“He is a very humble but amazing artist and man,” Fuller says. “I’m always amazed at how smart, funny and talented he is.”
An engineer … and an artist
After high school, Dean went to Auburn and earned a degree in electrical engineering. He took a job with Georgia Power and had a choice of places to live. He settled in Athens, which at that time – the early to mid-1980s – had a burgeoning music and arts scene. “I think that really affected me, because my plan was, I really wanted to study art, even at Auburn.” Even as a student in the engineering school. “I have this strong memory of seeing the art students sitting out on the grass drawing pictures of the buildings, which, I loved to draw buildings, and I walked by there carrying my engineering books, and I was just so sad that I couldn’t be out there sitting on the grass drawing pictures with them,” he recalls. “I used to sit on the steps of Samford Hall at night and think about the future and how I was going to get to art someday. So, it was my plan in college. Had no idea it would end up. I wasn’t thinking about children’s books at all, you know?” He was making a good living with Georgia Power, but like many who have a heart for art, the job left him unfulfilled. His wife had a good job and encouraged him to pursue art full time, so he left engineering in 1997, “to my mama’s dismay.” “I felt like I had to go out and try, and that first year my income tax said I made zero, but I was so happy.” He started traveling and painting in different places, experiences that helped him hone his craft and gave him visual inspiration. “Every painting is a story.”
OCTOBER 2026 21
The real Pete the cat
The inspiration for Pete the Cat was a real Pete the cat, a little black shelter kitty who captured Dean’s heart and became his muse, albeit reluctantly. A friend kept bugging Dean to draw a picture of Pete, but he didn’t want to draw cats. She kept after him, and Dean finally gave in. She loved the painting, and Dean kept creating. Originally, Dean created Pete to appeal to adults, but he found that kids loved his paintings of Pete. A chance meeting in Atlanta with a singer/storyteller forged a collaboration that eventually led to a series of children’s books, based on Dean’s drawings of Pete. Much like Dean himself, Pete the character is approachable and laid-back, and the themes of the books please parents and kids alike: positive attitudes, self-expression, the importance of friendships and inclusion and overcoming fears. April Pritchett brought her son, Hank, to meet Dean at the August event. Hank, 11, has sort of aged out of the books, but he’s still a big fan. His favorite book is Rocking in My School Shoes, one of the older titles that follows Pete as he starts first grade and discovers that the lunchroom, playground and library are – like Pete himself – pretty cool. Asked what he likes about Pete, Hank says, “Just that he’s always positive. He gives positive vibes. He’s groovy.” Mom April says her kids always read Pete the Cat when they were younger, and she didn’t realize Dean was from the area. The Pritchetts live in the Horton/Guntersville area and are members of Marshall-DeKalb EC. “We learned later, when we came to Fort Payne and saw this mural out there, that he’s from here. That’s awesome.”
As he says about the different trajectories his career has taken, as well as the success of the Pete the Cat franchise, “you can’t explain it.” Besides the books, there are lots of Pete-themed products, including action figures, plush dolls, activity sheets and printables, shoes and slippers, pillows and – fitting for a cat who was featured in some of Dean’s early paintings sipping a cup of Joe – a Pete the Cat coffee blend called “Surf ’s up,” in partnership with Jittery Joe’s Coffee in Athens, Ga. “The best advice I ever got from a successful artist was to take every opportunity that comes your way, no matter how small,” he says. Dean and his collaborator were doing well with their selfpublished books, and he wasn’t looking for more. But on his 51st birthday, he got an unexpected call from a book publisher in New York, interested in making a deal for Pete the Cat. The books have since sold millions, and many titles have topped The New York Times best-seller lists. He’ll be 69 in December, still creating and drawing.
The call of home
He still works collaboratively, now with his ex-wife, Kimberly, on the books, which he says take up most of his time. Dean is the illustrator, and she writes many of the stories; the ‘Best advice’ latest book, published in September, is centered on cookies. After creating the first book, I Love My White Shoes, Dean His experiences growing up in Alabama seem to find their way worked the art festival circuit, selling self-published books from into his work, even after all these years. a tent and his car, and the books and his paintings attracted The engineer in him is always thinking about building a following. He stumbled onto another marketing ploy: He things. “Pete’s sort of doing stuff that I might do, so he builds gave away paintings for charities and auctions, and in the this cookie machine, and it goes haywire. artsier neighborhoods, towns and cities, art lovers took notice, “I realized, I used to work at the bakery here in Fort Payne, extending a brand Dean didn’t even know he had created. and one night, they let me run the dough divider, which is the main part of the breadmaking process, right?” Dean made a mistake, the divider completely quit and broke the whole line down. “I was so embarrassed. (But) I realized, as I was writing the story, it was really sort of my experience working in the bakery.” And he’ll continue to create new adventures for Pete and his menagerie of friends. There’s also Pete the Kitty – Pete before he grew up, with books geared for toddlers and littles – and a seemingly endless amount of fun and trouble for the Pete gang to get into. He’s moved most of his family to be near him in Athens, Ga., but his ties to the mountains in Alabama will always remain. “I would like to have a home here, maybe up on the mountain. I wish I could buy my grandfather’s old place and live out there on that land. The house burned down, which I’m still sad about, but this is Dean prepares to autograph a plush toy for 3-year-old Matana McClintock. Dean's aunt, Polly Akins, to his right, still lives in the area and accompanied him to his meet-and-greet with fans. God’s country right here.”
22 OCTOBER 2026
www.alabamaliving.coop
Alabama Living
OCTOBER 2026 23
Scan to see what’s waiting down the trail.
CABINETS OF CURIOSITY & MEMORY JUGS Butch Anthony
MAKERS MONDAY Claudia Pettway Charley & Andrea Williams
ALABAMA BISCUIT EXPERIENCE Chef Scott Peacock
Museum of Wonder
Gee’s Bend, AL
Marion, AL
Seale, AL Andrea Williams, whose work is held
James Beard Award-winning chef Scott
Working from an 80-acre property
in the permanent collection of the
Peacock has spent decades exploring and
he has shaped over decades, Butch
Philadelphia Museum of Art, is part
preserving the foodways of the American
Anthony
ever-evolving
of a lineage that has reshaped the
South. At Reverie, his historic Marion
world of art, objects, and ideas—
global understanding of American art.
home, Peacock transforms the making
blending storytelling, collecting, and his
Alongside her, Claudia Pettway Charley
of biscuits into a meditative experience
philosophy of “Intertwangleism.” His
advances the Gee’s Bend legacy through
rooted in memory, place, ingredients, and
work has been exhibited in museums
major fashion collaborations with brands
the traditions of Alabama’s Black Belt.
and galleries nationwide.
like Adidas, Ralph Lauren, & Target.
creates
an
TAKE-AWAY TAKE-AWAY
Cabiniet of Curiosity or Memory jug created from found objects and your own personal keepsakes.
24 OCTOBER 2026
TAKE-AWAY
Custom made Gee’s Bend-inspired one-of-a-kind garment.
An intimate encounter with a celebrated chef and deeper insight into the history and ritual behind the Southern biscuit. www.alabamaliving.coop
MEET THE MAKERS. MAKE THE JOURNEY. The Maker’s Trail invites you to experience Alabama’s Black Belt through intimate, hands-on encounters with the region’s artists, cooks, and craftspeople. Connect with local makers, learn time-honored traditions, and create a meaningful keepsake of your own. Intimate by Design. Distinctly Black Belt. Offered in small-group and private formats, each experience is paired with nearby places to stay, eat, and explore.
ROOTED IN CRAFT Aaron Sanders Head
SOMETHING FROM NOTHING Charlie “The Tin Man” Lucas
Sumac Cottage
Selma, AL
Geeensboro, AL A textile artist rooted in the land, Aaron Sanders Head works with natural dyes, hand stitching, and quilt traditions to create pieces shaped by rural Alabama. At Sumac Cottage, his restored studio and dye garden in Greensboro, guests explore how plants, place, and process come together through indigo, natural dyeing, and hands-on textile work. TAKE-AWAY
A hand-dyed textile created with natural materials, layered color, and your own pattern-making. Alabama Living
PRINTMAKING & THE ART OF REUSE Scott Peek Standard Deluxe Waverly, AL
Known as the “Tin Man,” Charlie Lucas transforms discarded materials into expressive sculptures through welding, painting, and an instinctive approach to making. His sprawling Selma studio fills an entire city block with salvaged metal, tools, works in progress, and finished pieces, creating an immersive environment where visitors can see how cast-off materials become art. TAKE-AWAY
A finished sculpture or art object created from salvaged materials.
Artist and designer Scott Peek has spent
35
years
building
Standard
Deluxe into a distinct creative world where printmaking, music, design, and adaptive reuse come together. Guests tour the site and discover stories behind its
repurposed
buildings,
collected
objects, and unique creative spaces before entering the print shop. TAKE-AWAY
A one-of-a-kind silkscreen print with your mix of image, color, & style OCTOBER 2026 25
Black Belt Creative Artists Share Talents on New Maker’s Trail BY LENORE VICKREY
A
PHOTO COURTESY AARON SANDERS HEAD
labama’s Black Belt, a span of 23 counties stretching through the west and southern part of the state, has long been known for its artistic heritage, rich history and distinctive landscape. A new initiative, the Alabama Black Belt Maker’s Trail, is shining the spotlight on the creative personalities who live and work in the Black Belt and invites visitors to experience their work alongside them.
The trail kicked off officially last month but interest is already building, says Pam Swanner, executive director of Alabama Black Belt Adventures. Designed to be more than an observational visit to a destination, the trail is a curated experience where visitors can interact directly with the makers and take home a unique craft they made themselves. Organizers hope participants will want to visit not just one, but all the makers. “I don’t imagine anyone can take one of these experiences and not come away with a better understanding of the Black Belt,” says Swanner, “but 26 OCTOBER 2026
also with this desire to go see the other makers on the trail. And all the makers are passionate about the Black Belt.” The first core group of makers includes Andrea Williams and Claudia Pettway Charley, quilters from Gee’s Bend in Wilcox County; Butch Anthony, self-taught artist from Seale in Russell County; Aaron Sanders Head, textile artist from Greensboro in Hale County; and sculptor Charlie “Tin Man” Lucas of Selma in Dallas County. Others will be added, for a total of about 10 to 12, including Scott Peacock, whose “biscuit experience” workshops in Marion already garner a national following. Aaron Head has already held a maker’s class at his Sumac Cottage, a restored early 19th-century home in Greensboro, where he can comfortably instruct 12 people. Participants learned how to dye their own fabric using indigo, a plant that Head grows on his property, and other plant-based dyes. “We grow 10 different dye plants in the garden,” he says. In addition to indigo he also grows three or four kinds
of marigolds, coreopsis, and madder, a climbing plant known for its red dye color. Born to a mother who was a textile artist, quilter and sewer, and a father who was a farmer who worked for Bonnie Plants, Head says he came by his interest in fabric and plants quite naturally. His interest in dye was piqued when he took an indigo dyeing class 10 years ago. Originally from south Montgomery County, he’s called Greensboro home for the past six years. “I got really interested in the color palettes that felt like they were from the place that we were making the artwork in,” he says. “So I wanted to make quilts and textiles in Greensboro that looked like Greensboro and grow plants here and use things here from the earth.” People are encouraged to bring their own white, natural fabric from home, such as linens or clothing. Head provides a yard of fabric. “Some will bring a suitcase full of clothes and one even brought their wedding dress one time,” he recalls. “I provide all the indigo and all the materials.” One of his biggest fans who’s taken several classes already is Loretta Lynn, a fellow textile artist and non-traditional embroiderer from Tuscaloosa. “Aaron is the person who inspired and mentored me,” she says, even encouraging her to grow her own dye garden. “He teaches you to open your eyes to look at the world in a different way, and that each geographic area has its own palette. He’s very positive and supportive.” Want to dye your own fabric, stitch a quilt, or create something out of the ordinary? Organizers have made it easy for trail visitors to make travel plans by providing names of restaurants, overnight lodging and historical landmarks in the areas near each location. Detailed information is at alabamablackbeltadventures.org/ makers-trail. “Sometimes people don’t expect there to be these elevated, highly unique experiences, in the Black Belt,” says Swanner. “But they are there.” From left to right: Aaron Sanders Head hangs indigo-dyed fabric to dry at his Greensboro workshop. Gee’s Bend quilters Andrea Williams and her cousin, Claudia Pettway Charley, will lead a hands-on “heritage to runway” workshop exploring their community’s quilting traditions and influence on contemporary fashion.
PHOTO BY SYDNEY FOSTER
www.alabamaliving.coop
Meet the Hybrid That Never Needs Gas
A one-of-a-kind timepiece for the Impossible Price of $39!
I
nnovation is the path to the future. Stauer takes that seriously. That’s why we developed the Yellowjacket Hybrid Watch, an impressive timepiece that’s sure to turn heads. We originally priced the Yellowjacket at $399 based on the market for advanced sports watches … but then stopped ourselves. Since this is no ordinary economy, and everyone else has raised their prices, we decided to start at 90% OFF! This technological marvel can be yours for ONLY $39! Only Stauer can offer you a price this good.
Impossib le P ONLY rice
39
When it comes to purchasing a quality, timeless timepiece, there’s one question every prospective buyer must consider: digital or analog. Both have their advantages. We say, why not have both? Our Men’s Yellowjacket Hybrid Watch is a surprising innovation. Its digital readout is powered by a precise quartz engine that combines both analog and digital timekeeping. Outfitted with a stopwatch, alarm, a.m./ p.m. settings and day, date and month complications, this timepiece is hard to beat. With its large face and handsome, masculine design, this watch is perfect for the back nine and the happy hour afterward. Water-resistant up to 3 ATM, this timepiece won’t wimp out if it has a run-in with a water hazard. And best of all is the color of its case and band: This watch boasts two tones. Lately, two-tone watches have been the toast of the luxury watch world: “Two-tone is the physical embodiment of work-hard, play-hard,” says Hodinkee, a website that chronicles the watch industry. But where luxury brands are charging hundreds simply for their two-tone watch bands, we’re asking JUST $39 for an entire two-tone watch! Act now! We only have 1,237 731 available for this ad, and half have already sold! And if this watch doesn’t live up to your expectations for some reason, return it for a refund with no questions asked. Watch Specifications: • Precision movement • Two-tone stainless steel band • Stopwatch, alarm, a.m./p.m. settings and day, date and month complications • Water-resistant to 3 ATM
“Love the style and the combo of analog and digital!”
Men’s Yellowjacket Hybrid Watch $399 $39* + S&P Save $360 *You must use Insider Offer Code to get this price.
1-800-333-2045
— Rich C., Plainfield, IL
J 1
Your Insider Offer Code: YHW202-01 Stauer, 14091 Southcross Drive W., Dept. YHW202-01, Burnsville, MN 55337 | www.stauer.com
AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY
Alabama Living
OCTOBER 2026 27
Alabama’s Little League Team Brings Pride to State BY LENORE VICKREY
T
he Phenix City Little League All Stars 12-Youth team, made up of 11 boys and one girl, captured the hearts of Alabama and America as they slugged their way into Little League history in August. The team has a special connection to Alabama’s electric cooperatives: Twelve-
year-old second baseman Casen Smith, number 13, is the son of Chad Smith, safety specialist for the Alabama Rural Electric Association (which publishes Alabama Living). Most of the team has played together since they were 6 and 7 years old. “They loved every minute of it,” says Smith, who traveled to Williamsport, Pa., with his wife Lindsay, their younger son Cullen, 9, and their extended family, to watch all the games. The team won the Southeast Regional title, advancing them to the Little League World Series as Alabama’s team. After losing to Washington in their first game, the team won three consecutive games, including a dramatic comeback 6-5 walk off win over Pennsylvania. Pitcher Kinley Rasmus tied or set multiple records for girls at a World Series, setting an all-time record for most hits and most RBIs, tied for most wins and strikeouts and is the first to have an extra base hit, according to Yahoo Sports. “We placed fourth in the United States and seventh worldwide,” says Smith. And when Kinley Rasmus was pitching, TV viewership increased, he adds, with a reported 2 million viewers watching
those games on ESPN. She attends school with Casen, Smith says, “and she is very humble. She doesn’t necessarily like all that attention. Those are her best friends she’s playing with.” Her dad, Cory, coaches third base and is a former MLB pitcher; her uncle, Colby, was an MLB outfielder; and her mother was a D1 softball athlete, Smith says. The team prepared intensely for the World Series, practicing six days a week from 3 p.m. to 8:30 or 9 at night. “Some days, instead of the late practice, they did 10 to 2,” in the heat of the day, Smith says, “to get in shape. People didn’t realize how much work our team put in from the time we made All-Stars.” While just being at the World Series with his son was a special dad moment, Smith says the moment all the teams from all over the world lined up on the field for the first time “was incredible.” “The only moment bigger for them would be if they were drafted and played in their first major league game,” he adds. Support from his co-op family meant a lot during the weeks away in Pennsylvania, Smith says. “I was getting text messages all the time,” he says. “It felt good they were supporting my young’un.”
CROSSWORD BY MYLES MELLOR
Answers on Page 45.
Across 1 He is credited with discovering America and is celebrated Down in October 1 The first murderer in the Bible 5 Creator of Dracula, ____ Stoker 2 Cowboy’s rope and last name 10 Fuss and bother of TV’s Ted 11 “____ really scary!” 3 Alabama port city with guided 12 At Spanish Fort you can go on guided ghost walks and nighttime walking tours diving into haunted buildings night-time paranormal investigations at the Historic ____State Park 4 Stars and stripes nation 13 Family friendly seasonal fall fun in OWA can be enjoyed 6 Sun’s beams at this version of Halloween 7 Commercial 16 Length measure, briefly 8 Beach Fun Run in Gulf 17 Leave Shores where runners dress in Halloween costumes, 2 words 18 Tear apart 20 Edgar Allan Poe’s book The ___ and the Pendulum 9 Cut off 22 More unsettling 13 Wish for 24 Katie Britt, for example, abbr. 14 Armed conflict 25 Conclusion 15 Small bite 26 Alabama town where you may be scared at Grace Hill 19 Shrill, as a cry Farms Zombie Hunt 21 Caught, unable to escape- 3 29 Killer whale words 30 Not lean 22 Signal to begin 33 “___ in cat”- 2 words 23 Boxes in 34 This Leeds site is one of the largest indoor haunted 24 Spooky ____, Montgomery: an attractions in the southeast, _____ Factory annual event with trick-or treat animal trails 35 Glossy wood coating 36 Compass direction, briefly 27 Casts spells on 37 Little devil 28 Stephen King creation, e.g. 38 Alabama destination which offers a terrifying hayride and 31 “___ ease” military command a lights-off Barn of Horrors at Pope’s Haunted Farm 32 Filled with gloom 39 Government procurement agency
28 OCTOBER 2026
www.alabamaliving.coop
Around Alabama
EVENTS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 3 Athens, 59th Annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention, Athens State University, 300 N. Beaty St. Top bluegrass musicians, fiddlers, dancers, and craftspeople from across the country come for competitions, performances, jam sessions, and family-friendly fun. Search for the event’s page on Facebook. OCTOBER 2-3 Eutaw, Greene County Historical Society’s annual historic pilgrimage. Dinner on Oct. 2 features musical entertainment and a silent auction. The tour of homes on Oct. 3 features guided historical tours of several homes and churches. GreeneCountyHistory.net OCTOBER 2-3 Florence, Oktoberfest, St. Florian Park and Walking Trail. This annual festival honors the German heritage of St. Florian’s early settlers while also celebrating its rich history, culture, and contributions of its residents. Live music, antique farm machinery and tractor show, children’s activities, food vendors and more. Search for the St. Florian Oktoberfest on Facebook. OCTOBER 3 Gee’s Bend, Airing of the Quilts Festival, Gee’s Bend Welcome Center, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival continues a long tradition of outdoor quilt displays in Gee’s Bend, connecting visitors directly with the vibrant artistic community that has given rise to generations of African-American quiltmakers whose bold, improvisational designs have earned international acclaim and are featured in major museums and collections worldwide. Open to the public; tickets available at AiringoftheQuilts.org OCTOBER 3 Carrollton, 12th annual Fall Festival, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Family entertainment, vendors, food trucks and more. 205-399-0567. OCTOBER 3-4 Dothan, Wiregrass master gardeners will host their annual fall plant sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 3 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens. Cash, checks and cards accepted. Annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, shrubs, bulbs, trees, vines and more. Sara.adams295@gmail.com OCTOBER 8 Enterprise, vocalist John-Mark McGaha presents “Unforgettable,” a tribute to Nat King Cole, at 7 p.m. at the Baker Center at Enterprise State Community College. McGaha and a jazz ensemble blend songs with stories from Cole’s remarkable life and career. For tickets and more information, visit CoffeeCountyArtsAlliance.org OCTOBER 8-18 Montgomery, Alabama National Fair, Garrett Coliseum. Traditional fair food, craft exhibits, entertainment, midway rides, interactive agricultural and animal exhibits Alabama Living
PHOTO BY STACY K. ALLEN
and fun for all ages. Alabama Living Cooking Contest, “Celebrating Your Ancestral Roots: Your Favorite Dessert from Grandma’s Kitchen,” 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 13. Entry information and details at alnationalfair.org. OCTOBER 10 Scottsboro, 11th Annual Scottsboro BBQ Festival, downtown square. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kansas City BBQ Backyard Cookoff, kids’ Q competition, people’s choice voting, car show, cornhole tournament, kids’ fun zone, more than 150 arts and crafts vendors, food vendors and more. Free admission and free shuttle to and from parking. scottsborobbqfestival.fun OCTOBER 10 Thorsby, 38th annual Thorsby Swedish Festival and parade. Festival and car show is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with parade beginning at 9 a.m. Booths, food, entertainment, art and more. ThorsbySwedishFestival.com
The Airing of the Quilts Festival at Gee’s Bend celebrates the rich traditions of this artistic community.
OCTOBER 10-11 Guntersville, Lake Guntersville Uketoberfest Ukulele Festival, Civitan Park. Ukulele workshops, play-a-longs and artist concerts. Free admission. Lakeguntersvilleuketoberfest.com OCTOBER 9-10 Troy, Pioneer Days at the Pioneer Museum of Alabama, 248 U.S. Highway 231 North. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Annual event features two days of living history with skilled artisans and craftsmen in period clothing demonstrating woodworking, rope making, blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, candle dipping, quill making, Dutch oven cooking at the chuck wagon and inside the Demonstration Cabin, and more. Admission $12 with children 5 and under and museum members free. Pioneer-museum.org OCTOBER 16-17 Troy, Southern Mvskoke Nation’s 3rd annual Creek Friends Festival, 242 County Road 2254, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stomp dancing, native dancers, drums by Whitehorse Singers, arrowhead dig, native artisans, live music, food and more. $5 adults; children 6 and under free. Search for the event’s page on Facebook. OCTOBER 17 Moulton, Byler Road Project will host a fall car show from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2701 Byler Road. All proceeds benefit the scholarship program given to local seniors. Search for the event’s page on Facebook. OCTOBER 24-25 Prattville, 45th annual Pumpkin Patch Craft and Vendor Show, Spinners Park, 390 West Sixth St. Event opens at 9 a.m. Oct. 24. Many vendors at this family-friendly event, plus children’s activities and entertainment. Rain or shine event. Search for the event’s page on Facebook.
OCTOBER 24-25 Hope Hull, Spooky Safari, Alabama Safari Park, 1664 Venable Road. Event is a 'free' event with purchase of general admission. Hours 9-5 with last admission at 4:00. Family-friendly activities. alabamasafaripark.com (334) 288-2105. OCTOBER 25 Wetumpka, The Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival, an annual one-day event celebrating wildlife art as well as the natural beauty of Alabama, 301 Hill St., in historic downtown Wetumpka. Educational presentations, art exhibits and classes, vendors, food, children’s activities, and expert demonstrations. TheKelly.org/WEWA OCTOBER 31 Opp, Opp Quilters’ annual quilt expo and craft sale, in conjunction with Opp Fest. 104 W. Covington Ave., in the Opp Chamber of Commerce Community Room. New categories in addition to displays of handmade quilts, including wearable arts and quilted bags. Enter to win a Christmas-themed quilt for a donation of $1. Free admission. Search the Opp Quilters page on Facebook. NOVEMBER 4-7 Wetumpka, Alabama Frontier Days, Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event focuses on interpreting frontier life during the 18th and early 19th centuries as it happened at this historic site. Experience “living history” as frontier crafts and trades are demonstrated by specialists dressed in historic costume. Food vendors will be on site. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 6 to 18 and free for children under 6. Search for the park’s page on Facebook. To place an event, e-mail events@alabamaliving.coop. or visit www.alabamaliving.coop. You can also mail to Events Calendar, 340 TechnaCenter Dr., Montgomery, AL 36117; Each submission must include a contact name and phone number. Deadline is two months prior to issue date. We regret that we cannot publish every event due to space limitations. Alabama Living on FB instagram.com/alabama_living
Confirm information before making travel plans.
OCTOBER 2026 29
Blake Echols of Cullman and his sons, Rocky, left, and Isiah, right, ride their bikes beneath the arched sign marking the beginning of the Chief Ladiga Trail at the Alabama/Georgia state line. This is also the terminus of Georgia's Silver Comet Trail, which continues eastward more than 60 miles to Atlanta.
RAIL-TO-TRAIL
Extended Greenway Runs From Anniston to Atlanta STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAVID HAYNES
A
s more people are bicycling, walking, running and hiking today, sharing busy highways or narrow backroads with fastmoving motor vehicles make these activities increasingly hazardous. But there is a safer way. Rail-to-trail greenways convert abandoned railroad beds into smooth, peaceful, shaded places to just ride, walk or jog with no concerns about an accident with a car or truck. One of the best such greenways is right here in Alabama. It’s now possible to get on a bicycle in Anniston and ride more than 100 miles on a scenic, mostly shaded, paved greenway all the way to Atlanta with no worries about motorized traffic.
30 OCTOBER 2026
East Alabama’s Chief Ladiga Trail was the first such pathway opened in the state back in 1996. Last year it was extended southward to Anniston an additional 6.5 miles, for a total of 39.5 miles from the Amtrak Station in Anniston to the Alabama/Georgia state line. From there, Georgia’s 61.5-mile Silver Comet Trail continues eastward to just outside Atlanta, making the combined length of both trails 101 miles.
The New Section
The trail’s newest section opened in April 24, 2025. Anniston Public Relations Director Jackson Hodges says the new section of trail includes several bridges and asphalt paving and cost approximately $7.3 million in city, www.alabamaliving.coop
federal and other funding. As of October 2025, he says, an estimated 2,700 people are using the trail each week, adding that while downtown businesses have reported increased activity, a comprehensive post-extension study has not yet been completed. A Jacksonville State University study found that the existing Chief Ladiga Trail generated approximately $2.23 million in economic output in 2023 and attracted more than 49,000 visits, Hodges says. At Michael Tucker Park, the previous southern terminus of the trail, Hodges says improvements are ongoing. These are funded by a $597,520 federal transportation alternatives grant and include improvements to parking, sidewalks, restrooms, shower facilities and lighting. He adds that the city is also coordinating with Amtrak at the Anniston station with the long-term goal of allowing passengers to load and unload their bicycles.
Riding the Chief Ladiga Trail
The trail is enjoyed by everyone from novice bicyclists to seasoned long-time riders, hikers, joggers, walkers, and even the occasional skateboarder or unicycle rider. And although it’s almost 40 miles in total length, there are several places to start or stop along the way. Most users do smaller segments for each ride rather than the entire trail at once. Because it follows the now-abandoned railroad bed, the few hills are no problem.
Any bicycle, from single-speed basic bikes to cutting edge race bikes, and these days e-bikes, can easily do a short segment or longer excursions. Along the route, which mostly parallels Alabama Hwy. 21 from Anniston to Piedmont, then U.S. Hwy 278 toward Georgia, there are opportunities for safe parking at numerous points. Beginning at the southern terminus in Anniston, trail users can park and ride the 6.5 miles to Michael Tucker Park, where the parking lot has just been repaved. This is one of the busier, more populated, sections with bridges spanning two major roadways. There’s also a safety gate where the trail passes through a fire hydrant manufacturing plant, requiring users to press a button and wait about a minute for the gate to open. From Michael Tucker Park, the trail becomes more shaded through Weaver and then Jacksonville, where there are restrooms and parking at the former train station. A few miles farther north riders can park at Germania Springs Park after passing through the Jacksonville State University campus. From there, the next section is nearly continuously shaded for about 10 miles to Piedmont, where the Eubanks Welcome Center offers parking and restrooms. There are several places for lunch in downtown Piedmont as well as bicycle rentals and shuttles. The 14-mile section from Piedmont to the state line is the most shaded and scenic. While riding here, it’s not unusual to go for miles without seeing another trail user other than the occasional deer or turkey. It passes through broad cotton fields, part of the Talladega National Forest, intersects with the Pinhoti Trail and crosses Terrapin Creek three times on high bridges. Even when temperatures are in the 90s, riding in the shade is surprisingly comfortable with the breeze created at bicycle speeds. There’s one more parking area at Borden Springs, five miles from the Alabama/Georgia state line, but no facilities.
Trail History
From top right clockwise: Steel bridge over Nances Creek at the eastern city limit of Piedmont, about Mile 13 of the Chief Ladiga Trail; cyclists ride eastward through a tunnel of green near the Pinhoti Trail intersection with the Chief Ladiga Trail; the trail passes through several places with parking opportunities and restroom facilities, such as the former train station in Jacksonville pictured here. Alabama Living
The Chief Ladiga Trail began taking shape in 1990 when the City of Piedmont and Calhoun County acquired a portion of the abandoned railroad corridor using a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant. The first 8.9-mile section opened in Piedmont in 1996. Weaver and Jacksonville opened their sections in 1998, and Anniston completed its original section to Michael Tucker Park in 1999. The trail was connected to Georgia’s Silver Comet Trail in December 2008. The trail is named for Chief Ladiga, a Creek leader with strong ties to the areas that became Jacksonville and Piedmont. He was among the Creek leaders who signed the Treaty of Cusseta in 1832, under which the Creek Nation ceded its remaining Alabama territory east of the Mississippi River during the era of Indian removal. Ladiga received an individual land allotment and later sold a portion of it to developers whose purchase became Jacksonville. He later settled near presentday Piedmont, where he is buried. The trail was named in recognition of his historical connection to the communities and landscape through which the former railroad corridor passes. OCTOBER 2026 31
KORWELPHOTO - STOCK.ADOBE.COM
Gardens
LEAVE
THE LEAVES? Finding the Right Balance in the Fall Landscape
A
s temperatures begin to cool and leaves start to fall across Alabama, many homeowners feel the urge to rake, bag, and remove every leaf from their landscape. While a neat yard may look appealing, research shows that leaving at least some fallen leaves in the landscape can benefit pollinators, beneficial insects, and soil health. The key is finding a balance between supporting wildlife and maintaining an attractive, functional yard. Many beneficial insects rely on fallen leaves for shelter during the winter months. Butterflies, moths, native bees, lady beetles, and other beneficial insects often overwinter in leaf litter, beneath leaves, or within plant stems. When leaves are removed too aggressively in the fall, these insects can lose important habitat needed to survive until spring. Leaves also provide natural benefits for the landscape itself. As they break down, leaves return organic matter and nutrients to the soil, improve soil structure, and help conserve moisture. In wooded areas, flower beds, and around trees and shrubs, a layer of leaves can function much like mulch by moderating soil temperatures and reducing erosion during winter rains. Does this mean you should never rake leaves? Not necessarily. In many situations, removing at least some leaves remains a practical necessity. Thick layers of leaves can smother turfgrass, particularly if they accumulate heavily on lawns. Leaves may also create slippery surfaces on
sidewalks, driveways, and patios. Rather than bagging and disposing of leaves, consider using alternative management practices that benefit both your landscape and local wildlife. One option is to mulch leaves with a lawn mower and allow the shredded material to decompose on the lawn. Research has shown that finely chopped leaves can break down quickly and return nutrients to the soil without damaging healthy turf. Another option is to move leaves from the lawn into landscape beds where they can serve as a natural mulch. Homeowners can also create designated “leave the leaves” areas in less formal sections of the landscape. A corner of a garden bed, a naturalized area, or a wooded border can provide valuable overwintering habitat while keeping the more visible portions of the landscape tidy. Fall cleanup practices can extend beyond leaves as well. Consider leaving some perennial stems standing until spring rather than cutting everything back in the fall. Many native bees and other beneficial insects use hollow or pithy stems as winter shelter. The goal is not to abandon landscape maintenance, but to adopt a more wildlife-friendly approach. By removing leaves where necessary and leaving them where practical, homeowners can support pollinators, improve soil health, and reduce yard waste. This fall, think twice before bagging every leaf. A portion of those fallen leaves may be providing an important winter home for the beneficial insects that help keep Alabama gardens thriving year after year.
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.
32 OCTOBER 2026
www.alabamaliving.coop
Spirituality
Meets Artistry
“I never expected it to be so beautiful that it takes your breath away.”
S
Impo tauer ssible Only Price
$59
— Kaya C., on Stauer Opals
I
n a quaint village, nestled between rolling hills, lived a young woman with a deep appreciation for gemstones. Her grandmother gifted her a delicate cross pendant adorned with opals. The opals shimmered with a mesmerizing play of colors, reflecting hues of blues, greens, and fiery oranges. Her grandmother shared the legend of the opals, believed to bring hope, purity, and luck to those who wore them. Using this story as inspiration, Stauer brings you the Opal Spirit Cross Pendant. With over 2 total carats of Kyocera lab-created opals set in .925 sterling silver encased in yellow gold, this pendant is a radiant celebration of beauty and craftsmanship. Each opal captivates with a kaleidoscopic dance of fiery oranges blending into oceanic blues, streaked with flashes of vibrant green that seem to come alive with every movement. The shimmering opals are skillfully arranged to create an enchanting, otherworldly glow, embodying the spirit of hope and harmony. This breathtaking combination of color and craftsmanship is available as a limited availability of only
Alabama Living
®
930 pieces, making it a rare and treasured addition to your jewelry collection. Plus, when you order today, you’ll receive the gold-finished sterling silver chain—a $69 value—absolutely free! Don’t miss your chance to own this exclusive tribute to timeless elegance and meaningful symbolism. Necklace Specifications: • 2 1/2 ctw. Kyocera lab opals and DiamondAura® accents • Yellow gold-finished .925 sterling silver setting • 18" gold-clad .925 sterling silver chain
Opal Spirit Cross Pendant plus FREE Chain
$499 $59* + S & P Save $440
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
1-800-333-2045 Your Insider Offer Code: OCR392-01
Stauer
®
14091 Southcross Drive W. Dept. OCR392-01, Burnsville, MN 55337
www.stauer.com
OCTOBER 2026 33
goNUTS forPEANUTS! ANDREAS - STOCK.ADOBE.COM
Alabama Recipes
Cook of the Month: Terri Gilley, Cullman EC
T
erri Gilley says she didn’t come from a family of cooks, but she’s made up for that fact by winning several cookoffs and most recently, she was named our Cook of the Month for October for her recipe for “Tiny’s Peanut Butter Ice Cream.” Terri says the “Tiny” in the recipe title is actually her nickname. She and her husband have farmed poultry, cattle and hay on their farm in the Terri Gilley Brooklyn community, in the Holly Pond area of Cullman County for 37 years. Active in the Alabama Farmer’s Federation, she has won previous cooking awards and her recipes have been published in the Farmer’s Federation cookbook. She says she came up with the peanut butter ice cream recipe while relaxing by her swimming pool one day. She and her grandson love ice cream, and the peanut butter concoction was a hit. Her peanut butter brand of choice is Jif, adding, “If you want nuts, you can use the crunchy version.”
34 OCTOBER 2026
Tiny’s Peanut Butter Ice Cream 1 quart heavy whipping cream 2 14-ounce cans condensed milk 2 12-ounce cans evaporated milk 2 cups peanut butter 1 teaspoon vanilla Dash sea salt Milk (optional, if you need to finish filling cannister) Whip whipping cream until it starts to thicken. Then add other ingredients and whip until thick. Put in ice cream freezer and add ice and ice cream salt. Churn until freezer shuts off. This makes 1 gallon of the best peanut butter ice cream you will ever eat.
www.alabamaliving.coop
The Buttered Home
I
am a classic child of the 70’s and am hopelessly hooked on the flavor combination that is chocolate and peanut butter! From the classic PB “cup” candy all the way up to when the movie “E.T.” Brooke Burks came out and I got hooked on Reese’s Pieces candy! Truthfully though, peanuts have always been in my blood. My Daddy Joe and my uncles farmed peanuts in Pike County. My own Daddy, aka “Papa,” also worked many an hour in peanut fields earning a little money as a teen. We love peanuts so much, that I have included a number of great peanut recipes at thebutteredhome.com so be to check those out. This month I’m going back to my own childhood and giving you this sweet Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting!
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting For the Cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour 2/3 cup cocoa 11/4 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 3 eggs 1.66 cup sugar (12/3 cups plus 1 tablespoon) 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup mayonnaise 1.33 cups water (11/3 cups)
ALABAMA RECIPES
Coming up
Scan here for website form:
DEC
Christmas Cookie Contest
JAN
Soup's On: One-Pot Suppers
FEB
Mardi Gras Party Food
$50
PRIZE
Due Oct. 2
Due Nov. 6
Due Dec. 4 Think Cajun and/or Creole!
Cook of the Month
Mail: Recipes, 340 TechnaCenter Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Email: recipes@alabamaliving.coop Online: alabamaliving.coop/recipe-form
For the Frosting: 3 cups powdered sugar 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter 11/2 teaspoons vanilla 3-4 teaspoons water
Making the frosting: Cream peanut butter and vanilla. Add in powdered sugar a cup at a time until incorporated. May need to add the water while adding the powdered sugar to reach the desired consistency of frosting. This usually takes 3 to 4 teaspoons of water. Spread over cooled cake, working from the center out to spread evenly.
PHOTO BY THE BUTTERED HOME
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish or cake pan with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, mix eggs, sugar, vanilla, mayonnaise and water. In another bowl, sift flour, cocoa, baking powder and baking soda. Add dry ingredients to wet in two stages, mixing on low to medium speed after each addition. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a knife comes out clean. Alternatively, the center temperature should be around 205 degrees for a perfect cake. Cool completely before frosting.
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Reminder for recipe submissions: Please do not submit recipes from other sources, including cookbooks or online publications. A recipe may be adapted and considered original only if at least one ingredient is changed from a previously published recipe. We will make every effort to review all recipes submitted for Cook of the Month consideration to ensure that only original recipes are published in Alabama Living. Alabama Living
OCTOBER 2026 35
Brittany’s Cup
Peanuts: nutritional breakdown Per 1 oz serving (about 35 peanuts) • Source: The Peanut Institute
161 calories
14g
fat (80%+ unsaturated)
7.3g protein
4.6g
carbohydrates
2.4g fiber
5mg sodium
Also notable Peanuts supply folate, vitamin E, thiamin, magnesium and potassium, plus antioxidant bioactive compounds. Peanuts have a low glycemic
index thanks to their high protein, fat and fiber content — and over 80% of their fat comes from heart-healthy unsaturated sources. One ounce is about a handful, or roughly 35 peanuts — a
nutrient-dense, plant-based snack that's naturally low in sodium. Source: peanut-institute.com/about-peanuts/nutritional-breakdown
The Peanut Institute
Peanut Crusted Chicken Tenders 1 pound chicken tenders 1 cup peanuts, crushed 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 eggs 2 tablespoons milk
Filling Layer: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 2 sleeves graham crackers) 2 cups powdered sugar 1 cup creamy peanut butter 1 cup butter (2 sticks), melted Chocolate base and topping: 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 6 tablespoons creamy peanut butter 1 pinch flaky sea salt, reserved for garnish Prepare the filling layer: In a large bowl combine graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar. Stir in melted butter and 1 cup peanut butter until the mixture is fully combined. Set aside. Topping and chocolate base: In a microwave-safe bowl combine chocolate chips and 6 tablespoons peanut butter. Microwave on ½ power, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth. Spread topping: Pour HALF of the chocolate mixture into the bottom of 9x13-inch pan (or use a tart pan for a true “Reese‘s” look.) Refrigerate chocolate to set. Flatten the peanut butter graham cracker mixture evenly on top of hardened chocolate. Pour remaining chocolate on top of the peanut butter graham cracker mixture and smooth out. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of melted chocolate. Refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until firm. Cut into squares (or pie slices if using a tart pan) and serve. Resist the urge to eat the whole thing in one day! Brittany DuBois Tallapoosa River EC
Mom's Blue Ribbon Peanut Brittle 1/2 cup Karo syrup (white) 11/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup water 2 cups raw peanuts 4 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon baking soda
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Crush peanuts in a food processor or place in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. In a bowl, mix crushed peanuts, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk together. Dip chicken tenders into egg mixture, then coat in peanut mixture. Place on a greased baking sheet or air-fryer basket. Bake for 18-20 minutes (or air fry at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes), flipping halfway through.
Cook sugar, syrup and water until a thread spins from spoon (about 8-10 minutes). Add peanuts. Cook, stirring constantly, until color changes from white to a slightly caramel. About 6-8 minutes. Add butter and stir until melted. Add soda stirring quickly and pour immediately into a well-buttered large pan. Pull edges out while hot. Cool and break into pieces.
Courtesy: Alabama Peanut Producers Association
Deborah Wood Cullman EC
36 OCTOBER 2026
www.alabamaliving.coop
Peanut Butter Fingers
Peanut Butter Fudge
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup light brown sugar, tightly packed 1 large egg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup whole grain rolled oats 11/3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (not all natural)
1 box vanilla almond bark 1 18-ounce jar peanut butter, crunchy or creamy 1 bag chocolate chips Melt all 3 ingredients together and pour into a wax paper-lined pan. Set in the refrigerator until fudge is thick enough to cut into pieces. Gladys Anderson Marshall-DeKalb EC
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 13x9inch baking pan. Blend butter and both sugars until smooth. Beat in egg, salt, vanilla and baking soda. Stir in oats, flour, and peanut butter. Dough will be stiff. Press into prepared pan. Bake until golden brown; about 25 minutes.
Peanut Butter Game Day Snack Mix 4 cups Chex cereal 2 cups pretzels 2 cups popcorn 11/2 cups roasted peanuts 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup butter 1 cup chocolate candies Peanut butter chips, optional
Icing: 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1/4 cup whole milk
Melt peanut butter and butter together. Drizzle over Chex, pretzels, popcorn and peanuts. Toss to coat, spread on baking sheet and let cool. Once cooled, mix in chocolate candies and peanut butter chips. The perfect sweet and savory snack!
Beat all together until smooth. Spread on cooled peanut butter fingers. Ground roasted peanuts may be sprinkled on top, if desired. Andrea Carpenter Clarke-Washington EMC
Courtesy: Alabama Peanut Producers Association Peanut Butter Chicken
Peanut Butter Chicken 1 pound chicken breast, cubed 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter 3 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar 2 cloves garlic 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced 1/2 cup warm water 1 tablespoon vegetable oil Peanuts, chopped (optional garnish) Green onions, chopped (optional garnish)
Laurie Myer Southern Pine EC
Alabama Living
PHOTO BY BROOKE ECHOLS
Whisk in a bowl until smooth: peanut butter, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), garlic, ginger and warm water. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and sear the chicken until brown and cooked through. Pour sauce over cooked chicken and simmer for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens. Remove from heat when thickened. Serve with jasmine rice and garnish with chopped peanuts and green onions.
OCTOBER 2026 37
Consumer Wise
PHOTO BY MIRANDA BOUTELLE, PIONEER UTILITY RESOURCES
Close air gaps at every joint and seam, using duct-sealing mastic, including under register covers inside your home’s living areas.
Tips to Seal Ductwork for Savings
I
f you live in a home with a forced air furnace, the biggest energy waster may be out of sight. Improve your home’s efficiency and comfort by repairing and sealing ductwork. Around 20% to 30% of the air you pay to heat or cool is lost through leaks, holes or poorly installed ductwork in the average home, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This results in wasted energy and uncomfortable homes, regardless of the thermostat setting. Properly sealing ducts can reduce wasted energy by delivering conditioned air where you want it inside the home. If you have a room that is cold in winter and hot in summer, the culprit might be a leaky or disconnected duct. Duct sealing also helps with indoor air quality. Leaking return ducts can pull air from the spaces they run through, such as attics and crawl spaces. You don’t want to breathe in dirt, dust and insulation. If you have gas appliances, such as a gas water heater, dryer or furnace, leaking return ducts can inadvertently cause backdraft, introducing combustion gases back into the home instead of outdoors where they belong. You can seal ducts yourself or hire a professional. For a do-it-yourself approach, start with a visual inspection to determine your duct type. Most homes have flexible or metal ducts. Metal ductwork comes in various shapes and sizes, including round and rectangular, and with various options for turns and connections. Ducts should be insulated when they run through unconditioned spaces, such as crawl spaces, attics and garages. If your metal ducts are insulated, you must remove the insulation to properly seal them, then reinsulate. Flexible ducts typically have an inner and outer layer with insulation in between. The inner layer is made of bendable plastic reinforced with wire, like a stretched-out Slinky covered in plastic. The outer layer holds the insulation in Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company. She has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy at home, and she writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing nearly 900 electric co-ops.
38 OCTOBER 2026
place. The inner liner in flexible ducts can become brittle over time, cracking easily and causing leaks. If your inner liner is in bad shape, replace the flexible duct. Check for any obvious disconnections, gaps, extra bends or sagging ducts. Improve airflow by using short, straight, taut runs. Avoid sags and excess turns. Metal ductwork should be fastened together at each joint using sheet metal screws. Make sure your ducts are properly supported to keep the joints from separating over time. For flexible ducts, use Panduit straps. These are heavyduty nylon zip ties that offer long-term durability and a tensioning tool specifically designed to tighten them.
Use the right products
When it comes to sealing ducts, use products designed for the job. Seal every joint and seam using duct-sealing mastic—a thick paste that can be applied with a paintbrush or gloved hand. When it dries, mastic creates a flexible, airtight seal, eliminating duct leakage. Use mesh tape to bridge larger gaps before applying mastic. Remove register covers inside the home to seal the joints and seams there. You also want a good seal where the duct meets drywall or flooring. In easier-to-reach areas, you can opt to use UL-listed foilbacked tape designed for ductwork. Do not use duct tape. Fluctuations in temperature cause the adhesive to fail. Duct sealing is messy, so make sure to protect yourself and your home. Use drop cloths to protect flooring. Metal tape and the edges of metal ducts are sharp, so put on coated work or garden gloves underneath nitrile or latex disposable gloves. To protect your arms, wear a long-sleeve shirt tucked into your gloves or a long sock with the toes cut out. After air sealing, have an HVAC professional test the airflow during your next annual maintenance visit. If you don’t feel comfortable getting your hands dirty, hire a professional. Most companies that install ductwork or heating and cooling systems can also seal ducts. Sealing your ductwork gives you peace of mind that your home is not wasting energy or introducing unhealthy air into your living space. www.alabamaliving.coop
From Campfire to Summit
A premium Damascus blade — at a price that cuts deep EXCLUSIVE
F
or centuries, Damascus steel has been prized for its strength, beauty and legendary performance. Its distinctive flowing patterns have made it one of the world’s most sought-after blade materials. The problem? Genuine Damascus knives often come with premium price tags.
FREE
Impossib le P ONLY rice
99
+FR BinocuElaE rs
Stauer Pocket Binoculars
a $99 value
with your purchase of the Damascus Explorer Knife
That’s why we created the Stauer Damascus Explorer Knife. Built for adventurers, outdoorsmen and collectors alike, this handsome knife combines rugged utility with timeless craftsmanship. Whether you’re preparing kindling, tackling camp chores or simply admiring its artistry, it’s a blade you’ll be proud to own. The first thing you’ll notice is the striking Damascus steel blade. Its signature rippled pattern isn’t just beautiful — it’s the mark of a centuries-old forging tradition. At a full 8 inches long, the blade offers impressive cutting power while maintaining excellent balance and control. The rich rosewood handle provides a comfortable, secure grip, while the included sheath keeps your knife protected and ready for action. Every detail reflects the kind of quality typically found in knives costing far more. Thanks to Stauer’s direct-to-you model, we’re able to offer this premium Damascus blade at an exceptional value. But supplies are limited, and once this shipment is gone, we can’t promise another opportunity at this price. If you’ve been looking for a knife that blends performance, craftsmanship and value, now is the time to act.
Damascus Explorer Knife PLUS FREE Binoculars $349*
Offer Code Price Only $99 + S&P Save $250
1-800-333-2045 Your Insider Offer Code: DEK151-01
14091 Southcross Drive W., Dept. DEK151-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 | www.stauer.com
*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.
Knife Specifications • Damascus steel blade • 8" blade. 13" overall length • Rosewood handle • Sheath included
What customers are saying about Stauer knives...
“First off, the shipping was fast and the quality is beyond what I paid for the knife. Overall, I am a satisfied customer!” — D., Houston, Texas Rating of A+
California residents, please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY Alabama Living
OCTOBER 2026 39
Outdoors
CHANGES FOR 2026-2027 New lands and rules for upcoming hunting seasons
S
portsmen will see some changes for the 2026-27 hunting seasons, including the addition of more than 9,400 acres of new public hunting lands. In 2020, the state acquired about 11,000 acres of Monroe County for the Red Hills Wildlife Management Area north of Monroeville to preserve habitat for the rare Red Hills salamander. The state amphibian only lives in parts of Butler, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Monroe and Wilcox counties. This year, the state received a $12 million grant to purchase another 4,719 acres for the salamander. Since 2020, the state gradually increased the acreage in Red Hills WMA. Now, the property totals 18,649 acres. The area allows public hunting for white-tailed deer, squirrels, hogs and other game. “The WMA grew out of trying to protect habitat for the Red Hills salamander,” says Seth Maddox, assistant chief of the Wildlife Section for the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. “It benefits us to protect the habitat for that species. Once we get enough property in that area, we can delist the salamander and better protect it. We’re always looking to add more land to give people more opportunities and access for hunters.” The state also created two Special Opportunity Areas that people can apply to hunt for the first time. Shelby
SOA covers about 1,200 acres near Columbiana in Shelby County. Chalk Hill SOA includes 3,510 acres near Reeltown in Tallapoosa County. To hunt on an SOA, sportsmen must apply to hunt specific game on designated dates. If selected, those sportsmen get a section of land to themselves for those days. “SOAs are typically smaller than WMAs and are more suitable to limited or random draw permit hunting,” Maddox says. “This reduces pressure and increases the quality of the hunt. Usually, those selected get a dedicated 300- to 400-acre unit to hunt for two to four days.” Shelby SOA consists of three hunting units. Sportsmen can apply to hunt deer or small game. The habitat consists mainly of mixed pine forest and hills. A hunting club leased the Chalk Hill area for years. It sits on the eastern side of Yates Lake. The 5,616-acre Yates WMA sits on the western side of the lake in Elmore County. “Chalk Hill SOA has been managed pretty well by the hunting club, so we were excited to get it,” Maddox says. “We have 10 units on that area. Each unit averages about 350 acres. We’ll allow hunting for deer, small game and turkey. The habitat is hilly with mostly pines, but it also has a lot of bottomland hardwood drainages on it.”
Earlier turkey season in 2027
In the spring of 2027, turkey hunters can begin hunting earlier than in past years. The season dates in all John N. Felsher lives in Semmes, Ala. three turkey hunting zones will He also hosts an outdoors tips show begin a week earlier. Zone 1 opens for WAVH FM Talk 106.5 radio station in Mobile. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail. March 20, 2027. Zones 2 and 3 com or through Facebook. will open a week later. In addition,
40 OCTOBER 2026
turkey hunters may use decoys all season long if they wish. In the past few years, the state prohibited the use of decoys for the first 10 days of the season. “We received a lot of input from the public about moving the turkey season dates so that’s what we decided to do,” Maddox says. “For the decoys, we found that prohibiting the use of decoys for 10 days had no impact on the turkey population. Some hunters were confused when they could and couldn’t use turkey decoys, so we just rescinded that restriction.” In other changes for 2026-27 hunting season, the state rolled out a new hunting and fishing licensing system. People can still buy licenses online or wherever they purchased them previously. In addition, hunters can now wear fluorescent pink as well as hunter orange safety clothing. People who wish to hunt deer with dogs in the Talladega National Forest will need a new permit. The state also closed the harvest of all fox squirrels in the Tuskegee National Forest. “We started to see a decline in the fox squirrel population in Tuskegee National Forest,” Maddox says. “The habitat changed some and we want to protect that species and let them rebound. We’re watching the fox squirrel population in the rest of the state. We have a little bit of concern about the species.” For a long time, Alabama prohibited the harvest of fox squirrels statewide during February and March. That’s the time when most of the fox squirrels breed and give birth to young ones. For more information on Special Opportunity Areas, see outdooralabama. com/hunting/special-opportunityareas. www.alabamaliving.coop
2026
EXCELLENT TIMES
OCTOBER
A.M.
Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
4:30 - 6:30 5:18 - 7:18 6:06 - 8:06 6:54 - 8:54 7:42 - 9:42 8:30 - 10:30 9:18 - 11:18 10:06 - 12:06 10:54 - 12:54 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
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
NOVEMBER
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo
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
A.M.
3:30 - 5:30 4:18 - 6:18 5:06 - 7:06 5:54 - 7:54 6:42 - 8:42 7:30 - 9:30 8:18 - 10:18 9:06 - 11:06 10:42 - 12:42 11:30 - 1:30 NA 1:06 - 3:06 1:54 - 3:54 2:42 - 4:42 3:30 - 5:30 4:18 - 6:18 5:06 - 7:06 5:54 - 7:54 6:42 - 8:42 7:30 - 9:30 8:18 - 10:18 9:06 - 11:06 9:54 - 11:54 10:42 - 12:42 11:30 - 1:30 NA 1:06 - 3:06 1:54 - 3:54 2:42 - 4:42 3:30 - 5:30
MOON STAGE
GOOD TIMES
PM AM
4:54 - 6:54 5:42 - 7:42 6:30 - 8:30 7:18 - 9:18 8:06 - 10:06 8:54 - 10:54 9:42 - 11:42 10:30 - 12:30 11:18 - 1:18 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
10:57 - 12:27 NA 12:33 - 2:03 1:21 - 2:51 2:09 - 3:39 2:57 - 4:27 3:45 - 5:15 4:33 - 6:03 5:21 - 6:51 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
PM AM
3:54 - 5:54 4:42 - 6:42 5:30 - 7:30 6:18 - 8:18 7:06 - 9:06 7:54 - 9:54 8:42 - 10:42 9:30 - 11:30 11:06 - 1:06 NEW MOON 11:54 - 1:54 12:42 - 2:42 1:30 - 3:30 2:18 - 4:18 3:06 - 5:06 3:54 - 5:54 4:42 - 6:42 5:30 - 7:30 6:18 - 8:18 7:06 - 9:06 7:54 - 9:54 8:42 - 10:42 9:30 - 11:30 10:18 - 12:18 11:06 - 1:06 FULL MOON 11:54 - 1:54 12:42 - 2:42 1:30 - 3:30 2:18 - 4:18 3:06 - 5:06 3:54 - 5:54
9:57 - 11:27 10:45 - 12:15 11:33 - 1:03 NA 1:09 - 2:39 1:57 - 3:27 2:45 - 4:15 3:33 - 5:03 5:09 - 6:39 5:57 - 7:27 6:45 - 8:15 7:33 - 9:03 8:21 - 9:51 9:09 - 10:39 9:57 - 11:27 10:45 - 12:15 11:33 - 1:03 NA 1:09 - 2:39 1:57 - 3:27 2:45 - 4:15 3:33 - 5:03 4:21 - 5:51 5:09 - 6:39 5:57 - 7:27 6:45 - 8:15 7:33 - 9:03 8:21 - 9:51 9:09 - 10:39 9:57 - 11:27
PM
11:21 - 12:51 12:09 - 1:39 12:57 - 2:27 1:45 - 3:15 2:33 - 4:03 3:21 - 4:51 4:09 - 5:39 4:57 - 6:27 5:45 - 7:15 6:11 - 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 PM
10:21 - 11:51 11:09 - 12:39 11:57 - 1:27 12:45 - 2:15 1:33 - 3:03 2:21 - 3:51 3:09 - 4:39 3:57 - 5:27 5:33 - 7:03 6:21 - 7:51 7:09 - 8:39 7:57 - 9:27 8:45 - 10:15 9:33 - 11:03 10:21 - 11:51 11:09 - 12:39 11:57 - 1:27 12:45 - 2:15 1:33 - 3:03 2:21 - 3:51 3:09 - 4:39 3:57 - 5:27 4:45 - 6 ;15 5:33 - 7:03 6:21 - 7:51 7:09 - 8:39 7:57 - 9:27 8:45 - 10:15 9:33 - 11:03 10:21 - 11:51
The essential steps to finding a market for your business: Step 1. Look no further.
*Alabama Living is delivered to homes and businesses in all 67 counties in Alabama.
The Moon Clock and resulting Moon Times were developed 45 years ago by Doug Hannon, one of America’s most trusted wildlife experts and inventors. The Moon Clock by DataSport, Inc. 11770 Haynes Bridge Rd, Suite 205-125, Alpharetta, GA 30004— specializing in wildlife activity time prediction. To order the 2026 Moon Clock, go to www.moontimes.com.
Alabama Living
OCTOBER 2026 41
42 OCTOBER 2026
www.alabamaliving.coop
Families across across Alabama Alabama Families trust the trust the team team who who cares. cares.
When the power goes out, your family’s comfort, safety and well-being matter. That’s why families throughout Alabama trust Current Electrical for dependable whole-home backup power. From your free in-home consultation to professional installation and ongoing maintenance, our team handles every step—so your family can stay safe, comfortable and Always Powered Up.
Storm season doesn’t wait, and neither should you. Alabama256-804-1431 Living | GenSuperstore.com
Scan
g e t s t To arted !
OCTOBER 2026 43
Our Sources Say
Each winter, TVA’s teams search for roosting bats in about two dozen caves across the Tennessee Valley
GOING TO BAT FOR ALABAMA: How TVA Cares for Bats
PHOTOS BY TVA
T Specialized gates help keep out graffiti, noise and contamination while still welcoming bats home for the season.
Kevin Chandler is the Alabama Director of Customer Relations for the Tennessee Valley Authority.
44 OCTOBER 2026
his time of year - with decorations, themed candy, scary movies, and video clips all over your social media feeds - you’ll likely see and think more about bats. But for the Tennessee Valley Authority, bats aren’t just a Halloween mascot. They’re part of a living ecosystem that TVA biologists work to protect all year long. While you may already know about how TVA makes electricity for north Alabama and manages the Tennessee River, you may be wondering, what exactly does TVA do for bats? TVA’s terrestrial zoologists and biologists spend the winter months trekking into caves across the Valley region. If you’re trying to picture it in your mind - think headlamps, helmets, the whole spooky vibe. But they’re not scared of the dark, because they’re working hard to count bats, check their health, and monitor the impacts of a deadly fungus called whitenose syndrome. They also protect sensitive bat caves in north Alabama by installing and maintaining gates that keep people out, but let bats fly freely.
TVA’s environmental teams maintain longterm conservation plans to make sure operations, like when it’s time to build a new power plant, stay in sync with protecting endangered species. Now that you have a better idea of how TVA’s Environmental Compliance & Natural Resources team works to protect bats and their habitats, did you know… • Each winter, they search for roosting bats in about two dozen caves across the Tennessee Valley, including a maternity colony near Guntersville, Alabama. • TVA teams crawl, climb and squeeze their way through mud and tight crevices to count tiny sleeping bats. • Specialized gates help keep out graffiti, noise and contamination while still welcoming bats home for the season. With it being October and all, the next time you spot a bat in a Halloween decoration, flying, or hanging out in a cave, remember that TVA’s biologists are out there making sure these important creatures stick around. Because protecting bats isn’t spooky at all—it’s environmental stewardship and TVA’s mission at work. www.alabamaliving.coop
Classifieds How To Place an Ad in Marketplace Closing Deadlines (in our office): December 2026 Issue by October 25 January 2027 issue by November 25 February 2027 issue by December 28
Ads are $1.75 per word with a 10 word minimum and are on a prepaid basis; Telephone numbers, email addresses and websites are considered 1 word each. Ads will not be taken over the phone. You may email your ad to hdutton@areapower.com; or call (800) 4102737 ask for Heather for pricing.; We accept checks, money orders and all major credit cards. Mail ad submission along with a check or money order made payable to ALABAMA LIVING, 340 TechnaCenter Dr., Montgomery, AL 36117 Attn: Classifieds.
Miscellaneous FUNERAL INSURANCE PLANS FOR ANY BUDGET. No Exam, Easy Qualification. Visit finalexpenseassured.com or call (813)3522587
Vacation Rentals
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 – 5 MIN WALK TO BEACH AND LITTLE LAGOON! – Beautiful condo. Many amenities. Short drive to attractions. www. AlabamaSands9.com. GULF SHORES / ORANGE BEACH / FORT MORGAN – Choose from hundreds of beach houses and condos! Verified Owners. No Booking Fees. ALAVHR.com
Psst... The secret to reaching your audience? You’re holding it. *Over 455K homes and businesses receive Alabama Living each month.
MENTONE, AL LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN COTTAGE RENTALS – Best brow views, River Front – cottagesofmentone.com, Call or text (504)481-8666
Education/Free FREE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE – write to P.O. Box 52, Trinity, AL, 35673
PANAMA CITY BEACH CONDO – Owner rental – 2BR / 2BA, wireless internet, just remodeled inside and outside – (502)7777819, larrysusemichel@reagan.com, www. theroneycondo.com
ARE YOU CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS? If you’re a member of an electric cooperative, please contact your local co-op office with your new address so you can keep receiving Alabama Living. If you’re not a member of an electric co-op, send your new address to contact@alabamaliving.coop.
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
Join us at the
Answers to puzzle on Page 28
in Montgomery, 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 13
sponsored by
for our
“Celebrating Your Ancestral Roots: Your Favorite Dessert from Grandma's Kitchen” Cooking Contest Competitors must pre-register no later than 12 noon, Oct. 6. Visit alnationalfair.org for all the details Alabama Living
OCTOBER 2026 45
Cup o’ Joe
ILLUSTRATION BY DENNIS AUTH
The Junk Drawer
E
very house has at least one. There’s one beside my dresser in the bedroom. And another one in the kitchen just below the counter. The basement has one too. Searching through it is like a small archaeological dig. They’re junk drawers. Junk drawers are the great equalizers of American homes. Rich or poor, young or old, every family has at least one. They’re one part time machine, one part museum, and one part landfill. A junk drawer is where useful things go to wait until they become useless - or where useless things go because you just can’t part with them. Mine contains, among other things: fingernail clippers, toenail clippers, dead watches, an expired driver’s license, pocket knives too dull to cut a banana, eyeglass repair kits, a VCR instruction manual, a half dozen mystery keys, enough loose screws to assemble a lawn mower, four old batteries, three Bic pens, two toy cars, and a partridge in a pear tree. And underneath all that clutter is a pile of more pennies than you’d find in a wishing well. If my whole life were like this, I would have already appeared on “Hoarders.” Every junk drawer contains items no one can identify. Parts that look like they might be important, but you can’t remember what they go to. “What’s this little plastic doohickey?” “I dunno, but don’t throw it away. The minute we do, something in the house will quit working.” I use the junk drawer as a general depository. I’ll put something in there so I know where to find it. However, by Joe Hobby is a standup comedian, a syndicated columnist, and a long-time writer for Jay Leno. He’s a member of Cullman Electric Cooperative and is very happy now that he can use Sprout from his little place on Smith Lake. Contact him at jhobby2000@aol.com.
46 OCTOBER 2026
putting everything in the drawer, it defeats the purpose. Six months later, I’m digging through a tangled mess of charging cords that looks like a bowl of linguine. What was I thinking? And my junk drawer is so heavy it nearly falls out of the dresser when I open it. That is, if I can even pull it out. Usually, it’s so overstuffed that something makes it hang up. About the only way to pry it loose is with a tire tool. Which is in the basement junk drawer. Naturally. Once I get the drawer open, I spend five minutes rummaging through paper clips, expired coupons, and enough twist ties to secure every loaf of bread in Alabama only to discover the item I needed wasn’t in there after all. It was in the kitchen junk drawer. Naturally. When did opening a drawer become a visit to the Twilight Zone? And I say I’m going to organize it someday. I’ll buy little plastic trays, label the sections, and finally bring order out of chaos, for a little while. Then about two weeks later, I’ll casually toss in a key chain, a handful of change, and a couple of leftover screws. And the next thing I know, nature has begun to reclaim the habitat. The answer is not a bigger junk drawer. Junk is like water, it seeks its own level. A bigger junk drawer just means more junk. As I rummaged through this mess, I discovered that somewhere beneath the rubber bands, dried-up markers, and mystery parts are little pieces of my life. A ticket stub. A Boy Scout pocketknife. A key to a house we no longer own. For example, the most recent addition to my junk drawer was my dad’s watch. Sadly, parts for it are no longer available. But that old timepiece still seems far too important to throw away. I suppose it’s the same reason I don’t take my mom’s contact information out of my cell phone. I know she’ll never answer. But somehow, deleting it would feel like losing her one more time. Maybe a junk drawer isn’t just full of junk. Maybe it’s just where memories wait until we need them again. Except for the toenail clippers. www.alabamaliving.coop
JANUARY RECIPE THEME:
One-Pot Suppers
See page 35
Send us your ‘Christmas Pajamas’ snapshots! See page 9
ENJOY A VIEW
UNIQUELY ALABAMA
Little River Falls by Wes Thomas
GET YOUR FREE TRAVEL GUIDE TODAY!
11 SCENIC WATERFALLS
HIGH FALLS PARK
LITTLE RIVER CANYON NATIONAL PRESERVE DESOTO STATE PARK BUCK’S POCKET STATE PARK
888-805-4740
VacationAlabamaMountains.com