September 2025 Clarke-Washington EMC by Alabama Living

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Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes of New England. From quaint island villages to the breathtaking beauty of the coastline, summer in New England is a truly delightful experience. Discover the region’s rich maritime heritage, savor a traditional Lobsterbake, and marvel at grand mansions of the Gilded Age. Return to the comfort of your onboard sanctuary and bask in the warm camaraderie of fellow guests and crew.

Manager

Steve Sheffield

Co-op Editor

Sarah Turner

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.

ALABAMA RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

AREA President, CEO

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

611 South Congress Ave., Suite 504 Austin, Texas 78704

1-800-626-1181

www.AMP.coop

www.alabamaliving.coop

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USPS 029-920 • ISSN 1047-0311

24

Rebuilding History

A historic fire tower is finding new life on Smith Lake, thanks to the dedication of one man who plans to have the attraction ready for visitors by late 2025 or early 2026.

Go Team!

Fall means it’s time for cheerleaders to get the crowds revved up to cheer on their favorite sports teams. Our readers shared their favorite photos this month.

Hollywood Loves Bama

The diversity of Alabama has long been an attraction for filmmakers who have used the state for their productions.

Falling for Apples

Apples are our favorite fall fruit and judging from the number of delicious recipes we received, we think our readers agree!

Office Locations

Jackson Office 9000 Highway 43 P.O. Box 398 Jackson, AL 36545 (251) 246-9081

Chatom Office

19120 Jordan Street

P.O. Box 453 Chatom, AL 36518 (251) 847-2302

Toll Free Number (800) 323-9081

Office Hours

7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday (Drive-thru Hours)

Payment Options

Mail

P.O. Box 398 Jackson, AL 36545

P.O. Box 453 Chatom, AL 36518 Office

During normal office hours at our Chatom and Jackson offices. Phone (855) 870-0403

Back to School Electric co-ops are continually learning to improve service for members.

School has been in for about a month now and I’m sure students of all ages are enjoying a fresh year of learning! From kindergarten through college, students attend school to gain knowledge about a broad variety of subjects and learn new skills that will prepare them for the future. In a similar vein, Clarke-Washington EMC is continually learning to advance technology that improves electric service, reliability, safety and in turn, enhances quality of life for the members we serve in our local communities.

We are excited to soon kick off a GIS Mapping Project for our system. This resource will help us operate more efficiently and provide better service to our members.

Clarke-Washington EMC keeps abreast of industry trends because the energy sector is rapidly changing. Innovations in technology and energy types are fueling demand for more options. On the consumer front, people are looking for more ways to manage their energy use with smart technologies. Consumers expect more convenient payment methods –whether through automatic bill pay, online or in person. See the list of payment options on the left side of this page.

We’re working to help sift through the options for our members in ways that benefit the greater community. At the same time, we never lose sight of the top priority––providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity.

Technology improves operational efficiency.

For example, automated meter reading (AMR) is the technology of automatically collecting energy consumption data and transferring it from the electric meter to the co-op. Because this information can be collected remotely, it enhances our system’s efficiency, helps control costs and improves work processes.

sumers. In the event of an outage, AMI helps to distinguish between events that impact a single home or multiple outages. This is critical because resolving either issue is a very different process. The two-way communication is integral to AMI because it provides a means to verify that power has been restored after an outage. However, one of the biggest benefits from improved technologies, especially for outages caused by extreme weather, is pinpointing the outage location, which helps restore power in a shorter amount of time.

In addition to providing essential information during major outages, Clarke-Washington EMC analyzes AMI data for anomalies including faults, damaged meters or energy theft. Detecting these problems early helps our cooperative save money and improve reliability for the whole community.

Energy for the future.

Whether it’s providing more payment options or exploring how emerging technologies can better serve our members, for Clarke-Washington EMC, our “school year” is never over. We will continue to learn from our members about their priorities for the future, and we will continue to study and research the issues so that we can better serve you, now and in the future.

I hope our students, teachers and staff have a great year. And, I hope our members benefit from the continued education and technologies our employees implement to better serve you –our members.

Night Deposit 24/7 at Jackson & Chatom CWEMC App

Available from the App Store and Google Play

Draft

Pay where you shop at any Dollar General, Family Dollar CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens and Walmart.

Similar to AMR, there is another technology called advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). This is an integrated system of smart meters, communications networks and data management systems that enables two-way communication between utilities and con-

Steve Sheffield General Manager

HAPPY LABOR DAY

Are You Prepared for a Hurricane?

Clarke-Washington EMC wants you to be prepared in the event of a hurricane. The most effective way to stay safe is to be prepared. Below are tips you and your family should practice to stay safe before, during and after the storm.

BEFORE THE STORM

Be prepared. Put together an emergency plan and communicate it with all family members. Learn your community hurricane evacuation routes. Below is a list of items that are essential during an emergency situation.

Water – at least one gallon daily per person for three to seven days. Stored in sealed, unbreakable containers

Food – at least enough for each person for three to seven days

• Non-perishable foods

• Food for infants, elderly, and persons with dietary restrictions

• Manual can opener

• Peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, and cookies

• Disposable plates, cups, utensils and paper towels.

First Aid Kit

• Scissors, tweezers, safety pins

• Gloves, band-aids, nonprescription drugs, soap

• Medications

Personal and Safety Items

• Blankets/Pillows, etc.

FIRST AID

• Change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes

• Flashlight/batteries

• Radio – battery-powered weather radio

• Cash

• Toiletries

• Important Documents

• Full Tank of Gas

• Pet food and supplies

For Babies

• Diapers

• Medications

• Formula

• Bottles

DURING THE STORM

• Listen to the radio or TV for information, if possible. Avoid using the phone unless there is an emergency.

• Make sure to get inside a building and stay away from windows.

• Don’t leave candles unattended and keep them away from furniture, draperies and other flammable materials. Make sure to keep children away from open flames.

• Don’t open freezers and refrigerators any more than absolutely necessary.

• Remove objects from walls such as pictures and move furniture away from doors and windows.

• Bring in furniture from outside. Turnover and tie down outdoor objects too large to move.

AFTER THE STORM

• STAY AWAY from downed power lines. Always treat them as if they are energized and dangerous. Make sure to call 911 and Clarke-Washington EMC at 1-800-323-9081.

• Debris from the storm can hide power lines that have fallen. Fallen trees that contain energized power lines can electrocute any item it comes in contact with. Even the ground can be energized near fallen power lines.

• If your electricity is out, make sure to check your neighbors to see if they have power. If they have power, you may have blown a fuse or tripped a breaker.

If you see a downed line, always remember to stay at least 35 ft. away from the line.

35 ft.

SUMMER INTERN

MARY HELEN COMPTON, AUBURN UNIVERSITY

This summer, I had the opportunity to intern at Clarke-Washington EMC, a memberowned electric cooperative. My name is MaryHelen Compton, and I’m a business major entering my sophomore year at Auburn University in the Harbert College of Business. Going into the internship, I made it my goal to take everything as a learning opportunity—and I did just that. I quickly discovered that providing power to a community involves far more than just what happens out in the field. While linemen play a critical role, there are so many other people behind the scenes who make reliable power possible. From customer service to finance, communications to operations, every role at Clarke-Washington EMC contributes to the bigger picture. I especially enjoyed working with the staff and getting to see how each person’s unique responsibilities helped keep things running smoothly. One of the highlights of my experience was touring PowerSouth, where I learned about the wholesale side of power distribution. It gave me a clearer understanding of where the power comes from before it reaches homes and businesses. I was also involved in brainstorming and planning ideas for upcoming events, which allowed me to see how the co-op stays connected to the community it serves. Throughout the summer, I was impressed by how many different career paths exist within the power industry— many of which I hadn’t considered before. Being part of a member-based cooperative showed me the value of local ownership, teamwork, and service. This internship gave me a deeper appreciation for how the utility industry works, and I’m thankful for the experience and all the people who helped make it meaningful.

MITCH PEZENT, THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

My name is Mitch Pezent. I’m from Spanish Fort, Alabama, and graduated from Spanish Fort High School in 2024. This fall, I’ll be entering my sophomore year as a mechanical engineering major at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

This summer, I had the opportunity to work with Clarke-Washington EMC in Jackson while interning under their engineer Tim Carpenter. Working with Tim was an insightful experience that gave me a deep appreciation for what it takes to power our community. My goal during my internship was to learn as much as I could about the sub-systems, infrastructure, and people required to keep the lights on and the AC running. From observing field crews maintaining and repairing power lines, to learning about load management, outage response, and the cooperative’s commitment to keeping our rural community cool this summer, I got a glimpse into the never-ending challenge of power distribution and the unique engineering solutions involved. From my time here this summer, it is clear to me how vital companies like CWEMC are to their communities, and I have gained a newfound appreciation for our linemen. Speaking of linemen, I could not have asked for better coworkers. All CWEMC’s staff is incredibly professional, respectful, and committed to serving their community. Their willingness to take me in and teach me their ways has made a lasting impression on me, and I will appreciate it for years to come.

INTERN SPOTLIGHT

REANNA JOHNSON, THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

Hi, my name is Reanna Johnson! I am from Jackson, Alabama, and graduated from Clarke Prep in 2023. I began college in the fall of 2023 at Coastal Alabama Community College, where I spent two years building a strong foundation in business. This fall, I’ll be transferring to the University of Alabama to pursue a degree in marketing. As part of my academic journey, gaining real-world experience through an internship at Clarke-Washington EMC has been an important step in applying what I’ve learned in the classroom. During my time at CWEMC, I had the opportunity to work alongside Sarah Turner, the communication specialist. Working under her, I gained valuable insight into how the company communicates with its members and the broader community. I worked on a variety of projects, including managing content for the CWEMC Facebook page, writing articles, designing infographics, and assisting with the editing of Alabama Living magazine. One of the highlights of my internship was contributing to materials for CWEMC’s upcoming 90th anniversary celebration—I’m so excited for everyone to see the work that went into it! In addition to marketing and communications, I also gained valuable exposure and learned about the essential roles that linemen, engineers, and other staff play in ensuring reliability in our service area. I also had the opportunity to visit PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, CWEMC’s generation and transmission provider. This visit provided valuable insight into how electricity is generated and delivered to local cooperatives like CWEMC. Learning about this process further broadened my understanding of the electric utility industry as a whole. This internship helped me grow not just as a student, but as a future marketing professional. I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned into this next chapter of life. Thank you to everyone at CWEMC for making this such a meaningful and unforgettable experience!

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

How prepared are you and your family for disasters or emergencies?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designates National Preparedness Month as a time to assess and prepare for a number of possible situations: floods, wildfires, severe storms like tornadoes and hurricanes, and prolonged power outages from natural disasters.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), less than half – only about 46% of people – think a natural disaster is likely to happen within their community. The reality is that most people will experience the impacts of some natural event year to year.

“Understand the most likely natural disasters for your area, and take steps in advance to weather them safely,” says Molly Hall, executive director of the Energy Education Council. “Prepare by assembling an

emergency kit with essentials. Monitor news and weather for impending events. Be prepared to take cover or evacuate when appropriate. Stay engaged online with related websites and social media pages during a disaster.”

Be prepared for prolonged loss of power. If you have a portable generator, make sure you know how to use it safely. Place it safely away from the home. Never run a generator inside or near windows.

Floods and power outages can affect local water supplies, so keep at least three days of drinking water in your emergency kit. Your supplies should also include non-perishable food and any needed openers, a radio or weather radio, and flashlight with extra batteries. Don’t forget first aid and other medical essentials, and depending on season, extra blankets and seasonal items.

Once your kit has been assem-

bled, it’s time to create or review your family’s emergency communication plan. Know how each of you will stay safe and get in touch if you’re not together when disaster strikes. Establish a meeting place if separated during a disaster. Include measures for pets in your emergency plans.

Keep up-to-date with current public health and safety emergency plans in your community. Keep a list of emergency services phone numbers. Consider getting involved with community programs that help others prepare to stay safe.

“Since natural disasters can quickly and seriously impact quality of life and health, proper planning and preparation is key to staying safe,” Hall concludes. Impacts on drinking water and air quality, environmental contamination, are all considerations when it comes to being ready before disaster strikes.

Cheerleaders

Emelyn Coghlan, a sophomore at Fort Dale Academy in Greenville, is busy preparing for her first year as a varsity cheerleader! SUBMITTED by Dianne Stuckey, Fort Deposit.

Claire is an upcoming seventh grader and middle school cheerleader. SUBMITTED by Lorie Freeman, Orange Beach.

Olivia Boan (pictured on the left), McKenna Anthony (right), JV cheerleaders, Fort Dale Academy. SUBMITTED by Tiffany Anthony, Greenville.

Celebrating the season on our beautiful beach! Go Dolphins! SUBMITTED by Ashley Griggs, Gulf Shores.

November theme: “Thankful for...” | Deadline: September 30

Submit photos on our website: alabamaliving.coop/submit-photo. Photos submitted for publication may also be used on our website and on our social media pages.

Lyndsey Molette cheering for the Jags! SUBMITTED by Renee Molette, Eufaula.

THIS MONTH IN ALABAMA HISTORY

He was born in Butler County on September 17, 1923. His father was a train engineer, his mother a church organist who raised him alone. She was his first music teacher in their modest, wood-frame Georgiana home (now a museum).

Guitar in hand, Hiram “Hank” Williams became one of the most influential artists of the 20th Century. Rufus “Tee Tot” Payne helped the youngster hone his skills, but Williams’ style would be all his own.

A move to Montgomery with his mother in 1937 helped propel Williams’ career. He sang on the radio, formed a band called the Driftin’ Cowboys, and began to build a name for himself. Soon, the Alabama crooner became a regular on “Louisiana Hayride,” a trend-setting regional radio program. Appearances on the “Hayride” helped propel Williams’ song “Lovesick Blues” to 16 weeks atop Billboard’s country-music charts. Many more hits followed. In June 1949, he stepped onto the Grand Old Opry stage for the first time. The Butler County native was a national phenomenon.

His music came from a deep, inner well of personal experiences: the struggles of his mother and hardscrabble Alabama childhood, broken romantic relationships, betrayal, alcoholism, longing and striving. Williams set all of it to music and sang it with full-throated earnestness. Linguists and musical scholars have filled books analyzing the imagery of the “Hillbilly Shakespeare’s” work. His star burned bright, fast and for only a short while. As the world rang in the New Year on January 1, 1953, 29-year-old Williams died in the back of his baby-blue Cadillac, on the road from Montgomery to Canton, Ohio for a performance. An estimated 20,000 people attended his funeral in Montgomery. Thousands make the trek to his grave at Montgomery’s Oakwood Cemetery each year.

– Scotty Kirkland

Find the Hidden Dingbat!

We have to give our readers credit for having some vivid imaginations. Several of you claimed to see last month’s hidden dingbat, a shovel, in the most creative places! One reader said it was on Page 40, hanging on the arm part of a black glove that Susan Clement was using to show off an injured eagle. Another said it was on Page 34, just past a wooden railing below a grill where it “blends in very well.” Those were some interesting guesses, but unfortunately, they weren’t correct. The real shovel is on Page 16, mixed in with the wires on the desk of Montgomery Biscuits baseball announcer Jack Sadighian. “Your graphic artist did well this month,” wrote Rodney Woodham, a member of Clarke-Washington EMC, who noted, “This one certainly didn’t jump off the page like Uncle Sam’s hat last month.” Congratulations to Shelby Fralick of Scottsboro, a member of North Alabama EC, for being our randomly selected winner of a $25 gift card from Alabama One Credit Union.

In recognition of the First Day of Autumn, which is September 22, we’ve hidden this fall leaf (not a photo of another leaf) somewhere in these pages. But remember, it won’t be in an ad or on Pages 1-8. Good luck!

By email: dingbat@alabamaliving.coop

By mail:

Find the Dingbat Alabama Living 340 TechnaCenter Dr. Montgomery, AL 36117

Letters to the editor

Class reunion memories

I have just read “Class Reunion” (“Cup o’ Joe,” July 2025). I only wish it were our 50th class reunion! It’s our 65th reunion next March! I looked around the room as I started to leave the yearly reunion, and I wondered how many of us would not be at our 65th next year. You never know when your time on this earth is finished.

You are right about the cliques being gone. We’re just glad to see each other. Maybe seeing our classmates takes us back to a simpler time. We do have a classmate who keep us informed if one of our class dies. About half or our class has died, and by next year, who knows who’ll still be here. I always read your column. Keep writing. I do like Ferris Bueller’s quotation; it’s so true. I’m still that skinny girl at Charles Henderson High in Troy, AL who can’t believe I’m an 82-year-old who is blessed to still be on the right side of the grass! Best wishes for entering the “old” world!

Gayle Jordan

Troy

Hank Williams is Born

Hank Williams publicity photo for WSM in 1948.

Alabama Living Wins Tourism Media Advocate Award

Alabama Living magazine was named the winner of the 2025 Tourism Media Advocate Award at the Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism in late August.

The magazine has featured tourism attractions across the state as cover stories and special features over the last several years and regularly includes events and attractions in its Around Alabama events calendar and Spotlight feature.

The magazine is the official statewide publication of the electric cooperatives of Alabama and is the most widely circulated magazine in the state.

The magazine also won the award in 2018.

Whereville, AL

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

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

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

Take Us Along!

See more travelers on Pages 32 and 57!

We’ve enjoyed seeing photos from our readers on their travels with Alabama Living! Please send us a photo of you with a copy of the magazine on your travels to: mytravels@alabamaliving.coop. Be sure to include your name, hometown and electric cooperative, and the location of your photo. We’ll draw a winner for the $25 prize each month.

 Dale and Charlene Givens of Rainsville and Sand Mountain EC traveled to Kinderdijk, Netherlands.

 Diane Saunders, a member of Baldwin EMC for Gulf Shores, took her magazine to Talkeetna, Alaska.

Diane

 Dionne Kelley of Macon County went all the way to the World Martial Arts Games in Chomutov, Czech Republic, to watch her sister Karen and friends compete and win. She’s a member of Dixie EC.

August’s answer: This Marathon convenience store reopened in 2024 after being closed for 20 years. It was Sara’s Grocery when the twin-engine, nine-passenger 1939 Beechcraft “landed” in 1981. The landmark at the Cullman-Morgan County line close to the town of Eva is known as “the airplane store” and is used by locals to give directions. (Information from WAAY. Photo contributed by Susan Lynn Allen of North Alabama EC.) The randomly drawn correct guess winner is Kendra Westmoreland of Cullman EC.

 Elaine Chester and Brenda Sayre of Rainsville and Sand Mountain EC, had fun recreating the Eagles song by “standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona.”

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Shields took her magazine to the Chautauqua Institute in New York last year. She writes that the theme for the week was “The Transformative Power of Music with Renee Fleming.” Her winter home is Gulf Shores, where she is a member of Baldwin EMC.

William Webb, Mobile, AL

2025 ALABAMA LIVING PHOTO CONTEST

Butterflies, fireworks, lots of sunsets, smiling children, purple skies and puffy clouds – all these and more were submitted for Alabama Living’s annual photo contest. Each year, we ask you in the May and June issues to submit your best photos in different categories; this year, we received more than 220 submissions. Thank you for your great work!

The categories this year were “At Play,” “Alabama Travels” and “Nature,” which we broke into two separate groups (animals and insects, and scenery) due to the high number of submissions.

The editors judged the photos on composition, use of color, clarity, lighting and visual appeal. Each first-place winner receives $100; those winning photos and honorable mentions are featured on the following pages.

Remember to take some great shots over the next year and be sure to enter the 2026 contest! – Allison Law

Arthur Davis, Baldwin EMC

Nature – insects and animals

Honorable mention 

Nature – insects and animals

Honorable mention 

Carolyn Spinoso, North Alabama EC

Matthew Crowell, North Alabama EC

Alabama Travels

Honorable mention  Drew Senter, Baldwin EMC

Alabama Travels

Honorable mention  Brent Eanes, Theodore, AL

Nature – scenery 1st place

1. Meredith Crigler, Baldwin EMC

Honorable mention

2. Kevin Hite, Clarke-Washington EMC

Honorable mention

3. Debbie Patterson, Sand Mountain EC

MONTGOMERY MOVES YOU.

Faster than you think.

At the new Montgomery Whitewater park, adventure takes the lead—with rapids, zip lines, climbing walls, and trails that bring the outdoors to life. But the experience doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. With nearby dining, live music, and cultural gems just minutes away, Montgomery keeps the energy flowing. Stay overnight and experience it all. Plan your adventure at EXPERIENCEMONTGOMERYAL.ORG

At Play

1st place

Honorable mention

2. Jennifer Talbot, Arab EC

Honorable mention

3. Brent Eanes, Theodore, AL

Chase Steptoe, Gulf Shores, AL

BeachTHE During Alabama’s

BY KATIE JACKSON

WhileAlabama’s busy summer beach season may have come to an end, fall is actually high season for some particularly adorable little ones who are busily digging out of the sand and racing into the surf.

These small fry are baby sea turtles (hatchlings) who spent late spring and early summer incubating under the sand and are now breaking out of their leathery shells (a process known as “pipping”) and scrambling to the surface. Once there, the entire clutch, which may number 80-150 babies, will make a synchronized dash for the sea, a clamber of cuteness referred to as a “boil.”

The race from nest to water — which typically occurs at night for Loggerheads, the most common nesting species on Alabama beaches — is an especially vulnerable time for hatchlings who must navigate past an array of predators such as ghost crabs, shore birds and small mammals as they instinctively move toward moonlight reflecting off the sea’s surface.

PHOTO BY ROBERTA RESS

TRADE FALL LEAVES FOR Gulf breezes.

Alabama’s Beaches are the fall escape you didn’t know you needed: made for beach walks and Bushwackers, seafood, and slow mornings. Pack light, drive easy, relax hard.

However, this innate and age-old ritual is often disrupted by artificial light emanating from beachside houses, condos and businesses that draws the babies inland rather than toward the relative safety of the sea. The lights, which also affect female turtles as they come ashore in May through August to lay their eggs, are considered a primary reason that Alabama’s four most common sea turtle species — Loggerhead, Kemp’s Ridley, Green and Leatherback — are listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Fortunately, these turtles have an array of human allies such as those involved with the Alabama Coastal Foundation and its Share the Beach program. This coalition of volunteers works to find and protect sea turtle nests and their emerging hatchlings, educate the public about these ancient and amazing creatures and help mitigate the detrimental effects of artificial light pollution and other threats to sea turtle populations.

The turtles are also lucky that several pockets of protected habitat, where light pollution and other human-related pressures are limited, exist along Alabama’s nearly 60 miles of Gulf-fronting beaches.

“You tend to see more nests where it’s darker,” says Amy Hunter, Deepwater Horizon Restoration Coordinator for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “Going out toward Fort Morgan along the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a really dark area, so we get a lot of Loggerhead nests there and this year we have had several Kemp’s nests as well.”

A friendly habitat

Loggerheads and occasionally Kemp’s Ridley are also finding their way to Dauphin Island’s West End Nature Preserve, a 10-mile-long spit of beach and dune habitat purchased from private owners in 2021. That purchase was made using bird restoration funds allocated to Alabama through the Natural Resource Damage Assessment process, associated with the 2015 settlement after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

According to Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier, the 838-acre preserve provides “a rich and vibrant habitat for a variety of animals” including sea turtles and the snowy plover, a migratory shorebird considered a “species of concern” that is increasingly nesting there.

“It’s a great success story that we were able to use oil spill money to purchase the land, which will never be developed, for conservation,” Hunter says.

After its purchase by NRDA, ownership of the property was transferred to the town of Dauphin Island, which administers a comprehensive conservation management plan to ensure the land remains healthy and productive for animals and humans alike.

“We want people to utilize that stretch of island but do it in the most responsible and respectful way,” Collier says.

To help ensure that happens, city personnel who serve as “beach ambassadors” help monitor wildlife activity and keep the preserve clean while also educating beachgoers about ways they can enjoy the beach without harming the environment or nature.

In addition to the city’s staff, volunteers with the island’s Share the Beach program patrol the West End and other beaches on the island every morning during sea turtle

nesting season (typically May through August looking for and marking sea turtle nests and on through the end of October to monitor hatchings). As of early August, volunteers had found 19 nests on Dauphin Island, most of which were Loggerhead turtles.

Summer and fall beachgoers can also be good stewards of the beaches and dunes by following such guidelines as staying away from nesting areas; removing trash, beach chairs and equipment from the beach and filling in holes each night; and cutting off outdoor lights and using turtlefriendly flashlights at night. (See more information in sidebar.)

Collier noted that local real estate companies have joined in the educational effort by creating placards and refrigerator magnets that educate renters about sea turtles. “People can still come to the beach. They can still have fun and enjoy themselves, and that’s what we want folks to do.

“I think it’s neat that people can share this wonderful environment with all these creatures. That we can all coexist in that natural environment,” he says.

And if they’re lucky, visitors may even get to witness one of nature’s most endearing and remarkable events as those adorable babies make their mad dash to the sea.

How can you help the nesting turtles?

When staying at the beach, follow these guidelines, from outdooralabama.com:

• Turn off lights visible on nesting beaches or use wildlife-friendly lighting.

• Tint windows that face the beach.

• Close opaque cur tains or blinds after dark to cover any windows that are visible from the beach.

• Do not use flashlights or cell phone lights while walking on the beach at night. If you need lighting, use a sea tur tle-friendly red flashlight, as red, orange or amber lights are less disorienting for sea tur tles.

• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has sea turtle lighting guidelines: m yfwc.com/media/18511/seaturtlelightingguidelines.pdf

HOLLYWOOD LOVES

State’s attractsdiversityfilmmakers

BY MARILYN JONES

Hollywood has called Alabama “home” hundreds of times when it needs the state’s diverse landscape, rural communities, vibrant cities, beaches, and famous landmarks as a backdrop for its productions.

“We are blessed with geographic diversity,” says Brian Jones, Alabama Film Commission Media Location Coordinator. “Our office helps find film crew members and equipment rental and suggests filming locations they might be interested in.”

For some areas, it’s about more than showcasing the diversity of the state. In North Alabama, it’s also an economic engine.

“We’ve seen entire communities energized by film productions,” says Tami Reist, president and CEO of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, which three years ago created the North Alabama Film Office to connect filmmakers to the area. “Local hotels, restaurants, and small businesses benefit instantly, and the spotlight often leads to long-term tourism.

NORTH ALABAMA

In just two years, the North Alabama Film Office has emerged as a rising star in Alabama’s creative economy, helping turn the scenic beauty, historic charm, and cinematic backdrops of the region into a go-to destination for filmmakers across the country.

Since its launch, the Film Office has played an instrumental role in supporting productions across North Alabama’s 16 counties. From independent films and streaming series to commercials and documentaries, the organization has helped location scouts and production teams navigate the region’s landscapes, logistics and local partnerships with ease. Its work is creating new job opportunities, boosting tourism and bringing national attention to the state’s northern gateway.

A key to the Film Office’s success has been its ability to build strong relationships—not just with film professionals, but with city leaders, location owners and community members who make filming possible. From coordinating permits to connecting producers with local talent, the office serves as a trusted guide for anyone looking to shoot in the region.

FEATURED LOCATIONS

The sixteen counties of North Alabama include Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, and Winston. They are filled with picturesque mountains, sparkling lakes, museums, farms, cities, towns, and other inspiring destinations. Visit the US Space & Rocket Center,

Visit the US Space & Rocket Center,

the City of Athens, Smith Lake, Cherokee Rock Village, Huntsville Mural Trail, historic neighborhoods, and more.

FILM CREDITS

Zero, Failure to Launch, Muscle Shoals, Saving Harmony, The Nocturnal Third, The One Warrior.

NORTH ALABAMA FILM

Thereasa Hulgan

NORTH ALABAMA FILM OFFICE

thereasa@northalabamafilm.org

Thereasa Hulgan

(256) 523-8766

www.northalabamafilm.org

thereasa@northalabamafilm.org (256) 523-8766

www.northalabamafilm.org

“One of my favorite memories is watching our hometowns transform into movie sets — it brings excitement, pride, and lasting impact to the people who live here,” Reist says.

For Alabama, it all began in 1949 with “Twelve O’Clock High,” filmed at Fort Rucker (now Fort Novosel), a U.S. Army post located primarily in Dale County.

Mobile

According to Keli Shirazi, director of the Mobile Film Office, almost every building or street in downtown Mobile has some film history and a story to tell.

“Mobile can be anywhere in the USA. We double for various places and have appeared all over the screen, whether for film, TV, commercials, or other creative content,” says Shirazi. “Mobile and its surrounding communities can be found making an appearance if you know where to look for them. You might be surprised to find so much movie magic happening in Alabama.”

Shirazi lists a few other movies filmed in the city: “Get Out” (2017, Jordan Peele’s directorial debut), “Heist” (2015), “Lansky” (2021), “The Map of Tiny Perfect Things” (2021), “Almost Friends” (2016), “About My Father” (2023) and “Vice” (2015). “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977) was filmed at many locations in and around the Mobile area, including the old Brookley Air Force Base and the L&N Train Depot in Bay Minette.

USS Alabama

“USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage,” released in 2016, stars Nicolas Cage and Tom Sizemore and was filmed primarily in Mobile on the USS Alabama at Battleship Memorial Park moored in Mobile Bay.

The movie tells the true story of the USS Indianapolis, which was torpedoed and sunk by the Imperial Japanese Navy submarine I-58. The survivors were stranded at sea for five days without food or water in shark-infested waters. Only 316 survived the disaster.

Other filming locations include the Battle House Hotel, Mobile County Courthouse, and Orange Beach.

1992’s “Under Siege” stars Steven Seagal, who must fend off a group of mercenaries after they commandeer the U.S. Navy battleship Missouri. USS Alabama stood in for the USS Missouri sequences.

The movie also used the USS Drum, a Gato-class submarine moored next to the USS Alabama, to portray North Korean submarines.

“Big Fish”

Directed by Tim Burton, “Big Fish” tells the story of a frustrated son who tries to distinguish fact from fiction in the life of his father, a teller of tall tales.

Downtown Wetumpka served as the setting for the fictional town of Ashton in the 2003 film.

“First Baptist Church Wetumpka served as the production’s headquarters for about two and a half weeks,” says Andrew J. Stieb, Wetumpka Tourism Manager. “As the church’s liaison to the production, resident Thad Hankins had a unique behind-thescenes experience — seeing the actors’ wardrobes, watching the makeup process, and even sharing meals with the crew at craft services.

“One memorable moment for Thad was bumping into Albert Finney at the craft services food truck,” Stieb says.

“He was the nicest guy — so friendly and completely unassuming — just a regular guy,” says Hankins.

Reflecting on the experience, Hankins says the entire cast and crew were incredibly kind, professional and adaptable, especially

considering they were working out of a church. “It was an exciting and unforgettable time in Wetumpka,” Stieb says.

Other “Big Fish” filming locations included Jackson Lake Island in Millbrook. It represented the fictional town of Spectre. Dicksonia Plantation in Lowndesboro, about 15 miles west of Montgomery, served as the witch’s house in the film. Huntingdon College and Capitol Heights Middle School’s athletic field in Montgomery, the Elmore County Courthouse in Wetumpka, and Pine Flat Presbyterian Church on Alabama Highway 143 in Deatsville were also in the movie.

Also filmed in Wetumpka: “The Grass Harp” (1995), “The Rosa Parks Story” (2002), and “Son of the South” (2020).

More filming locations

“Space Camp”

The 1986 science fiction adventure movie, starring Kate Capshaw, Lea Thompson, and Kelly Preston, was partially filmed in Huntsville at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and inspired by the U.S. Space Camp.

“Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”

The movie, starring Will Ferrell as race car driver Ricky Bobby, released in 2006, was partly filmed at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega.

The 1983 film “Stroker Ace,” starring Burt Reynolds, was also filmed at the speedway.

1) Scene from “USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage.” 2) From left, “Selma” director Ava DuVernay, Oprah Winfrey (Annie Lee Cooper), and David Oyelowo (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) pose on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma.

Artwork by 2024 Best in Fine Art Winner, Wanda Azzario-Goldberg

“Norma Rae”

“Norma Rae,” based on the life of Crystal Lee Sutton, who helped unionize a North Carolina textile mill, earned Sally Field an Academy Award.

The 1979 movie features sites in and near historic Opelika. Manufacturing scenes occurred at the Opelika Manufacturing Corp., which burned in 2018. Another filming site is Golden Cherry Motel, where the hotel scenes were filmed. It is still in operation.

“Selma”

The film, released in 2019, is based on how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. helped change history.

The most iconic scenes, starring David Oyelowo as King, take place in Selma at the Edmund Pettus Bridge and downtown business district — the pivotal protest at the movie’s end.

The second march takes place in Montgomery. Movie makers filmed the steps of the Alabama State Capitol Building.

“42”

The historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham was a filming site for “42,” the 2012 film based on baseball player Jackie Robinson, the first black athlete to play in Major League Baseball.

Rickwood Field also served as the set for game-action scenes at Forbes Field, Roosevelt Stadium, and Shibe Park, as well as in the film’s opening.

“Failure

to Launch”

Cherokee Rock Village in Leesburg was the setting for the rock climbing scenes in 2006’s “Failure to Launch,” starring Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker.

“The Life of Chuck”

Mike Flanagan’s “The Life of Chuck,” based on the Stephen King novella about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz, was released in June. The iconic Dauphin Street in Mobile, as well as the towns of Bay Minette, Foley, Spanish Fort, and various other lower Alabama communities, play a significant role in the film.

The films listed here are only the tip of the movie iceberg. For a listing of all the movies filmed in Alabama, check this website: alabamafilm.org/features.html

From its origins in 1949 to the bustling state film commission, movie magic is alive and well in Alabama! Have you been an extra in a movie filmed in Alabama? Tell us about it at contact@ alabamaliving.coop. 

CROSSWORD

BY MYLES MELLOR

Across

1 The home of Helen Keller in Tuscumbia, 2 words

6 White bird found in marshy areas

9 Have a bite

11 There’s a museum in Tuskegee University in honor of this agricultural pioneer, last name

12 The Scott and ___ Fitzgerald Museum, located in the historic Old Cloverdale neighborhood in Montgomery

14 Fort McClellan and Sumpter Smith, for example

16 Cream puffs

18 Trending technology that enables machines and computers to make complex calculations, abbr.

19 The color of Fort Morgan beaches

20 Robert ____ Jones Golf Trail : collection of great golf courses across Alabama

22 Worcester sauce, with Perrins 23 Speedometer reading, abbr. 25 Jumpin’ __ Flash, Rolling stones hit

7 Summit

29 Currently fashionable

30 Drink made from fermented milk

32 Include

33 Location of a historic site in memory of the African American pilots who courageously fought in WWII

35 University which is home to the Rosa Parks Museum

36 Knight’s title

38 Raised livestock

39 WWII battleship now housed as an historic site in Mobile

Down

1 Place where new small businesses are “hatched”

2 Tall tales

3 Marsh growth

4 Corn serving

5 Alien who was too good for earth, abbr.

7 Hank _____ Museums in Georgiana and Montgomery

8 Gets closer to

10 Rhododendron kin

13 First name of Alabama city where you can visit the Gone With The Wind Art Gallery (housing antiques and rare items from the iconic film)

15 N itrogen and oxygen

1 7 B illiard shooter

21 Kathryn ____ Windham museum in Thomasville (she was a great Alabama storyteller)

24 There’s a museum honoring this blues great born in Florence, W.C. _____

25 Outstanding multiple Olympic gold medal athlete from Oakville: there’s a Memorial Park and Museum in his honor (first name)

26 Beer dispenser

2 7 B it of business attire

28 Surgery site, abbr.

29 Wedding vow, 2 words

31 Greek salad cheese

32 Boundaried space

33 B ill

34 Young goat

37 Alabama neighbor, abbr.

EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 6

Montevallo, Tinglewood Festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Orr Park. See wood carving artists and participate in a whittling contest. Also: car and tractor show, food vendors, live music all day and fun for the whole family. Free. TinglewoodFestival.com

SEPTEMBER 6-7

Cullman, 9th annual Bernard Blues and BBQ, featuring a Kansas City BBQ Backyard Cookoff with pulled pork, ribs, hamburgers, brats and chicken. Event also has arts and crafts vendors, blues music and the opportunity to win $10,000. All proceeds benefit St. Bernard Preparatory School. 1600 St. Bernard Drive, adjacent to Ave Maria Grotto, which offers half price admission all weekend. Admission is $10 per person, with kids 12 and under free. Free parking. BernardBluesBBQ.com

SEPTEMBER 12

Montgomery, 13th annual Riverbend Brewfest and Country Jamboree, Union Station Train Shed, 6 to 10 p.m. Dress in your best western wear and enjoy the Brandon Jordan Band and Scott Bartlett of Saving Abel. DJ Ali, line dancing, mechanical bull, lawn games, food trucks and vendors. Admission is $35, $25 for military. Event was rescheduled from May 16. Visit Montgomeryal.gov and scroll to “city events.”

SEPTEMBER 12-13

Tuscumbia, Oka Kapassa Return to Coldwater Festival, Spring Park. This festival celebrates the culture and traditions of Native Americans who once thrived in north Alabama. Special performance Friday evening, with music, dance, and storytelling. On Saturday, the festival will continue during the day with vendors, demonstrations, performances, and various activities. OkaKapassaFestival.org

SEPTEMBER 19

Fort Payne, Boom Days Heritage Celebration, City Park. This annual art and musical event offers a look at the area’s past and heritage passed down through arts and crafts. Event begins at 6 p.m. Friday. Musical performances from Elijah Gurley Band and Grand Funk Railroad on Friday, and Mark Wills and The Band Perry on Saturday. Fun, arts and food on Saturday. 256-845-1524.

SEPTEMBER 20

Albertville, Taps & Tunes Brewfest Oktoberfest Edition, 314 Sand Mountain Drive, 4 to 8 p.m. More than 80 beers (local and worldwide), ciders and meads, along with live music, food truck, games, stein hoisting competition and a free souvenir tasting glass. Tickets are $38. Tapsandtunes.ticketspice.com

SEPTEMBER 20

Hartselle, 45th annual Depot Days festival, at the historic depot and downtown area. Event is a tribute to the railroad industry and its contribution to the area. Art show featuring local artists, a car show, kids’ station with games, face painting, inflatables and more, live music and a special feature at the historic Hartselle Train Depot. HartselleChamber.com

SEPTEMBER 20-21

Orange Beach, fifth annual Freedom Fest and Bama Coast Cruisin’ Fall Car show, The Wharf. Featuring a kids’ zone by the Ferris Wheel, patriotic military booths, arts, crafts and outdoor vendors (including food vendors), live music stage and the Gulf Coast Gun Collectors Association collectible firearms show at the Orange Beach Event Center. Festival and car show are free; $10 admission to firearms show. Free shuttles for parking. OrangeBeachAl.gov

SEPTEMBER 26-28

Springville, Homestead Hollow Arts and Crafts Festival, 1161 Murphrees Valley Road. Arts and crafts vendors, kids’ activities, pioneer demonstrations, live entertainment and food. $10 adults, free for kids 12 and under. Free parking. Homesteadhollow.com

SEPTEMBER 27

Titus, Bluegrass Festival, Titus Community Center, 5945 Titus Road, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy bluegrass music featuring The Old Mix Tapes, Over the Mountain and Southern Gentlemen. Admission $10, children 12 and under free. Bring lawn chairs; concessions and crafts available. 334-300-4057.

SEPTEMBER 27

Red Bay, Founder’s Fest, Bay Tree Park, 210 4th Ave. SE, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Event kicks off with Queen’s Train Ride at 8:30 and live music beginning at 9 a.m. Best fried pie contest at 11 a.m., along with quilt, coloring and photography contests. Event also features arts and crafts, an antique car-truckmotorcycle-tractor show, door prizes and a variety of food. The Red Bay Museum will be open for tours. CityofRedBay.org

OCTOBER 3-11

Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan Fall Bird Banding. Experience migrating birds banded and safely released – an up-close experience for all ages. Visit BandingCoalition.org for information.

OCTOBER 11

Oneonta, 41st annual Covered Bridge Festival, historic downtown, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, kids’ zone, food trucks, pancake breakfast, car cruise-in, and bus tour of the Blount County covered bridges. Sponsored by the Blount-Oneonta Chamber of Commerce. Email info@ blountoneontachamber.org or call 205-274-2153.

At the 9th annual Bernard Blues and BBQ Festival Sept. 6-7 in Cullman, cook teams will prepare the best barbecue ribs, pulled pork, burgers and more in a backyard cookoff.

OCTOBER 17-18

Hartselle, Alabama Gourd Show, Sparkman Civic Center. The Alabama Gourd Society celebrates its 17th year with this event. Email gourdzilla@aol.com for information.

OCTOBER 25

Cleveland, the Great Alabama BBQ Cook-Off, Blount County Multi-Purpose Center. Join Alabama Public Television for a full day of food, fun and fellowship with barbecue, live music, a beer barn and more. Free samples prepared by the barbecue competitors; get tickets to a full meal featuring barbecue and trimmings with your support of APT. PBS Kids characters and educational activities for children. Aptv.org

OCTOBER 25

Wetumpka, Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival, 301 Hill St. in historic downtown. 9 a.m. This one-day festival celebrates wildlife art as well as the natural beauty of Alabama. Art fans and outdoor enthusiasts gather for this event full of educational presentations, art exhibits and classes, vendors, food, children’s activities and expert demonstrations. TheKelly.org

To place an event, e-mail events@alabamaliving.coop. or visit www.alabamaliving.coop. You can also mail to Events Calendar, 340 TechnaCenter Dr., Montgomery, AL 36117; Each submission must include a contact name and phone number. Deadline is two months prior to issue date. We regret that we cannot publish every event due to space limitations.

Alabama Living on FB instagram.com/alabamaliving

PHILIP STRIDHSTOCK.ADOBE.COM

‘

The Place We Call Home’

Alabama provides sense of place for ‘Big Fish’ author

You moved to North Carolina some 50 years ago, yet most of your stories are based in Alabama. Why is this state such an enduring setting for your work?

I imprinted on Alabama. I was born there. I grew up there. I know all the backroads. I know the state. So this sense of place, which is so integral to any writer’s work — but I think especially a southern writer’s work — was provided by Alabama. Why go anywhere else?

In addition to Birmingham, what other towns have been settings for your stories?

the world so you can describe the world. The things that I did (outside of writing) have also been integral in making me who I am — finding out who I am by finding out who I’m not.

Beneath the Moon and the Long Dead Stars is a collection of very short “flash” stories. What makes this particular writing form special?

Position: Award-winning Alabama-born writer, illustrator and educator whose very first book, the best-selling Big Fish: A Novel of Mythical Proportions, was adapted into a major motion picture and a Broadway musical. He’s since published five more novels, a memoir, a children’s book and myriad essays and short stories. His latest book, Beneath the Moon and the Long Dead Stars, is a collection of very short short stories that, since its release in May, has garnered rave reviews by critics and readers alike.

Background: A native of Birmingham, who despite living most of his adult life in North Carolina, almost always sets his funny, honest and often magical stories in Alabama. He’s currently putting the finishing touches on a forthcoming novel while also teaching his creative writing students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, drawing for the pure pleasure of it and learning to juggle.

Honors & Awards: Among his many literary and teaching awards, Wallace is a member of the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame and recipient of the 2019 Harper Lee Award for Alabama’s Distinguished Writer of the Year. His books have been translated into more than three dozen languages and his illustrations have appeared in many magazines and books including the Los Angeles Times and Vanity Fair Italia.

My deepest connection other than the Birmingham area is Cullman, where my grandparents lived and where we spent a lot of time. Many of my books, from Big Fish to Watermelon King — maybe all of them — go through Cullman. You don’t necessarily know it as a reader. It’s only important for me to establish in my own head a place where the characters can exist. Little is more important than where we live, the place we call home.

When did you begin writing and why does it appeal to you?

I started writing in high school for the fun of it. I got real pleasure out of making things with words, and it’s still like that. I’m building things, like a carpenter, and I get a great deal of pleasure out of making something that is substantial, can take a little rain and wind and honor a reader’s idea of what a good story is.

Before becoming a best-selling author, you worked in a variety of other occupations — stoneware importer, veterinary assistant, refrigerator magnet magnate and bookseller among them. Did working in these jobs help form or inform you as a writer?

I think it’s essential for a writer to do things other than write. Experience

Short stories can be really powerful. It’s fascinating to me that you can write a story that is so short that still opens up a world of emotion in a reader. And they’re so short you can read one at a stoplight. Whether you should or not… that’s your business.

How does your work as an artist and illustrator balance with your work as a writer?

I think of my drawing as coming from a completely different place than my writing. I want to be the best possible writer that I can be; with my drawing I want to be the best possible seven-year-old drawer that I can be. I want it to be this place I go to for pure self-indulgent goofy pleasure. Having something that I can be bad at — to give myself permission not to be perfect — I’m very lucky to have that. I find it a lot harder to do that with my writing.

Can you offer any sage advice to aspiring writers?

Pay attention. Just pay attention to everything. To the people in your life, the world around you, and really see things. The closer you are to your own experience the closer you are to understanding what story really is: what it means to be alive.

Beneath the Moon and the Long Dead Stars, published in May by Bull City Press, is available in print and e-book formats. Wallace’s short stories, including four from this book, are also often featured on Troy Public Radio’s “Alabama Aloud” podcast hosted by Don Noble. — Katie Jackson 

Daniel Wallace

PHOTO BY KATE MEDLEY

A Medieval Castle … In Alabama?

Discover the Magical New Addition at ReTreet Resort & Spa

Tucked away on Lake Guntersville, ReTreet Resort & Spa continues to redefine luxury glamping, and its newest feature is straight out of a fairy tale. Known as one of the top glamping destinations in the U.S., ReTreet has added a medieval castle to its already-impressive lineup of themed treehouses, tents, cabins, glass event dome, and full-service spa.

But this isn’t just any castle. It’s a fully functional storm shelter designed with both guest safety and immersive experiences in mind.

Owners Troy and Patti Hopkins wanted a storm shelter that would offer peace of mind to their 90+ nightly guests without compromising on the charm of the

resort. This resulted in a hillside fortress that doubles as a tribute to three iconic medieval movie and TV series. Visitors can step through the hand-laid stone archway and scan a QR code to guess the three movies. People who answer correctly earn a 10% discount on their next stay.

Inside, guests will find custom-painted murals and a handcrafted throne built by ReTreet’s maintenance manager, Nathaniel Hughes. “A lot of time, artistry, and hard work has gone into this shelter,” says Troy. “We wanted it to be more than just safe. We wanted it to be unforgettable.”

The castle will also serve as a one-of-akind venue for medieval-themed wine tastings and special events.

Ready to experience the magic? Book your stay at ReTreet.fun.

Take Us Along!

Continued from Page 11

See more travelers on Page 39!

 Judy Burnham, a member of Baldwin EMC from Mobile, traveled to St. John’s Newfoundland. She’s pictured in front of Cabot Tower on Signal Hill.

 Kris and Joyce Flippo of Wiregrass EC sent this photo from their visit to Pisa, Italy.

 Helen and Tom Judd from Wedowee recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary by taking a cruise through the Inside Passage to Alaska, across the Bearing Sea and on to Japan. They are members of Tallapoosa River EC.

 Gary and Tina Wages of Andalusia traveled with their magazine to Yellowstone National Park.

 It was a record high 117 degrees at the Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert, CA., last summer when Shaye Lewis of Mt. Hebron and Marshall Dekalb EC, visited.

 Germania and Keith Rushing, members of Baldwin EMC, took their magazine to Manglaralto, Ecuador last July. They live in Laurel, Mississippi, but have a condo in Gulf Shores.

 Louis & Donna Sipes, members of Cullman EC, stopped in Heidelberg to snap a photo while on a Rhine River cruise.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Full Moon on 5th

Sept. 5 • Oct. 3

5th St. Downtown Meridian

Earth’s Bounty + First Saturday Sept. 6 • Oct. 4 • Nov. 1 The MAX

Plein Air Festival Oct. 4

Downtown Meridian

Soulé Live Steam Show & Railfest Oct. 31 – Nov. 1

Soulé Steam Works and Meridian Railroad Museum

Cecelia Moseley: Remnants of Language

Exhibit Open Now The MAX

MSU Riley Center for Education & Performing Arts

Rebuilding History:

A Historic Fire Tower Finds New Life at Smith Lake

BY BRANDY JO HASTINGS

What makes someone wake up one day and decide to buy a fire tower? For Huntsville’s Billy Claunch, it started with a casual conversation at the gym three years ago when a fellow CrossFit enthusiast mentioned that the historic Joe B. Shirley Fire Tower at Monte Sano State Park was for sale. Claunch immediately jumped on the phone with his friend and business partner and proudly said, “Hey man, I’m buying a fire tower!”

A fire tower fits in perfectly with Claunch’s background, since he’s been the co-owner of Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus for over 20 years. The company is the largest buyer and seller of used fire trucks

in the Western Hemisphere, and this seemed like a cool opportunity to be able to give a new home to this important piece of fire protection history.

The original plan was for the tower to take residence at the company’s headquarters in Union Grove. “I thought it would be an awesome fire industry relic to have on the property,” Claunch says.

But then, he came up with an even better idea. Instead of housing it at their corporate headquarters where they would be the only ones enjoying it, he found another home for the tower where it could be most appreciated, loved, and used by everyone.

PHOTO

ZACK LIGHTFOOT

The historic Joe B. Shirley Fire Tower was a scenic landmark at Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville for years, but visitors weren’t able to climb it.

Choosing the perfect location

Rewind to seven years before that, and Claunch had already started purchasing land in Cullman County near the Crane Hill community for another passion project that would allow others to experience the natural serenity of the Smith Lake area. He didn’t have a name, but he had a vision for a place that included lodging, trails and more. He then found a way to combine his passions into what is now called Fire Tower Camp. That meant the fire tower could move there and have a permanent home in Crane Hill, in a place where it could be enjoyed by all.

The fire tower was produced by the Aermotor Windmill Company and constructed in 1968 by the Alabama Forestry Commission. It served an important purpose at that time, as it played a critical role in forest conservation. It gained its historical notoriety in 2006 when it was listed on the National Historic Lookout Register, but for decades, the fire tower sat only as a scenic landmark at Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville. Visitors couldn’t climb it, and the tower hasn’t served a purpose for years — but that’s about to change.

The fire tower was deconstructed and is currently being rebuilt at Fire Tower Camp. Moving and reconstructing a 100-foot fire tower made of galvanized steel is no easy feat, but it’s a labor of love for Claunch. He’s sincerely thankful for

those in the local community who have been instrumental in helping with the reconstruction, saying, “All of the work that has been done on the tower and at Fire Tower Camp has been by people I met at the Crane Hill Food Mart.”

While a small tower with signage greets you upon arrival at Fire Tower Camp, the main attraction is expected to be fully rebuilt by late 2025 or early 2026 — and Claunch welcomes everyone to come climb it as soon as it is complete.

Next spring they’ll celebrate the fire tower with a formal open house.

So what can you expect to see if you make the journey to the top of the tower? Claunch can’t contain his excitement when he talks about the views. “You’ll

Other sights at the Fire Tower Camp:

see a good part of the Crane Hill area,” he says. “There will be great views of Smith Lake, Lick Creek and Ryan Creek.”

Claunch says part of his inspiration came from the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association, which has restored a couple of historic fire towers near Lake Martin. He speaks highly of their work, and says it motivated him to create his own 501(c)(3) organization called the Smith Lake Trails and Tower Association. He shared his mission for the organization, which is a member of Cullman EC. “The goal is to allow access for the public to enjoy the outdoors in and around Smith Lake.” If he gets to preserve these bits of fire protection history in the process, that’s a bonus for him. 

The Disney World Fire Truck: Disney enthusiasts will be excited to see a unique piece of memorabilia. While some people go to Disney World and bring home mouse ears or T-shirts as souvenirs, Claunch brought home a fire truck. The Reedy Creek Professional Firefighters have the responsibility of providing fire protection to the theme park, and one of their retired trucks now lives at Fire Tower Camp.

Hiking trails: Currently there are over two miles of developed trails, with several more in progress. The current trails take you through the forest, alongside Smith Lake, and past hidden waterfalls. One even takes you to a scenic spot known as Bank Robber’s Bluff. That’s where you’ll find a makeshift home built into the side of the bluff. Rumor has it that in the early 20th century, a bank robber hid out in the area.

The Treehouse: At the moment, there are four properties that visitors can rent and stay overnight, but one stands out — the treehouse (left). Situated along the shoreline of Smith Lake, you can see the magnificent display of craftsmanship as you cruise by on the water. More treehouses are planned, but there’s also another special lodging opportunity on the horizon, too — a special fire tower cabin located at the base of the fire tower. Visit firetowercamp.com for more information.

The fire tower has found a new home and is currently being reconstructed in Crane Hill, Alabama. Visitors will soon be able to climb it and enjoy the views.

PHOTO BY BRANDY JO HASTINGS

The secluded treehouse at Fire Tower Camp sits in a private cove and overlooks Smith Lake.

Herb

Your

Enthusiasm:

Fall Herb Gardening in Alabama Made Simple

BY VIKKI MORAN

Mint is a vigorous grower — some might say too vigorous — so it’s best kept in containers to prevent it from taking over. It thrives in partial shade and is a delight in iced teas, fruit salads, desserts, and yes, let’s not forget cocktails! A Hugo Spritzer on a fall evening is even better with a handful of your own mint. Just follow a simple recipe, and don’t be shy about doubling up on the mint for extra freshness.

There’s something undeniably satisfying about stepping outside, snipping a sprig of fresh basil or rosemary, and tossing it straight into your pot or salad.

For Alabama gardeners and home cooks looking to grow herbs in the fall, this season is the perfect time to start or refresh an herb garden. Alabama’s mild climate offers an extended opportunity for growing herbs like mint, basil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano — right through winter and into spring.

Whether you have a sprawling backyard, a sunny porch ledge, or a few pots near your kitchen door, herbs are surprisingly easy to grow, lowmaintenance, and immensely rewarding. With just a little care, mint, basil, tarragon, rosemary, thyme, and oregano can flourish, bringing joy to your family — and delighting friends when you share your harvest in the form of a small bundle or a bottle of homemade infused vinegar or oil.

Why fall is prime time for growing herbs in Alabama

Alabama’s September through November window is perfect for fall herb gardening. Summer’s intense heat gives way to milder days and cool nights, which create ideal soil temperatures for root growth. Many of the pests that bother summer gardens slow down in fall, and rain often helps ease your watering routine. Planting herbs now allows them to establish before frost, giving you fresh snips into winter in many parts of the state.

If you haven’t tried growing herbs before, this is your moment. You will fall in love with the scents alone — there’s nothing like brushing your hand against rosemary or basil and having that fragrance follow you back inside.

Best herbs to grow in Alabama this fall: mint, basil, rosemary, and more

Oregano

Oregano offers bold Mediterranean flavor for pizzas, sauces, and marinades and is easy to dry for your pantry. It also attracts pollinators with its late-season purple blooms. Try planting a spicy variety for a little heat in your dishes.

Tarragon

With its subtle anise-like flavor, tarragon is a favorite in French and Southern kitchens. It prefers well-drained soil and moderate sun and is wonderful in chicken salad, egg dishes and sauces, adding a gentle but distinctive note to your everyday meals.

Basil

Basil’s sweet, aromatic flavor makes it a favorite for many, and it still grows well into early fall. Keep pinching the tops to encourage bushier growth and tender leaves. Fresh basil is essential for pesto and pairs beautifully with Alabama’s late-season tomatoes. If you enjoy canning, putting up your own pesto will save you money and bring a burst of Italian flavor to winter soups and sauces. I use my pesto everywhere — drizzled over eggs, stirred into soups, and even whisked into salad dressings.

Mint

Rosemary

This woody perennial loves full sun and is drought-tolerant, making it perfect for Alabama gardens. Rosemary’s needlelike leaves add depth to roasts, breads, and even cocktails. Italian women traditionally sniff rosemary each day to help their memory, and while I can’t guarantee it works, it certainly brings a moment of calm joy to your day!

Thyme

Thyme’s low-growing, aromatic leaves make it a versatile kitchen staple. Hardy and drought-tolerant, thyme is a workhorse, enhancing poultry, soups, stews, and roasted vegetables throughout the cooler months.

Fall herb gardening tips for Alabama gardeners

Start with healthy soil

Alabama soils can range from sandy to clay-heavy. Amending your garden beds with compost or organic matter improves drainage and nutrients. Raised beds and containers are great for controlling soil conditions, especially for herbs like mint and tarragon that like welldrained roots. You don’t need a fancy compost system — scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells can enrich your soil beautifully.

Water smart and watch for pests

While fall rains help, herbs still need consistent moisture. Morning watering is best from my experience. Fall reduces pest pressure, but keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars. A light spray of soapy water can help keep pests away while remaining safe for your edible herbs.

Harvest often

The more you use your herbs, the more they grow. Frequent snipping encourages fuller plants. Removing flowers, especially on basil and thyme, keeps leaves tender and flavorful. Share your extra herbs with neighbors or tuck sprigs into flower arrangements for added fragrance and greenery. Rosemary looks lovely in a vase and lasts a long time. When I use in table arrangements, I always get compliments on the scent.

Extend your season

Many herbs can handle Alabama’s mild winters, especially with a layer of mulch or by moving containers to sunny windowsills or porches. Enclosed outdoor showers can double as a cozy cold-night haven for your herbs. My outdoor shower becomes a winter refuge for herbs and dormant orchids — and yes, I still have room to shower!

A season to savor

No matter your gardening experience, herbs connect you to Alabama’s rich growing season and your kitchen table. They transform everyday meals, turning a pot of soup into something special and a simple salad into a celebration of your garden’s work. This fall, whether you grow a handful of pots or a full raised bed, embrace the joy of growing, harvesting, and cooking with your own fresh herbs.

After all, a little garden enthusiasm goes a long way in feeding the soul — one flavorful snip or pinch at a time. Sources for Further Reading: The World of Herbs by Leslie Bremness and The Magic of Herbs in Daily Living by Richard Lucas. 

How to Preserve Herbs: Homemade Herb Vinegar and Infused Oil Tips

As fall progresses, preserving your herbs will let you enjoy their freshness into the winter months:

Air dry: Bundle hardy herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage, and hang upside down in a warm, dry spot until crisp. Store in airtight jars and crumble as needed.

Freeze in ice cubes: Chop herbs like basil, mint, or parsley, place in ice cube trays, cover with water or olive oil, and freeze. Pop cubes into soups, stews, or sauces for an instant flavor boost.

Herb-infused oils: Warm olive oil gently, bruise your herbs first by rubbing leaves between your fingers to release their oils and aroma, add them to the warm oil, and let steep before straining. Store in the refrigerator and use within three weeks for safety.

Vinegar infusions: Warm cider or white vinegar slightly, bruise fresh herbs to release flavor, and add them to the vinegar. Let steep for a few weeks before straining. These herb-infused vinegars add a bright note to dressings and marinades and, when bottled with a ribbon and handwritten label, make a beautiful gift for neighbors or holiday baskets.

Tip: Always label your jars with the herb type and date. Dried herbs maintain the best flavor for 6–12 months, while oils and vinegars are best used within 3 months.

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EX PLORING

Alabama’s Botanical Treasures

When it comes to biodiversity, Alabama is a hidden gem in the southeastern United States.

With its varied landscapes — from coastal plains and river valleys to mountainous regions — Alabama is home to an astonishing array of plant and animal life. In fact, it ranks among the top states in the nation for biodiversity, especially in freshwater species. This rich natural heritage is shaped by the state’s warm climate, diverse habitats, and complex geological history.

Alabama boasts more than 4,500 species of plants and animals, including over 1,500 species of vascular plants and nearly 500 species of vertebrates. Its rivers and streams are particularly noteworthy, supporting more species of freshwater mussels, snails, and fish than any other state. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta, often called “America’s Amazon,” is a biodiversity hotspot teeming with life.

Among Alabama’s botanical treasures are two standout species: the Alabama azalea and the Cahaba lily.

The Alabama azalea (Rhododendron alabamense) is a deciduous shrub native to the state’s woodlands and stream banks. First described in the 1920s, this azalea is known for its delicate white flowers with a yellow blotch and a sweet, lemony fragrance. It typically blooms in late spring, adding a splash of elegance to the understory of pine and hardwood forests.

What makes the Alabama azalea special is its limited range and unique characteristics. Unlike many azaleas that prefer acidic soils, this species thrives in welldrained, sandy loam. It’s also adapted to fire-prone ecosystems, often resprouting after burns — a trait that helps it survive in Alabama’s longleaf pine habitats.

Conservationists are keeping a close eye on the Alabama azalea, as habitat loss and land development threaten its natural populations. Efforts to propagate and protect this native plant are underway, with botanical gardens and native plant societies playing a key role.

Another iconic species is the Cahaba lily ( Hymenocallis coronaria ), a striking aquatic plant found in fast-moving rivers and streams. Its large,

1) The Alabama azalea is threatened by habitat loss and land development.

2) The Cahaba lily is named for the Cahaba River, which flows from northeast of Birmingham south to the Alabama River southwest of Selma.

fragrant white flowers bloom from May to June, often forming dazzling displays in shallow shoals. The Cahaba River, one of the lily’s primary habitats, is named after this plant and is considered one of the most biologically diverse rivers in North America.

The Cahaba lily is incredibly picky about where it grows. It needs clean, swift water and stable rocky substrates to anchor its roots. Because of this, it’s highly sensitive to changes in water quality and flow. Dams, pollution, and sedimentation pose serious threats to its survival.

D espite these challenges, the Cahaba lily has become a symbol of Alabama’s natural beauty and resilience. Annual festivals celebrate its bloom, drawing attention to the importance of river conservation and habitat protection.

Alabama’s biodiversity isn’t just beautiful — it’s vital. Healthy ecosystems support agriculture, clean water and recreation, while also providing habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. Protecting native species like the Alabama azalea and Cahaba lily helps preserve the ecological balance and cultural heritage of the region.

Whether you’re hiking through a forest, paddling down a river, or simply admiring a wildflower in bloom, Alabama’s biodiversity offers endless opportunities for discovery and connection with nature. 

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.

PHOTOS COURTESY ALABAMA EXTENSION

PHOTO BY SHANE HARRIS, ALABAMA EXTENSION

Hidden Energy Users at Home

Out of sight, out of mind. It is easy to overlook the hidden energy users in our homes. Yet, every plugged-in device and ready-to-use appliance can lead to higher electric bills.

Let’s see if we can find some hidden energy savings for you. Your water heater could be using more energy than necessary. Storage water heaters heat water to a preset temperature. When hot water is used, cold water enters the tank, lowering the temperature, and the water is reheated to that preset level. If the water heater is set higher than needed, it wastes energy. Most water heaters are set to 140 degrees at the factory. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting the temperature to 120 degrees. This will save energy and reduce the risk of scalding. Do not set it lower than 120 degrees to prevent bacteria development in the tank.

Look around your home for plugged-in items. If they aren’t in use, unplug them from the outlet.

Pools and hot tubs can also be big energy users. Since you don’t see the pumps or heaters by design, it’s difficult to know when they are operating and consuming energy. Pumps filter water to keep it clean and safe for swimming. Energy Star®-certified pumps run at lower speeds and can be programmed to match your pool’s filtering needs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. They can pay for themselves in two years, are quieter and can prolong the life of your pool’s filtering system. Schedule your hot tub to a lower temperature when you’re not using it to reduce energy use. If your electric utility offers timeof-use rates, consider scheduling accordingly.

Exterior security lights, porch lights and barn lights can use more energy than needed. If they are on every night, all year long, that adds up to 4,380 hours, or half the hours in a year. If those lights use outdated, inefficient technology, they waste energy. With that many hours, even a slight increase in efficiency can yield big energy savings. Switch to energy efficient LED bulbs. If lights need to stay on, consider upgrading to motion sensor lights so you aren’t drawing energy all night.

Plug load is anything in your home that is plugged into an outlet. As we use more and more appliances and technology in our homes, plug load energy use increases. Find what is plugged in around your home. If you aren’t using it, unplug it. For computer stations and entertainment centers, consider using smart power strips. These devices sense when energy is being used and turn peripheral devices on or off as needed.

Gaming consoles are another hidden energy user. Gamers often put them in rest mode when not in use. This allows them to complete updates and reduces start-up time for the next session. It also means they are still consuming energy even when not actively used. Powering off between gaming sessions can save energy. Ask the gamers in your life to power off. It may require a bit more time for updates, but every kilowatt-hour counts when it comes to saving energy.

It’s easy to make a habit of powering down and unplugging once you identify everything drawing power in your home. For upgrades, reach out to your electric utility about available rebates to help cover costs. 

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.

Popular CoQ10 Pills Leave Millions Suffering

Could this newly-discovered brain fuel solve America’s worsening memory crisis?

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA — Millions of Americans take the supplement known as CoQ10. It’s the coenzyme that supercharges the “energy factories” in your cells known as mitochondria. But there’s a serious flaw that’s leaving millions unsatisfied.

As you age, your mitochondria break down and fail to produce energy. In a revealing study, a team of researchers showed that 95 percent of the mitochondria in a 90-year-old man were damaged, compared to almost no damage in the mitochondria of a 5-year-old.

Taking CoQ10 alone is not enough to solve this problem. Because as powerful as CoQ10 is, there’s one critical thing it fails to do: it can’t create new mitochondria to replace the ones you lost.

And that’s bad news for Americans all over the country. The loss of cellular energy is a problem for the memory concerns people face as they get older.

“We had no way of replacing lost mitochondria until a recent discovery changed everything,” says Dr. Al Sears, founder and medical director of the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine in Palm Beach, Florida. “Researchers discovered the only nutrient known to modern science that has the power to trigger the growth of new mitochondria.”

Why Taking CoQ10 is Not Enough

Dr. Sears explains, “This new discovery is so powerful, it can multiply your mitochondria by 55 percent in just a few weeks. That’s the equivalent of restoring decades of lost brain power.”

This exciting nutrient — called PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) — is the driving force behind a revolution in aging. When paired with CoQ10, this dynamic duo has the power to reverse the age-related memory losses you may have thought were beyond your control.

Dr. Sears pioneered a new formula — called Ultra Accel Q — that combines both CoQ10 and PQQ to support maximum cellular energy and the normal growth of new mitochondria. Ultra Accel Q is the first of its kind to address both problems and is already creating huge demand.

In fact, demand has been so overwhelming that inventories repeatedly sell out. But a closer look at Ultra Accel Q reveals there are good reasons why sales are booming.

Science Confirms the Many Benefits of PQQ

The medical journal Biochemical Pharmacology reports that PQQ is up to 5,000 times more efficient in sustaining energy production than common antioxidants. With the ability to keep every cell in your body operating at full strength, Ultra Accel Q delivers more than just added brain power and a faster memory.

People feel more energetic, more alert, and don’t need naps in the afternoon. The boost in cellular energy generates more power to your heart, lungs, muscles, and more.

“With the PQQ in Ultra Accel, I have energy I never thought possible at my age,” says Colleen R., one of Dr. Sears’s patients. “I’m in my 70s but feel 40 again. I think clearly, move with real energy and sleep like a baby.”

The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and Dr. Sears receives countless emails from his patients and readers. “My patients tell me they feel better than they have in years. This is ideal for people who are feeling old and run down, or for those who feel more forgetful. It surprises many that you can add healthy and productive years to your life simply by taking Ultra Accel Q every day.”

You may have seen Dr. Sears on television or read one of his 12 best-selling books. Or you may have seen him speak at the 2016 WPBF 25 Health and Wellness Festival in South Florida, featuring Dr. Oz and special guest Suzanne Somers. Thousands of people attended Dr. Sears’s lecture on antiaging breakthroughs and waited in line for hours during his book signing at the event.

Will Ultra Accel Q Multiply Your Energy?

Ultra Accel Q is turning everything we thought we knew about youthful energy on its head. Especially for people over age 50. In less than 30 seconds every morning, you can harness the power of this breakthrough discovery to restore peak energy and your “spark for life.”

So, if you’ve noticed less energy as you’ve gotten older, and you want an easy way to reclaim your youthful edge, this new opportunity will feel like blessed relief.

The secret is the “energy multiplying” molecule that activates a dormant gene in your body that declines with age, which then instructs your cells to pump out fresh energy from the inside-out. This growth

MEMORY-BUILDING SENSATION: Top doctors are now recommending new Ultra Accel Q because it restores decades of lost brain power without a doctor’s visit.

of new “energy factories” in your cells is called mitochondrial biogenesis.

Instead of falling victim to that afternoon slump, you enjoy sharp-as-a-tack focus, memory, and concentration from sunup to sundown. And you get more done in a day than most do in a week. Regardless of how exhausting the world is now.

Dr. Sears reports, “The most rewarding aspect of practicing medicine is watching my patients get the joy back in their lives. Ultra Accel Q sends a wake-up call to every cell in their bodies… And they actually feel young again.”

And his patients agree. “I noticed a difference within a few days,” says Jerry from Ft. Pierce, Florida. “My endurance has almost doubled, and I feel it mentally, too. There’s a clarity and sense of well-being in my life that I’ve never experienced before.”

How To Get Ultra Accel Q

This is the official nationwide release of Ultra Accel Q in the United States. And so, the company is offering a special discount supply to anyone who calls during the official launch.

An Order Hotline has been set up for local readers to call. This gives everyone an equal chance to try Ultra Accel Q. And your order is backed up by a no-hassle, 90day money back guarantee. No questions asked.

The discount offer will be available for a limited time only. All you have to do is call TOLL FREE 1-888-220-1771 right now and use promo code ALUAQ925 to secure your own supply.

Important: Due to Ultra Accel Q recent media exposure, phone lines are often busy. If you call and do not immediately get through, please be patient and call back.

When Two Hearts Join

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THERAPY, SAFETY AND INDEPENDENCE

How a Safe Step Walk-In Tub can change your life

Think about the things you loved to do that are dif cult today — going for a walk or just sitting comfortably while reading a book. And remember the last time you got a great night’s sleep?

As we get older, health issues or even everyday aches, pains and stress can prevent us from

So what’s keeping you from having a better quality of life?

Check all the conditions that

Personal Checklist: Arthritis Dry Skin

Insomnia Anxiety

Diabetes Mobility Issues

Lower Back Poor Pain Circulation

Then read on to learn how a

Safe Step Walk-In Tub can help.

Feel better, sleep better, live better

A Safe Step Walk-In Tub lets you indulge in a warm, relaxing bath that can help relieve life’s aches, pains and worries.

A Safe Step Tub can help increase mobility, boost energy and improve sleep.

It’s got everything you should look for in a walk-in tub:

• Heated Seat – Providing soothing warmth from start to nish.

• MicroSoothe® Air Therapy System – helps oxygenate and soften skin while offering therapeutic bene ts.

• Pain-relieving therapy – Hydro massage jets target sore muscles and joints.

• Safety features –Low step-in, grab bars and more can help you bathe safely and maintain your independence.

• Free Toilet

ALL ABOUT APPLES

Cook of the Month

Gayle Fowler, Joe Wheeler EMC

Afew years ago, Gayle Fowler’s neighbor had an abundance of apples and shared them with her. Looking for an apple recipe her family would like, Gayle checked Pinterest and found a variation on her husband’s favorite Strawberry Pretzel Salad, using apples, but “it wasn’t that great.” So she took the apple filling from that recipe and added her own cream cheese layer and her own pretzel layer, and came up with this month’s winning recipe for Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad. “My family says it tastes like fall,” she says. Does she use it for a side dish or dessert? “Yes!” says the retired elementary school teacher with a laugh. “It can be versatile. Some eat it as a salad and others like it for dessert.” Gayle, who taught school in Decatur for 27 years, now lives in Moulton. She loves to cook “and make people happy,” especially when it comes to cooking, canning or freezing vegetables from her husband’s garden. -Lenore Vickrey

Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad

Apple Cinnamon Layer:

Fresh Apple Dapple Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, diced into small pieces

1½ cups water

¾ cup sugar

¼ cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cream Layer:

1 8- ounce package cream cheese, softened

¾ cup sugar

1 9- ounces Cool Whip

Pretzel Layer:

2 cups pretzels, crushed

2 tablespoons sugar

¾ cup margarine/butter

Layer 1/Pretzel Layer: Melt margarine or butter. Add sugar and pretzels, mix well. Spread in 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 minutes. Cool.

Layer 2/Cream Layer: Mix cream cheese and sugar well. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread over cooled pretzel crust.

Layer 3/Apple Cinnamon Layer: In a medium saucepan, over low heat, bring water, cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Add diced apples, stir and let simmer for 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Spread on top of cream layer.

Cook’s note: I found the apple layer takes a while to cool. Make it first and set aside to cool. Then, make your pretzel layer and allow to cool. Last, make the cream layer.

½ teaspoon salt

1½ cups vegetable oil

1½ cups granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar

3 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 large Granny Smith apples

1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped

Glaze:

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons brown sugar

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

3 tablespoons heavy cream

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place rack in upper third of oven. Grease and flour 9x13-inch baking pan. Sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a medium bowl then sift a second time. In a bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix vegetable oil with both sugars until well mixed. With mixer running, add one egg at a time. Once mixed, add vanilla, mix and scrape the bowl. Slowly add the dry ingredients with mixer running on low, scraping the bowl. Peel, core and cut apples into bite-sized pieces. Fold apples into batter. Fold the walnuts into batter, than spread the batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake in oven for 45-50 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, put all the glaze ingredients into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil and stir with a wooden spoon continuously for one minute. Remove from heat and pour glaze over top of warm cake. Cool the cake or serve warm. May cut into 12 servings.

Sarah Jane Koehler

Baldwin EMC

Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad

Gayle Fowler

PHOTO

Apple Praline Bread

1 cup granulated sugar

1 8- ounce carton sour cream

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1¼ cups tart apples, peeled, cored and chopped

¼ cup pecans, chopped

¼ cup butter

¼ cup packed brown sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together granulated sugar, sour cream, eggs and vanilla on slow speed of an electric blender until combined, then beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add to sour cream mixture, beating on slow speed until combined. Stir in apples and ½ cup of the pecans. Turn into a greased 9x5x3-inch loaf pan. Sprinkle with remaining pecans, press lightly into batter. Bake at 250 degrees for 55-60 minutes or until a tookpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar; mix and stir until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and boil gently for 1 minute. Remove bread from pan. Drizzle top with brown sugar mixture; cool.

Betty J Casey

Dixie EC

Apple Dumplings

1 stick (½ cup) margarine, melted

¾ cup brown sugar

1 cup Sprite

1 tube Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

1 large Granny Smith apple

Open crescent rolls and pull apart into triangles. Peel, core and cut apple into 8 slices. Place 1 apple slice on the large end of a crescent roll and roll up. Place in a large baking dish ½-inch apart. Pour the liquid mixture over rolls. Bake at 350 degrees, 30-40 minutes. Rolls will be golden brown on top. Serve warm.

Diane Jenkins

Black Warrior EMC

Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

4 apples cored, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp apples preferred)

1 stick cold butter

1 cup white sugar

1 cup of self-rising flour

3 tablespoons light brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ cup water

Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix together flour and white sugar; cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Place diced apples into baking dish, sprinkle brown sugar on top, then butter, flour and sugar mixture. Drizzle ½ cup water over and bake for 35-45 minutes at 375 degrees. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel on top.

Lauren Tidwell

Joe Wheeler EMC

Crockpot Apple Butter

6 pounds apples, cored and peeled

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/3 cup white sugar

1½ cups water

1/3 cup lemon juice

1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1½ teaspoons cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Pinch of salt

Peel, core and slice apples. Add all ingredients into a slow cooker. Mix to coat apples in all ingredients. Cook on low

for 4-6 hours, or until apples are mushy. Use an immersion blender or remove contents and pour into a blender and blend until smooth. Keep refrigerated. Serve with toast or biscuits.

Maddi Cagle Franklin EC

Apple Pie

4-6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced

1 pie dough or pre-prepared crust

1 cup granulated sugar, divided 3 teaspoons cinnamon ¾ cup all- purpose flour 1/3 cup butter, softened

Arrange peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples in a pastry-lined pie pan. Sprinkle ½ cup sugar and cinnamon over apples. Sift together ½ cup sugar and ¾ cup flour. Cut sugar/flour topping mixture and 1/3 cup soft butter with pastry blender until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes.

Elizabeth Mosley Pioneer EC

Old Fashioned Apple Crisp served hot with vanilla ice cream.

PHOTO

Apple season means that fall is right around the corner! I am usually done with summer by the first of July, so this really has me excited. We have a ton of apple recipes over at thebutteredhome.com and this is one of our favorites. We use applesauce and sugar replacements to sweeten this delicious cake. And you will have to trust me that no one will know the difference. In fact, don’t take my word for it, make it and see!

Healthier Refined Sugar-Free Apple Cake

4 cups sliced apples

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/3 cup Swerve brown sugar

3 eggs

2 cups applesauce, unsweetened

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 teaspoons vanilla

3 cups wheat flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup Swerve granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole or cake pan. In a medium bowl, mix sliced or chopped apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar replacement, coating well. In a large bowl, mix eggs, applesauce, butter and vanilla. Mix well.

In another bowl, mix whole wheat flour, salt, baking soda and granulated sugar substitute. Whisk or sift to combine. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and combine. Do not overmix.

Add half of the cake batter to the prepared pan. Top with half of the prepared apples and spread as evenly as possible. Add last half of cake batter and top with remainder of apples, distributing both as evenly as possible.

Bake 45 to 60 minutes, checking often. Cake will be done when it reaches an internal temperature of 205 degrees. Cool before serving.

Brooke Burks

PHOTO BY THE BUTTERED HOME

Waterfowlers Kick Off September Sporting

For many sportsmen, especially waterfowlers, the September teal season opens another round of outdoors adventures.

Blue-winged teal migrate earlier than most other ducks and fly longer distances. Most blue-wings winter in Central or South America. Therefore, they start their southern trek earlier than other ducks that winter along the Gulf Coast.

“Blue-winged teal migrate based upon the photoperiod, the amount of daylight in a 24-hour period,” explains Seth Maddox, assistant chief of the Wildlife Section for the Alabama Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries. “When the sun starts to set earlier and bluewings get the first cold front on their breeding grounds, they get the push to head south. Even though they’re one of the smallest waterfowl species, they have a much longer distance to travel than other birds.”

One of the more prolific ducks, bluewinged teal breed in prairie region of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Others breed in the northern United States, particularly in the Dakotas, Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin.

“Blue-wing numbers have blown up over the past 20 years,” Maddox says. “That’s why we can hold a special early teal season. Even though their numbers dropped down a little bit last year, their population is still well above the longterm average. We hold a September season to allow hunters to take advantage of that early migration.”

A hunter sends his dog to retrieve a teal he bagged while hunting in a flooded field one September day.

Since blue-wings migrate early, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service allows some states, including Alabama, to hold September teal seasons. Teal don’t stay long in the Cotton State, just a few days to feed, rest and recuperate. Then, they continue their migration southward.

“ Teal usually start coming to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta around the first of September,” says Jared Knight, state biologist in Spanish Fort. “The Lower Delta marshes are probably one of the better places to hunt teal in Alabama.”

This year, the Alabama season runs nine days rather than the traditional 16 days. Alabama sportsmen can hunt teal from Sept. 13 through Sept. 21 with a limit of six per day in any combination of blue-winged and green-winged teal.

“When the blue-winged teal population is higher than 4.7 million, the federal government allows a 16-day teal season,” Maddox says. “Anything between 3.3 million and 4.7 million birds drops it down to a nine-day season. We set our seasons and bag limits a year in advance. The population estimates from the spring of 2024 showed 4.59 million blue-winged teal, which put us in a nine-day September season.”

Since blue-wings and the smaller, but closely related green-winged teal look similar before they grow their more colorful breeding plumage, sportsmen can shoot both species during the September season. The September harvest typically includes about 95 percent blue-wings.

“Blue-wings are a little bit larger than green-wings, which are one of the smallest ducks in North America,” Maddox says. “Green-winged teal have a different migratory strategy than blue-wings. They can handle the colder weather better. Bluewinged teal don’t like cold weather and they

want to get out of here as fast as they can when the weather turns cold. Blue-wings aren’t heavily hunted during the regular season. Most leave Alabama before the regular season starts.”

Since all ducks look drab at this time, sportsmen hunting in September must positively identify all birds before firing. Hunters might spot some other duck species during September.

“Several other duck species also migrate by the photoperiod including gadwalls,” Maddox says. “They start coming down when the daylight length gets shorter. Normally, gadwalls start showing up in Alabama in October.”

In timbered areas, waterfowlers might see non-migratory wood ducks that breed in Alabama and stay here all year long. Sportsmen might spot non-migratory mottled ducks along the coast. In recent years, black-bellied whistling ducks have become increasingly common. Whistling ducks breed in the southern United States and migrate to Mexico or farther south when cool weather hits.

Besides the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, sportsmen in northern Alabama might want to hunt the Tennessee River system. Waterfowlers might also consider hunting Lowndes Wildlife Management Area west of Montgomery. The well-watered David K. Nelson WMA near Demopolis holds some ducks. Many lakes across the state attract teal. Try Lake Eufaula in southeastern Alabama.

“ The September season offers a really good opportunity to get out, get the shotgun dusted off and get back on the water,” Maddox says. “It’s fun to get out there early and hunt these birds. They make great tablefare.”

For more information on public places to hunt, seasons, limits and other information, see outdooralabama.com/ hunting. 

PHOTO BY JOHN N. FELSHER

2:06 - 4:06 2:30 - 4:30 8:33 - 10:03 8:57 - 10:27 Th 25 2:54 - 4:54 3:18 - 5:18 9:21 - 10:51 9:45 - 11:15 Fr 26 3:42 - 5:42 4:06 - 6:06 10:09 - 11:39 10:33 - 12:03

Sa 2 7 4:30 - 6:30 4:54 - 6:54 10:57 - 12:27 11:21 - 12:51

Su 28 5:18 - 7:18 5:42 - 7:42 NA 12:09 - 1:39 Mo 29 6:06 - 8:06 6:30 - 8:30 12:33 - 2:03 12:57 - 2:27

Tu 30 6:54 - 8:54 7:18 - 9:18 1:21 - 2:51 1:45 - 3:15

OCTOBER A.M. PM AM PM

We 1 7:42 - 9:42 8:06 - 10:06 2:09 - 3:39 2:33 - 4:03

Th 2 8:30 - 10:30 8:54 - 10:54 2:57 - 4:27 3:21 - 4:51

Fr 3 9:18 - 11:18 9:42 - 11:42 3:45 - 5:15 4:09 - 5:39

Sa 4 10:06 - 12:06 10:30 - 12:30 4:33 - 6:03 4:57 - 6:27

Su 5 10:54 - 12:54 11:18 - 1:18 5:21 - 6:51 5:45 - 7:15

Mo 6 11:18 - 1:18 11:42 - 1:42 5:48 - 7:18 6:11 - 7:41

Tu 7 NA 12:06 - 2:06 FULL MOON 6:09 - 7:39 6:33 - 8:03

We 8 12:30 - 2:30 12:54 - 2:54 6:57 - 8:27 7:21 - 8:51

Th 9 1:18 - 3:18 1:42 - 3:42 7:45 - 9:15 8:09 - 9:39

Fr 10 2:06 - 4:06 2:30 - 4:30 8:33 - 10:03 8:57 - 10:27

Sa 11 2:54 - 4:54 3:18 - 5:18 9:21 - 10:51 9:45 - 11:15

Su 12 3:42 - 5:42 4:06 - 6:06 10:09 - 11:39 10:33 - 12:03

Mo 13 4:30 - 6:30 4:54 - 6:54 10:57 - 12:27 11:21 - 12:51

Tu 14 5:18 - 7:18 5:42 - 7:42 NA 12:09 - 1:39

We 15 6:06 - 8:06 6:30 - 8:30 12:33 - 2:03 12:57 - 2:27

Th 16 6:54 - 8:54 7:18 - 9:18 1:21 - 2:51 1:45 - 3:15

Fr 1 7 7:42 - 9:42 8:06 - 10:06 2:09 - 3:39 2:33 - 4:03

Sa 18 8:30 - 10:30 8:54 - 10:54 2:57 - 4:27 3:21 - 4:51

Su 19 9:18 - 11:18 9:42 - 11:42 3:45 - 5:15 4:09 - 5:39

Mo 20 10:06 - 12:06 10:30 - 12:30 4:33 - 6:03 4:57 - 6:27

Tu 21 NA 12:06 - 2:06 NEW MOON 6:09 - 7:39 6:33 - 8:03

We 22 12:30 - 2:30 12:54 - 2:54 6:57 - 8:27 7:21 - 8:51

Th 23 1:18 - 3:18 1:42 - 3:42 7:45 - 9:15 8:09 - 9:39

Fr 24 2:06 - 4:06 2:30 - 4:30 8:33 - 10:03 8:57 - 10:27

Sa 25 2:54 - 4:54 3:18 - 5:18 9:21 - 10:51 9:45 - 11:15

Su 26 3:42 - 5:42 4:06 - 6:06 10:09 - 11:39 10:33 - 12:03

Mo 2 7 4:30 - 6:30 4:54 - 6:54 10:57 - 12:27 11:21 - 12:51

Tu 28 5:18 - 7:18 5:42 - 7:42 NA 12:09 - 1:39

We 29 6:06 - 8:06 6:30 - 8:30 12:33 - 2:03 12:57 - 2:27

Th 30 6:54 - 8:54 7:18 - 9:18 1:21 - 2:51 1:45 - 3:15

Fr 31 7:42 - 9:42 8:06 - 10:06 2:09 - 3:39 2:33 - 4:03

The Moon Clock and resulting Moon Times were developed 44 years ago by Doug Hannon, one of America’s most trusted wildlife experts and a tireless inventor. The Moon Clock is produced by DataSport, Inc. of

The Value of Electricity

Did you know the average daily cost of electricity is about $5? When you think about all the ways we use electricity every day, that’s a great value!

A day’s worth of electricity powers: home heating/cooling, electronics, lighting, major appliances and more.

Look at the everyday items below, then add a plus (+) sign next to the items you think cost more than daily electricity. For items you think cost less than daily electricity, add a minus (–) sign.

You Never Know

Last September I wrote an article titled “The Dog Days of Summer” about our summers growing up in the 1960s in north Mississippi. We made up games, ran the neighborhood, dug holes to China, rode bikes, and went to the “Y” and played baseball. We were free — until Labor Day. We never started back to school until the Tuesday after Labor Day. My grandkids now start back the first week in August. Our summers seemed endless. Theirs seem too short.

One of the annual events of summer was the visit from our next-door neighbor’s grandson. Our next-door neighbor was Ms. Pearl Hanson. She was a large, hateful “widow woman.” Nothing was ever quite right. She and her house smelled like “old people.” She ran kids out of her yard. She fussed about everything.

She was originally from Illinois and to hear her tell it, as she too often did, there was no better place in the world than Illinois. She had moved to Corinth with her husband, Hamer, who was the regional executive for one of the railroads. The rumor was that Hamer finally just gave it up and died so he wouldn’t have to put up with her demands and rules. But she liked my mom, and mom would look after her and help her with things.

Ms. Hanson’s only child, Jack, was the most senior pilot at United Airlines and lived in Palos Verdes, California, the second-best place on earth to live, other than Illinois. Jack had three sons and they would visit when they had to.

The youngest son was Rowland, who was a year ahead of me in school. Rowland was what we called a “hellion.” He was always in trouble and was always looking for trouble. He wasn’t a mean-spirited kid. He didn’t bully the younger kids. He was just always pushing whatever envelope he was in.

As he reached his teen years, apparently, he became too much for his mom with his dad flying all the time. So, for a few years, he was dispatched from Los Angeles to serve a sentence in rural north Mississippi with us country kids and his hateful grandmother.

One year when he was about 14, he brought a large box of cherry bombs with him. A large box meant he had dozens and dozens — maybe hundreds — of cherry bombs, and we had our few measly packages of nickel Black Cat firecrackers. To say we were out-gunned was an understatement, but Rowland was generous with his cherry bombs and let us shoot a lot of them, too.

We were all good with our pyrotechnic arrangements until he laid under the big bush in Ms. Hanson’s yard and tried to throw cherry bombs under cars as they drove down Maple Road. He even threw one under the police car when it came to investigate. We all got in trouble for that.

Ms. Hanson was very protective of her three apple trees in her back yard and would run us out if she thought we were picking her apples. (She would bring us apple butter she made from them). Rowland loved to talk us into picking apples and having apple wars in her back yard. She, of course, would call my mom, and we would all be in trouble again.

Rowland’s favorite pastime was to run behind the “fogging machine,” a city maintenance truck that would go through the neighborhoods a couple times a week in the summer spraying pesticides to kill mosquitos. Rowland had never seen a fogging machine in California and would insist we chase the truck running in the dense cloud of poisons for blocks and blocks until we all had headaches. That probably explains more than I want to admit.

When in high school, he would bring his yearbook to show us that he was a star linebacker for the Palos Verdes High Sea Kings and played with George Allen, Jr., whose dad was the coach of the Los Angeles Rams. He would get to go to the Rams’ practices. All really big stuff to us.

When summer was over, he went back to Palos Verdes and left us to our mundane rural futures. Ms. Hanson could take a deep breath. We all thought Rowland would end up in jail.

My mom and Rowland’s dad were friends, and she kept up with Rowland’s life. He graduated from Loyola Marymount and got married. He received an MBA from Wharton School of Business at Pennsylvania University and had kids. He worked as vice president of Worldwide Marketing at Neutrogena, and then went to work for a small startup company in Seattle. Mom didn’t approve of that move, but the small startup was Microsoft. He was a central figure in Microsoft’s growth and is credited with naming “Windows” and convincing Bill Gates to use the name instead of “Interface Manager.”

I understand he now lives in Santa Barbara, California, in an original Spanish Mission that he and his wife restored. He is still active and doing marketing work through his company CRH and Associates. He is on the internet — he has a Wikipedia page.

The last time I spoke with Rowland was when George Allen, Jr. was doing a program for us and re-connected us. Rowland was shocked to learn that I was the CEO of an electric utility and not in jail. I told him I felt the same way about him. It was good to catch up after so many years. You never know how people will turn out, if you give them a chance. They just might outgrow their hateful grandmothers.

I hope you have a good month. 

Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.

How To Place an Ad in Marketplace

Closing Deadlines (in our office):

November 2025 Issue by September 25

December 2025 Issue by October 25

January 2026 Issue by November 25

Ads are $1.75 per word with a 10 word minimum and are on a prepaid basis; Telephone numbers, email addresses and websites are considered 1 word each. Ads will not be taken over the phone. You may email your ad to hdutton@areapower.com; or call (800) 4102737 ask for Heather for pricing.; We accept checks, money orders and all major credit cards. Mail ad submission along with a check or money order made payable to ALABAMA LIVING, 340 TechnaCenter Dr., Montgomery, AL 36117 Attn: Classifieds.

Vacation Rentals

GATLINBURG – DOWNTOWN LUXURY CREEKSIDE CONDO – 2BR / 2BA, sleeps 6 –carsellinggirl@gmail.com (256)393-4526

ABSOLUTELY LOWEST PRICES ON THE BEACH! Affordable Beachfront & Beachside Vacation Condos – Sugar Beach Condos in Orange Beach, AL. Rent Direct from Christian Family Owners. –www.gulfshorescondos.com, (251)752-2366.

MENTONE, AL LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN COTTAGE RENTALS – Best brow views, River Front –cottagesofmentone.com, Call or text (504)481-8666

THAT MOMENT WHEN YOU FINALLY GET YOUR CONDO RENTED! You can thank us later. Alabama Living is delivered to homes and businesses in all 67 counties in Alabama.

Take Us Along!

 Paul and Janet McLendon cruised to Nassau in the Bahamas with their magazine. The Millbrook couple have been members of Central Alabama EC for 33 years.

PANAMA CITY BEACH CONDO – Owner rental – 2BR / 2BA, wireless internet, just remodeled inside and outside – (502)7777819, larrysusemichel@reagan.com, www. theroneycondo.com

Pet Friendly – Save $$$ by booking directly from Verified Owners. ALAVHR.com

PIGEON FORGE CABIN – Private and convenient – Sleeps 6 – Over 2 acres – 4 miles to Parkway. For more information pictures, etc. go to vrbo. com number 189535, but contact owner directly to save booking fees. hilltopakc@yahoo.com –(334)365-6976

MILITARY / SERVICE DISCOUNTS on dozens of rentals. No Booking Fees. (251)333-6500, ALAVHR.com

2BR / 2BA and 1BR / 2BA GULF FRONT CONDOS. Book now for late summer, fall and winter vacations - amariewisener@gmail.com, (256)352-5721

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

GATLINBURG / PIGEON FORGE CABIN: Cozy Cabin with stunning mountain views. 2BR / 2BA, sleeps 5. Features hot tub, air hockey, electric fireplace, home theater. Visit evolve. com/vacation-rentals/433439 or email mountainsafari830@gmail.com

GULF SHORES / ORANGE BEACH / FORT MORGAN – Choose from hundreds of beach houses and condos! Verified Owners. No Booking Fees. ALAVHR.com

See more travelers on Pages 11 and 32!

 Melinda McLemore of Valley Head visited her family in San Francisco. She’s a member of Sand Mountain EC.

 Lynda Turner of Montgomery, a member of Dixie EC, took an ocean cruise to the Southeast Asian countries of Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. She is holding her Alabama Living in the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.

Education

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

FREE MATERIALS: When Church / Government Unite, Enforcing Sunday Law, The MARK OF THE BEAST is HERE! Don’t be deceived, be informed! Leave mailing address only – TBSM, POB 374, Ellijay, GA 30540 – TBSMADS@yahoo. com – (888)211-1715

Farm/Agriculture

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

for 3-hour tours?

Don’t worry skipper, we’ve got you covered!

*We have a sea of over 455K potential customers just waiting to know about it.

 Dus & Rebecca Rogers of Scottsboro, members of both Sand Mountain EC and Black Warrior EMC, traveled to New York to visit their daughter and grandson (Morgan & John Wallace Campbell) and attend the U.S. Open Tennis Championships at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, NY.

 Tim and Teresa Mears of Grant, members of North Alabama EC, took their magazine on a trip to Maine.

West of Ground Zero

It’s been almost a quarter-century since our generation had its own version of Pearl Harbor: 9/11. Every American will remember it as long as they walk this earth.

This is my account. I’ve written it because I want my grandchildren to know there are personal stories that aren’t in history books.

On September 11, 2001, I was in Chicago, attending an international trade show. Since it did not open until 10 a.m., I took a nice early morning walk, went back to my room, and turned on the “Today Show.” Strangely, instead of two hosts, there was a shot of the World Trade Center towers, one of which was spewing black smoke. The reporters weren’t sure what had happened; there was some conjecture that a small plane had hit the building. Maybe the pilot of a corporate jet had suffered a heart attack.

I went to the bathroom, showered and returned to the television. Immediately, I froze in horror at what I saw. The second tower had been hit, a mirror image of the first. Furthermore, we knew the cause, because there was a video of a passenger jet slamming into the building.

The broadcasters were calling it terrorism, and mentioned someone named Osama bin Laden. I went to straight to my hotel window and spotted the Sears Tower, only a block away. I shuddered, because like everyone else in Chicago, I thought it could be on the terrorist’s list.

By the time I got to the lobby, televisions were blaring. The mood was somber, subdued, and scared because everyone realized that America had been attacked; well, everyone but one of my fellow employees, Mims. I met him at the first floor elevator.

“What’s happening?” he asked.

“You haven’t had the television on?”

He had not. So I filled him in on everything as he stared at a TV. Finally, he turned to me and said quietly, “One of my good friends has an office in the first tower. I hope he gets out.”

We walked out of the hotel and ducked into a diner for breakfast. Everyone was crowded around a small black and white set on the counter. Soon after ordering, someone pointed at the screen and said, “Look!” We gasped as the first tower collapsed.

Mims burst into tears. “I just watched him die!” he wailed. Soon, the second skyscraper disintegrated into a cloud of dust and rubble. We were witnessing mass murder right before our eyes.

Within minutes, the FAA suspended all domestic flights, instructing every airborne plane to immediately land at the nearest airport. Flights coming into the United States were directed to land in Mexico or Canada.

Thousands of passengers were stranded, creating a mad scramble at every rental car desk in Chicago. Soon people took desperate measures, like booking trains and buying clunker cars. I even heard of one guy who negotiated a flat rate with a cab to drive him to Dallas.

Our group split up: two of us headed to Hertz, while Mims and I headed to the convention center. The huge pavilion was nearly deserted; the scant few in attendance were watching televisions. Soon, we heard that a plane headed for the White House had been taken down, and the Pentagon had been hit. Could there be more?

By noon, the streets of Chicago, normally bustling with thousands of people, were deserted. No cars, no cabs, no people. The scene of a vibrant city laying silently before us like a wounded animal was one I’ll never forget. The only sounds we heard were fighter jets that continuously circled the downtown area.

It took us days to get ground transportation. We finally snagged a U-Haul truck. It wasn’t our first choice, but it got us home. It was a quiet trip.

Listening to the radio made it clear that 9/11 changed us. Not since The War of 1812 had someone taken the fight to us in our country. We felt vulnerable, angry. Innocents died. People questioned how this could happen in America. However, I also felt a wave of patriotism and unity I haven’t felt since. And stories emerged about heroes, bravery, honor and sacrifice.

Six hundred miles later, we pulled in to my driveway. I took my luggage out and glanced around my neighborhood. Everything looked the same.

But it wasn’t, and it never will be again. 

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.

ARECU SCHOLARSHIP

The Future is Bright!

The Alabama ONE Aspire Foundation and Alabama Rural Electric Credit Union, a division of Alabama ONE, celebrate our 2025 ARECU Scholarship winners as they continue their education. The Alabama ONE Aspire Foundation is dedicated to academic and personal development for our fellow Alabamians and is excited to sponsor these awards. We are all proud of their achievements and are excited to see them build a brighter future.

Want to Apply?

The submission period for the 2026 Scholarships will begin in January 2026. For a reminder when the submission period opens and for more information including eligibility requirements, fill out the form at alabamaone.org/scholarships or use the QR code. Previous applicants can reapply.