Alabama Living February 2024

Stories | Recipes | Events | People | Places | Things | Local News February 2024

Electric

COOPERATIVES of ALABAMA

A visit with Senator Katie Britt Legislative preview

Electric

COOPERATIVES of ALABAMA

ALABAMA LIVING is delivered to some 420,000 Alabama families and businesses, which are members of 22 not-for-profit, consumer-owned, locally directed and taxpaying electric cooperatives. Subscriptions are $12 a year for individuals not subscribing through participating Alabama electric cooperatives. Alabama Living (USPS 029-920) is published monthly by the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and at additional mailing office.

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ALABAMA RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

AREA President Karl Rayborn Editor Lenore Vickrey Managing Editor Allison Law Creative Director Mark Stephenson Art Director Danny Weston Advertising Director Jacob Johnson Graphic Designer/Production Coordinator Brooke Echols

Back in time

14

Jousters ready their steeds, minstrels practice tunes of old, cooks prepare meat and mead, and grounds are deemed worthy of adventure. Behold The Alabama Medieval Fantasy Festival, where visitors step back in time and enjoy the good old days of 800 A.D.

F E A T U R E S

VOL. 77 NO. 2

FEBRUARY 2024

9 Best buds

Our best friends can come in all ages, shapes and sizes, from pets to classmates to grandparents.

22 Legislative preview

The 2024 session of the Alabama Legislature kicks off this month. Find your local lawmakers on our maps.

34 Better with butter

Butter is a favorite ingredient in many of the recipes we love in Alabama, from main dishes to desserts.

18 22

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

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Printed in America from American materials

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt enjoys some fresh produce at SweetCreek Farm Market in Pike Road. Learn more about her appreciation for rural voters and small-town values on Page 12.

PHOTO: Jeff Rease

34 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

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Sign up at alabamaliving.coop FEBRUARY 2024 3

Trees enhance the beauty of our neighborhoods and home, but they must be kept a safe distance from power lines and other electric equipment.

Protect new trees by putting them in safe places

By Scott Flood “Why can’t they just leave my trees alone?”

If you’ve ever wondered that as you’ve watched a tree-trimming crew change the look of your favorite tree, you’ll find the reason in rural Ohio. At a little after 4 p.m. on the steamy Thursday afternoon of August 14, 2003––with everyone’s air conditioners cranked up to MAX––a sagging transmission power line in the Buckeye State came in contact with nearby tree branches. In minutes, 45 million Americans and 10 million Canadians had no air conditioning or any kind of electric power.

Transmission lines are a critical element of the U.S. power grid.

These lines crisscross North America, some held up by slim poles, while others hang below towers resembling science-fiction robots.

The giant wires suspended from both types can carry enough electricity to power more than a million homes, moving it from distant power plants to electric cooperatives and other users.

Federal regulators placed most of the blame for the 2003 blackout on technology that failed to reroute power properly after the transmission line touched the trees. But they also recognized the problem would not have happened if those trees had been a safe distance away from the line. The outage event led to strict rules your electric co-op and other electric utilities are required to follow to prevent large-scale blackouts.

Co-ops are required to document that every piece of equipment and every foot of our power lines are a safe distance from trees and other vegetation. If your home received a visit from one of our tree-trimming crews, it was likely because your trees were closer to power lines than the rules allow, and we are legally required to act.

You have every reason to be proud of your home and yard, and the last thing we want to do is find ourselves altering or removing a prized part of your landscaping. We’d rather help you avoid conflict between electricity and greenery altogether. How? By reminding you to plant your new trees, shrubs or other vegetation where they won’t grow into power lines or other electric equipment.

Whether you want to plant a tree, a decorative shrub or something else, it’s helpful to consider how it’s going to grow over the 4 FEBRUARY 2024

next 20 or 30 years. Consider both the eventual height and how wide the canopy of branches is likely to spread.

For example, even small trees and shrubs should be planted at least 20 feet from power lines. If you can’t plant that far away, make sure you choose a species that won’t top out at more than 15 feet high. Trees that will be 40 feet high or less should be at least 25 feet from electricity, and larger trees should be at least 50 feet away.

Thinking about what’s above the ground is only part of tree planting safety. Before you grab a shovel and start digging, contact 8-1-1 to make sure you won’t accidentally cut into any underground utility lines. The service will send people to your property to mark the approximate locations of utility lines. Because it can be challenging to pinpoint exact locations, use only hand tools any time you’re digging within a couple feet of the markings.

Trees aren’t the only type of vegetation requiring thoughtful planting. If there’s a pad-mounted transformer in your yard, you might be tempted to hide it behind colorful flowers and neatly trimmed shrubs. Unfortunately, if there’s a problem, crews will need clear access to the transformer. That’s why it’s always a good idea to keep plantings at least 10 feet from the transformer’s doors and at least 4 feet from its sides. Otherwise, crews responding to a power problem may need to remove part of your landscaping.

Finally, if you notice your trees or other vegetation have grown dangerously close to power lines or equipment, don’t reach for your chainsaw and try to trim them on your own. Let your local electric co-op know or hire a professional arborist. Tree trimming is more dangerous than most people realize, and you don’t want to find yourself in the emergency room––or be the person who plunges your neighbors into the dark!

For more than four decades, business writer Scott Flood has worked with electric cooperatives to build knowledge of energyrelated issues among directors, staff and members. Scott writes on a variety of energy-related topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing nearly 900 electric co-ops. www.alabamaliving.coop

We

Trees, Too.

We know everyone in our community enjoys the beauty and shade trees provide. But trees and power lines can be a dangerous mix without regular trimming during the growing season.

If you see us out in the community trimming, remember the many benefits it brings: • Keeps power lines clear of tree limbs • Helps us restore power outages more quickly • Keeps crews and members of our community safe • Reduces unexpected costs for repairs

Trimming improves service reliability for you, the members we serve.

Plant Trees Safely

Before you dig, call 811 to locate buried utility lines.

LOW TREE ZONE

MEDIUM TREE ZONE

LARGE TREE ZONE

Avoid planting within 20 ft. of power lines. If planting is unavoidable, only plant shrubs and small trees that reach a mature height of 15 ft. or less.

Plant medium trees (under 40 ft. when mature) at least 25 ft. away from power lines.

Plant large trees (over 40 ft. when mature) at least 50 ft. away from power lines.

Over 40 ft.

40 ft. high or less

Maximum tree height 15 ft.

Keep shrubs at least 10 ft. away from transformer doors and 4 ft. away from the sides.

4 ft.

10 ft.

0 Alabama Living

10 ft.

20 ft.

30 ft.

40 ft.

50 ft.

60 ft.

70 ft.

FEBRUARY 2024 5

By Pamela A. Keene

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, its effects linger. The pandemic changed the way we interact with each other, how and where we earn a living, how we spend our free time and how we approach the choices we make to keep us healthy. Life today is definitely different than it was five years ago.

“During the pandemic, people faced much more isolation, worry and fear, and this has left residual health and wellness issues,” says Ginger Nicol, M.D., associate professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “People stayed at home more, their circle of face-to-face relationships shrank. They became more sedentary, influencing mental and physical health and wellness.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 12% of those surveyed aged 18 and older between 2019 and 2022 said they regularly had feelings of worry, nervousness or anxiety.

“These feelings can lead to more serious mental health issues,” Ginger says. “However, there are ways that can improve your overall health and wellness—both mental and physical—to result in more day-to-day enjoyment and health, and ultimately result in a better quality of life. Choosing to add more movement and activity, increasing time spent with family, and taking time for personal reflection can all contribute to better health and happiness.”

The pandemic cannot be wholly blamed for a decline in people’s mental and physical health. Today’s society is less active and exponentially more sedentary than it was several decades ago. As a result, both physical and mental health issues have increased.

Even before the pandemic, most Americans sat in front of some type of screen for much of their waking hours. With COVID-19, dependence on screens and technology expanded to fill the boredom.

People didn’t spend time outdoors—nor did they socialize with family or friends—so the feelings of isolation and angst were magnified. Depression, weight gain and other factors contributed to a decrease in physical fitness.

“Physical and mental health are inseparable,” Ginger says.

“Research has shown that people who are active tend to have a 6 FEBRUARY 2024

better mental outlook and lead more enjoyable lives. The reverse is also true. People with a positive outlook are more likely to participate in some sort of regular activity.”

What is wellness?

Numerous factors contribute to a healthy life, from nutrition and being active to getting enough sleep and managing the aging process. Wellness encompasses both physical and mental health, and taking care of both mind and body promotes a balanced lifestyle.

“Our needs change as we grow older,” Ginger says. “As such, it’s important for us to be aware of these changes and how we can address and adjust to them without compromising our wellness.

Being responsible for our aging can help us reduce risk of disease, such as diabetes, stroke, heart attack and cardiovascular issues, depression and anxiety.”

Many things can contribute to a longer and more fulfilling life, such as regular wellness visits with a primary care physician to stay on top of potential health concerns; completing age-appropriate testing, such as colonoscopies and cancer screenings; and being willing to adjust eating, behavior and lifestyle habits.

“Prevention is the best approach to manage aging, and the sooner you can identify an issue the better chance you have of making a meaningful change,” Ginger says. “Starting good behavioral practices for both physical and mental health can help your body and mind be more resilient and handle more serious challenges.”

Physical improvements

Making small physical changes to add movement every day is one of the first ways to improve health and fitness. Getting up from a chair can be a revealing way to test physical ability.

“Some people simply cannot rise from a seated position without either using their arms to push themselves up or rocking several times to gain momentum,” Ginger says. “I’ve seen people in their 30s and 40s who have difficulty standing from sitting in a chair or on the sofa. If this is difficult for you, it’s a good idea to practice a little every day until you can rise unassisted.

“As we age, our muscles lose mass and volume, plus our tendons get tighter. By tackling this basic movement, you can begin www.alabamaliving.coop

to increase your physical strength and mobility, as well as improve your balance and help prevent falls.”

According to the CDC, one in five falls causes serious injuries. Each year, more than 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.

Falls are one of the main causes of nonfatal and fatal injuries. Whether they’re caused by tripping, losing balance, vision problems or a health problem, they can result in broken bones, head injuries, cuts and bruising.

“Simple things—like practicing standing on one foot while you’re brushing your teeth or when next to the kitchen counter—can help improve your general core strength,” Ginger says. “If you can improve your ability to stand up from sitting and also increase your confidence in your balance, you’re making good headway toward a healthier and safer life.”

Brain health

Technology is a huge distraction in creating a healthy life. It can prevent people from relaxing, letting go of anxieties or working through challenges.

“Train your brain to let go of external diversions by turning off your smartphone, taking a walk in a park without your iPod or simply finding a quiet place to sit and daydream for a bit,” Ginger says. “Daydreaming can be a powerful tool to help your brain slow down to the external stimuli and allow you to notice things you’d ordinarily glance over.”

Ginger suggests using a positive trigger to help increase awareness and help with relaxing.

“Perhaps you’ve gone on a vacation and remember a pleasant sight, sound or feeling that can take you back to that time: the deep blue of the ocean, the sound of the leaves rustling on a chilly fall day or seeing a stunning sunset,” she says. “Use that to disconnect you from the worries of the day to reconnect with yourself.”

Other ways to unwind can include reading just for fun, spending an hour in the garden, pursuing a favorite hobby or experiencing a new one as a way to give your mind a rest.

“We spend our lives in front of screens, and we just don’t get outside enough to simply reflect and be very present in the moment,” Ginger says. “Some people meditate, others practice yoga, but the secret is to find a way to slow down your brain waves and clear your mind. Give it time to refresh and you’ll be surprised how much more happy you can be.”

Health and wellness are parts of life’s journey that require heightened awareness and a commitment to make changes when necessary.

“Adding a bit more movement each day, taking time to build meaningful social connections and allowing yourself to unplug from time to time can do wonders for your mental and physical health,” Ginger says.

Mental health resources

Provided by the American Psychiatric Association, psychiatry.org.

• Reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for access to more than 200 local crisis centers across the United States. Dial 988 or go to 988lifeline.org.

• Find a comprehensive list of topics related to mental health, including eating disorders, helping a loved one cope with mental illness and warning signs of mental illness, at psychiatry.org/patients-families.

• Read up on suicide prevention information, from the risk factors and warning signs to action steps to help someone in emotional pain, at psychiatry.org/ Patients-Families/Suicide-Prevention.

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www.alabamaliving.coop

| Alabama Snapshots |

Rachel and Papaw, Lewis Karr. Best buds since 1984. SUBMITTED by Rachel Brimer, Killen.

Baseball with best buds Avery, Shep and Brantley.

SUBMITTED by Brooke Mills, Prattville.

My daughter snapped this photo of me and my dog, Butterscotch, watching my brother-in-law harvest the wheat. SUBMITTED by John Mark Waynick, Danville.

Walt Hardman is learning gun safety with his first Red Ryder BB gun from his “Best Bud” and granddad Lance Boyd. SUBMITTED by Lance Boyd, Cullman.

Mookie (cat) and Melee (dog). SUBMITTED

by Jackie Carr, Woodland.

Kaleb and Campbell, best buds since first grade. (Now seniors at Wetumpka High).

SUBMITTED by Kelly Roberts, Wetumpka.

April theme: “Tiny Dancers” | Deadline: February 29 Online: alabamaliving.coop | Mail: Attn: Snapshots, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124 RULES: Photos submitted for publication may also be published on our website at alabamaliving.coop and on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Alabama Living is not responsible for lost or damaged photos. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to have photos returned.

Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 2024 9

Spotlight | February Alabama’s electric cooperatives power economic development A recent economic study demonstrates the significant economic impact of electric cooperatives nationally and in Alabama.

In the U.S., the study showed that electric cooperatives contributed $554 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product between 2018 and 2022, for an average of $111 billion annually.

In Alabama, over the same five-year period, generation and distribution cooperatives contributed $7.5 billion to Alabama’s Gross State Product (GSP), were responsible for an average of 9,408 jobs in the state annually, $3.8 billion in labor income, and $456 million paid in federal taxes and $911.3 million in state taxes.

The study found that Alabama’s cooperatives spent $9.3 billion on capital investment, operations and maintenance activities, and retired $95 million in capital credits paid to consumer members.

Through these expenditures, cooperatives drive economic benefits throughout the state, including impacts specifically in the local communities they serve.

The economic analysis was commissioned by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC), and conducted by Strategen Consulting, Inc.

Ivey continues stops on broadband tour Gov. Kay Ivey has been traveling the state, discussing the importance of highspeed internet in allowing Alabama students to utilize 21st century technology, while highlighting the progress being made in broadband projects across the state.

Since 2018, Alabama has invested apGov. Kay Ivey talks proximately $82 million in state dollars about the importance through grant awards supporting more than of high-speed internet 100 projects through the Alabama Broadat Troy University. band Accessibility Fund. Once all ABAF PHOTO BY HAL YEAGER, projects awarded to date have been comGOVERNOR’S OFFICE pleted, access to broadband service will be available to more than 72,000 Alabama households, businesses and community institutions that currently have no option to subscribe.

Alabamians interested in learning more about what the state is doing to expand high-speed internet access are encouraged to visit the Be Linked Alabama website, a hub of internet expansion information and news. Available at broadband.alabama.gov, the site includes the Alabama Broadband Map, county profiles and dashboards and statewide broadband news.

Her visit to Troy University on Jan. 11 was the fourth stop on her tour. Previous stops have included Atmore Community Hospital on Dec. 13, Cullman EC on Dec. 4 and Oakman Middle School on Nov. 28.

Letters to the editor

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

Identified with gift-wrapping column

Read your gift wrapping article (“Cup o’ Joe,” December 2023).

You got me, too. I can’t draw a stick man or wrap anything. My daughter taught my grandson how to wrap at 10 years old. He can wrap a present in 5 minutes. Beautiful. He was a three sport athlete in high school & played college baseball. I was not good at sports or wrapping presents.

Thank God for Dollar General, gift bags & gift cards.

Jerry D Miller Clanton

Fellow yard sale fan

Just read your article about yard sales (“Cup o’ Joe, October 2023). We are cut from the same cloth! I’m out every weekend scouring people’s yards and garages for lost treasure! My wife and I moved to North Alabama a little over two years ago from the Phoenix area. Now, Phoenix is relatively new as far as states are concerned and there are not a lot of old timers or generations of families that have lived on the same property. Here, the treasure is everywhere...if you know where to look.

When we left Arizona, we settled at the Cullman Campground in our small 5th wheel trailer while we searched for a house. We spent 4 months in that trailer! Good thing we get along! I love the yard sale at Smith Lake. I missed it this year. But the year before, I was there for hours!

The 101 Yard sale is a bit closer to you (I think) than the 411 Yard sale. It starts just west of Moulton right off 157, and then it goes north up into Tennessee. We didn’t make up that far, we were pooped! But you should check it out. Looking forward to your articles.

Jim Ramsey Russellville

Snake story gave insight

Thank you for your January story “Snake Business.” Like a lot of people, I have an innate fear of snakes. Even seeing it highlighted on the first page started an unease in me, but reading the highlight and seeing Carlisle is in Loxley, where I live, made me brave the full article. This story and Kyle Carlisle gave me an ease I’ve never experienced before when looking at a picture of or show about snakes.

I’m not saying I’ll be happy to cross paths with one just yet in my yard or home but I do have a new insight. Thank you.

Shemeika Brock Baldwin EMC Loxley

Co-ops sponsor coverage of basketball championships The Electric Cooperatives of Alabama will be among the sponsors of the TV coverage of the AHSAA Boys and Girls State Basketball Championships, which will be broadcast on Alabama Public Television.

The games will begin at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, with the 1A 10 FEBRUARY 2024

girls’ and boys’ championships. Games continue Friday, March 1, with the 2A, 3A and 4A girls’ and boys’ championships beginning at 9 a.m. Games conclude Saturday, March 2, with the 5A, 6A and 7A girls’ and boys’ championships, also beginning at 9 a.m. All games will be played at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC). www.alabamaliving.coop

February | Spotlight

Find the hidden dingbat!

Whereville, AL

Our readers were especially imaginative when it came to hunting the dingbat in January’s magazine. We received dozens of guesses from readers who claimed to see the hidden bagel in several different photos, including hanging in the Zkano sock factory, in a container of snakes, on a snakeskin, in foam insulation, on the cover of Hardy Jackson’s book, and in a basket of chicken wings, just to name a few. Just as a reminder, the dingbat will always be the exact illustration we show you here. It usually will be smaller, but it won’t be turned on its side or blurred.

We did have several correct guesses, including Mary Ann Stockman of Mt. Vernon, a member of Black Warrior EMC, who found the bagel on Page 24, as the “O” in the word “People,” at the top of the page with the article on Teacher of the Year Jeff Norris. “It was not as hard as it is sometimes,” she wrote. Lamarsha Cochran of Bakerhill, a member of Pea River EC, said the hiding place was “very clever! I thought I would never find it this month!

You guys are awesome hiding the dingbat in plain sight!” Vicki Outlaw of Midland City, also member of Pea River EC, was ready to tell us she found it in the drawing of SpongeBob SquarePants on Page 46, until she went through the magazine three times and found it on Page 24: “It was staring at me! I couldn’t believe I missed it!”

Congratulations to Erin Shaffer of Loxley, a member of Baldwin EMC, for being drawn as our correct guess winner of a $25 gift card from Alabama One Credit Union. This month we’re hiding a frog to recognize leap year. Good luck!

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 March issue.

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

Contribute a photo you took for an upcoming issue! Send a photo of an interesting or unusual landmark in Alabama, which must be accessible to the public. A reader whose photo is chosen will also win $25.

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

Sponsored by

By email: dingbat@alabamaliving.com

Take us along!

We’ve enjoyed seeing photos from our readers on their travels with Alabama Living! Please send us a photo of you with a copy of the magazine on your travels to: mytravels@alabamaliving.coop. Be sure to include your name, hometown and electric cooperative, and the location of your photo.We’ll draw a winner for the $25 prize each month. Make sure your photo is clear, in focus and not in shadow.

Nena Fellger of Mentone and Sand Mountain EC, took her magazine to Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland.

Alabama Living

Heath, Jennifer and Kynleigh Wilson of Southern Pine EC visited Venice, Italy on a gondola ride.

January’s answer: This artwork, which is in the art garden by the Prattville Creative Art Center and Gallery in downtown, is by Charlie “Tin Man” Lucas, a renowned folk artist who creates works out of “found art.” There are two other works by Lucas in the garden, as well as several pieces in the gallery that are part of the permanent collection or are for sale. Lucas’ art has been shown around the country; he was born in Prattville and now lives and works in Selma. (Photo by Mark Stephenson of Alabama Living) The randomly drawn correct guess winner is Gail Coccaro of Central Alabama EC.

 Yuvonne Scott of Loxley, a member of Baldwin EMC, visited Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with her magazine.

 Peggy and Bob Thompson of Arley celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary with a tour of South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. While they saw the “big five” wild animals (leopard, lion, buffalo, rhinoceros and elephant) on their first safari drive, the real thrill of the trip came when they visited Victoria Falls from the air on a helicopter ride and from the very wet and slippery walking path and overlook stations in Victoria Falls National Park.

They are members of Cullman EC. FEBRUARY 2024 11

‘Don’t count anyone out’ U.S. Sen. Katie Britt on her rise to the national political stage, seizing opportunities and being a sports mom

By Allison Law Editor’s note: For a longer version of this story, visit alabamaliving.coop

K

continuing to shape how I do this job every day,” she says.

Growing up in the Wiregrass region, the community she was raised in was (and still is) focused on small businesses, agriculture and the military (the home of Army aviation, Fort Novosel – formerly Fort Rucker – is just east of Enterprise).

“To me, that’s the very best of America,” she says.

atie Britt – native of Enterprise, daughter of small-business owners, wife and mom of schoolaged kids – had never run for statewide office before 2022. She had some notable high-profile positions, including president of the powerful Business Council of Alabama, and had worked in Washington as U.S. Sen. Richard Preparation for Shelby’s chief of staff. success But statewide, she was Her educational backvirtually unknown prior ground is well-known: to her run for Shelby’s In high school, she was Senate seat upon his reselected for Girls’ State tirement. and was elected goverBritt’s family – son Ridgeway, daughter Bennett and husband Wesley – at her swearing in “Here, you have a reception on Jan. 3, 2023. nor. She was elected stuOFFICIAL U.S. SENATE PHOTO BY ROSA PINEDA public school kid from dent government presithe Wiregrass,” she says from her D.C. office. “Many people said dent at the University of Alabama, one of very few women to win I was from the wrong side of the state. I wasn’t from a population that position. center. It couldn’t be done. All sorts of things.” She had no political She worked as deputy press secretary, press secretary and evenlineage and was challenging a sitting congressman – U.S. Rep. Mo tually chief of staff for Shelby. A graduate of the law school at AlBrooks – for the seat. abama, she also worked as an attorney for Butler Snow LLP and “We knew that hard work pays off,” she says. “My advice is, don’t special assistant to the UA president. She was president of the BCA count anyone out.” from January 2019 until June 2021, when she resigned to run for Those who meet her are often impressed with her poise, apthe Senate. proachable demeanor and her ability to articulate her position on She hit the campaign trail hard, driving from one corner of the virtually any issue, coming across as confident but not defensive. state to another to talk with voters and put her name out there. She Watching her interactions with people today, a year after she took knew she would find support, especially in rural areas and small office, she seems genuinely interested in the person in front of her, towns. paying close attention to what’s being said.

“These are my people, this is where I’m from,” she says. “You Longtime Alabama political observer Steve Flowers wrote a made a huge difference in this race and can make a huge difference glowing column about her at the end of December. “She conducts in races to come. So use your voice – we need you.” herself with old-school southern grace, integrity, and class, which has resulted in her being respected and liked by colleagues and Family time constituents on both sides of the aisle,” Flowers wrote.

At 41, her gender and youthfulness are for many a welcome contrast to the older, generally male makeup of Congress; she’s quick Some help from rural voters to point out that she is the only Republican mom of school-aged Britt is quick to note that much of her success is due to rural children in the Senate. She was well aware that serving in the Senvoters. During the campaign, she relished the chance to sit down ate would completely change her family’s lives. with these rural folks to listen and learn from them.

But she says her husband, Wesley Britt, former All-American “Having the opportunity to hear where they felt like the nation offensive tackle at Alabama who went on to play for the New Enwas going, and what they felt like needed to be different, and issues gland Patriots, is the rock that allows her to pursue this part of in front of us and opportunities in front of us was a critical part of their journey.

12 FEBRUARY 2024

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U.S. Sen. Katie Britt joined Gov. Kay Ivey on an aerial tour of tornado damage in Selma and Autauga County on Jan. 13, 2023.

PHOTO BY HAL YEAGER, GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

The Britts are often at games of their children, ninth-grade daughter Bennett and son Ridgeway, who is in the eighth grade.

“Being a wife and mother is the most important thing,” she says. “It is critically important that each and every moment I can get with my children, that I seize that.”

When she has to spend time away from the children, her focus is on the next generation: How can we make things better for them?

It’s that next generation, she says, that inspired her to write a book.

‘Ability to achieve’

no child’s zip code determines their opportunity. Where people can work hard and achieve the American dream.”

Again, publishers came calling, this time with a different approach: Don’t write about the campaign, but instead about life lessons for the next generation, and inspiring them to do hard things.

She agreed.

The book, God Calls Us to Do Hard Things, tells her story about getting into the Senate race, about prayer and asking for God’s guidance, how her children played a role in her career path, about her failures, about her husband and his NFL career and the lessons he learned. “Just things I did wrong and things I wished I’d done differently.”

She’s done a lot of speaking to young people and school groups, and has honed her message to emMoving forward phasize that it’s the things she did As she was preparing to head wrong, and the times she’d failed, back to Washington after the holthat have inspired her to be better iday break, there were many issues and to do better. to be dealt with, including bor“I think too often we see someder crossing policies, funding for one’s peaks in life,” she says. “I Ukraine and the lack of major legthink it’s really your valleys, if you’re honest, about how you got islation in the Senate that defined there. That’s something I try to 2023. talk to young people about – don’t “Certainly one of the things we’ve been trying to do is get the blame everyone around you.”

Britt at a hearing to examine the Consumer Financial Protection Senate back working,” she says.

She was approached after the Bureau’s semi-annual report to Congress in June 2023.

OFFICIAL U.S. SENATE PHOTO BY JOHN SHINKLE But she’s also keenly aware of the runoff in 2022 about writing a issues that are important to rural book focused on her campaign; Alabamians, including the need for broadband Internet to cover her response was “absolutely not!” After she won the Senate election, publishers sought her out again, and again she declined. each corner of the state.

In early 2023, not long after taking office, she spoke at an assem“If we want a 21st century workforce, we’ve got to have 21st century infrastructure.” bly to middle schoolers and felt inspired by the children’s quesShe does not take the support of Alabamians for granted. tions, their energy and their excitement about the future.

“I am so grateful for their belief in me,” she says. “I am humbled “It was the first time it hit me, these kids are all in this gym to hear from me. Kind of taking that and seeing that, that’s why I ran. and honored by their trust in me. I promise you, I won’t get it right I wanted the unseen to be seen. I wanted to fight for a state where every day, but it won’t be for the lack of trying.” Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 2024 13

Sophia Monday, the kingdom’s magistrate of music, performs music on the harp during an Alabama Medieval Fantasy Festival event.

PHOTO BY EMMETT BURNETT

Prithee,

come hither to the Alabama Medieval Fantasy Festival 14 FEBRUARY 2024

www.alabamaliving.coop

Sophia Monday, the kingdom’s magistrate of music, performs music on the harp during an Alabama Medieval Fantasy Festival event. PHOTO BY EMMETT BURNETT

By Emmett Burnett

F

orsooth, time draws nigh in the Kingdom of Dragon Croft.

100-plus volunteers to make the medieval fantasy a reality.

“We looked for property in three other states, but we love and Jousters ready their steeds, minstrels practice tunes of live in Alabama,” she says. They made a list of criteria for what old, cooks prepare meat and mead, and grounds are deemed they were looking for: rolling hills, ponds or creeks, close to howorthy of adventure. Behold The Alabama Medieval Fantasy Festels and eateries, and nice people. “Greenville covered all of that, tival, where visitors step back in time and enjoy the good ol’ days so we bought the property. We have been working with the aid of 800 A.D. Dragon Croft is like a town you want to visit but your choices of our valiant volunteers from around the state to build the faire for getting there are time travel or through Greenville, Ala. Choose ever since.”

The festival’s objectives are summed Greenville. Now in year seven, about five in three words: Informative, educationmiles from the city’s downtown, the pageantry continues. al, and fun. Guests experience all three.

This year, the kingdom opens its public Visitors can be spectators, or they can imgates from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 2-3, merse in the experience. rain or shine, for the weekend event at“There are opportunities for guests to interact with over a hundred characters,” tended by hundreds. Visitors meander Nancy says. “We are one of the largest 35-plus acres of historical expressions including blacksmithing, sword fights, Renaissance fairs by volunteers and land jousting matches, crafts, merchants, food, (35 acres) in Alabama. We also have the fun, and history. hardest working and most creative talented workers anywhere.”

Reenactors remain in character Others agree. The local newspaper, The throughout the day, speaking in Old Greenville Advocate, awarded The AlaEnglish and wearing period dress. “It’s bama Medieval Fantasy Festival with two called ‘garb,’” Dragon Croft’s Nancy Ardoin (Queen Annwyn), corrected me with Best in Butler (County) Readers’ Choice a smile. “Their garb (clothing) has been Awards. One is for Best Local Attraction thoroughly researched and sewn by speand the other, Best Local Event. cialty seamstresses.”

The uniqueness of Dragon Croft is key Actually, everything here has been to its success. “This is an era of history, thoroughly researched down to the last something we do not have today,” notes chalice. Visitors enter a Renaissance/Me- Knights patrol the grounds.

Dr. Carl Franks, a professor of literature at dieval world of discovery and adventure. the University of North Alabama. “DragPHOTO BY DR. CARL FRANKS on Croft is a chance to create a character The queen adds, “This is a place of pleaand leave the modern world behind for a while.” sure, creativity, laughter, and enchantment. Our guests will meet He adds, “If as a child you wanted to be a knight, a wizard, clerhistorical recreation groups, knights, fairies, and more.”

The queen shares the royal land with her real-life husband Greg ic, scholar, or any other role, you can do that here.” Dr. Franks, also Ardoin (King Gregory the Grey). Like many in the Kingdom, the known in the kingdom as Master Carl the Scholar, notes Disney World as an example. couple is not from Greenville (the queen and king live in Mobile) “If you walk around a theme park with mouse ears on your but travel here from across Alabama and beyond. They work with Visitors to a recent Alabama Medieval Fantasy Festival exploring the grounds.

PHOTO BY DR. CARL FRANKS

FEBRUARY 2024 15

The Kingdom of Dragon Croft’s Yule Feast Party in December.

PHOTO BY EMMETT BURNETT

head, nobody thinks twice about it,” he explains. “It’s the same way here. We are all in character. We are people who love history and sharing it with visitors.”

As one might imagine, children love this place. “They always ask about the weaponry,” says John Holcomb of Florence, Ala. As Jarl Bragi Thorbjorn, he is a leader of the King’s Guard. He and Adam Driver (Lord Adam of Driver, Master of Horse) noted that children Music, food and more are fascinated by sword fights and similar demonstrations.

The expansive village is nestled in forest and meadows, with A disclaimer: While most of the festival experience is immersive, some venues, such as sword fights, are not. Nor is jousting. feast halls, cottages, kitchens and merchants selling crafted wares.

Two knights on a collision course to knock the other off his horse is Music, comedy, theater, food and drink, demonstrations and a sport best left to professionals, least ye visit the royal ambulance. games add to the Medieval mix.

On a soothing note, one of the most popular Dragon Croft feaOrganized activities coincide with impromptu events as the tures is the music. The faire includes harpists, cellists, and other people of 2024 mix and mingle with characters who lived when instruments, performing actual tunes from back in the day. “I find King Arthur was a teenager. it fascinating learning about On today’s visit, two this history and even more months out from the event, enjoyable learning with othDragon Croft is holding its ers interested in the history annual Yule Feast. There as well,” says cellist Elizabeth is much excitement in the Weaver of Citronelle. “I rekingdom with music, dance, searched some old carols and fellowship, and amazing food adopted them for the cello.”

– real food, delicious, savory, Sophia Monday of Sylaas prepared in the pre-microwave era. cauga, the kingdom’s magisHammond, Louisiana’s trate of music, is a harper. She Janet Wright, the kingdom’s agrees with fellow musician Elizabeth about researching culinary historian, prepares musical history, especially as the feast over wood-burnapplied to strings. ing pits for a guest list of 65.

“There is just something “We start out with globi, a Roman dish of ricotta cheese, magical about playing the flour, with honey and poppy King Gregory the Grey and Queen Annwyn, center, meet with Kingdom harp,” says Sophia, while PHOTO BY DR. CARL FRANKS seeds,” she says, while stir- residents. strumming her fingers over ring the pots. Other entrees the Celtic string instrument. include meat pie, beef and barley soup, and pork tenderloin. She “I came here with a huge interest in medieval history. I researched and others offer medieval cooking demonstrations during the fanthe harp and its history and now I perform both.” tasy faire, too.

From dance, song, jousting, demonstrations, food, fun and fantasy, the Alabama Medieval Fantasy Festival has something for During the March festival, in addition to medieval fare, current cuisine is offered, including burgers, hotdogs, and other 2024 faeveryone. Gadzooks, get ye here on March 2-3, at 4776 Fort Dale Road, Greenville, Ala. vorites.

Come for the day. Stay for the knight. We bid thee safe passage.

Volunteer performers range in age from babies to 83. Mobile’s Sir Chester Arterburm is the latter. “I am a woodworker,” he says, showing samples of this work. “People ask what keeps me coming For more information, follow the Alabama Medieval Fantasy Festival on Facebook at facebook.com/ALMFF or visit their website back. I tell them, I just like these people. It is fun and I belong. As at almff.com. long as my health is good, I will be here.”

16 FEBRUARY 2024

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Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 2024 17

| Worth the drive |

Many of the diners at the Courthouse Square Deli are regular customers.

PHOTOS BY SARAH TURNER

It’s like old home week every day at this Grove Hill restaurant

By Lenore Vickrey

I

f you want to catch up on the latest news with your neighbors while getting a delicious meat and three lunch, or a plate of handbreaded shrimp and onion rings, lunchtime at the Courthouse Square Deli and Bakery in Grove Hill is the place to be.

The restaurant, located (of course) on the square across from the Clarke County Courthouse, has been serving lunch to loyal customers since it opened in 2008. “On a typical day we probably see 80 to 100 people for lunch,” says Rita Phillips, co-owner with her sister, Janet Woodham. A third sister, Cathy Baker, helps out as well. The trio, who grew up in Clarke County, are known as the “Knight Sisters” or the Knight Girls, after their maiden name.

Many customers, like Catherine Gaddy, 81, and her husband, Lloyd, eat lunch every day at the deli, and have their own table right inside the front door. “We pretty much know everyone who comes in the door,” says Rita. “Pretty much everybody you see on that wall

are regulars,” pointing to a lineup of booths filled with customers from the front door to the back.

“You doing alright?” a customer asks Rita as he heads to the front door with a takeout box.

“Yes, how are you?” she replies.

“Hanging in there like hair on a biscuit,” he responds with a big grin.

“That’s our police chief,” she chuckles.

Being situated within walking distance of the courthouse makes it convenient for lawyers, staff and residents buying car tags or taking care of other business with the county to pop in for lunch.

The menu reflects that association, with items dubbed “Preliminary Hearing” (appetizers like fried dill pickles and mozzarella cheese sticks, and sides like onion rings), “Order in the Court” (sandwiches, subs and wraps including hamburgers, Reubens, fried or

Courthouse Square Deli & Bakery

132 Main Street Grove Hill, AL 251-275-CAKE Follow them on Facebook at l Grove Hill Courthouse Square Deli Bakery Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

18 FEBRUARY 2024

Sisters Cathy Baker, Janet Woodham and Rita Phillips. www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 2024 19

Slices of Dean’s cakes and other desserts make a mouth-watering display.

Fried shrimp platter is a lunch favorite.

PHOTOS BY SARAH TURNER

roasted chicken subs, or grilled pimento cheese), “Circumstantial on fish and shrimp day. Every other Friday we do a $10.99 fish and Evidence” (house specialties like the popular fried shrimp platshrimp meal. They come out of the woodwork for that!” ter), “Lighter Sentence” (salads), and “The Final Verdict” (desserts They hand-bread the chicken fingers, as well as their shrimp, such as their famous “Gooey Bar,” similar to a chess square, along fish and onion rings. “We cut our own fries for home fries. We with cake slices and ice cream). try to do as much fresh as we can,” Rita adds. Besides, “frozen The clever category names were the brainchild of Janet, and Ritenders are hard as a brickbat.” They also make a variety of sauces ta’s husband came up with the name, Courthouse Square Deli and for dipping, including the house sauce (“kinda spicy”) and COB Bakery, Rita says. The building was originally home of The Clarke sauce, for chick o’ breast, with cajun mustard, mayo and jalapeno County Democrat, the local newspaper, and then when it moved, it pepper juice. was home to the deli’s predecessor, the Democrat Deli.

Their customers like the dependability of the menu and the fact Sixteen years ago, Janet had a beauty shop in nearby Fulton and that it doesn’t change. “It’s hard to bring in new stuff,” Rita admits.

Rita was working refinishing antique furniture when Janet decid“We used to have grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but ed she needed to change careers. “She those got too messy. Kids would get it said, ‘Call the Democrat Deli and see if all over the place!” she wants to sell,’” Rita recalls.

So they stick with the tried and true.

She called, the owner was interested, “People like what they like,” she says. and even asked Rita, “When do you “We have the same things every week. want it?” “And I said, ‘Right now!’

We’ve got more than 100 items.”

“We were so excited! We’d both kind In past years, the two sisters did a lot of dreamed about it for a long time and of cake baking. “Janet baked and I decorated,” Rita says. “We still have some everything just fell into place. It was (cakes) but not like we used to.” Health God’s plan and it happened. Thank issues curtailed some of their baking, God my daddy wasn’t alive because and they now stock cakes from Dean’s he would have told us, ‘You’ll starve to Cakes, a well-known bakery in Andadeath.’ But we haven’t yet!” lusia, by the slice in their cases. Janet They painted the inside, brightening still makes some desserts, such as her up the brown paneling, and installed Gooey Bars and peanut butter pie. new lights and eight much-needed Cathy has a special ministry, desecurity cameras. They remodeled the livering lunches to in-town shut-ins second floor, which is rented out as an The Courthouse Square Deli building was once home to without any compensation. “She loves apartment. the Clarke County Democrat newspaper. doing this to give back to the commuFor the past 16 years, business has PHOTO BY LENORE VICKREY nity,” Rita says. “She usually has 8 to 10 been good, although coping during deliveries per day.” the 2020 pandemic was challenging. “We did curbside service for The restaurant is a popular place for retirement lunches and what seemed like forever,” Rita says, and the restaurant had to shut group get-togethers. They don’t do events as such, but “we do redown for a month. “We had people calling us asking what would serve tables,” says Rita. it take for us to reopen.” Eventually, they did and customers were The three sisters are known and respected by the community, glad to come back. as evidenced by a recent award. “We got voted citizens of the year, Their signature item, she says, is Janet’s chicken salad, which she all three of us, a few years ago, by the Grove Hill Study Club. They still makes fresh every day. Before the pandemic, they would sell don’t do it anymore, so I guess we broke the mold,” she says with up to 40 pounds a day, Rita says, but “the pandemic hit us hard.” a laugh.

These days, “our calling card is our fried shrimp and our meat The trio would like to continue running the restaurant “as long and three,” she adds. Some days there might be gumbo or chili. as our health holds out,” she adds. “We’ve got a great business and “Most days we have a meat and three, like meatloaf, mashed potatoes, cornbread, turnip greens. We always have a dessert except a great location. We’ve really been blessed.” 20 FEBRUARY 2024

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Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 2024 21

2024 legislative session:

Budgets, gambling, leadership opportunities

Todd Stacy on the set of APT’s “Capitol Journal.”

By Lenore Vickrey

T

he Alabama Legislature heads into its 2024 session this month with surpluses in state revenues, gambling legislation to be debated, and new leadership in the State Senate.

“The last session was pretty action-packed,” recalls Todd Stacy, founder and publisher of Alabama Daily News and host of Alabama Public Television’s “Capitol Journal.” “And this session promises to be interesting and busy. It’s going to be a good budget year with surpluses in both the education and general funds, (although) not quite the historic surpluses that were there last year.

The last revenue estimates are $400 million extra in the General Fund and $600 million extra in the Education Trust Fund.”

And while some might think “good” budget years are easy for lawmakers, that’s not always the case. “If you’re a budget committee chairman or a leader who actually writes these things, if you have a lot of money it makes it hard, when you have to figure out what to say ‘yes’ to when all the requests come in,” says Stacy.

“With the blessing of more resources comes the trouble of how to allocate it.

“Part of what I’m hearing is that yes, they have the surpluses but they really don’t want to spend them, they want to save some,” he adds, due to the uncertainty of the economy. “You’re starting to hear, ‘let’s not spend it all,’ as there is always the possibility of leaner years to come.”

Aside from spending decisions, lawmakers will almost certainly be looking at gambling bills once again. At press time, legislation was still being drafted but Stacy said 2024 bills would likely look much like those that were on the table in 2021, with a lottery, expanded and tighter regulations on casino gambling and tightened rules on sports gambling. Any lottery would then have to be approved by voters in a referendum.

22 FEBRUARY 2024

Stacy reminds us that gambling legislation nearly passed in 2021 but failed at the last minute. Any such proposals would have to address such questions as the makeup and power of a gambling commission, consequences for any illegal gambling activities, and how much revenue would be produced for the state and how it would be used. “The lawmakers who’ve been drafting this plan are eager to talk to the governor,” who has shown some interest in resolving the gambling question, but was lukewarm on the last proposal, he says. “They are eager to get the governor’s support so that will be something to watch.”

This will be the first session for new Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston, who replaced former Sen. Clay Scofield, who left the Senate to join the Business Council of Alabama. Stacy points out that Livingston is no stranger to steering a legislative body through rough waters, having recently chaired the Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment tasked with redrawing the state’s congressional district lines. “He certainly learned a lot from that,” he says. “It was a formative experience for his Senate leadership.”

Livingston’s move also gives leadership opportunities to other lawmakers who are replacing him on his previous committees, such as Sen. April Weaver to the Confirmations Committee, Sen. Keith Kelley heading the Rules Committee and Sen. Sam Givhan to the Education Trust Fund Committee.

The newly redrawn Congressional District 2 race has attracted a record number of candidates, including several legislators, which makes for an interesting dynamic as the lawmakers juggle campaigning while still tending to their legislative duties. Stacy has been interviewing each candidate on “Capitol Journal.” One is Sen. Greg Albritton, chairman of the General Fund Committee. “Maybe that means you’ll see a general fund budget in the second half of the session,” Stacy says. The primary date is March 5, one month after the session begins, he notes. Runoffs are set for April 16.

The new lines have created a district very different from what was traditionally the second congressional district, he points out, “and all things being equal it should elect a Democrat.” Several factors will play into the race, including the bipartisan appeal of candidates to independent voters and the role of the presidential election. “Let’s say all the top candidates are lawmakers,” Stacy speculates. “Then there’s really something on the line.”

The 2024 session of the Alabama Legislature begins Feb. 6, with Gov. Kay Ivey delivering her State of the State Address at 6 p.m. The address will be aired live on Alabama Public Television. Each night during the session, Stacy will have a newscast at 10 p.m. on APT, with the “Week in Review” airing on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. www.alabamaliving.coop

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STATE SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES BY COOPERATIVE Arab Electric Cooperative Inc Senator

District

Arthur Orr

3

Garlan Gudger

4

Wes Kitchens

Covington EC

Pioneer EC

District

Senator

District

9

Will Barfoot

25

Donnie Chesteen

29

Josh Carnley

District

Senator

District

31

Rob Stewart

23

Will Barfoot

25

Chris Sells

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Wes Kitchens

9

Ginny Shaver

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Josh Carnley

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Representative

Representative

Representative Scott Stadthagen

9

Randall Shedd

11

VACANT

27

Prince Chestnut

67

Jeff Sorrells

87

Rhett Marques

91

Kelvin J. Lawrence

69

Chris Sells

90

Matthew Hammett

92

Sand Mountain EC

Baldwin EMC

Cullman EC

Senator

Senator

Greg Albritton

22

Chris Elliott

32

Arthur Orr

Rob Stewart

23

Vivian Davis Figures

33

Representative

Representative

Senator 8

Andrew Jones

10

Garlan Gudger

4

Ernie Yarbrough

7

Corey Harbison

12

Nathaniel Ledbetter

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Tim Wadsworth

14

VACANT

27

Representative

64

Jennifer Fidler

94

Scott Stadthagen

9

Brett Easterbrook

65

Frances Holk-Jones

95

Randall Shedd

11

Alan Baker

66

Matt Simpson

96

Dixie EC

Thomas Jackson

68

Shane Stringer

102

Senator

Senator

Steve Livingston 3

Donna Givens

Black Warrior EMC

District

South Alabama EC Senator Will Barfoot

25

Will Barfoot

25

Jay Hovey

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Billy Beasley

28

Kirk Hatcher

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Billy Beasley

28

Representative

Gerald Allen

21

Rob Stewart

23

Representative

Kelvin J. Lawrence

69

Chris Sells

90

Greg Albritton

22

Bobby Singleton

24

Reed Ingram

75

Pebblin Warren

82

Berry Forte

84

Rhett Marques

91

Patrice McClammy

76

Jeremy Gray

83

Marcus Paramore

89

Berry Forte

84

Southern Pine EC Josh Carnley

31

Representative Ron Bolton

61

Thomas Jackson

68

Joe Lovvorn

79

Bill Lamb

62

Kelvin J. Lawrence

69

Ed Oliver

81

Brett Easterbrook

65

A J McCampbell

71

Franklin Electric Cooperative

Prince Chestnut

67

Curtis Travis

72

Senator

Central Alabama EC

Larry Stutts

Senator April Weaver

14

Will Barfoot

25

Rob Stewart

23

Clyde Chambliss

30

Troy Stubbs

31

Kelvin J. Lawrence

69

Ben Robbins

33

Reed Ingram

75

Van Smith

42

Ed Oliver

81

Russell Bedsole

49

Jerry Starnes

88

Prince Chestnut

67

Representative

Cherokee EC Senator Andrew Jones

10

Keith Kelley

12

Representative Mack Butler

29

Ginny Shaver

39

Clarke-Washington EMC 22

Rob Stewart

23

Representative Brett Easterbrook

65

Thomas Jackson

68

Representative 6

Jamie Kiel

18

Kelvin J. Lawrence

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Coosa Valley EC Lance Bell

11

Keith Kelley

12

Randy Price

13

Representative Mark Gidley

29

Randy Wood

36

Craig Lipscomb

30

Corley Ellis

41

Barbara Boyd

32

Susan DuBose

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Ben Robbins

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Jim Hill

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Steve Hurst

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Rob Stewart

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Representative Brett Easterbrook

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Chris Sells

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Senator

Alan Baker

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Matthew Hammett

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Thomas Jackson

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Billy Beasley

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Arthur Orr

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Garlan Gudger

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Larry Stutts

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Tallapoosa River EC

Representative

Senator

Parker Moore

4

Scott Stadthagen

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Randy Price

13

Ernie Yarbrough

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Randall Shedd

11

Jay Hovey

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Terri Collins

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Representative

Marshall DeKalb EC

Steve Hurst

35

Chris Blackshear

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Senator

Bob Fincher

37

Ed Oliver

81

Debbie Wood

38

Jeremy Gray

83

Joe Lovvorn

79

Berry Forte

84

4

Greg Reed

5

Tim Wadsworth

14

Tracy Estes

17

Bryan Brinyark

16

Josh Carnley

31

Wes Kitchens

9

Andrew Jones

10

Representative Brock Colvin

26

Mark Gidley

29

Tombigbee EC

VACANT

27

Ginny Shaver

39

Senator Garlan Gudger

Representative

Senator Steve Livingston

8

Wes Kitchens

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Representative Ritchie Whorton

22

Mike Kirkland

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VACANT

27

Senator Billy Beasley

28

Donnie Chesteen

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Wiregrass EC Senator

Pea River EC

Senator

Greg Albritton

Joe Wheeler EMC

North Alabama EC

Senator Greg Albritton

Senator

Josh Carnley

31

Representative Berry Forte

84

Marcus Paramore

89

Rick Rehm

85

Steve Clouse

93

Billy Beasley

28

Donnie Chesteen

29

Representative Rick Rehm

85

Rhett Marques

91

Paul Lee

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Steve Clouse

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Jeff Sorrells

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

Alabama Living

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SOCIAL SECURITY

Need a new or replacement Social Security card? We’re making it easier!

Were you asked to come I into an office? f you need a new or replacement Social Security card, we’ve got great news! You may be able to complete, or at least start, your application on our website – and, if necessary, use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment at a local office.

If you can’t complete the application online, you must visit a Social Security office. To learn more, please review our publication, Your Social Security Number and Card, at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10002. pdf.

Start your application

Replace your Social Security card

Do you need to apply for a Social Security number (SSN) and card? You can visit ssa.gov/number-card to begin the process. You’ll answer a series of questions to determine whether you can: • Complete the application process online.

• Start the application process online, then bring any required documents to your local Social Security office to complete the application, typically in less time.

• Complete the application process at your local office.

Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached by email at kylle.mckinney@ssa.gov.

February Across 1 Civil Rights heroine who refused to give up her seat on the bus, 2 words 6 Initials of the man who gave his life campaigning for civil rights for African Americans 8 1965 Alabama march site 9 _____ Riders 11 Passages of music 14 Roman god with a bow and arrow 16 Valentine’s Day symbol 18 Never-ending 20 Sweet Valentine’s Day gift 25 The Lord of the Rings bad guy 26 Final destination of 1965 protest marches in Alabama 30 City famous for its arch, abbr.

32 African American singer, ____ Simone 33 One of the Alabama cities where the Freedom Riders were attacked in 1961

Want to replace your card? The Card Replacement Screener on our Replace Social Security card webpage at ssa.gov/ number-card/replace-card helps you determine the best way to do so.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to request a replacement card without visiting a local office. Choose “Answer a few questions” on the Replacement Card webpage at ssa.gov/ number-card/replace-card to get started.

Even if you can’t complete the process online and must visit an office, you can still save yourself time by starting the application online.

Here’s what you should know

If you start the application online and we determine you need to come into an office, you can use our new Online Self-Scheduling option. This option allows you to: • Select your language preference.

• Select the most convenient office to receive service.

• Choose to receive communications and appointment reminders through email or text.

• Conveniently use your mobile device to check-in for your appointment.

You can also reschedule, modify, or cancel your appointment online without having to call or visit the office.

Please note that this service is not available in Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa. We hope to make it available soon.

It’s never been easier to do business with us! Please share this information with your friends and family—and post it on social media.

crossword

by Myles Mellor

Down 1 Valentine’s Day flowers 2 Sun-related 3 Alicia Keys or Ray Charles, for example 4 Whistle-blower, abbr.

5 Observe 6 Surrounded by 7 Actress, Basinger 10 University email address ending 12 Link 13 Mollusk’s protection 14 Top of a hill 15 Fountain, for example 16 Maui state (abbr.)

17 “Wonderful!”

19 President who abolished slavery 21 Place for batting practice 22 Had some food 23 Therefore 24 Prayer ending 27 Grandma to some 28 “All ___ are created equal ...”

29 Baseball score, abbr.

30 Ave. intersector 31 Gift-tag word Answers on Page 41

28 FEBRUARY 2024

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Around Alabama

24

Chatom 2024 Alabama Indian Artifact and Collector Show, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chatom Community Center, 222 Dixie Youth Drive. No reproductions, fakes or illegally obtained artifacts allowed. Free admission; display tables are $10, and dealer tables are $20. Call Bimbo Kohen at 251-542-9456 or 251-377-1191.

24-25

Decatur Greater Morgan County Builders Association Home and Garden Show, Ingalls Harbor Pavilion.

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday. 256-318-9161.

Watch history come to life as WWII re-enactors tell the stories of the original crew of the USS Alabama and submarine USS Drum on Feb. 3.

FEBRUARY

3

Mobile USS Alabama Living History Crew drill. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. See history come to life when WWII re-enactors tell the stories of the original crewmen of the battleship USS Alabama and submarine USS Drum. Presentations and demonstrations throughout the day. Be on deck at 1 p.m. when the “call to battle stations” is sounded. All activities are included in the day’s admission. USSAlabama.com

7

Pell City Pell City Historical Society hosts a free seminar with Earl Smith at 1 p.m. at The Venue on 20th. Smith helped disarm a hydrogen bomb from a plane that crashed in North Carolina in 1961. Light refreshments available. 205-9024370

9-10

Sheffield 6th annual Northwest Alabama Farm Toy Show, Clarion Inn, 4900 Hatch Blvd. Hours are 5 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. $3 admission, kids 12 and under free. Buy, sell and trade farm toys; event includes a display competition, door prizes and pedal tractor raffle.

Search for the event’s Facebook page or email nwalfarmtoyshow@gmail.com

10

Wetumpka Mardi Gras Festival and Parade, Gold Star Park, 212 S. Main St. Vendors open at 9 a.m., and parade begins at 1 p.m. Presented by the Order of Cimarron.

10

Auburn Krewe de Tigris Mardi Gras Parade, 3 p.m. in downtown Auburn. Get ready to catch some beads and enjoy decked-out floats and costumed characters in this familyfriendly event. KreweDeTrigris.com

10

Decatur Carnegie Carnival in downtown.

Event begins with a Carnival Frolic (13.1, relay and 5K race), and continues with a children’s parade at 12:30 p.m., canines parade at 2:30 p.m., free Disney movie at 3 p.m. at the Princess Theatre, and the main parade at 6 p.m.

CarnegieCarnival.org

Alabama Living

10

Mountain Brook Alabama Accordion Association concerts with Alex Meixner, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Brookwood Baptist Church, 3449 Overton Road. Free. Meixner is a formally trained performer and accordion educator.

BamaAccordionists.com

15

Montgomery The Alabama History Lunchtime Lecture for February will be “History Lives On: Protecting Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools,” at 12 p.m. at the Alabama Department of Archives and History, 624 Washington Ave. Free. Archives.Alabama.gov

16-17

Autaugaville Autauga County Sheriff’s Rodeo, R.H. Kirkpatrick Arena, 2214 Highway 14 West. Bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping and more.

Tickets are $15, with children 5 and under free with paid adult. Purchase tickets only at the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 334-365-5638.

16-18

Birmingham Home and Garden Show. This 50th annual show will have fine arts, crafts, commercial/retail, homegrown products as well as antiques and collectibles exhibitors. Show is at the BJCC; tickets range from $3 to $11. BirminghamHomeShow. com

23-25

Mobile Mobile Boat Show, the Mobile Convention Center.

The largest indoor boat show in Alabama features a selection of boats, motors, personal watercraft and marine accessories. Hours are 12 to 7 p.m.

Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets online and at the show are $12 adults, children 15 and under free.

GulfCoastShows.com

24

Orange Beach 32nd annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival and Car Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit Orange Beach Schools. Festival features food, more than 100 artists from around the South and music for the whole family on two stages. Large kids’ zone and car show round out the event. Free.

OrangeBeachAl.gov

29

Enterprise Dallas Brass in concert, Enterprise High School Performing Arts Center. The Dallas Brass blends traditional brass instruments with a full complement of drums and percussion. Its repertoire includes classical masterpieces, Dixieland, swing, Broadway, Hollywood and patriotic musicals.

Event is sponsored by the City of Enterprise.

CoffeeCountyArtsAlliance.com

MARCH

1-2

Monroeville Monroeville Literary Festival at the Monroe County Museum. Event includes author readings, signings and panel discussions, walking tours, art and music, plus the presentations of the 2024 Harper Lee Award and Truman Capote Prize. Weekend also includes a gala reception with live music and lunch featuring the recipes of John T. Edge.

MonroevilleLiteraryFestival.com

1-3

Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee, celebrating the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the Selma to Montgomery March and the signing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. More than 40 events are scheduled, including a parade, awards gala, street festival, intergenerational hip-hop political summit, battle of the bands and more. SelmaJubilee.com

22-24

Opp 63rd annual Rattlesnake Rodeo, 301 Jeffcoat Ave. Featuring snake races, food vendors and arts and crafts. Live music from Mitchell Tenpenny on Saturday and Aaron Tippin on Sunday. Tickets start at $10. RattlesnakeRodeo.com

23

Camden Wilcox Historical Society Tour of Homes, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featuring houses, churches and other historic sites in Oak Hill and Camden. WilcoxHistoricalSociety.org

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

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

Alabama Living on FB instagram.com/alabamaliving

FEBRUARY 2024 29

| Gardens |

Updated map helps zone in on our gardens

T

he U.S. Department of Agriculture has released a new Plant Hardiness Zone Map, an updated version of a tool that’s been helping gardeners find the right plants for their local climate conditions for more than 60 years. This latest version, the first update since 2012, offers new information about planting zones, including those in Alabama, and new insights into our changing climate conditions.

The PHZM is a system of hardiness zones based on cold hardiness — a plant’s ability to withstand average minimum (low) winter temperatures. It uses years of climate data to designate 13 color-coded geographical areas (zones) across the U.S. and its territories.

Each zone, which represents a 10-degree Fahrenheit temperature difference, is subdivided into two 5-degree Fahrenheit segments labeled “a” and “b.” So, there are 26 separate zones that range from coldest (1a) to warmest (13b).

Gardeners, landscapers, nursery operators, farmers, researchers and many others whose livelihoods depend on the plant world can use these zones to match plants to their local winter climate conditions.

While it’s no guarantee of survival — other factors such as heat, drought, flood and wind tolerance also affect survivability — the PHZM map is still one of the best tools available for picking plants that are most likely to survive, even thrive, in each locale.

Since the PHZM was first released in 1960 it has undergone several updates based on available weather data. The 2023 map, which uses 30 years of weather data collected from more than 13,400 weather staKatie Jackson is a freelance writer and editor based in Opelika, Alabama. Contact her at katielamarjackson@gmail.com.

30 FEBRUARY 2024

tions (the 2012 map was based on some 7,900 weather stations), provides a new level of accuracy and detail.

That data also led to shifts in the zones.

In fact, about half of the country shifted up to the next warmer half zone from the 2012 to the 2023 map. This change affected Alabama’s zone range, too, which went from 7a to 8b in 2012 to 7b through 9b in 2023.

These shifts, while not huge, can impact our gardens in both positive and negative ways. On the plus side, it means we can be more daring in our plant selection by trying out some of those plants we once thought were too tender to survive our winters. Experts also expect plant nurseries and retailers to add some of these new options to their inventory so they will be easier to try.

On the minus side, warmer winter weather can negatively impact plants we’ve previously grown quite successfully, such as peach and apple trees that require a specific number of chill hours to set fruit. And these new zones suggest we

might need to rethink our planting calendar dates.

Of course, the zones are not the only factor in plant survival. Plant selection should also be based on such factors as amount of sunlight, water and the proper soil type for plants to live. Especially with plants that may be pushing the edge of the zone, it’s best to experiment with a few before redoing the landscape.

There’s so much consider when it comes to finding the right plants, including how changes in our climate can affect the ones we have and new ones we hope to add. While the PHZM is not a direct measure of climate change or global warming, it can help us identify climate trends and prepare for future changes in our climate.

And now, before planting season arrives, is a great time to delve into the map and its new and improved website at planthardiness.ars.usda. gov. It’s also the perfect time to explore the diversity of plants that we can use in our gardens, including native species, and to consider adopting “climate-resilient” or “climate-smart” gardening practices.

A wide array of climate-friendly gardening advice is available online and great information tailored to our region can be found in the book Climate Change Gardening for the South by Barbara Sullivan. In addition, local help is always available through local Alabama Cooperative Extension system experts and Master Gardeners.

FEBRUARY TIPS  Find your best local planting dates at aces.edu.  Sow seed for early spring vegetables and flowers.  Plant asparagus, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and onion transplants.  Plant shrubs and dormant fruit trees.  Prepare garden beds for planting.  Clean and refill bird feeders and baths.  Plant a tree for your Valentine!

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Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 2024 31

| Consumer Wise |

Efficiency tips for manufactured homes Q:

I live in a manufactured home. How can I keep the inside temperature more comfortable and save on energy

tems, which deliver heating and cooling throughout the homes.

The ductwork is typically located in the cavity between the floor bills? and the transport barrier, which protects the underside of the manufactured home while it is transported from the factory to There are several tasks you can complete to improve comthe site. Typically, one long duct runs the length of each section fort and use less energy in your manufactured home. I of the home, with the registers or vents cut into it. started my career in energy efficiency as a weatherization techniThe first step is making sure all registers are accessible, open cian in Wisconsin. In this role, I helped people in manufactured and not covered by furniture, rugs, dog beds or anything else. homes by air sealing, duct sealing, adding insulation and installNext, check your ductwork by removing the registers and ing new windows, showerheads, faucet aerators and lightbulbs. looking inside. Anything inside the duct will restrict airflow, so More than 22 milcheck that it is free lion Americans live and clear. Use a mirror and flashlight to in manufactured homes, according to look into the duct or take a picture by the National Associsticking a camera ation of State Energy or phone inside and Officials. Manufactured homes represnapping some shots sent 15% of housing with flash in each direction. I’ve pulled in rural areas, and all kinds of things only 3% in urban out of ducts over the areas. years, from garbage Knowing how to toys to shoes. manufactured If you have a douhomes are built ble wide or triple helps us understand wide, you will likewhere we can seal in ly have a crossover savings around the duct, which joins the house. These homes ducts in each secare constructed in tion. The crossover factories and then duct is typically a transported and set large flexible duct up on-site. Conwith an inner liner, struction in a factory Damaged or disconnected ducts allow the air you pay to heat escape under the home.

PHOTO COURTESY EFFICIENCY SERVICES GROUP insulation and an reduces costs, making manufactured outer cover to protect the insulation. Damaged or disconnected crossover ducts homes an affordable option. That lower price point can come, allow the air you pay to heat escape under the home. Often, damin part, from the use of less expensive equipment and fewer maage is done by animals chewing or scratching to get inside the terials, such as lower-efficiency heating equipment or less insuwarm area. An inspection of the crossover duct requires crawllation. ing under the home. That’s a dirty job and often a tight spot, so If you are considering buying a manufactured home, ENERGY STAR®-certified manufactured homes are 30% more energy you might choose to hire a professional.

Another place to check is the joint joining the sections of a efficient than standard models, with a variety of options that increase the home’s energy efficiency. double wide or triple wide together. This is often covered by trim If you already live in a manufactured home, you likely know when the home is placed. You can caulk around the trim or rethat manufactured homes are constructed in sections. One secmove it and caulk underneath to reduce air leakage. tion is a single wide home, two are combined to make a double Weatherstripping doors and windows to make sure they seal tightly will also reduce drafts and save energy. Some homes can wide home and three make a triple wide home.

In my experience, the biggest issues were in the duct sysbenefit from additional insulation in the attic or under the floor.

Those projects typically require specialized equipment or help Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services from a professional.

Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company.

Weatherization assistance programs, like the ones offered by She has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy at home, and she writes on energy efficiency topics for the the company I worked for in Wisconsin, provide discounted National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade and no-cost energy-saving upgrades. Check with your county or association representing nearly 900 electric co-ops. electric utility for more information.

A:

32 FEBRUARY 2024

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Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 2024 33

| Alabama Recipes |

Photos and styling by Brooke Echols

Vanilla Wafer Cake

34 FEBRUARY 2024

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Cook of the Month: Wanda Monk, Cullman EC Wanda Monk estimates she’s had her winning recipe for Vanilla Wafer Cake at least 40 years.

She remembers making it and taking when her family would gather for meals at the home of her mother-in-law in Falkville. The recipe, which likely came from another family member, uses two sticks of butter, which gives it that extra-moist texture.

Vanilla Wafer Cake 2 sticks butter, softened 6 eggs 1 11-ounce box vanilla wafers 1½ cups sugar 1½ cups pecans 1 can flaked coconut Crush vanilla wafers thoroughly. Beat butter and sugar together then add in eggs and beat. Mix in crushed vanilla wafers, pecans and coconut. Pour in a greased tube pan.

Bake at 275 degrees for 1½ hours.

July theme: Summer Sandwiches Submit by: April 5

June theme: Ice Cream Submit by: March 1

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

Buttery Puffs

Granny’s Rice Pilaf

Banana Nut Bread

1 loaf French bread, unsliced, trim crust and cut into 1-inch cubes 6 ounces cream cheese ¼ pound sharp cheddar cheese 1 cup butter 4 egg whites, beaten stiff

2 cups Uncle Ben’s regular long grain rice, not instant 1 stick butter or margarine 1 large yellow onion, diced 2 cans beef consommé soup 2 cans water 2 medium or 1 large can sliced mush rooms or pieces and stems 2 tablespoons oregano leaves ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup white sugar 2 eggs 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed 1/2 cup lemon curd 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 cup walnuts

Use a double boiler to melt cream cheese and cheddar cheese into butter.

Remove melted mixture from heat and let cool. Fold in 4 egg whites, beaten stiff. Dip bread cubes. Place on cookie sheet. Use parchment paper to save on mess! Refrigerate until cool, then freeze.

When ready to eat, bake in 400 degree oven for 11 minutes. Watch them carefully as they will burn.

Cook’s note: while a little labor intensive, these are worth it to have in the freezer for last minute appetizers.

Nancy Sites Sizemore Baldwin EMC

Alabama Living

In extra large saute pan, melt butter and add diced onion. When onion gets warm, add 2 cups uncooked rice. Saute butter, onion and rice, until rice is all golden brown. Add soup, water, drained mushrooms, oregano leaves, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook 15-20 minutes or until rice is done. Do not stir once covered.

Stir right before serving.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour bread pan. Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Beat eggs and then bananas and lemon curd and add to sugar mixture. Add flour and baking soda and walnuts. Pour into bread pan.

Bake for 1 hour.

Ruth Lewis Wiregrass EC Granny's Rice Pilaf

Sandra Peppers Marshall-DeKalb EC

FEBRUARY 2024 35

Cinnamon Sticks 1 cup (2 sticks) butter 1 egg, divided 1 cup sugar 2 cups plain flour 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Photo by The Buttered Home

W

hen I started The Buttered Home in 2018, I wanted the name to reflect a style of cooking that was reminisBrooke Burks cent of generations gone by. My great aunt, grandmother and mother taught me many things. One of the best was the old-fashioned way of cooking: scratch-made recipes and techniques that were proven to be simple and always produced the best eating around. Thus, the Buttered Home was born. So, it is only natural that this month’s theme, “Better with Butter,” made me really excited! It was also hard to pick just one recipe to share. While we hope you enjoy these delicious Fresh Apple Biscuits, be sure to head to thebutteredhome.com for even more “Better with Butter” recipes!

Fresh Apple Biscuits 2 cups self-rising flour 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon salt 11/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ cup butter, cold and grated or cubed ¼ cup apple, grated 1 cup buttermilk 1 cup confectioners sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla 4 tablespoons half and half Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Wash and peel one medium size apple. Slice several thin slices to reserve for top of biscuits for garnish. Grate the remainder of the apple and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine flour with 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon, reserving the rest for the glaze, salt, sugar and nutmeg.

Mix well. Add in grated or cubed cold butter. Mix to spread butter throughout and coat with the flour and seasoning.

Mix in grated apple well. Add buttermilk one half cup at a time, until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Turn dough out on a floured surface and form a ball and press dough together.

Flatten out into a rectangle. Fold each end of dough over the center and then fold once more over itself. Do this “flatten and fold” method two more times to form layers for the biscuits.

Flatten out again to 1 to 1½-inches thick. Cut with a 2-inch biscuit cutter.

Place biscuits in a cast iron skillet and top each one with reserved apple slice. Bake at 425 for 20 to 25 minutes until they reach your level of desired doneness. Allow to cool.

For the glaze: In a medium bowl, mix confectioners sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of vanilla. Add half and half, one teaspoon at a time, until glaze thins to your preference.

Drizzle over biscuits in the pan or set aside to drizzle on each serving.

36 FEBRUARY 2024

Melt the butter. Beat yolk of egg in sugar and add to melted butter. Add flour and cinnamon. Grease a baking sheet well.

With hand (well-greased) flatten out the dough all over the baking sheet. Put white of egg all over the dough (do not beat the white). Spoon any excess egg white after spreading on to the dough. Bake at 350 degrees for about one hour.

Cut the "cookies" into rectangular "sticks." Serve and enjoy this old-fashioned goodness.

Linda Missildine Dixie EC

Sue Lee's Perfect Cookies 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 11/4 cup light brown sugar 1/2 cup white sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 11/2 cup cake flour 11/2 cup all-purpose flour (White Lily recommended) 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt (Redmond Real Salt recommended) 2 cups milk chocolate chips Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugars on high speed for 3 to 5 minutes, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add eggs and vanilla extract and beat for another minute. Mix dry ingredients: flours, baking soda and salt, in a separate bowl. Stir the chocolate chips in the dry ingredient mixture. Incorporate the wet mixture with the dry mixture, with a spatula, until dough forms. Scoop cookie dough onto parchment paper lined pan and bake for 10 minutes.

Cook’s note: My secret to getting the perfect set of cookies, every time: When you start mixing the wet ingredients, if it is like a peanut butter consistency and it's thick and heavy, then it's not ready to mix the dry ingredients yet. You have to mix the butters and sugars on the highest speed until the texture is light and fluffy, like Cool Whip.

Sue Lee Phinney Covington EC

Sue Lee's Perfect Cookies

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Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 2024 39

| Outdoors |

Much maligned sheepshead can provide outstanding action

“S

omething keeps nibbling on my line,” the novice anWith teeth perfectly suited for crushing barnacles and other gler said. “I can barely feel it, but it keeps taking my shelled creatures set in muscular jaws, sheepshead lurk near hard bait. It must be really tiny.” structures, such as bridge or dock pilings, wrecks, reefs, jetties “It might be bigger than you think,” I replied. and similar places. Besides barnacles, they devour shrimp, crabs I hooked a small live crab on the angler’s line and instructed and clams. They occasionally grab live minnows, cut fish or him to drop it next to the barnacle-encrusted dock piling besquid baits, but favor crustaceans. Sometimes, they hit lures and neath where we stood. flies, but most people catch them with natural baits.

“As soon as you feel a little weight on the line, set the hook,” “When I’m fishing for sheepshead, I prefer live bait,” Garmeson says. “Practically everything that swims will eat a live shrimp, I said. but if I’m specifically targeting sheepshead, I’ll use a small crab The angler did as instructed. Moments later, his rod doubled like a hermit crab or a fiddler. Sometimes, we catch sheepshead over with a mighty fish on the line. He finally subdued the toothy on baitfish, but most of the time, a crustacean is the way to go.” beast and pulled up a 5-pound sheepshead, his first saltwater Despite their size and strength, sheepshead almost timidly fish. examine baits before gingerly tasting them. They frustratingly Many people scorn sheepshead. Because of their alternating developed a knack for snipping baits off hooks with their hublack and white bars and a proclivity for stealing baits, some man-like incisor teeth without anglers call them “convict touching metal. fish.” However, these powerful When hooked, though, fighters provide outstanding these extremely powerful fish sport on light tackle. can put up a tremendous fight.

“Sheepshead get overlooked Built for power not speed, by many people,” says Patric sheepshead rely upon brute Garmeson with Ugly Fishing strength. They hunker down Charters in Mobile. “With big and dare anyone to bring them scales and sharp dorsal spines, to the surface. Often, anglers sheepshead are a little more think they snagged on somedifficult to clean, but they are thing. pretty good as table fish. These Since sheepshead regularly strong, scrappy fighters are a stay around structures like pilheck of a lot of fun to catch.” ings, they provide outstandSheepshead can weigh more ing opportunities for anglers than 20 pounds. The Alabama without boats to catch big, state record dropped the scales hard-fighting fish off docks, down to 16.66 pounds, a fish public piers or seawalls. Many caught by Kendale M. Jeans of Christy Adams shows off a sheepshead she caught. During the winter, people clean fish on docks and Elberta in March 2022. sheepshead stay more active than many other fish. toss the scraps into the water.

Anglers can catch sheepsPHOTO BY JOHN N. FELSHER head at any time, but for the This attracts crabs, shrimp and biggest fish, head out in late winter or early spring. Spawning other creatures. Sheepshead gather to eat those creatures. occurs from February through April. Before spawning, sheepsSheepshead hold tight to structures, but commonly rise and head feed heavily and reach their maximum weights for the year. descend in the water column. Anglers frequently spot them They also congregate in huge numbers around their favorite hovering around bridge or dock pilings munching on barnacles. structures.

When fishing from a dock, vertically drop baits down next to a “Sheepshead are common along the Alabama coast,” says piling. Let it sink a couple feet at a time. Periodically pause at Marie Head, an Alabama Marine Resources Division biologist. various depths to locate where fish want to hover.

“Sheepshead go offshore to spawn in the spring so people fishPractically any reef, wreck, piling, jetty, rock pile or platform ing inshore waters are more likely to catch them from the winin Alabama coastal waters might hold sheepshead at times. They ter through April. In the spring and summer, people can catch also stay around buoy chains and anchors and might appear near sheepshead in the Gulf of Mexico, usually around reefs three to shell beaches. The state established thousands of artificial reefs 10 miles from shore.” off the coast to create excellent fish habitat.

“The state put out multiple inshore reefs in both Baldwin and Mobile counties where people can find sheepshead,” Head says.

“Some reefs are less than a mile offshore at Orange Beach.”

John N. Felsher is a professional freelance writer who lives in Semmes, Ala. He also hosts an outdoors tips show for WAVH For more information on Alabama artificial reefs, visit FM Talk 106.5 radio station in Mobile, Ala. Contact him at j. outdooralabama.com and hover to saltwater fishing. Then click felsher@hotmail.com or through Facebook. on artificial reefs.

40 FEBRUARY 2024

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DOUG HANNON’S FISH & GAME FORECAST 2024 FEBRUARY

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

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

MARCH

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

EXCELLENT TIMES A.M.

4:18 - 6:18 5:06 - 7:06 5:54 - 7:54 6:42 - 8:42 7:30 - 9:30 8:18 - 10:18 9:06 - 11:06 9:54 - 11:54 10:42 - 12:42 11:30 - 1:30 NA 1:06 - 3:06 1:54 - 3:54 2:42 - 4:42 A.M.

3:30 - 5:30 4:18 - 6:18 5:06 - 7:06 5:54 - 7:54 6:42 - 8:42 7:30 - 9:30 8:18 - 10:18 9:06 - 11:06 9:54 - 11:54 NA 12:30 - 2:30 1:18 - 3:18 2:06 - 4:06 2:54 - 4:54 3:42 - 5:42 4:30 - 6:30 5:18 - 7:18 6:06 - 8:06 6:54 - 8:54 7:42 - 9:42 8:30 - 10:30 9:18 - 11:18 10:06 - 12:06 10:54 - 12:54 NA 12:30 - 2:30 1:18 - 3:18 2:06 - 4:06 2:54 - 4:54 3:42 - 5:42 4:30 - 6:30

GOOD TIMES

MOON STAGE

PM

4:42 - 6:42 5:30 - 7:30 6:18 - 8:18 7:06 - 9:06 7:54 - 9:54 8:42 - 10:42 9:30 - 11:30 10:18 - 12:18 11:06 - 1:06 FULL MOON 11:54 - 1:54 12:42 - 2:42 1:30 - 3:30 2:18 - 4:18 3:06 - 5:06 PM

AM

PM

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

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

AM

3:54 - 5:54 9:57 - 11:27 4:42 - 6:42 10:45 - 12:15 5:30 - 7:30 11:33 - 1:03 6:18 - 8:18 NA 7:06 - 9:06 1:09 - 2:39 7:54 - 9:54 1:57 - 3:27 8:42 - 10:42 2:45 - 4:15 9:30 - 11:30 3:33 - 5:03 10:18 - 12:18 4:21 - 5:51 12:06 - 2:06 NEW MOON DST 6:09 - 7:39 12:54 - 2:54 6:57 - 8:27 1:42 - 3:42 7:45 - 9:15 2:30 - 4:30 8:33 - 10:03 3:18 - 5:18 9:21 - 10:51 4:06 - 6:06 10:09 - 11:39 4:54 - 6:54 10:57 - 12:27 5:42 - 7:42 NA 6:30 - 8:30 12:33 - 2:03 7:18 - 9:18 1:21 - 2:51 8:06 - 10:06 2:09 - 3:39 8:54 - 10:54 2:57 - 4:27 9:42 - 11:42 3:45 - 5:15 10:30 - 12:30 4:33 - 6:03 11:18 - 1:18 5:21 - 6:51 12:06 - 2:06 FULL MOON 6:09 - 7:39 12:54 - 2:54 6:57 - 8:27 1:42 - 3:42 7:45 - 9:15 2:30 - 4:30 8:33 - 10:03 3:18 - 5:18 9:21 - 10:51 4:06 - 6:06 10:09 - 11:39 4:54 - 6:54 10:57 - 12:27

PM

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

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

Alabama Living

FEBRUARY 2024 41

| Our Sources Say |

TVA and our partners are working together to inspire a new generation of students to innovate and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Supporting STEM education with new learning centers, grants and partnerships

D

iscovery. Excitement. Opportunity. I’m excited to share more about the partnerships that we hope will inspire a new generation of students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

The Tennessee Valley Authority and Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation are creating STEM centers at 27 locations in underserved communities throughout TVA’s seven-state region, including these five locations in Alabama.

• Boys and Girls Club of Ardmore • Boys and Girls Club of Athens • Boys and Girls Club of North Alabama - Seminole Club • Girls Incorporated of Huntsville • Rescue Me Project A $1.1 million TVA grant is funding the new centers, which offer hands-on activities and interactive learning kits. Each center is equipped with six Chromebooks, a Tech Tub to safely store computers, a 3D printer, educational STEM products, a custom-designed curriculum tied to Next Generation Science Standards, and other equipment. It will also include TVA history and education, showcasing our role in the region’s development and progress and hopefully, ignite an interest and appreciation for TVA. TVA will fund ongoing technical support and new lesson plans, highlighting TVA’s history and educating students about STEM-related career opportunities. Six new curriculum

Kevin Chandler is the South Region Customer Relations Director for the Tennessee Valley Authority.

plans will be developed to complement TVA’s workforce development initiatives, helping students learn more about careers tied to TVA, circuitry, and dams.

The Tennessee Valley Authority also remains committed to supporting schools and educators who inspire an interest in STEM education. TVA, in partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers Inc., a TVA retiree organization, awarded a record $1.5 million in grants to educators in 343 public schools across seven states to develop science, technology, engineering, and math education projects. In Alabama, 69 were selected for funding.

Since 2018, TVA/BVI has provided nearly $6.5 million in STEM grants supporting more than 600,000 students. Grants up to $5,000 were awarded in a competitive process, and preference was given to grant applications that explored TVA’s primary areas of focus: environment, energy, economic development, and community problem-solving. A full list of the grant recipients can be found at tva.com/stem.

We’ve also forged partnerships with institutions of higher learning, including the University of North Alabama to sponsor the South’s BEST Robotics Competition. Hundreds of high school teams and students from around the Southeast converged on the UNA campus. During the event, students learned to analyze and solve problems using the Engineering Design Process, which helps them develop technological literacy skills that industry seeks in its workforce. TVA embraced this opportunity to engage and excite young learners and introduce them to possible career fields.

As we work to build the energy system of the future, our young people will play an integral role in that process. We are proud to enrich their educational experiences, create lifelong learners, and make an impact and investment on the future of the STEM workforce. www.alabamaliving.coop

| Our Sources Say |

Denying the laws of physics “P

olicymakers cannot overlook the laws of physics or the reality of the current situation.”

That is from Jim Matheson, NRECA president, and his opinion piece published on Fox News, “Our Broken Energy Policy Could Leave Americans in the Dark.”

Mr. Matheson makes several valid arguments in his piece, but policymakers unfortunately have no limits on what they can overlook. Even as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) warn that demand is exceeding reliable supply, there continues to be a push toward the total elimination of fossil fuels while promoting clean energy (in this case: solar, wind, hydrogen, or whatever inefficient and intermittent technology those in DC hand-pick as they look down their noses at those of us who have been generating electricity for 100 years) as a replacement for the reliability and affordability of those fuels.

The Biden administration, for example, published a “Fact Sheet” in December announcing the launch of the “American Climate Corps,” described as an “initiative that will prepare tens of thousands of young people for good-paying jobs in the clean economy.” It goes on to call the initiative the “fulfillment of a key promise” and part of the Biden administration’s continuing to “deliver on the most ambitious climate agenda in history.”

There was curiously no mention of how some electric providers, for the first time ever, will be unable to accept new large-load industrial customers because the available energy supply is not capable of providing around-the-clock reliability. There is also no mention of the negative impact that the too-quick shift to Net Zero will have on jobs outside the so-called “clean economy.” Apparently, those jobs, which would be especially important for the growth and prosperity of rural areas served by electric cooperatives, are not a priority. Also not a priority would be the jobs created and supported by fossil fuels, or the jobs lost as a result of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s “Power Plant Rule,” which would effectively close every coal plant and many natural gas fired plants in the US. Those jobs likely exceed the “tens of thousands” touted in the White House release. In the “clean economy,” reality is not real, and anything can be overlooked, especially when it’s written on a so-called “Fact Sheet.”

In his op-ed, Mr. Matheson also states: “Keeping the lights on is not a partisan issue. But politics and energy policy have had an outsized impact on how we got here.” He is correct. Keeping reliable, affordable power flowing to your home should not be a partisan issue, but it is evident that it has become so when agendas are celebrated as the “most ambitious” in history. There is a very thin line between ambition and recklessness.

Reality can be sobering, and the current reality is that the electric industry is more unstable and uncertain than it has ever been. It is becoming normal in other parts of the country to hear about rolling blackouts. Parts of the country are even facing blackouts during normal peak periods, not only during socalled extreme weather. Somehow, this has not caused the level of outrage you might expect. The problems will only worsen as electric providers around the country are asked to supply more and more power to keep up with increased demand, including the demand electric utilities are expected to shoulder with the forced phase-out of internal combustion engines to EVs on our highways. How can the electric industry be expected to meet increased demand without the use of proven and affordable fuel sources?

Mr. Matheson closed his article with this thought on the energy transition: “The stakes are too high to get this wrong.” I would amend this statement slightly. In my opinion, the time to get it “right” has passed. The stakes are far too high to keep being so wrong. If policymakers continue to deny the laws of physics and overlook the self-inflicted problems caused by a rapid transition to intermittent energy, it will only get worse.

How much can be ignored before reality shows up? How many more blackouts and cost increases will it take? How many jobs in the traditional oil, gas, and power sectors will have to be lost to the “Climate Corps”? How many power plants we will have to close, and how many men and women will we have to send home to tell their families they are out of a job? How many thousands of acres of prime farmland or productive timber will have to be sacrificed for the few sporadic kilowatts created by the current preferred technologies of wind and solar? How much longer can we overlook the laws of physics? We will see.

I hope you have a good month.

Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.

44 FEBRUARY 2024

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| Cup o’ Joe |

That first kiss ’ve found that as I get older, I’ve become more uh…uh…forgetful. Sometimes I can’t recall important things like birthdays and anniversaries without a reminder from my phone.

A constant question asked around my house is, “Have you seen my car keys?” And thank goodness for those “Find My iPhone” apps.

I’ll also admit that I have come to depend on my doctor’s office sending me texts about upcoming appointments. Yep, there are lots of things I don’t remember, but I will never forget my first real kiss.

Because February is the month of love, I’ve decided to put the account on paper. Just to be safe, I’ve covered my bases by having my wife sign a notarized document giving me permission to write this story. So, if I come up missing, or you drive by my house and see all of my stuff in a pile by the mailbox, you will know that she chose not to abide by the agreement.

For a 12-year-old boy, there’s no better place for a first kiss than the woods. That’s where it happened for me. There was a big rope swing in a forest not too far from my house where kids would gather regularly.

On this particular day, Marcia was there, a cute, sweet girl in my 6th grade class. Marcia was a year older than me and already had a couple of boyfriends.

I don’t remember how or why we ended up alone in a clearing above the swing. Maybe it was coincidence, maybe she planned it, but for whatever reason, Marcia decided it was time to administer a teachable moment to a naive student.

Initially, I had no idea this was going to happen. Marcia was cute and popular. I thought she was out of my league.

So when I finally realized what was about to occur, a jolt of fear shot through me.

“What if I do it wrong?” I thought. “What if I turn my head the wrong way? What if our braces get locked together?” That was a totally unfounded fear because neither one of us even had braces.

The instant our lips met, it felt like an electric shock went all the way to my toes. Not surprisingly, Marcia was cool and confident.

I went along with her as best I could.

Within a couple of seconds, it was over. Maybe I pulled back because I was still scared. She gave me a warm smile as I stood there trying to process what happened. It was like Yoda had just taught young Luke Skywalker a valuable life lesson. “Kiss you, I did,” she could have said. We returned to the swing, where Joe Hobby is a standup comedian, a syndicated columnist, and a long-time writer for Jay Leno. He’s a member of Cullman Electric Cooperative and is very happy now that he can use Sprout from his little place on Smith Lake. Contact him at jhobby2000@aol.com.

46 FEBRUARY 2024

Illustration by Dennis Auth

I

for the next 30 minutes my heart pounded so hard that I thought my chest might burst. Marcia had changed me forever.

I saw Marcia several years ago when she came to see one of my comedy shows. It was a grand reunion. We hugged and laughed, especially when I said, “It’s so good to see the first girl I ever kissed.”

I don’t think her husband minded.

Jay Leno, when asked how it felt to be on “The Tonight Show” for the first time, said, “It’s like the first time you ever kissed someone. It happened fast, and you weren’t very good at it, but you knew you wanted to do it again.”

A perfect analogy, Jay. As I write this, I’ve just had a terrible realization: My oldest granddaughter will be 12 next year. And just the thought of her having a first kiss is enough to make my heart pound so hard I think my chest might burst - once again. www.alabamaliving.coop

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