Wec dec15 dm

DECEMBER 2015 • POWERING YOUR COMMUNITY

Wiregrass Electric COOPERATIVE

www.wiregrass.coop

Christmas Art Contest Congratulations to our winner, Breanna Wurst!

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CEO

Les Moreland CO-OP EDITOR

WEC Member Services Division 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. AREA cooperative member subscriptions are $3 a year; non-member subscriptions, $6.

Alabama Living (USPS 029-920) is published monthly by the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives.

Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and at additional mailing office.

POSTMASTER send forms 3579 to: Alabama Living, P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, Alabama 36124-4014.

ALABAMA RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

AREA PRESIDENT Fred Braswell EDITOR Lenore Vickrey MANAGING EDITOR Allison Griffin CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mark Stephenson ART DIRECTOR Michael Cornelison ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Jacob Johnson ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Brooke Echols COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Laura Stewart ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL OFFICES:

340 TechnaCenter Drive Montgomery, Alabama 36117-6031 1-800-410-2737 E-mail: advertising@areapower.com www.areapower.coop NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE:

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VOL. 68 NO. 12 DECEMBER 2015

6 Beating the competition Dothan’s own snack nut plant holds its own against the big brands, but a new investment has it poised to compete on a whole new level.

34 Peppermint treats

More than any other aroma, the smell of peppermint says “holidays” to many of us.

Our readers’ recipes shine the spotlight on peppermint in pies, cakes, cookies and treats that will tingle your tastebuds!

ON THE COVER Congratulations to Breanna Wurst for having her artwork featured!

She is the winner of WEC’s 8th annual Christmas Card Contest.

28 Top-rated steaks worth the drive

Big Mike’s in Thomasville has only been open two years, but its steaks are already rated among the tops in the state.

Applications for Operation Round Up funding requests now available!

Operation Round Up is now accepting applications from both businesses and individuals. Only local nonprofit organizations and individuals from the Wiregrass community will receive funds.

To apply, visit www.wiregrass.coop/roundup

DEPARTMENTS 9 34 40 41 46

Spotlight Cook of the Month Outdoors Fish & Game Forecast Snapshots

Printed in America from American materials

Alabama Living

DECEMBER 2015 3

Wiregrass Electric Cooperative

CEO’s Comments

Board of Trustees Danny McNeil District 4 President

John Clark, Jr. District 3 Vice-President

Debra E. Baxley District 1 Secretary

Donna Parrish District 2

Tracy Reeder District 5

Kip Justice District 6

Donald Ray Wilks District 7

Greg McCullough District 8

Planning for the unpredictable Les Moreland, CEO Wiregrass Electric Cooperative

S

o many things in life follow a pattern, and life in an electric cooperative follows a pattern even more so. As soon as the year starts, we begin to think about low temperatures associated with winter storms; then before you know it, we’re talking about spring weather, then summer temperatures.

From there, it can seem like just a few days have passed and it’s time for football and our Annual Meeting again.

What that means is that we come to expect most things that get thrown at us here at WEC. There will always be trees that get blown over, and hot weather that causes air conditioning to work overtime. We can plan for those things, and we do. We have a rightof-way program that covers over 3,000 miles of electric line. That plan helps keep the lights on when the inevitable storms hit.

When the temperatures rise in the summer, as they always do, we have several ways to help our members deal with higher energy demands. We have a plan. We can send someone to your home who will conduct tests and give you a plan for fixing the problems.

When hurricane season comes around, we watch and pray that we are passed by. But, if we’re not, we have a plan. It’s reviewed and

practiced on a regular basis. We know it’s a possibility, so we’re able to be ready for what may come.

There are some things in life, however, that are unpredictable. We cannot tell you what our government will decide to regulate next, or when. We cannot tell you when technology breakthroughs will occur that change the way we power our home.

What can we do to best serve our members through transitions we can’t predict? Not surprisingly, we have a plan. This plan involves striving to be the best cooperative possible — the best training, the best safety practices, the best use of technology and the best memberservice we can offer.

On the next page you will find a story about a two-day retreat several WEC employees recently attended. We made it a priority to be able to take the time to step back, look at the larger picture and decide how we want to make WEC the greatest cooperative in this nation.

We’re mission-oriented people who stand on our seven cooperative principles. No matter how unpredictable life becomes, those things never change, and they make sure we’re always prepared for what comes next. A

WEC offices will be closed on the following days so our employees can spend time with their families: - Thursday, Dec. 24 & Friday, Dec. 25 for Christmas - Friday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s

Nolan Laird District 9

4 DECEMBER 2015

Even when our offices are closed, we are ready to respond to outages! Dial our outage hotline (888-MYOUTAGE) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

www.wiregrass.coop

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WEC Christmas Card Contest winners Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s 8th annual Christmas card design contest was a great success, thanks to the dozens of elementary students from different schools across the Wiregrass who submitted their art!

This year’s first-place winner was Breanna Wurst, a fourth-grade student at Webb Elementary School. The winning design appears on the cover of this month’s Alabama Living magazine and on the official WEC Christmas card. Wurst was also presented a $50 gift card and extra copies of her card design to send to friends and family.

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The second-place winner was Brady Wells, a second-grade student at Cottonwood Elementary School. The third-place winner was Morgan Hall, a fourth-grade student at Ashford Elementary School. They both were awarded a $25 gift card.

“We believe this is a great program that the kids look forward to each year, and the parents, too,” says Deanna Albritton, member services coordinator at WEC. “It’s great to be able to celebrate all the talented young people we have in our service area.” A

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Business Phone: 1-800-239-4602 (24 hrs/day) Office: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Toll Free Outage “Hotline” 1-888-4-MY-OUTAGE 1-888-469-6882 (24 hrs/day) Website www.wiregrass.coop Find us here:

T fY Find Wiregrass Electric Co-op on Twitter (twitter.com/wec2), Facebook and YouTube.

Payment Options

BY MAIL Wiregrass Electric Cooperative, Inc. Department 1340, P.O. Box 2153 Birmingham, AL 35287-1340

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O Congratulations to our winners: (left) first-place winner Breanna Wurst and Webb Elementary Assistant Principal Brandy White, (middle) second-place winner Brady Wells and (right) third-place winner Morgan Hall.

WEC plans for the future As an electric utility, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative takes planning very seriously. It spends time planning where to build infrastructure so that the needs of new businesses and industries are met.

It spends time planning its right-of-way clearing so that its service is more reliable and less susceptible to trees falling.

It also sets goals for the entire organization, and makes plans to meet those goals. In October, the WEC management team spent two days evaluating where the cooperative Alabama Living

stood, and planning for where it could be years from now.

“This industry is changing,” says Brad Kimbro, chief operating officer at WEC. “And we believe that in order to best serve our members and live our cooperative values, we have to continually be sure we’re striving to be the best we can be.”

At the two-day retreat, the group adopted a new mission statement for the next eight years: “To serve our members as preferred energy partners by providing affordable, reli-

able energy and world-class service.”

They also talked about core values, about integrity, going the extra mile and being engaged and empathetic in all interactions with members.

“I believe these sessions showed us that there’s a lot we’re already doing right,” says Stevie Sauls, manager of field services at WEC. “But, it’s always a great idea to renew your focus and ask what we can be doing better. I’m proud to work at a place where we take the time to do that.” A

WEBSITE Payments may be made 24 hrs/day by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and E-Check on our website at www.wiregrass.coop.

PHONE PAYMENTS Payments may be made any time by dialing 1-800-239-4602.

NIGHT DEPOSITORY Available at each office location.

IN PERSON Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Hartford 509 N. State Hwy. 167 Hartford, AL 36344 Samson 13148 W. State Hwy. 52 Samson, AL 36477 Ashford 1066 Ashford Highway Ashford, AL 36312 Dothan 6167 Fortner St. Dothan, AL 36305 For questions regarding sanitation service, call Houston County Sanitation Department at 334-677-4781 or Dothan City Sanitation at 334-6153820.

DECEMBER 2015 5

Candace Williams believes the new investment shows ConAgra’s confidence in the Wiregrass.

competition A Dothan plant’s new expansion is a boost for the Wiregrass Things in Dothan can get a little nutty, but that’s just how the people at ConAgra Foods, Dothan’s snack nut plant, like it. The business has been an economic fixture in the city that has proclaimed itself the “Peanut Capital of the World” for almost three decades. And with new expansion plans on the horizon, it’s ready to stick around even longer.

If the name doesn’t ring a bell, that’s probably because the plant has worn many hats over the years. Since it originally opened in August 1986, the plant has found itself roasting and packaging nuts under the names Flavorhouse, Nutcracker, Bremner Food Group, Ralcorp Snacks and currently under the banner of ConAgra Foods, with another sale agreed last month.

It’s appropriate that the plant started out focusing on peanut products made with local materials, and Wiregrass Electric Cooperative has been there to support its efforts from day one.

“Wiregrass Electric was built, in part, to serve the farmers of this region,” says Brad Kimbro, COO at WEC. “Many of those were peanut farmers. This is the peanut capital of the world, and we’re proud to help serve the farmers who produce this crop.”

The facility has since expanded its output as well as the far reaches from which it gets its nuts (and legumes, technically). The plant ships macadamia nuts from South Africa, for example, and gets tree nuts, such as almonds, from domestic suppliers, such as California, but also from places as remote as South America and Vietnam.

All of those globe-trotting legumes come together in pri6 DECEMBER 2015

vate label snack nuts and trail mixes that local residents may not even realize are cooked and canned right in their own backyard.

“You won’t see us in commercials, but you can find our nuts on shelves at your grocery store,” explains Jeremy Mayes, plant manager at ConAgra Dothan. “There are a lot of people who buy our product, even locally, who probably didn’t even realize it was made here because it was sold under private labels.”

Good business, built on community But while the plant’s commercial reach might fly under the radar, chances are Wiregrass residents have seen them out in the community. The plant has been active in the area’s chamber of commerce events, and it even has its own peanut statue dubbed Private Nutcracker, one of the many “Peanuts Around Town” that can be spotted throughout Dothan. Child hunger has been a particular focus for ConAgra, so the plant’s employees have regularly volunteered at local food banks to pack meals going to schools as part of the program.

In part, that’s just good business. But it also comes from a genuine love the plant’s employees have for the Wiregrass area.

www.wiregrass.coop

Mayes first found his way to Dothan in the employ of the plant’s previous owner. When he first relocated from Kentucky to work there under Ralcorp’s ownership in 2008, he admits the only thing his family knew about the area was that it was another city they passed through on their way to the beach.

But during a three-year stint in Dothan, Mayes found that he and his family settled into the area very comfortably. They liked the people they met, his wife loved her job as a teacher at Providence Christian School and their daughters were happy in their classes. So when his job took them away again, the whole family knew they’d jump at an opportunity to return, just like the one that presented itself in the form of plant manager this year.

“We’ve moved around a few times with my job, and it’s easy to take people being friendly for granted, and you realize that when you live other places where maybe they aren’t so friendly,” says Mayes of the Wiregrass. “There’s definitely a truth to Southern hospitality, and we have that here. I think that makes it a very special place to work.”

Hitting back at Goliath Mayes’ dedication and leadership is needed now more than ever as the plant recently announced a $15.1 million plan to upgrade its facilities. The improvements couldn’t come at a better time, as competition between the private label products the Dothan plant makes and established brand names is the most intense it has ever been.

Coming out of the recession, brand-name products continue to see their sales take a hit from private labels. Add to that younger shoppers who don’t feel any particular loyalty to brand names, and traditional heavyweights have a problem. Now that the big names are taking the likes of ConAgra Dothan more seriously, the plant is hoping its new expansion will help up its game to remain competitive.

The biggest improvement in the works is a new sanitization system. That may not sound groundbreaking, but it could prove to be the difference between success and failure. Currently, the Dothan plant has three shifts a day, one of which is entirely dedicated to cleaning the giant roasters it uses and other equipment. The new layout would allow the plant to clean one area in isolation while the rest continues unhindered, making it possible to continue working when they couldn’t before.

That’s something Candace Williams knows all about, and she’s very excited for the growth it entails. Williams joined the plant when she was 20 years old, working one of the same third-shift sanitation jobs that’s due for an upgrade.

In the 12 years since, she has moved her way up the ranks, passing through just about every job that can be done at the Dothan plant. She’s run the ovens that cook the nuts, labeled the cans they go in and even operated the filler machines that put them there. Now, she works in production support, helping train other employees to do those same jobs the best they can. For her, the new investment is a vote of confidence in everything she has worked for.

“It’s really exciting to know that the leaders have enough confidence to make this place even better, to spend as much money on optimization and upgrades as they are,” she says. “I think it says something about how they feel about their employees, that they have confidence in us.”

Continued next page

Alabama Living

You may not see their name on the jar, but ConAgra produces many of the private label nuts and trail mixes sold at your favorite retailers.

DECEMBER 2015 7

A rising tide The truth is the ConAgra Dothan project isn’t just a boost for the plant, but also a show of support for businesses in the whole Wiregrass area.

Local government certainly didn’t want a repeat of the situation with the Sony plant that shut down in 2009, something that’s always a risk with large companies looking to make their operations more efficient. ConAgra Dothan makes just as much of an impact in terms of the more than 300 jobs it creates, but also invigorates the local economy in other ways.

The sheer volume of peanuts the plant goes through alone, around 1 million pounds each week by Mayes’ estimation,

puts money into local business in terms of farmers, shellers and blanchers. Not only that, but the plant’s expansion work itself is a shot in the arm for the local economy.

“First of all, the investment has created local jobs,” Dothan Mayor Mike Schmitz points out. “They’ve hired local contractors and worked with people in our community out at the plant. Second of all, we know it creates a sense that, if they’re investing this kind of money, they see a future for our plant. So not only today, but also, hopefully, more expansions in the future.”

They say a rising tide lifts all boats, and the economic waters are certainly on the rise in the Wiregrass. A

ConAgra Dothan goes through approximately 1,000,000 pounds of peanuts each week.

The plant is a tremendous asset to the Wiregrass community, providing more than 300 jobs from roasting nuts to packaging them.

8 DECEMBER 2015

www.wiregrass.coop

In December

Spot Light

DEC. 5

Christmas with a White House touch There are a limited number of tickets to meet former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier during the White House Christmas Coffee and Dessert Buffet at the American Village in Montevallo. Beginning at 10 a.m. Dec. 5 at Liberty Hall, Mesnier will greet guests and discuss and sign his new book, The White House in Gingerbread: Memories and Recipes ($39.99 hardback). Mesnier served as pastry chef to five U.S. presidents.

Tickets are $100. Call 205-665-3535, or 877-811-1776.

A step back in time for the holidays

Warm up to some holiday hospitality during the annual open house from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 13 at Landmark Park in Dothan. Visitors are invited to sample turn-of-the-century desserts and sip hot chocolate while children make traditional Christmas decorations and enjoy wagon rides. A circuitriding preacher will arrive to deliver a Christmas message in the historic Presbyterian church. Call 334-794-3452.

RTJ courses offer winter memberships Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail will launch a new winter membership, featuring unlimited golf through the end of February at nine RTJ locations. Golfers may purchase winter memberships in monthly increments for up to four months. They’re $150 per month per person, or $225 per couple per month. RTJ Ross Bridge and Lakewood Club aren’t part of the promotion, but will be available for play at discounted rates for winter members. Visit www.rtjgolf.com.

SAFETY TIP! If you plan to set off fireworks this year, note these tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety: Obey all local laws; read cautionary labels before igniting; a responsible adult should supervise all firework activities; wear safety glasses; never relight a “dud” firework; always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby; and never carry fireworks in your pocket. For more tips, visit www.fireworkssafety.org.

Martha Stewart honors Alabama entrepreneur Gina Locklear, owner of Zkano, the successful sock company in Fort Payne, has been honored with the 2015 Martha Stewart American Made Award. A panel of judges selected Zkano’s sister company, the Little River Sock Mill, as one of 10 winners of the award. Locklear and the other winners were invited to New York for a networking event and creative maker lecture series with industry leaders and innovators. They also won a cash prize and an opportunity to be featured in Martha Stewart Living magazine to help promote and grow their businesses.

Want to see more events or submit your own?

Alabama Living

Visit www.alabamaliving.coop to submit an event and view our calendar or email an event to events@alabamaliving.coop.

DECEMBER 2015 9

Power Pack

Social Security helps the homeless More than half a million Americans experience homelessness on any given night. Nearly 20 percent of them are “chronically homeless,” meaning they are on the streets regularly.

Social Security has several programs that pay benefits to qualified individuals, including those who are homeless. These programs include retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs-based program for people who are blind, disabled, or age 65 or older.

If you know someone who is homeless, and you want to learn more about how Social Security might help, a good place to get information is at www.socialsecurity.gov/homelessness.

That page includes a link to the Spot-

light on Homelessness — a website designed to help the homeless apply for SSI. It’s available at www.socialsecurity. gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-homeless.htm.

The homelessness page also includes links to information on health care for the homeless, institutionalization, advocacy groups, reports on homeless outreach, and even links to other websites like the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness and HUD. You’ll find other information helpful to the homeless on www.socialsecurity. gov. For example, there is a link to our Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, or BEST. Based on answers to various questions, this tool helps determine the benefits someone might be eligible for and gives information about how to qualify

and apply. Go directly to www.socialsecurity.gov/best.

Tell anyone you know who is homeless or threatened with homelessness to use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool and to check out the different types of benefits and assistance they may be eligible to receive. Spread the word about the help available to the homeless.

Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/homelessness to learn more. A

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

Bo Jackson, Randy Owen among Academy of Honor inductees The Alabama Academy of Honor, established in 1965, recently celebrated its 50th class with a ceremony in the Old House Chamber of the state Capitol.

The Alabama Academy of Honor bestows honor and recognition upon Alabamians for accomplishments and service benefiting or reflecting great credit on the state.

Gov. Robert Bentley welcomed the honorees and guests, and Richard Arrington Jr., who was the first AfricanAmerican mayor of Birmingham, made remarks on behalf of the incoming class. Arrington was re-elected to four additional terms as mayor, and during his administration the city expanded its limits by 60 square miles and reduced crime to a 25-year low.

The other five new members are: Raymond J. Harbert: Harbert has served as chairman and CEO of Harbert Management Corp. since it was organized in 1993. He serves on the board of trustees at Auburn University, the Robert Meyer Foundation and Children’s Hospital of Alabama.

Vincent E. “Bo” Jackson: The native 10 DECEMBER 2015

of Bessemer lettered in football, baseball and track at Auburn University and won the Heisman Trophy in 1985.

He was selected as an a l l st ar i n t w o s p or t s when he played professionally for the Kansas City Royals and the Los Bo Jackson, left, talks with Gov. Robert Bentley at the Academy of Honor ceremony. PHOTO BY ALLISON GRIFFIN Angeles Raiders.

Now, he’s active with several charities, including his annual educating Alabama children. She’s helped Bo Bikes Bama bicycle ride. launch two statewide coalitions, the Charles C. Krulak: Gen. Krulak served Alabama School Readiness Alliance and 35 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, lastly Alabama GRIT – Graduate Ready. Impact as Commandant of the Marine Corps and Tomorrow. as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In Randy Owen: Owen has been the March 2011, he became the 13th president frontman of the country group Alabama of Birmingham-Southern College; he for more than 40 years. He has established retired in June 2015. several organizations and events that Caroline B. Novak: She is the benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research president and cofounder of A+ Education Hospital and the Boys and Girls Ranches partnership, a nonprofit dedicated to of Alabama. A www.alabamaliving.coop

A Christmas memory

Come Christmas, I always think of Taddy.

His full name, Tadeusz Klarrman, was too much for the South Alabama tongue.

So Taddy is what we called him.

He arrived in our little town sometime in 1951. They, the grownups, put him in the 6th grade. By early 1952 he was gone, and today, to me, he would be just another fading picture in an old yearbook.

If it weren’t for Christmas.

They, the grownups, told us Taddy was a refugee. They didn’t tell us much more. Imagination supplied the rest, and put together a story of how, at the end of World War II, Taddy and his mother were caught behind the Iron Curtain.

Then, in the confusion and chaos of postwar Europe they made it across the border and became DPs – Displaced Persons. Sticking together, they survived the camps, found an American sponsor, crossed the ocean, and one day arrived in Grove Hill, Alabama.

Since he was a few years older than me, I never really got to know him, never played with him, don’t know if we

ever spoke. All I remember is his riding around town on an old bicycle, alone.

And the story my parents told me.

It began with his class Christmas party.

Students in each room drew names for gift-giving.

They don’t do that any more, which is good. The teachers meant well, but name drawing wasn’t fun.

Especially for poor kids.

I grew up among folks who didn’t have much. Today people look back through rose-tinted glasses and talk about being poor but not knowing it. These children knew it. They were the ones who spent the year collecting the tinfoil from discarded cigarette packages to make shiny balls to decorate their Christmas tree because they could not afford the store-bought kind.

It was all their parents could do to buy a Christmas gift for their own children, much less someone else’s. Name drawing reminded them, and us, of their situation.

Taddy’s family fell into that category.

Mr. Brady owned a hardware store, which during the Christmas season he magically converted into a toyshop where all the delights of childhood could be displayed. Every day after school my friends and I would drop by to see what new wonders had arrived and to stare at the stack of two-gun, double-holster, cappistol sets that were on all our Christmas lists.

NRECA Board names interim CEO The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association has named chief operating officer and chief of staff Jeffrey Connor to serve as interim CEO. He has been acting CEO since August, and will fill the interim position in the continued absence of CEO Jo Ann Emerson due to medical reasons.

“We have a very talented team at NRECA, and I’m honored to be a part of a

Alabama Living

dedicated group of people who work so hard for our membership,” Connor says. “Our strong member focus is the highest priority as we move forward together.”

Before coming to NRECA, Connor served as chief of staff to Emerson during her service in the U.S. House of Representatives.

I was probably thinking about those guns when my parents told me what happened.

Somehow Mr. Brady had learned of Taddy’s situation. So he went and got him and took him to his store and told him to pick out whatever he wanted to give the name he had drawn. Taddy went straight over to the two-gun, double-holster, cappistol set and said “This.”

Mr. Brady wrapped it and handed it to him.

But that wasn’t the end of the story.

Then Mr. Brady told Taddy, “Now you pick out the gift that you would like to have for yourself.” And Taddy went over and picked up another two-gun, doubleholster, cap-pistol set.

And I knew what my parents were telling me. Taddy was what Christmas giving should be all about. At Christmas we should give what we, ourselves, treasure most.

Now that happened a long time ago.

But come Christmas, I always think of Taddy. A

Letters to the editor

Harvey H. (Hardy) Jackson is Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hjackson@ cableone.net.

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

Thank you for publishing the wonderful article by Emmett Burnett on our crewmen (“Wartime Memories: WWII vets return to USS Alabama,” November 2015). It is a great celebration of these brave men and delightful friends. As they say in the Navy – “Bravo Zulu (job well done)”!

Rhonda Davis, Marketing Director USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park I enjoyed the article on the USS Alabama in the latest issue.

However, I believe that upon boarding the ship, any former crew members would become like 20-year-old SAILORS, not soldiers.

Ed Rowe, North Alabama DECEMBER 2015 11

Showtime!

Community theaters provide cultural opportunities for small towns

By Minnie Lamberth

Don Roberts as Scrooge and Cade Wittman go over lines for “A Christmas Carol” at the South Baldwin Community Theatre in Gulf Shores. Showtimes are Dec. 4-6 and 11-13.

12 DECEMBER 2015

www.alabamaliving.coop PHOTO BY MICHELLE ROLLS-THOMAS

T

he Red Door T h e at re i n Union Springs wraps up its 12th season this December with performances of “Always a Bridesmaid,” a comedy about four The Red Door Theatre’s home is the former Southern women Trinity Episcopal Church in Union Springs. keeping a promise PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RED DOOR THEATRE made on their prom night to be in each other’s weddings. As is common for community theaters in small towns across the state, an all-volunteer cast from the area will perform and the play itself will have a Southern focus.

“Community theater is really alive and well in Alabama,” says Xan Morrow, chairperson of the Red Door Theatre Committee.

“It’s really amazing how good it is.”

In Union Springs, the theater is operated by local folks who had a vision for creating cultural opportunities in this small town – as well as a desire to draw visitors for special events. In the early 2000s, The Tourism Council of Bullock County was seeking a vehicle to pull visitors to the community, Morrow explains. “We decided a community theater would be a way to do that.”

To make that happen, organizers needed a location, and they found a beautiful venue in the former Trinity Episcopal Church.

Built in 1909, the building was donated to the City of Union Springs through an arrangement made by The Episcopal Diocese of Alabama and is used for theatrical performances. The pews and stained glass windows are still there, though upgrades have been made in restroom additions and air conditioning.

Organizers also needed the right production. Working in concert with the Troy University Foundation, they were able to commission a play, “Conecuh People,” based on an autobiographical book by Troy graduate and Bullock County native Wade Hall.

Barbour County native Ty Adams wrote the play. When the script was completed, Troy’s Department of Theatre and Dance presented the inaugural production. After that, Morrow says, “It became ours for seven years. That became our play.”

Kathryn Adams Wood, left, and Charity Smith in “The Mystery of Miz Arnette” at the Red Door Theatre in July 2015.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RED DOOR THEATRE

Alabama Living

The initial presentation was in 2004, and the Red Door continued to produce the play each spring until 2010. After a hiatus, Morrow says, “We did it this year for the first time in five years.”

The Red Door puts on four different productions each year.

Whether or not “Conecuh People” is in the offerings, all plays have a Southern emphasis. The productions are “celebrating our heritage, our culture, our future,” Morrow says. “Everything is connected to where we live.”

7,000 community theaters across the U.S. Julie Crawford of the American Association of Community Theaters says cultural opportunities of this kind are important in small towns. “There are about 7,000 community theaters across the country,” Crawford says. “Very few are in the big urban areas.

They’re in the suburban or rural areas.”

Community theaters are often one of few opportunities to participate in the arts, she notes. “People want them and that’s why they support them,” she says.

The community theater provides different opportunities – not just for the audience but the opportunity to get involved in the production. Often parents and children participate together. “It’s artistic outlet and a way to give back to the community,” she says.

“In a small town, you often know somebody on stage. It’s a neighborly kind of thing, too.”

A repurposed building in Red Bay In northwest Alabama, in the small town of Red Bay, the vision for a community theater came in part from local bank officials. In the 1990s, what is now Community Spirit Bank had taken The Bay Tree Council for the possession of a foreclosed Performing Arts theatre is located the Community Spirit Bank’s property in the middle of in Weatherford Centre. town. A six-lane bowling alPHOTO COURTESY OF THE BTPCA ley was on one side, a movie theater on the other.

“The bank was trying to do something the community could use,” says Scotty Kennedy of the Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts. The building was repurposed, and as a result, Community Spirit Bank’s Weatherford Centre became a community gathering place with banquet facilities on one side and live theater on the other.

“It’s been wonderful for our community to open the door to live theater,” says Tammy Montgomery, Community Spirit’s chief operating officer. “We’d never had that in Red Bay before.” Her father, Billy Bolton, is the bank’s chairman and was instrumental in the bank’s decision. As former mayor, “He always had a vision for our community,” Montgomery says.

Red Bay produces three productions a year, scheduled for a Thursday through Sunday in the months of November, February and April. Local talent runs the show. “The director and ticket coordinator are paid, and so is the carpenter. Everyone else is volunteer,” Kennedy says. Board members help with tickets and concessions, while volunteers work with hair and makeup and paint the set. Given that banquet facilities are just on the other side DECEMBER 2015 13

The cast of “Fruitcakes” in rehearsal at the Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts in Red Bay, November 2014.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BAY TREE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

of the building, some of these performances come with a meal.

“We mainly do comedies,” Kennedy says. “Dramas don’t go over well in our small town. It’s a very family-oriented production that we do.”

In Atmore, theater finds home in 100-year-old building In Atmore, the Greater Escambia Council for the Arts holds its theater productions in a 100-year-old building that had previously been the site of a number of businesses, including a feed store, Ford dealership, grocery store and furniture store, before sitting empty for about five years. Again, a local bank, United Bank, made an offer. “The president of the bank contacted us to see if we had any interest in the building,” says Phil Johnson, artistic director for the council. “We said yes.”

The theater has been housed in the building for six years now, which has helped provide consistency for a group that for its first 10 years performed wherever a facility was available. “We figured we performed about 75 or 80 shows in about 75 or 75 or 80 locations,” Johnson says. “It got to the point where people couldn’t find us.”

The Atmore council produces six primary dramatic or musical performances during the year, Johnson says. “We’ve done everything from ‘I Do, I Do,’ which has a cast of two, to ‘Titanic’ which has a cast of 125.” He adds that council members once tried to count all the individuals who had been involved in casts.

“We stopped counting at 400.”

Venue for young artists in Baldwin County In Gulf Shores, the South Baldwin Community Theatre was able to build its own building on donated land about 25 The South Baldwin Community years ago. Though Theatre in Gulf Shores. initially located in PHOTO BY MICHELLE ROLLS-THOMAS Foley, the SBCT has been in continuous operation since 1972 and has produced hundreds of plays. All activities are conducted by volunteers.

14 DECEMBER 2015

“We have been very successful in our goal of providing community theater for Baldwin County and have been able to improve the theater facilities over time. This has enabled us to enhance the quality of the programs we offer, such as the YAS,” says Jan Hinnen, SBCT president.

The Young Artist Series is a way to give children the opportunity to participate in live theater, he explained. “They get good experience,” Hinnen says. This past season the SBCT has presented eight plays, three of which were in the Young Artist Series.

Both genres include musicals and comedies. In addition, the adult shows include romantic comedies and mysteries.

Also noteworthy, the SBCT has a local playwright on its board, Laura Pfizenmayer. “We’ve done five of her plays,” Hinnen says.

Some of her plays are being performed in other areas as well. A

Alabama’s small town community theaters and organizations include: Auburn Area Community Theatre, Auburn – www.auburnact.org Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts, Red Bay www.baytreecouncil.com The Canebrake Players, Demopolis – www.facebook.com/The-Canebrake-Players Chickasaw Civic Theatre, Chickasaw – www.facebook.com/ChickasawCivicTheatre Community Actors Studio Theatre, Anniston – www.castalabama.com The Covered Bridge Players, Oneonta – coveredbridgeplayers.com The Greater Escambia Council for the Arts, Atmore – www.gecarts.com Historic Ritz Theatre, Talladega – .com (venue for performing acts and movies) Millbrook Community Players, Millbrook – www.millbrooktheater.com Pastime Theatre/Self Express Productions, Winfield – www.facebook.comThePastimeTheatre (A movie theater, it hosts concert series and some plays) Red Door Theatre, Union Springs – www.reddoortheatre.org The Ritz Theater, Greenville – www.gaac-ritz.com South Baldwin Community Theatre, Gulf Shores – www.sbct.biz Southeast Alabama Community Theatre, Dothan – seact8.wix.com/seact Way Off Broadway Theatre, Prattville – www.prattvilleal.gov/departments/wayoff-broadway-theatre.html We Piddle Around Theater, Brundidge – www.piddle.org Wetumpka Depot Players, Wetumpka – www.wetumpkadepot.com The Whole Backstage, Guntersville – wholebackstage.com If you don’t see your local theatre group listed, let us know at contact@alabamaliving.coop

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Alabama Living

DECEMBER 2015 15

The sky’s the limit for drone use Technology can benefit farmers, schools, industry

By Emmett Burnett

L

ook, up in the sky! It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s none of the above. “It” is a drone, hovering over Alabama skies.

Actually, ‘drone’ is not always the best choice of words. “We prefer ‘unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS,’” says Brandon Reed, a UAS instructor with Huntsville’s EnrGies Inc. “The word ‘drone’ has a bad reputation.”

Indeed it does. Drones conjure images of skyspies, the creepy airborne camera controlled by that

16 DECEMBER 2015

equally creepy next door neighbor. But good drones outweigh bad ones and UAS can enhance lives, and in some cases, save them.

Unmanned aircraft may soon be Alabama farmers’ flying tractors. Civil defense will call them to service for hurricane rescue. Forestry operations, wildlife management, bridge repair, and more will benefit from these flying computers. And what better place to learn how to harness the sky than the campus of the War Eagle. www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

DECEMBER 2015 17

Auburn teaching hands-on skills

vices, or stuff the U.S. military can or cannot confirm nor deny.

Au b u r n Un i v e rIt flies without an onsity runs America’s first board human pilot up to FAA-approved Un80 mph, 400 feet high, manned Aircraft Syslegally. And anybody tems Flight School. It can buy one. That is not teaches hands-on skills always good. and beyond. Auburn foCiting drone crashes cuses on federal regulainto electrical substations, legalities and UAS tions, near misses with capabilities.

Students learn how to operate a drone at Auburn University’s first FAA-approved airplanes, and launches “We have taught avia- Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight School. PHOTO COURTESY OF AUBURN UNIVERSITY that never return, Owen tion for over 80 years,” adds, “These things are not as easy to fly as says Dr. William ‘Bill’ T. Hutto, director, pending FAA rulings expected in 2016.

From Lee to Pike County — 62 miles some may think. You must know what you Auburn University Regional Airport and Aviation Center. “Auburn sees enormous as the drone flies — Troy University has a are doing.” The FAA agrees.

In October 2015, U.S. Transportation growth ahead for unmanned aircraft. Of- similar approach. “It is the first Alabama fering a course is a natural extension of school to offer a minor in Unmanned Aer- Secretary Anthony Foxx and the FAA anial Systems,” says Al Allenback, vice presi- nounced that non-commercial drones will what we’ve already done.”

Auburn built the course in conjunction dent for airport planning and engineering be registered and regulated just like comwith EnrGies Inc., Huntsville. “There is at Goodwyn Mills Cawood in Montgom- mercial ones. “As far as the FAA is conmuch more to flying remote aircraft than ery. “Troy University prepares future UAS cerned, drones are no different than airtaking it out of the box, charging a bat- operators, policymakers, and CDOs — planes,” says Brandon Reed. “More rulings tery, and pressing the ‘Go’ button,” says Chief Drone Officers.” Having the title will be announced in 2016. Count on it.”

More unmanned aircraft are coming, Phil Owen, EnrGies director of UAV (un- ‘Chief Drone Officer,’ is pretty cool too. too. It is good news for Alabama’s farmers, manned aerial vehicles) operations. educators, industry and businesses, who say Owen worked with Dr. Hutto in build- $82 billion impact predicted Allenback claims that by 2025, the UAS bring it on. UAVs are clear for takeoff. A ing the course. They both love flying and preach safety. Owen notes that a UAV industry will have an $82 billion impact weighing 10 pounds, made of carbon fi- across government, military, and commer- Co-ops see help for ber, with props spinning at 17,000 rpms cial operations. It will employ more than maintenance, storm is practically a flying buzz saw. “It is not a 100,000 people. Troy, Auburn, and colleges assessment to follow, want to ensure that Alabama’s toy,” he says.

Electric utilities are looking toward UAVs to drone economy takes off — just as Troy’s But the potential is enormous. reduce costs, improve safety, and increase relidrone does. ability and response times across their trans“We’ve had one for the last two years,” mission and distribution systems, according to Saving time and money “In Alabama we see exciting uses ahead,” recalls Cliff Lusk, Troy University spokes- a recent article in Intelligent Utility.

UAVs can help with inspections of overadds Dr. Hutto, “especially in precision ag- person. “It’s a great way to keep alumni, head transmission and distribution lines, riculture.” He explained that a UAV flying students, and others connected. However, storm damage assessment, outage manageover 1,000 acre farms can obtain data in the biggest reactions occur when people ment/response, substation inspection, asset minutes from the sky as opposed to hours see the beauty of the campus (UAS photo- monitoring, and even vegetation management, the article noted. from earth. Farmers receive data, pinpoint- graphed) from up high.”

The possibilities offered by drones have Awesome aerial photography is impres- attracted the interest of several Alabama elecing areas of concern — more water, less fertilizer, fungus treatments, and more — sive, but saving time sealed the deal for tric co-ops, says Mike Temple, AREA director delivered from an airborne drone via email. John O’Dell, an insurance-building in- of training and risk management. Temple has been asked to serve on an NRECA commitWith aerial applications including sur- spection company owner in Semmes, AL. tee to study the use of UAVs in cooperatives veying, R&D, powerline/pipeline/bridge “It decreases the times I climb ladders to across the country “We have been talking and sharing inforinspections, wildlife management, and sup- roofs,” he says. “With a lot of house tops port to first responders — no pun intended to inspect, I can do in 10 minutes with my mation with several of our neighboring statewide associations who’ve been using UAVs drone what takes hours without it.”

— UAVs are looking up. in limited applications,” says Temple, who is Admittedly, unmanned aircraft have a keeping an eye on FAA requirements that Looking ahead, Auburn is considering ways to incorporate unmanned aircraft into wow factor. “It really is amazing technol- may continue to change. Nevertheless, “the potential for cost savings and benefits to our the school’s curriculum, including journal- ogy,” adds Phil Owen. UAVs carry onboard members is definitely there.” ism, engineering and aerospace. As Dr. computers, video/still shot cameras and satellite GPS. And that’s the standard package. For more information: Hutto says, “the sky is the limit.”

• www.intelligentutility.com/article/15/ Auburn’s course met FAA approval in Try the deluxe model, implemented with 11utilities-send-drones?utm_source= April 2015 and held its first session the fol- infrared sensors, reconnaissance capabili 2015_11_04 lowing September. The course will evolve, ties, weather-data forecasters, tracking de• remagazine.coop/the-future-of-drones/ 18 DECEMBER 2015

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Alabama Living

DECEMBER 2015 19

Get your phones ready for better Christmas photos

By Allison Griffin

I

f you’re like most of us, your photo albums are filled with photos of Christmas past that had potential, but for whatever reason, just didn’t take: The backlit people. The family that was grouped around the tree, but you wouldn’t know it because the tree isn’t visible. The whitewashed look of a photo subject, who was hit square in the face by a harsh flash. The shots that came out blurry due to low light and shaky arms.

These photo flops still exist, but they’re increasingly not finding their way into the photo albums.

Now, they’re taken on smartphones or tablets, which are easy to use, extremely portable and always handy – but they have in the past made good photography a challenge.

Rule of thirds: Place subject in one of the intersections.

But even today’s lower-end smartphones can capture some great photos. All you need is to put a little thought and planning into the photos you take, and a little practice with the capabilities of your device. The result? Photos that will make this season a memorable one.

For some professional input, we asked Bryan Carter, owner of Carter Photography and Design in Montgomery, for some tips and ideas that even the novice photographer can put to use this Christmas.

“No matter what device you have, no matter what your handicap in that area might be, the possibility of a good photo exists,” Carter says. “Just follow the simple principles of good photography.”

With that in mind, here are some of Carter’s thoughts:

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20 DECEMBER 2015

Composition. Note the lighting and surroundings of your photo frame – things you’re aware of. Does the person have a harsh shadow on her face? Try to move in to less direct light. Is there a big garbage can in the shot?

Scoot everyone over a bit to cover it up.

Look for opportunities for unusual, candid shots. At the holiday table, for example, instead of a shot of people standing around it, have a seat and get candids of people talking to each other or passing the food around (don’t tell them you’re taking photos). You could even set the timer on your photo app and put the camera at the end of the table.

Perspective, or angle. The tendency with smartphones is to hold the phone at chest level, arms partially extended.

But that’s often an unflattering angle. Try getting above or below the subject to create more visual interest, or to be kinder to someone’s body shape.

On the subject of camera position, if your arms are extended out from your body holding the smartphone, there’s more possibility of shake. Better to hold the phone as you would hold a camera and steady it, by bringing your arms in and bracing them against your body. Or use a table to steady your arms, or lean up against a wall.

And always use two hands to hold the phone.

When shooting pets or little kids, get down on their level. You’re more likely to engage with them, and get a better shot. www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

DECEMBER 2015 21

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Avoid using your phone’s digital zoom. It’s better to move yourself to get the best image. When you zoom, you’ll struggle with shake and photo quality.

Know the rule of thirds. Most smartphones and tablets have the option to display a grid, which breaks the frame into nine equal quadrants. The idea is to place the subject of influence in one of the intersects of the vertical and horizontal lines. Most folks have a tendency to center the photo subject, which is less visually interesting.

Be ready. If it’s time to open presents or mealtime, have your phone out of your pocket or purse and in your hand. Capturing a moment can be difficult with a phone, which some folks keep tucked away.

Turn off that flash. The on-camera smartphone flashes are “the worst things ever,” Carter says. The tiny light creates harsh lines on your photo subject, and you can’t control the white balance. Plus, the light hits the subject square in the face. Don’t blind him or her!

Most smartphone camera apps have a multishot feature. Just hold the shutter button down and it will take multiple, sequential shots. That’s a good feature to use if you’re trying to capture children playing with their new toys – or anything that is constantly moving.

Keep it clean. The lens of your smartphone or tablet needs to be cleaned periodically with a soft, lint-free cloth (the kind used to clean eyeglasses). Women in particular, who often use lotions on their hands, may notice a thin film or residue on their lens. Fingerprints will cloud it up, too.

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Posing your subjects. The phrase, “get together for a picture” often leads to a long horizontal line when several people are involved. To avoid the look of a police lineup, take the time to maneuver people for a closer, clearer shot. Larger and taller people should be in the back, shorter and smaller folks in the front. Take time to angle the people to make a flattering composition.

And if there are many, make sure you can see every face, and tell them they have to be able to see your face too.

When posing, make use of any stairs in the house, or even better, the front porch steps (to take advantage of natural light). It’s easier to compensate for varying heights and body shapes with stairs and steps.

Speaking of natural light: “We’ve got the best light source available to us, and that’s the sun,” Carter says.

However, smartphone cameras work best with indirect light – a bright overcast day, foggy mornings, partial shade – soft light situations.

If you can’t go outside, make use of a large window for good light. Position the photo subject at the far end of the window, looking alongside or toward the window and toward the light.

Practice, practice, practice. With the new year ahead, take advantage of one of the “365” projects that many blogs, online programs and social media platforms offer.

Take a photo every day, and immerse yourself in smartphone or tablet photography. A

Rather than a posed shot, take a candid photo on your subject’s level.

22 DECEMBER 2015

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Alabama Living

DECEMBER 2015 23

Alabama Gardens

DIY holiday gifts, from and for gardeners

I

f you love to garden, you probably also love to share the gardening experience with others. So why not turn your passion for gardening into holiday gifts?

Hundreds — more like thousands — of crafty do-it-yourself ideas for garden gifts and projects abound, some so easy that even the least handy of

Top among my gifting picks is a container filled with an assortment of helpful gardening items, from small, inexpensive goodies to more expensive must-have or didn’t-know-you-wanted-till-you-got-them items. You can buy new containers or use this as the perfect opportunity to repurpose all those old baskets and tins or pots you’ve been collecting. Watering cans, burlap bags, plastic milk crates and even an old (or a new) wheelbarrow — anything that you have on hand or that strikes your fancy — will work.

It’s also a great way to pick things that are specific to the recipient’s needs. You can include basic hand tools, seeds and how-to books for a novice gardener (or a child), or you can find more advanced items for someone who has lots of gardening experience. These gift collections can also be tailored to the style of each gardener, from frilly to sensible to even manly.

Among the gift goodies that can be included in these containers are books, magazines, sunscreen, bug and poison ivy sprays and lotions, hats, gloves, bird seed and feeders, plant seeds and bulbs, hand tools, water bottles, kneelers, gardening aprons or anything else that catches your eye and fits your budget. Put them in the container, add a little straw or tissue paper, tie it with a ribbon and you’re done.

Katie Jackson is a freelance writer and editor based in Opelika, Alabama.

Contact her at katielamarjackson@ gmail.com.

24 DECEMBER 2015

us (that would be me) can make impressive gifts for friends and loved ones. Here are just a few easy ideas, though you can find many more on the Internet, at your local craft store and even in books and publications at your local library. Just spend a little time poking around to find ones that fit your needs and skill level.

PHOTOS BY MORIAH EARNEST

A repurposed basket filled with seeds, gloves and other small goodies makes a great DIY gift.

Another easy and fun gift option is to either grow small plants from seeds or cuttings or buy some small potted plants (jade plants, ivy, herbs and orchids for example) that can be used indoors or planted later in the yard.

You can embellish those plain little plastic pots with ribbons and tissue paper or slip small potted plants into oversized coffee mugs rather than potting them in more expensive containers to keep the cost down. If you want to make them extra special without spending too much money, use burlap, decorative muffin tin liners (if the pots are small enough), foil or get some heavier-gauge decorative paper (scrapbooking paper works particu-

Decoratively wrapped small potted plants make easy, inexpensive gifts.

larly well) and use Martha Stewart’s pot wrapping technique: set the pot in the middle of a square sheet of decorative paper, fold two opposite sides of the paper up and secure them to the pot’s sides with double-sided tape, then repeat for the other side for a neat wrap. Tie festive cords or ribbons around the pot for a final touch. www.alabamaliving.coop

Use a pre-made plain wooden birdhouse to make an edible gift for bird lovers.

And here is an idea that can be a gift for your bird-loving friends and for the birds—an edible birdhouse! All you need is an unfinished wooden or cardboard birdhouse (available at most craft stores if you’re not into woodworking). Drill or carefully poke holes on either side of the top center the birdhouse, insert a thin rope or strong ribbon or twine through the holes and tie securely to form a loop so it can be hung in a tree or on a stand.

Coat the outside of the house with peanut butter, homemade suet or an edible

Alabama Living

paste (one recipe I found recommends using 3 cups wheat flour, 2 cups water and ¾ cups honey for the paste). Sprinkle or press birdseed, sunflower seed, millet, etc., on the coating and then add further embellishments. For example, a sprinkling of coconut can look like snow and thin slices of dried oranges or apples can be used as roof shingles. Nuts, cranberries, raisins and other healthful, edible dried foods can be used for further decoration.

Of course you can also use large pinecones, gumballs and other natural items to make edible ornaments, too — a great project for kids. And these birdhouses or other items can always be recoated over and over again as the birds peck away all the yummy foods.

This is just a small sampling of the many ideas that are out there, so don’t hesitate to find or create fun projects of your own. In fact, I’d love to hear about your creations and ideas, so send photos and messages to me at katielamarjackson@gmail.com or share them with us on the Alabama Living Facebook page. A

DECEMBER GARDEN TIPS d Wipe dust from the foliage of houseplants and keep them in more humid areas of the house, such as the kitchen or bathrooms. d Transplant trees and shrubs and plant roses, spring-flowering bulbs and hardy annual plant seed. d Protect tender flowering shrubs from freezing weather by covering them with a sheet or blanket.

Uncover them when temperatures begin to rise. d Spot-treat weeds in the lawn. d Apply winter-protective mulch to garden beds and around newly planted trees and shrubs. d Prune hardy deciduous and evergreen trees and summerblooming shrubs. d Sow seeds for winter or coolseason vegetables. d Plant cool-season annuals such as pansies, ornamental cabbages and kales and snapdragons. d Water lawns, shrubs and small trees if the weather is dry. d Keep bird feeders and birdbaths clean and full. d Begin planning your 2016 garden.

DECEMBER 2015 25

Worth the Drive

Big Mike’s among top steakhouses Story and photos by Emmett Burnett

M

uch is at stake for great steaks.

Just ask the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. They know a few things about beef, enough to rank Big Mike’s Steakhouse one of the top 10 steakeating restaurants in Alabama. And Mike Cole, Scott Powell, and Caine Conway are three proud stakeholders.

“It’s a bit overwhelming but nice to see,” says Mike, the ‘Big Mike’ of Big Mike’s.

Referencing accolades received for the Thomasville restaurant he laughingly adds, “It is very gratifying because we work our ever-lovin’ tails off here.” Take a recent Friday night, for example.

“We put our hearts and souls into this place,” says “Big Mike” Cole.

On this weekend eve, a Demopolis school bus is en route. “Tell the driver to greets 90 percent of the customers every mignon cuts, the same meat awarded by be here as close to 4 p.m. as possible,” Mike day and never forgets a name. “I enjoy the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. It is our guests,” he says, “They are really great rendered into a bun-encased burger large instructs a staffer. It is sage advice.

Big Mike’s opens at 4 p.m. on Friday- people.” And he adds, “One of my favorite enough for a zip code.

The third spoke of Big Mike’s trio is Saturdays. By 6, there is a waiting list. By 10 times is Wednesday’s and Thursday’s specials. But don’t associate cheap with spe- Caine Conway, who met and worked for p.m., 400 to 500 people have been served.

Scott years earlier in a landscaping busi“I believe the key to our success is a cial.”

Staffers insist everything is top quality. ness. Caine runs the bar, from training combination,” says Big Mike’s co-operator, learned on the job. “Before Scott Powell. “We offer really good food, great service, and Thomasville restaurant rises to ranks coming here most of my experience came from sitting on the a very clean environment.” He of favorite steakhouses in just 2 years other side of the bar,” he smiles. adds about his friend and res“But customers were patient.” taurateur, Mike, who he has known since their 1990s Livingston Uni- For example, the menu includes a cheese- Caine learned, and today is a Thomasville versity (University of West Alabama) days, burger. Now in many places, a cheeseburger master of mixology.

When not working, the three hang out, “When I met Mike I threw away my grill. comes with a scratch-off game card, from a This man can cook your shoe and make golden-arched diner with an adjacent play- socialize, and vacation together. They enground. Not here. joy the rewards of transforming a start-up it good.”

The patty is ground ribeye and filet business from nothing to the 8th best steak Scott runs ‘the front.’ He personally house in the state. But they began with a Steaks are hand cut, marinated and rubbed with custom seven-spice seasoning blend and trial by smoke, lots of it. Or as Mike recalls topped with garlic butter. about opening day, “It was horrible.”

Big Mike’s Steakhouse debuted in October 2013, to a packed house, much bigger than anyone predicted. In addition to everyone at their new jobs and opening-day jitters, a kitchen vent system shut down, Big Mike’s Steakhouse 33215 Highway 43 Thomasville, AL. 36784 334-636-2260 Hours: Wednesday–Thursday 4:30 pm – 9 pm Friday–Saturday 4 pm–10 pm bigmikessteakhouse.com

26 DECEMBER 2015

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A cheeseburger to die for: A treat made from ground ribeye and filet mignon cuts.

expelling billowing smoke everywhere.

And though there was never any danger, Mike recalls, “You could not see me sitting next to you because of the smoke.” They ordered everyone out and locked the doors at 7 p.m. And Mike added, “I went to my truck, sat on the tailgate, and cried.”

They credit the good people of Thomasville for getting the restaurant back on its feet after October’s smoky night. Big Mike’s reopened the next week, smoke free, and has never looked back.

The once-vacant building is the toast of Thomasville. Mike has culinary experience, gleaned from years working at his in-laws’ restaurant/catering business in Demopolis and Orange Beach. “I drove by this place many times, and saw the ‘For Sale’ sign,” he recalls, about his future 33215 Highway 43, Thomasville location. “My dream was to have a restaurant of my own and this was the place.”

Scott and Caine agreed. And the rest is history. The building was acquired in August, 2013. For two months, three restaurateurs, employees, and friends refurbished, remodeled, and reinvigorated. Big Mike’s was and is a big deal.

Top Angus beef is hand cut in house, marinated and rubbed with custom 7-spice seasoning blends, wood-fire grilled to customer requests, and completed with garlic herb butter. The ribeye is edible art. The 28 DECEMBER 2015

‘Highway 43’ Strip is their version of the New York strip – same great taste without the subway. And the filet mignon is what mother angels feed teething baby cherubs.

Their biggest seller is the 16 oz. ribeye or you can go bold, with a 24 oz. version, ‘The Big Mike.’

The restaurant is a fine dining experience but don’t say it. “Fine dining’ always scares me,” says Mike. “Yes, we have gourmet steaks, fresh Gulf seafood, and an amazing wine selection, but we also have great burgers.”

The three consider their venture to be a

working man’s steakhouse, not Ruth’s Chris.

“We offer a product every bit as good as theirs,” adds Mike. “But our tables are set with butcher paper instead of linens.”

“We want everything perfect,” says Scott.

And Mike adds, “This is who we are. My name is on this building. We put our hearts and souls into this place.”

And as the Demopolis bus pulls into the driveway, unloading a multitude of beef buddies, Mike looks on and confides, “There is nothing better than seeing someone slice into a great steak, smile, and give a thumbs up.” A

Big Mike’s main men: Mike Cole, Scott Powell and Caine Conway. “This man can cook your shoe and make it good,” jokes Scott about his partner, Mike.

Food runner Brandon Chase with a customer’s order.

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Around Alabama

DECEMBER

fund metastatic breast cancer research.

Booth rental contact: Tammy Summers, 334-494-0382.

5

Bridgeport, Christmas Parade sponsored by CUBB (Citizens United for a Better Bridgeport). Lineup will be at the Masonic Hall on Alabama Avenue.

This year’s theme is “Wow! What a Year in Bridgeport!” Information: Dot McDonald, 256-495-2502 or Doris Janney, 256-4952908.

6

Montgomery Interfaith Nativity Exhibit Arab, 6th Annual Christmas in the Park/ Santa in the Park at Arab City Park and Historic Village, 6-9 p.m. each Friday and Saturday until Christmas. Santa, music, crafts, lights, fun for all. $5 per person over 2 years, no more than $20 per family.

Information: 256-586-6397 or 256-5866793. Email: arabhistoricvillage@gmail. com.

South Alabama, shares the stage with Anne E. DeChant, singer-songwriter from Nashville. Limited seating, door prizes and a night of country music as it was in the beginning. Information: 334-376-0064 or email: margaretgaston@centurytel.net.

3-5

- Jan 2 Theodore, 20th Anniversary of Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home. The 20th anniversary holiday show will include brand new displays and effects across the 65 acres.

Magic Christmas in Lights was voted in the Top 10 of USA Today’s Reader’s Choice list for 2014 for the nation’s best holiday light shows. Information: 251-973-2217 or www.bellingrath.org.

12-13 Union Springs, “Always a Bridesmaid,” at the Red Door Theatre. If you’ve ever elbowed a stranger out of the way to catch a bride’s bouquet, seriously questioned the mental stability of the duo saying “I do,” or been forced to wear the world’s ugliest bridesmaid dress, this deliriously funny Jones Hope Wooten comedy is definitely for you. All performances at 7:30 p.m., except Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2:30 p.m. Admission: $15. Information: 334-738-8687 or www. reddoortheatre.org.

2-6

4

1

Montgomery, 10th Annual Interfaith Nativity Exhibit at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Carter Hill Road, 1-8 p.m. each day. The free event, featuring more than 400 beautifully and artistically displayed table top nativities, aids in promoting the faith of all Christians through their love of the nativities and how each in its own way represents the birth of our Savior. Local school choirs and musicians, church groups, community ensembles and soloists provide Christmas music. For more information, visit www.MontgomeryNativity.com.

3

Georgiana, Watermelon Wine: The Poetry of Americana Music at Hank Williams’ Boyhood Home and Museum.

Award-winning author Frye Gaillard, writer in residence at the University of

Boaz, Boaz Christmas Parade at 5:30 p.m. Parade lineup begins at 4 p.m. on Highway 205 at the Farmers Market and First Baptist Church. Awards will be given to floats using the parade theme, best decorated horse and ride, and best decorated wagon and team. Judging will begin before the parade.

4-7

Montgomery, 45th Annual Montgomery Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show at Garrett Coliseum. Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dealers will have beads, crystals, geodes, cabochons, gemstones, finished jewelry, tools, supplies and mineral & fossil specimens. Club members will display their individual collections and will give demonstrations on gem and rock cutting, faceting and cabochon making. Admission: $2 adults or weekend

pass for $3. Youths 18 and under free with student ID and paid adult admission. Free parking. www.montgomerygemandmineralsociety.com.

5

Montevallo, A White House Christmas Coffee and Dessert Buffet with former White House chef Roland Mesnier.

At the elegant Liberty Hall in American Village, beginning at 10 a.m. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the chef who served five U. S. presidents and first ladies. A limited number of tickets are available, $100 per person. Reservations: 205-665-3535 or email christmas@ americanvillage.org.

4

Grant, Grant Christmas Parade from DAR School to North Marshall Utilities. Float line up begins at 11:30 a.m., parade begins at 1 p.m. with bus parking at Grant Church of Christ. First and second place prizes will be awarded for adult and youth divisions. Information: Raymona Bevel, 256-572-0924 or Grant Town Hall, 256-728-2007.

5

Hanceville, 26th Annual Cullman County Christmas Parade. Parade starts at 2 p.m. at Wallace State College.

There is no entry free. Information: Joann Walls, 256-352-9799 or Deborah at Hanceville City Hall, 256-352-9830, ext. 16.

5

Ozark, Christmas Bazaar at Antiques, Treasures and More. Enjoy the grand opening inside and the Christmas Bazaar outside where vendors will fill the parking lot with Christmas gifts and décor. All proceeds from rental spaces will go to METAvivor Research and Support to

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

Cullman, Christmas Tour of Homes presented by Share Club of Cullman, 1-5 p.m. Five homes will be featured on the tour, including the home of Sarah Elizabeth and Josh Lambert, built in 1939 and located in the historic area of Cullman known as Quality Hill. Tickets are $15 and proceeds will benefit Hospice of Cullman County and Good Samaritan Clinic.

Information: Share Club President Jackie Donovan, 205-908-3555 or jaddonovan@ aol.com.

8

Elba, Branson on the Road, Christmas-Style. Music, comedy and family fun at Elba High School. Bringing together the fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, upright slap bass, beautiful rhinestone costumes, hilarious comedy and bluegrass, rockabilly and gospel music. Featuring favorite Christmas songs, old country music and the only woman to ever play lead guitar for Johnny Cash. Information: 334-406-2787 or visit www.CoffeeCountyArtsAlliance.com.

11-12

Frisco City, Christmas Comes Alive. 6th annual 10-station drive-thru event celebrating the birth of Christ, 6-8 p.m. each night.

CDs will be available with corresponding narrative and music. Hayrides will load and unload at the Frisco City Fire Department.

Conclude the night with a visit to the Hospitality & Pastor’s Tent or the Story Tent for children. Admission is free. Information or questions: Anne Brown, 251-714-0513.

17

Montgomery, Architreats: Food for Thought lunchtime lecture at the Alabama Department of Archives and History, 12 p.m. Edward H. Davis will discuss the new book he co-authored with John T. Morgan, Collards: A Southern Tradition from Seed to Table. Admission is free. www.archives.alabama.gov.

Like Alabama Living on facebook Follow Alabama Living on Twitter@Alabama_Living DECEMBER 2015 29

Safe @ Home Send your questions to:

Stay safe driving in wintry weather

W

e’re fortunate in Alabama to enjoy relatively mild winters – at least compared to other parts of the country.

But we still get blasts of bitterly cold, winter weather, especially in the northern part of the state. And with people on the roads this season for Christmas and holiday gatherings, it’s more important to be prepared and be safe this winter.

• •

Hitting the road If you’re traveling this winter, be ready to deal with a winter road emergency with these guidelines from AAA: • Avoid driving while you’re fatigued.

• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.

• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.

• Never mix radial tires with other tire types.

• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze up.

• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.

• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface.

• Always look and steer where you want to go.

• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

For long-distance travel, always look up weather reports before driving in an isolated area. Let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival. Other tips: • Pack a cellular phone, a blanket, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.

• If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It pro-

30 DECEMBER 2015

•

•

Safe at Home Alabama Living 340 TechnaCenter Dr. Montgomery, AL 36117 334-215-2732

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vides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm.

Don’t over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of snow.

Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress.

At night, keep your dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.

Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.

If possible, run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.

If you’re driving in snow, remember to accelerate and decelerate slowly to avoid skids; don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight or stop sign. Remember these tips: • The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to 10 seconds.

• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold braking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.

• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on a hill.

• Most importantly: Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in snow, not everyone else can. A

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Alabama Living

DECEMBER 2015 31

Alabama Literature

ALABAMA BOOKSHELF

In this feature, we highlight recent books either about Alabama people or written by Alabama authors. Summaries are not reviews or endorsements. We also occasionally highlight bookrelated events. Email submissions and events to bookshelf@ alabamaliving.coop

Among the Swamp People, by Watt Key, University of Alabama Press, September 2015, $29.95 hardcover (memoir/natural history) A collection of colorful personal essays about life in the wilds of Alabama’s MobileTensaw River Delta. Key, a novelist and screenwriter living on the Gulf coast, chronicles the delta’s natural beauty, the difficulty of survival in it and the extraordinary cast of characters that calls it home.

Behind Nazi Lines: My Father’s Heroic Quest to Save 149 World War II POWs, by Andrew Gerow Hodges Jr. and Denise George, Berkley Caliber Press, August 2015, $27.95 hardcover (military/memoir) Hodges tells the true story of his father, a Red Cross volunteer, and his brave mission behind enemy lines to negotiate the safety of prisoners in 1944 Germanoccupied France. Both authors make their home in Birmingham.

Daniel and the Sun Sword, Sons and Daughters, Book 1,, by Nathan Lumbatis, Ellechor Publishing House, November 2015, $16.99 paperback (young adult Christian fantasy) Daniel is an orphan who’s given up on the world. But when he is adopted by God, he is charged with a quest to save humanity by finding the lost shards of a mystical sword. Will he learn to trust in God’s power before it’s too late? The author lives in Dothan.

Visions of the Black Belt,, by Robin McDonald and Valerie Pope Burnes, University of Alabama Press, October 2015, $39.95 tradecloth (photography/history) In photos and text, the authors bring to life the layers of history that shaped the Black Belt’s tastes, sounds and colors.

The book recounts the stories of such communities as Camden, Eutaw and Tuskegee, and offers an illustrated tour of the lands that represent the cultural efflorescence of Alabama’s heartland.

The Cotton-Picking Centre Warriors, by Randall McCord and Tommy Moon, Whosoever Press, $35 (local history) The authors put 5 ½ years into this 740-page book, which looks at the ties between football and farming. They interviewed players and coaches associated with Cherokee County High School and read personal reminiscences to document their work. “If football is the spirit of CCHS, then cotton is the soul,” the authors say.

That He May Raise, by Armond Boudreaux, Livingston Press, $17.95 trade paper (fiction) These linked stories explore the ways in which guilt radiates through time and space, and ask whether the resulting suffering can be redemptive. A husband forces his wife into an impossible choice; a son cannot forgive his father’s sins; a woman tries to atone for betraying her best friend by making her lover pay. Author Boudreaux grew up in southwestern Alabama.

32 DECEMBER 2015

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DECEMBER 2015 33

Alabama Recipes

Peppermint A holiday must-have

Gluten-free Candy Cane Cupcakes PHOTO BY MICHAEL CORNELISON

34 DECEMBER 2015

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Cook of the Month

Christie York, Marshall-DeKalb EC An avid cook, Christie loves to make desserts, and she’s been whipping up her Frozen Peppermint Cheesecake for about 20 years, especially around Christmas. “It’s something my family really just expects around the holidays,” she says, “so I always make it then, and it has become part of our holiday tradition.” It’s cool and creamy with a refreshing pop of peppermint, but that’s not the only reason it’s become a mainstay. “It’s so easy to make, and when I have my oven busy cooking so many other things, it’s nice to be able to make this, since it’s really a no-cook recipe.” And while it’s doubtful that there will be any leftovers from this dish, if there are, simply slice individual pieces and wrap them in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer. “It’s great to have a few on hand for surprise guests,” Christie says.

Frozen Peppermint Cheesecake 1½ ¼ ¼ 1 1 1 3 2

cups chocolate wafer crumbs cup sugar cup butter, melted 8-ounce package cream cheese 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk cup crushed peppermint candy drops liquid red food coloring cups whipping cream, whipped Garnishes: whipped cream and crushed peppermint candy

Combine first 3 ingredients; firmly press onto bottom and 1 inch up sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill.

Beat cream cheese at high speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add condensed milk, peppermint candy and food coloring; beat well. Fold in whipped cream. Pour into prepared pan. Cover and freeze until firm. Garnish if desired. Yields one 9-inch cheesecake.

M

ore than any other aroma or flavor, peppermint says “holidays” to me. The simple sight of candy canes, all lined up in their cellophane-wrapped boxes, sitting on grocery store shelves, screams “childhood memories coming!,” a warning before my emotional floodgates open, and I’m overwhelmed with nostalgia and warm, fuzzy thoughts of Christmas mornings with my brother and parents.

An annual tradition in our house was making Christmas cookies together. My mom would pull index cards, their printed lines and inked words faded and corners worn soft, out of her wooden recipe box. We usually made three or four different kinds, but my favorites to eat were my least favorite to make.

Candy Cane Cookies were delicious but complicated. I didn’t mind cutting out shapes and tossing on some colored sugars. That didn’t take too long, and it was fun. But Candy Cane Cookies meant making the dough, dividing it and coloring one half red, pinching off little balls, hand-rolling them into ropes, twisting the red and white ropes together and then turning one end down to form a crook.

When done, you had the spitting image of red-and-white spiralstriped candy canes. Oh, and then you crushed up peppermint candies and sprinkled them on top. They looked impressive, but I always wanted them mixed, baked and in my mouth, STAT.

Alabama Living

Despite my impatience, I pushed through and helped my mom with minimal complaining every year, knowing I’d be proud of the pretty cookies when I was done (and of course, enjoy eating them). I still make them every year, now by myself in my own kitchen, although my husband happily joins me in devouring them long before Christmas ever arrives.

Nowadays, stores have Christmas decor and candy canes out before Thanksgiving; some even try to push us into the holiday spirit before Halloween has come and gone. Lots of folks complain about this, but I don’t mind. I feel a gentle wave of pure joy wash over me when I see candy canes for the first time each year. If that happens to be in October, so be it. The longer I can stretch Christmas and everything it means to me, the better.

Peppermint may not be so closely linked to the holidays at your house, but I’d be willing to bet there’s at least some connection.

That’s why we’re pretty sure you’ll be excited about this month’s recipes, all shining the spotlight on peppermint and highlighting its sweet, exhilarating tingly taste.

- Jennifer Kornegay

DECEMBER 2015 35

Peppermint Candy 1 large stick peppermint candy, crushed 1 can Eagle Brand milk ¼-½ cup Crisco 1½-2boxes powdered sugar Almond bark

Mix crushed peppermint candy, milk and Crisco. Blend in powdered sugar.

Roll to form balls and dip in melted almond bark. Place on wax paper to harden.

Belinda Tillery Cherokee EC

Chocolate Peppermint Ritz 1/8 to ¼ teaspoon peppermint oil (not extract) Chocolate almond bark Ritz crackers

Melt chocolate bark in an 8-inch by 8-inch pan; add peppermint oil. Stir.

Lay 4-5 crackers in the melted chocolate. Remove with a spoon and lay on waxed paper to dry. Repeat.

Tina Robertson Baldwin EMC

Chocolate Peppermint Ritz

Peppermint Candy

Gluten-Free Candy Cane Cupcakes 1¼ ¼ 1 ¼ 1 1 ½ 1 ½ ½ ½ ½

cup brown rice flour cup cornstarch cup sugar cup cocoa teaspoon xanthan gum teaspoon baking soda teaspoon salt egg cup milk cup oil cup water teaspoon vanilla

Frosting ingredients: ¼ ¼ 2 3 1

cup shortening cup butter cups powdered sugar tablespoons milk teaspoon vanilla Pinch of salt Crushed candy canes

Combine rice flour, cornstarch, cocoa, soda, and xanthan gum, and salt. In a separate bowl combine milk, egg, oil, water, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix for 2 minutes. Fill paper-lined muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely on wire rack.

Meanwhile in mixing bowl, combine shortening, butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat for 5 minutes until fluffy. Take half of the frosting and put in a decorators bag and push tip into the top of each cooled cupcake. Squeeze bag to allow a couple teaspoons of frosting in the center for a delectable filling. Take remaining frosting and frost the top on each cupcake. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

Esther Briddick Joe Wheeler EMC

36 DECEMBER 2015

PHOTO BY MICHAEL CORNELISON

Peppermint Oreo Balls 1 package regular Oreo cookies, ground fine 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon peppermint extract White chocolate chips (or almond bark), melted Crushed peppermints for garnish

Blend cookie crumbs, cream cheese and peppermint extract. Roll into small balls. Dip into the melted white chocolate, set on wax paper and quickly dust with crushed peppermints. Cool for one hour.

Janie Whelton Baldwin EMC

Holiday Peppermint Pie 4 cups crispy rice cereal 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips, melted 1½ quarts peppermint stick ice cream, softened Chocolate fudge topping Crushed peppermint candies

Combine the cereal and melted chocolate; mix well. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 9-inch pie plate. Freeze for 5 minutes.

Spoon ice cream into the crust. Freeze for 6 hours or overnight. Remove from freezer 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with the chocolate fudge topping and peppermint candies.

Sherry Parker Cherokee EC

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Peppermint Hot Chocolate 3½ cups whole milk 8 squares (1 ounce) white baking chocolate, chopped ¼-½ teaspoon peppermint extract ⁄ cup whipped cream 8 peppermint candies, crushed Chocolate syrup Additional crushed candies as desired

In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until hot. Add chocolate and whisk until smooth. Stir in peppermint extract.

In a medium bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in crushed candies.

Ladle the hot chocolate mixture into mugs and dollop with whipped cream.

Drizzle with chocolate syrup and additional crushed candies.

Carolyn Batchelor Covington EC

PHOTO BY MICHAEL CORNELISON

Send us your recipes!

Please send us your original recipes, developed by you or family members, and not ones copied from a book or magazine. You may adapt a recipe from another source by changing as little as the amount of one ingredient. Cook of the Month winners will receive $50, and may win “Cook of the Month” only once per calendar year.

Share a story about your recipe! Whether it’s your grandmother’s best cake or your uncle’s camp stew, every recipe has a story behind it. We’ll pay $50 for the best recipe-related story each month.

Submit: Online: alabamaliving.coop Email: recipes@alabamaliving.coop Mail: Recipes, P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124

The Power of Peppermint Peppermint-flavored foods get their punch from peppermint oil (or extracts made from peppermint oil), which are derived from a mixture of mint plant species. But did you know that this versatile ingredient can do a lot more than add a burst of invigorating cool to everything from candy and cakes to tea? Peppermint oil is for way more than eating. Check out some of its many benefits and uses.

• Reduce nausea and soothe upset stomachs • Perk you up and provide a natural energy boost • Freshen breath with its antimicrobial properties • Relieve muscle soreness when applied topically • Open sinuses and nasal passages • Relieve stress • Reduce cravings and curb appetite • Stop the itch from bug bites and rashes when applied topically

Upcoming recipe themes and deadlines: February March April

Quick & Easy Garlic Greens

December 15 January 15 February 8

Editor’s Note: Alabama Living’s recipes are submitted by our readers. They are not kitchen-tested by a professional cook or registered dietician. If you have special dietary needs, please check with your doctor or nutritionist before preparing any recipe.

Alabama Living

DECEMBER 2015 37

Market Place Miscellaneous

How To Place a Line Ad in Marketplace Business Opportunities

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1 – 2 BEDROOM CABINS – PIGEON FORGE - For Rent by Owner (865) 712-7633 GULF SHORES PLANTATION - GULF view, beach side, 2 bedrooms / 2 baths, no smoking / no pets. Owner rates (205)339-3850 ORANGE BEACH CONDO, 3BR/3BA; 2,000 SQ.FT.; beautifully decorated; gorgeous waterfront view; boat slips available; great rates - Owner rented (251)604-5226

Closing Deadlines (in our office): February 2016 – Dec. 25 • March 2016 – Jan. 25 • April 2016 – Feb. 25

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Real Estate Sales LUXURY “CLASS A” WATERFRONT RV LOT – Foley, AL – PRICE REDUCED – maryc4143@gmail.com ORANGE BEACH, AL – PHOENIX ON THE BAY CONDO – 1121 - ASSIGNED BOAT SLIP AND STORAGE UNIT INCLUDED!!! Fisherman/Family dream. Rare Find! 1295’ sq -The only 1 bedroom unit in Phoenix on The Bay. Featuring; Luxurious Ground Floor Unit with views of the courtyard/ pools/lazy river, easy access to amenities, large balcony, beautiful kitchen with island and wet bar, spacious floor plan, sleeps 6, inviting living area with high ceilings, poured in place solid concrete petition walls between each unit, covered parking with a short walk to the unit!

Desirable complex with excellent rental!

MENTONE, AL LOT - .69 ACRES, borders branch - REDUCED $27,900 – (334)790-9545 NICE 3 BR, 2 BATH FISHING, HUNTING & RETIREMENT HOME on river in Dallas Co. - Recently remodeled with hard wood floors & ceramic tile, metal roof and new A/C unit, large high lot - E-mail smerrill05@bellsouth.net, Cell (850)582-7633 Home (850)939-2054 GULF SHORES -- $189,000. BRICK 3/2, 2-car single-family. 1585 sq. ft.

Cove ceilings, ceramic/wood floors, beautifully finished in a very nice neighborhood on the backside of Little Lagoon. Text, call or email Jim Nearen, Realtor, Realty 1st 303-7209713 jwnearen@gmail.com or visit www.gulfshoresrealestate.com

Travel CARIBBEAN CRUISES AT THE LOWEST PRICE – (256)974-0500 or (800)726-0954

Musical Notes PIANOS TUNED, REPAIRED, refinished. Box 171, Coy, AL 36435.

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Education WWW.2HOMESCHOOL.ORG – OPEN Year Round K-12 enrollment. Contact Dr. Cerny (256)653-2593 FREE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE – write to P.O. Box 52, Trinity, AL, 35673

Critters CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES. REGISTERED, guaranteed healthy, raised indoors in loving home, vet records and references. (256)796-2893

Fruits / Nuts / Berries GROW MUSCADINES AND BLACKBERRIES , half dollar size – We offer over 200 varieties of Fruit and Nut Trees plus Vines and Berry Plants . Free color catalog. 1-800-733-0324.

Ison’s Nursery, P.O. Box 190, Brooks, GA 30205 Since 1934 www.isons. com

$355,000-EMAILMONTYANDTABATHA@GMAIL.COM, (251)656-9678 EUREKA LANDING - 3 BR / 1BA, Living Room / kitchen-Dining Room Area - 1100 sq ft (+/-) Excluding Front Porch which 315 sq ft - Immediate access to boat launch - 985-960-5880 cell, stanley@sessco.net

Ads are $1.75 per word with a 10 word minimum and are on a prepaid basis; Telephone numbers, email addresses and websites are considered 1 word each. Ads will not be taken over the phone. You may email your ad to hdutton@areapower.com; or call (800)410-2737 ask for Heather for pricing.; We accept checks, money orders and all major credit cards. Mail ad submission along with a check or money order made payable to ALABAMA LIVING, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124 – Attn: Classifieds.

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Alabama Living

DECEMBER 2015 39

Alabama Outdoors

Feathered pursuits Alabama abounds with bird hunting options

By John N. Felsher

E

terns, doves frequently embarrass even ach fall, sportsmen across Alathe best shooters. bama eagerly await cooler days “Agriculture and forestry pracwhen they can pursue King tices greatly enhance the habitat and Bob, the most majestic of all native benefit Alabama mourning dove North American game birds. Better populations,” says Jeff Makemson, an known as bobwhite quail, King Bob ADCNR biologist. “Mourning doves once ranked among the most popular game species in North America, are the most numerous game birds particularly in the South. However, in Alabama. The population is good the regal fowl suffered many setbacks and stable throughout the state with from predators and disappearing or the highest populations in southern changing habitat.

Alabama. Localized dove populations “The bobwhite quail population vary depending on the preferred food is poor and declining across most Northern bobwhite quail range across most of eastern source in the area.” of Alabama, except on some private North America from the Midwest to the Southeast, Doves prefer open fields or grasslands punctuated by occasional trees, plantations with intensive habitat including all of Alabama. PHOTO BY JOHN N. FELSHER brush or fencerows where they find management,” says Steve Mitchell, an Mallard Fox Creek, Swan Creek WMAs abundant seeds. They tend to avoid Alabama Department of Conservation swamps and thick forests, but do feed and Natural Resources biologist in Good- and Geneva State Forest.

“Positive work is being done on many along timbered edges. water. “Habitat loss has been the main factor in the bobwhite population decline WMAs,” Mitchell says. “Longleaf pine resFor many sportsmen, a new hunting toration on Barbour WMA has whistling season kicks off when dove seasons open across Alabama.”

Bobwhites inhabit anything from tall counts trending upward. Quail are also every September. Dove season in the grass prairies and brushy rangeland to showing a positive response to shortleaf North Zone ran from Sept. 12 to Nov. 15 pine savannahs. They prefer grasslands pine restoration on Freedom Hills WMA and returns from Dec. 5-29. In the South and “successional” plant species, those that and Lauderdale WMA. We are also modi- Zone, the late season runs from Nov. 12 to emerge after something disturbs the soil to fying agriculture contracts on many areas Jan. 15. Some of the best hunting occurs create an opening. They don’t do well in that will have a positive impact for quail later in the year. While many birds live thick forests with little undergrowth, but habitat by leaving fallow field borders.” their entire lives in Alabama, others miIn addition, many private property own- grate to the Cotton State as cold weather thrive in some crop fields, as long as they can find edge cover from weeds, grasses, ers also intensively manage their lands to hits. enhance quail habitat. Commercial shootSportsmen can also hunt two other brambles or woody thickets.

Fortunately, the state manages some ing preserves supplement the wild popula- largely ignored game birds - snipe and public lands specifically for quail. Some tion by releasing pen-raised birds on their woodcock. Both look similar with small better wildlife management areas for land. The Alabama wild quail season be- bodies and long bills that they use to probe bobwhites include Barbour, Blue Springs, gan Nov. 7 and continues through Feb. 29, soft mud for invertebrates. Both fly swiftly Freedom Hills, Lauderdale, Mulberry Fork, 2016, but the season for pen-raised birds and erratically, making them extremely on commercial preserves runs from Oct. 1 difficult to hit. In fact, the military term through March 31 annually. “sniper” for an expert marksman originally John N. Felsher is a Besides bobwhite quail, Alabama sportsdescribed someone skilled enough to hit a freelance writer and photographer who men can hunt several other game birds, snipe in flight. lives in Semmes, Ala. not to mention turkeys and waterfowl.

During the winter, many snipe and He co-hosts a weekly While quail populations have declined, woodcock migrate to the Gulf Coast. outdoors show that is syndicated to stations doves number nearly 500 million birds Snipe season runs from Nov. 14 to Feb. in Alabama. For more across North America. These extremely 28. Woodcock season lasts from Dec. 18 on the show, see www.gdomag.com.

Contact him through his website at www. swift and agile fliers can exceed 55 miles until Jan. 31. For more information, see JohnNFelsher.com per hour. With twisting, erratic flight pat- Outdooralabama.com. A 40 DECEMBER 2015

www.alabamaliving.coop

Tables indicate peak fish and game feeding and migration times. Major periods can bracket the peak by an hour before and an hour after. Minor peaks, half-hour before and after. Adjusted for daylight savings time.

a.m. p.m.

Minor Major Minor Major

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

11:31 -01:16 07:46 09:01 10:01 10:46 11:31 07:16 07:46 08:16 08:46 09:31 10:01 10:31 4:01 12:46 03:01 08:01 09:01 10:01 10:46 11:31 -07:31 08:01 08:31 09:16 09:46 10:31 04:31 05:46 07:31 09:01 10:01 10:46 11:31 -07:16 07:46 08:16 08:31 09:01 09:31 03:01 03:31

Alabama Living

04:01 05:01 06:31 03:01 04:16 05:01 05:46 06:31 12:01 12:31 01:01 01:46 02:16 02:46 03:16 11:31 04:46 06:16 04:01 04:46 05:16 05:46 06:16 06:46 12:16 12:46 01:31 02:01 02:46 03:31 11:16 01:16 03:16 04:31 05:16 05:46 06:31 07:01 12:16 12:46 01:16 01:46 02:16 02:31 09:46 10:31

11:01 07:16 01:01 01:46 02:31 03:16 04:01 -12:16 12:46 01:31 02:16 03:16 08:46 10:16 -12:01 12:46 01:31 02:16 03:01 03:46 04:16 12:01 12:46 01:16 02:01 03:01 09:16 11:01 -12:16 01:16 02:16 03:01 03:46 04:31 12:01 12:31 01:16 01:46 02:31 08:31 09:31 11:31 --

06:01 12:16 08:16 09:16 10:01 10:31 11:16 04:46 05:16 06:01 06:31 07:01 07:46 04:16 05:31 07:16 08:01 08:46 09:16 10:01 10:31 11:01 11:31 05:01 05:46 06:31 07:16 08:16 04:01 05:16 06:31 07:46 09:01 09:46 10:31 11:16 11:46 05:16 05:46 06:31 07:01 07:46 03:16 04:01 05:16 06:31

DECEMBER 2015 41

2015 YEAR IN REVIEW: WEC tops in member satisfaction, reliability, safety A large crowd of Wiregrass Electric Cooperative members gathered at the co-op’s headquarters in Hartford on Oct. 15 for an annual membership meeting that included live music, food, prizes and information on WEC’s services and programs.

But the event was more than just a chance to get together and have a little fun. It was an opportunity to celebrate Wiregrass Electric’s overall success as a cooperative, said Chief Executive Officer Les Moreland.

“We have a great story to tell, and it’s not just one thing,” Moreland said. “We’re setting the record in everything we do.”

During the event, Moreland focused on WEC’s continued strength in areas such as reliability, affordability, member satisfaction, financial strength and a dedicated culture of safety for its workers.

He used the April 26 storm in Dothan to highlight the cooperative’s focus on reliability, saying, “The storm hit at about five o’clock on a Saturday afternoon, and 20 minutes later,

42 DECEMBER 2015

about 12,000 of you were out of power.”

In a short period of time, however, more than 50 linemen from all over the state were deployed, working night and day to get the power back on, he said.

“Three hundred and sixty-five days a year, they’re rigged to respond when the power goes out.

But out of 80,860 hours of the year, the average member loses power three hours or less. That’s 99.96 percent of the time that members have the power on,” Moreland explained.

But in spite of the cooperative’s ability to respond at a moment’s notice in rough weather and when wild animals cause outages, Wiregrass Electric still hasn’t seen a rate increase over the last five years, Moreland said.

In fact, the co-op has returned about $7 million in fuel savings to members since 2010, Moreland announced during the event.

Much of that has to do with decreases in WEC’s costs for wholesale power in the form of natural gas and coal. The in-

crease in the supply of natural gas in the U.S. has helped rates stay low, Moreland told members.

“When we save a little money on our power bill, we pass it right onto you. That’s the cooperative difference,” he said.

Reduced power costs and high reliability rates have worked to keep member satisfaction rates strong as well.

Moreland told members that Wiregrass Electric’s last three survey scores were at 90 percent — about 7 percent higher than member satisfaction scores for some of the country’s top electrical cooperatives.

But that’s not good enough for WEC, he said.

“We’re working on how to listen better and how to engage better when you come in the office,” he said. “We’re not going to stop pushing until we get 98 percent member satisfaction.”

The cooperative also posted a strong audit in the previous year, according to an independent audit report by Jackson Thornton, a certified public accounting

firm out of Montgomery.

“We issued a clean, or unqualified opinion on financial statements,” Ed Williamson, with Jackson Thornton, told members. “It’s the highest form of assurance that we can provide on those financial statements. Wiregrass Electric Cooperative is in very good financial condition.”

Moreland continued the good news with a glowing report on WEC’s stellar five-year safety record.

“We are obsessed with safety,” he said. “We train all the time.

We educate all the time. We give them plenty of good safety equipment, rubber gloves, bucket trucks and tools that help keep them safe.”

That information is important to members, not only because they own the cooperative, but because line workers are part of their community, too, Moreland noted.

“We’re not going to ask our people to do anything that’s not safe because we want them to go home every day to their children and their wives,” he said.

www.wiregrass.coop

Live music and shouts of “Bingo!” filled the air during Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s annual meeting on Oct. 15 The annual meeting was an important informational session for members, but it was also a great way for members to get together and learn more about each other.

Hundreds gathered at the Hartford headquarters’ covered awning in the shadow of a giant American flag to listen to live music, eat a little food, win some prizes and meet dozens of WEC employees.

“There’s just something intangible about looking someone in the eye and developing a one-on-one relationship,” Chief Operating Officer Brad Kimbro noted during the event. “I like being able to tell them, ‘Call me if you need anything.’”

Co-op officials decided to hold the big meet-and-greet this year after the success of last year’s 75th anniversary meeting.

“It’s not just about putting a face with a name, even though that helps,” said John Clark Jr., District 3 representative for WEC’s Board of Directors. “It gives people a chance to get to know each other and lets them know we are here to address their concerns.”

Throughout the event, more than 70 prizes were given away, including everything from coolers to gift cards.

The grand prize, a $500 gift certificate, was won by WEC member Pamela Averett, of Dothan.

Members were also treated to a few games of bingo and a country-gospel-bluegrass concert by the Slapout, Alabama-based band, The Kempters. A

Alabama Living

DECEMBER 2015 43

Our Sources Say

Why don’t you like solar?

“W

hy don’t you like solar?” I am often asked that question. Solar power (electricity generated from sunlight) is all the rage, and people want to know why we haven’t joined the party to build solar farms and install solar panels.

I don’t have anything against solar power other than you can only use it when the sun is shining, it costs more than traditional electricity generated from fossil fuels and its cost is subsidized.

I am always surprised by the number of people who don’t understand that electricity can only be stored in very limited cases and that solar power can only be used when the sun shines. That should be a basic premise. Solar power comes from converting sunlight to electricity through a solar panel – therefore, you need sunshine to make electricity.

Why don’t we use batteries to store the electricity until it is needed? We can to a degree, but the cost of bulk storage is very high and would increase your electric bill. Most people don’t want much of that. It is a simple but too often misunderstood concept – if the sun is not shining you don’t get any electricity.

Besides, the sun doesn’t always shine at the times we need electricity most. PowerSouth’s normal annual system peak is between 6:00 and 7:00 on a cold winter morning. At that time, the sun is not up yet so there is no solar power available, and the system peak must be met with fossil fuel generation that will run on demand. It is fine if you like solar, but you should also be willing to pay the fixed costs to maintain fossil fuel generation to keep you warm on cold winter mornings.

You may have heard that solar is now cheaper than the power you buy from your utility. That is right as far as it goes. On average, normal retail electric service costs approximately $130 per 1,000 kilowatt hours, and the normal customer in Alabama uses about 1,200 kilowatt hours of electricity per month. Therefore, your monthly power bill will be about $200 before taxes. Ads for solar power frequently publicize electricity around $100 per 1,000 kilowatt hours. You can do the math – $100 is cheaper than $130.

However, that is only part of the story. The cost you pay for electricity is comprised of many elements. The fixed costs of generation plants, transmission lines, substations, distribution lines, transformers and meters and the variable costs of fuels to run the generators are all bundled into the single retail rate of $130 per 1,000 kilowatt hours.

The cost of solar power does not include any of the fixed costs and is only comparable to the variable cost of fuel to run the generators. PowerSouth’s variable cost of fuel to run its generators averages $36 per 1,000 kilowatt hours. The remainder of your retail bill is to pay the fixed cost to deliver power to you and provide power when it is needed. That math is simple, too – the $36 fuel charge is cheaper than the comparable $100 element for solar power.

Everyone should pay their fair share of the cost of service required to provide them electricity. If you have to be served from a generating plant that will run on demand when the sun is not shining, you should be willing to pay the cost for that plant. Unfortunately, payments are due on the plant every month, and you have to pay your share every month and not just the days you need it. If you don’t, someone else will have to pay your share.

The final thing I don’t like about solar power is that it is subsidized by the federal government with our tax dollars. That is, for every $100 of investment you or a solar provider makes on your behalf, the federal government will issue an income tax credit of $30. Tax subsidies are very big business, and solar providers are making huge profits from installing solar power systems and receiving subsidies from tax dollars you and I pay. We are subsidizing the profits of Solar City for installing uneconomical solar generation, whether we want to or not.

Why don’t I like solar? It is not dependable – it can’t be called on when it is needed. It is not as affordable as a comparable element of fossil-generated electricity by a factor of at least two times and often more. It doesn’t pay its own way, and people who install solar systems are subsidized by other retail customers and by taxpayers. Finally, solar companies are taking advantage of tax subsidies to make huge profits on inefficient generating resources from my federal income taxes. Otherwise, I like solar power.

I hope you have a good month. A

Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative

44 DECEMBER 2015

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DECEMBER 2015 45

RULES: Alabama Living will pay $10 for photos that best match our theme of the month. Photos may also be published on our website at www. alabamaliving.coop and on our Facebook page. Alabama Living is not responsible for lost or damaged photos.

My

Christmas Sweater

Alabama Snapshots

Winnette and K.O. Graves.

SUBMITTED BY Kamie Graves, Warrior.

Emily Hill, Travis Jenkins, and Keith Jenkins. SUBMITTED BY Tammy Jenkins, Danville.

Mark Shadden won an “Ugly Christmas Sweater” contest.

SUBMITTED BY Dennis Shadden, Prattville.

Randi and Taylor Wyatt, Christmas 2004. SUBMITTED BY Beth Wyatt, Marbury.

The White Family. SUBMITTED BY Lynn Parker, Addison.

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