Wec jan15 dm

JANUARY 2015 • POWERING YOUR COMMUNITY

Wiregrass Electric COOPERATIVE

t s r i F y t Safe fety

job sa e h t n o New t WEC a n g i a p cam amily f e h t n o focuses

www.wir

egrass.co

op

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.

VOL. 68 NO. 1 JANUARY 2015

43 Sign up for Youth Tour

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

The application deadline is drawing near for this year’s Montgomery and Washington, D.C. Youth tours and $500 scholarship.

ALABAMA RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

AREA PRESIDENT Fred Braswell

12 You voted!

EDITOR Lenore Vickrey

The votes are in and we’ve got the winners in our latest “Best of Alabama” contest.

Did your favorites make the cut?

MANAGING EDITOR Allison Griffin CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mark Stephenson

ON THE COVER

WEC employee Johnny Hudson and his family were featured in one of several posters for WEC’s new safety campaign.

See Page 6 for more.

24 Comfort food

ART DIRECTOR Michael Cornelison

Don’t go looking for frozen or processed foods at this meat ‘n’ three diner, where fresh ingredients are a staple for its traditional lunches.

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Jacob Johnson ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Brooke Davis RECIPE EDITOR Mary Tyler Spivey ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL OFFICES:

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

When you see this symbol, it means there’s more content online at www.alabamaliving.coop!

Videos, expanded stories and more!

NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE:

r Need help paying foE

National Country Market 611 South Congress Ave., Suite 504 Austin, Texas 78704 1-800-626-1181 www.nationalcountrymarket.com www.alabamaliving.coop USPS 029-920 • ISSN 1047-0311

COLLEG

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Apply for the Electric Cooperative Scholarship!

What:

Who Can Apply:

How to Apply:

WEC’s $1,000 scholarship through the Electric Cooperative Foundation

Any eligible high school senior who is a dependent of a WEC member that is entering an accredited learning institution as a full-time student .

Seniors may receive an application from their high school guidance counselor, at any WEC office or online at www.wiregrass.coop.

DEPARTMENTS 9 24 30 31 34

Spotlight Worth the Drive Outdoors Fish & Game Forecast Cook of the Month

Deadline to receive applications is February 27. This is not a postmark-by date.

Printed in America from American materials

Alabama Living

JANUARY 2015 3

Wiregrass Electric Cooperative

CEO’s Comments

What’s ahead in 2015

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

Nolan Laird District 9

4 JANUARY 2015

Les Moreland, CEO Wiregrass Electric Cooperative

H

appy New Year! I know I’m not alone when I say that the holidays are the greatest time of the year, but it’s good to be on the other side of December and starting a fresh new year as well.

Last year, we celebrated our 75th anniversary, and we spoke to you a lot about where we as a cooperative have been. It was a great way to remind ourselves of our accomplishments, and give thanks to all those who have gotten us to where we are today through hard work and bold vision.

But, we’re not even close to resting. This year is about reaching new heights and taking on new projects for our members. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished, but there’s more to do. You’ll be hearing more about that over the next several months.

A lot of people may think that the world of electricity is pretty static. Some may ask, “You’ve been doing this for the better part of a century, so what can be left to do?”

The answer is plenty. Wiregrass Electric Cooperative has a mission to provide reliable, affordable electricity with the best possible service to its members. We continually look for ways to improve each of these aspects.

And, we constantly face new challenges.

Recently, we completed a campaign to have members sign petition cards for www. action.coop. This website helped funnel over 1.1 million statements from cooperative members across the nation to the EPA regarding its new policies.

The policies, mostly aimed at curbing the use of coal, could greatly affect our ability to provide affordable electricity.

This is a challenge all electric distributors in the nation are facing.

Some challenges are unique to those of us who work in just rural America, however.

Electric cooperatives, by nature, serve large territories with often difficult terrain and not always a lot of meters.

There are nearly 70 of us who work here at WEC. Among us, we cover 1,040 square miles with 3,075 miles of electric line, 48,000 poles and 17,500 transformers. With that system, we bring reliable electric service to 23,500 meters. Also, every penny we spend comes from the purchase of electricity from our members.

If you look at municipal systems, things are quite different. While they have roughly the same number of employees as WEC, the city of Dothan, for example, covers 47.5 square miles with about 600 miles of line to serve 30,250 meters. More meters per square mile allows for costs such as equipment, poles and buildings to be spread out over more customers. This reduces the costs for everyone.

There is also the issue of taxation. WEC members living in certain areas of our service area incur a 3 percent franchise tax, while those living across the street on a municipal system have no such tax.

As a cooperative, we also don’t have the benefit of non-electric revenues such as sales taxes that many municipal systems enjoy.

That said, I am proud to be an at-cost electric cooperative serving our great members.

I believe in the way we do business, and I know you do, too.

I hope all of you have a joyous new year, and that 2015 is your best yet. I know together we will accomplish great things at WEC A.

www.wiregrass.coop

 Your Cooperative Contact Information

Undeliverable capital credit refund checks available for pick up: Find out how to claim yours

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s a cooperative, Wiregrass Electric does not earn profits like private corporations. Instead, WEC is memberowned, and members are entitled to a share of the margins earned through the purchase of electricity. WEC refers to these margins as capital credits or patronage capital, and they reflect each member’s ownership in their electric cooperative.

WEC tracks how much each member pays into their cooperative through the purchase of electricity. Each year, the Board of Trustees examines the cooperative’s financial stability, including the investment needed for wholesale purchased power, power poles, equipment and much more.

Sometimes the cooperative will have a small margin of unspent funds at the end of the fiscal year. The cooperative uses this money to help finance the operations of the cooperative to ensure the cooperative can fulfill its mission of providing reliable, low-cost power. After a set amount of time, WEC will issue a capital credit refund to its members.

To date, WEC has returned more than $5 million in capital credit refunds. Each year, the cooperative does its best to deliver these credits to the member, even if they have since left the

cooperative’s service territory.

When we mailed these checks this year, several were returned as undeliverable.

We have posted the names from all undeliverable checks on our website (www.wiregrass. coop/capital-credits) and at all WEC offices. If you did not receive a capital credit refund this year, please check these sources for your name.

If your name is listed, please call 800-2394602, or come to the Hartford office for instructions on how to claim your check. You will need some documentation in order for you to claim a check: You must provide a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID if you are the member of record.

“Capital credits are a benefit of participating in a not-for-profit cooperative,” says Les Moreland, CEO of WEC. “Here, each member is also an owner, and we answer to our members. Sometimes a power company will answer to a board of directors who live hundreds of miles away. At WEC, we’re accountable to our neighbors. And I believe that’s what makes this cooperative strive to do its best every day for all members of the cooperative.”

If you have any questions, please contact us at 800-239-4602. A

How do I claim capital credits if the member of record is deceased?

In this case, you must provide a death certificate plus one of the following: ▸ Letters of Administration, or ▸ Letters of Testamentary, or ▸ If you do not have item 1 or 2, please provide evidence that you are the legal and authorized representative of the estate.

This information will need to be presented at WEC’s Hartford office, located at 509 N. State Hwy. 167.

Alabama Living

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 Wiregrass Electric Co-op on Twitter (twitter.com/wec2) and on Facebook

Payment Options

BY MAIL Wiregrass Electric Cooperative, Inc. Department 1340, P.O. Box 2153 Birmingham, AL 35287-1340 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 334-677-4705 or Dothan City Sanitation at 334-6153820.

JANUARY 2015 5

Knowing “Why”

Safety at Wiregrass Electric

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mployers typically hold training sessions or issue manuals or updates about safety procedures on the job, but thanks to a powerful new initiative, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative is making safe work practices a matter of the heart as well as the mind.

WEC has been part of and embraced its statewide organization’s slogan of “Every Day, Every Life, 100 Percent Safe” campaign meant to remind employees that safety in the electric world

Misti Dixon is an accountant at WEC. Both indoor and outdoor workers were included in the new safety program.

Zane Fowler and his family took part in creating the new safety program.

6 JANUARY 2015

is literally a matter of life and death.

This year, WEC decided to go a step further, combining the statewide slogan with its own safety initiative called “This is my ‘Why,’” which was introduced before 66 employees at WEC’s bi-annual Employee Day on Nov. 11.

Posters featuring employees posing with their families have been created for prominent display in the workplace.

These illustrate that job safety isn’t just a set of guidelines for employees to follow because someone says they have to, but it’s important for their own well-being and for their loved ones Brad Kimbro, WEC’s chief operating

officer (COO), says the campaign serves as a personal reminder for employees to “slow down as they work,” think processes through and abide by proper safety standards at all times without resorting to shortcuts.

“Each of our employees knows how to be safe,” says Kimbro. “They are the best-trained, most knowledgable employees you’ll find anywhere. What this campaign focuses on is why we do things the way we do. What’s at the heart of our culture of safety: and that’s our loved ones, our families that we go home to.”

The cooperative has a safety committee comprised of about 10 employees

www.wiregrass.coop

Cooperative News

who meet monthly to discuss rules, regulations and safety issues and how they’re being communicated to employees. The group also works to implement safer work practices and listens to employees’ needs, determining what does and doesn’t work in terms of safety and making any needed adjustments.

Recently, the cooperative’s safety committee was tasked with forming a one- and three-year safety improvement plan, and one facet involved launching the new internal safety campaign.

“They have just really stepped up,” Kimbro says of the safety committee members. “They’ve taken the leadership role that we’ve given them … they’ve jumped in and are helping us create and maintain a safety culture that I’m very proud of.

“Our culture here is one of genuine care for employees and their families,” says Kimbro. WEC didn’t want a safety improvement plan designed to merely crack down on employees for noncompliance or having a primary focus of cost savings by reducing insurance or Workers Compensation claims.

Gaining true buy-in from employees was the goal, and Kimbro says he’s proud that it’s being achieved.

“I really could not be more pleased with the safety focus at our cooperative,” he says.

Bethany Retherford is the human resources and compliance manager at WEC and a member of the safety committee. She says the campaign was geared to develop an even safer workplace at the cooperative, noting that WEC has been an accident-free work site since late 2010, representing 467,000 hours its employees worked without a lost-time accident.

“We wanted to remind them why they’re being safe, why they’re taking these precautions,” she says. “We really wanted to focus on the ‘why’ behind that … We’re all about family and community, and that is something that’s important to us.”

Alabama Living

Robbie Daniels is a manager of corporate services at WEC. The new program focuses on the employee’s families and loved ones.

Employees who work primarily out of utility trucks aren’t in the office routinely to see the campaign posters, but they aren’t left out, Retherford says. They have magnetic photo frames to put in their trucks and display family photos as a tangible reminder why they should be ever mindful of safe work practices.

Jason Thrash, WEC’s director of engineering and operations, has been on the cooperative’s safety committee for more than three years. He says the new campaign is having a positive influence on the safety program, and he hopes to be pictured in future posters with his own family.

The campaign posters he’s seen so far have resonated with him both as an employee and on a deeper level.

“The pictures that were taken with employees and their family members — you don’t have to say any words to speak why safety is so important; the pictures speak for themselves,” he says.

Thrash says he wants employees to continue to remember the importance of staying safe. “Workplace safety is everyone’s responsibility,” he says. “When I visit job sites, I wear the hard hat and

safety glasses required for my own safety, but thanks to the new campaign, I also think about all our families.” That helps him keep focused while he looks for potential hazards that need to be addressed to help keep everyone safe.

“This is about all employees working together to ensure we have a safe workplace, to look out for one another,” he says.

Kimbro says he wants cooperative members to know that their electricity is being brought to them by a highly trained, skilled and safety-minded workforce that genuinely has their own safety and the community’s safety in mind at all times.

“We are a professional organization,” he says. “We know what we’re doing, and we’re not going to place anyone in an unsafe condition or position. Many of our employees have dangerous jobs, but because of our safety culture it doesn’t have to be an unsafe or lifethreatening situation.”

This new campaign will continue to grow and evolve as needed, he adds.

“It’s not a one-time thing,” he says.

“It’s something we’re going to live and breathe every day.” A

Britt Caldwell is an apprentice lineman at WEC.

JANUARY 2015 7

Cooperative News

HAS YOUR PHONE NUMBER CHANGED?

Don’t keep us in the dark!

Update your WEC account information today to be entered to win a $100 cash prize!

Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s toll-free Outage Reporting System makes it easy to report an interruption in service.

By calling our automatic reporting system, you are able to report any outage without worrying about busy signals or being placed on hold. In order for the system to work, however, WEC needs your correct contact information.

Without your current phone number, we have no way of contacting you if there is a problem with your account requiring immediate attention. When we send an automated broadcast message with important service information for a particular neighborhood, you will not receive the message. And most importantly, our automated Outage Reporting System will not be able to link your account with your phone number when you call to

report an outage.

We will be unable to track your outage, which could make response times slower. With your home and cell numbers on file, our system will use Caller ID information to immediately identify your account when you call to report an outage.

You’ll be able to verify your information by pressing a few keys and complete your report in a minute or less.

Our system will then use the information from you along with others affected to efficiently track and respond to the outage. See the simple instructions below to update your account information today! Also, when you update your information, you will be automatically entered into a drawing on March 1 for $100! A

Updating your account information is easy:

ONLINE Use the convenient update form on our website at www.wiregrass.coop.

BY PHONE

Connect with our Member Care Team or Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system by calling 1-800-239-4602.

PLEASE HELP YOUR ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE SERVE YOU BETTER. Update your account today.

8 JANUARY 2015

www.wiregrass.coop

Spot Light

In January

JAN. 1

‘Polar Bear’ parties at the beach Prepare to take a frosty dip in the Gulf at the 5K and Family Polar Bear Dip on New Year’s Day at The Hangout in Gulf Shores. The party starts at 11 a.m., with the dip at 12 p.m. Prizes given for dippers in costume by the Kiwanis Club of Gulf Shores, which sponsors the event. Not to be outdone, the Flora-Bama in Orange Beach will have its own Polar Bear Dip beginning at noon. The bar provides the traditional black-eyed peas, cornbread and ham for those who take the plunge. Log on to www.gulfshoreskiwanis.com and www. florabama.com

ALL MONTH

Keep your eyes to the skies for eagles Study the bald eagle, one of our country’s most magnificent symbols, during the Eagle Awareness Weekends at Lake Guntersville State Park. Each weekend in January and February, there will be live bird demonstrations, programs by notable speakers and guided field trips to view eagles in their natural habitat. This marks the 30th anniversary of this family-friendly educational program. For more information, log on to www.alapark.com or call 800-548-4553.

JAN. 30-31 JAN. 1

Remembering a music legend The Hank Williams Museum in downtown Montgomery will be open New Year’s Day on the 62nd anniversary of Williams’ death. The country music icon was just 29 when he died en route to a show in Canton, Ohio. Come out for a wreath laying at Williams’ gravesite in Oakwood Cemetery at 10 a.m.; then head downtown for live music at the museum until 2 p.m. Black-eyed peas will be served; admission is $10 each. The museum is located at 118 Commerce St. Log on to www.thehankwilliamsmuseum. net or call 334-262-3600.

Hear the magic of the spoken word Come listen to some of the country’s top storytellers at the Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival, which kicks off on Friday night with supper and stories at the We Piddle Around Theater in Brundidge, and continues with three storytelling concerts at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Trojan Center Theater on the Troy University campus. The concerts feature preshow music by popular old-time music groups. Admission for supper is $25, and the concerts are $10 each.

For more information, log on to www.piddle.org or call 334-735-3125.

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.

JANUARY 2015 9

Power Pack

Ring in the new year with a COLA Happy new year from Social Security!

Put down the champagne and ring in the new year with a COLA! And we don’t mean the soda. In 2015, nearly 64 million Americans who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase to their monthly benefit payments of 1.7 percent.

The average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker in 2015 is $1,328 (up from $1,306 in 2014). The average monthly Social Security benefit for a disabled worker in 2015 is $1,165 (up from $1,146 in 2014).

For people who receive SSI, the maximum federal payment amount

Letters to the editor

In praise of lard Dear editor, I could not believe it when I picked up my Alabama Living and came across your article on lard. Just a week ago my family was here for Thanksgiving and the granddaughters and I were making biscuits.

First question, “What is that, grandma?”

Well, you know it was lard. Their dad was surprised that lard was still available at the grocers, and thank goodness. I have never mastered piecrust with lard, but a biscuit would not be a biscuit without it.

Thanks for the memory.

Maybe I’ll try piecrust again.

Myrna Monroe Atmore and Orange Beach

Myrna Monroe makes biscuits with granddaughter Madison

Dear editor, I just read the article on lard in Alabama Living (December 2014). I love it and totally agree!

Last January I decided to try the Daniel Plan to change my family’s eating habits. About half way through the 400day plan, I realized this wasn’t exactly the

10 JANUARY 2015

increased to $733 (up from $721 in 2014).

Other Social Security changes in 2015 are also worth noting. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security payroll tax will increase to $118,500 (up from $117,000 in 2014).

A worker will earn one credit toward Social Security coverage after paying taxes on $1,220 in earnings in 2015 (up from $1,200 in 2014). As a reminder, eligibility for retirement benefits still requires 40 credits (usually about 10 years of work).

Information about Medicare changes for 2015 is available at www.medicare.gov.

The Social Security Act outlines how the COLA is calculated. To read more about the COLA, please visit www.

socialsecurity.gov/cola.

To learn more about other changes in 2015, read our fact sheet at www.socialsecurity.gov/news/press/factsheets/colafacts2015.html. A

healthy, natural foods I could live on for the rest of my life. The plan took most of the sugar out of your diet but replaced it with agave and stevia, which is not a natural substitute I could live with.

It also banned all pork. Let’s face it we live in the South and we must at least eat ribs a few times a year. Also, the only oil it recommends is olive oil and grape seed oil. This is fine for some food, but not all. I started searching the internet for a more natural way of life. I came across the blog 100 Days of Real Food.

Bingo! All natural, no processed foods and as much organic as possible. Just the way my grandparents ate. I began the learning process in February and we have not looked back! My only problem is that I cannot find lard. I have searched Tuscaloosa County and Jefferson County.

Where do you purchase your lard?

Thank you so much for this article. I will pass it along to the unbelievers who keep telling me I am not eating healthy.

After all, I have only lost 62 pounds since February. My blood pressure is once again normal. I am not on a diet. I just cut out all processed and unnatural foods in my diet. Oh, and one more thing - I did replace most sugar but not with agave and stevia. I replaced it with 100% maple syrup and local honey.

I also want to mention that I love, love, love (Hardy Jackson’s) book - The Rise and Decline of the Redneck Rivera. It brought back so many good memories.

Hardy Jackson replies: You should be able to find lard at a small town independent grocery that sells other pig-parts or a market where “foodies” shop for natural foods.

Failing with that, you might just have to render some yourself.

Denise Mitchell Northport and Gulf Shores

Kylle’ McKinney, Alabama Social Security Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached in Montgomery at 866-593-0914, ext.

26265, or at kylle. mckinney@ssa.gov.

Dear editor, I a l m o s t d i d n’ t r e a d G a r y Smith’s column on “What are they saying?”(December 2014). (I am) Most fortunate that I did. It’s amazing that most of the people that you quoted are living their lives based on too many Disney cartoons, or the nonsense spouted

by Karl Marx, etc.

Let’s appropriate Mr. Strong’s billions and have him live like most people did back in the 1840s or so and see how he would like living in a log cabin, using an outhouse, growing his own food and traveling by foot or horseback to destinations.

For further reading, check out The Creature from Jekyll Island by G. Edward Griffin.

Sincerely, James Mayton Wetumpka Let us hear from you! Write us at letters@ alabamaliving.coop or through our website, alabamaliving.coop, or on our Facebook page.

www.alabamaliving.coop

Control triggers to reduce asthma episodes Asthma is recognized as one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. The good news is that although there is no cure for asthma, it can be controlled through appropriate medication use and environmental awareness.

Asthma is a long-term, inflammatory disease that causes the airways of the lungs to tighten and constrict, leading to wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing. The inflammation also causes the airways of the lungs to become especially sensitive to a variety of asthma triggers that make asthma worse. The particular triggers and the severity of symptoms can differ for each person with asthma.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that asthma affected 7 million children and 18.7 million adult Americans in 2010. According to the 2011 National Vital Statistics report, there were 3,388 primary asthma deaths in the United States in 2009. This is equal to nine American asthma deaths daily. One out of every ten school-age children has asthma, and it is the leading cause of school absenteeism due to a chronic condition.

Asthma typically begins during the childhood years, but it can be difficult to diagnose. I know because it has affected

my own family. We learned that one of my sons had exercise-induced asthma only when he passed out at school after running a mile.

Beginning with that experience, he started carrying an inhaler and is now an adult doing fine. Remember that children cannot always control their own environment, and may need you to advocate for them.

When people come in contact with an asthma trigger, it can cause a sudden worsening of symptoms. The American Lung Association has made the following suggestions to help reduce environmental asthma triggers for children and adults.

Do your best to avoid respiratory and sinus infections; get a flu vaccine every year.

Discuss any medicines or food allergies (such as peanuts and shellfish) you may have with your health care provider.

Control sources of indoor air pollutants; avoid all types of smoke.

Limit time outdoors during high pollen times of the year (spring and fall) and in extreme temperatures (summer and winter).

Control animal allergens; vacuum and damp dust weekly and keep pets out of bedrooms.

If prescribed, use quick-relief medicine

15-30 minutes before physical activity and monitor air quality if exercising outside.

Control cockroach and pest allergens; reduce exposure to dust mites.

Choose fragrance-free perfumes, deodorants, and cleaning supplies.

Clean up mold and control moisture.

Finally, stress can be a significant trigger of asthma flare-ups. Emotions such as laughing or crying too hard, feeling anxious, angry, fearful, and yelling can trigger an asthma episode. Your health care provider can help you recognize what makes your asthma worse and help you find solutions. A

Jim McVay, Dr.P.A., is director of the Bureau of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease of the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Down memory lane with Pages from the past Skiers still head to Cloudmont in north Alabama In the January 1985 pages of Alabama Living, Alabama’s only ski resort, Cloudmont, was featured. Today, 30 years later, the resort remains, as its slogan proclaims, “the southeastern most ski resort in the U.S.” Cloudmont, located atop Lookout Mountain in Mentone, was described as the perfect place for a snow skiing vacation close to home. “Even if you’ve never been on skis before, a few hours of expert guidance from one of the instructors is all it takes,” the article stated.

Alabama Living

Since 1985, the resort has expanded to include two 1,000-foot, beginner-intermediate slopes and two lifts that take skiers to the top of the slopes with an elevation of 1,800 feet and a vertical rise of 150 feet. The snow machine starts cranking up when temperatures drop to 28 degrees or colder, according to its website, cloudmont.com. The resort also now includes Saddle Rock Golf Course and Shady Grove Dude Ranch.

The resort is open daily during ski season from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on weekends

and holidays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., daily, weather permitting.

Check ski c ond it i ons on the website at www. cloudmont.com JANUARY 2015 11

By Allison Griffin

You voted, and the winners are…

Here at Alabama Living, we’re always looking for ways to highlight some of the places, people and products that make Alabama great.

We’re continuing our “Best of Alabama” contest for the second year, and included a questionnaire last summer to get your opinions.

We wanted to go beyond “best product” or “best state park.” Instead, we asked you for the best advice for a newcomer moving to Alabama; for the best place to get married; for the best random roadside attraction; and for the best thing about living in Alabama, among others.

Thank you to the hundreds of you who responded. Read on to see if you agree with the winners!

Advice for a newbie: Pick a team!

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t’s no surprise when we asked the question, “What’s the best advice for a newcomer moving to Alabama,” the majority of responses were football-related.

Of course, it might be due to the timeframe -- we asked readers to respond to our “Best of Alabama” poll during the football months -- but we think the outcome wouldn’t change.

What we did find interesting: Out of just more than 250 online responses, 31 were “pick a team,” “pick Auburn or Alabama,” or some variation. So at least 12 percent of you were thoughtful enough to offer an answer that didn’t favor either team.

But get this: 13 responses were “Roll Tide” or some University of Alabama variation. Auburn, however, received no votes at all.

Troy University’s Trojans garnered one vote. Now, the Alabama fans on our staff might interpret this to mean that the majority of our readers pull for the Tide. But we’re definitely not that scientific!

College football did top our “best advice” question, but we received all kinds of responses to this open-ended question, some of them very humorous. The second-highest vote getter was our crazy Alabama weather, coming in with 39 various responses.

12 JANUARY 2015

Among our other favorite responses: “Don’t EVER put up your summer clothes.”

“Learn to say ‘y’all.’ We are hospitable and Southern to the core -- embrace it!”

“Be sure to try sweet tea.”

“Don’t expect ‘fast.’ Life is slower.”

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Do not try to change us.”

“Don’t ever say, ‘That’s how we do it up north.’”

“Smile and wave. It’s the Southern way. Don’t be alarmed.”

“It is OK when people are extra friendly here.”

This response sums it up for us: “Alabama has evStatue of Bo Jackson standing erything. Enjoy!”

outside Jordan Hare Stadium.

PHOTO BY ALLISON GRIFFIN

www.alabamaliving.coop

Clockwise from bottom, Priscilla, Joy, Elisabeth, Hannah, Caroline and Jonathan Doggett take a selfie at The Hangout in Gulf Shores.

PHOTO BY MICHELLE ROLLS-THOMAS

Best advice for a newcomer moving to Alabama: Pick a football team Best city/town with unique or funny name: Slapout

More formally known as Holtville, the casual nickname for this small Elmore County community near Lake Jordan got its name from, according to lore, a general store that existed there around the 1920s.

The store would occasionally be “slap out” of goods, and when asked, the storekeeper would say, “I’m slap out.” Just last year, the town got an unexpected boost of publicity thanks to native Jessica Meuse, who made it to the finals of season 13 of the Fox show “American Idol.”

Runners up: Burnt Corn in Monroe County, and Lick Skillet, near Hazel Green in Madison County

Best all-time athlete, past or present: Bo Jackson

The former Auburn University standout and multi-talented athlete from the 1980s won this category by a large margin. Born in Bessemer, he led Auburn to the Sugar Bowl and qualified for the U.S. Olympic track and field team; he started his MLB career in 1986 with the Kansas City Royals, and later played for the Chicago White Sox and California Angels.

He signed with the NFL’s L.A. Raiders in 1987 a n d played f o u r years of pro football before he was sidelined by injury in 1991.

Runners up: Joe Namath, quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide and the NFL and AFL; and Jesse Owens, four-time Olympic gold medalist from Oakville.

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Best location in Alabama for a selfie: Beaches

Check out our cover shot for an illustration of this cell phone phenomenon, shot at The Hangout in Gulf Shores.

Runners up: Vulcan in Birmingham, Cheaha State Park in Clay and Cleburne counties

Best Alabama export: Cotton

The state’s largest row crop has strong roots in Alabama’s economic development history. The search for land to grow it brought the state’s first settlers to Alabama’s river valleys; its production created two dominant labor systems (slavery and sharecropping.) Although it is no longer a “king” of Alabama’s agriculture, the state’s farmers planted nearly 460,000 acres of cotton in 2011, according to the Alabama Farmers Federation, and the crop is grown in 59 of Alabama’s 67 counties.

Runners up: automotive products, peanuts

Best movie about Alabama: “Sweet Home Alabama”

The 2002 hit romantic comedy starred Reese Witherspoon and Josh Lucas (both Southerners in real life, but not Alabamians) and was filmed primarily in the South (but not in Alabama.) Critics praised Witherspoon’s charm, and the movie eventually grossed more than $120 million at the box office, but it wasn’t universally admired: Critics also panned its preposterous story line and lack of true comedy.

Runners up: “Forrest Gump,” “To Kill a Mockingbird”

Best statue or historical marker in Alabama: Vulcan

Watching over Birmingham is Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, an appropriate symbol of the city’s iron origins. At 56 feet tall, it’s the world’s largest cast iron statue, according to its website, and was designed by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti and cast from local iron in 1904. An educational park complex helps interpret Alabama’s industrial history for visitors and residents alike.

Runner up: Boll Weevil Monument, Enterprise

Best place to get married: The beach (including responses of Gulf Shores, Orange Best place to go on a first date: The beach

A caveat here: You gave us nearly 100 different responses to this open-ended question. And you’ll see Alabama’s beaches show up in several other categories, so be prepared for some repetition. But the sugar white sands and famed restaurants along Alabama’s Gulf Coast are undeniably attractive, so it’s easy to see why they garnered so many votes for this question.

Runners up: an Auburn or Alabama football game, the Fairhope pier

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Beach and “the beach”) Again, winning with 30 percent of the vote, are Alabama’s beaches. Baldwin County was also the choice for the state’s newest “it” couple, former Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron and model Katherine Webb: They were engaged at a restaurant in Gulf Shores, their rehearsal dinner was held at the FloraBama Yacht club, and the couple married at an Orange Beach church in July.

Runner up: Gorham’s Bluff, near Pisgah in Jackson County, northeast Alabama

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Best place to get muddy or play in the mud: Boggs and Boulders, Andalusia

This off-road adventure park and campground is set on more than 1,000 acres in the little town of Brooklyn south of Andalusia. The park features a spring-fed pool, caves and lakes and dry dirt trails, according to its website.

Runner up: Stony Lonesome OHV Park in Cullman

Best annual event: Iron Bowl

Best place to retire: Beaches

Probably not a surprise that the beaches scored well in this category: Alabama as a whole offers several advantages for retirees, including a low overall cost of living (even the more expensive beach towns, when compared to pricier areas like Hilton Head and Boca Raton, compare favorably), a warm climate, top-quality golf and assisted living and nursing homes that cost significantly less when compared to the national averages.

Runners up: Fairhope in Baldwin County (in above photo), lake areas

Best outdoor annual festival: Shrimp Festival, Gulf Shores

Held on the second weekend of October, the free Shrimp Festival draws an estimated 250,000 visitors and features more than 300 vendors. A sand sculpture contest, 10K/5K run and an “American Idol”-style singing contest for young people are all featured events, but the focus is, of course, on the shrimp and seafood, and chefs challenge each other to create the festival’s best dish.

Runner up: National Peanut Festival, Dothan Alabama Living

Few contests inspire the heated passions of the annual Alabama/Auburn game, played for many years at Birmingham’s Legion Field (hence the name, a nod to Birmingham’s industrial history.) Now the game alternates between campuses, and is considered to be one of the most heated collegiate rivalries in the country. The first meeting of the two teams was in 1893.

Runner up: Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, the World’s Longest Yard Sale along Alabama Highway 127

Best outdoor adventure destination: Gulf Shores

Again, the beaches win, with fishing, parasailing, hot air balloon rides, scuba diving and dolphin cruises. Several outfitters and vendors in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores stand ready to take you on your next adventure.

Runner up: Little River Canyon, which has rappelling and rock climbing excursions, canoe and kayak rentals and hiking trails.

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Best cook-off event: Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook-offs

Local chapters of the AWF host annual wild game cook-offs all over the state, giving backyard chefs a chance to show off their culinary skills using wild game in three divisions: fish, fowl and wild game. Winners at the local level move on to the state finals, held at Lanark Pavilion in Millbrook. Some past winning dishes: Grilled Dove Breast, Smoked Venison with Cajun Wild Rice, and Flounder Stuffed with Shrimp and Crab.

Best Alabama-grown produce: Peaches

The sweet summer fruits were an easy winner in this category. Peaches are Alabama’s leading commercial fruit, and the state ranks 18th in peach production in the U.S., according to statistics from the USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service. In 2012, growers produced 7 million pounds of peaches, according to the Alabama Farmers Federation. Most are produced in Chilton County.

Runner up: tomatoes

Best seasoning, sauce or condiment made in Alabama: Dale’s

Its bottle proclaims that it is “delicious on all meats, fish, fowl and vegetables,” and obviously you agreed. Dale’s Seasoning was first bottled in Birmingham in 1946, according to the company’s website, as the house marinade for the steaks at Dale’s Cellar Restaurant. As the popularity of the seasoning grew, the family-owned operation began to bottle and sell it, first at local outlets and then to bigger chains. The recipe is top secret, unknown even by the employees at the Brundidge bottling plant.

Runner up: Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q sauces and rubs 16 JANUARY 2015

Best Alabama dish to serve out-of-town guests: Shrimp and grits

We’re not sure that Alabama can lay claim to this popular dish -- it may have originated in the Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina -- but its popularity is undeniable. Virtually every Southern chef seems to offer his or her own spin on it, from upscale eateries to down-home fish camps.

Runners up: Barbecue (including all types of barbecued meats and restaurants), fried green tomatoes

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Best place to take a Sunday drive: Northeast Alabama

Counting together the responses for Little River Canyon, Lookout Mountain, Mentone and “northeast Alabama” put this scenic area over the top. Of course, even the most picturesque car trip needs a stop for legstretching and picnicking, so if you decide to take that Sunday drive, check out the Little River Canyon National Preserve, which features the 45-foot Little River Falls; not far away is DeSoto State Park, which features several of its own beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails.

Runner up: Bankhead National Forest, in Lawrence and Winston counties in northwest Alabama

Best thing about living in Alabama: The people

This one wasn’t hard to predict. But we were impressed with the diversity of answers: everything from the mild weather to the state’s natural beauty to a slower pace of life all received votes. Of course, it wouldn’t be Alabama without college football showing up a close second. (And a shout-out to the vote received for Alabama Living!)

Best random roadside attraction: Peach Park, Clanton

This area is known by several names, judging from your responses: “the big peach,” “Peach Park,” “Peach Tower” and, curiously, “the big orange in Clanton.”

Whatever you call it, Clanton’s big peach, just off Interstate 65 at exit 212, is a highly visible landmark: It towers 120 feet above the ground and holds 500,000 gallons of water, according to RoadsideAmerica.com.

Runners up: Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman, Huntsville Space and Rocket Center

Best Alabama-made product to send home with out-oftowners: Pecans

This category was a little more difficult to tally, because some responses were generic (“socks” versus “Zkano organic cotton socks,” which are made in Fort Payne.) But the tasty nuts, grown in Alabama since the early 1900s, won by a small margin. Alabama ranks about sixth nationally in pecan production.

Runners up: Conecuh sausage, peanuts JANUARY 2015 17

Best non-chain breakfast place: Waysider Restaurant in Tuscaloosa

Boasting a breakfast like grandma used to make, patrons come craving the made-fromscratch biscuits topped with red-eye gravy and other breakfast fare. Opened on Feb. 8, 1951, this out-of-the-way eatery is painted red and features plenty of Alabama football memorabilia on the walls -- and you may even see a coach or player or two.

Runner up: Busy Bee Cafe, Cullman

Best historic cemetery: Magnolia Cemetery, Mobile

This historic city of the dead, shaded here and there by old oak trees, was established in 1836 on 36 acres of land in what was then outside the city limits; today, it’s in the heart of historic Mobile and contains 80,000 grave sites.

Adjoining Magnolia is a national cemetery containing the graves of more than 6,000 veterans and the cemeteries of Mobile’s two Jewish congregations.

Runners up: Coon Dog Cemetery in Colbert County in northwest Alabama (featured in the October 2013 Alabama Living), and Oakwood Cemetery in Montgomery (where country music icon Hank Williams is buried)

Best article, feature, photo or helpful tip you read in Alabama Living in the past 12 months: Recipes

We’re well aware of the popularity of our reader-submitted recipes each month, but we were a little surprised to see them win by such a large margin -- more than three-to-one over the next closest answer. But we’re glad to see that you also enjoy our monthly “Worth the Drive” features by Jennifer Kornegay, and “Around Alabama,” which lists events and festivals.

We’re planning a similar reader opinion contest for 2015, so let us know any suggestions for categories you’d like to see! Contact us at agriffin@ areapower.com.

Orange Beach resident is contest prize winner Miranda Dodgen of Orange Beach wasn’t sure how she and been a member of Baldwin EMC since 2012. was going to pull off getting Christmas gifts for friends and Not surprisingly, many of her answers reflected her love of family last month. That is, until she got the call Alabama’s Gulf Coast. “I’ve been going to the from Alabama Living that her name was drawn beach all my life with my family,” she said. “ I as the winner from all the entries in our “Best was taught how to catch blue crabs in the surf at of Alabama” contest. a young age by my mother. It has been a favorite “You have made my day!” she exclaimed after pastime of mine ever since. One night we netted being told the news that she’d won the $500 cash 52 crabs and had a crab feast!” prize. “Thank you so very much!”

At her job at the Michael Kors store at the Miranda was one of several hundred Alabama Tanger Outlet in Foley, Miranda is able to share Living readers who entered the contest, voting on her enthusiasm for the state’s beaches: “I have Miranda Dodgen categories from best place to take a selfie to best the opportunity to meet people from all over the place to get married in Alabama. “I think I’ve world on vacation on Alabama’s Gulf Coast!” told every single person I’ve encountered about this!” Miranda A graduate of Troy University, she enjoys touring Alabama’s said. “It has really made my Christmas.” historic homes and learning about Alabama’s history. – Lenore Miranda, who grew up in Ozark, has lived in Orange Beach Vickrey

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Alabama Department of Archives and History is the oldest state-funded archival agency in the country.

PHOTO BY MARILYN JONES

Alabama Trivia:

One interesting fact after another

By Marilyn Jones

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hat do Jan. 4 and Mardi Gras have in common? Well, Jan. 4 is National Trivia Day, and the first Mardi Gras in America was held in Mobile starting in 1703.

That’s 15 years before New Orleans was founded and a bit of trivia Alabamians might like to know.

That’s the fun of trivia: Interesting little factoids important to some, but not always readily known by many.

sources needed to make steel. It is also the largest supplier of cast-iron and steel pipe products. In fact, Birmingham was established in 1871 at the anticipated intersection of the North & South and Alabama & Chattanooga railroads. Nearby mineral deposits of iron ore, limestone and coal made Birmingham a natural location for iron smelting.

Alabama’s famous sons and Industry and innovation daughters Just about everyone knows AlaIn 1902 Dr. Luther Leonidas Hill bama workers built the first rocket performed the first open heart surto put humans on the moon and gery in the Western Hemisphere by that Huntsville is known as the suturing a stab wound in a young rocket capital of the world, but did boy’s heart. The surgery occurred in you know the world’s first electric W.C. Handy’s home in Florence. Montgomery. streetcar system was introduced in W.C. Handy, the “father of the PHOTO COURTESY ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM Montgomery in 1886 and ran down blues,” was born in a log cabin, now Dexter Avenue? restored with a museum nearby, in Florence in 1873.

And Alabama is the only state with all the major natural reBaseball legends Hank Aaron and Willie Mays and famed 20 JANUARY 2015

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boxer Joe Louis were born in Alabama.

Tallulah Bankhead, star of stage, screen and radio during the 1930s-1950s, was born in Huntsville in 1902, and singer and entertainer Nat “King” Cole was born in Montgomery in 1919.

Actress Kate Jackson, author and actress Fannie Flagg, and Oscar-winning actress Louise Fletcher all hail from Birmingham, as did Betty Lou Gerson, a voice actress who brought Cruella de Vil to life in Disney’s “101 Dalmatians.”

Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer is from Montgomery, and actor Channing Tatum is from Cullman.

The author of Forrest Gump, Winston Groom, grew up in Mobile.

national wildlife refuges and two national monuments: Little River Canyon National Preserve and Russell Cave National Monument.

The Confederate flag, the “Stars and Bars,” was designed and first flown in Alabama in 1861. The Alabama state flag was authorized in 1895.

State stats Alabama became the 22nd state on Dec. 14, 1819. It is 30th in size at 52,423 square miles.

Montgomery was the birthplace of the Confederate States of America and its first capital. The capital was moved from Montgomery to Richmond, Virginia, on May 24, 1861.

Share your knowledge Alabama is a state of interesting people, places and events. Thousands of little known facts are just waiting to be discovered.

What unusual piece of trivia can you share with readers? Send your trivia to agriffin@areapower.com for possible inclusion in a future issue of Alabama Living. A

Mt. Cheaha is the state’s highest point above sea level.

Museum facts and finds The Alabama Department of Archives and History is the oldest state-funded archival agency in the nation. The agency was organized in 1901 and housed in the capital building until 1940 when it moved across the street to the War Memorial Building.

Adolf Hitler’s typewriter survived from his mountain retreat and is exhibited at the Hall of History in Bessemer.

Geography At 2,405 feet, Cheaha Mountain is Alabama’s highest point above sea level.

Alabama’s geographic center is located in Chilton, a community located 12 miles southwest of Clanton.

The state has four national forests, 10

Alabama’s state flag is a crimson cross of St. Andrew on a field of white.

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Alabama Living

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Worth the Drive

Southern Comfort: Traditional favorites made with the freshest ingredients

By Jennifer Kornegay

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hat’s in a name? At Southern Comfort in Hope Hull, of him, too. Soft shreds of yard bird come off the bones clean, a lot. The moniker is a spot-on description of what and the pepper and vinegar punch of the mayo-based condiment you’ll find inside: Southern food, including Alabama- (one of our state’s most famous claims to barbecue fame) amplistyle barbecue, and comfort, from the delicious preparations of fies the subtle flavor of the smoke-soaked meat. the dishes you grew up with to the friendly service.

Other standouts include fried chicken (Tripp believes they’ve Walk past the pig logo on the front door and a sincere “Wel- got some of the best anywhere), country-fried steak, fried okra, come home!” from one or more of the wait staff greets you be- collard greens and pulled pork, which you can dress with one fore you’re quickly seated. Drinks come out fast, and if you know of several homemade barbecue sauces. The one dubbed “spicy” what you want, an attentive server will take your order in a jiffy. packs a hint of heat that plays perfectly with the sweetness. The But this is no time to rush, because while you’ll probably rec- Dirty Fries (crispy potato slivers smothered in gravy and cheese ognize everything on the menu, this is not your average meat ’n sauce) are a necessary indulgence. And Tripp’s twist on beanie three lunch place. Southwienies will spark childern Comfort’s owner hood memories.

Tripp Mauldin is a clasTripp is also using his sically trained chef. The barbecued meats in some Montgomer y native refreshing ways, adding graduated from Johnson them to classics from re& Wales University’s culigions even farther south nary school in Colorado than central Alabama. and cooked in San FranTry the barbecue Cuban cisco and Napa Valley, sandwich or the barbeCalif., before returning cue chicken quesadilla. home and opening the And since no self-rerestaurant in early Nospecting Southern lunch vember 2014. would be complete with Don’t worry. That out dessert, Tripp whips doesn’t mean he’s messup several sweet treats ing around and “fancying A tender smoked chicken quarter is drizzled with a tangy white sauce. for his guests. The baPHOTOS BY JENNIFER KORNEGAY up” your favorites; his nana pudding is everybackground mainly influences his ingredient choices. “I wanted thing you’d expect but presented with a little extra flair, nestled to do Southern staples, but I wanted to do them with the best, in a mini-Mason jar under a cloud of real whipped cream. freshest ingredients,” he said. “And to make everything from In keeping with the Southern traditions the restaurant is honscratch, here in-house.” oring with its food, Southern Comfort is a family effort; Tripp’s There are no frozen or processed foods lurking in the kitchen parents are co-owners, and his mom Morning is usually there at Southern Comfort. Sauces and dressings don’t come from a with him, serving her son’s dishes with a smile. bottle. The barbecue is smoked in the pit out back. And you can Next time you’re in need of some home cooking and the taste this attention to detail on every plate. warm fuzzy feelings that come with it, grab a table at Southern Tripp is especially proud of his barbecue, and after a few bites Comfort. You’ll be fulfilled (and filled) by the familiar dishes ofof his smoked chicken quarter with white sauce, you’ll be proud fered and elated by Tripp’s expert execution of them. A

Jennifer Kornegay travels to an out-of-the way restaurant destination in Alabama every month.

She may be reached for comment at j_kornegay@ charter.net. Check out more of Jennifer’s food writing, recipes and recommendations on her blog, Chew on This at www.jenniferkornegay.com.

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For a closer look at Southern Comfort, go to alabamaliving. coop and click on “videos”

Hope Hull

Southern Comfort 210 Wasden Road, Hope Hull, AL 334-280-0012

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Alabama Living

JANUARY 2015 25

Energy efficiency and the ‘tiny house movement’

By Thomas Kirk

A “tiny house movement” has gained national attention as some individuals are looking for extreme ways to save energy and be more efficient. But what are the factors that determine how much energy a home consumes?

PHOTO BY BONEYARD STUDIOS

A

“tiny house movement” has gained attention nationally as a reaction to the increased construction of larger homes.

Popularized by the documentary “Tiny,” a television show, and other media coverage, these homes typically measure less than 1,000 square feet – a far cry from the typical American home.

In 1973, the average U.S. home measured 1,660 square feet.

Since then, U.S. homes have grown by over 60 percent to reach an average size of 2,598 square feet in 2013 – despite a slight dip in 2008 through 2010.

But do smaller homes actually use less energy? What are the factors that determine how much energy a house consumes?

As the size of homes increases, so do the energy demands on it. There’s additional space to be heated or cooled, more lighting is required, and it’s likely that the number of appliances will increase as well. Examining only a home’s size will show a strong positive correlation between the square footage of a home and its energy consumption.

To look at an extreme case, homes that measure over 6,400 square feet (the top 1 percent of homes) use two and a half times as much electricity as home sized at 1,600 square feet; but this isn’t the whole story. Other factors such as the age of the home, climate, income and behavior influence energy consumption as well. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data shows that homes built after the year 2000 use only 2 percent more energy than homes built before 2000 even though the newer homes are on average 30 percent larger and contain more electronic appliances.

There are several reasons for this equilibrium in energy use despite the greater building size. First, homes are becoming more energy efficient. They are lit with CFLs and LEDs instead of in-

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candescents and use more efficient appliances. For example, an older refrigerator can use about twice as much energy as a newer model of similar capacity.

Second, homes are being built with more energy-efficient features. This includes better building shells, modern windows and more insulation. Larger homes in particular are more likely to include these types of energy-saving features. These changes are due not just to technological advances but policy changes that tightened building codes and raised the minimum energy efficiency standards for appliances. Programs such as EnergyStar have helped to educate consumers about the efficiency and costsavings of their products.

Lastly, more Americans are moving south to more moderate climates. This means that less energy is used on space heating, and although the southern migration has resulted in a 56 percent increase in energy used for air conditioning, it’s not enough to offset the space heating reduction.

What this ultimately means is that the amount of energy a home uses is not pre-determined by its size. While moving into a tiny home may not be practical or possible -- they are often not allowed under current zoning regulations and only make up around 1 percent of homes – realize both large homes and small homes have the potential to be efficient or inefficient.

Rather than moving into a tiny home to save energy, consider looking into energy-efficient retrofits and contact your electric cooperative for ways to save. A Thomas Kirk is a technical research analyst specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy for the Cooperative Research Network (CRN), a service of the Arlington, Va.-based National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

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Alabama Living

JANUARY 2015 27

Alabama Gardens

A garden of reading delights to wile away the winter

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anuary may not be the best month for gardening outside, but it is a great time to curl up with some good gardening reads.

If you need a little garden inspiration flavored with humor, introspection and soulfulness, check out a newly released collection of columns and essays produced

by GreenPrints, “The Weeder’s Digest.”

GreenPrints is a quarterly print and ejournal that took root 25 years ago when its founder, Pat Stone, left a job as a garden editor at Mother Earth News and, along with his wife Becky and a small but dedicated staff, launched GreenPrints as a little black-and-white magazine that focused on the human, not the how-to, side of gardening.

Since then, GreenPrints has published stories showcasing the heart, soul and art of gardening, earned the adoration of many subscribers and won two Best Small Garden Magazine in America awards.

It just published its 100th issue filled with stories from the likes of Mark Twain, fantasy writer Garth Nix and other less famous but exceptionally gifted writers.

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

Contact her at katielamarjackson@ gmail.com.

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Their stories about Barbie flower fairies, hummingbirds in hand, duck-invaded gardens and many other topics are a delight and the illustrations are as beautiful as the words. To get a copy, go to www. greenprints.com or call 800-569-0602.

If you’re in the mood for more literary reading, get a copy of Working the Dirt: An Anthology of Southern Poets, a collection of poems about gardening and farming edited by Alabama poet, freelance writer and educator Jennifer Horne. This lovely book actually came out in 2003 but it remains one of my go-to favorites, especially when I crave a moment of reflection or want to be inspired in my own writing and gardening. It’s available in paperback online or at local bookstores.

And if you want to turn your reading time into learning time, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System has information on all things gardening, most of which is available (often at no charge) through its county offices or at www.aces. edu.

A new ACES book that is only available on iBooks at the moment is also fabulous. Gardening in the South uses Master Gardener training and university research to provide detailed information, tips and tricks on successful Southern gardening, all enhanced with great illustrations and videos as well as quizzes at the end of each chapter. Search for it in the iTunes store.

If you want to fill your calendar with reasons to celebrate gardening and the

January Gardening Tips  Make a year-long list of monthly

yard and garden projects to tackle.

 Clean up limbs, leaves and other trash from the garden and yard.

 Plant dormant trees and shrubs,

roses and spring-flowering bulbs.

 Sow seeds for early spring vegetables.

 Keep newly planted landscape plants watered.

 Attend gardening workshops, short courses and events.

 Look for more winter deals on

gardening and outdoor equipment.

 Test your soil.  Keep windows and houseplants clean.

 Feed the birds.  Plant a kitchen herb garden. great outdoors, check out the National Day Calendar website at http:// nationaldaycalendar.com/.

Here you’ll find monthly lists of national and international celebrations, from the traditional to the quirky, such as National Weed Appreciation Day (March 28), National Water a Flower Day (May 30) and National Johnny Appleseed Day (Sept.

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Around Alabama JANUARY Decatur, One Woman Quilt Show and Sale. A one-woman quilt show by award winning quilter Annette Woods Byrd will be on display at the Decatur Public Library beginning January 2. Fourteen quilts of varying sizes, colors, styles and themes will be on display until the end of the month and will be available for purchase. Quilts will be on display during the Library’s regularly scheduled hours: Mon.-Wed. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thur. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 9 a.m.-5p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.-5 p.m. www.decatur.lib.al.us.

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Theodore, Winter Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens. This year’s topics will focus on Bellingrath Gardens and Home, gardening, local history and nature. Gardens admission for non-members unless otherwise : $12.50 for adults and $7.00 for children ages 5-12. Call 251-973-2217 ext.110 for reservations.

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Mobile, Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms Conference at the Mobile Convention Center. The 24th annual Southern SAWG conference is for serious organic and sustainable producers, farm to school participants, urban farmers or those interested in creating more vibrant community food systems. Schedule available at www.ssawg.org.

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Evergreen, Conecuh County Relay for Life Kick-off Concert at the Reid State Technical College Auditorium. Featuring Chris Golden (formerly of the Oak Ridge Boys), Highway Home, the Gospel Melodies and Paul Tillman. It’s a night of bluegrass music, family-friendly country and gospel music. All tickets are general admission with a minimum donation of $10. Contact: Sharon Salter, 256-654-8783 or Terri Nobles, 251-327-8431.

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Foley, Gold Coast Coin and Currency Show at the Foley Civic Center. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. The show will have two categories: youth ages up to 17 and adults ages 18 and up. Visit www. foleycoinshows.com for additional information.

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Muscle Shoals, The Shoals Flea Market at the North Alabama State Fair Grounds every third weekend of the month. Open Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The indoor/outdoor market features crafters, antiques, collectibles, boutique apparel and more. For information, email shoalsfleamarket@aol.com or visit www.theshoalsfleamarket.com.

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Greenville, Frozen Foot 5K at Confederate Park. The course is a scenic route through downtown Greenville and offers both runners and walkers a challenge to start the morning. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. with the race beginning promptly at 9 a.m. $20 Breast Cancer Awareness Registration, $25 Preregistration fee, $30 Late registration (18 and under save $5).

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Dothan, Gala Art Auction and Exhibit. 188 North Park, Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. Admission is $10. Call for information: 334-792-5001.

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Elba, Songs and Scenes from Broadway Classics. Elba High School, 7 p.m.

Ten star-struck performers arrive in the Big Apple looking for their big break on Broadway with their new-found book, “How to Succeed on Broadway.”

Popular scenes and songs from Broadway include: “Legally Blonde,”“Mary Poppins,”“Mama Mia,”“Evita,”“Hello Dolly,” and more. Advanced tickets: $25 adults, $20 students; at the door: $30 adults, $23 students. For information, call 334-4062787 or visit www.CoffeeCountyArtsAlliance.com.

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Opelika, The State Symphony Orchestra of Mexico at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m. Returning for its first American tour since 2008, The State Symphony Orchestra of Mexico plays an all-Spanish program including Manuel De Falla’s shimmering masterwork for piano and orchestra, “Nights in the Gardens of Spain.” Visit www.eastalabamaarts.org for more information.

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Montgomery, Judge Frank M. Johnson and the Law, Montgomery, 1961: The World the Freedom Riders Stepped Into. The Frank M. Johnson Building, 2 p.m. Join historian Jack Bass, Judge Myron H. Thompson, and attorney Peter Canfield and find out how Dr. Martin Luther King and Johnson gave “true meaning to the word justice.” Information: www.freedomridesmuseum.org.

31

Gulf Shores, Glow in the Park Run. Each participant will be given everything they need to glow: glow bracelet and necklace, LED finger lights, glow paints, and a race t-shirt that glows under blacklight. There will even be volunteers throwing neon powder and spraying UV glow water. Race day packet pick up and registration is 3 p.m.-5 p.m. with the race beginning at 5:45 and an after party from 6-9 p.m. For information and registration visit www.glowintheparkrun.com/gulf-shores2015.

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

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JANUARY 2015 29

Alabama Outdoors

New year, new waters!

Try fishing new lakes for the adventure of it this year

By John N. Felsher

A

lthough old familiar waters run do professionals quickly master new wa- tips and photos about their favorite lakes. deep with memories, many an- ters and consistently catch fish under all With a click of a mouse, anglers can glers love to fish new lakes, if for conditions? Before ever launching a boat, also view internet maps and detailed nothing else than a change of scenery. professional anglers develop a game plan. satellite photos for no cost. Viewers can “If somebody fishes every weekend Developing a game plan begins with frequently zero in on a particular shoreat the same spot with the same bait, it research. Talk to guides or anglers who line or cove to find channels, tributaries, gets old,” remarks Gary Klein, a profes- fish the chosen area regularly. Call local hidden backwaters and other places that sional bass angler. “Force yourself to try bait and tackle shops. Talk to the state might hold fish. Satellite photos might new lures and new techniques. even reveal deep holes, humps, It’s fun to do something different. sandbars and underwater strucIt’s adventure. Go, learn and push ture. Some websites even give GPS yourself. You’ll become a better coordinates for selected points. fisherman.”

Using this technology, anglers can With so many good lakes and eliminate marginal waters to avoid rivers all across Alabama, anglers wasting time. don’t need to travel 3,000 miles to “Anyone can eliminate 90 pervisit an entirely different habitat cent of the water before they ever type. From any point in the state, get to the lake by knowing seaanglers can find new adventures sonal patterns and weather conafter just a short drive in any direcditions,” explains Denny Brauer, a tion. From the cold, clear trout waformer Bassmaster Classic chamters of the Sipsey Fork below Lake pion. “That means a good fishLewis Smith to the massive delta erman needs to search only 10 David Bruce of Ranger, Ga., shows off a catfish he caught while percent of the water to find that estuary near Mobile, anglers find fishing on the Alabama River at Selma. many diverse habitats and species magic one percent that fish are all across Alabama. utilizing. Then, that angler needs Professional anglers like Klein might biologist for that area. The Alabama De- only to figure out how to catch them in fish a tournament in a steaming brackish partment of Conservation and Natural that one percent of the water.” tidal delta one day, a deep glacial lake a Resources publishes good information Of course, internet browsing cannot week later and a rocky desert impound- about fishing across the state at www.out- match time spent on the water. On a large ment or swift, rain-swollen river following dooralabama.com. lake, anglers cannot possibly learn everythat. Even anglers who fish the same wa“I try to gather enough information thing they need to know in a short time. ters every weekend for years can’t possibly from local sources to know what the fish- Pick a cove, creek channel or shoreline learn everything about an area, so how ing is like,” recommends Ken Cook, a for- and study it. Remain in that area and remer Bassmaster Classic champion. “At this sist the temptation to fish all over the lake.

John N. Felsher is point, I’m not interested in where to fish. I Technology and a good plan can help a freelance writer just want to know what the fishery is like. anglers find likely spots, but can’t make and photographer I want to know what to expect.” who now lives in fish bite. Find out what the locals use or Semmes, Ala. He To update an old telephone book slo- start with proven, time-tested lures and co-hosts a weekly gan, “Let your mouse do the crawling.” tactics that worked elsewhere under simioutdoors show that is syndicated to stations The internet provides an almost inex- lar conditions. Try to mimic the size or in Alabama. For more haustible source of information. Anglers color of dominant natural forage in that on the show, log on to www.gdomag.com. can find articles from local newspapers, lake at that time of year.

Contact him through sporting magazines and other websites.

“Keep in mind what fish should be dohis website at www.

JohnNFelsher.com Many guides regularly post information, ing at that time, depending upon the sea30 JANUARY 2015

www.alabamaliving.coop

son,” Brauer advises. “Water temperature dictates which baits are most productive.

Once anglers start getting bites, they can usually establish a pattern.”

People wishing to explore an unfamiliar lake might book a day with a licensed charter captain. By hiring a guide, anglers avoid a lot of guesswork. Good captains keep up with fish movements and activity for their areas. Most captains provide the proper baits and equipment. Some captains even provide food and refreshments or clean the catch.

Paying a guide for a day of fishing costs money, but anglers who only fish a few

Jimmy Mason, a bass pro from Rogersville, shows off two smallmouth bass he caught on an Alabama rig while fishing at Pickwick Lake near Florence.

PHOTOS BY JOHN N. FELSHER

Alabama Living

times a year may actually save cash by hiring a captain instead of buying a boat.

While a boat sits idle, owners must still make note and insurance payments, not to mention perform maintenance and repairs. Before fishing, boat owners buy fuel, bait, ice and other items. Add up all those expenses and anglers might buy three or four charter trips a year and still save money.

Before fishing any waters, set a simple goal – just to have fun! If nothing else, a little change of scenery occasionally can’t hurt. Enjoy yourself on the water this year. A

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

JAN. 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

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

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

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

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

FEB.

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

06:01 06:31 06:46 12:16 12:46 01:16 01:46 02:01 09:01 09:31 10:01 11:01 03:46 04:16 05:01 05:31 06:01 06:31 12:31 01:01 01:46 08:31 09:01 09:31 10:16 11:31 04:31 04:46

04:16 05:01 12:16 12:46 01:16 01:46 08:01 08:46 09:46 11:46 --12:31 02:01 03:01 04:01 05:01 12:01 12:46 01:31 08:16 09:16 10:46 ---01:16 02:31

11:16 11:46 05:31 06:01 06:46 07:16 02:16 02:46 03:46 04:46 06:01 07:31 08:46 09:31 10:16 11:01 11:46 05:46 06:31 07:16 02:16 03:01 04:01 05:16 06:46 08:01 09:01 09:46

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

JANUARY 2015 31

Alabama Literature

ALABAMA BOOKSHELF Each month, we offer a summary of recent books about Alabama people, people with Alabama ties, and/or written by Alabama authors. Let us know about any books you’ve read recently that meet those criteria by emailing us at bookshelf@alabamaliving.coop.

Tinsley Harrison, M.D.: Teacher of Medicine, by James A. Pittman Jr., M.D.; NewSouth Books, January 2015; $45 Tinsley Harrison – a physician, teacher, researcher and writer – is one of the most important medical figures of the 20th century.

He edited the first five editions of Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, considered an essential medical text; he also served as the dean of three different medical schools, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Author Pittman studied with Harrison and spent six years interviewing him at the end of his life.

Martin Luther King Jr., Heroism and African-American Literature, by Trudier Harris; University of Alabama Press, November 2014; $49.95 This book is a study of how the character and persona of King, one of the most revered figures in American history, is captured and reflected in works of African-American literature. King has been one of the strongest influences upon the creative world of generations of writers of varying political and social persuasions.

The Historian Behind the History: Conversations with Southern Historians, edited by Megan L. Bever and Scott A. Suarez; University of Alabama Press, December 2014; $49.95 This collection of interviews with leading Southern historians, conducted over the course of a decade, will be of interest primarily to graduate students and professors. But the themes covered in the interviews – antebellum and African-American history, Reconstruction, civil rights, the Depression, the New Deal and Jim Crow culture, among them – may interest an audience beyond academia.

The A.G. Gaston Motel in Birmingham: A Civil Rights Landmark, by Marie A. Sutton; The History Press, November 2014; $19.99 Traveling in the South in the 1950s could be difficult for AfricanAmericans, as many hotels and restaurants didn’t open their door to minorities. But in Birmingham, black entrepreneur A.G. Gaston created a first-class motel and lounge that became a symbol of pride for the community. This book chronicles its history as a headquarters for the civil rights movement and a place of rest for famous entertainers and activists.

32 JANUARY 2015

Alabama Living

JANUARY 2015 33

Soups Alabama Recipes

Cook of the month: Carissa Pittman, Age 12, Joe Wheeler EMC Harvest Delight Soup 2 pounds carrots 7 cups vegetable stock 1/4 cup powdered milk (use powder only; do not add water) 2 large potatoes

1 11/4 1/2 1 1/2

cup green beans cups corn cup celery tablespoon cornstarch teaspoon pepper Dash of thyme

Cut the green beans and celery. Peel and slice the carrots, and peel the potatoes. Cut the potatoes into about 3/4-inch pieces. Steam the carrots and potatoes. Prepare the vegetable stock. When carrots are finished steaming, put them on a cutting board. With a fork, mash the carrots well. In a blender, blend the mashed carrots until smooth. Pour the mashed carrots into a pot. Add the vegetable stock and stir. Stir the milk powder and cornstarch into the soup. Add the green beans, corn, celery, and potatoes. Add the pepper and thyme; mix well. Place the soup on the stove on medium heat until thoroughly heated. Ladle soup into bowls and serve. Garnish with whole wheat Club Crackers if desired.

Chicken and Dumplings 3 3-4 1 3 1

quarts of water large chicken breasts tablespoon salt chicken bouillon cubes can cream of chicken

1 large can evaporated milk 1/2 stick of butter 12 large flour tortillas torn into pieces (some small and some big pieces)

Boil chicken until done and tender. Take chicken out of water; let cool and shred chicken. Put last four ingredients into water and bring to a boil. Put pieces of tortillas into boiling water, stirring often, careful to not let stick. Add shredded chicken. Add water for thinner soup or more tortillas for thicker soup. If you let it sit, it will be better.

Donna Gilliam, Tombigbee EC Happy 2015! Did you make a new year’s resolution? I try to come up with something easy every year so hopefully I don’t end up doing it only for a month or so. This year I hope to limit the amount of time I spend looking at my phone/tablet at the end of the day. It’s always fun to keep up with social media, the news and emails, but I know I spend too much time on those things and I want to spend more of that time with my family. I hope you enjoy these soup and chili recipes. Thank you to our cooks who share their special recipes for us to share with our readers. Submit your recipes online at alabamaliving.coop and check us out on Facebook for updates throughout the month.

Mary Tyler Spivey is a graduate of Huntingdon College where she studied history and French but she also has a passion for great food.

Contact her at recipes@alabamaliving.coop.

34 JANUARY 2015

You could win $50!

Upcoming recipe themes and deadlines are: March April May

Peanut butter Cookies Mom’s Best Dish

Submit

January 15 February 15 March 15

online at alabamaliving.coop email to recipes@alabamaliving.coop mail to: Recipes, P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124

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.

Want to see recipes, feature stories, and other Alabama happenings during the month? LIke Alabama Living on facebook and don’t miss anything!

www.alabamaliving.coop

Black-Eyed Pea Gumbo 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped 5 stalks celery, chopped 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup brown rice 4 15 oz. cans black-eyed peas with liquid

1 10 oz. can diced tomatoes and green chilies 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes 1 pound sausage, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, and cook the onion, pepper, and celery until tender. Pour in the chicken broth, and mix in rice, black-eyed peas with liquid, diced tomatoes and green chilies, diced tomatoes, sausage and garlic.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes, or until rice is tender. Add water if soup is too thick.

Easy Peasy Cheesy Potato Soup 4 cups diced peeled potatoes 1 cup diced onion 1 cup diced celery (optional)

1 can cream of chicken soup 1 can of water or milk 1 can green peas (drained) 1/2 pound Velveeta cheese

Cover potatoes and onions with water and boil until tender.

Add remaining ingredients and mix. For thicker soup, dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch to 1/4 cup water or milk and add to soup mixture. Enjoy with cornbread or corn chips!

Mary F. Haga, Arab EC

Cynthia Rodgers, Southern Pine EC

Chicken Corn Chowder 1 tablespoon butter 1 8-oz. package sliced mushrooms 1 medium onion, chopped 2 14.5-oz. cans chicken broth (99 percent fat free) 1 16-oz. package frozen shoepeg corn or a can of shoepeg corn 2 cups cooked chicken breasts (or rotisserie chicken from the store) 1 10.75-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup orzo (found in pasta section) or use instant rice Several fresh rosemary leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 tablespoon sugar or sugar substitute 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 cup milk 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch

Melt butter in a large dutch oven over medium heat; add mushrooms and onion, sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Add chicken broth and all other ingredients except milk and flour.

Simmer 10 minutes or until orzo is tender. Stir together milk and flour (or cornstarch) in a small bowl until well blended.

Gradually stir into chowder and simmer 5 minutes.

Earnestine Pace, North Alabama EC

Shrimp Bisque 1 can cream of mushroom soup 2 cans cream of potato soup 1 can whole kernel corn, drained 1 pint half and half

4 oz. cream cheese 1 pound shrimp 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon red pepper Tony Chachere’s seasoning salt, to taste Scallions as desired

Put all ingredients in a crockpot and cook on low for four hours.

Terasa Driggers, Joe Wheeler EMC

8 Can Taco Soup 1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 15 oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed 1 14.5 oz. can petite diced tomatoes 1 15.25 oz. can sweet corn, drained

1 12.5 oz. can white chicken breast, drained* 1 10.75 oz. can cream of chicken soup 1 10 oz. can green enchilada sauce 1 14 oz. can chicken broth 1 packet taco seasoning

* I use shredded rotisserie chicken for a meatier soup.

Mix all ingredients together in a large pot. Simmer for about 30 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips. Garnish with sour cream, cheese, cilantro or red onions.

Dotty Thomas, Baldwin EMC Alabama Living

JANUARY 2015 35

Cobbler recipe wins crockpot contest

K

endra Lausman started using crockpots years ago when she was working full-time and raising four teenagers. Now retired, she still likes coming up with creative crockpot recipes, though she’s had to downsize the amount of food she makes.

Lausman, who lives in Montgomery, won $500 in the “Crockin’ It! with Alabama Living” contest at the Alabama National Fair in October. Lausman’s Berry Delicious Crockpot Cobbler took the top honors in the field of 24 dishes, judged by a panel that included several Alabama Living staffers.

Lausman says she has at least 300 cookbooks at home, and over the years each one has grown to include her handwritten notes and ideas. “I just keep experimenting until I get the taste I want.”

She didn’t expect to win, and was genuinely surprised when her name was called as the winner. “Everything that could go wrong did,” she says. But the judges like the creativity of her recipe, and the flavors of the berries meshed well with the cookie dough, which made up the dough part of the cobbler.

Recipes were required to include at least one Alabama product.

The magazine also sponsored “Alabama’s Best Cake” competition, which drew nine entries. Olivia Belle’s Southern Pecan Pie Cheesecake, made by Gretchen Loftin of Prattville, won first place and $125. We hope to continue our partnership with the Alabama National Fair in the coming years and will continue to share the winning recipes. – Allison Griffin

Crockin’ It with Alabama Living winning recipes Berry Delicious Crock Pot Cobbler Kendra Lausman, Montgomery First place 21 oz. strawberry pie filling 12 oz. frozen blackberries 12 oz. frozen raspberries 21 oz. blueberry pie filling 1/4 cup V8 Fusion strawberry/banana juice 1 tablespoon strawberry extract 1/4 cup Alaga Yellow Label syrup 1/2 cup cornstarch 1 16-ounce package Pillsbury sugar cookie dough Butter-flavored cooking spray Optional: fresh berries and powdered sugar for topping Spray butter-flavored cooking spray into large crockpot.

Add strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. Add pie fillings, V8 juice, strawberry extract, Alaga syrup and cornstarch. Mix well. Place sugar cookie dough over the top evenly. Cook on low for 5-6 hours until berries are thick and the topping is crispy. When cool enough to serve, garnish with fresh berries and powdered sugar.

Can also serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

36 JANUARY 2015

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL CORNELISON

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama’s Best Cake

Crockpot Chocolate Raspberry Mason Jar Brownies Nicole Penn, Montgomery Second place 1/2 cup butter, sliced 2 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate 2 eggs, beaten 2/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup Alaga Yellow Label syrup 1/3 cup + 6 tablespoons seedless raspberry jam 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup all purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 6 half-pint Mason jars Non-stick cooking spray Garnish: Fresh raspberries, whipped cream, finely chopped walnuts Melt butter and chocolate together in a saucepan on low. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, 1/3 cup of jam, vanilla and eggs.

Add flour and baking powder, combining well. Divide batter among sprayed jars and add 1 teaspoon each of the remaining jam to tops of each jar. Cover each jar with foil and place in slow cooker. Pour enough water into the slow cooker until it comes about halfway up the jars. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or until a toothpick comes out clean. Serve warm with whipping cream and fresh raspberries.

Alabama Living

Olivia Belle’s Southern pecan pie cheesecake Gretchen Loftin, Prattville First place Glenda Yarbrough, director of the fair’s Creative Living Center, congratulates the winning cooks, from left, Kendra Lausman, Nicole Penn and Dennis Itson.

Cream cheese, Havarti and corn fiesta dip Dennis Itson, Montgomery Third place

32 oz. cream cheese, softened 2 cans Rotel tomatoes 4 cans whole kernel corn, drained 8 oz. Havarti cheese 11/2 stick butter 1/2 cup Barber’s milk Golden Flake tortilla chips In a crockpot add cream cheese, Rotel, Havarti cheese, butter and corn. Start the pot on low until the key ingredients melt.

Mix well, then turn on high to thicken right before serving. Add milk to taste and if it seems to thicken too quickly. Dip with Golden Flake tortilla chips.

Crust: 13/4 cup vanilla wafers, crushed 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup melted butter Pie filling: 1 cup sugar 2/3 cup light corn syrup 1/3 cup melted butter 2 eggs, beaten 11/2 cups chopped pecans 1 teaspoon pure vanilla Cheesecake: 24 ounces cream cheese, softened 11/4 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons plain flour 4 eggs, beaten 2/3 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon pure vanilla Garnish: Caramel Toasted pecans Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For the crust, combine wafers and brown sugar. Add butter, using a fork to blend. Press into a 10-inch spring cake pan, pushing crust mixture up sides of pan. Place on baking sheet and bake for 6 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool. Turn oven down to 325 degrees. To make the pie filling, combine those ingredients above in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then turn down to simmer, stirring constantly for 8-10 minutes to thicken. Pour into crust. To make the cheesecake, slowly mix cream cheese till creamy. Add sugar and blend. Add eggs one at a time blending after each. Add flour and blend.

Stir in heavy cream and vanilla, then pour on top of pie mixture. Bake for one hour on 325 degrees and do not open the oven. Turn off oven, leaving cake in for an additional hour.

Remove from oven and let cool completely. Place in fridge overnight. Remove from pan. Drizzle with caramel and sprinkle with toasted pecans.

JANUARY 2015 37

Market Place Miscellaneous

How To Place a Line Ad in Marketplace

Closing Deadlines (in our office:

March 2015 – January 25 April 2015 – February 25 May 2015 – March 25

ORANGE BEACH CONDO, 3BR/3BA; 2,000 SQ.FT.; beautifully decorated; gorgeous waterfront view; boat slips available; great rates - Owner rented (251)604-5226

APPALACHIAN TRAIL – CABINS BY THE TRAIL IN the Georgia Mountains – 3000’ above sea level, snowy winters, cool summers, inexpensive rates – (800)284-6866, www.bloodmountain.com

FINANCIAL HELP LINES FOR AL FAMILIES BANKRUPTCY ADVICE FOR FREE - (877) 933-1139 MORTGAGE RELIEF HELP LINE - (888) 216-4173 STUDENT LOAN RELIEF LINE - (888) 694-8235 DEBT RELIEF NON-PROFIT LINE - (888) 779-4272 Numbers provided by - www.careconnectusa.org A Public Benefit Organization

CABINS – BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST - $75 / Night Up – (205)913-1164 or highergroundcabins3@gmail.com

PIGEON FORGE 4 BEDROOM HOUSE – VRBO RENTAL 556992 – (256)717-8694, (256)717-9112

METAL ROOFING $1.79/LINFT – FACTORY DIRECT! 1st quality, 40yr Warranty, Energy Star rated. (price subject to change) - (706) 226-2739

WEISS LAKE, CENTRE, AL – BAY SPRINGS COUNTRY INN & CAMPGROUND – Great place for vacation, reunions, meetings, retreats and birthday parties. Many amenities included. Check us out at www.bayspringscountryinn.com, (256)927-3618.

18X21 CARPORT $695 INSTALLED – OTHER SIZES available - (706) 226-2739

WALL BEDS OF ALABAMA / SOLID WOOD & LOG FURNITURE / HANDCRAFTED AMISH CASKETS $1,599 / ALABAMA MATTRESS OUTLET – SHOWROOM Collinsville, AL – Custom Built / Factory Direct - (256)490-4025, www. andyswallbeds.com, www.alabamamattressoutlet. com AERMOTOR WATER PUMPING WINDMILLS – WINDMILL PARTS – DECORATIVE WINDMILLS – CUSTOM BUILT WINDMILL TOWERS - CALL Windpower (256)638-4399 or (256)638-2352 KEEP POND WATER CLEAN AND FISH HEALTHY with our aeration systems and pond supplies.

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Windpower (256)638-4399, (256)899-3850 FREE BOOKS / DVDS – SOON GOVERNMENT WILL enforce the “Mark” of the beast as church and state unite! Let Bible reveal. The Bible Says, POB 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771 – thebiblesaystruth@yahoo. com, (888)211-1715 USED PORTABLE SAWMILLS – BUY / SELL. CALL Sawmill Exchange (800)459-2148 or 713-sawmill.

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Vacation Rentals GULF SHORES RENTAL– GREAT RATES! (256)4904025, (256)523-5154 OR WWW. gulfshoresrentals.us TOURIST CABINS FOR RENT BY OWNER - (865) 712-7633. Year Round Specials GULF SHORES COTTAGE – WATERFRONT, 2 / 1, pet friendly – Rates and Calendar online http:// www.vrbo.com/152418 GULF SHORES PLANTATION - GULF VIEW, BEACH side, 2 bedrooms / 2 baths, no smoking / no pets.

Owner rates (205)339-3850

GATLINBURG – DOWNTOWN LUXURY CREEKSIDE CONDO – 2BR / 2BA, sleeps 6 – aubie12@ centurytel.net, (256)599-5552

PIGEON FORGE, TN: 2BR/2BA, HOT TUB, AIR hockey, fireplace, swimming pool, creek – (251)3631973, www.mylittlebitofheaven.com GATLINBURG TOWNHOUSE ON BASKINS CREEK! GREAT RATES! 4BR/3BA, short walk downtown attractions! (205)333-9585, hhideaway401@aol. com PANAMA CITY BEACH CONDO – OWNER RENTAL – 2BR / 2BA, wireless internet, just remodeled inside and outside – (334)790-0000, jamesrny0703@comcast.net, www.theroneycondo. com GATLINBURG, TN – FOND MEMORIES START HERE in our chalet – Great vacation area for all seasons – Two queen beds, full kitchen, 1 bath, Jacuzzi, deck with grill – 3 Night Special - Call (866)316-3255, Look for us on FACEBOOK / billshideaway WWW.HIDEAWAYPROP.COM – CABINS, PIGEON FORGE, TN: Peaceful, convenient location, owner rates – (251)649-3344, (251)649-4049 HELEN GA CABIN FOR RENT – SLEEPS 2-6, 2.5 baths, fireplace, Jacuzzi, washer/dryer – (251)9482918, www.homeaway.com/101769, email jmccracken@gulftel.com DISNEY – 15 MIN: 5BR / 3BA, PRIVATE POOL – WWW.ORLANDOVACATIONOASIS.COM, (251)504-5756 PIGEON FORGE, TN – 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH HOUSE – Walking distance to parkway, light# 1 - $85.00 / night – (256)309-7873, (256)590-8758 GULF SHORES GULF FRONT – 1BR / 1BA, Seacrest Condo – WiFi, King Bed, Hall Bunks, pictures and rates vrbo# 435534 – amariewisener@ gmail.com, (256)352-5721 BEAUTIFUL PANAMA CITY BEACH CONDO – SLEEPS 6 COMFORTABLY, MANY AMENITIES onsite – Joy (256)878-0211 CABIN IN MENTONE – 2/2, BROW VIEW, HOTTUB – FOR RENT $100 / NIGHT OR SALE $199,000 – (706)767-0177 GULF SHORES PLANTATION CONDOS – BEACHVIEW SLEEPS 6, BEACHFRONT SLEEPS 4 – (251)223-9248

FT. WALTON BEACH HOUSE – 3BR / 2BA – BEST buy at the Beach – (205)566-0892, mailady96@ yahoo.com MENTONE, AL – LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN – BILLIARD table, Jacuzzi, spacious home, sleeps 14 – www. duskdowningheights.com, (850)766-5042, (850)661-0678.

Real Estate Sales 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

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

Musical Notes PLAY GOSPEL SONGS BY EAR - 10 LESSONS $12.95. “LEARN GOSPEL MUSIC”. Chording, runs, fills - $12.95 Both $24. Davidsons, 6727AR Metcalf, Shawnee Missions, Kansas 66204 – (913)262-4982 PIANOS TUNED, REPAIRED, REFINISHED. BOX 171, Coy, AL 36435. 334-337-4503

Education WWW.2HOMESCHOOL.ORG – OPEN YEAR Round K-12 enrollment. Contact Dr. Cerny (256)653-2593 BECOME AN ORDAINED MINISTER correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info.

Ministers for Christ Outreach, 7558 West Thunderbird Road, Ste. 1 - #114, Peoria, Arizona 85381. http://www.ordination.org 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

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.

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Mail ad submission along with a check or money order made payable to ALABAMA LIVING, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124 – Attn: Classifieds.

38 JANUARY 2015

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Alabama Living

JANUARY 2015 39

Send your questions to: James Dulley

Consumer Wise

Alabama Living 6906 Royalgreen Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45244

You can also reach Dulley online at: www.dulley.com

New touch-control faucets save water and energy

Q:

My kitchen faucet has a very slow drip and the finish is worn. I want to replace it with one that is attractive and convenient to use. I often wash dishes by hand, so what is the most efficient design to purchase?

the water via the handle, the water flow can be controlled with the wave or touch of a hand. By not having to adjust the handle each time, water is not wasted by readjusting the temperature.

This provides significant water and energy savings – particularly when rinsing during food preparation and when washing dishes by hand. For most people, using a standard faucet conMost people think of a kitchen faucet as just a simple sumes more water and energy when washing dishes by hand than valve to turn water on or off and to set the water tem- when running a properly loaded efficient dishwasher. With the perature. But the proper selection of a kitchen faucet touch-control feature, careful hand washing can be more efficient has a significant impact on water and energy savings, not to men- than the dishwasher. tion convenience, health and kitchen decor.

Another advantage of this feature is the faucet handle is touched

You should never ignore a dripping faucet, even if it less often with dirty hands, so the attractive finish lasts longer. seems to be leaking cold water. The leak Also, with all the health concerns today may actually be coming from the hot waabout diseases from cross contamination ter side, but it feels cold by the time it gets of foods, touching the handle less is a real to the faucet and drips out. Even a slow plus. Very few people wash the handle each leak from the hot water line can add up to time they have touched it. substantial energy costs over time. Keep in Of the two no-hands technologies, I use mind, heating water is the greatest home the type that senses touch from your body energy consumer following general home (hand, forearm, elbow, etc.). It detects the heating and cooling. slight electrical change from your touch to Although you will not see it directly on open or close a special valve. For example, your electric bill, using cold water conwhen I am rinsing dishes, I can hold several plates in each hand and just tap anysumes energy too. It requires a great deal A pull-down sprayer with a pause button of energy to purify, pump and treat. allows you to conveniently stop the water flow where on the faucet fixture with my elbow Two primary factors affecting water for savings. to start the water flow and stop it when and energy efficiency of a kitchen fauPHOTO COURTESY OF MOEN they are rinsed. cet are the maximum flow rate and the The other technology has a proximity convenience of controlling the flow and temperature. For many sensor on the top and in the front of the faucet neck. Waving a years, two-handle (hot and cold) controls were popular. Today, hand over the top sensor triggers the solenoid. This does require one-handle kitchen faucets are almost always used. In addition to one free hand. The sensor on the front of the neck senses hands defining your style and decor, the size and shape of the faucet may when they are in a typical hand-washing position. impact your overall water consumption.

Tall spouts with a pull-down sprayer are convenient to use and The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a listing for also result in savings. They provide a professional look, which is plumbing products, similar in concept to EnergyStar for appli- popular in today’s kitchens. Depending upon the under-cabinet ances, called WaterSense. To qualify for a WaterSense label, the clearance, select the tallest one you can. Some are as tall as one faucet must be 20 percent more efficient than standard products in foot. You will appreciate the height when you have to rinse a large a category. The industry standard is 2.2 gpm (gallons per minute) platter or fill a large pot. maximum water flow rate. Look for the WaterSense label.

The pull-down sprayer increases the functionality of the faucet.

The most recent, convenient and efficient feature for kitchen If you use the sprayer feature option often, select one with a pause faucets is the touch-control feature. Without having to turn off button. This allows you to stop the flow temporarily when moving utensils or rinsing various foods without having to wave over or touch the fixture.

The following companies offer efficient kitchen faucets: American Standard, 800-442-1902, www.americanstandard-us.com; Delta Faucet, 800-345-3358, www.deltafaucet.com; Kohler, 800James Dulley 456-4537, www.kohler.com; Moen, 800-289-6636, www.moen. is a nationally syndicated engineering consultant com; and Pfister, 800-732-8238, www.pfisterfaucets.com. A based in Cincinnati.

A:

40 JANUARY 2015

www.alabamaliving.coop

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Alabama Living

JANUARY 2015 41

Keep safe!

Never conceal a transformer box Not all power lines are on poles above the ground. Over the years, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative has installed more and more underground services. In fact, these are now the norm in newer developments.

Underground utilities are more resistant to outages due to storm and wind events, and they eliminate overhead wires from a neighborhood that may not want them for aesthetic reasons.

However, these underground systems are not completely invisible. Access to electric transformer equipment must be above ground.

Sometimes, when homeowners look at buying property that includes the metal, often green-painted box containing underground transformer components, they might say to themselves, “Oh, we’ll just plant something around that to disguise it.”

“We understand the reasons many of our members elect to do this, but really, it is not a wise thing to do.,” says Jason Thrash, director of engineering and operations at WEC. “Your cooperative needs to be able to access that box, and safely. A lot of people may not consider the damage even a simple plant can cause to that equipment.”

Thrash offers some advice to homeowners whose properties include underground transformers: »» First, if you are going to plant flowers or other vegetation around a transformer box, don’t dig before calling Alabama’s Call Before You Dig service by dialing 811 and requesting underground line loca tion services. »» Never store anything on top of the transformer box, like bricks or potted plants. »» Line workers do carry maps with locations of these units, but keep in mind that heavy foliage around a transformer box could slow line workers’ ability to fix an outage 42 JANUARY 2015

because it could make the box harder to spot from the street, especially at night or in a storm. »» Trees should not be planted near transformer boxes, ever. Their root systems could interfere with the underground electrical equipment, causing outages. »» Transformer boxes are on a five year inspection cycle and also receive periodic maintenance, so having foliage around the boxes could make these tasks more dif ficult for WEC servicemen, especially if bees are swarming around flowering plants. »» Also avoid building a picket fence or other barrier around the box as part of your landscaping efforts.

“Overall,” says Thrash, “try to accept a transformer box as a part of your living space and avoid efforts to camouflage it. That helps to ensure the safety of our employees and the folks in the community.”

Thrash also reminds homeowners that WEC does have the right to completely remove any fencing to maintain service for members and make needed repairs. “It’s not something we like to do, but we have a responsibility to maintain WEC’s electrical system.”

Also, never try to open a transformer box for any reason and promptly report to the co-op office any problems observed, such as damage, presence of smoke, oil or a missing lock. You can reach WEC at 800-239-4602. A

Where’s the transformer? WEC encourages homeowners not to camouflage electrical equipment.

Bushes can keep workers from seeing the transformer during a storm or an outage.

Fences delay the repair of outages.

While they may not be sightly to most homeowners, these boxes are an essential part of WEC’s distribution system. Plants, fences and other decorations can not only damage equipment, but can be unsafe and hinder WEC employees from doing their job. WEC requests that transformer boxes be left alone.

www.wiregrass.coop

THE 2015 ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

YOUTH TOUR

Y

Are you a junior in high school?

How about a FREE trip to

WHAT IS YOUTH TOUR?

HOW ARE THE PARTICIPANTS SELECTED?

The Rural Electric Youth Tour is a group of more than 1,600 high school students who visit Washington, D.C., every June from all over America. They come because their electric cooperatives think education is important — both education about electric cooperatives and education about America.

Those interested in participating are required to complete an application and return it by Jan. 15. All entires will be reviewed for eligibility and up to ten top applicants will be selected to participate in the Montgomery portion of Youth Tour in March and receive a $500 scholarship. Following the Montgomery tour, participants will be asked to come to the office of Wiregrass Electric Cooperative to be interviewed by an independent panel of judges. Two top candidates will be selected to represent WEC in the Washington, D.C., portion of Youth Tour in June and receive an additional $500 scholarship.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE? High school juniors who have one parent or guardian that is a member and receives electric service from Wiregrass Electric Cooperative are eligible to participate in the competition. Primary counties served by WEC include Houston and Geneva counties and portions of Covington, Coffee and Dale counties.

Y

Washington D.C. plus a scholarship?

WHEN IS YOUTH TOUR? The Montgomery Youth Tour is held each March and the Washington Youth Tour will be in June, 2015.

GOALS OF THE TOUR ARE TO PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR OUTSTANDING YOUNG PEOPLE TO: ✓✓ increase their understanding of the value of rural electrification ✓✓ become more familiar with the historical and political environment of the nation’s capital through visits to monuments, government buildings and cooperative organizations ✓✓ visit elected officials to increase their knowledge of how the federal government works

Y

Deadline for entry is Jan. 15, 2015!

Y

Deanna Albritton at 334-944-7414

EMAIL

wec@wiregrass.coop

Y

For information and application: Call

CLICK

www.wiregrass.coop facebook.com/wiregrasselectric To be eligible, at least one parent or legal guardian must be a member of Wiregrass Electric Cooperative.

Alabama Living

JANUARY 2015 43

Our Sources Say

Horse Trader

G

rowing up in a rural area in the 1960s, Horse Trader was one of the best reputations a person could have.

By the time I came along, Horse Traders didn’t trade horses any longer, but they had good business instincts and were accomplished at trading, buying or selling many things.

Horse Traders were good businessmen, understood the value of different things, had a great sense of human nature and knew how to structure a favorable deal. Horse Traders knew what was happening in their communities – what was needed and what was surplus. Horse Traders were both respected and feared. They were sought to help with deals and avoided when they were on the other side. You always wanted to know whose side a Horse Trader was on.

Horse Traders were rarely out traded because they knew exactly what they wanted from a deal and knew what people on the other side could and would give. Horse Traders lived by their wits, abilities and hard work. They rarely lost a trade and never gave one away, because they were trading out of their own pockets.

Just a few weeks agoLast November, U.S. President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced an agreement, described by the White House as historic, to limit carbon dioxide emissions. China, the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide, pledged to reach peak global carbon dioxide emissions and to reduce its reliance on non-fossil based fuels to 20 percent of its total energy by 2030. The U.S. agreed to start now and by 2025 reduce its carbon dioxide emissions 26 to 28 percent from 2005 levels. However, the agreement contains no benchmarks, no enforcement actions nor any sanctions for non-compliance.

The U.S., which has reduced a greater amount of greenhouse gas emissions than any other country since 2005, agreed to more than double its carbon dioxide emissions reductions by 2025 and China agreed to continue to increase its carbon dioxide emissions year after year until 2030. China’s carbon dioxide emission graph line is almost vertical upward. The U.S.’s carbon dioxide emission line – already declining – turns more downward until 2025 and beyond.

Supporters of the agreement point to China’s commitment to expand its non-fossil energy reliance to 20 percent by 2030 as a

Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.

44 JANUARY 2015

significant concession. However, China continues to add a new coal plant without environmental controls every two weeks, and that pattern will continue through 2030. It is also adding nuclear power that will result in 20 percent non-carbon energy production by 2030, regardless of the agreement.

Columnist Charles Krauthammer, who has long supported a comprehensive, global agreement to reduce carbon emissions, calls it the most one-sided deal since Manhattan Island was sold for $24 in 1625. Even if it is not that bad, the U.S. bargain is certainly not the work of a Horse Trader.

Krauthammer writes, “…the radical environmental unilateralism advocated by climate alarmists would be not just economic suicide but economic suicide without a purpose. It would do nothing to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide so long as China, India and other developing nations more than make up for our cuts with their huge and increasing carbon emissions.”

While the substance of the agreement is suspect, the process behind the agreement is worse. What if the U.S. radically cuts its carbon emissions between now and 2025, and in 2030 China finds it uneconomic or inconvenient to meet its agreement? Apparently, we call them out for breaking a promise of a president long past, but there are no economic sanctions, and our economy is still damaged, our standard of living is lowered, and the cost of everything we produce is higher.

The economic costs of U.S. carbon emission reduction are real, regardless of arguments by environmentalists. Energy costs are a part of every product and service. Increasing the cost of energy will simply increase the cost of every product and service we produce and use. Any other conclusion simply is illogical and wrong. The environmental benefits are speculative at best, nonexistent at worst.

The Horse Traders I knew growing up would be ashamed of the U.S.’ agreement. Maybe President Obama is not a Horse Trader. Maybe President Xi is a real Horse Trader and traded us out of our pants.

Maybe President Obama wasn’t trading with the Chinese at all. Maybe he is just using the agreement with China to set up a trade with all of us – the U.S. citizens – that would box us in and force us to reduce our carbon emissions regardless of what China does in 2030 and regardless of what it does to our economy, to our livelihoods, to our standard of living or to our children’s futures.

If that is the trade, then President Obama is a real Horse Trader, and you always need to know which side of the deal a Horse Trader is on.

I hope you have a good month. A

www.alabamaliving.coop

Market Place

Alabama Living

JANUARY 2015 45

Alabama Snapshots 2

3

1 7

4

6

Submit Your Images!

MARCH THEME: “I’m in the band”

5

SUBMIT PHOTOS THROUGH OUR WEBSITE: alabamaliving.coop/submit-photo/ OR SEND COLOR PHOTOS WITH A LARGE SELFADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE TO:

Photos, Alabama Living, P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL, 36124 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. Alabama Living is not responsible for lost or damaged photos.

DEADLINE FOR MARCH: January 31

46 JANUARY 2015

My Snowman 1. Olaf from the movie “Frozen.”

SUBMITTED BY Madie Oliver, Fyffe.

2. Rick, Will Franklin, John David and Brenda. SUBMITTED BY Ricky Welch, Vinemont.

3. Shannah’ s frosty friend. SUBMITTED BY Hannah Bice, Vinegar Bend.

4. SUBMITTED BY Samantha Goodson, Foley.

5. Employees at Cullman Electric Cooperative. SUBMITTED BY Brian Lacy, Cullman.

6. Snow Bull. SUBMITTED BY Glenda Pigg, Addison.

7. Presley and Chloe’s sand snowman on Orange Beach. SUBMITTED BY Lori Hancock, Sylvania. www.alabamaliving.coop

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