November 2021 Wiregrass

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Wiregrass

Electric Cooperative

Remembering veterans Museums pay tribute to those who served

TRANSFORMING THROUGH TECHNOLOGY GL Robotics hopes to spur local innovation

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WIREGRASS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE is a member-owned electric cooperative serving more than 24,000 accounts in Houston and Geneva counties in Alabama and parts of Dale, Coffee and Covington counties in southeast Alabama.

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

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

More public hunting opportunities

28 F E A T U R E S

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ALABAMA RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

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

The state of Alabama recently opened more acreage to public hunting, including areas where people can hunt waterfowl in open water, marsh and tributaries in Mobile County.

VOL. 74 NO. 11

NOVEMBER 2021

Inspiring the future

WEC lineman makes service call special for one child.

Ready to compete

18 Gulf Shores native Lauren Bradford,

Miss Alabama 2021, is ready to make Alabama proud in the Miss America Pageant in December.

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Helping out neighbors

WEC lends assistance to Louisiana after hurricane.

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ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL OFFICES:

340 TechnaCenter Drive Montgomery, Alabama 36117-6031 1-800-410-2737 For advertising, email: advertising@areapower.com For editorial inquiries, email: contact@alabamaliving.coop NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE:

American MainStreet Publications 611 South Congress Ave., Suite 504 Austin, Texas 78704 1-800-626-1181 www.AMP.coop www.alabamaliving.coop USPS 029-920 • ISSN 1047-0311

D E P A R T M E N T S 11 Spotlight 25 Around Alabama 28 Outdoors 29 Fish & Game Forecast 30 Cook of the Month 38 Hardy Jackson’s Alabama ONLINE: alabamaliving.coop ON THE COVER

Look for this logo to see more content online!

Printed in America from American materials

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Greg Summerlin of GL Robotics guides a robotic lawnmower with his phone in front of his Houston County business.

Summerlin hopes to inspire local technological developments through his company. For more, see Page 6.

34 YY WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

ONLINE: EMAIL: MAIL:

www.alabamaliving.coop letters@alabamaliving.coop Alabama Living 340 Technacenter Drive Montgomery, AL 36117

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Keeping members in mind LES MORELAND, CEO Wiregrass Electric Cooperative

Board of Trustees Tracy Reeder District 5 President

David Winstead District 9 Vice President Debra E. Baxley District 1 Secretary

Vacant District 2

John Clark Jr. District 3

Danny McNeil District 4

Kip Justice District 6

Donald Ray Wilks District 7

Greg McCullough District 8

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Like with any organization, every day brings challenges at Wiregrass Electric Cooperative.

Some days we experience storms, which may cause a few outages. Other times, things like car accidents or squirrels may affect service somewhere on our grid.

At times, challenges are new and develop slowly, whether they involve how people use evolving technology, supply-chain concerns, government regulations or something else. No matter what we encounter, though, we remain committed to our No. 1 priority — serving our members safely, efficiently and affordably.

Sometimes that commitment requires us to make changes to our operations. One of the biggest changes, effective Nov. 1, involves our office hours.

It’s no secret that today’s labor market has its challenges. Though we remain steadfast on continuing operations at all four of our offices, we will reduce our drive-thru and office hours by 30 minutes each weekday. We will close at 4:30 p.m. daily instead of 5 p.m.

This move will not affect our ability to respond to outages. Linemen will always be on call. And we will still provide the same great service our members come to expect when calling or visiting our offices. This decision, though, allows us to be efficient with the resources our members have entrusted to us.

On a related note, members with us in 1999 and 2000 have received a capital credits reimbursement on their bills. Those who are no longer members had a check mailed to them.

This year, our board of trustees voted to return about $1.7 million to the membership.

We are able to do this when our costs are less than our expenditures — often a result of great planning and effective management.

Our focus on stewardship has resulted in more than $15.5 million in capital credits returned back to members in the cooperative’s history. We know our members work hard for their money, and we strive just as diligently to use those dollars wisely.

In this edition of Alabama Living, you will read a story about how one Houston County businessman and his wife hope to spur local technological innovation through their company, GL Robotics. Their goal reminds us of how WEC embraces the latest developments in technology to make conducting business with the cooperative easy and convenient.

One of the ways this manifests is in the multitude of bill payment options members have at their disposal.

Setting up an online account is one of the easiest options. Visit wiregrass.coop, click on “Register for Online Access,” and complete the online form. From there you can pay your bill and even schedule an auto draft so that you never have to worry about forgetting to pay your bill on time.

The WEC mobile app also works similarly to the online account. And whether you use the app or online access, our information technology infrastructure safeguards these two systems, including your information.

Members can call 1-800-239-4602 to use the interactive menu to pay, or they can visit our locations during office hours to use kiosks or transact business with a member services representative.

We believe all of these methods are convenient and safe and keep our members in mind.

We consider it an honor and privilege to serve you. Happy Thanksgiving! n

THE POWER OF ONE SITE

Wiregrass.coop — your stop for bill pay, safety tips and so much more!

www.alabamaliving.coop

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Going beyond the service call WEC lineman surprises youngster with gifts

A Wiregrass Electric Cooperative lineman’s commitment to going the extra mile impressed one area grandmother and may have just inspired a future lineman.

When serviceman Mitchie Bass responded to a power outage in Slocomb in July, 9-yearold Timmy Newell greeted him with many questions. Bass answered them all, even putting Timmy in the cab of his service truck to show how WEC uses computers in the field to help restore service.

Bass’ willingness to educate Timmy inspired the boy’s grandmother, Jo Jarrett, to make a Facebook post about Bass’ actions.

“Timmy loves helping and wants to learn.

This lineman was talking to him about how electricity works and how the equipment works together,” Jarrett says. “The fact that he took the time to do that impressed me. People are so busy, but he took such an interest in Timmy’s questions. He talked to Timmy about electricity for 30 minutes.”

Bass’ investment in Timmy did not end after the service call. The next day, Bass returned to Jarrett’s residence with a WEC hardhat and a cap for Timmy and a cap for his father, too.

Bass even presented Jarrett with a small token constructed from some materials used in electrical line work.

“It was like Christmas for Timmy,” Jarrett says.

Jarrett says her grandson loves being outdoors and helps out on the family farm. She envisions Timmy possibly pursuing a career as a lineman — a thought further strengthened by Bass’ actions.

“Every time the power truck comes by, Timmy heads out the door to see what’s happening,” she says. “The work linemen do takes a special person and is very needed. I had no idea WEC linemen would take time to do the things Mitchie did. He is a remarkable young man.”

Bass’ performance did not surprise those who know him, according to the comments made on Jarrett’s Facebook post and his co-workers.

“At Wiregrass Electric Cooperative, we are committed to hiring and developing quality people who are community-minded,” says WEC Chief Operating Officer Brad Kimbro. “Mitchie Bass is one of those quality individuals who shows extreme dedication to the task at hand and his community. We are honored he works with us and that he truly embodies the ‘Big Enough to Serve, Local Enough to Care’ spirit.” n

WEC Service Area

Contact Information Mailing address 509 N. State Hwy 167 P.O. Box 158, Hartford, AL 36344 Phone 1-800-239-4602 Toll Free Outage “Hotline” 1-888-4-MY-OUTAGE • 1-888-469-6882 (24 hrs/day) Website www.wiregrass.coop Find us here:

Find Wiregrass Electric Co-op on Twitter (@WEC2), Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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 AND KIOSKS Available at each office location.

IN PERSON Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Payment kiosks also available 24/7 in all offices.

Locations: • 509 N. State Hwy. 167 • Hartford, AL 36344 • 13148 W. State Hwy. 52 • Samson, AL 36477 • 1066 Ashford Highway • Ashford, AL 36312 • 6167 Fortner St. • Dothan, AL 36305 For questions regarding sanitation service, call Houston County Sanitation Department at 334-677-4781 or Dothan City Sanitation at 334-615-3820.

H NOUG H E T S O JU N’T EN UG IS Alabama Living

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Teaching Technology Area entrepreneur hopes to inspire innovation in Wiregrass

Greg Summerlin envisions a future where the Wiregrass area is a technological leader.

“You hear a lot about Huntsville and Birmingham and Mobile and all of their technology,” the entrepreneur says. “Why can’t we be like them? Why not us?”

Summerlin and his wife, Laurie, have launched GL Robotics in rural Houston County. Through 3D printing, printing filament production and robotic lawn mowers, the couple hopes to inspire more residents to embrace technology and even innovate projects and businesses themselves.

“Technology has always improved people’s lives,” Summerlin says. “Resistance to new technology is always based on people not understanding how it works and

“Most people have probably heard of 3D printers, but they don’t have one because they don’t understand what’s in it for them,” Summerlin says. “We want to help them understand. If they’re nervous about it, we’re here to help them along the way.

I’d like for the Wiregrass to be known as a resource for 3D printing and the robotic lawn mowers.”

It’s a dream years in the making — made possible with the help of Wiregrass Electric Cooperative.

Engineering a new path

Summerlin’s background is in marketing.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a master’s in business administration from Kennesaw State University.

create a BEST team. During the competitions, the Summerlins realized that technology — especially in 3D printing — was evolving quickly.

This realization led the Summerlins to launch GL Robotics from a building behind their home. While Summerlin maintained his job with a large national business services company, he began selling robotic lawn mowers on the side.

Eventually GL Robotics expanded to the 3D printing market with the intention of just distributing — not manufacturing — filaments. When the filaments arm of the business began, though, orders poured in from all around the country.

Coupled with material shortages and customers’ frequent requests for more specialty filaments, the Summerlins decided to become a filament manufacturer. They are now one of about 20 filament manufacturers based in the United States.

Expanding electrical needs

Greg Summerlin, owner of GL Robotics, shows how a machine as his business produces filament for 3D printers. Filament is a plastic strand that 3D printers heat up to produce the objects they are programmed to.

how it can benefit them. My family has noticed over the years that we’ve gotten a lot of benefits from 3D printing and from robotic lawn mowers. We decided we wanted to help other people get that, too.”

The process of 3D printing involves heating plastic strands, called filament, to create 3D objects. These can range from figurines to cups and even the tools needed in a business. All it takes is a 3D printer and a design uploaded into the printer.

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About six years ago, his oldest son, David, decided he wanted to be an engineer. Seeking to encourage that dream, the Summerlins discovered the Boosting Engineering Science and Technology (BEST) Robotics program. It’s a series of competitions that urge youths to build robots and to compete in problem-solving challenges.

The Summerlins, along with several other families whose children attended Ridgecrest Christian School, decided to

To extrude and roll 3D printer filament requires large pieces of machinery and a significant amount of electricity. When the Summerlins looked for a new place for their business, they knew any location in WEC’s territory would receive great service.

“I knew I’d get a lot of support from WEC,” Summerlin says. “We had learned a lot about their company culture when they helped our BEST Robotics team two years ago. You can get a feel if a place is business-friendly by visiting them, which we did when we toured headquarters with the robotics team. They support businesses, and they continue to do so.”

GL Robotics now resides deep in WEC territory at a location south of Rehobeth.

Summerlin says WEC’s engineering team anticipated each of his business’s needs — even installing the electrical connections high enough to avoid encounters with semi trucks visiting the business.

“You can tell they put a lot of thought and care into a project,” he says.

WEC Chief Operating Officer Brad Kimbro says the Summerlins’ experience reflects the goals of every cooperative employee.

“We at WEC take many steps to help our region grow, and one of the most important ones is to provide excellent service and www.alabamaliving.coop

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GL Robotics sells a variety of robotic lawn mowers that cut lawns of various sizes and have many useful tools.

support to businesses that are located in our service territory,” he says. “We applaud the Summerlins in their efforts to inspire innovation and growth locally.”

Aiming for a bright future

The Summerlins stand ready to assist anyone with their 3D printing needs. They employ an assortment of 3D printer models to handle a variety of projects. These include resin printers, which can produce highly detailed designs.

They also want to help those residents interested in handling 3D printing projects themselves.

“I design a lot on my own projects, but you don’t have to,” Summerlin says. “There are a lot of designs out there. There are several sites that you can just go on and download. It’s all unique stuff.”

Eventually Summerlin envisions high school and career-technical college classes visiting to learn about technologies and skills that can lead to great careers.

“If your job is to supervise eight robots that take a box off the conveyor and shrink-wrap it instead of doing it yourself, you’ll make good money,” he says. “You don’t have to be an engineer with that.

Companies are begging for these kinds of skills. Now we’ve created a lot more value for that person and a better lifestyle.”

The desire to educate and inspire through technology all stems from Summerlin’s community mindset.

“At some point in your career, you just want to give back,” he says. n

If interested …

If you are interested in 3D printing services, 3D printers or robotic lawn mowers, visit glroboticsusa.com or call 334-648-9354 to schedule an appointment.

Alabama Living

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YOUR

LOWER

DEMAND

with these WEC programs While changing some of their habits can help Wiregrass Electric Cooperative members reduce their energy demand, the cooperative offers programs that can also provide assistance.

The manufactured home heat pump rebate program is one initiative that directly influences demand. In this program, WEC members who own their own manufactured homes can earn significant rebates when they switch their heating systems to a heat pump.

Heat pumps are vastly more energy efficient than electric furnaces, saving members an average of $500 annually on their energy bills. That boost in efficiency, in turn, also lowers the electric demand for the cooperative, producing more widescale savings.

WEC offers members ways to learn how to make their homes more energy efficient with the free energy audit program.

Be in the know

Join us in helping WEC lower its demand!

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During these audits, WEC personnel will assess many qualities of a residence and then make recommendations on how to improve the home’s energy efficiency.

Some fixes may be as simple as sealing windows and doors properly or investing in energy-efficient lighting. Even small adjustments at home can quickly and dramatically reduce energy usage during peak times.

Following an energy audit, WEC can use the low-interest energy efficiency loan program to help members fund larger energy-efficiency projects like upgrades to doors, windows, air conditioner units and water heaters. WEC will provide a list of certified contractors to perform the work and access to a loan program with Regions Bank.

Each program has certain rules and regulations, but all of them can be reviewed when members visit www.wiregrass.coop/ energy-conservation. n

When a peak demand event is anticipated — such as when severe heat waves or cold snaps strike the area — WEC will alert members through local media sources, its website and its social media pages. Monitor these sources when extreme temperatures are forecast for the area!

Energy audits performed by professionals like Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s Jessie Ingram help members identify where energy is wasted in their homes.

www.alabamaliving.coop

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I’m thankful for...

| Alabama Snapshots |

My Papaw, Lewis Karr, who is 95 years young!

SUBMITTED BY Rachel Brimer, Killen.

The love and support of family. SUBMITTED BY Gwen Windham, Robertsdale.

Charles Kiplinger taking our granddaughter Aspen on her first fishing trip. SUBMITTED BY Sandra Kiplinger, Union Grove.

Delaney and Audrey. SUBMITTED BY Jamie Sutton, Mount Hope.

I’m thankful for the family God has blessed me with! SUBMITTED BY Lynn Wilks, Flat Rock.

Submit “Pets wearing clothes” photos by Nov. 31. Winning photos will run in January.

Include your social media handle with photo submissions to be featured on our Facebook and Instagram!

Alabama Living

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Online: alabamaliving.coop Mail: Snapshots P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124

My sister, Annette Duke McAdams (middle) is a 9-year breast cancer survivor, and my mom (right) is a 1-year breast cancer survivor.

SUBMITTED BY Shelly Elrod, Logan.

My husband Donald and great-nephew Jaxon at Night to Shine, 2021. SUBMITTED BY Myra Morrison, Grant.

SUBMIT to WIN $10!

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 alabamaliving.coop and on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Alabama Living is not responsible for lost or damaged photos. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to have photos returned.

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Spotlight | November North Alabama Mural Trail highlights public art works

‘Alabama Living’ wins several national awards Several members of the Alabama Living team were recognized recently for their good work in 2020. The Statewide Editors Association’s annual Willies Awards highlight the best stories, columns, photographs and covers produced by magazines across the nation, which serve the members of their state’s rural electric cooperatives.

Mark Stephenson, Alabama Living’s creative director, won the top award in the Best Photo category for his striking June 2020 cover photo of a sunflower and butterfly. Stephenson and photographer Jeff Rease won an Award of Merit for Best Cover for their collaboration on the November 2020 cover photo of a World War II veteran.

Columnist Hardy Jackson won the Willie Award for his column, “Appreciating veterans, and anchovies,” from the November 2020 issue. And managing editor Allison Law tied for an Award of Merit for her September 2020 personality profile of Facebook sensation Brenda Gantt.

Letters to the editor

E-mail us at: letters@alabamaliving.coop or write us at: Letters to the editor

P.O. Box 244014

Montgomery, AL 36124

Commends restaurant

I was glad to see you put a great article together (October 2021) about Jesse’s Restaurant in Magnolia Springs! Steve and Angie are precious people and their reputation and restaurant is top notch.

Their food is absolutely delicious! It is definitely worth the ride to try, but I would suggest making a reservation, especially on the weekends.

Rhona Reid Beckwith, Fairhope

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The new North Alabama Mural Trail features more than 125 works of public art in the 16 northernmost counties in Alabama. The trail will allow visitors and residents alike to travel across the region to view street art paintings that help explain the Oneonta alley murals. history and heritage of the cities and communities in the area.

To access the self-guided tour, download the mobile passport at www.NorthALMuralTrail.org. Upon registering, the passport will be delivered to the registrant’s mobile phone via text and email and is ready for immediate use. There is no app to download.

The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, which launched the trail, encourages visitors to have their phones ready to take photos and tag #NorthALMurals in selfies and pictures on social media. When visiting a mural location, simply check in using the mobile phone’s GPS to record each visit. Visit www. northalabama.org/trails/mural-trail for more information.

Immerse yourself in the world of Van Gogh “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” is a unique multimedia experience that takes the viewer on a journey through more than 300 iconic artworks of the renowned Dutch painter, including the recognizable classics “The Starry Night,” “Sunflowers” and “Café Terrace at Night.” And this month, it will make its debut at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

Set to a symphonic score and using the artist’s own dreams, thoughts and words, Vincent Van Gogh’s art comes to life by appearing and disappearing, flowing across multiple surfaces and heightening the senses with their immense detail. Guests will leave with a new appreciation of the prolific artist’s stunning work. The visit takes about one hour, and COVID protocols will be in place.

Learn more about the exhibit and purchase tickets at VanGoghBirmingham.com.

Memories of country drives with dad

My dad and I used to drive around in the country. He loved looking at farms and historic buildings, tractors, and cows. As I got older, after he passed away, it became a pleasure of mine as well. I’d intentionally get lost on the back roads of Northern Alabama, gazing in wonder at the rolling, green hills, covered by lush, well-watered trees.

One of my favorite memories with my father happened when I was a young girl. We were about to drive his classic Monte Carlo over a small bridge with a sign that read “Weight Limit: 2 Tons.” My dad stopped the car and told me to get out, because we wouldn’t make the weight limit otherwise. Now, I do the same thing to my sons.

Stephanie Benton, Gardendale www.alabamaliving.coop

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November | Spotlight

Take us along!

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

Brenda Carter of Hulaco, a member of Cullman EC, and her granddaughter, Alice Fortenberry, had fun on their trip to snowy Utah, where they visited near Immigration Pass outside Salt Lake City.

Jennifer Johnson of Wetumpka, a member of Central Alabama EC, took her magazine along on a trip to Arches National Park, Utah.

Whereville, AL Identify and place this Alabama landmark and you could win $25! Winner is chosen at random from all correct entries. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. Send your answer by Nov. 8 with your name, address and the name of your rural electric cooperative. The winner and answer will be announced in the December issue.

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

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

October’s answer: This map of the U.S. in stones is located on Worth Street, one block west of U.S. Highway 431 across from the Historic Post Office in Guntersville in Marshall County. It has been fenced to prevent destruction; however, it can be viewed from the sidewalk or the street on Worth Street. (Photo submitted by Susan Lynn Allen of North Alabama EC.) The randomly drawn correct guess winner is Angie Wolford of North Alabama EC. (Due to the delay in delivery of some magazines, we extended the deadline for guesses through Oct. 11.)

Alabama Living

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Kenith and Angela Sims traveled all the way to South Dakota with their magazine this summer. While in Rapid City, they got a photo in front of a 1.5-ton bronze quarter pounder at a McDonald’s restaurant. They are from River Falls and members of Covington EC.

The Mob Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada, made a fun backdrop for this photo of Keith and Delinda Cain of Arab. The museum’s official name is the National Museum of Organized Crime & Law Enforcement.

Find the hidden dingbat!

Many of our readers thought we were pretty sneaky hiding the October dingbat, a black cat, where we did. The cat replaced the letter “b” in Alabama at the top of Page 25. “I found that sneaky critter on my fourth round of searching the magazine,” wrote Mary S. Hutto of Shorterville, a member of Pea River Electric Cooperative. “Sly little devil! Sad to say, but he crossed my path three times before I found him! Oh, no!”

Robert and Joyce Norman of Alpine, members of Coosa Valley EC, said they almost thought they saw the cat perched on top of the pumpkin truck on Page 9, until they keep looking and found it on Page 25. Laurie Vines of Rockford said she was reading the events calendar on that page when she “had the strange feeling someone was watching me! As my eyes scanned to the top of the page to look up…lo and behold, there it was! A something, not a someone, peering at me! It was a black cat named DINGBAT!” Robert and Dawn Smith of Hanceville, members of Cullman EC, said the dingbat looks like their cat Squeaky. And Central Alabama EC member Robin Nelson of Wetumpka said the cat reminded her of the sweet black cat, appropriately named Bama, she had as a girl growing up on Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery. “Thanks for the trip through time this month,” she wrote.

Congratulations to Charles Urban of Decatur, a member of Joe Wheeler EMC, our winner this month who won a prize package from Alabama Rural Electric Credit Union. For November, we’ve hidden a scarecrow, but don’t be scared when you find it! Entries are due by Nov. 8.

By mail: Find the Dingbat

Alabama Living

PO Box 244014

Montgomery, AL 36124 By email: dingbat@alabamaliving.com

Sponsored by

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Museum preserves the service and stories of state’s veterans

By Jim Plott

T

wo years ago, after a more than 80-year absence, Edgar DaAmong the artifacts is a metal piece from the forward deck of vid Gross finally came back home to Alabama. the battleship USS Arizona, which was bombed and destroyed at The Navy seaman was among the 2,400 casualties at Pearl Pearl Harbor. Thompson said the piece – “one of our prized possessions” – was removed from the ship to make room for the memoriHarbor, Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941, when Japanese war planes attacked the naval base and surrounding military installations. al. The museum requested and was given the item.

In 2018, after DNA testing, The museum also displays the seaman’s remains were remany authentic uniforms of interred to a cemetery in a rueach war, including those worn ral Limestone County commuby enemy combatants. nity where he grew up.

“We had someone from Germany who toured the museHis story, and the stories of um. When he returned home, multiple sailors, soldiers and he sent us an actual German Marines who died or survived uniform from World War II,” combat in numerous wars, are Thompson says. “You just nevunfolded at the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives in er know who is going to walk Athens, near Huntsville. through the doors and what Gross, age 40 at his death, they might bring.” served 16 years in the U.S. In pre-pandemic times, the Navy when hostilities in the museum attracted about 12,000 world resulted in him being visitors a year, Thompson says. recalled into service in 1940.

A tribute to those He was aboard the USS Oklahoma when it and seven other who served The non-profit and mostly battleships – along with multiple other ships and nearly 170 privately funded museum had aircraft – were destroyed in the its beginning in 1995 when attack that thrust the U.S. into Veterans Service Officer Kenneth David decided to collect World War II. World War II military artifacts “This museum is a tribute to to commemorate the 50th anthe people that bought us freedom and some of them, like niversary of the end of that war.

Edgar David Gross, paid for it “Once it was over, a lot of with their lives,” says Museum the donors decided that the Director Sandy Thompson, items they brought were too a retired U.S. Air Force servaluable to be returned to a Navy seaman Edgar David Gross, a native of Limestone County, was geant. “If it wasn’t for them, we stationed on the USS Oklahoma and was among the casualties of the closet or attic and be forgotten wouldn’t be living and enjoying attack on Pearl Harbor. Included is a flag that draped his casket when his or damaged so they left them the liberties that we have today remains were returned to Alabama two years ago. where they thought they would PHOTO BY JIM PLOTT in this country.” be protected,” Thompson says.

While the museum focuses “Pretty soon people started mainly on people from Limestone County, Thompson said their bringing items from other wars and combats, and everything just stories mirror those of veterans from every part of the United sort of morphed into this wonderful museum.”

States.

Officially open in November 2002, the museum set up shop in With more than 5,000 artifacts and documents on display, the the former L&N railroad freight depot. Eight years later the Limestone County Commission donated a larger adjacent building to museum covers every major war and conflict that the United States help the museum manage its mushrooming collection. has been involved in from the American Revolution to the present.

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Sandy T Museum museum an actu was sun

Displays Veteran

The Ath World W has bee the pres

Gov. Kay Ivey toured the Athens museum in July 2021 when she attended the grand opening in the new building.

PHOTO BY HAL YEAGER/GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

Museum volunteer Yvonne Dempsey adjusts the hat of a mockup of Navy WAVE Nell Smith Lutz (also in the photo), who served during World War II. Sandy Thompson, director of the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives in Athens, stands in front of the museum’s Pearl Harbor exhibit. The exhibit includes an actual piece of the battleship USS Arizona which was sunk in the Japanese attack.

PHOTO BY JIM PLOTT

PHOTO BY JIM PLOTT

Displays and artifacts are preserved at the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives in Athens.

PHOTO BY HAL YEAGER/GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

The Athens museum has displays like this one from World War II for every major war and conflict the U.S. has been involved in from the American Revolution to the present.

PHOTO BY JIM PLOTT Alabama Living

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The 20,000-square-foot building, half of which is dedicated to museum displays, was officially opened July 1 with Gov. Kay Ivey among the more than 750 people who attended the event.

Ivey called the museum a tribute to Alabamians who served in the armed forces and a beacon to remind current and future generations of the hardships and sacrifices men and women in uniform endured in defense of freedom.

The new addition includes a larger library and veteran research center, a virtual reality room, gift shop and several new exhibits including one honoring the sacrifices made by civilians on the “home front” during World War II. In addition to the exhibits, the museum hosts a monthly “coffee call,” a free socializing and light breakfast event for veterans and their families. The event, which has been placed on hiatus during the pandemic, is sponsored by area businesses.

Displays and artifacts are preserved at the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives in Athens.

PHOTOS BY HAL YEAGER/GOVERNOR’S OFFICE Thompson said the museum plans to unveil additional exhibits and make additional imble sacrifices and the intensity of war.” provements inside the building. Meanwhile, the museum is hopThe museum at 100 W. Pryor Street in downtown Athens is ing to acquire additional property for a memorial park. open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations “The role of this museum as we see it is not only to entertain, are appreciated. Visit AlabamaVeteransMuseum.com but to educate,” Thompson says. “We want to convey the incredi-

Other selected veteran and military museums in Alabama U.S. Army Aviation Museum (Fort Rucker)

Building 6000 Novosel Street ArmyAviationMuseum.org 334-598-2508 A military museum housing more than 160 military aircraft and one of the largest collections of military helicopters.

Indoor and outdoor exhibits. Donations appreciated and gift shop proceeds fund the museum.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 More than 160 aircraft from all eras are on p.m. Monday-Friday display at the United States Army Aviation 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. SatMuseum at Fort Rucker.

PHOTO COURTESY U.S. ARMY AVIATION MUSEUM urday

U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum (Huntsville)

2060A Airport Road Email info@memorial.museum.org 256-883-3737 Indoor and outdoor displays of more than 30 military vehicles along with exhibits. Donation requested.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday 14 NOVEMBER 2021

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Talladega Hall of Heroes (City of Talladega) 112 Court Square East TalladegaHeroes.org 256-268-7217 Museum pays tribute to veterans and first responders.

Donations accepted.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. second Saturdays Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

(Tuskegee) 1616 Chappie James Ave. NPS.gov/tuai.index.htm 334-724-0922 Tour the hangar and training grounds of the Tuskegee Airmen, the famed African American pilots who were trained and participated in combat missions during World War II. Free.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

(Mobile) 2703 Battleship Parkway USSAlabama.com 251-432-0261 Tour the USS Alabama battleship and submarine USS Drum and view military planes and equipment. Admission charged with discounts for some.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Sunday www.alabamaliving.coop

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Alabama Living

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| Worth the drive |

Pecan on Broad breathes life into Camden’s downtown Pecan on Broad fronts the main street in downtown Camden.

Story and photos by Jennifer Kornegay

T

he pecan is an exceedingly Southern food and an absolutely also selections less-common to rural towns. They hoped residents Alabama one too, resulting in the strong regional flavor that would enjoy it all often, and that as news spread, it would draw Camden’s Pecan on Broad, a specialty market and restaurant more — and more diverse — visitors to Camden. that opened in 2019, evokes simply with its name.

It worked so well, the success came as a surprise. “We knew The moniker is also rooted in reality. Part of its building was we were filling a void,” Dunagan says. “And we wanted it to be a pecan business in a former life, and it fronts Broad Street, the a springboard for further development downtown, but when we main thoroughfare in the small town’s downtown. But this spot is realized we really were bringing people from outside the area, we much more than either the literal or figurative aspects of its brand. were kinda shocked.” And the big win: Other businesses are seeing For starters, it’s packed with an array of offerings. Shelves are more people too. heavy with sauces, spices, jams and relishes. Tables are stacked People have driven more than an hour for Pecan on Broad’s with candles, glassware and pottery. The cold case is laden with Saturday brunch, where they feast on savory brisket and grits or casseroles, soups and cakes. A chalkboard announces the day’s French toast casserole and candied Conecuh sausage. At lunchtime, you’ll find all ages tucking into chicken salad (generous multiple ice cream options. The old vault in the side of the building that was once a bank now holds bottles of wine instead of bills. amounts of shredded rotisserie chicken seasoned simply); broccoli salad (florets with pecans, When Ryan Dunagan and red onion and tart dried cranChris Bailey came to visit a berries); daily specials, includfriend in Camden a few years ing meat ’n’ three favorites; and ago, the surrounding countryside’s rustic beauty and the hearty soups with gooey grilled town’s laidback vibe instantly pimento cheese on the side. earned their affections. Then, Dunagan is the kitchen wiz the historic-home and antiquhalf of the team. While he ing enthusiasts bought Rivhas no official culinary backerbend, a circa 1840 house in ground, he relishes cooking Camden, and began restoring and learned from his dad, who and reviving the structure, made most of the meals in his while still living in Mobile. family. He makes everything Soon, weekends turned into in-house but hired a local lady weeks, and they decided to Pecan on Broad’s salad trio plate (a scoop each of orzo pasta salad, for the sweets. “Our signature make the move permanent. dessert is the hummingbird chicken salad and broccoli salad) is always popular, as are its pimento “Once we knew Camden cheese and hummingbird cake. cake, and of course, we do pecan pie,” he says. was our new home, we wanted to do something beneficial for the entire community, and that He’s particularly proud of his take on pimento cheese, of which sparked the idea for Pecan on Broad,” Bailey said. they sell “a ton.” “I go lighter on the mayo and use cream cheese In keeping with their love of old things, both are into smalltoo, plus some jalapeno peppers,” he said. There’s almost always town downtowns, and they quickly noticed that Camden’s was a steady flow of folks popping in to grab items from the cold lacking life. They also noted that Camden already had visitors, case, including that prized pimento cheese, as well as casseroles, mostly outdoorsmen. “We realized they could bring their families take-and-bake pizzas, soups, cinnamon rolls, plus a wide range with them, except there wasn’t much else to do,” Dunagan says. of meats.

Dunagan has also employed skills from his interior design caEnter Pecan on Broad with its food products, home-décor and reer, which is ongoing, to create Pecan on Broad’s sophisticated yet gift items, plus a restaurant serving some Southern classics but comfortable style, which called for keeping as much of the original building intact as was possible.

Pecan on Broad 110 Broad Street, Camden, AL 36736 Whether they come to Pecan on Broad for a double scoop of 334-455-4036 Creole praline ice cream, some fancy mustard, a chicken pot pie pecanonbroad.com Camden or a whimsical tea towel, when they leave, everyone walks under Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday l “Y’all come back!” painted on the wall above the door. With so 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday much in one spot that’s underpinned with a true “you all” mindset, Left, The Pecan co-owner, Ryan Dunagan. chances are good most folks will RSVP “yes” to that invitation. 16 NOVEMBER 2021

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Alabama Living

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| Alabama People |

Lauren Bradford

Ready to make Alabama proud Miss Alabama 2021 is Lauren Bradford, a Gulf Shores native whose accomplishments and talents make her a worthy representative for our state. She’s a 2021 summa cum laude graduate of Auburn University with a degree in finance, and after her year of service as Miss Alabama, she’ll attend Vanderbilt University to pursue an advanced degree in finance. She’s a talented classical violinist, who began studying the instrument at age 6; it’s her talent in the competitions, and she continues to practice every day.

Preparing for the Miss America competition in December has become a full-time job; she spends her time networking, having meetings about her social impact initiative, called “UNPLUG: The Digital Diet Plan,” doing interviews, visiting sponsors, traveling to events and doing speaking engagements, and practicing for the interview portion of the competition. She’s had several events in her hometown (her parents, Wade and Lisa Bradford, are members of Baldwin EMC), and says her community has been incredibly supportive; she’s the first Miss Alabama from Baldwin County in the 100-year history of Miss Alabama. – Allison Law What has life been like since you won the crown this summer?

Life has been so full and so rewarding. I have had opportunities that I never dreamed – I’ve already traveled the state quite a bit and met people from all backgrounds. I have experienced the fullest extent of the word “busy” like never before. This is an incredible honor that I want to view with reverence in every moment – I never want to take it for granted.

How did you prepare for the Miss Alabama pageant?

I was scheduled to compete in Miss Alabama in the summer of 2020. Because of the pandemic, it was postponed for one year. So, I actually held my local title of Miss Jefferson County for almost two years before competing at Miss Alabama. Throughout that time, I grew so much as a person. … I did all of the external preparation: curating my talent (I performed “My Heart Will Go On” from the film “Titanic” on violin), mock interviews, always watching the evolvement of current events, growing my Social Impact Initiative, etc.

But I also did a lot of the internal preparation as well. My faith is the most important thing in my life. …

Throughout preparation, my faith kept me anchored to something so much bigger than me. It helped me to have a vision of what my goals actually would be as Miss Alabama. It gave me a purpose for the why behind even competing for this job. And it gave me peace during the competition week.

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Talk about your social impact initiative.

Growing up, it was always a rule in our household that we would not get a phone until we were going into high school.

Therefore, I was able to have a front row seat to how technology usage was impacting my peers in an alarming way. I watched as communication abilities decreased, grades slipped, and addictions to screens were formed. …

I created “UNPLUG: The Digital Diet Plan” in 2015. The name came from the parallel philosophy of balance in food intake, where dessert is an occasional indulgence.

Our leisure technology consumption should be the same: integrated into life, work, and education in a cohesive way and used for its intended purpose: as a tool. UNPLUG is ultimately an educational campaign for people of all ages to gain an understanding of the harmful consequences of tech overuse, while learning practical steps to find a balance of use.

It has grown beyond my wildest dreams; I believe that people everywhere inherently understand that screens have the potential to control our lives and strip us from our abilities to engage in human connectivity. I’m proud to have spread a positive message of how we can integrate technology into our lives in a healthier way.

PHOTO BY GOVERNOR’S OFFICE/ HAL YEAGER

Tell us, how does it feel to wear that beautiful crown?

It’s so surreal! Every time I put it on, I try to take a moment to appreciate that I have been given this opportunity to steward, to make an impact, to be a role-model, to be a champion for those who need one. I never want to forget that – my heart is full of gratitude.

To book Bradford for a speaking engagement, visit Mi s s A l a b a m a . com. www.alabamaliving.coop

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PET HEALTH

Help your pets stay warm Staying hopeful about this winter pet welfare – and staying warm S

Building an outdoor shelter for your pet can be a great family project.

eptember’s article about pet abandonment generated a large number of responses. It is obvious that people care deeply about the wellbeing of the unfortunate dogs and cats. Frequently we feel despondent about our failure to make any meaningful difference. However, change is slow.

We have been working towards reducing animal suffering for centuries. The first SPCA was established in England in 1824.

The first American SPCA started in New York in 1866. The Humane Society was formed in the U.S. in 1954. Through the tireless work of many generations of compassionate human beings, we as a society now treat animals with more care than we used to.

When I feel despair, I remind myself that every bit matters and every passion counts. We just have to keep the conversation alive. We will continue to talk about these issues and we will also brainstorm how to make some VERY small but forward moving changes next year.

Warding off the chill

Now, back to the present! It is the beginning of winter and four months of cold days are ahead of us. Lucky for us, the winter here is not like winter in Montana, but it gets cold. Below freezing temperatures are not uncommon, especially in north Alabama where we live.

Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to hypothermia and should be kept inside during cold weather. In the past, I got some letters from upset readers for pushing the idea that dogs should mostly be indoors. Thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and Pyrenees, indeed do better than short-hair breeds, but even they get cold! The signs of hypothermia (uncomfortably low body temperature) could be whining, shivering, anxiety, slow moveGoutam Mukherjee, DVM, MS, Ph.D. (Dr. G) has been a veterinarian for more than 30 years. He owns High Falls Holistic Veterinary Care near Geraldine, Alabama. To suggest topics for future discussions, email him at contact@alabamaliving.coop

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ments, weakness, or burrowing for a warm place. An easy way to tell if your pet is cold is to notice how they are resting. Curled up in a tight ball means they are cold and conserving body heat while being sprawled out shows they are warm and comfortable.

Feed them a little extra with high-quality food. This helps them better maintain their body temperature. Having access to warm water will be a great plus for many outdoor pets. Several manufacturers like K&H sell heated pet bowls for less than $20.

The next big issue is shelter. A thermometer reading alone does not give us the whole picture of how a pet feels. Wind and rain can also affect how cold we are. Just like us, they tend to lose body heat much faster if they are wet and subjected to even a slight breeze on a cold winter day.

Build a shelter or buy a shelter. Orienting the opening to the southeast may be a good idea. There are many YouTube videos to guide you. Foam board insulation is a better choice than fiberglass insulation. T1-11 can be used for the exterior and the interior.

Make the inside chew and scratch-proof. Be careful when heating the doghouse. I’ve personally heard of two cases where the doghouse caught fire from a heat lamp. Consider something like a Safe Chicken Coop Heater. These are around $40. There are also thermostatically controlled outlets (thermocube) to make sure heating apparatuses turn on when the temperature drops below a certain point. Please discuss the details with a licensed electrician.

Now, about cats. Cats tend to do better to find shelters, but they also need our help and will cherish a nice cozy house. I guarantee that they will kill more mice if they can rest easy in their heated hunting cabin. K&H Pet Products and Kitty Tube make many kinds of heated cat houses. Above all, consider safety. Think of and plan for all the possible ways things can go wrong. You will sleep with a clear conscience.

During these holiday seasons, please shop from smile.

Amazon.com and designate an animal charity of your choice to benefit a few cents from your every purchase. Happy holidays to you and all your friends, whether they bark, meow, squawk, or even hiss. www.alabamaliving.coop

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Alabama Living

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| Gardens |

Creating cozy outdoor rooms for winter O utdoor spaces have become essential gathering places for many of us over the last 20 months, and thankfully we don’t have to abandon them this fall and winter. We just have to create a room (or two) for them.

Like many folks, my husband and I discovered the joys of small outdoor get-togethers during the pandemic summer of 2020 when an oscillating fan and cool drinks could make even the hottest, buggiest days and nights bearable. As temperatures began to plummet last fall, though, staying outside required more effort. At first, we simply bundled up against the cold, but it soon became clear that we needed more protection from the elements, which is when we created two “outdoor rooms” — one on our front porch and the other on our back patio.

The outdoor room concept entails designating outdoor living spaces and designing them to meet particular needs — entertaining, exercising, meditating, etc.

These rooms can be elaborate and expensive or simple and economical. We opted for functional and cost-effective and created them using small space heaters, wind screens and lap blankets, all of which allowed us a degree of refuge from the worst of winter’s elements.

Truth be told, our outdoor rooms weren’t always warm and cozy, but they made being together with friends and family possible. And, despite having vivid memories of chattering teeth, we and our stalwart loved ones look forward to doing it again this year. Here are a few ideas if you, too, want to create an outdoor room (or two) of your own.

Location: Pick a room site that’s close enough to the house for easy access to the kitchen and bathrooms; access to an outdoor faucet and an electrical source is also helpful. If possible, find a place that’s sheltered on at least one side by an outside wall or fence. (Just a hint: south-facing Katie Jackson is a freelance writer and editor based in Opelika, Alabama. Contact her at katielamarjackson@gmail.com.

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sites tend to be warmer.) Covered porches and patios and open carports are great locations, too, because they offer sufficient air flow but also cover from rain — or even sleet and snow.

Heat source: The most important and potentially most expensive component of a cold-weather outdoor space is a reliable, safe source of heat. Options range from fire pits and chimineas to gas and electric heaters to custom-built outdoor fireplaces. Costs vary depending on the size and style of the heat source and the type of fuel it uses (wood, gas, electricity, etc.) so do some research before you buy and keep an eye out for sales. Check local codes and ordinances that may restrict outdoor fires and certain fuel types. Most important of all, though, is to use a safe heat source — no burns or noxious fumes allowed!

Wind breaks: Wind, which can gutter flames and chill the warmest of outdoor rooms, is difficult to manage but you can mitigate its effects. Options include natural barriers of evergreen trees and shrubs (planted in pots or in the ground) and purchased or DIY permanent or portable screens made with weather-resistant wind/solar screen fabrics, vinyl, plexiglass, wood or other materials. As with heaters, pick something that fits your

budget and is safe, but also keep in mind whether you’ll want these in place come warmer weather.

Combined these three primary elements with sufficient lighting and comfortable, cozy furniture, rugs and lap blankets you can enjoy outside gatherings into the upcoming holidays and on through the winter. You may just find a new appreciation for the winter landscape and who your fair-weather friends really are.

NOVEMBER TIPS • Clean equipment and tools before storing them for the winter.

• Plant cool season vegetables (leafy

greens, garlic and onions, root crops, etc.) and flowers (poppies, snapdragons, pansies, etc.)

• Continue planting trees, shrubs and spring-blooming bulbs.

• Collect pinecones, leaves and other natural treasures to use as DIY gift and decorating projects.

• Start planning for the coming year’s gardening projects.

• Keep bird feeders and baths clean and full.

• Wash windows to let in more winter light.

• Bring potted houseplants in for the winter.

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Alabama Living

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SOCIAL SECURITY

Sign up for Medicare Part B online

Y

ou can sign up for Medicare Part B online! If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part A and want to enroll in Part B during the Special Enrollment Period, please visit our Medicare web page at ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/.

From there, you can enroll in Part B by completing these forms: CMS-40B (Application for Enrollment in Medicare – Part B [Medical Insurance]) and CMS-L564 (Request for Employment Information).

You can also fax or mail the CMS-40B and CMS-L564 to your local Social Security office to enroll. You can find the fax number and address for your local office at ssa.gov/locator. Please contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) if you have any questions.

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

November Across 1 Spectacle in the sky seen on Nov 12-13, 1833 which became known as “the night the stars fell on Alabama” 8 What the original Thanksgiving celebrated 9 Caramel ____ slab pie 10 Thanksgiving vegetable: ____ beans 12 Herb used in stuffing 13 Measurement of distance, abbr.

14 Salty Chinese sauce 17 Thanksgiving side: cranberry ____ 20 Large coffee pot 22 State where leafpeepers enjoy fall colors, abbr.

24 Very very long time 26 Type of dressing seen at many Alabama Thanksgiving dinners 28 Thanksgiving pie 30 Stuffing ingredients 32 Roasting spit 34 Yes at sea 35 Cornmeal cakes 36 Turkey topping Down 2 Traditional Thanksgiving food 3 Have a debt to 4 Arrange cutlery, bowls etc. at the table 5 Autumnal color 6 Trade show 7 Red root vegetables 8 Holds close 11 Source 15 Deja ___ 16 On Nov 5, 1970, one of the first black Alabama legislators was elected to the House of Representatives, 2 words 18 “In the ___ Tonight” (Phil Collins song) 19 Ear holder 21 Rejection word 24 NOVEMBER 2021

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Note: When completing the forms:  State, “I want Part B coverage to begin (MM/YY)” in the remarks section of the CMS-40B form or online application.  If your employer is unable to complete Section B, please complete that portion as best you can on behalf of your employer without your employer’s signature.  Submit one of the following types of secondary evidence by uploading it from a saved document on your computer: - Income tax returns that show health insurance premiums paid.

- W-2s reflecting pre-tax medical contributions.

- Pay stubs that reflect health insurance premium deductions.

- Health insurance cards with a policy effective date.

- Explanations of benefits paid by the Group Health Plan or Large Group Health Plan.

- Statements or receipts that reflect payment of health insurance premiums.

Please let your friends and loved ones know about this online, mail, or fax option.

crossword 23 25 26 27

Little Women sister Sounds Herb in curry powder Dark film genre, for short

28 29 31 33

by Myles Mellor

Apple core item Yuletide beverage Beside Medical professional, abbr.

Answers on Page 37 www.alabamaliving.coop

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November | Around Alabama

The Alabama Designer Craftsmen Annual Fine Crafts Show features the work of many types of artisans.

NOVEMBER

6

Beatrice Cane Syrup Makin’ Day, Rikard’s Mill Historical Park, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The mill is transformed into a pioneer village as history is brought to life by rural heritage demonstrators. Watch as sugar cane is squeezed in the mule-driven cane press and the cane juice is slowly cooked down. $5 per person; seniors and children under 12, $3. Call 251-575-7433 or email mchm@fronteirnet.net

6

Fort Payne Canyon Fest, 10 a.m. Little River Canyon Field School and Interpretive Center, 4322 Little River Canyon Rim Parkway, invites you to come and enjoy live music, nature and arts activities, arts demonstrations and sales, great food, vendors, children’s activities and more.

Canyoncenter.org or call 256-843-3548.

13

Collinsville Collinsville Turkey Trot, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food, fun and games; antique car and tractor show; turkey shoot; cake walk; and historic “turkey toss” from the roof of a building make this a fun event for all ages.

Sponsored in part by the Collinsville Historic Association. Search for the event’s page on Facebook.

13

Foley Chocolate and Cheese Festival, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Heritage Park. Chocolatiers, vendors featuring chocolate, cheese and other foods, live music, arts and crafts, kids’ zone and chocolate martinis. Gourmet Dash and local high school culinary program will give away samples. $5 admittance; 12 and under free. BestFloridaFest. com/chocolate_cheese_festival.php

13

Harpersville 7th annual Harpersville Day, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Harpersville Municipal Park, 3115 Park Place. Hay bale contest, arts and crafts, food trucks, cruise-in and antique car show, music and more. Free. Search the event’s page on Facebook.

13-14

Monroeville Veteran storyteller Dolores Hydock will present “A Sweet Strangeness Thrills My Heart: The Journals of Sallie Independence Foster, 1861-1887,” a onewoman stage play at the historic Old Courthouse Museum. Performances are at 5 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The play is the keynote event for

the Monroe County Museum Endowment Board’s annual autumn Fruitcake Festival. 251-575-7433 or MonroeCountyMuseum.org

13-14

Birmingham Alabama Designer Craftsmen Annual Fine Crafts Show, Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday. More than 40 Alabama artisans will share their crafts, including basketry, metal work, clay sculpture, pottery, wearable fiber, fiber wall works, gourds, jewelry, glasswork, stained glass, woodwork, printmaking, leatherwork and more.

AlabamaDesignerCraftsmen.com

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Alex City Christmas at Crossroads, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 19 Russell Farms Road. On the Town Green, there will be a holiday bazaar and arts, crafts and games for children. Santa will arrive by carriage around 10 a.m. at the Green Stage and stay until about 2 p.m. Free. 256-397-1019.

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Pine Apple The 25th Annual Hunter Appreciation Day and Fall Festival. Arts and crafts, live music, rides, great food, and the big buck and hog hunting contest. Visit www.pineapple. com or email joycewall@yahoo.com.

DECEMBER

1-5

Montgomery Montgomery’s Interfaith Nativity Exhibit. This tradition has shared the Christmas spirit in the River Region with nativities from cultures around the world and concerts by local musicians. Free.

Open daily 1 to 8 p.m. at 3460 Carter Hill Road.

256-537-0561.

2-4

Millbrook Spirit of Christmas. Tree lighting ceremony will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 on the Village Green, with caroling, refreshments for sale, Christmas lights and music. Parade begins at 2 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Mill Creek Sports Complex and ends at the old City Hall. Refreshment, arts and crafts and other vendors will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Village Green. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the gazebo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

See the event’s page on Facebook.

Call or verify events before you make plans to attend. Due to the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, some events may change or be canceled after press time.

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.

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| Consumer Wise |

Getting charged up about electric vehicles

By Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen

Q:

I read your recent article about electric trucks and SUVs, and I’m excited that some electric vehicle options are now better suited to rural areas. Can you tell me more about how the battery system and charging works in an electric vehicle?

A:

We’ve been hearing more buzz about electric vehicles (EVs) in rural America, so it’s a good time to know more about EV batteries and charging options.

Batteries, like the vehicles they power, come in different sizes that provide different mileage ranges. Most people charge their EVs at home, but if you take a cross-country trip, you can charge your EV at one of the rapidly growing number of charging stations around the country. The Department of Energy estimates there are currently 50,000 EV charging sites in the U.S. Electric vehicles will tell you how many miles are remaining before a charge is needed, and many models offer in-car navigation to the next charger. For EVs without this feature, there are many smart phone apps available to help you navigate to the next charging site.

We often refer to three levels of electric vehicle charging. A new EV comes equipped for Level 1 (L1) charging, which simply plugs into a regular electrical outlet. This is the slowest option for charging, but if you don’t travel many miles per day or your EV is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a small battery, L1 charging will likely meet your needs. L1 requires less than 1.5 kilowatts, which is about the same as a hair dryer, and will give the battery 3 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging. If you drive your car 40 miles or less during the day and can charge it for 10 hours every night, this method should work for your daily driving needs. But if you have an all-electric EV with a 60-kWh battery, it would take more than 40 hours to fully charge with L1.

Level 2 (L2) is the most common type of charging because it operates on 240-volt power, which nearly every home has. Level 2 can supply roughly 6 to 19 kW of power, depending on what your vehicle can accept and your electric circuit’s amperage. L2 can provide 100 miles of charge in several hours, and fully charge a large battery in eight to 10 hours. You may need to install a new circuit if there isn’t a 240-volt circuit near the area you park. L2 is the most common type of charging at public sites, like grocery stores, libraries and workplaces.

Level 3 (L3) chargers, often called DC Fast Chargers (DCFC), require much more current and are not installed in homes. L3 chargers are typically seen at specific EV charging sites and some gas stations. These chargers have power levels from 50 kW to 350 kW, depending on the charging station. Some new EVs can acPatrick Keegan writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. Write to energytips@collaborativeefficiency.com for more information.

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Ford, Hyundai, Kia and Volkswagen will be offering electric vehicles in 2022 that can potentially power your home during a prolonged power outage.

PHOTO COURTESY FORD

cept 250 kW or more and charge a battery from 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes. Some older EV models may take an hour or more to achieve 80% at 50 kW. When selecting an EV, the charge time from 10% to 80% can be an important factor if you regularly head out on road trips.

“Vehicle to home” is an exciting new technology that enables EVs to power a home or shop during a power outage. Ford’s upcoming F-150 Lightning Pro (2022), Hyundai’s Ioniq5 and Kia’s EV6 crossovers, and the 2022 Volkswagens are slated to offer this option.

Another important decision is when to charge your EV. Your local electric co-op may offer special rates if you charge your EV at night when energy demand is lower, which can help keep electricity costs down. Electric co-ops around the country are working on programs to prepare for more EV home charging, so reach out to your co-op if you have questions about EVs, charging or specific programs and rates.

EV charging infrastructure is currently being built across the country. You may not see them in your area yet, but they’re coming, so get charged up about electric vehicles. Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency write on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape. For additional energy tips and information on Collaborative Efficiency visit: www.collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips. www.alabamaliving.coop

10/14/21 3:34 PM

Retirements don’t just grow on trees

By Tyler Foster, Alabama ONE Wealth Advisory No crop thrives on its own. And no livestock reaches its best without care and attention. The same is true of retirement.

Working with a financial advisor to meet with regularly and create a retirement strategy provides the focus and attention that can benefit your financial goals.

Focus and perspective

Keeping a strategy on track requires focus and maintenance. If the markets shift or tax laws change, your advisor pays attention.

Their experience and knowledge give them a perspective on what is significant and can suggest changes to your strategy, if needed.

Benefits to your strategy

Better options: Your advisor can provide you with better, less well-known, options for your situation. For example, if you own

a business, you have retirement options that allow you to save much more money than an IRA. Consistent care: No strategy works if it is ignored. An advisor helps keep you and your plans on track and can encourage when needed.

Attention to milestones: Certain milestones have a significant impact on your retirement. For example, when you change jobs, your advisor can help decide if rolling over your retirement assets is the best option. Ten years from your retirement, your advisor can present strategies seeking to protect your savings from potential market downturns.

Throughout your life, your advisor provides focus and guidance that can help you work towards your retirement goals.

Tyler and the Wealth Advisory team can help you determine the next steps as you prepare for retirement, regardless of how soon that day is. Contact him at tylerfoster@alabamaone.org or call 205-342-0108.

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker/dealer (member FINRA/SIPC).

Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Alabama One Credit Union (AOCU), Alabama Rural Electric Credit Union (ARECU), Alabama One Wealth Advisory and Alabama Rural Electric Wealth Advisory are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Alabama One Wealth Advisory and Alabama Rural Electric Wealth Advisory, and may also be employees of AOCU or ARECU. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from and not affiliates of AOCU or ARECU or Alabama One Wealth Advisory and Alabama Rural Electric Wealth Advisory. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

Not Insured by NCUA or Any Other Government Agency

Alabama Living

AL STATE NOV21.indd 27

Not Credit Union Guaranteed

Not Credit Union Deposits or Obligations

May Lose Value

NOVEMBER 2021 27

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| Outdoors |

State adds acreage for public hunting opportunities

A

labama opened more acreage to public hunting, thanks to a at more than 6,200 acres. The new portion borders Mississippi small, rare amphibian.

Sound, so people can hunt waterfowl in open water, the marshes In 2020, the state received $9 million from the U.S. Fish or the bays and small tributaries. and Wildlife Service to buy critical habitat for the endangered “The new portion of Grand Bay Savanna WMA was purchased Red Hills salamander. It lives in the Red Hills region of Butler, through the R.E.S.T.O.R.E. Act, which resulted from the oil spill Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Monroe and Wilcox counties in 2010,” Smith says. “The additional acreage was purchased by and nowhere else in the world. In 2000, Alabama declared the the Nature Conservancy and given to the state of Alabama. Most salamander the state amphibian. of that WMA is wet pine savanna habitat. No doubt, it will have With that money and additional help from Forever Wild, the some waterfowl hunting along Mississippi Sound and the bays.

Nature Conservancy and other partners, Alabama expanded an There are deer on the property and a good number of hogs. People can find turkeys on some higher existing Forever Wild property. ground on the tract.”

As a result, the newest wildlife The state also added the 140-acre management area, Red Hills WMA, Simmons Tract to the Upper Delta now totals 11,063 acres of Monroe WMA. The new tract sits between County north of Monroeville.

“Red Hills was about 4,500 acres the Mobile River and Tensaw Lake and people could hunt on it,” says in Baldwin County. In addition, the Chris Smith, assistant chief of the state added 37 acres to Mobile Tensaw Delta & W.L. Holland WMA Wildlife Section of the Alabama immediately south of I-65 near Department of Conservation and Dead Lake in Mobile County.

Natural Resources. “Now that it In addition, the state entered into has more acreage, we moved it into an agreement with the USFWS to our WMA system. It has good deer manage hunting on the Choctaw and turkey populations. It also has National Wildlife Refuge in Chocsome feral pigs on the property. It taw County near Coffeeville. The has some good mass-producing state will offer limited archery hunts trees, so squirrel hunting should for deer on the federal property. The be good there. We have done some state also opened a 400-acre sechabitat management over the last tion of Frank Jackson State Park in several years, like tree thinning and Covington County for archery deer fire, so it has a few coveys of wild hunting. quail on it.”

The area also holds some rabbits.

“This will be the first year Choctaw NWR will be hunted,” Smith For deer, the state will allow archery says. “We divided the refuge into equipment and black powder rifles, four hunting units. Each person but no centerfire firearms except The state of Alabama added thousands of acres of new public selected will be able to bring a shotguns loaded with slugs and hunting lands for the 2021-22 season including an entire new wildlife management area in Monroe County. Many of these guest. Those two hunters will have no buckshot. The habitat consists lands will offer deer hunting. Here, a hunter aims her bow at a a nice-sized piece of property all to mostly of mixed hardwood forests deer passing near her tree stand. themselves.” on steep hills.

PHOTO BY JOHN FELSHER “Red Hills WMA should be pretty The state also created several new good for archery hunting,” says Jared Knight, an Alabama wildlife Special Opportunity Areas and expanded others. Among these biologist in Spanish Fort. “It has a lot of terrain features that will new SOAs, the state designated the 165-acre Prairie Glades SOA make it more challenging to get into some remote locations. The in Montgomery County specifically for dove hunting and planted hills might benefit archers. It’s very rugged terrain, but that can be sorghum, millet and wheat for bird food. an advantage in some cases.”

“The Prairie Glades SOA should be really good for doves,” says In addition, the state also added 1,100 acres to Grand Bay SaSeth Maddox, the state migratory game bird coordinator. “It is in vanna WMA in Mobile County. The property extends west from the Black Belt Region with that fertile clay component in the soil.

Henderson Camp Road. This puts the total acreage for the WMA There is abundant food out there for the birds.”

These smaller SOA properties offer limited hunts on certain days for varied game species. To hunt these public lands, sportsJohn N. Felsher is a professional freelance writer who lives in men must apply to hunt specific days. Those randomly chosen can Semmes, Ala. He also hosts an outdoors tips show for WAVH FM hunt an assigned section of land with a friend.

Talk 106.5 radio station in Mobile, Ala. Contact him at j.felsher@ For more information on hunting Special Opportunity Areas, hotmail.com or through Facebook. see outdooralabama.com/hunting/special-opportunity-areas. 28 NOVEMBER 2021

AL STATE NOV21.indd 28

www.alabamaliving.coop

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DOUG HANNON’S FISH & GAME FORECAST

2021

NOVEMBER

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

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

DECEMBER

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

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

EXCELLENT TIMES A.M.

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

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

MOON STAGE

PM

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

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

GOOD TIMES AM

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

3:33 - 5:03 4:21 - 5:51 4:48 - 6:28 5:09 - 6:39 6:45 - 8:15 7:33 - 9:03 8:21 - 9:51 9:09 - 10:39 9:57 - 11:27 10:45 - 12:15 11:33 - 1:03 NA 1:09 - 2:39 1:57 - 3:27 2:45 - 4:15 3:33 - 5:03 4:21 - 5:51 5:09 - 6:39 6:45 - 8:15 7:33 - 9:03 8:21 - 9:51 9:09 - 10:39 9:57 - 11:27 10:45 - 12:15 11:33 - 1:03 NA 1:09 - 2:39 1:57 - 3:27 2:45 - 4:15 3:33 - 5:03 4:21 - 5:51

PM

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

3:57 - 5:27 4:45 - 6 ;15 5:11 - 6:41 5:33 - 7:03 N 7:09 - 8:39 7:57 - 9:27 8:45 - 10:15 9:33 - 11:03 10:21 - 11:51 11:09 - 12:39 11:57 - 1:27 12:45 - 2:15 1:33 - 3:03 2:21 - 3:51 3:09 - 4:39 3:57 - 5:27 4:45 - 6 ;15 5:33 - 7:03 F 7:09 - 8:39 7:57 - 9:27 8:45 - 10:15 9:33 - 11:03 10:21 - 11:51 11:09 - 12:39 11:57 - 1:27 12:45 - 2:15 1:33 - 3:03 2:21 - 3:51 3:09 - 4:39 3:57 - 5:27 4:45 - 6 :15

The Moon Clock and resulting Moon Times were developed 40 years ago by Doug Hannon, one of America’s most trusted wildlife experts and a tireless inventor. The Moon Clock is produced by DataSport, Inc. of Atlanta, GA, a company specializing in wildlife activity time prediction. To order the 2021 Moon Clock, go to www.moontimes.com.

Alabama Living

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| Alabama Recipes |

Cooking with

Cauliflower

Photo by The Buttered Home

Brooke Burks

Cauliflower Salad

Cauliflower Salad is a new favorite over at The Buttered Home. I love cauliflower in all of its many forms: roasted, mashed, or made into a ks Bur Brooke pizza crust. But the family, not so much! I like to buy fresh riced cauliflower in the produce section, as it saves me time, but ricing your own is fairly easy in a food processor. Once it is riced, it is so versatile. This recipe uses cauliflower in its purest form. No cooking required! It’s similar to coleslaw but with a touch of Italian flavor and lots of freshness from the cauliflower, tomatoes and the peppery arugula greens. It will soon be a favorite in your home, too! See more recipes at thebutteredhome.com and on Facebook @thebutteredhome.

30 NOVEMBER 2021

AL STATE NOV21.indd 30

2 cups uncooked, riced cauliflower 1 cup chopped tomatoes 11/2 cups chopped arugula 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/2 cup reduced-fat Italian dressing Prep tomatoes and arugula. Add to riced cauliflower in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well.

Add dressing, stir and chill in refrigerator for at least an hour. Serve and enjoy!

www.alabamaliving.coop

10/14/21 3:34 PM

Cook of the Month: Kathy Phillips, Wiregrass EC Watch Kathy prepare this month’s winning recipe on her Facebook page, Kathy’s Southern Kitchen!

When a friend shared her recipe for Bang Bang Cauliflower with Kathy Phillips, she warned her it was addictive. But the recipe called for deep frying the vegetable, and Kathy wanted to change it up a bit and make it healthier, so she decided to roast the cauliflower. “It was absolutely delicious,” she says.

“Roasting the cauliflower really brings out all of its delicious flavor. And she was right, it’s addicting!”

Kathy, a Dothan resident and member of Wiregrass EC, says her family loves the recipe “and we eat it like popcorn… with the exception of my husband.

He’s not a fan of cauliflower. But he’s a sweetheart and said that if he did like it, this would be his absolute favorite!”

She says the crunchy dish is a favorite to serve to her carb-counting friends, and makes a fantastic appetizer. “I also serve it as a main dish alternative for some of my vegetarian friends and family members. If there are any leftKathy Phillips and her "addicting" Bang Bang overs, they reheat beautifully. Honestly, it’s good with everything and the Cauliflower. sauce really gives it pizazz.”

Kathy says her love of cooking was inspired by her mother and grandmother. “I love how food brings people together. No matter where a party or gathering is located in a home, people always seem to gravitate toward the kitchen. It’s the heart of the home.” She had taught cooking classes in Houston, Texas, before moving back to her hometown of Dothan, and a year ago created a Facebook page, Kathy’s Southern Kitchen, where she shares simple recipes. “I want to help those that feel intimidated in the kitchen know that they can get in there and create something delicious,” she says. -- Lenore Vickrey

Bang Bang Cauliflower 1 1 1 1 1/2 6 3 2

Photo by Brooke Echols

Cauliflower facts • Cauiflower can be a great low-carb alternative to rice and pasta.

One cup of cauliflower contains 5 grams of carbs, while one cup of cooked white rice contains 45 grams of carbs.

• Cauliflower contains sulforaphane, a compound found in many cruciferous veggies like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, which has been linked to having protective effects against certain cancers.

• Cauliflower is rich in Vitamin C! One cup of chopped cauliflower provides 85% of the daily vitamin C recommendation.

head cauliflower cup buttermilk cup panko breadcrumbs tablespoon seasoning salt cup mayonnaise teaspoons sweet Thai chili sauce teaspoons sriracha teaspoons rice vinegar Cilantro or green onions, garnish

For cauliflower, separate washed and dried cauliflower into large bite size pieces. Add buttermilk to a large Ziploc bag and add all of the cauliflower to the buttermilk. Allow the cauliflower to sit in the buttermilk for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile in another Ziploc bag, mix together panko bread crumbs and seasoning salt. Remove cauliflower from buttermilk and add it the panko mixture a few pieces at a time. Repeat until all the cauliflower is covered with the breadcrumbs and seasoning. Spread cauliflower onto a cookie sheet sprayed with nonstick spray and bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from oven and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions. Serve with sauce below.

For sauce, mix together mayonnaise, Thai chili sauce, sriracha and vinegar in a bowl. Serve sauce with cauliflower.

SOURCE: Sofia Sanchez, MBA, RD, LDN, Community Health Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension at Auburn University Alabama Living

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Cauliflower Au Gratin 1 4 4 ½ 2 3

head of cauliflower tablespoons butter tablespoons flour teaspoon salt cups milk cups sharp shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Separate cauliflower into medium-sized florets. Boil or steam cauliflower until slightly tender (about 5-7 minutes).

Drain liquid. Arrange cauliflower in baking dish with rounded part of cauliflower side up. Set aside. In a saucepan melt butter, add flour, salt and dash pepper. Blend, then add milk all at once.

Cook stirring constantly over medium heat until mixture thickens and starts to bubble. Add 1 cup cheese and stir to blend. Pour mixture over cauliflower.

Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes until golden brown. If not browned in 30 minutes cook a little longer or turn on broiler to get a golden color.

Cauliflower Parmesan 1 small head cauliflower 21/2 tablespoons butter, melted 21/2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, divided Salt and pepper, to taste 2 cups marinara sauce 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Toss cauliflower florets with melted butter and olive oil in a large bowl. Add breadcrumbs and half the parmesan, season with salt and pepper, then toss.

Spread on a baking sheet and roast

50

medium cauliflower cup green onion, diced cup onion, diced cup sliced black olives cup chopped pimento

Bring the following to a boil and pour over vegetables: ½ 3 ½ 3

cup salad oil tablespoons lemon juice cup sugar tablespoons wine vinegar Salt and pepper

AL STATE NOV21.indd 32

Cut the stem off the head of cauliflower so it will stand. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place cauliflower in an oiled iron skillet. Pour 1 jar of buffalo wing sauce over the cauliflower and bake for 1 hour. Then pour the second jar of buffalo wing sauce over the cauliflower and bake for another hour. Baste the cauliflower every 15 minutes the last hour.

Top with Parmesan cheese and serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing.

Kirk Vantrease Cullman EC

Nancy Sites Sizemore Baldwin EMC

Cauliflower Cucumber Corn Salad 2 cups fresh cauliflower florets 1 cucumber, sliced and quartered 1 red bell pepper, chopped 15 ounces frozen or canned corn, drained 2 green onions ½ cup mayonnaise ¼ cup fresh dill ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper Salt and pepper, to taste Donna's Marinated Salad | Photo by Brooke Echols

to the winning

Cook of the Month!

Please send us your original recipes, developed by you or family members. You may adapt a recipe from another source by changing as little as the amount of one ingredient. Cook of the Month winners will receive $50, and may win “Cook of the Month” only once per calendar year. To be eligible, submissions must include a name, phone number, mailing address and co-op name. Alabama Living reserves the right to reprint recipes in our other publications.

32 NOVEMBER 2021

Donna Hovey Wiregrass EC

1 head of cauliflower 2 12-ounce bottles wing sauce, cook’s choice 2 cups parmesan cheese 1 bottle blue cheese or ranch dressing

Donna’s Marinated Salad 1 ¾ ½ 1 ½

Stir all ingredients, add mayonnaise, salt and pepper to taste.

Buffalo Cauliflower

Stacey Burkett Covington EC

Marinate for several hours; overnight is best. Keeps well in refrigerator and serves at least 6.

Andrea Blakeman Baldwin EMC

$

at 425 degrees until tender and crisp, about 35 minutes. Transfer to a 3-quart baking dish and top with marinara, mozzarella and remaining parmesan.

Broil until bubbling, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Themes and Deadlines: February: Chicken | November 5 March: Irish Dishes | December 3 April: Pecans | January 7 Online: alabamaliving.coop Email: recipes@alabamaliving.coop Mail: Recipes, P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124 www.alabamaliving.coop

10/14/21 3:34 PM

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Alabama Living

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Loving

Multiple WEC crews help region recover from Ida

LOUISIANA At left, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative linemen ensure poles are carried by boat to a fish camp serviced by no roads. Top right, WEC crews unload poles at a boat ramp to help a Louisiana fish camp receive power. Bottom right, WEC Operations Manager Joey Brown (second from left) debriefs a crew of linemen before they depart to help Louisiana residents recover from Hurricane Ida.

The Wiregrass Electric Cooperative linemen slowly and methodically backed a pole trailer up to a drop-off location, like they had so many times before. Except this time, the poles were dropped directly into a canal near the Pearl River.

“There were no roads to eight fish camps on one side of a river, so we had to offload some new poles on the other side of the canal,” WEC serviceman Mitchie Bass says. “The members there had to drag the poles across the channel. They had two broken poles over there, and some guys from Virginia hooked their power up. That was the first time I ever dealt with that.”

Bass was one of several WEC linemen who helped Washington-St. Tammany Electric Cooperative in Louisiana recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Ida, which hit 34 NOVEMBER 2021

032_CVR.indd 50

southeastern Louisiana in late August. Another six-man linemen crew aided DEMCO near Baton Rouge in its restoration efforts, while WEC’s Charlie Daugherty served in DEMCO’s warehouse for several days.

All told, WEC personnel collectively spent more than 100 days assisting those in the Pelican State.

“As a cooperative, we understand the power of coming together to improve life for those around us,” says WEC Chief Operating Officer Brad Kimbro. “As a cooperative situated near the Gulf Coast, we also know how much work it takes to restore power following a major hurricane. We welcome the chance to assist our fellow man when disaster strikes. It’s the cooperative way, and it’s the right thing to do.” www.alabamaliving.coop

10/15/21 12:46 PM

Though the task carries some professional, physical and emotional challenges for linemen, the job is also very rewarding.

A major rebuild

Arriving in Louisiana less than a week after the storm unleashed its fury, the linemen discovered the structural damage to homes and businesses was less severe than they expected.

“We saw some damage to homes.

Where we were working, it was not too bad,” Bass says. “Compared to other hurricanes — certainly Hurricane Michael — it was not as bad as it could have been.”

The power grid, however, fared far worse. More than 98% of the roughly 52,000 meters Washington-St. Tammany services lost power during Hurricane Ida. More than two weeks after Ida passed, DEMCO still had about 9,000 outages.

“They had trees fallen on lines, and they had a lot of broken poles,” Bass says.

Not only did WEC’s manpower help restore power to many Washington-St. Tammany members, WEC’s specialized equipment did, too.

“Throughout history, our members have blessed us with tremendous resources and leadership,” Kimbro says.

“This allows us to help others in several ways while maintaining great service locally. WEC is truly Big Enough to Serve, Local Enough to Care.”

After Bass’ crew returned home following its 10-day stint in Louisiana, WEC sent a six-man construction crew for a week to help DEMCO, a 152,000meter utility, restore power in its footprint.

Braving the elements

Working outside in the South presents its own specific challenges, many of which Louisiana is known for, including heat, water and dangerous wildlife.

“It was really wet out, but fortunately, we only saw one alligator — and that was away from a work site,” Bass says. “The problem mostly was the mosquitoes.”

Bass says lineworkers had to be mindful of snakes while working an already dangerous job. The crews also worked 16-hour days, meaning fatigue further complicated efforts. Communication and consistent safety training across all cooperatives guided the lineworkers past these obstacles.

“You can still focus on safety because most of the training practices are the same,” Bass says. “We made sure we were grounded at all times.”

Alabama Living

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From left, journeyman linemen Marritt Dorriety, Tyler Driskell, Bobby Groves and Caleb Flippo joined serviceman Mitchie Bass (right) and working foreman Dexter Tolbert (not pictured) on a trip to Louisiana to restore power following Hurricane Ida in August.

A pair of WEC linemen climb a pole to restore power in Louisiana following Hurricane Ida.

Lineworkers also encountered some emotional challenges, mainly being separated from family for more than a week.

“You work hard to provide for your family, but if you have kids at home, it gets hard — especially the fourth or fifth day,” Bass says. “That’s the reason we work safely, so we can return home.”

Showing appreciation

Southeastern Louisiana residents ensured their area felt like a home away from home with the hospitality they displayed throughout the WEC linemen’s time there.

“You would have people stopping, offering water and sports drinks,” Bass says. “People would drive by blowing their horns and waving. It was all greatly appreciated.”

The brother of Bobby Groves, a WEC journeyman lineman, provided a couple of meals — including crawfish etouffee.

Another woman cooked dinner for the linemen on two consecutive nights to thank them for restoring her power.

“She stopped by us at a work site and said her power still wasn’t on. She lived in a very isolated area near the end of the grid,” Bass says. “Crew foreman Dexter Tolbert got free, investigated her situation and fixed her up. She cooked two suppers for us.”

While Bass is grateful for the many friendly gestures, he above all thanks WEC for the opportunity to lend a helping hand.

“You never know when you might be the one that needs some help,” he says. n

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| Our Sources Say |

Biannual reminders I

appreciate the comments on these articles. For the most part (about two-to-one), the comments I receive are encouraging, positive and supportive.

For example, one reader says, “…kudos to Gary Smith for writing such an insightful, timely and informative piece! And kudos to Alabama Living for publishing this article.”

Another reader says, “I have repeatedly found Gary Smith’s monthly articles to be informative and stimulating. His column always has the basis of ‘How it is.’, not ‘How I wish it were.’ This month’s, ‘Watch this,’ was no exception. I write to compliment you, everyone on staff, for your consistently excellent publication.

It is a cover-to-cover must-read every month. While I have not always enjoyed the pen of CEO Gary Smith, I have always read him and considered his declarations. The favorite expression of my physics professor was, ‘There is no such thing as a free lunch!’

Never has it been truer. Never have more people with ‘bold and progressive ideas’ so disregarded practicality, especially costs, in their proposals.”

The final positive comment says, “The August issue is particularly well done. The piece by Mr. Smith is poignant, thoughtful and inspiring. In these uncertain times, this is exactly the remedy for our present malaise. The gentleman may not have sought my good opinion, but he has certainly won it.”

These are a sampling of the supportive comments I receive each month. I also get positive feedback face-to-face from people who at least say they enjoy the articles. However, not all the comments are positive or supportive.

A common theme is that some readers demand that my articles be removed from the pages of Alabama Living. Some readers call me names, and others criticize my logic or conclusions.

One reader says, “…it seems to me that so many of your articles consist of ‘throwing red meat’ to your audience (attempting to satisfy or excite certain followers, as one throws red meat to a lion to rouse its hunger). It seems obvious which followers you mean to excite, as you often refer to ‘Progressive Democrats,’ ‘liberals,’ etc., with disdain and satirical jabs.”

Another reader says, “The magazine regularly publishes this guy’s propaganda. It’s shameful!”

The final negative comment says, “I object to the monthly column of Gary Smith, the CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative. Mr. Smith’s columns do not provide information or material that has to do with the mission of Baldwin EMC or other electric cooperatives associated with Baldwin EMC. Rather, they are purely political statements by and of Mr. Smith.”

The last comment contains a recurring theme from several readers that comes around about every two years or biannually: “The article does not provide information or material that has to Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.

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do with the mission of electric cooperatives.” Those statements couldn’t be farther from the truth.

The mission of electric cooperatives is to provide reliable and affordable electricity to the members that own them. The issues I write about always ultimately relate to the reliability and cost of electricity that electric cooperatives provide to you. What could be more connected to the business of an electric cooperative than reliable electric service and cost?

We have already seen the erosion of electric reliability because of policies in some states to aggressively move to intermittent renewable resources without a viable plan to back up those resources with controllable generation that, at least today, will be provided by fossil fuels. Also, the cost of an over-aggressive renewables policy will increase the cost of electricity to the people electric cooperatives serve.

Germany has staked out an energy plan to reduce fossil fuel generation, shut down nuclear generation (carbon-free by the way), and aggressively move to renewables. As a result, the residential retail price of electricity in Germany in 2020 was 36.3 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) or $435 per month for an average electric cooperative member who uses 1,200 kWh per month.

California has made an aggressive move to renewables while shutting down fossil fuel and nuclear generation. Extended power outages are now the norm there, instead of the exception. California residential retail electric costs have also risen to 21.43 cents per kWh or $257 per month for an average electric cooperative member.

Your average cost of service from your electric cooperative is $109 per month for 1,200 kWh. A mandated aggressive move to renewables as included in the Clean Energy Power Plan, which is part of the $3.5 trillion Reconciliation Legislative package, would move your electric bill more closely to those in California and Germany and reduce your reliability.

You may be supportive of the bill and an aggressive renewable portfolio. That is certainly your right and your prerogative. You may be able to afford the higher electric costs and may not be disturbed by more frequent, if not routine, power outages.

However, many poor cooperative members can’t easily afford those increased electric costs and no businesses can easily afford reduced electric reliability.

One other factor to be considered – while the average residential electric usage in Alabama is 1,200 kWh per month, residential consumers in Germany and California use only 500 kWh per month. It will hurt you more than them.

I believe some action is needed to address climate change.

However, the radical moves being promoted will damage electric reliability, increase costs, and do nothing to change the carbon dioxide levels on earth. We need a better plan that helps people instead of imposing increased costs and decreasing reliability.

This is my biannual reminder: If my articles bother you, don’t read them. We will both be better off. I hope you have a great month. www.alabamaliving.coop

10/13/21 10:00 AM

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Answers to puzzle on Page 24

Alabama Living

AL STATE NOV21.indd 37

NOVEMBER 2021 37

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| Hardy Jackson's Alabama |

Illustration by Dennis Auth

Remember ‘Franksgiving’?

W

hy do we celebrate Thanksgiving when we do?

Some say it is because the harvest is in and farmers can take a break to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

But the harvest comes in at different times in different places, so why do we all, farmer and non-farmer, country folk and city dwellers, celebrate when we do?

Well, like so many things that today we take for granted, for this you can thank the American genius for working things out— and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Here is the tale that was told to me.

It was 1939. The Great Depression was still troubling the land. The big retailers were hoping that the Christmas shopping season, the weeks between Thanksgiving on the last Thursday in November, and the 25th of December, would boost the botHarvey H. (Hardy) Jackson is Professor Emeritus at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hhjackson43@gmail.com

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tom line and get them out of the year with a profit.

Then someone noticed that November 1939, had five Thursdays. The last fell on Nov. 30, the last day of the month, cutting a week off the Christmas shopping season.

Big retailers were upset and they told the President so.

Now Thanksgiving had fallen on the last Thursday in November ever since President Lincoln declared it a day to give thanks for the Union victory at Gettysburg, which a generation of Southerners refused to do. Since the date was set by Presidential Proclamation, instead of by Congress, it was not “official.”

So, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, reasoned that he could change it, and he did.

Big retailers rejoiced.

But they were almost alone in their happiness.

Printers, who already had 1940 calendars printed and ready, protested. So did people who had made holiday plans based on the other date.

Most upset of all were college football coaches who had scheduled traditional Thanksgiving games on what was no longer Thanksgiving. One coach reportedly announced that if it was not changed back, he would never vote for a Democrat again.

Meanwhile polls showed that 62 percent of Americans opposed Roosevelt’s plan.

Republicans, sensing a political advantage to be had, took to calling it “Franksgiving.”

Roosevelt waited out 1939 to see what would happen, but when retail sales did not increase significantly, he knew he was wasting a lot of political capital with little hope of any profit.

Congress settled the matter. It passed a joint resolution declaring the fourth Thursday in November the official Thanksgiving, and the president signed it.

That is why we celebrate Thanksgiving when we do.

Moral of the story: Politicians should not mess with something that people like.

End of lesson. www.alabamaliving.coop

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We’re thankful for our readers!

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