November 2023 Wiregrass

Stories | Recipes | Events | People | Places | Things | Local News November 2023

Wiregrass

Electric Cooperative

Driving change with WEC’s 2023 ORU Golf Tournament.

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.

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

For the birds

One of the most biologically diverse barrier islands in the U.S., Dauphin Island provides critical habitat for an array of wildlife species—from dolphins, sea turtles, gamefish and other marine life to reptiles, amphibians and, most famously, birds. Known as the “Birdiest Small City in America,” the island is one of the top four birding sites in the U.S.

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F E A T U R E S

VOL. 76 NO. 11

NOVEMBER 2023

6 Second round

ORU Charitable Golf Tournament scores fun and funds.

22 Lake Eufaula

The beauty and versatility of the recreational opportunities are two major reasons people enjoy visiting and living on Lake Eufaula, known as the “Bass Capital of the World.”

42 Empowering You

WEC’s measured response to demand challenges.

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

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Alabama Living

Tim Rockwell sinks a putt during the 2023 Operation Round Up Charitable Golf Tournament.

Read more on Page 6.

42 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! ONLINE: www.alabamaliving.coop EMAIL: letters@alabamaliving.coop MAIL: Alabama Living 340 Technacenter Drive Montgomery, AL 36117

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Sign up at alabamaliving.coop NOVEMBER OCTOBER 20232023 3 3

Working together benefits our community and our wallets Board of Trustees David Winstead District 9 President

Randy Odom District 2 Vice President Debra E. Baxley District 1 Secretary

John Clark Jr. District 3

Danny McNeil District 4

Tracy Reeder District 5

Kip Justice District 6

Donald Ray Wilks District 7

Greg McCullough District 8

4 NOVEMBER 2023

LES MORELAND CEO Wiregrass Electric Cooperative As we all know, our community thrives on mutual support — from neighbors helping neighbors to Wiregrass Electric Cooperative members rounding up their monthly electric bills to give back. That spirit underpins WEC’s mission.

Thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised an impressive $1 million for the Operation Round Up Foundation as of this summer. Our second annual ORU Charitable Golf Tournament also met its goal, bringing in an additional $52,000.

We send a big shoutout to our many sponsors, vendors and everyone who participated. I was there playing, but many of our team members worked alongside Highland Oaks Golf Trail staff to make the event a success.

Now, let’s pivot to a topic that might sound a bit technical but has immediate, real-world implications for us all — demand. Last month we chatted about thermostats, a subject close to home — literally. We all want comfort without the high cost.

Today, let’s continue that conversation by turning our attention to excess demand rates.

Your actions during peak times, specifically 6-9 a.m. from November through February, are crucial. Starting now, the way your household uses energy during this period will directly affect your monthly bill. You can find the specifics about the excess demand rate on Page 42.

To give you some perspective, let’s talk about last year’s peak demand, which occurred on Dec. 24 between the hours of 6 to 9 am. On that morning, the average residential member’s demand was around 7 kW, or kilowatts,

and 3,500 members’ demand was at least twice that. That is significant!

If all of these members had turned off their water heaters using timers during this peak/ spike, it would have saved the co-op millions.

That’s money that could go back into the community through stable rates, beneficial community-focused endeavors, improved services and capital credits returned to you.

My point is this — we have a say in our energy future. By adjusting our energy use during peak times, we’re not just saving money, we’re fortifying our cooperative’s ability to serve everyone reliably and affordably. So, go ahead and program that thermostat, set that timer on your water heater and consider your energy use an active part of community-building.

Every kilowatt saved during these critical windows is a win for us all. And as we’ve demonstrated time and again, from ORU fundraisers to daily energy choices, when we act together, we can not only meet, but often exceed, expectations.

Our cooperative spirit has always made us strong. Together, we can make our power supply more reliable and keep costs low. So, let’s work as a united front to manage our demand effectively. The results, both in dollars saved and community benefits reaped, will speak for themselves.

Thank you for being an active member of our cooperative family. Let wisdom and thoughtful choices guide your actions this season, and let’s be thankful for the many blessings we have, including electricity. Happy Thanksgiving. n

Wiregrass Electric Cooperative offices will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10, for Veterans Day, as well as Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24, so our employees can enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with their families.

If you experience a service disruption, dial 888-469-6882 to automatically report your outage based on your phone number linked to your account.

www.alabamaliving.coop

Celebrating excellence in communications Jennifer Ward earns AREA’s top honor

Jennifer Ward, WEC’s communications and public relations manager, has been selected as Alabama Rural Electric Association’s 2023 Darryl Gates Cooperative Communicator of the Year.

At Wiregrass Electric Cooperative, we see recognition as a measure of how well we’re serving you, our members. This dedication was recently acknowledged at the 2023 Alabama Rural Electric Association Communications Awards Luncheon, where Jennifer Ward, WEC’s communications and public relations manager, earned the Darryl Gates Cooperative Communicator of the Year Award.

Thanks to Jennifer’s leadership, WEC also collected multiple honors for our annual report to members, digital presence, safety campaign and yearly calendar.

These accolades serve as proof of our organization’s relentless pursuit of clarity, transparency, engagement and the well-being of our community.

When Jennifer posts updates on Facebook or organizes an event, it’s not for likes or fanfare. It’s to ensure that you, our valued members, stay informed and knowledgeable about WEC’s activities, innovations and community involvement. This matters because a well-informed membership is an empowered membership.

“While we are appreciative and honored by these awards, we are more honored to serve our valued members daily,” Jennifer says.

While awards are gratifying, they are secondary to our central mission of serving you. In every communication, our ultimate goal is to earn your trust and satisfaction. n

Serving you better, together Our success isn’t solely the result of internal efforts. Partnerships with like-minded organizations, like Pioneer Utility Resources, help us serve you better. A benefit of this collaborative relationship came recently in the form of a patronage check from Pioneer, during an in-person meeting aimed at strengthening our cooperative ties.

Why do we partner with Pioneer? The mutual benefits of such partnerships are self-evident.

Pioneer Utility Services provides valuable support to our marketing and communication endeavors. It’s a big job, and it takes a united approach to execute it well.

We are grateful for a partner that helps enhance our services and is guided by the cooperative spirit we both hold dear. Together, we remain focused on keeping you informed, involved and, above all, appreciated. n Alabama Living

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 are 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.

WEC COO Brad Kimbro accepts a patronage check from Pioneer Utility Resources Senior Vice President Anne Harvey.

Working for

Everyone NOVEMBER 2023 5

Teeing up for a 2023 ORU Charitable Golf Tournament — a spectacle of Wiregrass spirit Wiregrass Electric Cooperative pulled off another exceptional event with its second annual Operation Round Up Charitable Golf Tournament. From the friendly competition among 46 teams to the exciting ball drop sponsored by Terex, the tournament exemplified the Wiregrass spirit at its finest.

At the end of the day, the event surpassed its goal, netting over $52,000 — all aimed at making a lasting, positive impact.

More than a round of golf

What’s a golf tournament without food, fellowship and irresistible door prizes? Around 100 door prizes donated by vendors and local businesses were up for grabs, ensuring that almost everyone went home with more than just fond memories.

Scorecard

§ 170+ players

§ $52,000+ raised § Goal: $50,000 § Proceeds: The funds raised benefit the Wiregrass community through grants awarded by Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Foundation.

Bethany Retherford, WEC human resources and compliance manager, passes out door prizes to winners.

Best in tee

Winning might not be the ultimate goal, but it certainly sweetens the game. The top team went home with a cash prize, as did three other high-scoring teams. Special awards were given for the longest drive and closest to the pin. Moreover, four lucky individuals shared the cash prize from the bucket truck ball drop, sponsored by Terex.

WEC CFO Lisa LeNoir holds up one of the winning numbers of the ball drop.

6 NOVEMBER 2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

r a purpose Looking down the drive

Did you miss out on the action this year? Well, start practicing your swing. Late summer 2024 promises another golf tournament with the same mission. Stay tuned for more details on how you can join us in furthering the foundation’s impact.

1st Place Gross - Brandon Lewis, Matt Cook, Adam King, Evan Dykes

On behalf of Wiregrass Electric, we’re proud of everything we’ve accomplished together with this event. More importantly, we’re grateful the funds raised through this will find their way to deserving people in the Wiregrass through the wisdom and diligence of our volunteer Operation Round Up Foundation Board.

Where does the money go?

Every cent of the more than $52,000 raised will be directed to Operation Round Up. Funded largely by WEC members who voluntarily round up their electric bills to the next dollar, the program has amassed over $1 million since 2015.

The funds go back to the community in a variety of ways, including: • Scholarships for local students • Equipment for volunteer fire and rescue departments • Local classroom projects • Emergency disaster relief • State-of-the-art medical equipment • Medical emergency expenses • WEC’s partnership program with WTVY, Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass • And much more

— Brad Kimbro, WEC chief operating officer

Thank you!

From left, Trey Davis, junior system engineer; Robbie Daniels, manager of corporate services; Jason Thrash, vice president of engineering; Stevie Sauls, manager of field services; David Winstead, president of board of trustees; Lisa LeNoir, chief financial officer; Brad Kimbro, chief operating officer; Jennifer Ward, manager of communications and public relations; Bethany Retherford, human resources and compliance manager; and Michael Bailey, vice president of ORU Board.

A heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, vendors, WEC team members, our ORU Board members and Highland Oaks Golf Trail staff who made this event a resounding success. Winning is a team effort — and we’re grateful for the support from all who believe in our cause.

A player studies the lay of the land before a critical putt.

Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2023 7

Not for glory,

but for good

Wicksburg church’s quiet dedication to service gets noticed In Wicksburg the saying “it takes a village” isn’t just an adage, it really means something. Here, Pilgrim Home Baptist Church, led by Senior Pastor Allen Singley, embodies this spirit by focusing on the basics — helping neighbors in need.

“We’re here to share the love of Jesus, practically and spiritually,” Singley says.

And they do, through initiatives ranging from grocery giveaways to school supply drives. In doing so, members take the time to sit down and talk with folks, one-on-one, building relationships while making life a little bit easier. It’s not flashy, but it’s honest work. And it doesn’t go unnoticed.

It’s this proactive, boots-on-the-ground approach that recently earned Pilgrim Home Baptist Church the Silent Heroes of

the Wiregrass Award — an initiative between Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Foundation and WTVY to honor unsung heroes in the region.

“On behalf of Operation Round Up, we’re thankful for Allen’s leadership and the good work being done by Pilgrim Home Baptist Church,” says Brad Kimbro, WEC chief operating officer. “They roll up their sleeves and help people, not for their own glory, but to genuinely care for those in need of a little help. They’ve certainly earned this recognition and we’re proud they’re doing that good work right here in the Wiregrass.”

In partnership with the Southeast Alabama Baptist Association, the church

operates a mobile food pantry. But the congregation’s commitment to combating food insecurity extends further. Its Pack The Gap program sends food to Wicksburg Elementary and Wicksburg High School on Fridays, ensuring kids have enough to eat over the weekend.

Beyond food and school supplies drives, the church engages in mission trips, prayer walks and other avenues of outreach. “Find the people that are already in your world and see how you can meet a need,” Singley says.

It’s a holistic approach to community service that recognizes the multifaceted needs of a community.

“If they need food, we can provide food.

If they need encouragement, we can offer it,” Singley says. “The fact that we have a group of people that understand the value of being the hands and feet of Jesus in the community makes what I do a whole lot easier. I just get to cheer them on.”

In a world where it’s easy to grab attention with the big gestures, Pilgrim Home Baptist Church is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful impact comes from simply doing the small things right.

And though this village operates without fanfare, its quiet efforts to make life better deserve recognition all the same. n WTVY General Manager Valerie Russell stands alongside Allen Singley, center, senior pastor of Pilgrim Home Baptist Church, as he accepts a $1,000 grant from WEC’s ORU Foundation, represented by WEC COO Brad Kimbro.

8 NOVEMBER 2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

| Alabama Snapshots |

Lost my first tooth

Jameson Brown. SUBMITTED by Jeanette Brown, Vernon.

Lachlan Saint lost her first tooth and has written the Tooth Fairy a letter. SUBMITTED by Holly Saint, Section.

l, 6, Blakely Powel oth to st lost her fir le at hi w 23 20 Sept 5, TE IT D school. SUBM te, hi W

by Bethany h. ac Be Orange

Taylor Wright was excited about the tooth fairy visiting while staying with Grandma.

SUBMITTED by Debbie Stringer, Grady.

Sisters Darby and Maebry Hyde lost their first teeth about the sa me time! SUBMITT ED by Kathy Weaver, Albertville .

January theme: “Our family pets” | Deadline: November 31 Online: alabamaliving.coop | Mail: Attn: Snapshots, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124 RULES: Photos submitted for publication may also be published on our website at alabamaliving.coop and on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Alabama Living is not responsible for lost or damaged photos. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to have photos returned.

Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2023 9

Spotlight | November ‘Share Your Smile’ contest open to Alabama children The Alabama Department of Public Health is sponsoring the 2024 “Share Your Smile With Alabama” photo contest for thirdgrade students living in Alabama, or children 8 to 10 years of age who are homeschooled. This free contest is an opportunity for Alabama parents and guardians to showcase their child’s smile.

One boy and one girl will be selected as the grand prize winners and will be invited with their parents to attend a live news conference at ADPH in January. Winners will also be highlighted in ADPH marketing campaigns to promote good oral health for children. Deadline for entries is Nov. 30, 2023.

For more information or to enter the contest, visit alabamapublichealth.gov.

Take us along!

We’ve enjoyed seeing photos from our readers on their travels with Alabama Living! Please send us a photo of you with a copy of the magazine on your travels to: mytravels@alabamaliving. coop. Be sure to include your name, hometown and electric cooperative, and the location of your photo.We’ll draw a winner for the $25 prize each month. Make sure your photo is clear, in focus and not in shadow.  Dwight Corn and Alice Greenwald, members of Baldwin EMC from Foley, visited Fort Clatsop in Oregon. The fort was the winter encampment for Lewis and Clark during the winter of 1805-1806.

AARP poll finds veterans unaware of new benefits Nearly two-thirds of veterans are unaware that they can receive free assistance with Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act – or PACT Act – benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, according to a new AARP survey.

The new law expands access to VA health care benefits for more than five million veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances. Survivors of deceased veterans are also eligible to receive these benefits.

To learn how to apply for PACT Act benefits, visit aarp.org/ vetshealthnavigator. For these resources and more information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, visit aarp. org/veterans.

 Shirley Day, a member of Cullman EC, visited the The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, where she met a descendant of one of the original family of Canary Islanders who settled the city.

 Larry and Betty Rasco of Cullman EC took a 50th anniversary cruise to Hawaii last year and took along their magazine. They are from Baileyton.

New Archives exhibit focuses on Rosenwald Schools A new temporary exhibit documents the efforts to expand educational opportunities to rural Black children in the first half of the 20th century. “History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools” at the Museum of Alabama is a collaboration between the Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction and the Alabama Department of Archives and History. The exhibit will be on display through May 2024.

In the early 20th century, Julius Rosenwald, president of Sears Roebuck and Co., used his extensive financial resources to transform the landscape of public education in the rural, segregated South. Rosenwald collaborated with Tuskegee Institute President Booker T. Washington to pilot a community-matched grant program to fund the construction of six schools in central Alabama.

Between 1917 and 1932, nearly 5,000 new schools were built in 15 Southern states, including more than 400 in Alabama.

While some of the schools today have found new life as community centers or church facilities, most have disappeared from the landscape. Visitors to the exhibit will learn not only about the individuals who started the schools and the buildings themselves, but also about local communities across Alabama who worked to raise funds and to build and sustain the schools over generations.

For more information, visit archives.alabama.gov.

10 NOVEMBER 2023

 Vicki Miller of Arab, Alabama, a member of Arab Electric Cooperative, recently visited Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest in Germany.

She traveled there with friend Pam Huggins.

 Carol Parker and her husband spent two weeks in Germany last fall. The members of Baldwin EMC visited the highest restaurant in Germany, on top of the Zugspitze in the Bavarian Alps.

www.alabamaliving.coop

November | Spotlight

Whereville, AL

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

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

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

October’s answer: After being listed on the Alabama Places in Peril list in 2012, the Elizabeth Presbyterian Church was moved to the campus of the University of West Alabama in 2014. A group of Sumter County residents established the church in November 1838 about nine miles south of York. The growing congregation replaced the original log structure in 1858 with a wooden frame, two-story building. Like many rural structures, it fell into disrepair as the congregation dwindled. The few remaining members worked with the Sumter County Historical Society and the University of West Alabama to preserve the building. Today it sits atop a hill overlooking the UWA campus. (Information provided by UWA; photo

by Allison Law of Alabama Living). The randomly drawn correct guess winners are Robert and Joyce Newman of Coosa Valley EC.  Judy Knopps of Valley Head and Sand Mountain EC went to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with Kay Hatifield.

 Ray and Beth Ewbank of Equality, members of Central Alabama EC, took their magazine to the historic Portland, Maine, Head Light Lighthouse last fall.

Alabama Living

Find the hidden dingbat!

Last month’s dingbat really kept readers anchored to their magazines hunting for that elusive… yes, anchor. A few of our Baldwin EMC readers spotted an anchor in an ad in that cooperative’s version of the magazine, but remember, we won’t hide the dingbat in an ad. The “real” dingbat anchor was found in the illustration on Page 46 for “The World’s Longest Yard Sale” column. Chesteen McWhorter of Crane Hill, a member of Cullman EC, wrote, “Wow, this was a tough one! I searched cover to cover, three times! Finally, when I was about to call it quits, there it was!

The gent in the red cap and yellow shirt just bought himself an anchor at the World’s Largest Yard Sale. I spent a lot of time on Page 38 staring at the gray tree bark. I just knew the anchor had to be hiding there, it would have blended in so well. Glad I didn’t give up!” We’re glad, too! Thanks also to Stacie L. Hunter of Auburn, who got inspired to sing (via email) the official song of the U.S. Navy, also known as “Anchors Aweigh.” Congratulations to Pamela Maten of Gilbertown, a member of Black Warrior EMC, who is our randomly drawn winner of a gift card from Alabama One Credit Union this month.

This month, we’ve hidden an ice cream sundae in honor of National Sundae Day, Nov. 11, so good luck!

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

Sponsored by

By email: dingbat@alabamaliving.com

AREA publishes The Best of ‘Hardy Jackson’s Alabama’ Just in time for holiday giving, the Alabama Rural Electric Association and Alabama Living are publishing a collection of 48 of the best columns

by Hardy Jackson, popular columnist and author of “Hardy Jackson’s Alabama.” Jackson, professor emeritus of history at Jacksonville State University, recently retired from writing his monthly column which first appeared in the magazine in February 2014 and ran every other month. In 2017, his columns began appearing monthly and were accompanied by custom illustrations by artist Dennis Auth.

Perhaps more than any other portion of the magazine, Jackson’s column attracted a large fan base and prompted numerous letters to the editor from readers who identified with his nostalgic, humorous take on life in the South. Jackson won several national awards for his columns, including several from the Cooperative Communicators Association and two national first place Willies Awards from the Statewide Editors Association, one for his November 2020 column, “Appreciating veterans and anchovies,” and another for his November 2019 column, “The Box.” Both are included in the book.

The book can be ordered for $21.95, which includes postage and handling, through our website at alabamaliving.coop Or use the QR code on Page 21. You may also send a check for $21.95 for each copy, payable to Alabama Living, to Hardy Jackson Book, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124. Orders must be received by Dec. 8 to ensure delivery by Christmas. Supply is limited.

NOVEMBER 2023 11

Game day!

Hundreds work behind the scenes to create the college football experience

By Emmett Burnett

N

ov. 12, 2022: The troops on the field await a decision.

With all factors considered, the verdict is given: Send in the aircraft. As U.S. Army helicopters zoom over Troy University’s Veterans Memorial Stadium, the crowd erupts with excitement. Game day football is underway.

Also underway are the behind-the-scenes crews that are a mystery to us. For when it comes to producing a college football game, we have no idea how universities pull it off.

So we asked one.

August 2023: Troy University Athletics offered to show us what takes place to make football happen. The lesson starts at the school’s football epicenter, Veterans Memorial Stadium, where the press box is six stories tall.

We assume a press box houses, well, the press – TV, radio, social media, streaming, and such. One assumes correctly, but that is just one piece. There is more high-tech, almost electronic wizardry more.

Ascending the press box levels, we notice video monitors, computers, and banks of electronics are everywhere. One wonders, are we monitoring a football game or life on Mars?

“There is a bustle of activity on this floor,” notes Adam Prendergast, Troy’s associate director of athletics/communications and creative content. “Think of it as a central hub, or control room.”

The seating offers panoramic views of Larry Blakeney Field below. From up here, the public address system, score board, game clock, play clock, and video boards are operated.

In addition, the press box tower is staffed with one or more security officers and EMS officials. Campus and city police monitor cameras that scan the stadium and surrounding areas. A Troy Fire Department representative is here, on standby if needed.

“We also have people constantly checking weather data,” Prendergast continues. “If lightning is within eight miles of the stadium, the players are pulled off the field and the game is postponed.”

There are instant replay screens of the game in progress.

Those assigned to watch can review, rewind, challenge a referee’s decision, and notify the coaches on the field.

Similarly, a medical observer scans the playing field. If a player is injured and should not be playing, the medical observer has the power to stop the game. “I’ve only seen that happen once,” Prendergast says. “Coaches take injuries seriously.”

State-of-the art media rooms accommodate local news outlets as well as national press. NFL scouts are accommodated as well.

12 NOVEMBER 2023

Photos by Joey Meredith

Troy cheerleaders burst forth to lead the crowd in a rousing welcome for the football tea

Every function of the control room is in constant communication with the football field.

Keeping the show moving

Also front and center is Kyle George, executive associate director of athletics/external operations. Just as a movie or Broadway play has a director, so does a college football game.

George directs the show. He keeps it moving.

“Everything on that field is scripted down to minutes and seconds,” George says, explaining his job. “I make sure we stay in sequence.” There are many moving targets.

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Everything on the field is scripted down to minutes and seconds, from stadium announcements on the PA system or video screens, cues for the marching band, sideline presentations, pyrotechnics, the halftime show, and cheerleader activities.

“We are trying to sell an experience, not a ticket,” says Troy’s Ryan Kay. “We pride ourselves on putting a great product, not just on the field, but also in the stands.” partners with Ft. Novosel (formerly Ft. Rucker), who worked with us during that game. We practiced the flyover maneuver for two weeks.”

As a giant American flag covered the field, George waited for the right note of “The Star Spangled Banner,” and then signaled the Army to send in the helicopters. Four military choppers zoomed over the stadium.

Starting game day early

ball team, all part of the scripted activities that make for an exciting game day experience.

Stadium announcements on the PA system or video screens, cues for the marching band, sideline presentations, pyrotechnics, the halftime show and cheerleader activities are listed in order and time allotment. The script is 70 pages long.

George adds, “I am in the control room with headsets on, working with video operators and others. I coordinate the communication.” And that includes the above mentioned flyover.

“There is a lot that goes into that,” George says with a smile, about last year’s Troy/West Point/Army match. “We are huge

Alabama Living

Meanwhile, back on game day, hundreds of people work the event. They include news media, concessions, security, school personnel, and many others. The day starts early. One of the first on the scene is a dog.

About 5 a.m., a police team’s bomb-sniffing canine inspects the stadium. The exam is thorough, taking about two hours. The facility is locked down until the dog gives the OK. Once cleared to enter, vendors, ticket takers, media, ushers and more enter the stadium throughout the day. Fans never see most of the workers. But workers see fans.

“There are ushers at the top of each aisle,” notes Mike Frigge, associate director of athletics/technology and operations.

“They continuously scan their sections, making sure all is well. If someone has trouble, say, trips and falls, or becomes ill, the usher radios for help.” The EMS response time is within minutes.

In addition to being the university’s liaison with ESPN, Frigge monitors and corrects IT problems and ensures electronics are working, everything from individual headsets to the 3,150-square-foot outdoor video board.

His team keeps lines moving and works with crowd issues.

“Our EMS is set up on each side of the stadium,” he adds.

“We try to keep guests as comfortable as possible.”

On today’s stadium walk through, 10 days before the first game, the 50-yard line is over 101 degrees. Hopefully, the season opener will not be that warm, but a plan is in place.

Troy supplies misting fans and water bottle refills. Ushers know what to look for when someone has problems with the heat.

But college football fans are a hardy bunch. Game attendance is up, and like the game on the field, ticket sales do not just happen. Marketing does.

Get your tickets here

“That’s a year-round business,” says Ryan Kay, assistant director of athletics/development and ticket operations. “Yes, we constantly maintain data. Season ticket holders are increasing as well as single ticket buyers.”

NOVEMBER 2023 13

But Kay explains, “We are trying to sell an experience, not a ticket. We pride ourselves on putting a great product, not just on the field, but also in the stands.”

Director of athletics Brent Jones agrees. “We take a different approach than most. We critique, fine-tune, and spend a tremendous amount of time, effort, and energy into how we can create and maintain the best fan experience possible.”

Fan experience is more than a good idea. It pays dividends.

On Nov. 12, 2022, the university witnessed the largest crowd to see a Troy football game in Veterans Memorial Stadium: 31,010.

Troy defeated West Point/Army in a 10-9 nail-biting victory.

“Army missed a field goal late in the game,” recalls Jones.

“There is no doubt in my mind that our fans/students made a difference in that game. It’s that fan experience and game atmosphere that makes a difference.”

Troy’s head football coach Jon Sumrall adds, “Running a football program is like running a small business. You have marketing, sales, and a product to produce. We are fortunate to have so many talented people who run our business well.”

On Sept. 2, 2023, Troy opened the season with a 48-30 home game victory over Stephen F. Austin University. The game progressed without a hitch, in part due to hundreds working behind the scenes, a press box/control room befitting of NASA, and a drive to produce an excellent product.

Touchdown Troy. Clockwise from top, Kyle George, Troy’s executive associate director of athletics/external operations, directs the game day from the control room; tight end Ethan Connor makes a key play in the season opener against Stephen F. Austin; Troy mascot T-Roy greets the fans in the traditional pre-game walk to the stadium.

14 NOVEMBER 2023

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Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2023 15

For the birds Dauphin Island bird sanctuaries protect habitat for birds and people

Cynthia Freeman, a member of the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries conservation nonprofit, discovered the joys of living on an island for the birds after she and her husband, Tim, moved there about seven years ago. Since then she has become an accomplished birder and bird photographer and an advocate for these fine feathered creatures who make Dauphin Island their home and rest stop. “Every morning there’s something to see here,” she said. PHOTO BY KATIE JACKSON

By Katie Jackson

I

magine an island where birds of all colors, shapes and sizes fill “Globally Significant Important Bird Area” by the National Auduthe skies—and the trees and the beaches and the surf. Actually, bon Society. there’s no need to imagine it, because just such an island exists That’s because the island supports a spectacular array of bird species, from raptors, shore and wading birds, woodpeckers and right off Alabama’s Gulf Coast, and it is a sanctuary for both birds myriad other year-round and seasonal birds to more than 400 speand people. cies of migratory neotropical birds that drop by each spring and Dauphin Island, a six-square-mile barrier island 30 miles south fall to rest and refuel as they make their biannual 600-mile nonstop of Mobile, is home to some 1,800 permanent residents and thousands of annual visitors who flight across the Gulf of Mexico come there to enjoy worldfrom and to the Yucatan Peninclass fishing, pristine beaches, sula. first-rate environmental edu“They need food and water in both directions and Daucation opportunities and an alphin Island is the first little most-extinct old-school beach place jutting out on the water town charm. It’s also an important part of our state’s entire that they have the opportunity ecosystem. to hit,” says Ralph Havard, a 45“An Alabama without Dauyear resident of the island who phin Island is unimaginable,” has long appreciated its natural says Dr. Scot Duncan, exectreasures. utive director of Alabama The diversity of birdlife on Audubon and author of the The painted bunting is just one of more than 200 species of migratory the island makes it a must-see award-winning book Southern neotropical birds that rely on Dauphin Island for rest and refreshment site for bird and nature lovers Wonder: Alabama’s Surprising before and after their 600-mile trip across the Gulf of Mexico. from around the world, but it PHOTO BY CYNTHIA FREEMAN Biodiversity. is also a must-have site for the world’s birds, which are facing Why is it unimaginable? For lots of reasons. alarming population declines.

One of the most biologically diverse barrier islands in the U.S., According to Andrew Haffenden, an internationally known Dauphin Island provides critical habitat for an array of wildlife birding expert who now lives on Dauphin Island, some three billion birds have been lost in North America since 1970 to factors species—from dolphins, sea turtles, gamefish and other marine life such as habitat loss and degradation, overuse of chemicals and to reptiles, amphibians and, most famously, birds. collisions with human-made structures like windows, buildings, Known as the “Birdiest Small City in America,” the island is powerlines and wind turbines. one of the top four birding sites in the U.S. and is designated as a 16 NOVEMBER 2023

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Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2023 17

“The estimate is that 30 percent (of the world’s total bird population) has disappeared in the last 30 years, and some species are being lost at even higher and faster rates—up to 6 to 10 percent per year,” he says.

Dauphin Island plays a crucial role in the protection and wellbeing of those birds, but also for Alabamians. For example, the island is Alabama’s first line of defense against severe storms and hurricanes coming off the Gulf of Mexico and it also helps buffer the effects of coastal elements such as waves, tides and currents. In addition, it’s one reason Alabama is a biodiversity super star, ranked fourth in overall biodiversity in the nation.

tions—the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, South Alabama Land Trust and the Nature Conservancy, among them—additional areas of vital habitat have also been protected.

But in the 1990s, development threatened the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, a 164-acre area containing a mixture of several critical habitats including maritime forest, marsh and dune ecosystems, which spurred local volunteers to take action.

Those volunteers were members of the Friends of the Dauphin Island Audubon Sanctuary, an ad hoc advisory group of bird and nature lovers who worked with town leaders to monitor, maintain and protect the island’s natural areas. When development efforts began encroaching Preserving and protecting on the sanctuary, FODIAS members With so many lives depending on leaped into action and purchased an the island, protecting Dauphin Island adjacent lot that helped buffer the is of paramount importance. But DIBS President Ralph Havard (left) and Andrew Haffenden, area from development while also DIBS’s vice president for acquisitions, stand in front of of doing so requires a balance between the marker for the Goat Trees property, one of the first lots improving options for parking and preserving natural habitats and ad- procured and protected for birds by the organization. access to the sanctuary. dressing the demands of community From that initial purchase sprang PHOTO BY KATIE JACKSON growth and development. a new paradigm and a renewed passion for protecting ecologically important sites on the island, an The need for that balance has long been recognized on the iseffort spearheaded by the late John Porter, a University of Alabama land, early planners of which set aside several parks and natural physics professor who, along with his wife Jackie, birded regularly areas in the 1950s and `60s. In 1988, when the Town of Dauphin Island was officially incorporated, one of the council’s first acts was on Dauphin Island. to designate the entire island as a bird refuge. Over the years, and After years of people saying, “somebody should” take action to with support from various agencies and conservation organizaprotect the island’s ecosystem, “John Porter was the first one to say, Dauphin Island provides vital habitat and nesting sites to an array of shore birds including this black skimmer that finds food by touch, not sight. They skim along the water with their lower mandible submerged. When they feel a fish, their upper mandible snaps shut. They breed along the Gulf Coast and quickly set up nests on the new marsh mounds developed during the marsh restoration project in Graveline Bay. They nest on the sand and that area has proved to be a valuable new habitat for these birds..

PHOTO BY CYNTHIA FREEMAN

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Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2023 19

Flamingos that were blown off course during Hurricane Idalia earlier this year have been found in several spots here in Alabama, including on Dauphin Island.

HOTO BY CYNTHIA FREEMAN

‘we’ll do it,’” says Betsy Eagar of Mobile, a long-time birder who fell in love with Dauphin Island years ago.

Over time, FODIAS was reincorporated into the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, Inc., a nonprofit focused on using conservation, advocacy and community engagement to help protect and maintain critical habitat on the island. DIBS began to acquire additional properties including an area of ancient oaks known as the Goat Trees, sections of land bordering the island’s historic Shell Mounds site and plots in the Gorgas and Tupelo Gum Swamps. They also began buying other undeveloped or unused private lots on the island with the goal of creating uninterrupted bird-friendly corridors within developed areas, which are especially important to migratory birds as they move across the island.

“We are basically filling in the little pieces of the Dauphin Island jigsaw puzzle,” says Havard, DIBS’s president.

Acquiring those lots can be challenging, especially since many properties were passed down through generations and heirs are often scattered across the U.S. or beyond. But DIBS volunteers have preserved and, in the process, learned lots of new skills like how to search deed records and write grants.

A model for other communities

“We didn’t know what we were doing when we started,” says Eagar, DIBS’s treasurer. “We were building the plane as we were flying it.”

Today, however, the “plane” is gaining altitude. As of August 2023, DIBS has acquired and protected 80 properties with plans to add another 20 to 40 in the future. DIBS, which won the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Governor’s Wildlife Conservationist of the Year award in 2020, has also become a model for other communities interested in finding ways for nature and development to co-exist.

A big part of their success lies in the many private donations of land and money (contributors hail from 34 different states and several foreign countries) and in their collaborations with other 20 NOVEMBER 2023

conservation agencies and organizations. Chief among partners is NFWF, which is a nongovernmental organization that distributes federal monies collected though the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund, established to help make reparations cause by the Deep Horizon oil spill.

Dauphin Island was a natural choice for NFWF assistance.

“Dauphin Island is a strategically significant barrier island that provides important habitat to numerous fish and wildlife resources, including coastal and migratory birds,” says Jeff Trandahl, NFWF’s executive director and CEO. In partnership with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Town of Dauphin Island and numerous implementing partners, NFWF has awarded nearly $50 million from GEBF to projects that “restore and enhance habitats and ensure their resilience for future generations,” Trandahl says.

While DIBS’s acquisitions do impact the local economy by taking properties out of the town’s tax base, Eager says it has been “a great friend of ours.”

“No question this is a win-win situation and a lasting one at that,” says Dauphin Island City Councilman Rich Colberg, an amateur birder who also serves on the DIBS board.

“The importance of protecting our natural blessings was instilled in me at an early age by my father,” he says. “When I moved to Dauphin Island, I looked around to see who was most engaged in local conservation and DIBS was (and is) the only organization focused exclusively on Dauphin Island.”

And, ultimately, this work is just one part of a global effort that is as important to society as it is to the natural world.

“Conservation work is not just about saving animals or other species,” Duncan says. “It’s about saving humanity and our quality of life.”

For example, Duncan said birds provide humankind many tangible resources and services like pest control, pollination and reseeding of important plants. But they also provide intangibles such as cultural enrichment (think everything from are and literature to sport team names), entertainment, improved mental health and wellbeing and bringing together like-minded people from all walks of life and backgrounds.

Plus, just as an Alabama without Dauphin Island is unimaginable, so is a world without birds. “Imagine walking around in your daily life and deleting the soundtrack birds provide,” Duncan said. “It would be kind of like watching a movie where there’s no music score.”

To learn more about Dauphin Island’s natural resources or get involved in its future, visit the DIBS website at dauphinislandbirds.com and the town’s site at townofdauphinisland.org. More information on ways to help and enjoy birds throughout the state is also available at Alabama Audubon’s site, alaudubon.org, and through the Alabama Ornithological Society at aosbirds.org. Catherine and Park McGehee of Opelika are among the many people who flock to Dauphin Island to enjoy the hundreds of bird species that use the island as a stop-over during fall and spring migration as well as many other species that live there seasonally or year-round. It’s one of many places in the state to celebrate Alabama’s 2023 Year of Birding, a celebration that will continue into 2024.

PHOTO BY KATIE JACKSON

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The NEW, must-have book for this holiday season!

The Best of

Hardy Jackson’s Alabama You’ve read and laughed along with Hardy Jackson for the past 10 years in the pages of Alabama Living, and now you can have 48 of his best columns all in one place! We are proud to offer this first-ever compilation of the favorite author’s work, illustrated by the talented Dennis Auth, just in time for holiday gifting. Just scan the QR code here, or use this form to order your copy today!

Hardy Jackson

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Alabama Living

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(Third in a series on Alabama’s lakes)

Lake Eufaula Historic area offers more than just fishing

By John N. Felsher

I

n 1963, Lake Eufaula opened on the Chattahoochee River.

“Chattahoochee” comes from the Muskogee words “chato” meaning “rock” and “huchi” meaning “painted” for the colorful granite outcroppings along its course.

Today, the river and lake form part of the Alabama-Georgia line. Officially dubbed Walter F. George Reservoir, but traditionally called Lake Eufaula, the impoundment covers 45,181 acres with 640 shoreline miles.

The area still draws people because of the beauty and versatility of recreational opportunities. One such resident is Lamar Turner, who served many years as Henry County probate judge. Originally from Abbeville, he bought a place on a major creek flowing into the lake in 1980.

“On this creek, I can see a long way,” Turner says. “I sit and just watch the boats. Sometimes, we might see 20 or 30 boats. It’s like always having company. Sometimes, we ride around to see what’s new. Somebody is always building something or making improvements. We can ride in a boat all day long because the lake is so big.”

More than boats prompted the judge to move to the lake. An avid fisherman, Turner wanted to live on what many people call the “Bass Capital of the World.”

“It’s a beautiful lake,” he adds. “I love to fish and I love this area.

I used to love bass fishing, but I wore my shoulders out. Now, I fish for crappie and bream, but there are all kinds of things to do on the lake. We see a lot of young people water skiing or pulling people behind jet skis. I even performed several weddings in boats on the lake.”

Lake Eufaula still produces excellent bass numbers with occasional double-digit fish. Some top 12 pounds, but the lake also holds abundant other species.

“Lake Eufaula is one of the best fishing lakes in Alabama,” says Rob Andress, the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division district fisheries biologist. “It’s a destination lake for many people. The lake also has good populations of channel catfish, bluegill, redear sunfish and other fish. Both states stocked hybrid bass into the lake for years.”

Good news for the judge: Crappie rank second as the most popular game fish after bass. The lake produces many 1- to 2-pounders with some exceeding three pounds.

“Lake Eufaula is overpopulated with crappie,” says Tony Adams with Going Fishing with Tony. “The biggest crappie put on my boat weighed 3.40 pounds. I’ve heard about fish exceeding four pounds.”

Numerous fishing tournaments, including some major professional competitions, run on the lake each year. Many launch at Lakepoint State Park. Lakepoint and Chewalla Creek Marina rent boats.

“The lake is our best asset,” says Jack Tibbs, Eufaula mayor and owner of Strikezone Lures. “Lakepoint State Park is a world class facility for hosting fishing tournaments.”

The park offers varied lodging options. Visitors can fish off the bank, eat in fine restaurants and even dock their boat at lakeside restaurants for a lunch break before returning to the lake.

“Our hotel has 101 rooms with a large restaurant that overlooks the lake,” says Sharon Matherne, Lakepoint general manager.

“Our lakeside cottages have been recently renovated. We’re finishing renovations on 29 cabins. We host many weddings, reunions, business conferences and other events in our banquet rooms.”

Visitors participate in countless activities including golfing, hiking, wildlife and bird watching, biking and other pursuits. The

The Yoholo Micco Trail, named for the Creek Indian leader of Eufaula Town who was driven from the area with his people in 1836. The trail begins downtown with the trailhead in front of the Eufaula/Barbour County Chamber of Commerce, winding along and then crossing Lake Eufaula on the old railroad trestle, through residential areas and ending at Old Creek Town, the site of an old Indian village. The trail is paved, making it popular for hikers, runners, and bicyclists.

PHOTOS COURTESY EUFAULA/ BARBOUR COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2023 23

park sits on Cowikee Creek, one of many lake tributaries offering Springs.” outstanding paddling opportunities.

At Blue Springs State Park in Clio, the spring stays 68 degrees “We recently added an off-road vehicles trail,” Matherne says. all year long. It feeds two sandy-bottomed pools, creating a re“People can bring their own vehicles or rent one from us. We also freshing place to swim on a hot day. added a hard-packed easy access trail for people who have diffiThe town of Eufaula dates to 1816 when settlers begin living culty walking. People can also ride bicycles on it.” on bluffs overlooking the Chattahoochee. Eufaula means “high Each February, the park hosts its Fins, Feathers and Flowers bluff ” in the Creek language. Unlike many Southern towns, Euweekend. Activities include birding, seminars, archery and profaula survived the Civil War intact. Consequently, many historic grams with live animals. An outstanding place to observe wildlife, mansions still exist. Each April, the Eufaula Heritage Association the nearby Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge spreads across 11,184 hosts its Eufaula Pilgrimage Tour of Homes. The Christmas Tour acres on both sides of the Chattaof Homes occurs in December. hoochee River.

“We have the largest historic “Habitats on the refuge are very district in eastern Alabama and diverse,” says John Earl, the refuge second largest in the state,” Sparks manager. “We have sandy longleaf explains. “We have more than 700 pine uplands, permanent wetlands, buildings on the National Regismarshes and seasonal wetlands. ter of Historic Places, many built People can drive or walk some before the Civil War. These older units and observe or photograph homes give a glimpse of what life wildlife. We also have biking and was like back then. We also have hiking opportunities. Many peoa very dynamic downtown with ple enjoy paddling the backwater great restaurants and boutiques.” creeks.”

During the Pilgrimage, owners People might spot numerous open their historic homes to the birds including bald eagles, ospreys public. Some dress in period clothand endangered wood storks. Large ing. People can tour the Shorter populations of waterfowl winter in The Eufaula Heritage Association offers tours of the Shorter Mansion or Fendall Hall all year the area. During warmer months, Mansion, a Classical Revival-style house built in 1906. long. The Shorter Mansion dates people might see alligators. The to 1884 and appeared in several refuge allows hunting for deer, waterfowl and other game. movies. Fendall Hall dates to 1856. Visitors can also tour muAt Old Creek Town Park, people can fish off a pier, take a nature seums and other historic buildings. The 2024 Pilgrimage will be walk or picnic. Hikers can explore Yoholo Micco, the Creek Indian held April 5-7.

Trail. Named for a Creek chief sometimes called Chief Eufaula, the “New for the 2024 Pilgrimage, we’ll have a vintage fashion show asphalt walkway runs 3.2 miles where a railroad once operated. and an art walk,” Sparks says. “People can walk around town and “Old Creek Town Park is one of five sites in this area on the see the artists in front of different businesses.”

Wiregrass Birding Trail,” says Ann Sparks, the Tourism and In downtown Eufaula, check out Manny, a 12-foot-tall fiberMain Street Eufaula director for the Eufaula Barbour Chamber glass bass that honors Tom Mann who founded Mann’s Bait of Commerce. “Birding is becoming big here. Other sites include Company. Since the lake straddles the Alabama-Georgia line, anthe national wildlife refuge, Lakepoint, Yoholo Micco and Blue glers can use a license from either state to fish the lake.

Area Information City of Eufaula 334-688-2000 eufaulaalabama.com

Eufaula Barbour Chamber of Commerce 334-687-6664 eufaulachamber.com

Things to Do

Eufaula Heritage Association Pilgrimage Tour of Homes Christmas Tour of Homes Shorter Mansion 334-687-3793 eufaulapilgrimage.com Fendall Hall 334-687-8469 ahc.alabama.gov/properties/fendall/fendall.aspx

24 NOVEMBER 2023

Lodging

Lakepoint Resort State Park 800-544-5253 or 334-687-8011 alapark.com/parks/lakepoint-state-park

Outdoors Facilities

Blue-Springs-State-Park 334-397-4875 alapark.com/parks/blue-springs-state-park Chewalla Creek Marina 334-687-5751 chewallacreekmarina.com Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge 334-687-4065 fws.gov/refuge/eufaula Old Creek Town Park 334-687-1213 eufaularecreation.com/oldcreektownpark.aspx Yoholo-Micco Trail 334-688-2000 eufaulaalabama.com/173/Yoholo-Miccothe-Creek-Indian-Trail www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2023 25

| Alabama People |

Rashidah Farid, Ph.D.

Working for a better future in nature Rashidah Farid grew up the youngest of seven siblings in the small community of Bethlehem near Abbeville, and enjoyed a childhood that was focused almost entirely on nature and the outdoors. The family had a garden, chickens and goats, and her earliest memories are falling asleep outside under a shady oak tree. By the time she was a pre-teen, she knew she’d rather talk to the trees and animals than people, she says with a laugh.

Her parents were college-educated professionals and instilled in their children a desire for education, so she started out studying animal science at Tuskegee University. But she missed nature and began a concentration on wildlife and natural resources. With internships and work after graduation, she was exposed to conservation, sustainability, ecology and GIS mapping, among other skills.

She earned a master’s degree at Alabama A&M University in plant and soil science, where she learned about biostatistics. That interest would play into her doctoral study at the University of Florida of population ecology in wildlife populations – how populations change over time.

Now, those widely varying interests are evident in her job as assistant professor of wildlife ecology and coordinator of the Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries program at her alma mater, Tuskegee. But she has other educational interests that draw on all of her previous work and studies. – Allison Law How do you balance all your interests? Do they all work together in your work now?

They do, actually. … I have a lot of grad students, and I think all those experiences I’ve had allow me flexibility and that foundation to allow my grad students to pursue their interests. … I use my network, which is diverse, to help my students move along. That’s the reason I’m at Tuskegee – I have a passion for mentoring and helping students move up in their career and find their own path. It’s tough though, having so many things going at the same time, with a very young family.

Where we talk about balance, that’s where I struggle the most!

You do a lot of work with private landowners. Talk about that.

We have all kinds of programs. One of our more active programs is feral hog removal. I’m so tired of feral hogs! Literally last Saturday, I was up at 5 a.m. to meet my graduate students to kill some hogs. … A little more on the sustainable ag (side), there are a lot of landowners trying to incorporate in26 NOVEMBER 2023

tercropping techniques – using native wildflowers to attract the good insects to kill the nuisance ones. So we do a lot of that. On the forestry side, we help the landowners do a general evaluation (of their forest land). Some landowners are interested in, how do I build an inexpensive low-water crossing? To improve the water quality but not be very expensive. Or how do I do small prescribed burning? Some are interested in agroforestry – can I graze my cattle or goats in the forest while waiting for the timber to mature? Some are just interested in, how do I lease my land?

I believe you also have a great interest in drawing more minority students, as well as girls, into your particular fields.

I’m very passionate. I tell people all the time, my mission is really to provide more diversity in natural resource careers and fields. I want to send diverse students into these spaces. You think about, how are we going to be able manage natural resources in the future? You must have diverse minds and cultures and thought patterns to handle the challenges of the future, particularly related to climate change. So yes, I have quite a bit of work, trying to recruit minority students, but all underrepresented students in natural resources, which includes women.

In the summer, I run a forestry and natural resource camp for high school kids in Tuskegee. It’s a two-week, residential all-outdoor camp, fishing, hiking, camping, complete immersion in natural resources. We specifically try to make sure we have a diverse group, including Hispanic kids, women, anyone who’s considered to be underrepresented in the fields.

Are you hopeful for the future of our environment and the managing of our natural resources?

Absolutely. I think one of the most amazing things about working with young people is you have no choice but to be optimistic. You can see their brilliance, you can see their genius, you can see their innovation, and how their minds are different and growing and coming up with new ways of solutions to handle problems that my generation would never come up with. That’s a gift that working with young people gives you – a constant optimism about the future, and how even though our environment is changing, we will be able to meet those challenges in the future. www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2023 27

SOCIAL SECURITY

Are you age 70 or older and not receiving benefits?

R etirement is not one-size-fits-all. It can mean different things to different people. Perhaps you have not applied for Social Security retirement benefits because you’re still working or are delaying applying so you can get the higher benefit. If you’re age 70 or older, you should apply now for the benefits you’re owed.

Your benefits will not increase if you continue to delay applying for them because you are 70 or older.

Did you know that you can receive benefits even if you still work? Your earnings can increase your monthly benefit amount – even after you start receiving benefits. Each year that you work, we check your earnings record. It’s possible your latest year of earnings is one of your highest 35 years. If so, we will automatically

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

November crossword

by Myles Mellor

Across Down 1 Site of Alabama’s “Regiment of 1 Awards for military heroes Columns” - 2 words 2 Leaves associated with 8 Guacamole, for example Thanksgiving 9 Founder of the Alabama 3 Autumn leaves collector Veterans Memorial Park, Della 4 Fasten on a lapel, for example _____ 5 They display military emblems 10 Majors or Marvin 6 Large spreading tree 12 Vegetable used to add flavor 7 USAF’s territory to Thanksgiving dinners, 11 Squeezed out a living sometimes 13 Move slowly and carefully 14 Letters on pharmacy sign 14 Memo note start 15 Navy vessel 16 Providing a garden with water 18 Salvation Army, abbr.

17 Red flower that’s a symbol of 19 Time just before Memorial Day 21 Mashed potatoes: a favorite 20 ___ Day (WWII victory in Europe ____ at Thanksgiving celebration) 22 Raises, 2 words 22 Allow 24 Act passed to protect those 23 More resolute with disabilities, abbr.

25 Sporting venue 27 “This is a victory of more than 26 Panorama arms alone! This is a victory 28 In no way of liberty over _____” President 30 Oil company Truman, September 2, 1945 32 “America the Beautiful” closer 29 Baseball stat, abbr.

33 Thanksgiving bird 31 Big name in appliances 34 “Based ___ true story”- 2 words 32 They encircle the flag pole at 35 Katie Britt, for example- abbr.

Alabama’s American Flag Plaza 36 Heavy weight 37 Drive back an enemy attack, say 38 Famous battleship remembered in a Memorial Park which has an oak tree from each county in the state 28 NOVEMBER 2023

recalculate your benefit amount and pay you any increase due.

You can claim your retirement benefits now. The best and easiest way to apply is with a personal my Social Security account.

You can create your free account at ssa.gov/myaccount. Once you create your account, you can get an estimate of how much you might receive each month based on when you want to start receiving benefits and then apply.

In your account, you can also: • Access our publications – like the fact sheet for workers ages 70 and up.

• Find your Full Retirement Age. • Learn about benefits for your spouse and family members.

• Apply for benefits.

• Manage your benefits once you start receiving them.

We’re here to help you secure today and tomorrow and we invite you to learn more about applying for retirement benefits at ssa.gov/apply on our website. Please share this information with those who need it.

Answers on Page 45 www.alabamaliving.coop

Around Alabama

NOVEMBER

3-12

Dothan National Peanut Festival, at the fairgrounds. This year’s theme is “Peanuts Galore and So Much More!”

Features midway and rides, an opening night parade, petting zoo, live music, contests, arts and crafts, livestock exhibits and more. For daily schedule and ticket information, visit NationalPeanutFestival.com

4

Fairhope third annual Barnwell Community Day at the historic schoolhouse that is now a community center, located at 13319 County Road 3. Live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, bake sale, bounce houses, tractor displays, face painting and more. Free. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

BarnwellCommunity.org

4

Pike Road Pike Road Arts and Crafts Fair, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the historic Marks House. Decorative crafts, functional crafts, jewelry, mixed media, paintings, photography, pottery/ceramics, Barbecue and home baked goods and a children’s corner with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, petting zoo, pony rides and more.

Admission is $5, with children 8 and under free (cash only). PikeRoadArtsAndCraftsFair.com

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians will celebrate their history of traditions with their annual Pow Wow on Thanksgiving weekend.

PHOTO COURTESY THE POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS

11

Monroeville Monroeville Market, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in historic downtown. Arts and crafts and handmade items, food and live entertainment for all ages. MonroeCountyAl. com

11-12

Jackson 41st annual Forestry Festival, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the downtown area.

Smith family memorial car show, lumberjack competition, live entertainment, children’s game area, food vendors, a market with all kinds of items and a turkey calling contest. Power wheels parade for children begins at 9 a.m. in front of First Baptist Church. Search for Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce page on Facebook.

Fort Payne 8th annual Creative Spirit Market at DeSoto State Park, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. This open air showcase features artist demonstrations, local and regional fine and folk art, hand-crafted goods and live acoustic music.

Market is near the park’s picnic area across from the country store on County Road 89. Free; limited parking in the picnic and tennis court areas and in front of the store. 256-997-5025.

8

18

4

Pell City a historical seminar titled “Lost and Some Founds: Treasures of 1800s Alabama” begins at 1 p.m. at The Venue on 20th. Guest speaker will be Jim Phillips. After the presentation, there will be free appraisals of pre-1920s paper currency, coins and bottles (limit of 10 items per person). Free, with light refreshments. 205-902-4370.

11

Wetumpka third annual Wildlife Arts Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown, celebrating wildlife art and the great outdoors.

Educational presentations, art exhibits, classes, vendors, food, kids’ activities, dog competitions and demonstrations from experts in painting and cooking. Free. 301 Hill St. TheKelly.org

11

Foley Chocolate and Cheese Festival, Heritage Park, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring chocolatiers and vendors selling chocolate, cheese and other menu items, live music, highquality arts and crafts, chocolate martinis, large kids’ zone and more. Also features a cheese toss, chocolate cheesecake eating contest and chocolate toss. $5 admission; 12 and under are free. GulfShores.com Alabama Living

Andalusia Angel of Hope for Covington County, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the farmer’s market on Tisdale Street. Activities include a 5K race, antique and classic car show and the Day of Hope Market, with arts and crafts vendors, live music, food trucks, tours of the Three Notch Museum and Sweet South Market boiled peanuts. Proceeds will help complete the second phase of the city’s Angel of Hope memorial site at Robinson Park, which is dedicated to the memories of children who have died. Other proceeds will help families grieving the loss of a child. Search Angel of Hope for Covington County on Facebook.

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Peterman Peterman Station Reunion and Festival, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food and craft vendors, entertainment and more. 251-5644064 or 251-362-6021.

18

Alpine 15th annual Art Extravaganza, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Aljerald Powers Memorial Lodge/Plank Road Station. Arts and crafts of a wide variety, live entertainment and homemade goodies. 256-362-9375.

23-24

Atmore Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ 51st annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow, 6477 Jack Springs Road.

Gates open at 10 a.m. both days. $15 for both days, or $10 for one day; ages 6 and under free.

This cultural celebration features dance contests for men and women, young and old, as well as a drum contest and Poarch Creek Indian Princess Contest. Also: crafts and goods for sale by local artisans and festival favorite foods. Pci-nsn.gov

24

Alex City Holiday Bazaar at Russell Crossroads, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Town Green. Artisans and patrons from all over gather for a display of handmade goods, including jewelry, soaps, paintings, pottery, woodwork, lotions, furniture and more. 256-3971019.

25

Pine Apple 27th annual Hunter Appreciation Day Festival, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Big buck and big hog hunting contest, local vendors, antique car show and parade and live music. Search for the event on Facebook or email joycewall@yahoo.com

30

Prattville annual Christmas tree lighting, downtown historic district.

Holiday DJ from 6 to 8 p.m. and tree lighting at 7 p.m. A special visitor will arrive immediately after the lighting to hear the wishes of the children.

334-595-0850.

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

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

Alabama Living on FB instagram.com/alabamaliving

NOVEMBER 2023 29

| Gardens |

Grateful for gardens Ways to give thanks for (and in) our outdoor spaces

A

s the holiday season barrels toward us, it’s easy to feel more grumpy than grateful, which is why I highly recommend a hasty retreat toward the garden.

It may sound counterintuitive to hang out in gardens at their least flamboyant time, but trust me, winter gardens are magical places filled with many reasons to be thankful.

For one thing, we can appreciate what’s not there this time of year such as biting bugs, oppressive heat, a long to-do list of chores and the rattle and din of lawnmowers and leaf blowers. Also, there are usually fewer people out and about this time of year which means gardens, both public and private, can be ideal places to snatch a moment of peace and relative quiet. (Of course, they are also great spaces to work off pent-up energy and frustration—your own and that of, say, spirited children.)

Another delight of the fall/winter garden, as well as parks and woodlands, is the chance they afford to appreciate the change of seasons. Watching leaves coloring and falling, migratory birds dashing through on their way South and other critters preparing for winter can be as profound an experience as it is an entertaining one.

Yet another thing to be thankful for are the views revealed once leaves have fallen: the architecture of bare branches on trees and shrubs, dips and rolls in the terrain and a chance to see vistas that lie beyond our garden’s boundaries. It also allows winter blooming plants, such as camellias, and evergreen beauties like hollies to shine. And time spent admiring an unadorned landscape provides us the opportunity to imagine changes we may want to make in the coming year.

Of course, we can also be thankful for the physical and mental health benefits gardens provide to our bodies and minds, both of which can be challenged this time of year. Gardens are perfect places to burn off a few holiday Katie Jackson is a freelance writer and editor based in Opelika, Alabama. Contact her at katielamarjackson@gmail.com.

30 NOVEMBER 2023

calories and limber stiff joints, ease stress, pique curiosity and inspire creativity.

So, yes, there is much to appreciate in the winter garden, but this season focused on gratitude is also a great time to be thankful for garden-related gifts—food, flowers and communities of garden lovers that spring from the soil.

If you want to share a little gardening gratitude, here are a few ideas for doing just that.

• Donate to public gardens and parks or other garden-related charities.

• Volunteer to help with school or community gardens or with local public gardens and parks.

• Share food, flowers and plants from your garden with others.

• Create a gratitude garden of your own, whether it’s a gratitude plot filled with lots of plants or simply a special tree, shrub, flower or even indoor plant.

• Show appreciation to all the people who help in your garden, such as landscape workers, by sharing a word of thanks or a small gift or tip.

• Host a gathering of family, friends

and/or neighbors in your garden.

• Teach children to appreciate gardens; a list of ideas can be found at the KidsGardening site, kidsgardening. org/resources/garden-activitiesthank-you-to-food-workers.

Most important of all, though, is to get outside wherever and whenever you can. Your heart, soul, body and mind will thank you.

NOVEMBER TIPS  Plant leafy greens such as lettuce, arugula and spinach.

 Plant spring-blooming bulbs and most shrubs and trees.

 Plant hardy annuals such as poppies, pansies and ornamental cabbage and kale.  Plant collards, cabbage, carrots, beets and radishes.  Tuck lawn and garden equipment and tools away for the winter.  Leave the leaves on the ground whenever possible.  Keep bird feeders cleaned and filled.

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2023 31

| Consumer Wise |

A consumer’s guide to stovetops

Induction stovetops use electromagnetic energy to heat the pan, reducing energy waste. PHOTO COURTESY ELA HANEY, PEXELS

Q: A:

I’m considering a new stovetop. Can you explain the different options available?

I have found that most people who enjoy cooking have pretty strong opinions about their preferred fuel choice: gas or electric. Induction, which is growing in popularity, is a newer option for home stovetops.

According to a study completed by Electric Power Research Institute, 74% of the energy from an electric range is transferred to food, versus 40% on a gas range. Induction cooktops are the most efficient option at 90% energy transferred to food. Regardless of your stovetop choice, right-sizing pots and pans to the burner is important to avoid wasting energy.

Electric cooktops are a tried-and-true option for many homes, and they are typically the most affordable option. Glass top models offer a cleaner look than the traditional coil elements and are easier to clean but tend to be a bit more expensive. The most common complaint about electric cooking is that the heating controls are not as fast or precise.

Many home chefs prefer gas stovetops because you can easily see the size of the flame, a visual clue that helps you control the cooking temperature. Temperature adjustments are also faster and more precise than on electric stovetops. However, there are some concerns with safety and indoor air quality associated with gas stoves because gas emissions can be harmful to your health. To help reduce indoor air pollution, always use your exhaust fan when using your gas stovetop. Ideally, your exhaust fan should be vented to the exterior of the home.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company.

She has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy at home, and she writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives.

32 NOVEMBER 2023

Access is also a consideration. Natural gas is typically available in more populated areas, while rural customers may need a propane storage tank installed outside their homes to use a gas stove.

An induction stovetop can offer a higher-end cooking experience than a standard electric stovetop, and some people prefer it to cooking on gas.

Induction stovetops use electromagnetic energy to heat the pan, reducing energy waste. Instead of heating the stove’s surface, they heat the pans themselves. Because the pans heat directly, you don’t have to wait for the heat to transfer like you do with gas and electric stovetops, resulting in faster cooking times.

They also allow for more precise temperature control, which can deliver better results.

Cool burners offer additional safety benefits. You don’t have the indoor air quality issues associated with gas, and they won’t ignite items like dishrags or paper left on the stovetop.

Induction cooktops are typically more expensive than similar gas or electric models. They also require you to use specific cookware. Stainless steel and cast-iron cookware are both compatible with induction cooktops. If you want to test your pots and pans to see if they are induction compatible, do the magnet test. If a magnet sticks to the bottom of the pan, it will work on an induction stove.

Cooking on an induction stovetop takes a little time to get used to, but many people have made the switch and enjoy the experience.

If you are remodeling and have a gas range, consider running electrical to support an induction cooktop if you change your mind in the future. Setting up the power supply during a remodel can offer significant savings.

If you are considering making the switch, be sure to keep an eye on any incentives for your state or region. A rebate for replacing your gas stove with an electric one may be available under The Inflation Reduction Act. www.alabamaliving.coop

Serving North AL, Southern TN, and Northwest GA. We offer traditional sandblast and laser etched monuments.

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Check us out on Facebook.

7315 County Road 17 • Woodville, AL 35776 256-805-0153 • macy@libertymonument.net

Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2023 33

| Alabama Recipes |

Food styling and photos: Brooke Echols

easy

These tasty slow cooker recipes are nothing to sweat over. Just set it (to low) and forget it!

Favorite Crockpot White Chicken Chili

34 NOVEMBER 2023

www.alabamaliving.coop

Cook of the Month: Paula Blass, Arab EC Paula Blass loves to entertain family and friends at her lake home and is always looking for recipes she can prepare ahead of time so she can enjoy being with her guests. She found a recipe for white chicken chili “and it called for some things I’ve never really tried,” she recalls.

The first go-round, she made it on her stove, but since it took a while to cook she thought the next time she’d try making it in the crockpot. When the recipe did not turn out as thick as she liked, she decided to add her own special ingredient: cream cheese. “Everyone I served it to loved it,” she says. That was two years ago, and it’s since become her favorite meal to fix when company comes. Her youngest daughter brings a group of college friends to the lake, “and normally they cook for me,” Paula says, “but they like for me to fix this for them.” Paula, who retired after teaching sewing and embroidery classes for sewing machine dealerships, still enjoys sewing and quilting, and of course, cooking for her visitors.

Favorite Crockpot White Chicken Chili 11/2-2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon cumin 3/4 teaspoon oregano 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 yellow onion, diced 2 teaspoons minced garlic 2 15-ounce cans great northern beans, drained and rinsed 2 4-ounce cans diced green chiles 1 15-ounce can whole kernel corn, drained 32 ounces chicken broth 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes 1/4 cup half and half Add chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker, top with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.

Top with diced onions, minced garlic, great northern beans, green chiles, corn and chicken broth. Stir well. Cover and cook on low for 9 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Remove chicken breasts and place in a large bowl, shred and then return to the slow cooker. Add cream cheese and half and half, stir. Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes or until chili is creamy and thickened. Stir and serve with desired toppings. Suggested toppings: jalapenos, sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips. I serve with jalapeno cornbread.

Cook of the Month wins $50!

Recipes can be developed by you or family members. Adapt a recipe from another source by changing as little as the amount of one ingredient. Chosen cooks may win “Cook of the Month” only once per calendar year. Submissions must include a name, phone number, mailing address and co-op name. Alabama Living reserves

Recipe Contest

$50 prize winner selected monthly!

March theme: Charcuterie Boards a.k.a. Party Platters or Grazing Boards

Assembled boards can be as elaborate or simple as the cook desires. Usually contains an assortment of cheeses, meats, nuts, fruits and/or veggies.

Submit by December 1.

April theme: Mushrooms Stuffed, grilled or sautéed.

Recipes with mushrooms are as wide ranging as the varieties themselves.

Submit by January 5.

Submit a winning recipe today!

Email us:

recipes@alabamaliving.coop

Visit our website: alabamaliving.coop

USPS mail:

Attn: Recipes, P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124

the right to reprint recipes in our other publications.

Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2023 35

Chicken Tetrazzini for the Slow Cooker 2

Photo by The Buttered Home

I

love my crock pot!

It is the one longBrooke Burks standing kitchen gadget that never collects dust in my cabinet. When most people think about using them, it is normally for soups, stews and roasts. Did you know the crock pot is a great tool for some really fancy pants dishes too? This Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan is a great example of that. It is an easy way to get a fancy Italian dinner on the table quickly. Beautiful breaded chicken, bathed in a delicious red sauce, topped with mozzarella cheese. Dinner is served! For more recipes like this one, be sure to visit us over at thebutteredhome.com.

Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan 4 large chicken breasts ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, parsley, rosemary) 1 12-ounce jar marinara sauce 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded 1 egg, beaten ½ cup Italian bread crumbs ¼ cup Half and Half ½ teaspoon salt Set up a breading station with two bowls, one for wet ingredients and one for dry.

Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning in one bowl. Mix well.

In the other bowl, mix egg and half and half. Dip chicken breasts into the wet breading bowl and then the dry. Place in a single layer in the crock pot. Sprinkle with salt.

Pour marinara sauce over the top of the breaded chicken. Top with mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook on low 4-6 hours until chicken reaches internal temp of 165 degrees F. Serve over cooked pasta or zoodles (zucchini noodles) and enjoy!

36 NOVEMBER 2023

pounds boneless, skinless chicken fillets (roughly 3 medium breasts or thighs) Ground sea salt, to taste 3 cloves fresh garlic (or 1½ teaspoon minced) 1 large onion 1 large bell pepper 1½ teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 5 4-ounce cans sliced mushrooms, drained 1½ cup dry white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth) 3 tablespoons butter 12 ounces thin spaghetti 12 ounces grated cheddar cheese 12 ounces cream cheese Place chicken in a standard 6 or 7-quart slow cooker and cover with sea salt, pepper, garlic, onion, bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce and mushrooms.

Pour the white wine (or broth) over the top of the chicken. Do NOT add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, or spaghetti yet. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time. At the end of the cooking time, cut the cream cheese into squares and add to the cooker, along with the butter, then cover. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. After the cream cheese has had time to melt, take 2 forks and shred the chicken. Stir the sauce and chicken together. Add the cooked and drained pasta, along with half the cheddar cheese and stir. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and cover for about 10 more minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Amanda Welch Borden Central Alabama EC

Italian Beef 1 beef roast, preferably rump but any will work 1 stick butter 1 packet dry Italian dressing 1/4 cup water Wash roast, cook on low in slow cooker for 10-13 hours. Serve on fresh hoagie buns and with pickled pepperoncini.

Carla P. Norman Covington EC

Loaded Potato Soup 3 large chicken breasts, cooked (reserving 5 cup of broth) 8 potatoes, diced 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 can cream of celery soup 1 cup shaved deli ham 1 pound Velvetta cheese 8 ounces sour cream Cook chicken; chop or shred. Cook potatoes and onion in broth until tender.

Spray slow cooker with cooking spray, add chicken, soups, ham and cook until hot. Add cheese and sour cream until cheese is melted.

Opal Frost Joe Wheeler EMC

Slow Cooker Roast 1 1 1 1 1

chuck roast package dry ranch dressing mix package au jus gravy mix stick butter jar pepperoncini peppers

Put roast in slow cooker. Sprinkle on ranch and gravy mix. Place pats of butter on roast along with peppers. Cook on low heat approximately 8 hours.

Wanda K. Williford North Alabama EC Editor's note: Slow Cooker Roast, also known as Mississippi Pot Roast, is famous on social media. Give it a try and see what the fuss is all about!

Slow Cooker Roast

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Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2023 37

38 NOVEMBER 2023

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Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2023 39

| Outdoors |

Bucks lose a bit of their wariness during breeding season Most deer hunters agree that the best hunting occurs during the peak of the rut, or breeding season, but what does ‘rut’ really mean?

“T

he rut is the period when breeding occurs in deer,” the breeding period to be much longer in some locations. Some says Chris Cook, the Deer Program Coordinator for does come into estrous more than once in a year, but most do not. the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Does will remain in estrous and be ready to breed for a period Fisheries. “It usually occurs over a 14- to 21-day period each of roughly 24 to 48 hours, but will come back into heat about 28 year. Does are only able to breed once a year. Multiple ruts in days later if not bred during the first estrous cycle or if their first one area would be the result of fetuses do not implant.” does not breeding on their first Today, whitetails populate cycle.” just about every suitable habitat Many sportsmen believe that patch in the state, but deer were temperatures determine when scarce in many parts of Alabama the rut occurs, but that’s not just a few decades ago. The state true. In some years, much of the captured deer from some parts state remains quite warm when of Alabama and brought in more white-tailed deer begin breedwhitetails from Michigan, North ing. Does determine when the Carolina and Georgia to release rut begins. them in good habitat with few or When hormone levels surge no deer. in a white-tailed doe, she begins Whitetails from different arher estrous cycle. When enough eas bred at different times back does begin their cycles, the rut then and their descendants in that area begins. During the still do today. Today, the deer rut, bucks lose some of their legbrought in from different areas endary wariness as they concenduring the restoration phase trate on finding receptive does. of deer management and their That makes them easier to find ancestors continue to rut at the and hunt. Even the wariest old times that they did instinctively buck might do incredibly stuin their original locations. The pid things with breeding on his state publishes a “rut map” onmind. line that shows approximately “Deer breed at basically the when deer rut in each area of the same time every year, regardless White-tailed deer are the number one game animal hunted in state. of weather, moon phase or what- Alabama, according to the state Department of Conservation and “We have very long deer seaever,” Cook says. “Weather can Natural Resources. sons, giving everyone great opPHOTO BY JOHN N. FELSHER limit daytime deer movements portunities to go hunting during during the rut and often gives hunters the perception that the rut the best times,” Cook says. “The peak of the rut is the best time ‘just didn’t happen this year.’ Favorable weather can increase dayto kill a buck anywhere. The rut map on the internet can be very time deer movements leading to the ‘best rut ever’ comments. In helpful to people who want to hunt a new area.” reality, rut dates, duration, etc. vary very little from year to year.”

More than 200,000 people hunt deer in Alabama and bag more In places with too many does, not all receptive females breed than 300,000 deer annually. About a century ago, only about during the prime rut period. If a female does not breed, she might 500,000 whitetails lived in the entire United States. During the go into estrous again 28 days later. That could get bucks inter2022-23 season, Baldwin County led Alabama counties with the ested in breeding again. If enough does go into estrous a second most deer harvests reported. Jackson came in second for deer time in that area, it could spark another smaller rut peak later. harvests, followed by Tuscaloosa and Dallas counties.

“Most healthy does are bred on the first cycle if the adult sex “The Alabama deer herd is doing very well,” Cook says. “Evratio is near balanced, or no more than two adult does per adult erything appears to be on track for a good season this year. In buck,” Cook says. “An unbalance in doe/buck ratios can cause places with abundant acorns, deer will be in the woods eating acorns and not in the food plots. The deer will move to the food plots later.” John N. Felsher is a professional freelance writer who lives in Semmes, Ala. He also hosts an outdoors tips show for WAVH FM Talk 106.5 radio station in Mobile, Ala. Contact him at j. felsher@hotmail.com or through Facebook.

40 NOVEMBER 2023

For deer zone boundaries, season dates and the rut map, see outdooralabama.com. www.alabamaliving.coop

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DOUG HANNON’S FISH & GAME FORECAST 2023 NOVEMBER

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

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

DECEMBER

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

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

EXCELLENT TIMES A.M.

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 10:42 - 12:42 11:30 - 1:30 NA 1:06 - 3:06 A.M.

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 11:30 - 1:30 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 11:30 - 1:30 NA 1:06 - 3:06 1:54 - 3:54

GOOD TIMES

MOON STAGE

PM

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 11:06 - 1:06 FULL MOON 11:54 - 1:54 12:42 - 2:42 1:30 - 3:30 PM

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 NEW MOON 11:54 - 1:54 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 11:54 - 1:54 12:42 - 2:42 1:30 - 3:30 2:18 - 4:18

AM

PM

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 5:09 - 6:39 5:57 - 7:27 6:45 - 8:15 7:33 - 9:03

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 5:33 - 7:03 6:21 - 7:51 7:09 - 8:39 7:57 - 9:27

AM

PM

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 5:57 - 7:27 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 5:57 - 7:27 6:45 - 8:15 7:33 - 9:03 8:21 - 9:51

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 N 6:21 - 7:51 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 6:21 - 7:51 7:09 - 8:39 7:57 - 9:27 8:45 - 10:15

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 2023 Moon Clock, go to www.moontimes.com.

Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2023 41

Responding to

DEMAND

Wiregrass Electric is putting you in control

When you flip a switch, plug in a device or push the start button on an appliance, you consume energy — something many take for granted unless something goes wrong.

However, there’s an ongoing tug of war behind your meter, a delicate balancing act between energy and capacity.

Understanding this can help you manage your bills and contribute to a more efficient power grid.

Energy is the electricity you consume — what powers your TV, heats your home and lights your way. Capacity, meanwhile, measures the maximum level of electricity that our power grid can handle safely. It’s not just about the grid’s limitations — it also serves as a measure of demand.

Demand for energy fluctuates not only seasonally — in high

Glossary of key terms •

Demand, noun The instantaneous rate at which electricity is consumed is measured in kilowatts, or kW. When numerous consumers use electricity concurrently — say, turning on heaters simultaneously — demand spikes. Excessive demand can lead to increased costs for both the utility and the member, because of the co-op’s responsibility to pay for more capacity.

•

•

Capacity, noun

The maximum amount of electricity that a power grid is designed to handle safely at any given moment. It serves as a measure of both supply capabilities and user demand. Reaching the coincidental peak doesn’t necessarily mean the grid is maxed out. Instead, it often reflects a carefully managed balance aimed at keeping wholesale power costs affordable.

Coincidental peak, noun phrase The time when the co-op’s maximum energy use aligns with the power supplier’s highest overall demand. For WEC, this coincidental peak with its wholesale power supplier, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, typically occurs from 6-9 a.m. during the winter.

42 NOVEMBER 2023

heating or cooling seasons — but on a daily cycle, increasing during times like the morning rush to make coffee and toast and prepare for the day ahead.

For Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s system, our peak demand reliably occurs between 6-9 a.m. during the winter months. During these hours, members consume large amounts of electricity in a short period of time. Our system is well-equipped for these demands. However, the moment of highest demand within this window directly impacts our wholesale power costs. Managing this peak effectively helps us control costs.

Modern solutions

When there’s a need for more capacity, the answer is usually building costly new power plants and transmission lines — and that drives up everyone’s costs. But there are other ways to spur long-lasting and effective change.

Today, demand response is a tool to alleviate the capacity problem. When members adjust their use of electricity during periods of peak demand, they relieve stress on the power grid and improve its efficiency. Flattening this peak reduces WEC’s overall wholesale power costs and helps keep future rates as low as possible.

Your role in managing demand

In October, residential members probably noticed a $6 fixed demand charge on their bill. This charge equates to a 3-kW demand — a minimum value for those meters during peak hours in colder months. This rate is backed by precise data collected through advanced metering technology.

Now, we’re moving to a rate tied to each household’s actual demand during our highest coincidental peak with PowerSouth. The goal here is straightforward: encourage each member to consider when and how much energy they’re using, and how that affects the entire system. By making a few changes to your energy use habits, especially during peak hours, we can mitigate future capacity costs and reduce our overall wholesale power expenditures.

So when you manage your energy demand wisely, you’re taking control of your costs and contributing to the greater good. WEC is committed to doing our part, and we’re here to help you do yours. n

www.alabamaliving.coop

Quick guide to Excess Demand Charge Starting in March, residential members will incur a 50-cent excess demand charge per kW used beyond a fixed 3 kW value of 3 kW on their monthly bills.

When is it measured? The charge will apply 0 kW to your meter reading’s highest demand during WEC’s most demanding day — when it experiences its coincidental peak with our wholesale power provider, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative — in one of four winter months: November, December, January or February.

How do we calculate the coincidental peak day? It’s the day that PSE has its highest system demand. In 2022, that day was Dec. 24.

You won’t know the exact day until after the winter months, and neither will the co-op.

Why 6-9 a.m.? These are the hours WEC experiences its highest demand, aligning with PowerSouth, and hits that coincidental peak. To keep costs down, consider using less energy during this timeframe.

Why winter months? Peaks are most likely during November through February due to high heating demands and potential weather events, like cold fronts and polar vortexes.

Timing is everything.

Being extra mindful of when and how you use electricity could translate to savings all year long.

Your household’s electric use during these key “red zone” hours and months will affect potential excess demand charges on your monthly electric bill. So, make smart choices about both the timing and intensity of your electric use. Keep a close eye on both the clock and the calendar.

from

1

29

6-9 a.m.

Demand tip — level your load,

DON’T TOWER YOUR POWER

10 kW

Running multiple high-energy appliances and devices during peak hours can spike your demand, potentially inflating your monthly bill’s excess demand charge.

If high-energy devices are a must in this timeframe, consider spreading out their usage. Operate them one at a time to help level the load and keep those costs in check.

5 kW

6 a.m.

8 a.m.

10 a.m.

Your role. Your power. Your costs.

Knowledge is power, and in this case, it could also mean lower bills. For a deeper dive into electric demand and what it means for you, visit our FAQ page at wiregrass.coop. And keep an eye out — we’ll be rolling out more tips to help you manage your electric demand effectively throughout this season.

Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2023 43

| Our Sources Say |

Summer is over B

ob Green wrote an article, “Summer is Done,” for the Wall Street Journal, published September 2, about Jimmy Buffett and his death on Labor Day weekend. The article, and Jimmy Buffett’s death, set off many memories of Jimmy’s music and my younger days.

The first time I remember hearing anything about Jimmy Buffett was in 1972 when he played a concert at Ole Miss. None of us knew anything about him and didn’t know any of his music. His mainstream hit, “Come Monday,” soon became popular, but at that time we hadn’t heard of Jimmy. Of course, everyone quickly became huge fans of “Why Don’t We Get Drunk.”

Access to music was much different in the early 1970’s. There was no Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, or the Internet to find music electronically. Most of our tastes in music were influenced by what we heard on AM radio stations out of Memphis in the daytime and Chicago at night.

We mainly bought 45 singles and an occasional album at the Western Auto store in downtown Corinth or a few music stores in Oxford. Jimmy really had no mainstream radio hits and his songs were very difficult to find in stores, if you could find them at all. Later, usually in the spring, radio stations would pick up one of his songs, probably to get their listeners excited about the coming summer and set up their playlists COURTESY LIBRARY OF CONGRESS for the season.

In 1975, my brother found some Jimmy Buffett albums in Oxford when he was at Ole Miss and bought me the “A1A” album.

I had never heard any songs on the album but immediately fell in love with not only Jimmy’s music, but also his vibe. “A Pirate Looks at Forty,” “Trying to Reason with Hurricane Weather,” “Life is Just a Tire Swing,” “Tin Cup for a Chalice,” and “Stories We Could Tell” were played through the dorm night after night.

All the songs on the “A1A” album were great. We probably played the grooves off the album. We all dreamed of living on islands, riding in boats and drinking at beachside bars.

Later that summer, I found and bought copies of “Living and Dying in ¾ Time,” and “A White Sportscoat and a Pink Crustacean,” “He Went to Paris,” “The Great Filling Station Holdup,” “Cuban Crime of Passion,” and “Pencil Thin Mustache” were a different style of music than anyone else was making in those years.

Summer nights during my college years with Jimmy on 8-tracks

and, later, cassette tapes still hold good spots in my memories.

Jimmy took a turn toward more mainstream music, or maybe mainstream music tastes accepted him better with his next albums. “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes,” “Havana Daydreamin’,” and “Son of a Son of a Sailor” were commercial successes that made Jimmy a household name. He was living in Key West and playing island music about hurricanes and margaritas. There are still great debates about whether “Cheeseburger in Paradise” was written about Cabbage Key or Pirates’ Cove in Josephine, Alabama.

He was one of us, raised in Mobile, flunked out of Auburn and then attended Southern Mississippi. He played his music across the Alabama and Mississippi coasts before he caught a break and found his way. He was known to be very likeable, as we would expect one of us to be. He would drop into Lulu’s, his sister’s restaurant in Gulf Shores, and play for dinner crowds.

Only his growing popularity on the coast and the huge crowds drawn by the speed of social media ended those impromptu concerts.

Jimmy’s music gave us the idea that anyone could live in Key West or on a Caribbean island and lay in the sun and have boat drinks all day. He sold the image of a laid-back, island lifestyle. It turns out that while he sold the image, he didn’t live it. Jimmy was apparently a workaholic who built a business empire of music, live concerts, bars, Margaritaville restaurants and hotels, Landshark beer, Parrot Head clothing, and many other things associated with his music and lifestyle image. He was reportedly worth approximately a billion dollars when he died.

I was at Jimmy’s concert in Orange Beach in the summer of 2020. The huge crowd of Parrot Heads had a great time. The crowd sang along and rocked with the Coral Reefer Band. It was a great evening and time. It brought back great memories.

But, if Jimmy Buffett can die, we all can and will. The mirage of a lifestyle of endless sun, islands, and music can die, too. Without Jimmy to serenade us, summer is over. At 69 years old it is sobering to realize that not only is summer over, I am into the winter of life. But, there will always be those memories in the 1970s of warm summer nights and Jimmy Buffett music in the air. Maybe summer will always live through his music.

I hope you have a good month.

Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.

44 NOVEMBER 2023

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NOVEMBER 2023 45

| Cup o’ Joe |

Say what? t bothers me that so many people make fun of the way we speak in the South. Look, I get it, we talk slow and take some liberties with the English language, but give me a break. Every region of this country has their own peculiar words, phrases and pronunciations. From “wicked good” in Massachusetts, to “gnarly” in California, you’ll find them everywhere.

Once, when I was in New England, one of my buddies said he wanted to go to lunch and get a grinder. I thought we were headed for Home Depot. Imagine my surprise when I discovered he was talking about a sandwich.

Then there was the time I asked for a drink of water in Wisconsin, and someone directed me to a bubbler, or as we call it, a water fountain.

Part of our problem comes about because southerners have a curious habit of using one word as both a noun or a contraction, depending on the sentence. A great example is the word “tail.” As a noun, that’s an appendage on a dog or a cat. But in the South, we’ll also use it as a contraction when we’re asking someone something.

“Hey, Vernon, what tail you doing’?”

What about Eggo? It’s a brand of breakfast waffle. But, in the South, we will use that same word as a contraction when you hand somebody something.

“Hey, gimme me that ratchet, Darlene. ” “Eggo.”

A yawn can be a noun that describes opening your mouth and inhaling deeply. However, southerners will use yawn as a contraction: “Billy Ray, when you turn 21, you’re out of this house. Then yawn yawn!”

Like parts of the country, if we don’t have a word, we’ll create one. And we have some doozies.

I think most Southerners will agree that the madeup words cattywhompus and whoppyjawed both describe something that’s askew. Down here, if you want to say someone’s confused, you could say they’re bumfuzzled. It can also mean that somebody’s cornbread is still soft in the middle.

Once when I was a kid, I got in big trouble when I tumped over a glass of grape juice on the sofa. Tumped is about as Southern as it gets. Tipped over and dumped - that’s tumped. As I recall, that juice stain rurnt one of the cushions. Yes, rurnt. That word reminds me of the sound a chain saw makes when you’re trying to start it. But we know exactly what it means.

One thing I’ve never understood about Southern-speak is why some of us will put an “r” in a word that not’s there. I don’t warsh my car, or go to Chicargo, or fish using minners for bait, but Joe Hobby is a standup comedian, a syndicated columnist, and a long-time writer for Jay Leno. He’s a member of Cullman Electric Cooperative and is very happy now that he can use Sprout from his little place on Smith Lake. Contact him at jhobby2000@aol.com.

46 NOVEMBER 2023

Illustration by Dennis Auth

I

some of us do. My grandfather was guilty of adding an “r” that wasn’t there, and it drove me crazy. Once, I asked him why he pronounced Chicago that way. He became indignant, and asked, “What do you mean? I pronounce it just like it’s spelled. C-H- IC-A- G- O! Chicargo!” Satisfied that he had cleared my question up, he leaned back in his chair and took a sip of sweetee - another wonderful Southern word, by the way.

In all fairness, I can understand how stringing several of these words together with a Southern accent would confuse anyone who’s not from ‘round here.

“What tail did you do? Tump that over? Get a warsh rag, it’s fixin’ to be rurnt! What will your Mamanem say?”

Sometimes the way we speak even confuses each other. That’s why a lot of people in the South will respond to a statement by saying, “I heard that.” It means they understand what you just said.

And if they don’t? You can always say, “Sorry, yawn yawn.” www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2023 47

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