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A beautiful pictorial history of Alabama’s churches ranging from small rural churches to towering urban cathedrals.
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Alabama Living’s latest cookbook containing recipes from four years of Alabama Living magazine.
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In December
Character@Heart teaches children to be good to the core Character@Heart (C@H) is an organization committed to teaching 25 state-mandated character traits designed to help children develop the good character needed to be successful in life. The staff at C@H goes into school systems across Alabama working with children, conducting teacher workshops on ways to implement the character curriculum, and presenting parent and grandparent workshops on topics such as “Raising Children of Good Character.” C@H’s goal is for all children to be good to the core. In order to achieve this goal, it is imperative for everyone who has responsibility of children to know what they believe, be good role models as people of good character, and to love and respect children. Pam Morgan, executive director of Character@Heart, is available for teacher or parent workshops, professional development training, or motivational speaking. Contact Pam at 334-272-4276 or pam. morgan@characteratheart.com for available topics. For further information about Character@ HEART, go to its website at www.characteratheart.com.
december 11
A Victorian Christmas
Enjoy turn-of-the-century desserts, hot chocolate and mulled cider at Dothan’s Victorian Christmas in Landmark Park Dec. 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. Activities include making traditional Christmas decorations and wagon rides. A circuit-riding preacher will also deliver a message at the church. Free to attend. Call 334-794-3452 for more information. december 31
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Ring in the New Year in downtown Fairhope dancing to music. The band begins at 8:30 p.m. Other entertainment will include karaoke, face painting, clowns, fireworks and party favors at midnight. Admission is free. Call 251-929-1466 for information.
Candle safety tips Candles provide a delightful source of light and fragrance, especially during the holidays. However, they can also lead to injury or even death if not used properly. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), the month of December typically has twice the number of home candle fires than an average month. According to the NFPA, candle fires occur most often in the bedroom (45.2 percent), the family room (17.5 percent) and the bathroom (11.2 percent). Materials typically ignited by candles include cabinetry, bedding, pillows and curtains. Most startling – 85 percent of candle fire incidents were started because of consumer misuse. Below are some tips for keeping you and your family safe when using candles: • Extinguish all candle flames when leaving the room or going to sleep. • Keep candles at least one foot away from things that can catch fire, like clothing, books and curtains. • Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t turn over easily and are made of material that cannot burn. In addition, the candle holder should be large enough to collect dripping wax.
For more Alabama Events, visit Page 29. Alabama Living
• During power outages, avoid having to carry a lit candle. Use flashlights instead. • NFPA discourages the use of candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas. DECEMBER 2011 9
Educating the Next Generation of Community Leaders
Alabama Youth Tour students on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in 2011
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ach June, nearly 1,500 high school students, mostly seniors-to-be, descend upon Washington, D.C., for the annual Rural Electric Youth Tour. During the weeklong excursion, the participants—all sponsored by their local electric cooperatives— learn about electric cooperatives, American history, and the role of the federal government. 10 DECEMBER 2011
Youth Tour stands as just one way co-ops help educate a vital segment of their consumer base: the children of electric co-op members. Kids who live in homes that receive coop electric service enjoy certain benefits, ranging from Youth Tour to college scholarships to school safety demonstrations. “Engaging children is an important part of the cooperative
difference,” says Fred Braswell, president and CEO of the Alabama Rural Electric Association. “They’re members in training.” Touchstone Energy Cooperatives offer lots of educational initiatives for kids, be it safety, energy efficiency, or learning how electricity works. Its Super Energy Saver program, featuring cartoon character CFL Charlie, for example, www.alabamaliving.coop
Co-ops go the extra mile to show children the benefits of co-op membership
Alabama Youth Tour students tour sites throughout Washington, D.C.
uses classroom activities and takehome items—such as light-switch covers that remind you to turn off the light when you leave the room—to show how simple steps can add up and make a difference in keeping electric bills affordable.” Touchstone Energy Cooperatives has also partnered with Discovery Education to offer Get Charged! Electricity and You curriculum kits designed to teach middle school students about electric cooperatives and electricity in general. In addition, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives has developed a Schools A+ Energy Efficiency initiative, which partners coops with schools to reduce energy use and operating costs by focusing on no-cost and lowcost improvements. A classroom component may be included that enlists students to identify energy wasting practices.
Concern for Community Supporting youth programs isn’t just the right thing to do—co-ops have a responsibility to do so, according to the Seventh Cooperative Principle, Co-op employees often make trips to schools to teach “Concern for students about electricity and electrical safety Community.” “Electric meeting, where kids are treated as cooperatives are part of the fabric honored guests, enjoying activities of the cities and towns they serve. ranging from jugglers to face painting It’s only natural they have a hand to bucket truck rides. improving the quality of life in their Support of children doesn’t stop at communities,” says Fred Braswell. the co-op’s door. Many electric co-ops College scholarships are a prime sponsor local clubs or school sports example. In 2010, New Mexico’s teams and community events like electric cooperatives gave away holiday parades. Co-ops also go to $650,000 in higher education schools to teach kids about electrical scholarships using unclaimed safety, sponsor writing contests, and capital credits; attend job fairs. in some states, Kids are honored guests at some co-op annual meetings, “You can’t find anything that cooperatives can where they enjoy entertainment and activities just for them fits better with our cooperative use patronage principles of giving back to the capital that community, supporting education, has been and cooperating than co-op/school retired, but the partnerships,” Braswell concludes. owners (former members) can’t be “Schools and co-ops are at the heart of found, for various most communities, so we need to be able to reach future members to have educational an impact.” purposes. To learn more about opportunities Co-ops also for your family, contact your local host an annual electric cooperative. A membership Alabama Living
DECEMBER 2011 11
Joy to the World 12  DECEMBER 2011
www.alabamaliving.coop
Sheila Hull’s hand-painted ornaments adorn Christmas trees the world over
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By David Haynes
ivingston artist Sheila J. Hull’s colorful and unique hand-painted ornaments have adorned Christmas trees in Alabama and around the world during the past decade and a half. Starting out as hand-blown glass, globelike ornaments, Sheila carefully uses glass paints to create scenes from nature: flowers, iconic holiday subjects like Santa or angels, specially commissioned likenesses of people, churches – and even courthouses. In fact, in 2007 the Alabama Supreme Court commissioned her to create ornaments with likenesses of the courthouses in each of the state’s 67 counties to hang on its Christmas tree. She also has been asked to create the ornament for Alabama that will hang on the 2011 National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C.
Other commissions have included an ornament for the “To Kill A Mockingbird” courthouse museum in Monroeville and a limited edition ornament for the Alabama Farmers Federation. She’s had orders from around the United States as well as a growing number of foreign countries. Her work is also featured at Blackbelt Treasures gallery in Camden. The Greenville, Miss., native has been painting since she was a little girl and has enjoyed a lifelong love of painting and art. As a child she always was coloring or drawing or painting something, she says, adding that she remembers getting in her daddy’s shop and mixing food coloring and house paint for some of her projects. But for years after she grew up and married, her life
Shelia has been commissioned to create Alabama’s ornament for the 2011 National Christmas Tree in Washington
Alabama Living
DECEMBER 2011 13
became so busy that she put down her paintbrushes and art. Then in 1997, not long after her mother’s death and when her father was in failing health, she found her art again. Or she might tell you it found her. “My Baptist Young Women’s group was raising money for the Lottie Moon Christmas offering and I was asked to provide an item for a silent auction,” she says. “I dug out my paints, sat down on the floor in my garage at 2 in the morning and started painting a snowman on a clear glass ornament. I lost all track of time and felt like I had been on a mini, refreshing vacation.” After the auction it seemed everyone was asking her to make an ornament. From that sucess, she decided to start her own business. Today, some 14 years later, she loves her art as much as when she was a child in Mississippi. Sheila’s ornaments have evolved in technique and subject matter over the years. She explained each ornament takes five days to complete from start to finish. At first she painted only the outside of the glass, but as commissions for architectural subjects and portraits came in, she devised a technique in which she paints the scene first on a sheet of thin plastic, which is then carefully rolled up, inserted through the ornament’s center hole, unfurled then affixed to the inside. These are often used in combination with paints on the exterior of the globe to create a vivid threedimensional effect. While many of the ornaments are custom designs – such as a house, portrait or church – Sheila also tries to add several new designs of her own each year. One of her most popular series is of nature subjects, such as dogwood blossoms or other flowers that seem to come to life when light strikes them from behind. If you ask her, she’ll enthusiastically tell you how much painting has enriched her life, and in the same breath make a pitch for you to try it too. She teaches painting classes several times each week in her studio for her regular students. But in an effort to share with others what painting has done for her, she also offers “Studio Strokes” classes at night that are open to anyone, even if they’ve never picked up a paintbrush. The class paints a common subject and Sheila walks them through the entire process from start to finish in one session. “Anyone can do it,” she adds. She and her daughter Tiffany recently started teaching volunteer classes in painting at the nearby Sumter Health and Rehabilitation Center, where mother and daughter bring the world of painting to older residents. Art supplies for these classes are funded by donations, she adds. Although best known for her unique hand-painted Christmas ornaments, Sheila’s downtown Livingston studio is filled with a variety of canvases ranging from commissioned portraits, to landscapes, to restoration work on damaged paintings. See her websites for more information on the ornaments and art classes. A 14 DECEMBER 2011
For more information on Sheila’s ornaments and various projects visit one of her two websites: http://handpaintedornaments.homestead.com or http://www.studiostrokes.com
Each hand-blown glass ornament takes five days to accomplish Sheila’s three-dimensional effect
www.alabamaliving.coop
Alabama Living
DECEMBER 2011 15
Living Christmas Trees Highland Baptist Church, Florence
‘Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how lovely are thy branches’ The lyrics of the classic holiday carol are perhaps never truer than when those branches are actually full of people smiling and singing. That’s the scene you’ll find at one of the three larger Living Christmas Tree concerts scattered around the state this season. Church choirs mount huge stands fashioned into the classic Christmas tree triangle shape and present these large-scale musical pageants for the public.
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lthough many other churches around the state present similar pageants, the following are three of the largest.
First Baptist Church, Huntsville December 15-18
For many in Huntsville, the holidays don’t officially begin until they’ve experienced First Baptist Church’s free Living Christmas Tree concert. It was voted “Best Holiday Event” in In downtown Montgomery, First Baptist Church has been the Huntsville Times’ Reader’s Choice Poll in 2009, and 2011 treating the capital city to its Living Christmas Tree since is the 27th year the church has given the gift of music to its 1981. This year, more than 150 singers stacked on a 40-foot community. “It’s a combination of amazing Christmas music that the tree and backed by a live, full orchestra will entertain audi150-member choir has been workences with a wide range of musiing on since September, as well as cal selections. According to Donna a breathtaking visual spectacle. The Haney, the church’s music ministry tree structure is giant, beautifully assistant, approximately 8,000 to decorated and covered in 13,000 9,000 people attended the event lights,” says Billy Orton, the church’s last year. That number represents minister of music and worship. a packed sanctuary at each perforThe massive scale creates a sound mance, which is why FBC Montthat’s symphonic and that certainly gomery issues tickets for the event, creates a holiday mood. “We expect even though it is free. 8,000 people this year,” Orton says. Haney explained why they draw Soloist at Highland Baptist Church “People keep coming back because such crowds. “It’s a really special they know it’s always a great, meanway to celebrate the season. We change the program up each year, and it features traditional ingful event.” To keep things organized, FBC Huntsville reChristmas favorites as well as new and exciting Christmas quires attendees to get tickets in advance. While the event has become an anticipated holiday tradisongs. We have some dance in the program this year, and we tion, some aspects are changed each year to keep things fresh. involve youth and children’s choirs too,” she says.
First Baptist Church, Montgomery December 9-11
16 DECEMBER 2011
www.alabamaliving.coop
Find times and more details for all three Living Christmas Tree events on the churches’ websites. www.montgomeryfbc.org • www.fbchsv.org • www.highlandbaptist.com One special addition this year will be the tremendous voice of guest soloist Alvy Powell, a soloist with the renowned U.S. Army Chorus. An element that won’t change is the way the concert starts. “It always begins with candlelight procession,” Orton says. “The choir comes down all seven aisles of our sanctuary, and then mounts the tree in a warm glow.”
Highland Baptist Church, Florence December 3-4 and 10-11
Now in its fourth year, The Living Christmas Tree event at Highland Baptist Church is newer than the other two, and that’s not the only difference. Ronnie Hendricks, associate pastor for worship and media at the church, bills its Living Christmas Tree as more of a show than a concert. “It’s very upbeat music, and there’s a lot going on,” he says. “The most spectacular thing is the lighting. We’ve got about 100,000 lights, and they are all computer-controlled and set to go with the music.”
The main tree’s 10 tiers along with 12 smaller trees (not supporting people), are awash in waves of color and sparkle thanks to the carefully choreographed lighting component that highlights the music and lyrics of each song. “It’s a big production,” Hendricks says. “We have set people, costume people, and actors in non-singing roles, so it is a church-wide event.” The free event does not require tickets; attendees can just show up, but the sanctuary can fill up quickly as more and more area residents discover its appeal. “I encourage everyone to come, and I hope people will make it a family holiday tradition,” Hendricks says. “Kids love the lights; the music is wonderful. It’s just a great way to kick off the Christmas season.” And of course, The Living Christmas Trees at all three churches put emphasis on the reason for the season, with focus on the Nativity Story. “We want to tell the story of Christmas and remind people what it is all about,” Hendricks says. “The Living Christmas Tree is a great way to do that.” A
Living Christmas Tree at First Baptist Church, Montgomery
Alabama Living
DECEMBER 2011 17
Home Rules
Extension Cord Safety: Make Smart Connections By Michael Kelley
Extension cords come in many lengths and are marked with a size or gauge. Make sure you’re using the right cords for your holiday loads.
Michael Kelley is a certified manager of Safety & Loss Control for the Alabama Rural Electric Association.
18 DECEMBER 2011
D
uring the holiday season, families often string together extension cords without a second thought. Unfortunately, not all cords are created equal. Just because an extension cord can reach an outlet across a room doesn’t mean it’s the right one for the task at hand. If a tool, appliance, or holiday display draws more current than an extension cord can carry, it may cause the cord (and whatever is connected to it) to overheat and start a fire. Cords come in many lengths and are marked with a size or gauge. The gauge is based on the American Wire Gauge (AWG) System, in which the larger the wire, the smaller the AWG number. For example, a 12-gauge wire would be larger and would power larger wattage appliances than a 14-gauge wire. A cord, based on its gauge, can power appliances of a certain wattage only at specific distances. As the cord gets longer, the current-carrying capacity of the cord drops. Using the right cord for the job is only the first step in using extension cords safely. Follow these tips to ensure safe use and make smart connection decisions: Look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) symbol. The UL mark means that samples of the cord have been tested for safety hazards. Never use an indoor extension cord
outdoors, as it could result in electric shock or trigger a fire. Extension cords that can be used outdoors will be clearly marked “Suitable for Use with Outdoor Appliances.” Extension cords should not be placed underneath rugs or other heavy furniture; tacked in place to a wall or taped down; or used while coiled or bent. Match the length of the cord to your needs. Store all cords indoors when not in use. Outdoor conditions can deteriorate a cord over time. Unplug extension cords when not in use. The cord will continue conducting electricity until unplugged. On cords with more than one outlet, use the covers provided for unused openings. Children and pets face serious injury if they chew on unused outlets or stick sharp metal objects into the openings. Do not use extension cords that are cut or damaged. Touching even a single exposed strand of wire can result in an electric shock or burn. Never file or cut the plug blades or grounding pin of an extension cord or appliance to plug it into an old outlet. As a safety feature, extension cords and most appliances boast polarized plugs (one blade wider than the other). These special plugs are designed to prevent electric shock by properly aligning circuit conductors. If a plug does not fit, have a qualified electrician install a new outlet. a
Send your questions to: Home Rules Alabama Living 340 TechnaCenter Dr. Montgomery, AL 36117 334-215-2732
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Alabama Living
DECEMBER 2011 19
Power Plants
Rosemary spices up the holidays Hardy, fragrant herb ideal for cooking and home decor By Katie Jackson
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Katie Jackson is associate editor for the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station. Contact her at csmith@acesag.auburn.edu
20 DECEMBER 2011
ooking for a decorative plant that’s a little different this holiday season? Consider rosemary, that hardy fragrant herb that serves double-duty for cooking and decorating. The word “rosemary” is believed to be derived from Latin words that mean “dew of the sea” because in its native land of the Mediterranean rosemary thrives on little more than sunshine and moisture from sea breezes. Another legend attributes the name to the Virgin Mary who, while fleeing Egypt with Joseph and the infant Jesus, draped her cloak across a white-blossomed rosemary bush to rest. When she arose its flowers had turned to the blue of her cloak, thus it became the Rose of Mary. Those blossoms, which range in color from white and blue to pink and purple, usually appear in the late summer and early fall in Alabama but can last almost year-round in temperate climates, making rosemary a lovely, aromatic addition to landscape plantings. Trailing and prostrate varieties of rosemary, a woody perennial, are great groundcovers and look beautiful tumbling over brick and rock walls or out of pots. Upright varieties, some of which can grow to five feet in height, can also be potted, planted in garden beds and work well as hedges. Rosemary plants are easily pruned into topiaries, such as the small potted rosemary Christmas trees that are widely available in garden stores this month. These make ideal aromatic table-top decorations for the holiday season and can be kept for years to come in pots or planted in the yard. Drought tolerant and insect and disease resistant, rosemary thrives with little maintenance (it does like full sun), plus it can be used in all sorts of dishes, from meats to vegetables to pizzas, pasta dishes www.alabamaliving.coop
Garden Tips: December 3 Keep cut or living Christmas trees and poinsettias well watered and away from direct sun and heat sources, such as fireplaces or radiators. 3 Help indoor plants overcome dry indoor heat by placing them in humid areas of the house, such as the kitchen or bathrooms. 3 Protect outdoor shrubs and perennials from freezing weather by covering the soil around their roots with organic mulches. 3 Transplant trees and shrubs this time of year. This is also a great time to plant roses, hardy annual plant seed, trees and shrubs. 3 Plant spring-flowering bulbs.
and breads and even a fabulous honeyrosemary ice cream. So put a new twist on the holidays by getting a rosemary “tree” for your home or acquiring rosemary plants for yourself or as gifts for your plant-loving family and friends. Speaking of gifts, gardening fans should love “A Time to Plant: Southern-Style
Alabama Living
Garden Living” by James Farmer III, a Georgia native and graduate of Auburn University’s horticulture program. This book offers gardening advice for the Deep South, tips on entertaining and floral arranging and recipes. It’s available online and at many bookstores. Farmer, by the way, was featured on the Today show in October. a
3 Control wild garlic, dandelions and other weeds in the lawn using chemical or mechanical control methods. 3 Begin planning for the 2012 garden season. 3 Keep bird feeders and baths clean and filled.
DECEMBER 2011 21
Outdoor Living
Just be patient The December deer hunting doldrums will pass By Alan White
I
don’t know with certainty what the reasons are that deer activity seems to slow to a crawl during December in my southern Alabama region. Unlike October and November, December seems to be a month when we begin to see less and less deer movement and it doesn’t really get back to normal until around Jan. 10. My hunting buddies in other parts of the state report similar conditions. I’m not sure anyone knows the reason for sure. But there have been some reasonable theories tossed around in years past. I’ll explore a couple of these a little later. There are, however, certain truths in my experience that cannot be disputed. Deer hunting in Alabama in December can be discouraging and downright dull. I like to see animals when I’m hunting. I don’t really care if they are shooters or not, just let me see them. At least I’ll know there are still some live deer somewhere out there, and I’ll look forward to another day of hunting later in the season. It keeps the juices flowing. I suppose I enjoy watching birds flitter from one limb to another as much as the next guy. But enough is enough. I really shouldn’t complain at all. I remember a time when a deer track
Alan White is publisher of Great Days Outdoors magazine. To learn more, www.greatdaysoutdoors.com or call 800-597-6828.
22 DECEMBER 2011
found was the subject of conversation for a week. We just didn’t have any deer here. I should be thankful to be blessed with plenty of deer to hunt now. One theory suggests deer have been pressured by hunters so much during October and November that they become even more nocturnal than usual. That would make sense to me. Deer are pretty smart at recognizing a threat in their home territory and will adjust their habits to avoid the threat. Many hunters over-hunt certain favorite areas and create sounds and scents deer can pattern. If deer expect human activity every morning and afternoon around a certain area, they’ll simple avoid that area during those times. Deer prefer to feed at night, especially during a full moon phase and warm
temperature days. In south Alabama, we usually have many warm days all the way up until the middle of January. Another theory is that just before the Alabama rutting season, deer rest more than usual to prepare for the rut, and therefore do not move around as much. I suppose if does and bucks know by natural instinct that at the latter part of January they’ll spend most of their time either chasing or being chased by a member of the opposite sex, they would want to spend a little time building up their fat reserves. I think this year, I’ll do the same. After all, there are some really good college football games during that month. A couple of gallons of Blue Bell ice cream a week should work just fine, and I’ll be ready for the late January rut. A www.alabamaliving.coop
December Wildlife Management Tips Plant trees for wildlife this month. Pears, persimmon, peaches, whatever trees you want to plant, this is the month to put them in the ground. Check with your local Extension Service on planting tips. It’s also a good idea to protect your trees for the first two years with a wildlife barrier. Prepare prescription burn plans and burn when the humidity is right. Consult your local forestry service for more information or hire an experienced forester to handle the project for you. Controlled burns will enhance wildlife habitat. Survey your road during these wet months. Make a note of problem
Alabama Living
areas so you can tend to them during dry summer periods and when hunting seasons are over. A
Tables indicate peak fish and game feeding and migration times. Major periods can bracket the peak by an hour before and an hour after. Minor peaks, half-hour before and after. Adjusted for daylight savings time. a.m. p.m. Minor Major Minor Major
DEC. 17 04:16 11:31 - 06:46 18 12:46 05:31 12:01 07:46 19 07:01 02:46 01:01 08:46 20 08:31 04:16 01:46 09:31 21 09:31 05:01 02:31 10:16 22 10:31 05:46 03:16 11:01 23 11:16 06:31 04:16 11:46 24 - 07:16 12:01 05:01 25 07:46 12:16 12:46 05:46 26 08:16 01:01 01:31 06:16 27 08:46 01:31 02:16 07:01 28 09:16 02:01 03:01 07:46 29 09:46 02:31 08:46 04:01 30 10:16 03:01 10:16 05:01 31 03:31 10:46 - 06:16 JAN. 1 12:46 11:31 - - 7:31 2 04:46 04:16 12:16 8:31 3 07:31 04:46 01:16 09:16 4 09:01 05:16 02:01 09:46 5 10:01 05:31 02:46 10:31 6 10:46 06:01 03:31 11:01 7 11:16 06:31 04:16 11:31 8 11:46 06:46 - - 04:46 9 07:16 12:01 12:31 05:31 10 07:46 12:46 01:01 06:16 11 08:16 01:16 01:46 7:01 12 08:46 01:46 02:31 07:46 13 09:01 02:16 09:01 03:31 14 03:01 09:46 10:31 04:31 15 03:46 10:16 - - 05:46 16 01:01 11:01 - - 07:16 17 06:16 03:31 12:01 08:16 18 08:16 04:31 01:16 09:16 19 09:46 05:16 02:16 10:16 20 10:31 05:46 03:16 10:46 21 11:16 06:16 04:16 11:31 22 - - 06:46 12:01 05:01 23 07:16 12:01 12:31 05:46 24 07:31 12:46 01:01 06:31 25 08:01 01:16 01:46 07:01 26 08:16 01:31 07:46 02:16 27 08:46 02:01 08:31 03:01 28 02:16 09:01 09:31 03:46 29 02:46 09:31 11:16 04:46 30 02:31 09:46 - - 06:16 31 - - 10:31 - - 07:31
DECEMBER 2011 23
Alabama Recipes
Appetizers
Cook of the Month
Pecan Pockets Barbara Frasier Sand Mountain EC
2 sticks margarine, softened 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated 2 cups self-rising flour
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper ¼ teaspoon salt 1 pound pecan halves
Cream together margarine and cheese; add flour, pepper and salt, mix together until creamy. Place mixture on wax paper and form a ball, chill in refrigerator for one hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out the dough until thin. Cut out 1-inch circles using a bottle cap or small cookie cutter. Put 1 pecan half in center, fold dough over and seal edges with a fork. Bake about 15 minutes, until brown. Makes 24-30.
Sausage Delight
1 family-size package Conecuh sausages 1 box Domino light brown sugar
Bacon Cups
1 20-ounce can Dole crushed pineapples in heavy syrup
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons milk 1 large egg
½ cup shredded Swiss or Parmesan cheese 1 green onion 1 can flaky biscuits 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Cut sausages into chunks and place in crock pot to cook for 30-45 minutes on high. Stir occasionally. Remove sausages from crock pot and drain juices. Place sausages back into the crock pot and add the box of light brown sugar on top. Pour the pineapples and their syrup on top of the sausages and brown sugar, cover and simmer on high for 20-25 minutes.
Beat first 3 ingredients at medium speed until blended. Stir in cheese, onion and bacon. Cut biscuits in quarters, press in bottom and sides of mini muffin tins that have been sprayed. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-22 minutes.
Arnita F. Holder, Southern Pine EC
Jane Cox, Arab EC
Appetizers have many names: hors d’oeuvres, canapés, or starters to name a few. A “starter” usually means ordering a chips and salsa or hot wigs off the menu at a restaurant before ordering your entrée. When I think of hors d’oeurves, I picture a well-dressed waiter holding a silver tray in front of him. Canapés are open-faced one-bite sandwiches often served at cocktail parties. Whatever you may call them, I know I always eat too many. No matter how many Holiday parties you attend this year, rest assured there will be a plethora of appetizers to try. After looking at all these wonderful appetizing recipes, be sure to read about ways to battle the holiday bulge on page 28. Merry Christmas!
Chocolate Cheese Cups
24 DECEMBER 2011
1 9-ounce package frozen miniature phyllo tart shells 1½ ounces white baking chocolate, chopped
2 ounces brie cheese, chopped 1⁄3 cup orange marmalade
Fill each tart shell with chocolate, then cheese. Place on ungreased baking sheet, top with marmalade. Bake at 350 degrees for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. Makes 15 appetizers. Anna Clines, Sand Mountain EC
Editor’s Note: Alabama Living’s recipes are submitted by our readers. They are not kitchen tested by a professional cook or registered dietician. If you have special dietary needs, please check with your doctor or nutritionist before preparing any recipe.
Low Fat Dip
1 8-ounce package 1⁄3 less fat cream cheese 1½ cup non-fat plain yogurt ¼ cup light mayonnaise 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 1½ teaspoons lime juice ½ teaspoon hot sauce
¼ teaspoon salt 1⁄3 cup roasted red pepper (in a jar), chopped 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped Fresh yellow squash and zucchini, sliced ¼-inch rounds
Process cream cheese, yogurt, mayonnaise, cilantro, lime juice, hot sauce and salt in food processor for 30-45 seconds until smooth. Stir in chopped red peppers and chopped green onions. Cover and chill for 1 hour. Slice your squash and zucchini into ¼-inch rounds and place them in a bowl with 4 cups cold water and ¼ teaspoon salt. Chill for 30 minutes, drain and pat dry. Sara Jean Brooklere, Baldwin EMC
Southwestern Roll Ups
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed 1 packet fajita seasoning mix ½ cup chicken broth 3 6-ounce packages refrigerated southwestern-flavored chicken breast strips, chopped
1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 11-ounce can yellow corn with red and green bell peppers, drained 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese with peppers 6 10-inch flour tortillas
Combine spinach and fajita seasoning in a large nonstick skillet; add broth. Cook over medium heat, stirring after 5 minutes. Stir in chicken and next 3 ingredients; simmer until cheese melts. Spread 1 cup chicken mixture on 1 side of each tortilla, leaving a 1 ½-inch border around edges. Roll up tortillas tightly and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill 30 minutes. Unwrap roll ups and cut into slices. Serve with salsa.Yield: 8-10 appetizer servings. Heather Letson, Joe Wheeler EMC
You could win $50! If your recipe is chosen as the cook-of-the-month recipe, we’ll send you a check for $50!
Upcoming recipe themes and deadlines are: February Hot Beverages December 15 March Hot Off the Grill January 15 April Apple Dishes February 15
Please send all submissions to: Recipe Editor P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124 or e-mail to: recipes@areapower. coop. Be sure to include your address, phone number and the name of your cooperative.
Zucchini-Cheese Appetizer Squares ¼ cup salad oil 1 small onion, chopped 1 clove garlic 2½ cups shredded zucchini 6 eggs, beaten ½ cup fine bread crumbs ½ teaspoon salt, dry basil and oregano
¼ teaspoon pepper 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese ½ cup grated parmesan cheese ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds
In a large frying pan add oil, onion and garlic and cook over medium heat until almost limp. Add zucchini and cook until tender and crisp. Mix eggs with bread crumbs, salt, basil, oregano, pepper, cheese and zucchini mixture. Spread into a greased baking dish, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and sesame seeds. Bake at 325 degrees for about 30 minutes or until set when touched in the middle. Let cool 30 minutes, cut into 1-inch squares and serve warm or cold. Julia C. Fleming, Southern Pine EC
Apple Ball
1 8-ounce package cream cheese ¼ cup brown sugar, packed 1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon apple pie spice 1⁄3 cup apple, very finely chopped
Bring cream cheese to room temperature. Mix all ingredients, fold on to plastic or waxed paper to form a ball. Refrigerate overnight. ½ cup pecans, finely chopped
1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Combine ingredients and roll apple ball in the mixture when ready to serve. Serve with animal crackers, regular graham crackers or vanilla wafers. Janie Whelton, Baldwin EMC Alabama Living
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DECEMBER 2011 25
Hot Crab Dip
1 stick butter, softened 1 8-ounce cream cheese, softened 1 pound fresh lump crab meat
2-3 tablespoons soy sauce Sprinkle of crushed red pepper
Blend butter and cream cheese. Heat in microwave oven on low heat. Fold in crab meat, soy sauce and pepper. Serve with crackers. Makes about 3 cups. Loretta Robinson, Sand Mountain EC
Hanky Panky
1 pound Bob Evans hot sausage 1 pound ground beef 1 pound Velveeta cheese ½ teaspoon garlic salt
Taco Tartlets 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Dash of black pepper Party rye bread
Brown sausage and ground beef. Drain well. Add garlic salt, oregano, Worcestershire sauce and black pepper. Stir well. Add Velveeta cheese and stir until cheese is melted. Spread on party rye bread. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. These appetizers also can be frozen for an easy, make-ahead dish. To freeze: place unbaked appetizers on a cookie sheet and freeze. Remove from sheet and store in an airtight container in the freezer until ready to use. To serve, bake at 375 degrees until cheese bubbles.
Meat Shells: 1 pound ground beef or chuck
2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix 2 tablespoons ice water
In a medium bowl combine all 3 ingredients; mix well. Press mixture into bottom and sides of tiny tart pans, set aside. Filling: 1 cup dairy sour cream 2 tablespoons red taco sauce 2 ounces chopped ripe olives, if desired
1 cup coarsely crushed tortilla chips, divided ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Charlcie Owens, Sand Mountain EC
Editor’s Note: Alabama Living’s recipes are submitted by our readers. They are not kitchen tested by a professional cook or registered dietician. If you have special dietary needs, please check with your doctor or nutritionist before preparing any recipe. 26 DECEMBER 2011
Combine sour cream, taco sauce, olives and ¾ cup tortilla chips. Spoon this filling into each shell, mounding slightly. Combine remaining chips and cheese, sprinkle over each tartlet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. Garnish with taco sauce.Yield: 32 tartlets. Suzy Shepherd, Pioneer EC
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Zesty Fiesta Sausage Dip
1 package Jimmy Dean pork sausage, regular flavor 1 cup chopped onion 1 16-ounce jar yellow banana peppers, drained, seeded and finely chopped 3 pickled jalapeno peppers (¼ cup), drained, seeded and finely chopped
16 ounces Philadelphia cream cheese, softened 1½ cups tomatoes, seeded and chopped ½ cup sweet red pepper, finely chopped Green onions Cilantro Ritz crackers or chips
Cook sausage and onion over medium-high heat until meat is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink. Stir in jalapeno and banana peppers. Cover and cook 1 ½ minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in cream cheese and chopped tomatoes. Cook uncovered until heated through, about 5 minutes. Fold in red pepper and add green onions and cilantro, if desired. Serve warm with chips or crackers. Kandis Lockhart, Central Alabama EC
Homemade Hummus Dip
2-3 garlic cloves Juice of 1 lemon 2 cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1 tablespoon plain yogurt 3 tablespoons olive oil ½ teaspoon cumin
Blend all ingredients in food processor, adding more olive oil if needed. Serve with your favorite vegetable or pita chips. Tammy Shackelford, Black Warrior EMC
Esco’s Baked Jalapenos 25 medium jalapeno peppers 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, roomtemperature 3 cups (12-ounces) cheddar cheese, shredded 1½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled Cut jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Cook peppers in boiling water 5-10 minutes. Drain well. Combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese and Worcestershire sauce; stir well. Place 1 teaspoon cheese mixture in each pepper half; sprinkle with bacon. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.Yield: 50 appetizers. Rachelle Esco, Central Alabama EC
Asparagus Rolls
1 bunch fresh asparagus (large stalks) Prosciutto or ham, thinly sliced
Parmesan cheese, shredded Zesty Italian dressing
Peel asparagus, blanch for about 3 minutes, drain and put in ice cold water. When cool, drain and pat dry. Cut each stalk in half. Marinate in Italian dressing 3-4 hours or overnight. Do not drain. Lay a piece of asparagus on a slice of meat, top with parmesan cheese. Roll up and lay on a sheet pan. When pan is full, place in a 375 degree oven for 10-15 minutes until heated all the way through. Shirley Hart, Southern Pine EC
From our kitchen to yours…
Merry Christmas
Alabama Living
DECEMBER 2011 27
Healthy Living
Holiday Survival Guide You can maintain your weight during the holidays By Elizabeth Somer
T
Feel good, too
It can feel difficult – if not impossible – to find time to care for yourself in the daily hustle and bustle of the holiday season. But at the same time, everyone wants to look good, feel good and be healthy. Try working these tips into your day during the holidays and into the new year to help maintain your look and support your lifestyle. * Take the extra steps. Let the elevator doors close and opt for the stairs. Or, as you make your dash for coffee in the morning or groceries in the evening, pass by the parking spots up front and choose one that will give your legs a stretch as you walk in. * Consider new ways to keep your shape. It may be as simple as getting up 30 minutes early and taking a short walk. That alone can work wonders. * Simplify your get-ready routine. A crowded bathroom counter or a packed bedroom closet can slow you down. If you haven’t stored those summer clothes, or cleaned your counter lately, do so.
28 DECEMBER 2011
he holidays are here – that time of year that brings even those of staunch willpower to their knees. You may dodge every festive temptation throughout the year, snacking on cherry tomatoes and celery sticks while others gobbled up the chocolate bunnies at Easter, high-fat hot dogs on July 4th, and Halloween candy in October. But let’s face it, starting at Thanksgiving and continuing through to New Year’s Day, you and your kids will be constantly tempted by the most enticing treats under the most vulnerable circumstances. But wait. Weight gain is not a decree, just as enjoying the holidays and staying healthy is not an either-or issue. With the helpful hints provided in this Holiday Survival Guide, you can enjoy the festivities, avoid the bulge, and yet not feel deprived.
A regular, healthy breakfast is essential
Eat Breakfast Many people skip meals, especially breakfast, in an effort to save calories this time of year. This plan backfires and inevitably increases cravings and lowers resistance later in the day, which can lead to overeating during holiday festivities. It doesn’t take any time to prepare and eat a nutritious breakfast, such as these healthy and quick options: 1. Oatmeal and a fruit cup. Serve with a glass of low-fat milk. 2. A toasted whole-grain waffle topped with peanut butter. Serve with a bowl of fresh fruit, such as watermelon or mandarin orange slices. Pay Attention The holidays bring with them a wealth of emotions, both good and bad, and some people turn to food to soothe their feelings. Family reunions can be a mixture of joy and conflict and expectations for the holidays can lead to disappointments and loneliness. Be aware of your emotional state when you’re eating during the holidays and talk through, rather than eat through, those feelings. Be Selective Take your time at the buffet table to check out the offerings. Then fill the plate with fresh vegetables, melon slices or other fresh fruit, salads with low-fat dressing, and lean slices of meat. That way you can have small samplings of the higher-fat festive foods, but won’t be tempted to overdo it. A Elizabeth Somer is a registered dietitian and author of 11 books, including her most recent, Eat Your Way to Happiness.
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Around Alabama
Thursday December 15, 7:30 PM
Pell City Center, Pell City, Alabama • Magic City Choral Society • Free Admission Center on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m. Now in its fifth season, the Magic City Choral Society is made up of a men’s chorus and a women’s chorus with a combined chorus of over 100 voices. Featuring a variety of holiday music which will appeal to and delight all audiences, the concert is free and open to the public. Magic City Choral Society is also excited to announce that this will be its first concert held outside
The Magic City Choral Society is pleased to present its 2011 Community Holiday concert at the Pell City
North
Central
DECEmber
1 – 3 • Union Springs,
Christmas Letters Red Door Theatre Each performance preceded by seated dinner at 6 p.m. (reservations required); play at 7:30 p.m. Contact: Tourism Council of Bullock County 334-738-8687 or conecuhpeople@knology.net www.reddoortheatre.org
1 – 15 • Cullman,
Cullman High School Baseball Christmas Tree Lot Hwy 157, across from Eckenrod Ford Contact: Stephen Donaldson 256-734-2169
South DECEmber 1 – 24 • Silverhill, 7th Annual Arctic Express Wales West Week nights, 4 - 9 p.m., Weekends, 1- 9 p.m. Tickets: $12 plus tax. Children under 13 months free. Contact: 888-569-5337 www.waleswest.com
1 – 5 • Demopolis,
Christmas On the River For a full schedule visit www.demopolischamber.com/COTR, call (334) 289-0270 or email dacc.cotr@westal.net
15 • Pell City,
6, 13, 20 & 27 • Foley,
Magic City Choral Society’s Community Holiday Concert Pell City Center, 7:30 p.m. Contact 205-338-1974 www.pellcitycenter.com
Bluegrass Tuesdays Johnny’s Lakeside RV Resort, 7 – 9 p.m. Admission: $8-adults, children 12 and under free Managed by John Colburn: 251-604-2867
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Birmingham and is made possible through the support of local businesses and supporters. This year, in addition to the concert in Pell City, the MCCS will perform two major events in Birmingham, a holiday concert and a spring concert. Both of these concerts will be free and open to the public and will be performed at the Leslie Wright Center at Samford University. For more information please call the box office at 205-338-1974, visit 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. or visit on the web at www.pellcitycenter.com. The center is located at 25 Williamson Drive, Pell City, AL 35125 (next To the Pell City High School, off Hwy. 78, take I-20 to the Pell City -Eden exit.)
9 • Troy, Shelia Jackson & Company
Troy’s own Shelia Fayson Jackson and other local performers present her annual Holiday Spectacular Contact: John Jinright, 334-670-3593 or jjinrig@troy.edu 10 • Headland Annual Christmas Parade 10 a.m. 16 & 17 • Frisco City, 2nd Annual “Christmas Comes Alive in Frisco City” Live Nativity Drive-Through Frisco City High School practice ball field 6 - 8 p.m. Hospitality tent and prayer tent, free bibles offered to all visitors Admission: Free Contact: Dell Walston, 251-564-6427 or dellwals@frontiernet.net 16 – 18 • Dothan,
Walk Through Bethlehem hosted by Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, 5 p.m. Interactive tour through the streets of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth Information: www.wtbdothan.com
January 12 • Elba,
The Association Elba High School, 7 p.m. The Association is one of the most popular bands of the 1960’s, Ticket information: 334-406-2787 www.coffeecountyartsalliance.com
29 • Jackson,
24th Annual Indian Artifacts Show Sponsored by Rebel State Archeological Society Jackson Community House, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Actual arrowheads, pottery and stone tools used by Native Americans for exhibit and sale. Must call to guarantee a table for your exhibit. Contact: Bimbo Kohen 251-542-9456 or bimbo@millry.net
To place an event, mail to Events Calendar, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124; e-mail to calendar@ areapower.coop. (Subject Line: Around Alabama) or visit www.alabamaliving.coop. Each submission must include a contact name and phone number. Deadline is two months prior to issue date. We regret that we cannot publish every event due to space limitations.
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Alabama Living
DECEMBER 2011 29
Classified Advertising Miscellaneous CUSTOM MACHINE QUILTING BY JOYCE – Bring me your quilt top or t-shirts. Various designs offered – (256)735-1543 KEEP POND WATER CLEAN AND FISH HEALTHY with our aeration systems and pond supplies. Windmill Electric and Fountain Aerators. Windpower (256)6384399, (256)899-3850 FREE BOOKS / DVDs – Soon government will enforce the “Mark” of the beast as church and state unite! Let Bible reveal. The Bible Says, POB 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771 – thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com, (888)211-1715 CRENSHAW FARMS ANTIQUE “2’ UNIQUE SHOP OPEN Nov. 5th Dec. 17th. Exit 31 on I-65 Stockton exit. 251-577-1235 www.crenshawfarms.com CHURCH FURNITURE – Does your church need pews, pulpit set, baptistery, steeple or windows? Big sale on new cushioned pews and upholstery for hard pews – (800)231-8360 or www.pews1.com PUT YOUR OLD HOME MOVIES, SLIDES OR PHOTOS on DVD – (888)609-9778 or www. transferguy.com SAWMILL EXCHANGE: North American’s largest source of used portable sawmills and commercial equipment for woodlot owners and sawmill operations. Over 800 listings. THE place to sell equipment. (800)459-2148, www. sawmillexchange.com NEW AND USED STAIR LIFT ELEVATORS – Car lifts, Scooters, Power Wheelchairs – Covers State of Alabama – 23 years (800)682-0658 INTERIOR WOODS: CYPRESS, CEDAR, HEART PINE, POPLAR, ASH - www. howardcustomlumber.net (251)847-2334
30 DECEMBER 2011
DIVORCE MADE EASY – Uncontested, lost spouse, in prison or aliens. $179.00 our total fee. Call 10am to 10pm. 26 years experience – (417)443-6511 UPHOLSTERY FABRIC – 6.00yd & up (from High End Furn .com), plus wool & velvets – Jasper (205)384-5990 ALL NATURAL 100% SOY CANDLES handcrafted right here in Alabama. Enjoy Fall with Cinnamon - vanilla - Pumpkin pie spice and many more Website: www. timbercreekcandles.com WALL BEDS OF ALABAMA / ALABAMA MATTRESS OUTLET – SHOWROOM Collinsville, AL – Custom Built / Factory Direct (256)490-4025, www. andyswallbeds.com, www. alabamamattressoutlet.com PORTABLE SAWMILLS – TURN YOUR LOGS INTO LUMBER. Quick, easy and affordable. Made in the USA. Call or email for your free catalog. www. cookssaw.com or call us at (800)473-4804 AERMOTOR WATER PUMPING WINDMILLS – windmill parts – decorative windmills – custom built windmill towers - call Windpower (256)638-4399 or (256)638-2352 Business Opportunities PIANO TUNING PAYS – Learn with American Tuning School home-study course – (800)497-9793 WORK FROM HOME LIKE US! NO Sales – NO Home Parties – NO Risk - FREE Website. FREE Training and Unlimited Support. Visit www.mybugnbee.com for more information START YOUR OWN BUSINESS! Mia Bella’s Gourmet Scented Products. Try the Best! Candles / Gifts / Beauty. Wonderful income potential! Enter Free Candle Drawing - www. naturesbest.scent-team.com
EARN $75,000/YR PART-TIME in the livestock or equipment appraisal business. Agricultural background required. Classroom or home study courses available. (800)4887570, www.amagappraisers.com Vacation Rentals HOUSE IN PIGEON FORGE, TN – fully furnished, sleeps 6-12, 3 baths, creek, no pets – (256)997-6771, www. riverrungetaway.org PIGEON FORGE, TN: $89 - $125, 2BR/2BA, hot tub, pool table, fireplace, swimming pool, creek – (251)363-1973, www. mylittlebitofheaven.com KATHY’S ORANGE BEACH CONDO – 2BR/2BA, nonsmoking. Best rates beachside! Family friendly – (205)253-4985, www.angelfire.com/planet/ kathyscondo LONG BEACH MISSISSIPPI – NEW CONDO, beachside, sleeps 6 – Call (225)324-0973 GATLINBURG TOWNHOUSE VILLAGE on BASKINS CREEK! GREAT RATES! 4BR/3BA, short walk downtown attractions! (205)333-9585, hhideaway401@ aol.com GATLINBURG / PIGEON FORGE LUXURY CABIN – 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, home theatre room, hot tub, gameroom – www. homeaway.com/178002, www. wardvacationrentalproperties. com, (251)363-8576 PANAMA CITY BEACH CONDO – Owner rental – 2BR / 2BA, wireless internet, just remodeled inside and outside – (334)7900000, jamesrny@graceba.net, www.theroneycondo.com GATLINBURG, TN – Fond memories start here in our chalet – Great vacation area for all seasons – Two queen beds, full kitchen, 1 bath, Jacuzzi, deck with grill – 3 Day Special - Call (866)316-3255, www. hillshideaway.com
HELEN GA CABIN FOR RENT – sleeps 2-6, 2.5 baths, fireplace, Jacuzzi, washer/dryer – www.cyberrentals.com/101769 (251)948-2918, email jmccracken@gulftel.com PIGEON FORGE, TN – 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath house for rent $75.00 a night – Call Bonnie at (256)338-1957 GULF SHORES / FT. MORGAN / NOT A CONDO! The original “Beach House” on Ft. Morgan peninsula – 2BR/1BA – , pet friendly, Non-Smoking – $695/ wk, (256)418-2131 ORANGE BEACH / GULF SHORES VACATION HOMES AND CONDO RENTALS – www.3palmsrentals.com for your next beach getaway. Great Rates! (251)980-7256 FT. WALTON BEACH HOUSE – 3BR / 2BA – Best buy at the Beach – (205)566-0892, mailady96@yahoo.com GULF SHORES BEACHSIDE CONDO available April thru December – 2BR / 2BA, No smoking / No pets – Call Owner (256)287-0368, Cell (205)6133446, email: posey.martha@ gmail.com ALWAYS THE LOWEST PRICE $65.00 – Beautiful furnished mountain cabin near Dollywood, Sevierville, TN – (865)453-7715 MENTONE, AL – LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN – billiard table, Jacuzzi, spacious home, sleeps 10 – www.duskdowningheights. com, (850)766-5042, (850)661-0678. GULF SHORES RENTAL BY OWNER – Great Rates! (256)4904025 or www.gulfshoresrentals. us GATLINBURG / PIGEON FORGE CABIN - Sleeps 8, full game room/hot tub – (256)630-9122 www.vrbo/281154.com ORANGE BEACH, THE WHARF – Beautifully decorated 2BR / 2BA, penthouse level
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overlooking intercoastal canal – access to the Oasis pool – Owner rented (662)361-5150, jsnorris@hotmail.com
CABIN IN MENTONE – 2/2, brow view, hottub – For rent $100/night or Sale $239,000 – (706)767-0177
GULF SHORES CONDO ON THE BEACH! 2BR/2BA - Beautiful update at SANDPIPER - (502) 386-7130
GATLINBURG – DOWNTOWN LUXURY CREEKSIDE CONDO – 2BR / 2BA, sleeps 6 – aubie12@ centurytel.net, (256)599-5552
GULF SHORES CONDO – 2BR / 1.5BA, sleeps 6, pool, beach access – (334)790-9545
www.vacationsmithlake. com – 3BR / 2BA home w/ 2 satelite TV’s, gaslog fireplace, central H&A, covered boat dock $75.00 night – (256)352-5721, email annawisener@yahoo.com
SMITH LAKE – APPROXIMATELY 22 ACRES, with 3,000ft (approx) of waterfront - $699,000 – (205)516-4823
Camping / Hunting / Fishing
CRUISE ON CARNIVAL’S ELATION departing New Orleans May 5th for only $334.39pp – dphilhower@allseasontravel.com or (334)395-8588
GATLINBURG CONDOS: BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN AND SKI SLOPE VIEWS – Book your Smoky Mountain getaway now. Call Jennifer in Scottsboro at (800)314-9777, www.funcondos. com – Non smoking, Alabama owned SMOKIES - TOWNSEND, TN – 2BR/2BA, secluded log home, fully furnished. Toll free (866)448-6203, (228)832-0713 ORANGE BEACH 3/3 – Water front view, beach access - $1,100 monthly – 3 months or more $1,000 – (225)753-0492, (225)933-6906 GULF SHORES PLANTATION Gulf view, beach side, 2 bedrooms / 2 baths, no smoking / no pets. Owner rates (205)339-3850 www.hideawayprop.com CABINS IN PEACEFUL, CONVENIENT SETTING – Pigeon Forge, TN – (251)649-3344 or (251)649-4049 GATLINBURG, TN CHALET – 3BR / 3BA Baskins Creek – Pool, 10 minute walk downtown, Aquarium, National Park – (334)289-0304 ORANGE BEACH CONDO, 3BR/3BA; 2,000 SQ.FT.; beautifully decorated; gorgeous waterfront view; boat slips available; great rates - Owner rented (251)604-5226 TOURIST CABINS 4 RENT BY OWNER – Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg – Call for holiday quotes – (865)712-7633
Alabama Living
CAMP IN THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS – Maggie Valley, NC – www.trailsendrv-park.com, (828)421-5295. Real Estate Sales/Rentals MOUNTAIN VIEW HOME SITES atop Sand Mountain. Protective restrictions, www.pellsgap.com NEAR ORANGE BEACH, near deep water, high elevation wooded homesites, big trees, restricted – Owner financing $1500dn / $19,900, 5% - www. pinesofperdido.com COUNTRY SETTING – QUIET – NICE WEATHER YEAR ROUND. Small Home, guest cottage, storage building, large garage Check out on web at Hotpads. com /33020 Alabama Hwy 91 Cullman, Alabama FOR SALE: GORGEOUS FURNISHED MOUNTAIN CABIN ON 2 ACRES IN MENTONE, AL Call Lee Eidson at RE/MAX of Rome GA (706)346-1673, (706)232-1112 BELLA TERRA LUXURY RV RESORT - Next to woods, new storage building with additional slab, landscaping. Best location in park! 428 Portofino Loop, $145K OBO (850)516-8907 GATLINBURG TENNESSEE – 3 weeks deeded property – WESTGATE - $10,000 – phone (334)855-9344
BEAUTIFUL SOUTHERN LIVING HOME on 8 acres “with 68 more available”. Retire in scenic Northwest , AL near Red Bay in this 14 year old home complete with mother-in-law wing and huge front porch in the shade forsalebyowner.com ID # 22890092 – (256)668-5671
Travel
CARIBBEAN CRUISES AT THE LOWEST PRICE – (256)974-0500 or (800)726-0954 Musical Notes PIANOS TUNED, repaired, refinished. Box 171, Coy, AL 36435. 334-337-4503 vPLAY GOSPEL SONGS BY EAR 10 lessons $12.95. “LEARN GOSPEL MUSIC”. Chording, runs, fills - $12.95 Both $24. Davidsons, 6727AR Metcalf, Shawnee Missions, Kansas 66204 – (913)262-4982 Education BECOME AN ORDAINED MINISTER correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, 7549 West Cactus #104-207 Peoria, Arizona 85381. http:// www.ordination.org FREE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE – write to 23600 Alabama Highway 24, Trinity, AL, 35673 Critters www.walkersdogcollars. com – FREE NAMEPLATE WITH EACH COLLAR – Printed and attached. CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES. Tiny, registered, guaranteed healthy,
raised indoors in loving home, vet records and references. (256)796-2893 CHRISTMAS PUPPIES – DACHSHUNDS, JACK RUSSELLS AND CHIHUAHUAS - CKC Shots 8 weeks to 6 months $200 To $400. l.prime@mchsi.com or 251-609-6609 MINITURE CATTLE-ZEBU BULL, 2 Cows & 1yr Heifer. l.prime@ mchsi.com or 251-609-6602 ADORABLE SHI-TZU PUPPIES, AKC, non-shedding, home raised – average 7-9 pounds, some smaller – (334)391-8493, (334)272-3268 ADORABLE AKC YORKY PUPPIES – excellent blood lines – (334)301-1120, (334)537-4242, bnorman@mon-cre.net
How To Place a Line Ad in Marketplace Closing Deadlines (in our office): February 2012 – deadline December 25 March 2012 – deadline January 2012 April 2012 – deadline February 25 -Ads are $1.65 per word with a 10 word minimum and are on a prepaid basis -Telephone numbers, email addresses and websites are considered 1 word each -Ads will not be taken over the phone. You may email your ad to hdutton@areapower.com or call (800)410-2737 ask for Heather for pricing. -We accept checks, money orders and all major credit cards Mail ad submission along with a check or money order made payable to ALABAMA LIVING, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124 – Attn: Classifieds.
DECEMBER 2011 31
Market Place
32 DECEMBER 2011
www.alabamaliving.coop
Solid Cedar Personalized Wooden Commemorative Football
Hand-made • Add your favorite photo• You decide the wording Three lines of personalization free • Regulation size football $99.95 + tax • Production for Fall 2011–500 units
Call Nu Image Engraving & Awards 256-355-3205 • Decatur, AL • Fax 256-355-3512 E-mail: nuimageawards@bellsouth.net
Alabama Living
DECEMBER 2011 33
GREEN JOBS? How much are green jobs costing, and are they really all that green? You may recall former U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi declaring during her term that House bill after House bill was about jobs, jobs, jobs – green jobs. The government – Ms. Pelosi’s and President Obama’s – presented a grand plan for green jobs, offering benefits. First, there would be green jobs for the jobless in these times of dire unemployment straits. Second, the jobs would offer the furtherance, if not creation, of a new American industry of green products to be sold on a global scale. Third, the jobs would reduce climatechanging pollutants. Federal incentives, grants, subsidies and loan guarantees would provide seed capital for green businesses to start production of green energy products, like solar panels. By now we know the jumpstart incentive didn’t help Solyndra, a solar panel manufacturer that filed for bankruptcy after receiving $528 million in federal loans. Many other green programs – most backed by federal funds or incentives – are also faltering. An example is a stimulus program under The Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration to “train and prepare individuals for careers in green jobs.”
Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative Alabama Living
The Office of the Inspector General reports that thus far about $162.8 million has been spent. The program was targeted to train 125,000 workers for green jobs, but only 53,000 have been trained – about 42 percent of target. However, of that percentage only 8,035 have found work after being trained and only 1,033 (less than 1 percent), were still in their green jobs after six months.
It turns out green jobs are not necessarily new jobs – a good number are actually replacements for existing positions
What sort of green jobs did those 1,033 hold? It turns out the green jobs were not necessarily new jobs. In fact, a good number of the green jobs are not new jobs but replacements for positions already existing, according to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The green jobs include bus drivers since mass transportation reduces the pollution of personal transportation, university professors that teach ecology courses and Washington lobbyists that lobby for energy loan guarantees. Are those the green jobs most of you think about? The Oversight Committee charitably estimates each green job created only costs the Ameri-
can taxpayer $157,000. Environmental America, an advocacy group, estimates there are about 24,000 green jobs actually involved in solar manufacturing in the United States. That is up about 6.8 percent from last year, but the definition of a green worker is one who spends at least half their time in green manufacturing. After all, the solar panel manufacturing process is not very labor intensive with only about 10 percent of the cost derived from labor. Employment appears to be in jeopardy with the recent flood of cheap Chinese solar panels on the U.S. market. The Texas Comptroller reports school districts had granted tax abatements averaging $1.6 million for each new wind energy job, but only $166,000 for each new manufacturing job. The Wall Street Journal reports our government has invested $90 billion (yes, with a “b”) on green job creation. The number of real green jobs for that investment look very scant. Maybe California Congressman Waxman and Massachusetts Congressman Markey are right – our problem is that we have not invested enough in green jobs. Only the government would call that a bargain.A
DECEMBER 2011 35
36  DECEMBER 2011
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Alabama Snapshots 1
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Our holidays 5
Submit Your Images!
5
January Theme:
“Grandkids Part II” 1. “Christmas Day at the farm 2010” submitted by John and Donna Richards, Gaylesville 2. “Christmas Angel” Lylaine and Ms. Lillie Mae submitted by Margaret Hill, Horton 3. “Christmas Stars” submitted by Elise Lowery, Thorsby
38 DECEMBER 2011
4. Keith and Josh Jenkins submitted by Tammy Jenkins, Danville 5. Enjoying the bonfire at Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm submitted by Frank Wadsworth, Wetumpka 6. Caleb, Nathan, Noah and Ethan Jordan submitted by Great Aunt Rene, Evergreen
Send color photos with a large self addressed stamped envelope to:
Photos, Alabama Living, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL, 36124. Rules: Alabama Living will pay $10 for photos that best match our theme of the month. Alabama Living is not responsible for lost or damaged photos. Deadline for: January 31
www.alabamaliving.coop