Alabama Living SPEC November 2012

Southern Pine will collect OCC boxes through Nov. 14 November 2012

Honoring our veterans

Author’s book recasts a Civil War general’s death

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Vol. 65 No.11 November 2012

Manager

Vince Johnson Co-Op Editor

Melanie Harrison Alabama Living is delivered to some 420,000 Alabama families and businesses, which are members of 22 not-for-profit, consumer-owned, locally directed and taxpaying electric cooperatives. AREA cooperative member subscriptions are $3 a year; non-member subscriptions, $6.

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

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

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

Alabama Rural Electric Association

AREA President Fred Braswell Editor Lenore Vickrey Managing Editor Melissa Henninger Creative Director Mark Stephenson Art Director Michael Cornelison Advertising Director Adam Freeman Advertising Coordinator Brooke Davis Recipe Editor Mary Tyler Spivey ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL OFFICES:

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

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

11 Amendments on Nov. 6 ballot

Eleven statewide amendments will be part of the Nov. 6 general election ballot. We’ve got a rundown of each of those amendments that you will be asked to vote on.

12 Alabama veteran takes Honor Flight

ON THE COVER: Veteran Samuel Garth Branch of Atmore took part in the South Alabama Honor Flight in September.

Alabama veterans traveled to Washington D.C. on the South Alabama Honor Flight, where they visited monuments and places of interest, including their own World War II Memorial.

BY: Michelle Ricard

18 The murder of Stonewall?

Writer John Brightman Brock reviews a fictitious take on the death of Stonewall Jackson. Skip Tucker, in his book “Pale Blue Light,” suggests that the famed general may have been cut down with purpose by his own side.

departments

Spotlight 10 Power Pack 16 Worth the Drive 20 Alabama Gardens 22 Outdoors 24 Hunter Safety 25 Fish&Game Forecast 26 Cook of the Month 38 Alabama Snapshots 9

Printed in America from American materials

Alabama Living

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Southern Pine Electric Cooperative Brewton Headquarters: 2134 South Blvd.

P.O. Box 528 Brewton, AL 36427 251-867-5415 District Offices: Atmore 39 West Sunset Drive Atmore, AL 36502 251-368-4842 Evergreen 205 Wild Avenue Evergreen, AL 36401 251-578-3460 Frisco City 3943 Bowden St. Frisco City, AL 36445 251-267-3196 Toll-Free Outage Reporting Number

1-866-867-5415 Board of Trustees

Manager’s Comments

5 Mill Rate Decrease Vince Johnson

Manager of Southern Pine Electric Cooperative I hope you are enjoying the fall weather as much as I am. I have to say that summertime is my least favorite time of the year. I could handle these cooler temperatures all year long. However, I know some folks do not feel the same way that I do.

If you read your bill stuffer last month you noticed that we lowered your electric rate for the second time in as many months.

The Southern Pine Board of Trustees voted to reduce the electric rates by 3 mills ($3 per 1,000 kWh) effective August 1, 2012, and again by two mills ($2 per 1000 kWh) effective Sept. 1, 2012. This decrease is possible due to the decrease in the wholesale

O

cost of electricity to your co-op. That is a total of five mills ($5 per 1000 kWh) less than what you were paying in June of this year.

We will continue to focus on providing safe, reliable electric service to our members at a competitive price. Our job is to provide service to the membership and to focus on the members’ needs. All of us here at Southern Pine will remain focused on working as efficiently as we can and continue to be good stewards of all that the membership has entrusted us with.

Thank you for your continued support of Southern Pine. I wish you and your loved ones a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. A

ur job is to provide service to the membership . . .

Vernon Baggett

Chairman Hilbert Hall

Vice Chairman Allen Lang

Secretary-Treasurer Bobby Ballard David Cook, Jr. Dwight Maloy Keith Pugh Cleve Roberson Aaron White

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Your friends at Southern Pine wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!

Our offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 22 and 23 in observance of Thanksgiving.

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Southern Pine Office Hours

Calling all shoe boxes!

We’ll be collecting Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes

Oct. 31 - Nov. 14

This Christmas season Southern Pine Electric Cooperative is proud to once again serve as a Relay Station for the Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Ministry. OCC delivers small boxes filled with toys, love and hope to needy children all around the world each Christmas.

From Wednesday, Oct. 31 through Wednesday, Nov. 14, simply drop off your packed and labeled shoe boxes at any office of Southern Pine Electric, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. till 4 p.m. each day.

Go to www.samaritanspurse.org for information on the program and suggestions for toys, school supplies, hygienic supplies and other items you might want to include in your shoe box. Please remember: don’t include any used or warrelated toys; liquids or lotions; chocolate or food; medications or vitamins; aerosol cans or breakable items.

You can download labels from the site to place on your packed shoe boxes.

They’ll designate the age and gender of the child your boxes are prepared for.

It’s not necessary, but if you’d like, you can wrap your shoe box. Just make sure to wrap the top separately from the bottom.

You can also include a personal letter to your child to let them know that someone, somewhere truly cares about them.

Enclose $7 for shipping and you’ll be ready to deliver the box to any of Southern Pine’s four offices.

We’ll handle getting the boxes to Operation Christmas Child. Once OCC receives the shoe boxes, they will include a child’s storybook of the birth of Christ in each box. For many children and their Alabama Living

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Brewton Office 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Atmore Office Evergreen Office Frisco City Office 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Payment Options During normal office hours at our Atmore, Brewton, Evergreen or Frisco City offices.

Cash, check, VISA or MasterCard credit or debit cards, or by money order.

Payments may be made over the telephone using a VISA or Mastercard credit or debit card.

After hours at any of our offices by leaving your payment in our convenient night deposit box.

families, this will be their first-ever exposure to the Word of Christ.

So pack a shoe box this year and help OCC reach it’s 100-millionth child since beginning this program in 1993.

For more information on OCC, contact Southern Pine Electric at 251-867-5415.

Thank you for helping bring the Word of Christ to children and their families who have never heard it. A

Let’s help the Shoe Box Ministry reach the 100-millionth child for Christ!

E-check, VISA or Mastercard credit or debit card payments may be made anytime on our Web site at: www.southernpine.org Mail your payment to: Southern Pine E C P. O. Box 528, Brewton, AL 36427 Convenient payment points. Pay bill from the 1st - 10th of each month at: James Brothers Furniture, East Brewton; United Bank, Flomaton; Excel Hardware, Excel; and People’s Exchange Bank, Beatrice.

Ask about our Levelized Billiing, Credit Card and Bank Draft payment options.

You will need to fill out paperwork for these options.

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Offering Healing of the Soul for all Area ministry feeds bodies and souls

T

hanksgiving is a time when our thoughts naturally turn to family and friends. Just as on that first Thanksgiving when the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared their newfound bounty, so do we today, counting our many blessings, sharing traditional feasts and making new memories with those we hold dear. But for many in our area there will be no family meal, no hearty times with those they love, no happy memories. For some, there may be no food at all.

That’s where Janet Byrd comes into the picture. She’s making it her business to bring Thanksgiving to as many local people as possible.

Janet is a warm and friendly person you feel you’ve known forever just moments after meeting. A life-long resident of East Brewton, she is concerned about her fellow man and is taking action to try to make a difference locally.

After Hurricane Ivan, Janet and husband Chris moved temporarily to New Orleans to assist Janet’s brother who had suffered a heart attack. They helped run his construction business there, as well as nurse him back to health.

An East Brewton native and smalltown girl at heart, Janet found the ways of the big city to be very different.

“There were so many people in so much need. I thought, ‘I know one way to help. I can cook for them,’ but when I offered food to many of the people there, they would look at me suspiciously like they wondered why I was doing this and like they thought I expected 6 novermber 2012

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by Melanie M. Harrison

payment,” says Janet.

“Our temporary stay in New Orleans stretched into two years. We saw and experienced so much there. There was good and bad,” Janet continues. “I have to admit we learned a lot down there. It was truly like a different world from the one we’d always known.”

Prior to heading to New Orleans, Janet had worked at the Brewton Medical Center, first as a receptionist for Dr. Maria Villareal, who had a large influence on her life, and then in other departments. When they returned from New Orleans, Janet returned to part-time work at the Medical Center and Chris resumed his self-employed contractor work.

Approximately five years ago Janet says she became very concerned as she heard more and more about local elderly and families who were sick or out of work and needing food. She was burdened and prayed about the situation.

Eventually, she felt led to do something to make a difference. So she decided to do one of the things she does best . . . cook.

She contacted local agencies to tell them of her plans and in no time had 35 names of individuals and families needing food. Janet and Chris lived in a mobile home and didn’t have a lot of room, but she cooked all over the house in roaster ovens or whatever necessary to prepare enough to deliver two meals a week to these 35 people. Chris, friends and other family members helped her get the job done.

“When I started cooking in my home, I intended to only do it a few times. But there was so much need out there and the people who received the meals were so grateful for the food and the time we spent with them,” recalls Janet. “People wanted to help me, so we just kept cooking. And the names of those in need just kept coming in.”

Janet and her group continued in this manner for almost two years and then moved the cooking effort to a local church. And they just kept on cooking.

Janet had gone through a difficult period in her life when she was ill and practically bedridden. Those days were dark and depressing and led to moments where she almost gave up. She began to pray, believing that God would heal her. She would, she promised, serve Him completely if she were healed. The healing didn’t come all at once. It took place over a period of time, but it did come. And now, as she promised, she spends most of her time working on God’s behalf.

In fact, that’s how her ministry received its name. She believes she has been healed and now it is her turn to reach out to others in pain and suffering and offer assistance through her works and the love of Christ. While considering the possibilities of such service, God gave her the name of her ministry: Healing of the Soul Outreach.

The list of those needing food keeps growing and Janet and Chris keep cooking and serving, along with the many volunteers and family members who

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Southern Pine

help them meet their mission’s goals each week. A couple of years ago, Ann and the late Ed Leigh McMillan learned of their ministry and became helpful donors and supporters. Others have supported the ministry through gifts and service. Two area churches regularly make donations to the ministry: Liberty Baptist in Pinehill, Ala., and Dixonville Full Gospel Community Church.

Through God’s providence, a building eventually became available in East Brewton and with the help of many, they have been able to locate their ministry there. Janet and Chris live in a small portion of the building and have the kitchen, storage areas and office in the remainder of the facility.

Each week Healing of the Soul Outreach serves and delivers 200 meals, two days a week to the sick, disabled, elderly and disadvantaged. Each meal consists of one meat, one vegetable, a piece of fruit and bread. Janet says with careful stewardship each meal costs about $1.25, not including labor or overhead.

There are five routes that Healing of the Soul delivers to, each headed by different volunteers, who freely give their time, their car and gas to make the twice a week deliveries of meals.

There is also a food pantry in the office and Janet provides boxes of food to those who need help. Area agencies regularly refer people in desperate circumstances to her.

Last Thanksgiving Healing of the Soul sponsored its first Thanksgiving meal and served more than 400 people.

This year they will once again offer a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings to anyone who needs it.

“No one should be alone on Thanksgiving, so if you are alone, or without food, come on over and join us for Thanksgiving,” invites Janet.

The Thanksgiving meal will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Brewton Civic Center. They will also offer meals at an as yet undisclosed

location in Flomaton. You can call the Healing of the Soul Outreach office at (251)867-8810 for more information.

Healing of the Soul will also sponsor a sign-up day to receive free boxed food. Sign up for free food on Thursday, Nov. 1 and Sat., Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. - noon at Flomaton Pentecostal Church and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Alco Baptist Church. Food boxes will be delivered to 600 families on Saturday, Nov. 17, just in time for Thanksgiving.

Janet and Chris struggle to keep the ministry running. They have received donations and a grant, but much of the money to support the program comes from their own earnings. They live in the back of the office and do not have health benefits, but believe they are doing what God has called them to do.

“Sometimes we struggle so it seems we’ll have to shut the doors, but with faith and lots of hard work, it seems someon e a l w ay s comes along at just the right time to help us stay open,” smiles Janet.

“Alone, I am nothing, but with the faith I have in God, all things are possible,” she declares.

“It’s worth all the strugg l e s ,” s h e s ay s . “ Wh e n you see just one p ers on who is broken hearted and has nothing at all, smile

or laugh when you feed them or give them a box of food--that makes it all worthwhile!”

When asked if she needs anything to help in her mission, Janet laughs and said, “Donations are always appreciated.

So are volunteers. An experienced grant writer willing to volunteer time would be great! But right now, at the top of my wish list is a new refrigerator!” A

Free Thanksgiving Meal for All Thursday, Nov. 22 East Brewton Civic Center 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

251-867-8810

Janet Byrd Healing of the Soul Outreach 110 Florida St. East Brewton, AL 36426 jbyrd1963@hotmail.com healingofthesouloutreach.org Office: 251-867-8810 Cell: 251-538-0991

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Christmas food drive kicks off Earn a chance to win $50 cash and help neighbors in need Donate non-perishable food from Nov. 26 - Dec. 13 Everyone who is hungry is not in a third-world country. In fact, many people just across town don’t know where they’ll find their next meal.

Please help Southern Pine make the holidays brighter for some of our neighbors in need. From Monday, Nov. 26 through Thursday, Dec.13, donate three non-perishable food items and qualify to enter your name in a drawing for $50. You may enter your name to win each time you make a donation of three or more non-perishable items.

On Thursday, Dec. 13, we’ll draw one lucky winner of $50 from the entries at each of our four offices as a thank you for helping us.

All food items will be donated to local food pantries in each of the co-op’s service areas in time to be be distributed to needy families for Christmas 2012.

Thank you for helping us help many of our neighbors in need this Christmas season!

Your non-perishable food donations will help neighbors in need.

Tip of the Month Cracked duct work creates leaks that allow conditioned air to escape your home. This leakage can significantly increase your electric bill, often wasting between 20 to 40 percent of your home’s heating dollars.

Make sure that you seal any duct cracks properly. DO NOT USE REGULAR DUCT TAPE! Instead, use duct-sealing mastic, UL-181 aluminum tape or a high quality caulking or foam sealant.

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Spot Light

In November

nov. 29-Dec. 2

Red Door Theatre premieres new play The historic Red Door Theatre in Union Springs has announced that “The Homecoming,” a play adapted from Earl Hamner’s book that gave us the TV series, “The Waltons,” will run from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2.

The play tells the story of a large, Depression-era family at Christmas. Performances at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 28, 29, and Dec. 1 will be preceded by a seated dinner (reservations required). The Sunday, Dec. 2, performance is a 2:30 p.m. matinee. Contact 334-7388687 or visit www.reddoortheatre.org to learn more about the event and the theatre.

IN DECEMBER dec. 2

Weiss Lake homes tour will be Dec. 2 The 26th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes in Centre/ Weiss Lake will be 1 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 2. Tour four

beautifully decorated homes, including the “Secret Bed & Breakfast” with a view overlooking Weiss Lake. There will be refreshments during this 26th annual benefit for local food banks and school projects. Tickets $5. For more details, call 256-779-2252.

See Page 29 for more events around Alabama.

Events to honor veterans across Alabama Shelby County Veterans Day Ceremony & Tribute — Nov. 6 Columbiana— free The event honors the nation’s veterans with a ceremony on the Shelby County Courthouse lawn. Call 205669-9075 for more information, or visit www.shelbycountychamber.com.

Athens Veterans Day Parade and Celebration — Nov. 5 and 11 Athens – downtown and VFW Lodge— free The parade begins at Athens High School and will wind through the downtown streets on November 5 at 11 a.m. Following the parade the Disabled American Veterans will host a chicken stew meal at the DAV Building on Airport Road. Contact 256-374-2072 for further details. The VFW Lodge on Elm Street in Athens Alabama Living

will hold a Veterans Day Celebration on November 11 at 11 a.m. Contact 256-771-7578 for more information.

Fairhope Veterans Day Parade – Nov. 7 Downtown Fairhope— free The parade begins and ends at Fairhope Civic Center and winds through downtown, featuring the Fairhope High School Band, the Veteran of the Year, and various veteran’s organizations. The parade starts at 10 a.m. For more information, call 251928-3292.

Alexander City Veterans Day Service — Nov. 7 Veteran’s Memorial Park— free Join the Mayor and city leaders to pay respect to Alabama veterans of the

Confederacy, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. 2-3 p.m.

Contact 256-234-3461 for information, or visit www.alexcityonline.com.

Patriots Day Luncheon & Veterans Day Parade— Nov. 9 Gadsden— cost for meal, free parade Enjoy a meal at the Gadsden Convention Hall to honor the men and women who fought and served our country. Admission is charged.

For more information contact the Gadsden-Etowah Patriots Association at 256-467-4042. Families are encouraged to come out for a parade honoring veterans in downtown Gadsden on historic Broad Street. For more information on the parade call 256-549-4680.

NOVEMBER 2012 9

Power Pack

New film on APT chronicles the Dust Bowl “The Dust Bowl,” a new two-part, four-hour documentary

by Ken Burns which will air on Alabama Public Television in November, chronicles the environmental catastrophe that destroyed the farmlands of the Great Plains throughout the 1930s, turned prairies into deserts and unleashed a pattern of massive, deadly dust storms that for many seemed to herald the end of the world. It was the worst manmade ecological disaster in American history.

Alabama Public Television’s broadcast of the film is supported by the Alabama Association of Conservation Districts, made up of the supervisors from the 67 conservation soil and water districts in Alabama. According to Association President Dr. Carol Knight, “The Dust Bowl will show us the damage caused by the lack of conservation practices and encourage our society to make conservation of our natural resources a priority.” U.S. Senator John Bankhead of Alabama introduced the legislation in 1937 that led to today’s soil conservation practices that help protect U.S. farms and natural resources.

Alabama Public Television and the Alabama Association of Conservation Districts will sponsor special previews

The Dust Bowl of the 1930s wreaked havoc throughout the Great Plains.

of the film in Birmingham, Huntsville and Mobile before the broadcast premiere. These free events will feature guest speakers, including Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan and “Discovering Alabama” host Doug Phillips.

Watch APT’s website for details. The Dust Bowl airs Sunday and Monday, Nov. 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. on Alabama Public Television.

The hunt is afoot for Medicare Part D

By Kylle’ McKinney

Hunting season is open. But rather than hunting for game, may I recommend setting your sights for the Part D Medicare prescription drug plan that’s best for you? You’ll have more time than usual this year, because open season is lasting longer than usual, from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

The Medicare Part D prescription drug program is available to all Medicare beneficiaries to help with the cost of medications. Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary, and participants pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage.

While all Medicare beneficiaries can participate in the prescription drug program, some people with limited income and resources also are eligible for Extra Help to pay for monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription copayments. The Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $4,000 per year. Many people qualify for these big savings and don’t even know it.

To figure out whether you are eligible for the Extra Help, Social Security needs 10 NOVEMBER 2012

to know your income and the value of any savings, investments, and real estate (other than the home you live in). To qualify, you must be receiving Medicare and have: • Income limited to McKinney $16,755 for an individual or $22,695 for a married couple living together. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help with monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments.

Some examples where your income may be higher include if you or your spouse: —Support other family members who live with you; —Have earnings from work; or —Live in Alaska or Hawaii; and • Have resources limited to $13,070 for an individual or $26,120 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. We do not count your house or car as resources.

You can complete an easy-to-use online

application for Extra Help at www.socialsecurity.gov. Click on Medicare on the top right side of the page. Then click on “Get Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs.” To apply by phone or have an application mailed to you, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020). Or go to your nearest Social Security office.

And if you would like more information about the Medicare Part D

prescription drug program, visit www. medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).

So this open season, hunt for something that could put an extra $4,000 in your pocket — bag the best Medicare prescription drug plan for you and see if you qualify for the Extra Help through Social Security. That’s a trophy worth displaying in your den.

Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs specialist, can be reached in Montgomery at 866-593-0914, ext. 26265, or by e-mail at kylle.mckinney@ssa.gov. www.alabamaliving.coop

11 statewide amendments on Nov. 6 ballot Alabama voters will be asked to vote on 11 statewide amendments as part of the Nov. 6 general election ballot.

The following is a summary of the proposed amendments: Statewide Amendment 1 This constitutional amendment, also known as the “Forever Wild” Amendment, would reauthorize the Forever Wild Land Trust for a 20-year period from fiscal year 2012-2013 to fiscal year 2031-2032, ending September 30, 2032.

If Amendment 1 (Forever Wild) passes, the Forever Wild Land Trust would receive 10 percent of the money distributed annually from the ATF under the new procedures approved in the September 18, 2012, amendment. If this amendment fails, 1% (up to $1 million) of the money distributed from the ATF using the formula authorized by the September 18, 2012 Trust Fund amendment will be paid to the Forever Wild Trust Stewardship Account, but no new lands will be acquired.

Statewide Amendment 2 The proposed amendment authorizes the Bond Commission, which currently has the authority to issue up to $750 million in general obligation bonds for economic development and infrastructure costs, to issue refunding bonds.

Statewide Amendment 3 This proposed amendment was written exclusively for Stockton to attain the designation of “Landmark District,” with the boundary lines of this district as determined and set by the state legislature. Since Baldwin County has had no such classification, but the state does, this amendment would allow the area to be independent and protected from involuntary annexation.

Alabama Living

Statewide Amendment 4 The purpose of this proposed amendment is to clean up outmoded provisions in the constitution.

Statewide Amendment 5 The “Water Board Amendment” would dissolve the Water Works and Sewer Board of the City of Prichard and transfer all its assets and liabilities to the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System.

Statewide Amendment 6 The proposed amendment represents a state’s rights stand relative to the mandates in the federal health care legislation that were upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. It would apply to all Alabama residents and has the following provisions: 1. No person, employer, or health care provider could be compelled to participate in any health care system.

2. A person or employer would be able to pay directly for health care services and not be required to pay penalties or fines for paying directly for lawful health care services.

3. A health care provider could accept direct payment for lawful health care services and not be required to pay penalties or fines for accepting such direct payments.

4. The purchase or sale of health insurance in private health care systems shall not be prohibited by law or rule.

Statewide Amendment 7 This amendment adds a provision that guarantees the right to vote by secret ballot in elections for employee representation (such as in union elections). This amendment would not affect elections for public office or public votes on referenda, which are already in effect.

Statewide Amendment 8 This proposed amendment would remove the power of determining legislative compensation and travel reimbursement from the Legislature.

The amendment would repeal existing laws providing for compensation for legislators, providing a new compensation amount based on the median Alabama household income, beginning after the 2014 statewide legislative elections.

Statewide Amendment 9 The proposed amendment would revise Article XII of the 1901 Alabama Constitution, which concerns private corporations and similar entities, to eliminate antiquated and irrelevant provisions and to update other sections to reflect current practices.

Statewide Amendment 10 This proposed amendment would condense Article XII of the current Alabama Constitution that deals with banks and banking. It would repeal antiquated language and sections made irrelevant by repeals, and will combine other sections into one article.

Statewide Amendment 11 Relating to Lawrence County to prohibit any municipality located entirely outside of Lawrence County from imposing any municipal ordinance or regulation, including, but not limited to, any tax, zoning, planning, or sanitation regulations, and any inspection service in its police jurisdiction located in Lawrence County.

NOVEMBER 2012 11

Samuel Branch and grandson Travis Branch see the sights in the nation’s capital.

ALABAMA veteran thankful for Honor Flight trip

By Lindsay Mott

S

amuel Garth Branch is just a few 1945, joining the 25th infantry, 35th regiyears younger than the Lincoln ment, at age 20. They served as a mop-up Memorial in Washington D.C. This operation and liberation force in the Philyear the 87-year-old veteran got to see ippine Islands, he says. that memorial and others as part of the His group was scheduled to be the Honor Flight South Alabama on Septem- spear point as American forces invaded ber 19. the Japanese mainland and were only exThe one-day event took Branch, other pected to get about six feet onto land beveterans and their guardians, including his fore they were killed. Instead, the United grandson Travis, from Mobile to D.C. and States dropped two bombs that “shortened back. While there, the veterans visited the the war.”

World War II, Lincoln, Korean War, and “I thank the Lord for it myself,” Branch Iwo Jima memorials and Arlington Na- says. “It would have probably been a sure tional Ceremony. death for me. I hate that other men had “It was wonderful,” Branch says. “It was to lose their lives and give the ultimate touching.” sacrifice.”

But, for him, it was more than the meHis outfit then worked in Japan on morials. It was the support of the people at guard duty as military police. He got to every stop wishing them well and thank- see the naval base where the Japanese ing them for their service. The climax was were building human-guided torpedoes when they and other “We can’t all be heroes. Some of u n i q u e arrived back at Mobile us have to stand on the curb and things, he Regional clap as they go by.” –Will Rogers says.

Airport; he Af te r a was amazed at the number of people in visit home from April to August of 1946, attendance, cheering for them. he returned to Japan as a private first class “All of that just made the rest of the day and became a jailer at Sugamo Prison, adbetter. It was wonderful,” he says. “I just ministering the care of 64 Japanese war thank the people that had anything to do prisoners. One day he was promoted to with sponsoring it in any way.” corporal and then, the very next day, he Branch says the WWII Memorial was was a sergeant. his favorite because “it was put there for He became chief jailer and, during his us. It’s very good.” He also enjoyed seeing time at the prison, he met (along with getthe Lincoln Memorial in person. ting a photo and an autograph of) Hideki “You’ve got a feeling when you are Tojo, Japanese Prime Minister responsible standing there on that floor looking at for the attack on Pearl Harbor, and escortthat big marble statue,” he says. He says ed Tokyo Rose during her 1947 release. it was also extra special that he was able Branch was discharged in 1947. He to have his grandson with him. They also married his wife Voncile in 1949. They received mail call from local school chil- moved to their current home in Atmore dren, and he plans to write them all back. in 1953. He worked various jobs until getBranch, a native of Pike County, Ala., ting on at the Pensacola Naval Air Station was drafted into the Army in January in 1966. He then retired in 1986, “and 12 NOVEMBER 2012

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Branch in his early army years.

Branch with fellow veteran Rufus Pinkerton from Bay Minette.

908th Airlift Wing pays tribute to veterans Retired Lt. Col. Harold Dobbs, a highly decorated Airman who was shot down in Vietnam, shovels dirt around the roots of a North American elm tree planted in 2007 to honor all veterans in front of the 908th Airlift Wing in Montgomery. Col. Dobbs was a special guest at the Veterans Day tree planting, where 908th AW commander Col. Michael J. Underkofler reminisced about years past when elm trees “graced avenues all across America” before the trees were virtually wiped out by disease.

This tree, a disease resistant variety, was a symbol of resurgence, the colonel said. “This tree represents all Americans past and present who’ve sacrificed so much in the name of freedom and help make our nation strong.”

I’ve been working at that ever since,” he says. He and Voncile traveled the country from 1987 until around 2003. They have two children, four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

With Veterans Day this month, Branch says it would be wonderful if people would participate in the activities of the day similar to what he saw from people when they returned to Mobile.

“It needs to be kept up,” he says. “I put my flag out and I honor the day.” A Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2012 13

Former POW Wilburn Compton was captured by the Germans Dec. 11, 1944, and was rescued four months later.

W

ilburn Compton will never forget the day he was drafted into the Army. That day also started a journey that would take him to the front lines of France and a prisoner of war camp in Germany.

“I had only been to Montgomery once in my life, and they sent us to Fort McClellan for basic training,” says Compton, now 86 and a resident of the Cameron Chapel community near Brantley. “By the fourth weekend I wanted to get out, but I decided to make the best of it and be the best soldier I could be.”

Following his immunizations in New Jersey, Compton and the rest of his company boarded a “little bitty” boat and headed across the Atlantic Ocean.

Even that first trip was not without its perils and excitement.

Compton’s ship was the last boat in the convoy, and Allied ships sunk a German submarine right behind them as they approached England.

“The boys got out kissing the ground,” he says.

A short boat trip later, and the company landed on the beaches of Normandy. A train carried them to Paris and then on to the front lines.

A short time later, Compton and his company were moving from small French village to small French village as the attacking company against the Germans. Compton said the first day of battle was especially nerve-wracking.

“I thought every bullet that day was going to get us,” he says.

Compton also remembers standing in a barnyard watching a white goose pecking around the door to the barn.

Suddenly, a German shell hit the barn and blew the goose all the way to his feet.

“I was just getting an induction,” he says.

In the next town, his company again faced machine guns, but Compton was able to position himself just out of line of sight.

One of his comrades was also taking cover from the hail of bullets, but he had 14 NOVEMBER 2012

Memories of POW camp still vivid for South Alabama veteran

By Michael Rodgers

a raincoat poking out of his back pocket.

“That raincoat looked like a sifter bottom before it was over,” Compton says.

Another close call for Compton came while he was sitting on a pile of wheat in a barn.

“A shell came in, and it was a dud, but it hit within five feet of me,” he says.

The winter of 1944 was brutally cold, and Compton had a run-in with a German one snowy night, though he never saw the other soldier.

He was assigned guard duty, and he had a wired phone to talk to his commanding officer.

The phone went dead, so he traced the line to a gully where it had been cut. After twisting the wires back together, he made his way back to his post, where he again found the phone dead.

Returning to the gully, the wires had been cut yet again.

The sequence repeated several times, and when morning came, Compton found out his company had strayed into the Germanoccupied part of the town.

They attempted to take refuge in a cellar, but they were found.

The prisoners were lined up, but one of Compton’s friends had been severely wounded in the leg.

He and another soldier helped carry their injured companion on the march, but eventually they were too weak to go any further, and the soldier was nearly unconscious.

“The Germans told us to sit him down,” Compton says. “As we kept marching, we heard a gunshot and my friend asked me, ‘Did they kill him?’ I said, ‘I don’t know. I didn’t look.’”

On their forced march, the prisoners were slapped by German women in the towns and kicked by little boys.

“I said ‘What kind of trouble am I in?’” said Compton as his voice cracked with emotion. “But it seemed like the Lord said, ‘Think about all the times I’ve saved you,’ and things seemed brighter.”

The POWs were taken to Frankfurt,

where they were housed in a boxcar and kept for five days without any food or water.

“There was a water pump, and when they turned us loose, we stampeded that water pump,” he says. “We drank so much it came back up and then we drank again.”

Then the forced marches started again.

Eventually, the prisoners were given two potatoes each.

“We rubbed the dirt off, and that was the best eatin’ I’ve ever had,” Compton says.

They were taken to a POW camp and forced to unload boxcars of coal.

Compton said he has no memory of leaving that camp, and that his next memory is from two weeks later, when he was being moved again.

“I wondered, ‘What kind of shape am I in?’” he says. “I had decided that I wasn’t going any farther.”

Just when he decided to give up, a group of American soldiers took the area and liberated the prisoners.

Compton was captured on Dec. 11, 1944 and rescued on April 18, 1945.

He was taken to a first aid station and came out of a coma six days later on April 24, which also happened to be his father’s birthday.

“They sent a telegram to daddy, and that was the first thing he knew about me still being alive,” Compton says.

Severely malnourished and underweight, Compton was taken to a critical care POW hospital in England, where he stayed for three months before finally being able to return to America.

Following the war, Compton returned to his hometown of Brantley, where he married and raised a family. He worked as a contractor, building houses around south Alabama, while still maintaining the family farm. Compton still lives at home in the Cameron Chapel community, where he continues to work on his farm. A A version of this article was originally published in the Luverne Journal and is reprinted with permission.

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Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2012 15

Worth the Drive

Step back in time at the Wildflower Café

By Jennifer Kornegay

Brundidge

Experience It Yourself Wildflower Café is currently only open on weekends, and reservations are strongly recommended for dinner.

Wildflower Café & Country Store 6007 AL Hwy. 117, Mentone, AL 256-634-0066 www.mentonewildflower.com

To help celebrate Alabama’s 2012 “Year of Food,” each month freelance writer Jennifer Kornegay will take you to an out-of-the-way restaurant worth the drive.

Jennifer Kornegay

16 NOVEMBER 2012

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here’s a little cabin sitting in the woods atop Lookout Mountain in Northeast Alabama. Beds of herbs and flowers sprawl around its sides and front. A hand-painted sign rests on the tin roof, and a perpetually half-asleep cat the color of dusty mushrooms greets guests with a drowsy double wink as they step up on the porch.

Inside, a small country store has handmade candles, scarves woven from colorful yarns, local art and other interesting stuff for sale. Farther in still, an older gentleman with matching white beard and ponytail plays guitar and sings songs everyone knows, strongly encouraging audience participation. An even older lady just there for lunch takes his bait and joins him; her hands shake but her voice is steady as her rendition of a song she learned when she was young takes her way back. A little girl, at least three generations removed, whirls and twirls in a clumsy yet cute attempt to dance to the music the duo are making.

In every other corner of the old, circa 1887 house, diners chat happily, or not at all, their mouths full of this charming restaurant’s fresh, natural food instead of conversation. It’s just a typical autumn Saturday at the Wildflower Café in Mentone, but this place is anything but your typical small-town eatery.

The menu is a mix of basic comfort foods and gourmet creations, selections in both of these categories ranging from healthy options to hearty indulgences and all made using locally sourced, organic ingredients whenever possible, including fresh herbs from the garden right out front. There are vegan and gluten-free options too.

The Café’s claim to fame is the Tomato Pie, a flaky, buttery crust filled with the tart goodness of balsamic-marinated, perfectly ripe tomatoes and then smothered with a blend of salty cheeses. It’s not that far out of the Southern small-town box. But scroll

on down the list to find Mountain Stir Fry served over organic long-grain brown rice with spicy ginger-orange dressing, or flip over to the dinner menu to read about selections like Garlic Parmesan Cream Cheese Dip or Salmon Wellington and Grilled Cabbage, all definitely a little different.

The Saturday lunch/brunch menu is so tempting, they offer a sampler so you don’t have to pick between spinach quiche, a fruit-filled crepe crowned with sweet, fluffy whipped cream and the famous tomato pie.

You can even order some of Granny Hester’s Sweet Potato Biscuits to go, because it’s doubtful you’ll have room for them with your meal. This is assuming you ended with a scratch-made dessert. And really, when faced with choices like Triple Layer Carrot Cake, Chess Pie, Peanut Butter Pie or Hummingbird Cake, how could you not?

Service is friendly and attentive, but there’s no fast food here. You won’t mind.

One bite of whatever you ordered, and you’ll remember the truth of the old adage, “Good things come to those who wait.”

Plus, if the food came out too quickly, you’d miss the chance for your own tableside serenade, when the kindly guitar guy (Mentone native and singer/songwriter Tony Goggans) leaves his stool up front and walks through the restaurant singing to and with anyone who looks game (and even some who don’t).

When you are finally done with your Wildflower Café experience (which is exactly what dining here is), peruse the country store and grab some lotion or lip balm made using herbs from the Café’s hardworking garden. Then take a stroll along the sidewalk out front that leads to antique shops and ice cream (as if you could eat another bite). The satisfied sigh you’ll puff out as you take in postcard-picture views from the mountain’s “brow” nearby is an appropriate punctuation mark to end another great day in Alabama. A

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Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2012 17

“In the dark, he saw six Southern pickets rise from cover. From yards away, through thundering hoof beats, he heard hammers being drawn and locked. ‘Hold fire,’ he (Rabe Canon) yelled at the top of his voice, ‘we’re friends.’ And he heard an answering voice thunder, ‘It’s a damned lie, boys.

They’re Yankees.’ “ Excerpt from Pale Blue Light, A novel by Skip Tucker

Source: www.vmi.edu

Pale Blue Light Civil War thriller casts doubt on cause of Stonewall Jackson’s death

By John Brightman Brock

L

Source: Library of Congress

ongtime Alabama political aide Skip Tucker, living in re- serving as Folsom’s deputy press secretary until his defeat, Tucker tirement in Montgomery, has written a Civil War thriller decided he would stay in Montgomery rather than return to arguing that “friendly fire” didn’t mortally wound Confed- Jasper, where he had worked in freelance public relations. In erate Lt. Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson in Chancellorsville, Montgomery, he was hired by former state Sen. Sid McDonald, Va. in 1863. It was murder. chairman of Alabama Voters Against Lawsuit Abuse (AVALA), In writing Pale Blue Light, released in September, Tucker’s his- in February of 1996 to work a six-week special session. torical fiction discusses Jackson’s reputation for discipline, which “I learned in that short time that the Alabama Court system at times was admired but more often reviled by students of the had been shanghaied by the state’s trial lawyers. I learned that Virginia Military Institute professor. Jackson would later lead trial lawyers rode the Alabama Supreme Court like a horse and those same cadets in the field amid Rebel yells and the smolder- milked it like a cow. I learned Alabama had a national and even ing stench of cannon fire. international reputation as a trial lawyer paradise and a business To reveal the silent crosshairs on Jackson, who some say was person’s nightmare. I learned that magazines like Forbes and Time Robert E. Lee’s most trusted general, Tucker presents a sinister had named Alabama the original ‘tort hell.’ It was not only unfair plot between Northern agents and greedy power-brokers in the and a terrible example of injustice, it was killing Alabama’s abilSouth, who aimed to covertly ity to attract industry,” Tucker take down Jackson and the says.

South to feed their coffers with A month later Tucker befederal greenbacks. came director of AVALA. That Written in believable desix weeks turned into 15 years. tail, readers find themselves As an aside, through AVAfighting alongside Jackson in LA he met the vice president a cause espoused by a diploof the American Tort Reform matic Lee and an idealistic Association, Lissa Astilla. She President Jefferson Davis. The was doing on a national scale graphic narrative strides fast what Tucker did in Alabama. at times to a hard gallop, then “We married in 2000,” Tucker straight up to the hellish front says. lines where thousands of sol“It’s the one thing I can diers drew strength from Jackthank the trial lawyers for.”

Encampment at Chancellorsville just before the battle. son, as stark and unyielding as the monument that remains to this day in the woodlands where Writing it down The book was based upon ideas that first came to Tucker in he was shot.

Tucker, 65, said writing his first novel was rewarding, bestow- the late 1980s and early ‘90s, he said. He wrote the first draft in ing his own sense of personal accomplishment, to unveil Jackson, about six weeks, mostly in bed, long-hand, writing 12 hours a the hero, and to bring light to the possibility - no matter how day or more. “I’d fall asleep over it, and wake up and start writing remote - that jealousy and greed could have played a hand in again.” Then it took another six years to get it into readable form.

“When I wrote the thing, I had read 30 to 40 books about, as the actual shooting of Jackson, which dashed Southern hopes they say, ‘The Recent Unpleasantness,’ “ Tucker says. “The war for victory.

Writing Pale Blue Light was a venture far different than Tuck- had been a passion of mine. Jackson became a hero to me. I er’s career of nearly three decades as former editor and assistant wanted to explore his death and I wanted to present to people a publisher of the Daily Mountain Eagle, press secretary for gu- living, breathing Jackson and a place beside him in the action,” bernatorial hopefuls George McMillan and Charlie Graddick Tucker says. “I wanted readers to hear and feel the rage and pain and assistant press secretary to Alabama Gov. Jim Folsom. After of battle and to know the heroism on both sides of the conflict, 18 NOVEMBER 2012

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and the war’s glory and awfulness.”

The novel begins with the innocence of antebellum turkey hunting in Alabama and fictional bird expert “Rabe Canon,” who travels to Jackson’s Virginia farm where a troublesome turkey, Old Scratch, needs killing. The relationship between VMI professor Jackson and Canon grew from the death of Old Scratch, a name that would be transferred to a war horse as a gift from a grateful Jackson to Canon, who would soon lead the Stonewall Brigade’s famed Black Horse cavalry.

Tucker familiarizes readers with Jackson whose nickname was first aired as a tribute to his troop line, “standing like a stone wall” in the first battle of Manassas. Through Canon, who later fictitiously commands under Jackson, Tucker unveils a Jackson of fastidious ways, stern demeanor and captivating eccentricities including a fondness for eating lemons. The general was a religious man, with a tactical genius that outsmarted federal opponents in every battle he fought in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

Troops in some federal units were known to cheer Jackson’s prowess as well, Tucker quipped in an interview about the book.

Tucker artfully adds color to the black and white historical versions of Jackson the perfectionist, and entices readers to follow the struggle of a hopeful South that begat Jackson, “the most determined man I’ve ever heard anything about,” Tucker says. He grabs true accounts of the 300-strong Black Horse cavalry of the Stonewall Brigade, and places Canon in the lead horse charging toward federal lines - saber brandished in his right hand, a .50 caliber revolver in his left and leather reins between his teeth.

Midway through the book’s 392 pages, premonitions of Jackson’s death come unmercifully to Canon in terrible dreams.

Readers are transported to Chancellorsville, Va., where they are immersed into the smoky yet moonlit night of May 2, 1863 where Jackson and several others were shot as they rode in a group of 19 Confederates performing reconnaissance after a major Southern victory.

Riding with Jackson that night, Canon became powerless to prevent history’s climactic shooting, as Jackson later died of pneumonia after his arm was amputated. Strangely, seven of the riders were completely unscathed by the two rounds of fire, including Confederate Major Gen. A.P. Hill, who was riding much closer than Jackson to the guns that roared.

Following Jackson’s death, Tucker straps in readers for a backand forth ride of espionage with spies and gold, ships and 19th Century hot-air balloons in Canon’s James Bond- styled mission to find those who plotted Jackson’s demise and the Confederacy’s end.

Who dunnit?

Tucker’s premise is that Jackson’s shooting was a moneysoaked conspiracy involving jealous Southern colleges and Northern agents. This coalition plotted to remove the one chance the South had of winning a negotiated peace with a war-weary North and Abraham Lincoln. Without Jackson, Lee would face disaster at Gettysburg within weeks.

Tucker’s book contains accurate battle information, troop movements and skirmishes that students of the Civil War can follow like a silver ribbon of history. The captivating war imagery conjures up what could have been as if it were as real as the buttons on Jackson’s uniform. “There are a lot of questions in my Alabama Living

mind about that night in Chancellorsville. The odds are hugely against it,” Tucker admits. “But there is that little niggling doubt and suspicion.”

Tucker paints the field of fire that moonlit night with “pockets of Yankees everywhere.” There still remains confusion about who fired first, the South’s 18th North Carolina or the North’s 124th New York. Tucker maintains it was the second round of fire that struck Jackson.

Lee, history relates, was able to quash arguments between his generals “except that thing between Jackson and A.P. Hill,” who thought Jackson had held him back from advancing in the Southern war machine. Ironically, the unit that fired on Jackson “was Hill’s North Carolina,” Tucker said.

Tucker says he doesn’t want to besmirch Hill, a recognized Confederate hero, “but who knows if one of them on the picket line wanted to shoot Stonewall Jackson? Stranger things have happened. A small but real possibility.” Hill was on the receiving end of Jackson’s discipline early in his career, and was punished by being made to walk behind the marching army. “He ordered Hill to do it, and Hill never forgave him,” Tucker says.

“No one knows the exact identity of the soldier who fired the first shot and instigated the volley. If it were intentional, it would have been a result of either jealousy or revenge. It could have been one of Hill’s men who knew Hill believed himself to be as good or better a general than Jackson, and who knew the bitterness between them.” A

________________

Pale Blue Light is available from NewSouth Books, 334-834-3556, www.newsouthbooks. com, and other retail outlets.

More on Author Skip Tucker Getting the book published and having it well received is almost unbelievably gratifying and satisfying to Tucker. Nothing else professionally is close, except maybe:

§ Taking over the Daily Mountain Eagle

when it was a laughingstock in the profession and in two years turning (along with publisher Shelton Prince and news editor Mike Kilgore) it into a newspaper recognized by peers as the winner of the General Excellence category. During his 10-year tenure, the Eagle won more newspaper association awards than any daily in the state.

Twice being press secretary for Hon. Charlie Graddick, who he says is the most most capable candidate he represented over a 20-year career in politics. Graddick also had the least personal agenda of politicians he worked with, Tucker says.

§

Tucker does have plans for a sequel, he says, adding, “Lots of folks have asked for one, already. I have the rudiments of a plot in mind for it.”

He has had speaking engagements to various civic groups including one to the Confederate group, the Prattville Dragoons. His two favorite book signings were at Lumpy’s Wine Bar in the Sandestin resort and The Grand Hotel in Point Clear.

NOVEMBER 2012 19

Power Plants

Holiday Decorating from the Garden

By Katie Jackson

H

Katie Jackson, who recently retired as chief editor for the Auburn University College of Agriculture and Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, is now a fulltime freelance writer and editor. Contact her at katielamarjackson@gmail.com.

oliday decorating is always a creative endeavor, but for gardeners it also provides an opportunity to accomplish gardening chores while finding sources of decorating material and inspiration.

While raking leaves, pick out the prettiest ones to use in wreaths and arrangements, sprinkle on tabletops or craft into mobiles to hang from light fixtures, mantels or in a child’s room.

Collect cones, gumballs, pecans, acorns and other “fruits” of your trees for decorating and, in some cases, for eating. Pears, persimmons, pomegranates and other fall fruits are also great to eat and to use for decorations.

Snip some—but not all, because they are beautiful additions to the winter landscape—plumes and seed heads from ornamental grasses or other wild and domesticated plants to add to arrangements and use as decorations.

Wisteria, honeysuckle and native or cultivated grape vines can be clipped and used to make wreaths or twined into other shapes. An added plus— this is an ideal time to prune grapes so you’ll be completing a gardening chore while also collecting designer materials.

Snip off dried blooms from hydrangeas, though don’t prune them this time of year or you’ll affect blooms for the coming year.

Use potted azaleas, hydrangeas, forced narcissus bulbs that will bloom and add color and fragrance to the winter home. Many of these can be transplanted into the yard come spring.

Now is a great time to remove dead foliage and wipe dirt and dust from the leaves of your houseplants. Once they’re cleaned up, decorate them with ornaments or ribbons.

Plant basil and other annual herbs as well as perennial herbs such as sage, rosemary, thyme and marjoram in small pots or grouped together in one large container for holiday cooking and decorating or as gifts.

Adorn trees and shrubs in your yard with ornaments or with seed-, suet- and peanut butter-coated pinecones, strings of popcorn and cut fruit that will feed the birds while also decorating the yard.

There are many ways to use garden items for the holidays so take the time to explore the possibilities. It’s a great way to garden, even at a time of year when the weather is not always ideal for gardening. A

November Gardening Tips d Plant nut, fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs and roses.

d Plant lettuces and other winter edibles.

d Treat the lawn for weeds.

d Keep those bird feeders and baths clean and full.

d Mulch shrubs and add mulch to garden beds where dormant bulbs and other tender perennials may need protection from winter cold. d Plant spring-blooming bulbs and cool season annuals such as pansies, snapdragons, lavender and ornamental cabbage and kale.

20 NOVEMBER 2012

d Flush old gas out of your lawn mower before storing it for the winter. Clean and oil lawn tools for storage.

d Fertilize shade trees. d Store pesticides safely and put away lawnmowers and other gardening equipment for the winter. d Turn compost piles. d Soil test and start adding amendments to improve your soil quality.

d Remove dead plants and debris from your flower and vegetable garden beds. www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2012 21

Alabama Outdoors

Mike Giles admires a wood duck drake he killed while hunting in flooded timber.

(Photo by John N. Felsher)

Wood ducks offer furious shooting at first light

By John N. Felsher

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ell before dawn, the camouflage-clad hunter stepped off the gravel road and followed a small creek into the forest. The creek opened into a flooded oak grove about 100 yards from the road.

There, leaning against a tree to break up his outline, he loaded his shotgun and waited. With two more minutes to legal shooting hours, ghostly gray and black comets already whistled unseen through black treetops at breakneck speed.

As shooting hours began, a dozen shrieking, twisting shapes materialized briefly between an opening in the trees.

The hunter futilely fired at the disappearing specters. More blips flashed past him and vanished as he struggled to reload.

At last, a lone drake wood duck rocketed low, darting between the trees.

The hunter fired three times. The duck splashed down at the end of the flooded basin. Suddenly, the skies seemed devoid of life, except for the staccato hammering of a woodpecker punctuating the stillness.

Less than 15 minutes had elapsed since shooting hours began and already the morning flight faded into memory.

Among America’s most handsome waterfowl, wood ducks provide fast, furious shooting at daybreak. Woodies fly at first and last light in daily migrations, but the flights may only last a few minutes. The evening flights frequently take place after legal shooting hours end.

“Early in the morning, wood ducks John N. Felsher is a professional freelance writer and photographer who lives in Semmes, Ala. He’s written more than 1,700 articles for more than 117 magazines. He co-hosts a weekly outdoors radio show.

Contact him through his website at www.

JohnNFelsher.com.

22 NOVEMBER 2012

leave their roosting areas to fly to feeding areas and return after sundown,” says David Hayden of the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries in Montgomery. “On cloudy days, they often move just before sunset.”

Since woodies typically fly the same patterns every day and seldom stray far from home, sportsmen who do their scouting often enjoy incredible, albeit brief, shooting under a good flight path at first light.

When scouting, look for feeding or roosting areas and hide between those areas.

Woodies eat many types of berries, fruits, wild grasses and seeds, but relish acorns above all.

“Wood ducks are very common in Alabama,” Hayden says. “They occur just about anywhere in the state that offers the kind of habitat they like. If sportsmen can find a flooded area with some oak trees in shallow water, that’s a good place to look for wood ducks.”

Just about any freshwater river, backwater slough, lake, swamp, beaver pond or bayou may hold wood ducks. In the winter, some migrants fly south from nearby states to augment the non-migratory resident Alabama population.

“Wood duck populations are cyclical,” says Keith Gauldin, a state waterfowl biologist in Spanish Fort. “In some years, we get significant increases during the season from migratory birds coming down. Wood ducks had a pretty good year, so we should have an abundant population this winter.”

The Mobile-Tensaw Delta offers some of the best wood duck habitat in Alabama.

Second in size only to the Mississippi River Delta, the Mobile-Tensaw Delta spreads across 250,000 acres of streams, swamps and lakes near Mobile. The Upper Delta Wildlife Management Area (WMA) contains 42,451 acres in Baldwin and Mobile counties near Stockton. The more wooded northern parts of the 51,040-acre MobileTensaw Delta/W. L. Holland WMA also

holds good wood duck populations north of Mobile Bay. “The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is a very good area for wood ducks,” Hayden recommends. “When we run check stations during hunting season in that area, we see a lot of wood ducks in the bags. The lower delta is primarily comprised of open lakes and marsh. It doesn’t hold as many wood ducks as the timbered parts of the upper delta. The lakes and sloughs along the Tenn.-Tom. Waterway also hold many wood ducks. Some backwater areas on the Tennessee River hold good numbers of wood ducks. The Alabama River system both below and above Montgomery has a series of lakes that hold wood ducks.”

The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, more popularly known as the Tenn.-Tom., flows for 234 miles through parts of Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama. It creates 10 lakes with a total surface area of 44,000 acres. The Black Warrior, Chattahoochee and Coosa river systems can also hold some wood ducks.

Many other rivers, lakes and streams offer good wood duck hunting for sportsmen who can’t afford duck leases. Lakes, rivers and other navigable waterways belong to the public. Sportsmen can often hunt on these bodies of water, but check local regulations just to make sure.

Some better public lands include Nelson, Swan Creek and Raccoon Creek Wildlife Management Areas. David K. Nelson WMA includes 8,308 acres along the Tombigbee and Black Warrior rivers near Demopolis. Swan Creek and Mallard Fox Creek WMAs combine for 10,612 acres near Decatur. Raccoon Creek WMA includes 4,506 acres in Jackson County near Stevenson.

The 2012-13 Alabama waterfowl season runs from Nov. 23-24 and again from Dec. 1 through Jan. 27, 2013. Sportsmen may bag up to six ducks per day, but only three of which may be wood ducks. A www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2012 23

Remember the 10 Commandments of firearms safety

By David Rainer Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

A

s hunter education coordinator for the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, Marisa Futral is keenly sensitive to any breech in the safe handling of firearms.

Muzzle control is one area that people seem to overlook on hunting trips or visits to the shooting range. Always be aware of where the muzzle of the firearm is pointing at all times.

“People will say, ‘Oh, it’s not loaded,’” Futral says. “But hunter safety begins with the premise that you treat every gun as if it is loaded. I don’t care if you ‘know’ a gun is unloaded. Make sure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction at all times.”

One of the two firearms-related fatalities that occurred in Alabama during the 2011-2012 season had to do with muzzle control. In Autauga County, the hunter was lowering his loaded firearm from his treestand when it discharged and struck him in the chest.

There already have been four non-fatal accidents involving firearms during the first month of the 2012-2013 season.

“The four accidents we’ve had this year had to do with muzzle control,” Futral says. “People have shot themselves in the foot and the arm. Muzzle control is very important to a safe hunting trip.”

The other firearms-related fatality during the 2011-2012 season involved breaking the cardinal rule of properly identifying the target and beyond.

In Mobile County, the victim was mistaken for game and shot by a member of his hunting party.

“Failure to properly identify your target is one of the most common mistakes people make,” Futral says. “You must be absolutely sure before you pull the trigger.”

There were 13 non-fatal firearms accidents during the 2011-12 season, which seemed like a significant increase after there were only three firearms-related accidents during the 2010-2011 season. There were 10 non-fatal firearms accidents in 2009-2010 and 9 in 2008-2009.

However, the increased emphasis on hunter safety is definitely paying off in a 24 NOVEMBER 2012

decrease in accidents. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries started tracking firearmsrelated accidents during the 1973-74 season, when there were an astonishing 19 fatal and 25 non-fatal accidents involving firearms. The total number of firearms-related accidents remained high, peaking at 52 during the 1984-85 season. The average number of firearms-related accidents since the 2003-2004 season has been less than 10 per season.

Another significant piece of good news was the number of fatal treestand accidents during the 2011-2012 season.

“We had nine non-fatal treestand accidents,” Futral says. “But we had zero fatalities in treestand accidents. I’m really pleased about that. Some of our advertising may have helped.”

The Hunter Education Program made a significant push to highlight treestand safety after there were five fatalities from treestand accidents during the 2010-2011 season.

“The five fatalities in treestand accidents were unusually high,” Futral says. “We’re trying to make sure hunters check all the straps on their stands and safety harnesses for wear and make sure their climbers are good before they go to the woods. We’ve had several accidents happen when they’re trying to put up their treestands. We’ve already had two accidents in Montgomery County.”

Futral reminds hunters to wear the proper amount (144 square inches) of hunter orange during the gun deer season and to carry a flashlight for coming out of the woods at dusk.

Futral also emphasized the use of a fullbody harnesses when using an elevated stand.

Futral reminds hunters to practice the 10 commandments of firearms safety: • Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.

• Control the muzzle of your firearm.

Keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction; never point a firearm at anything that you do not wish to shoot, and insist that your shooting and hunting companions do the same.

• Be sure of your target and beyond.

Positively identify your target before you fire, and make sure there are no people, livestock, roads or buildings beyond the target.

• Never shoot at water or a hard, flat surface. A ricocheting bullet cannot be controlled.

• Don’t use a scope for target identification; use binoculars.

• Never climb a tree, cross a fence or jump a ditch with a loaded firearm.

• Store guns and ammunition separately. Store firearms under lock and key, and use a gun case to transport firearms.

• Make sure your barrel and action are clear of all obstructions.

• Unload firearms when not in use.

Never take someone else’s word that a firearm is unloaded. Check yourself.

• Avoid drugs and alcohol when hunting or shooting. Even some over-the-counter medicines can cause impairment.

Hunter safety has been mandatory in Alabama since 1993 and anyone born on or after Aug. 1, 1977 is required to complete the course before the person can purchase a regular hunting license. People of license-buying age (16 and older) who haven’t completed the hunter education requirement are allowed to purchase a restricted license to hunt with a properly licensed hunter as a mentor. A David Rainer is public information manager with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

www.alabamaliving.coop

National competition draws fishing pros to Selma

By John N. Felsher

F

ive years of effort paid off for Carl Morris Jr. and Sean Martin as they won the 11th annual Cabela’s King Kat Classic on the Alabama River at Selma in September.

Morris of Johnstown, Ohio, and Martin of Columbus, Ohio, won the Classic with a two-day total of 206.05 pounds.

They also took home the 2012 Anglers of the Year title. The national catfishing champs fished about 20 miles upriver from the Miller’s Ferry Dam. On the first day, they landed a daily tournament limit of five catfish weighing 98.85 pounds, putting them in second place by less than a pound. One catfish weighed 34.65 pounds.

“We fished steep rock ledges in about 45 to 50 feet of water,” Morris reveals.

“We used two suspended baits and dragged one along the bottom.

We caught all of our big fish from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. on both days. After that, it was one here and one there.”

On the final day, Martin and Morris brought in the largest single-day weight, five fish going 107.20 pounds, to seal the victory. They returned to the same quarter-mile stretch of river. After drifting through their hole, they cranked the motor to head back upstream for another drift. “ We u s e d t h e depth finder to find the channel ledges and stayed right along the ledges,” Martin explains. “We caught about 22 fish and had to release three big fish. One was a 29-pounder. The others weighed more than 20 Daryl Masingale of pounds.”

Paragould, Ark., shows Under touroff a blue catfish that he nament regulacaught on the Alabama River near Selma, Ala.

(Photo by John N. Living Felsher) Alabama

tions, each team could weigh up to five catfish per day. However, Alabama law states that each angler could possess no more than one catfish exceeding 34 inches in length each day.

“Alabama enacted the trophy catfish law a few years ago and it’s a good law that keeps more big fish in the water,” says Darrell Van Vactor, King Kat Tournament Trail president. “Several top teams released some really big catfish that would have helped their overall weights if they could have kept five of any size.”

Martin and Morris beat 132 other anglers in 61 teams from 19 states ranging from New York to Florida and westward to Nebraska. For the victory, the national champions won a 20-foot Oquawka boat package complete with a trailer, a 115-horsepower Evinrude motor, a Minn Kota trolling motor and Humminbird electronics. The package retails for about $35,000.

In second, Daryl and Jason Masingale of Paragould, Ark., landed 10 catfish weighing 193.55 pounds to collect $5,000.

On Day 1, the Masingales led with 99.65 pounds. They topped their catch with a 37.15-pound blue cat that took tournament big fish honors and netted them a $1,000 bonus. On Day 2, they landed 93.90 pounds.

The team of Steve and Lisa Douglas from Bardstown, Ky., finished third with a two-day total of 139.45 pounds. They took home $2,500 in cash plus a $500 Cabela’s gift card. They held fourth on Day 1 with 82.10 pounds including one 32-pounder and followed that with 57.35 pounds on Day 2. The highest finishing man and woman team fished 25 miles downriver from Selma.

The Cabela’s King Kat Classic capped a year of competition among the various affiliated clubs that held events in their states. The top anglers from the 2013 tour will compete at the King Kat Classic on the Tennessee River at Camden, Tenn.

For complete tournament results, photos and more information, see www.kingkatusa.com or call 270-395-6774. 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

NOV. 17 10:01 02:16 03:01 07:31 18 11:01 03:16 04:31 08:31

19 - - 04:01 10:16 12:01

20 - - 05:16 07:31 12:46 21 12:46 06:31 01:31 08:31 22 02:46 07:46 02:01 09:01 23 08:46 03:46 02:31 09:31 24 09:31 04:46 03:01 10:16 25 10:16 05:16 03:31 10:46 26 10:46 05:46 04:01 11:16 27 11:16 06:31 04:31 11:46 28 11:46 07:01 - - 04:46 29 07:31 12:16 12:31 5:16 30 08:01 12:46 01:01 05:46 DEC. 1 08:46 01:16 01:31 06:16

2 09:16 01:46 02:16 06:46

3 10:01 02:16 03:31 07:31

4 10:46 03:01 04:46 08:46

5 11:16 03:46 10:46 06:16

6 - - 04:46 07:16 12:01

7 01:16 06:16 12:46 08:16

8 07:31 03:01 01:31 09:01

9 08:46 04:01 02:16 09:46 10 09:46 05:01 03:01 10:31 11 10:46 05:46 03:46 11:16 12 11:31 06:31 04:31 11:46

13 - - 07:16 12:16 05:16 14 08:01 12:31 01:01 06:01 15 08:46 01:16 01:46 06:46 16 09:16 02:01 02:46 07:31 17 10:01 02:46 03:46 08:31 18 10:46 03:16 10:01 05:16 19 04:01 11:16 - - 06:31 20 12:16 05:01 12:01 07:46 21 06:16 03:01 12:46 08:31

22 08:01 04:16 01:31 09:16 23 09:16 05:01 02:16 09:46 24 10:01 05:31 02:46 10:16

25 10:46 06:01 03:31 11:01 26 11:16 06:16 4:01 11:31 27 11:46 06:46 - - 04:46 28 07:16 12:01 12:16 05:16 29 07:46 12:31 12:46 05:46 30 08:16 01:01 01:31 06:31 31 08:31 01:31 02:16 07:01 NOVEMBER 2012 25

Alabama Recipes

30-Minute Meals Cooks of the Month: Teresa Godwin,Tallapoosa River EC and Melissa Crane, Sand Mountain EC

Quick Comfort Chowder 11/2 cups skim milk 1 14-ounce can cream corn 1 cup smoked turkey, cubed (may substitute ham or smoked sausage 1 14-ounce can whole kernel corn 2 cups diced new potatoes (may substitute canned potatoes)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (may substitute with smoked cheddar or swiss cheese) Garnish with chives and fresh ground black pepper

In a large saucepan, stir together milk, corn, potatoes and cubed meat of choice. Cook on medium/high heat just until potatoes are tender. If using canned potatoes, cook till thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and add in cheese of your choice. Stir until cheese is melted. Garnish with chives and fresh ground black pepper.

Preparation time is 20 minutes, less if microwaved. Makes 4 servings.

Teresa Godwin,Tallapoosa River EC Want to see the Cook of the Month recipe before the magazine gets to your door?

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26 NOVEMBER 2012

Melt In Your Mouth 7-Up Biscuits 2 cups Bisquick mix 1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup 7-Up 1/4 cup melted butter

Cut sour cream into Bisquick mix, then add 7-Up. It will make a soft dough. Next, sprinkle counter top with a little Bisquick mix and pat out the dough. Melt butter and pour it into a 9-inch square baking pan. Cut biscuits and arrange them in pan on top of melted butter. Bake at 450 degrees for 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Melissa Crane, Sand Mountain EC

This was an easy, quick meal to make. Where has this recipe for biscuits been all my life? My 3-year old had so much fun “patting out” the biscuit dough, cutting the biscuits with an upside down glass, and placing her biscuits in the pan. Easiest “homemade” biscuit ever! I actually cooked some sliced Conecuh sausage to add to the chowder instead of turkey or ham and it was delicious. The 3 year-old ate a whole bowl. This is a perfect fall meal. Let me know how you like it. Email me at recipes@ areapower.com

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.

Fast and Easy Pita Pizza

1 piece pita bread (white or whole wheat) store-bought jar of your favorite sauce (spaghetti or pizza)

Shredded mozzarella cheese Your favorite Italian spices ( garlic powder, oregano, basil, parsley, etc.)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Split open the pita bread to make two flat round halves. Spread spaghetti/pizza sauce with a spoon. Drop the sauce with the spoon and use the flat back-end of the spoon to spread. Spread mozzarella cheese on top.Add a dash of your favorite spices. Cook 5-7 minutes, depending on how toasty you want the bread. Enjoy!

Jennifer Miller, Central Alabama EC

Cold Corn and Bean Salad

2 cans of black beans (drained) 4 cans of yellow corn (drained) 1-2 large onions, chopped 1 large bell pepper, chopped

1 large red pepper, chopped Salt and pepper to taste (1/2 teaspoon or less) Mayonnaise (use ½ cup to begin with)

Mix the drained beans and corn with chopped onion and peppers; mix with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste and 1/2 cup mayonnaise. Use enough mayonnaise to just hold it together. Place in large bowl and chill overnight or can be served when prepared. Great looking salad and easy to prepare. Looks great served in a large, clear glass bowl.

Good with ham or turkey as a side dish or served with sandwiches. I serve this every year to teachers at the end of the school year. Serves 20 or more.

Jann W. Puckett, Baldwin EMC

Georgia Cornbread 1 cup white sugar 1 cup light brown sugar 4 eggs 1 cup vegetable oil 11/2 cups self-rising flour

1 tablespoon vanilla 2 cups pecans, chopped very fine

Stir together sugar, brown sugar, eggs and oil in a medium bowl until smooth. Stir in flour and vanilla; add pecans and stir until evenly mixed. Spoon mixture into greased 9x13inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Kept covered with foil, it will stay very moist.

Margaret G. Dodd, Arab EC Alabama Living

NOVEMBER 2012  27

Sweet Baked Beans

4 cans baked beans (VanCamp) 3 tablespoons mustard 11/2 cups brown sugar 1 cup dark Karo syrup

1 large onion, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped 1 pound bacon 1 cup sugar

Mix beans, mustard, brown sugar, sugar and syrup in casserole dish. Cook bacon until crisp and set aside.

In the bacon grease, cook onion and bell pepper until soft. Spoon out onions and bell pepper and add to bean mixture. Mix well. Cook at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Crumble bacon on top and serve.

Patricia Lane, Franklin EC

Spaghetti with Artichoke and Mushroom Sauce 12 ounces spaghetti 1 clove garlic, minced 8 sliced mushrooms 1 12-ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Salt and Pepper to taste Olive Oil

Bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil. In a skillet, cook garlic in olive oil over low heat until soft. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until slightly softened. Coarsely chop artichoke hearts and add with the marinade from the jar to skillet with the parsley, salt and pepper. Cook spaghetti in rapidly boiling water; drain when cooked.

Toss the sauce with hot cooked pasta. Serves 4.

Janet L.Young, Baldwin EMC

Quick Crunch Flounder

1 pound flounder filet (red snapper or other filets) 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 cups cornflake crumbs 3-4 teaspoons seasoning (basil or lemon pepper)

Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice and seasoning. Spread over fish and then coat with cornflake crumbs. Use lightly-greased broiler pan or line with Non-Stick Reynolds Wrap. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Joyce Marris,Tallapoosa River EC

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: January Breakfast Deadline: November 15 February Healthy Snacks Deadline: December 15 March Under 5 Ingredients Deadline: January 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 electric cooperative.

28 NOVEMBER 2012

Editor’s note: The Microwave Banana Bread recipe in September’s issue is decidedly hard to get right. The cook says, “It could be a variety of things -- microwave power level, the banana’s ripeness, type flour (I stick to whole wheat by Gold Medal), or the fact this not a traditional banana bread.” Thank you for your feedback. We welcome any suggestions and/or recipe reviews.

Around Alabama

Photo by Wallace Bromberg

Pell City - “It’s a Wonderful Life”

November 1-30 • Dothan, Retired Military

Appreciation Month. Landmark Park Retired military who join Landmark Park during the month will receive $10 off any membership level. Contact: Laura VanLandingham Stakelum, 334-677-7229 3 • Andalusia, 125-year School Alumni and Workers Reunion Straughn High School, begins at noon A history book will be available as well as a visit from Agnes C. Gatlin, a 106-year-old graduate.

Directions or book orders contact: Kelley Carter, 334-804-7777 or kelleycarter1961@yahoo.com 3 • Gulf Shores, The Harvest – A Festival of Gifts at Gulf Shores United Methodist Church (south campus) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: Free Information: 251-968-4328 or theharvestfestival@yahoo.com www.gulfshoresumc.org/children 3 • Albertville, Annual Chili Cook-off Martin Lodge. Cook-off and cake auction judging at 3 p.m., dining to follow. Donation: $5 Contact: James H. Masters, 256-6596688 or jmasters@farmerstel.com 3 • Jackson, 30th Annual Fall Festival Downtown Jackson, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

5k Run, live music, Bob Smith Memorial Antique Car Show, hot air balloons, lumberjack competition and more. Admission: Free 9-11 • Moulton, Honoring our Veterans Powwow. Bankhead National Forest, Sponsored by Cherokee River Volunteer Fire & Rescue. Admission: $3;

Nov. 16 - 18

This is the heart-warming saga of George It’s a Wonderful Life not only celebrates the Bailey, the everyman from the small town of season, it also celebrates the American philoBedford Falls whose dreams of escape and sophy of life: that hard work, fair play, and the adventure have been repeatedly quashed by love and support of family and community will notions of family obligations and civic duty. It be rewarded. is Christmas Eve, and George’s guardian angel, Tickets are available at the Pell City Center or Clarence, descends to save him from despair.

PayPal at www.pellcitycenter.com. Please call And to remind him (by showing him what the the box office at 205-338-1874 or visit us at our world would be like had he never been born) office Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. that his has been, after all, a wonderful life. www.pellcitycenter.com “Produced by special arrangements with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois”.

Friday is kids and seniors day: under 12 and over 65 free admission Contact: Klieta Bagwell, 256-292-3584 or kbagwell1@gmail.com 10 • Gadsden, Autumn Expo Senior Activity Building, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Arts and crafts featuring soaps, jewelry, candles, Christmas items and kids’ clothes. Tickets: $5 Contact: Judy Hamilton, 256-492-3571 10 • McKenzie, PTA Christmas Market Festival. Opens at 8 a.m.

Specialty booths, inflatable children’s playground, gift-wrapping booth and concessions. Admission: $2, ages 5 and older

10-23 • Theodore, Outdoor Cascading Mum Display Bellingrath Gardens and Home America’s largest outdoor display of chrysanthemums. Mums on bridges, balconies and in baskets in the fall colors throughout the Gardens.

Contact: Leslie Schraeder, 251-9732217 x137 or email lschraeder@bellingrath.org 16-18 • Mobile, Port City Craftsmen 2012 Fall Craft Show Abba Shrine Temple, Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m.-5p.m., Sun 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. More than 75 booths filled with one-of-akind art and crafts.Contact: Ann Lloyd, 251-633-7198 17 • Cullman, Timberland Cattle’s Best of the Black Angus & Sim-Angus

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.

Bull Auction. Starts at Noon Contact: 205-695-6314 17 • Winterboro, 4th Annual Art Extravaganza at Aljerald Powers Memorial Lodge/Plank Road Station Paintings in various mediums, pottery, iron works, wood carving, books signing and a Civil War re-enactment camp. www. Plankroadstation.com 17 • Dothan, Christmas at Trinity Trinity Lutheran Church Christmas bazaar featuring unique gifts; visit Century House for a country dinner. Admission: Free Contact: Pat Poole, 334-792-9745 or trinityluthpat@comcast.net 16 & 17 • Cullman, Vinemont Band Boosters Arts & Crafts Show Cullman Civic Center. Admission: Free Contact: Brandi, 256-736-4579 or brandi@golfsupply.com 17 • Chambers County, 4th Annual Fredonia Heritage Day Heritage arts and crafts demonstrations and sales, local food and live music.

Admission: Free Contact: Jim Allen or Judy Collins, 334499-2380 or visit www.savefredonia.com 17 • Point Clear, Fall Festival St. Francis at The Point Anglican Church, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Christmas decorations, hostess gifts, college treasures, vendors, children’s gifts, silent auction. facebook.com/St.FrancisAtThePoint 22 & 23 • Atmore, Poarch Creek Indians 42nd Annual Thanksgiving Powwow - 10 a.m. Admission: Adults $10; Children 7-17, $5; 6 & under, free.

Contact: Chris Blackburn, 251-368-

9136 or cblackburn@pci-nsn.gov www.poarchcreekindians.org 24 • Pine Apple, Hunter Appreciation Day Arts & Crafts Festival Downtown Pine Apple, 9 a.m.-4p.m.

Big Buck Contest with winners in three categories, antique car show and parade, live entertainment, arts and crafts.

Contact: Joyce Wall, 251-746-2293 or joycewall@yahoo.com December 1 • Frisco City, 3rd Annual Revive

Frisco Christmas in the Park Jones Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Booth info: Nickey Gaston, 251-2673180 or or vcgaston@yahoo.com 1 • Bridgeport, CUBB Annual Christmas Parade - 11:30 a.m.

Contact: Doris Janney 256-437-8615 or Dot McDonald, 256-495-2502 9 • Red Bay, Red Bay Christmas Tour of Homes - 1-5 p.m. Tour four local homes decorated for Christmas and refreshments at each home.

Tickets: $20, advanced; $25 at the door Contact: Tracy Bolding (City Hall), 256-356-4473 7 & 8 • Linden, Chilly Fest Chili Cook-off, Christmas parade of lights, Christmas carnival and much more.

Information: Bruce Ward, 334-2955051 ext. 1. www.lindenalabama.net

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Nov12_p29.indd 1

NOVEMBER 2012 29

10/18/12 5:15 PM

Market Place Miscellaneous WALL BEDS OF ALABAMA / ALABAMA MATTRESS OUTLET – SHOWROOM Collinsville, AL – Custom Built / Factory Direct (256)490-4025, www.andyswallbeds. com, www.alabamamattressoutlet. com AERMOTOR WATER PUMPING WINDMILLS – windmill parts – decorative windmills – custom built windmill towers - call Windpower (256)638-4399 or (256)638-2352 CUSTOM MACHINE QUILTING BY JOYCE – Bring me your quilt top or t-shirts. Several designs available – (256)735-1543 KEEP POND WATER CLEAN AND FISH HEALTHY with our aeration systems and pond supplies. Windmill Electric and Fountain Aerators.

Windpower (256)638-4399, (256)899-3850 FREE BOOKS / DVDs – Soon government will enforce the “Mark” of the beast as church and state unite! Let Bible reveal. The Bible Says, POB 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771 – thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com, (888)211-1715 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, Walk-in Tubs – Covers State of Alabama – 23 years (800)682-0658 18X21 CARPORT $695 INSTALLED – Other sizes available - (706)383-8554 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 HELP LINES FOR ALABAMA FAMILIES MORTGAGE BEHIND???

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30 NOVEMBER 2012

METAL ROOFING $1.79/LINFT – FACTORY DIRECT! 1st quality, 40yr Warranty, Energy Star rated. (price subject to change) 706-383-8554

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Try the Best! Candles / Gifts / Beauty.

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Vacation Rentals DISNEY – 15 MIN: 5BR / 3BA, private pool – www. orlandovacationoasis.com – (251)504-5756 GULF SHORES / GATLINBURG RENTAL– Great Rates! (256)490-4025 or www.gulfshoresrentals.us, www. gatlinburgrental.us GULF SHORES COTTAGE – Waterfront, 2 / 1, pet friendly – Rates and Calendar online http://www.vrbo.com/152418, (251)223-6114 FALL COLORS AT MOUNTAIN CABIN, WEARS VALLEY NEAR PIGEON FORGE – Fully furnished, 3 / 2 – Brochure available – (251)649-9818 MAKE ONE OF OUR GATLINBURG CONDOS YOUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS…Beautiful mountain views, shows and Christmas shopping at the huge outlet center.

Call Jennifer in Scottsboro at 256599-4438. Condos also in DAYTONA BEACH and GULF SHORES. Merry Christmas from Ron and Jennifer at funcondos.com PIGEON FORGE, TN CABINS – Peaceful, convenient setting – (251)649-3344, (251)649-4049, www.hideawayprop.com ORANGE BEACH CONDO, 3BR/3BA; 2,000 SQ.FT.; beautifully decorated; gorgeous waterfront view; boat slips available; great rates - Owner rented (251)604-5226 GATLINBURG – DOWNTOWN LUXURY CREEKSIDE CONDO – 2BR / 2BA, sleeps 6 – aubie12@centurytel. net, (256)599-5552

GREAT LAKE LIVING, LEWIS SMITH LAKE - 3BR/2BA, 2 satelite TV’s, gaslog fireplace, deep water, covered dock Pictures, http://www. vacationsmithlake.com/ $75 night (256) 352 5721, amariewisener@ gmail.com GULF SHORES – CRYSTAL TOWER CONDO - 2 bedroom/ 2 bath, Great Ocean View - www.vrbo.com #145108 - Call Owner (205)429-4886, crystaltower607@gmail.com PIGEON FORGE, TN: $89 - $125, 2BR/2BA, hot tub, air hockey, fireplace, swimming pool, creek – (251)363-1973, www. mylittlebitofheaven.com GATLINBURG TOWNHOUSE on BASKINS CREEK! GREAT RATES! 4BR/3BA, short walk downtown attractions! (205)333-9585, hhideaway401@aol.com GATLINBURG / PIGEON FORGE – 2 and 3 BEDROOM LUXURY CABINS – Home theatre room, hot tub, gameroom – www. wardvacationrentalproperties.com, (251)363-8576 PANAMA CITY BEACH CONDO – Owner rental – 2BR / 2BA, wireless internet, just remodeled inside and outside – (334)790-0000, 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 Night Special - Call (866)316-3255, Look for us on FACEBOOK / billshideaway KATHY’S ORANGE BEACH CONDO – 2BR/2BA, non-smoking. Best rates beachside! Family friendly – (205)253-4985, www.KathysCondo. eu.pn ALABAMA RIVER LOTS / MONROE COUNTY, AL – Lease / Rent – (334)469-5604 HELEN GA CABIN FOR RENT – sleeps 2-6, 2.5 baths, fireplace, Jacuzzi, washer/dryer – (251)9482918, www.homeaway.com/101769, email jmccracken@gulftel.com 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 – Wi-Fi, pet friendly, nonsmoking – $895/wk, (256)418-2131, www.originalbeachhouseal.com

TWO GULF SHORES PLANTATION CONDOS – Excellent beach views – Owner rented (251)223-9248 APPALACHIAN TRAIL – Cabins by the trail in the Georgia Mountains – 3000’ above sea level, snowy winters, cool summers, inexpensive rates – (800)284-6866, www.bloodmountain. com GULF SHORES CONDO - 4 miles from beach or outlet mall, 2BR / 2BA, pet friendly, http://www.vrbo. com/396334, (251)213-0688.

GATLINBURG, TN CHALET – 3BR / 3BA Baskins Creek – 10 minute walk downtown, Aquarium, Pool, National Park – (334)289-0304 SEE WINTERFEST LIGHTS! Pigeon Forge cabins by Owner – (865)712-7633 FT. WALTON BEACH HOUSE – 3BR / 2BA – Best buy at the Beach – (205)566-0892, mailady96@yahoo. com PENSACOLA BEACH CONDO – Gulf front – 7th floor balcony – 3BR / 2BA, sleeps 6, pool – (850)572-6295 or (850)968-2170 MENTONE, AL – LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN – billiard table, Jacuzzi, spacious home, sleeps 14 – www. duskdowningheights.com, (850)7665042, (850)661-0678.

Real Estate Sales GULF SHORES CONDOS - 4.7 miles from beach, starting prices $54,900 www.PeteOnTheBeach.com, click Colony Club – (251)948-8008 GREEN COUNTY, AL (BLACK WARRIOR RIVER) – 3 bedroom home with artisan well @ extras. Small fishing community with boat landing near Dollarhide Hunting Club $59,900 – (770)508-3864 FSBO! FOLEY, GLENLAKES GOLF COMMUNITY – Open spacious 3 / 2 Villa on Lake. One Level 1,800sf., Sunroom, Garage, Beach Expressway, Convenient! REDUCED 11K! Only $158,500 – (251)967-3187, (251)752-0476

Travel CRUISE the BAHAMAS and FLORIDA KEYS on a private 47’ Leopard Catamaran – www. playinghookycharters.com – Captain James (251)401-3367 for more information CARIBBEAN CRUISES AT THE LOWEST PRICE – (256)974-0500 or (800)726-0954

www.alabamaliving.coop

Musical Notes

Critters

PLAY GOSPEL SONGS BY EAR - 10 lessons $12.95. “LEARN GOSPEL MUSIC”. Chording, runs, fills - $12.95 Both $24. Davidsons, 6727AR Metcalf, Shawnee Missions, Kansas 66204 – (913)262-4982 PIANOS TUNED, repaired, refinished. Box 171, Coy, AL 36435.

334-337-4503

Education FREE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE – write to 23600 Alabama Highway 24, Trinity, AL, 35673 BECOME AN ORDAINED MINISTER correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, 6630 West Cactus #B107767, Glendale, Arizona 85304. http:// www.ordination.org WWW.2HOMESCHOOL.ORG – Year round enrollment. Everybody homeschools. It is just a matter of what degree – (256)653-2593 or website

How To Place a Line Ad in Marketplace

ADORABLE AKC YORKY PUPPIES – excellent blood lines – (334)301-1120, (334)537-4242, bnorman@mon-cre.net

Closing Deadlines (in our office): January 2013 – deadline November 25 February 2013 – deadline December 25 March 2013 – deadline January 25

GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES FOR SALE . . . Healthy pups from working bloodlines. Act Now! Atmore – Call for details (251)379-5755, DIXIEK9LLC@GMAIL.COM CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES. Tiny, registered, guaranteed healthy, raised indoors in loving home, vet records and references. (256)796-2893

Fruits / Nuts / Berries GROW MUSCADINES AND BLACKBERRIES , half dollar size – We offer over 200 varieties of Fruit and Nut Trees plus Vines and Berry Plants.

Free color catalog. 1-800-733-0324.

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

-Ads are $1.65 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.

CALLING ALL QUILTERS

AREA’s 7 Quilt Competition th

Judges for the sixth quilt competition

The theme for this quilt is ‘Spotlight on Alabama’s Official State Symbols’

What is it?

• A competition for all cooperative handworkers to make squares for the 7th AREA cooperative quilt • We would like to represent as many cooperatives as possible.

• Winners will be given statewide recognition and have their square included in the quilt.

PARTICIPATION IS FREE! For information and guidelines, please complete the form below and mail or fax it to: Linda Partin Alabama Rural Electric Association P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124 Fax: 334-215-2733 or e-mail: lpartin@areapower.com or visit the link at www.areapower.coop Alabama Living

I would like to participate in AREA’s 7th Quilt Competition.

Please send guidelines and information to: Name ________________________________________ Address ______________________________________ City __________________________________________ State _________ Zip ___________________________ Phone ________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________ Cooperative ___________________________________ (Listed on cover of magazine)

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Market Place

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Alabama Living

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Southern Pine

TOGETHER WE CAN SAVE Save energy and stash a little cash

Cooler weather, shorter days and falling leaves don’t have to mean rising electric bills. Here are several simple steps you can take to get ready for winter while saving money and energy.

Air Penetrations • Air leaks in your home not only cause uncomfortable drafts, but waste electricity.

Reducing air leaks can cut your monthly bill significantly.

The most common places where air escapes from homes are: floors, walls, ceilings, ducts, fireplaces, plumbing penetrations, doors, windows, fans, vents and electrical outlets.

• Weatherize your home for those colder days by caulking and weather stripping all doors and windows.

• Cover through-the-wall or window air conditioners to prevent cold air from leaking into your home.

• Close the fireplace damper when your fireplace is not in use. It’s also a good time to have your chimney cleaned and inspected. But don’t forget to open the damper again before trying to start a fire! If you do, you’ll fill your house with smoke.

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Heating System • Don’t block your heating vents or registers with furniture or draperies.

• Keep you registers and vents dirt and dust free.

• Regularly replace heating system filters, at least once a month. If you have pets in the house, replace them more often.

• It’s important to have your heating system serviced once a year by a certified heating and cooling technician. An annual tune-up of your system could reduce your costs significantly.

• Consider installing a programmable thermostat to adjust your home’s temperature automatically at times when you aren’t home.

• Clear vegetation or other clutter from around your outside unit.

• Clean the supply and return registers in your home and straighten any bent fins you might see.

• Set your thermostat at 68

degrees or lower to conserve energy. For every degree you lower your temperature, you save money on your heating bill.

Windows • Use locks on your windows to make them tighter and draft resistant.

• Keep shades and curtains open during the day on the south side of your home to allow solar heating. Close them at night to retain heat.

Water Heating • Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.

• Use the energy saving settings on your dishwasher and washing machine. Run the machines with full loads. Wash clothes in cold water.

Lighting • Replace all old incandescent light bulbs with CFLs. • You may also consider LEDs that save energy and money.

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Our Sources Say

Lose - Lose - Win

I

recently came across a study by Sebastian Rausch and John Reilly titled Carbon Tax Revenue and The Budget Deficit: A Win - Win - Win Solution.

Mr. Rausch and Mr. Reilly are with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change, an organization for research, independent policy analysis and public education in global environment change. By their own definition, this is a group that seeks to provide leadership in understanding the effects of global warming or climate change.

The study expands on a Congressional Budget Office recommendation to tax carbon dioxide emissions at $20 per ton starting in 2013 and increasing at a rate of 5.8 percent in real terms, annually.

The carbon tax would raise more than $1.5 trillion over a 10-year period. The authors state their research indicates the carbon tax could be a win-win-win situation where (1) Congress could reduce personal or corporate income tax rates, extend payroll tax cuts, maintain spending on social programs, or some combination of those options; (2) income tax cuts would spur growth of the economy, encouraging more private spending and hence more employment and investment; and (3) carbon dioxide pollution and oil

Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative Alabama Living

imports would be reduced.

The study models different cases, under which the revenue from the taxes is used in different ratios to reduce income tax rates, maintain or expand social programs and incentivize business growth with increased investment tax credits. As one would assume, these measures could spur economic growth more quickly than investment in social programs. The study also concludes that the continuation or expansion of social programs will result in transfers of wealth from those that pay income taxes and those that emit carbon to the poor. The study acknowledges investment in the social programs will have a cooling effect on the economy; however, the economy should benefit because the poor save less than the wealthy and will re-circulate the money into the economy to create demand.

The proposition that increased taxes would spur the economy is counter to most economic theory. Even Keynesian economists admit that long-term taxes and government spending harm the economy. The reason the MIT study finds increased taxes spur the economy is because the study assumes full employment (which we do not currently have) and that there will be no loss of revenue from GDP. In essence, everyone will be fully employed and the increased cost of a carbon tax will not result in our products being displaced in the global market with lower-priced products from countries that are not burdened by a carbon tax. Both scenarios appear to be very unlikely, and I would expect the carbon

tax would cause our economy to shrink dramatically.

However, the study concludes the carbon tax will lower fossil fuel use under all scenarios, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and lowering oil imports.

The carbon tax on gasoline would make fuel-efficient vehicles more attractive to consumers and make it easier for automobile producers to sell vehicles that meet efficiency standards. The carbon tax would also create support for renewable energy and encourage those technologies by making “dirtier” technologies more expensive. It is logical that increased gasoline costs would reduce travel and encourage the use of more efficient vehicles, if we can afford them.

MIT is an outstanding school with very strong programs in many technical fields. Professors and students do renowned work in many subjects, and it is obvious this study required much time and effort. However, the study demonstrates the results we get when a group has an agenda and bends the inputs of complex variables to meet their ends. In this case, the authors conclude that increased taxes, enhanced social programs, and transfers of wealth to the poor will benefit the economy and decrease carbon emissions. I, however, believe the carbon tax would injure the economy, reduce employment and drastically reduce GDP. It would reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Which leaves us with a lose – lose – win situation. It is not a bargain I would strike.

I hope you have a good month. A

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Alabama Snapshots

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Submit Your Images! january Theme:

“Making my favorite recipe”

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. Photos may also be published on our website at www.alabamaliving.coop. Alabama Living is not responsible for lost or damaged photos.

Deadline for january: November 30

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1. “Maggie” relaxes in the garden submitted by Cindy Bowling, Decatur 2. “Kisses!” “Frady” and “Lil’ Bae” submitted by Joquitta Posey, Cullman 3. “Moo” is ready for a close-up submitted by Amy Boddie, Fairhope 4. The very dapper “Little John” submitted by Janice Lee, Cullman

5. “Dee” takes a nap submitted by Kirk, Kasie, Wes and Mason Green, Billingsley 6. A l y s s a C o o k c u d d l e s w i t h “Sandman” submitted by Ginny Cook, Andalusia 7. “Hugo, Henry and Raine” submitted by Christina Smithson, Wetumpka www.alabamaliving.coop

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Alabama Living’s latest cookbook containing recipes from four years of Alabama Living magazine.

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Churches Alabama

A beautiful pictorial history of Alabama’s churches ranging from small rural churches to towering urban cathedrals.

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