Alabama Living July 2012

July 2012

Bass Trail

Series continues on bass fishing destinations

Farewell

Longtime Alabama Living editor Darryl Gates retires Page 11

Vol. 65 No. 7 July 2012

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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 Darryl Gates Managing Editor Melissa Henninger

11 Farewell

Longtime Alabama Living editor Darryl Gates retires

12 Save the lighthouse Sand Island Lighthouse has a storied history, and many believe it should be preserved for future generations.

ON THE COVER: Laurel Stephenson of Prattville contemplates her swim to Desoto Falls.

Creative Director Mark Stephenson Art Director Michael Cornelison Advertising Brooke Davis Recipe Editor Mary Tyler Spivey

Photo by Mark Stephenson

14 Alabama Bass Trail

Writer John N. Felsher visits more destinations on the state’s bass fishing trail.

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

departments

Spotlight 10 Power Pack 14 Alabama Bass Trail 17 Fish&Game Forecast 20 Consumer Wise 22 Alabama Gardens 24 Worth the Drive 26 Cook of the Month 38 Alabama Snapshots 9

Printed in America from American materials

Alabama Living

JUly 2012 3

Keep the Fun in Your Summer Pool Time Before you jump in the pool this summer, you need to take the necessary steps to make sure everything is safe and you are ready for any possible emergency so that you can concentrate on having fun!

Homeowners should make sure that the National Electric Code (NEC) has been followed for wiring and that ground fault circuit

4  July 2012

interrupters (GFCIs) are properly installed on equipment in areas around pools, spas, and hot tubs.

Other recommendations from the Consumer Protection Safety Council (CSPC) involve: Knowing where electrical switches and circuit breakers are for pool, hot tub, and spa equipment and know how to operate them.

Refraining from swimming before, during, and after thunderstorms.

Having an electrician who is qualified in pool, spa, and hot tub repairs inspect and upgrade your pool, spa, or hot tub in accordance with local codes and the NEC. Making sure all electrical wires and junction boxes are at least 5 feet away from water as required by the NEC. Ensuring that the overhead power lines and junction boxes are safely positioned and have the proper clearance according to the NEC when installing a new pool, hot tub, or spa.

When cleaning the pool, knowing where any overhead power lines are to avoid making contact with them while using long-handled tools.

Purchasing a fiberglass Shepherd’s crook/rescue hook for emergencies.

Other steps to take to ensure the swimming season is a safe one include using battery-powered appliances and electronics around the pool instead of connecting them to an extension cord. Pool owners should have an emergency plan posted in plain view in the pool area with instructions on how to assist someone who is suffering an electrical shock. One such emergency plan is available from CSPC at http:// www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/ prhtml03/03125.pdf.

For more information on electrical safety around water, go to SafeElectricity.org

Alabama Living

Tackle Home Projects Safely

By Kelly Trapnell

Do-it-yourself (DIY) offers a great way to save money and learn new skills. But before you tackle that home improvement project you saw online or on cable TV, practice these safety measures to avoid injury while getting game-winning results.

Score points with safety equipment Just like a helmet and pads are required on a football field, safety items are essential for DIY tasks. Read and follow directions on every power tool you use. Wearing eye and ear protection and gloves, as well as tying back loose hair and securing loose clothing, are all important to keeping you safe.

If renting a tool, ask the store for safety tips.

Look up, down, and all around For outside projects, first check the area where you will be working. Identify potential hazards and take time to avoid or correct any problems. Don’t forget to look up for power lines, and avoid using long poles or ladders within 10 ft. of overhead wires.

Will your project involve any digging? Call 811 before you dig even if you think you know where underground lines may be. The 811 service will mark all underground lines in your area for free before you start work.

Avoid the blitz Water and electricity don’t mix, so avoid running cords through wet areas. Inspect cords for fraying or damage before use, and be sure outlets can handle any extra load from power tools. Overloading outlets can lead to more than a shock: Fire hazards may result from demanding too much from an electrical system.

Be honest with yourself If a job seems like it might be too much to handle, leave it to a professional. Take into consideration heavy lifting, expensive tools that will only be used once, and whether you really have the time.

That way, you won’t be temped to skip safety measures.

For more safety advice around the home, visit www.safetyathome.com.

Kelly Trapnell

Read power tool instructions and adopt safety measures like using equipment guards, wearing eye and ear protection, and securing long hair and loose-fitting clothing.

Alabama Living

Kelly Trapnell writes on safety and energy efficiency issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

Sources: Safe Electricity, Underwriters Laboratory

July 2012 5

Do your exterior doors let the heat in?

If your air conditioner’s thermostat is set below 75 degrees and your house is still too hot, it’s a good bet the cool air is leaking out through cracks and holes around your windows or the attic, or

around electrical outlets and penetrations where cable and phone lines come into the building.

Or your home’s older exterior doors are energy inefficient.

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to overlook the doors when they replace the old, single-pane windows their homes “came with” with double-pane models that help save energy. But just as much air can escape through or around an energy-inefficient old door, even if there’s no glass on it.

A new exterior door is likely to fit more snugly into its opening, and it’s bound to be better insulated than one that’s a decade old or older.

Older steel doors, for example, often are hollow. Today’s improved models have a core of foam insulation and a seal that prevents air from escaping between the edge of the door and its frame when the door is closed. Fiberglass doors are built with interior insulation as well.

And new sliding-glass patio doors,

like windows, feature several layers of glass and energy-efficient coatings that keep the hot air outdoors and your nice, cool air inside during the summer.

If you want to keep your old doors, you can stop some of the leaking by applying weather-stripping around them.

And you can sometimes adjust sagging doors that have settled in and no longer quite fit their frames without leaving a gap.

Or, you can pair your old door with an aluminum, steel or fiberglass storm door with energy-efficient glass and some insulation in the frame.

A caution: If the hot summer sun targets your exterior door for more than a few hours a day, don’t opt for a glass storm door. It can trap the heat and damage your door.

Still too pricey? Consider covering the glass parts of your exterior doors with insulated drapes or honeycomb blinds, which do a pretty good job of stopping the sun before it shines directly into your home and makes it feel like an oven.

Upgrade window treatments to keep sun out

If the sun loves to beat on your house all summer, show it who’s boss by updating your window treatments.

Don’t stop with new drapes or indoor blinds. The sun will fade and ruin them unless you also add sunscreens, especially on the west and south sides of the house. You can mount sunscreens on the inside of the windows under your drapes.

Or, invest in honeycomb shades with double cells, which are easy to install,

6 July 2012

reasonably priced and come in variety of colors. A tip: Choose a style that allows you to lower the window cover from the top down instead of having to raise it from the bottom up. That way, you’ll still get a lot of light and have a nice view of the sky without letting direct sunlight into the room or sacrificing your privacy.

A few other tips:

• If you have a skylight, cover it with

a motorized cellular shade or screen to keep the hot sun from beating down on the room in the early afternoon. You just push a button to easily open and close it.

• For bedrooms and home theaters, consider black-out shades with a sliding track system on the sides to close the gap between the fabric and the window.

The plastic track locks out the light and can reduce the loss of your cool, indoor air by up to 65 percent.

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

Home is Where the Loan Is Pros and cons of home equity loans

By Doreen Friel

If you own a house, you may be considering taking out a home equity loan—or a home equity line of credit.

But is that really a smart move?

The answer depends on your circumstances. Let’s explore the similarities between the two.

With both a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit:

variable—they will change based on your loan documents. And you only pay interest on what you borrow, not the maximum amount you’re allowed to borrow. These payments are flexible, similar to a credit card, so you can pay what you want each month as long as you meet the minimum payment.

II You’ll use your residence as collateral.

II The amount of money you can borrow is based on the current value of your home and the current balance (what you owe) on your mortgage.

II You’ll usually pay certain fees (often called “closing costs”) to take out your loan.

II The amount of interest you’ll pay is based on how much you’ve borrowed and your mortgage interest rate.

II You must repay your loan within the time specified in your loan documents or when you sell your home—whichever comes first.

But there are some important differences you need to know about when considering either a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit.

With a home equity loan, you’ll receive a single sum of money with a set interest rate on the entire loan amount, and your payment will be the same every month.

With a home equity line of credit, you can borrow up to a maximum amount of credit from your bank, but you don’t have to borrow the full amount. Usually, interest rates for lines of credit are

Alabama Living

When It’s Smart to Borrow Against Your Home’s Equity

A home equity loan or line of credit can be a good idea because the amount of interest you pay will often be lower than borrowing against your credit card or using a personal loan. It’s also a better idea than borrowing against your retirement account, which can jeopardize your long-term financial security.

In addition, the interest you pay when you borrow against your home’s equity is generally tax deductible.

When You May Want to Think Twice

Tapping into your home’s equity is not always a smart idea. For example, if

you believe you may be moving within the next year or two, these loans may not make sense because of closing fees and possible prepayment penalties (the amount of money you must fork over to a lender if you sell your house or pay off your loan before a specified period of time).

If home values in your area are falling, you may want to consider another type of loan. The amount of money that you’ll owe on both your mortgage and your home equity loan may exceed the value of your property, making it difficult to sell in a “down” real estate market.

The bottom line: Both home equity loans and lines of credit can be great financial tools, but use with care. Defaulting on either type of loan can be just as serious as defaulting on your mortgage payment—the danger is that you can lose your home if your lender decides to foreclose.

This article provides general information about home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, and the tax consequences of taking such loans. To learn more—and for guidance on what kind of loan may work best for you—be sure to consult a financial professional or tax advisor.

Doreen Friel is a marketing communications consultant who produces employee benefits-related materials for the Insurance & Financial Services Department of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

July 2012 7

Can hot weather cause electrical outages?

When it’s sweltering outside, everyone wants to keep cool indoors—so they all crank the air conditioning up at the same time. That creates a greater demand for electricity than when the weather is milder and homeowners can open their windows or leave the a/c on a less-intense setting.

When that happens, power lines tend to heat and expand, which in turn can force the lines to sag a bit and touch tree limbs and branches. That contact can result in short circuits.

At the same time, cables, switches and other equip-

ment react to the high electric current by stretching, which can magnify minor flaws in insulation and connections.

Plus, lightning strikes are more common when it’s hot outside. If lightning strikes the electric cooperative’s equipment, it won’t be able to keep up with demand until it’s repaired.

Your electric cooperative can’t always prevent outages caused by extra-hot weather and super-high demand. Still, our crews are trained to restore service as quickly and as safely as possible.

Crash! What to do if you hit a utility pole

TFoxFoto / Shutterstock.com

8 July 2012

If you have a car accident that involves a utility pole, don’t get out of your car.

Instead, stay inside and use your cell phone to call 911. If you don’t have your phone with you, yell for help until someone else agrees to make the emergency call.

The reason: Until an electric cooperative line crew reaches you and deenergizes the power line, you have to assume the wire is “live” and can elec-

trocute you and your passengers. Wait for the OK from the pros before touching anything outside of your car.

Of course, if your car catches on fire, you’ll need to get out in a hurry.

In that case, jump out so you land—on both feet—as far away from your car as possible. Hop—don’t walk—away from the car, making sure that both feet touch the ground at the same time with each hop.

Do not touch the utility pole, any utility wire or anything that’s touching or even close to a utility line. Assume everything is energized with electricity that can harm or even kill you if you touch it.

www.alabamaliving.coop

Spot Light

In July

july 19

Old Alabama Town concert planned The Capital City Shape Notes Concert will be July 19 at Old Alabama Town in Montgomery. Singers will sing from shapenote hymn books published in Alabama including the Sacred Harp and the Christian Harmony from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The concert is free to attend. Call 334-242-4076, ext. 234, or visit www.oldalabamatown.com for more details.

IN AUGUST aug. 2-5

Red Door Theatre presents new play july 20-22

Deep sea fishing rodeo set for mid July Dauphin Island will once again host its annual Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, with more than 3,000 anglers from 24 states fishing in the Gulf of Mexico for three days for more than $400,000 in cash and prizes in 30 categories. Last year’s event was the Guinness Book of World Records largest fishing tournament. Call 251-471-0025 for more information. july 27 and 28

The Red Door Theatre in Union Springs will present Dearly Departed, a play revolving around a colorful group of Southern eccentrics. Evening performances on Aug. 2, 3, and 4, are preceded by a seated dinner (reservations required). The Sunday, Aug. 5, performance is a 2:30 p.m. matinee. Contact 334-7388687 or conecuhpeople@ knology.net for info. Visit www.reddoortheatre.org to learn more about the event and the theatre. aug. 2-5

Tractor pull proceeds benefit school athletics Longest yard sale passes through state The Alabama Championship Tractor and Truck Pull, one of the largest events in the South, will be July 27 and 28 from 7 to 10 p.m at Tanner High School in Athens. Both nights will include six classes sanctioned by the NTPA/Mid-South Pullers Association. Saturday night events will include dualwheel farm tractors. Food concessions and t-shirts available.

Admission is charged. Call 256-232-5411 for questions.

Alabama Living

Visit the World’s Longest Yard Sale from Aug. 2-5. The southern portion starts at Lookout Mountain Parkway from Gadsden and Fort Payne to Chattanooga, Tenn. Call 888805-4740 for more details.

For more Alabama Events, visit page 29.

JULY 2012 9

Power Pack

Safe ways to recycle mercury and batteries A number of common consumer products contain mercury, a toxic substance that can be harmful to human health and the environment.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) encourages users of mercury-containing products to become familiar with and follow requirements of local recycling laws.

Thermostats Many existing wall thermostats contain mercury switches that provide for efficient control of temperature around a desired set point. The switches are securely housed, and the likelihood of consumer exposure to mercury remains extremely low. When taken out of service, however, mercury thermostats should be managed and disposed of properly.

The Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC), a not-for-profit organization, facilitates the collection of all brands of used, wallmounted mercury-switch thermostats by heating, cooling and air conditioning (HVAC) wholesalers. Local electrical distributors or contractors may be a participant in TRC and can help you to recycle your mercury thermostat.

Rechargeable batteries Rechargeable batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras, and remote-controlled toys. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) provides a recycling service for your used portable, rechargeable batteries and old cell phones. The RBRC recycles the following battery chemistries: nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH), lithium-ion (Li-ion) and small sealed lead (Pb). Visit www.RBRC.org to find local participating retailers and other sites that accept rechargeable batteries for recycling.

Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International

State park spotlight: Desoto State Park Desoto State Park encompasses more than 3,500 acres along the Little River, and is nestled on Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama. The park has dining and meeting facilities, along with a large outdoor deck available for gatherings. It features 25 motel rooms, mountain chalets and rustic cabins. Mountain chalets are equipped with full kitchens and private decks.

The park is also home to the Mountain Inn Restaurant, which overlooks the Little River. It is open daily.

The state park is located eight miles northeast of Fort Payne, off of Interstate 59 in the northeastern tip of the state.

For questions, call 256-845-5380 or email Desoto.

StateParkLodge@dcnr.alabama.gov.

Utility bill pay scam promises help from government Alabama residents should be advised that people are trying to scam homeowners by posing as utility company workers and government officials who offer to pay their bills.

There have been reports of customers victimized in the north and south of the state by scammers who offer to pay their utility bills through a new federal program.

An unidentified person has been calling homeowners and telling them they qualify for government assistance to pay their bills.

They acquire banking information and Social Security numbers while on the phone.

10 JULY 2012

The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips to avoid falling for this scam: • Never provide your social security number, credit card number or banking information to anyone requesting it over the phone or at your home unless you initiated the contact and feel confident with whom you are speaking.

• If you receive a call claiming to be your utility company and feel pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your utility bill.

• Never allow anyone into your home to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless you have scheduled an appointment or have reported a utility problem. Also, ask utility employees for proper identification.

• Always think safety first. Do not give in to high pressure tactics over the phone for information or in person to get into your home.

The BBB advises homeowners who are contacted to participate in the scam to contact their local law enforcement office.

www.alabamaliving.coop

Looking back on 29 years of Alab ama Living

Nearly 29 years ago I wrote my first article as thing unexpected hap editor of Alabama Living. Today, I’m pened. I fell in love. Well, writing my last. let me clarify: I was (still am) happily married to Sometimes we don’t get to pick our profession – the girl of my dreams it somehow picks us. You , merrily raising two wonderapply for a job you think ful boys, who, by the you rea lly wa nt, you way, are now grown. don’t get it, you settle So I’m not talking about for something else, and that kind of love. I fell in lo and behold, 30 years love with the culture of later you’re retiring from Alabama’s cooperatives. a job you’re not sure you I soon learned that wanted. It was a good AREA Magazine – now job, though, you might Alabama Living – is not say. only the voice of the 22 That was not the case electric cooperatives in with me. I really wanted this state, but it serves this job. Ever since grade as a mirror that reflects school I have been fasthe faces of more than cinated by the world of 1 million electric co-op magazines. I had regumembers. You folks are lar subscriptions to MAD the bac kbo ne of our magazine and Boys’ Life. great state. Every month Classics Illustrated commy job took me to you. ics – actually any comic I wrote about your hobbook – dominated my bie s, you r job s, you r reading list. At Auburn homes, your families.

University Montgomery I You invited me to dinworked on the school’s ner, and sent me on my newspaper, but also was editor way with a Mason jar of of the literary local honey or a bag of boiled peanuts. Like I said, magazine, a job I dearly enjoyed.

I fell in love.

Then it was fall 1983 and I was city editor of So I stayed. And from this chair I the (Montgomery) Alabama Journa watched “our l scanning the little book” grow into the state’s largest consumer classified ads, when I happened upon an adver- publication, with a monthly circulation of more than tisement for “Magazine Editor” of som ething called 400,000. Despite its growth, though, I’m proud to AREA Magazine. I had to have tha t job. I applied say Alabama Livi ng has maintained its local feel with all the deter- and local app eal. Sure you can find r e c i p e s mination of a John online, but wouldn’t you rather flip Deere tractor, and through our magazine and see what I got it. Five years, the Cook of the Month is up to? Yep, I thought, as editor I thought so. of this magazine, May 31 was my official retirement then I’ll move on date. As I mov e from editor of Alato an even bigger bama Living to reader of Alabama market. Yep, the Living, I know I have been given the Atlanta, New Or- exquisite gift of getting to meet so leans, even New many of you in pers Yo r k m a g a z i n e this job so muc on. That’s made h more than a capub lish ing wo rld reer. That’s mad e it fun. For that, seemed within my I can only say thanks to you all. grasp.

But then some– Darryl Gates

Alabama Living

JULY 2012 11

Sand Island Lighthouse

A beacon in the Gulf of Mexico has a storied history

Lighthouse

By Emmett Burnett

Early 1960s view of the Sand Island Lighthouse

T

h e d a y ’s m a r i n e forecast calls for a light chop in Gulf waters as our 20-ft. boat leaps wave to wave. The Sand Island Lighthouse is on the bouncing horizon. In 1837, John McCloud became Sand Island’s first lighthouse keeper. The same rough water battling us fought him.

12 JULY 2012

“The Corps of Engineers spent $6 million dollars pumping sand to it,” Dauphin Island’s Jim Hall shouts above the outboard motor’s roar. Hall is with the Alabama Lighthouse Association. “But it’s going to eventually wash away again. They must continuously add more sand.”

Working from a government grant, workers dredged and laid 1.4 million cubic yards of sand to this dry spot in the Gulf of Mexico. Today its 131-foot conical icon sits on fresh white land – for now.

In the 1800s Sand Island was 400 acres; today it is 15 and shrinking. “People don’t realize how swift this current is,” Jim says,

as we anchor and wade to shore. “The water constantly flows east to west.” And when the water goes west, so does the island, eroding a little at a time.”

Most South Alabamians have seen Sand Island from shore. It is 4.2 bumpy miles from Dauphin Island. But few have actually been on it, and fewer still in the lighthouse. It’s not exactly hospitable. In addition to occasionally treacherous currents that can ground a boat, the lighthouse entrance is about 20 feet up, through a window. The main door was bricked over decades ago. So with rickety ladder in place, we climb. www.alabamaliving.coop

Balancing on a foot-wide window ledge Lighthouse 2 was built in 1848. Standone peers inside the mammoth column ing 200 feet, it was the tallest ever built once home to isolated lighthouse keepers. on the Gulf Coast. The magnificent strucNo one climbs the badly corroded spiral ture became the perfect home for Union staircase to the top. It’s not safe, and there soldier spies, and on Feb. 23, 1863, under is really no reason to – the 10 x 5 foot cover of darkness, Confederate soldier Fresnel lens is gone, now on display at John W. Glenn rowed from Dauphin Isthe Fort Morgan Museum near Gulf Shores.

Hugging the lighthouse like an amateur Indiana Jones, we move around the outside circumference on a narrow ledge. Although it is about 10 feet thick at the base, the brick, tapered wall is crumbly to the touch, after being battered by hurricanes over the century.

Looking straight up at this ocean tower, one wonders, how did they build it? Perhaps more amazing is the fact that it has been built three times. In 1837, Congress responded to complaints Sand Island Lighthouse awaiting restoration of inadequate lighting offered by a tall Sand Island spindle with land to Sand Island and placed 70 pounds a light on it, visible a mere 6 miles. The of gunpowder under the tower. He lit the first working lighthouse, 55 feet tall, was fuse and ran for his life in a downpour of built to replace the spindle. But erosion bricks and Union dead. and competition from the more powerful The third and present lighthouse was Mobile Point Lighthouse prompted sail- built and then activated on Sept. 1, 1873. ors to call Sand Island’s “a second-class In 1903 two keepers manned the beacon. beacon.”

One went to shore, leaving his co-worker.

Both were unaware of a massive hurricane brewing in the Gulf. After the storm, the keeper who went to shore returned to battered Sand Island, then wired the mainland: “Sand Island light out. Island washed away, Dwelling gone. Keeper not to be found.” He never was.

Sand Island’s lighthouse was deactivated in 1932. But it never dimmed for the people who love it. “This and the Middle Bay Lighthouse are all that is left of our rich maritime history,” says Jim. “We have got to preserve it.”

He and the 200 plus members of the Alabama Lighthouse Association visit the site often, making minor repairs, maintenance, and keeping an eye on the place.

“I’ve worked on lighthouses in Maine and Canada,” says member Halvor Biering of Fairhope. “But Sand Island’s is different. It has been so long since active service. We have a long way to go in restoring it. But if done, it will be beautiful.”

Halvor and Jim feel this lighthouse saved many lives. Now is the time to return the favor. For more information or to make a donation, see www.sandislandlighthouse. com.A

Want to help save the lighthouse?

See www.sandislandlighthouse.com to make a donation.

Alabama Living

JULY 2012 13

The Alabama Bass Trail On March 8, Gov. Robert Bentley announced the Alabama Bass Trail to promote 11 of the best fishing waters in the state. This is the second of a four-part series focusing on those lakes and rivers.

Coosa River leads to outstanding bass action

By John N. Felsher

For more information on the Alabama Bass Trail, see www.alabamabasstrail.org.

B

eginning near Rome, Ga., the Coosa River flows 280 miles to the southwest with more than 90 percent of it in Alabama. South of Wetumpka, it merges with the Tallapoosa River to create the Alabama River.

Along the way, it flows through some of the best bass waters in the country.

Thick grass covers many parts of Lake Logan Martin below Sometimes called “The Lake of a Thousand Coves,” Lake Lo- Interstate 20. Largemouth bass tend to hunker down in thicker gan Martin covers 15,263 acres near Pell City and creates more cover around grassy flats or fallen trees. Also look for bass along than 275 miles of shoreline. Impounded in 1964, the lake runs channel drops where fish can move freely between deep and more than 48 miles along the Coosa River and drops to more shallow waters.

“I fish Logan Martin quite a bit, usually at least once a week,” than 110 feet deep in places. said Mark McCaig, a tournament fisherman from Oxford. “Logan Lake Logan Martin served as the venue for four Bassmaster Martin has always been Classics, most recently one of the best spotted in 1992. The lake can bass lakes in the counproduce many largetry, but over the last mouth bass in the few years, largemouths 4- to 6-pound class, have dominated. Up but the lake record the river, people can largemouth weighed fish ledges in 5- to 614 pounds, 11 ounces. feet of water all day The lake can also prolong. In the summer, duce some Kentucky bass sit in 12 to 18 spotted bass approachfeet of water around ing seven pounds and brush, but people can redeye bass up to three usually catch some pounds. fish in the grass early “Lake Logan Marin the morning. I oftin is on fire for bass ten fish the grass with right now,” said Chris a 5/16-ounce swim jig Jackson, a guide and and then move deeper bass pro from Dora.

“It has potential for Mike Wurm, a professional bass angler from Hot Springs, Ark., and Jonathan where I use either a jig or worm.” big fish, although not Newton, a professional bass angler from Rogersville, fish near a dock. as big as Guntersville. The sheer numbers of spotted bass is phenomenal. We wake spinnerbaits as fast as we can and they Lay Lake One of the oldest impoundments in Alabama, Lay Lake dates just annihilate it.”

Spotted bass generally prefer deeper, rockier conditions and to 1914 and covers about 12,000 acres in St. Clair, Talladega, more current. Look for them in the upper reaches of the river Shelby, Coosa and Chilton counties. Running 50 miles along the and in major creek channels. For tempting spots, throw baits old Coosa River channel, it offers anglers more than 289 miles of shoreline. that resemble shad.

Lake Logan Martin

14 JULY 2012

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2012  15

TOP PHOTO: Gerald Swindle, a professional bass angler from Warrior, fights a bass that struck a jig with a plastic creature trailer.

BELOW: Swindle shows off some of his favorite crankbaits.

Crankbaits come with many different types and shapes of lips.

LEFT: Kevin VanDam, a professional bass angler from Kalamazoo, Mich., adds another bass he caught to his livewell.

16  JUNE JULY 2012 2012

www.alabamaliving.coop

The lake can produce some great bass catches. In February 2010, Kevin VanDam won the fourth Bassmaster Classic held on Lay Lake. In three days, he caught 15 bass weighing 51 pounds, 6 ounces.

The middle to lower portion of Lay Lake generally contains more grass beds, stump fields, brush and boulders. This area typically holds the biggest largemouth bass. At the lower end of the lake, anglers find deep structure and open, clearer water.

Although it can produce big largemouth bass, most anglers know Lay Lake for its giant spotted bass. Some top seven pounds. The upper portion of the lake retains much of its riverine shape. Water flowing through the dam creates current that often sparks spotted bass feeding frenzies.

Lake Jordan

The southernmost impoundment on the Coosa River, Lake Jordan dates to 1928 and spreads across 6,800 acres near Wetumpka. The lake offers anglers about 188 miles of shorelines. Weeds, abundant rocks and bluffs drop into deep water and woody cover, creating

excellent bass habitat. A fertile impoundment with a good forage base, Lake Jordan ranks among the best waters in the state for fast growth rates among both largemouth and spotted bass.

In the summer, many anglers fish around docks. Bass move up under docks to take advantage of the cool, shady waters beneath them. Docks also provide excellent ambush cover and overhead protection from birds of prey.

“I like old, crusty wooden docks with large diameter pilings the best,” explained Alton Jones, a former Bassmaster Classic champion. “I also look for secondary structure, like brush piles. I also like docks near pathways that bass use, like creek channels or little ditches. I look for some type of bottom structure that funnels fish into a particular spot, like a creek channel or little ditch that swings in close to a dock or even under it.”

For booking trips with Jackson, call 205-704-2425 or see Chrisjacksonfishing.com. For more information on these lakes and others on the Alabama Bass Trail, see www.alabamabasstrail. org. A

Bass tournament benefits girl with rare illness Brandon McCullogh and Pete Graham, both of Mobile, won the Breanna Moore Benefit Bass Tournament, held May 19, 2012, at Big Creek Lake near Wilmer. They landed a five-bass limit weighing 10 pounds, 12 pounds. McCullogh and Graham anchored their bag with a 4-pound, 8-ounce largemouth that took tournament lunker honors.

The tournament raised money for Breanna Moore, a 4-year-old girl suffering from a rare medical condition called Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome. Also known as Opsoclonus-MyoclonusAtaxia, OMS affects about one person in 10 million and attacks the nervous system. Currently, there is no known cure. The money will be used to pay for Breanna’s medical treatments.

Each team paid $50 to enter the tournament. The tournament paid cash prizes to the top anglers, based upon the number of entries. Many of the anglers who won cash prizes donated their winnings back to the Moore Family to help them defray medical expenses.

For more information or to make a donation to the Breanna Moore Benefit Fund, call Mandy Moore at 251-422-2054.

Alabama Living

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

JUL. 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25

26

27 28 29 30

31

- - 01:07 01:37 02:22 03:07 09:22 10:52 - - - - - - 01:22 02:37 03:37 - -

05:37 06:07 06:52 07:37 08:22 03:52 04:52 05:52 07:22 08:37 09:37 10:37 11:22 04:37

07:52 12:37 08:22 01:22 08:37 01:52 09:07 02:22 09:37 02:52 03:22 10:07 04:07 10:37 12:37 11:22 03:22 12:07 08:22 04:52 09:52 05:37 10:52 06:07 11:37 06:37 07:07 12:07

AUG. 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11 12 13 14 15

16

17 18 19 20

21 22

23

24

25 26 27 28 29

30

31

- - 01:07 01:37 02:22 08:37 09:22 10:22 - - - - - - - - 01:52 03:07 04:07 04:52 - - - - 01:22 01:52 08:37 09:37 10:52 - - - - - - 01:07 02:52 03:52 04:52 - - - -

05:37 06:22 07:07 07:52 02:52 03:37 04:22 05:22 06:37 07:52 09:07 09:52 10:37 11:22 11:52 05:37 06:22 07:07 07:52 02:37 03:22 04:07 05:22 06:37 08:07 09:22 10:22 11:07 11:52 05:37 06:22

07:37 12:37 08:07 01:22 08:37 01:52 08:52 02:22 09:07 02:52 03:07 09:37 03:22 09:52 12:07 10:22 - - 10:52 - - 12:07 09:37 05:52 10:37 05:52 11:07 06:07 11:37 06:22 12:07 06:52 07:07 12:22 07:22 12:52 07:52 01:22 08:22 01:52 02:37 08:37 03:07 09:07 03:37 09:37 01:07 10:22 03:37 11:22 08:52 04:37 10:07 05:07 10:52 05:37 11:37 06:07 12:07 06:37 06:52 12:22 07:07 12:52 JULY 2012 17

Trail mix: Scenic Chief Ladiga Trail leads to Georgia’s Silver Comet Trail

I

n northeast Alabama, the nearly 33-mile Chief Ladiga Trail is a regional playground that passes through welcoming towns and pastoral landscapes. Following a former CSX railroad corridor, the rail-trail is named for the Creek Indian leader who signed the 1832 Cusseta Treaty, surrendering the tribe’s remaining land in the area.

Remarkably flat and smooth, the trail arcs from Woodland Park in Anniston northeast through small towns and quiet countryside to the state line with Georgia, where it connects to the Silver Comet rail-trail. It begins on a slightly raised rail bed before entering open fields, passing beneath canopies of pine, dogwood and other native trees and alongside enchanting wetlands. You’ll find numerous access points along the way.

The first stop is Weaver, where you might want to pop in to the nearby grocery store for snacks. Back on the trail, twin stone foundations of a railroad trestle flank the route. Five miles along, in Jacksonville, you’ll pass an old train depot, restored in 2010 and now providing, among other things, a resting place for trail users.

You’ll also find the Jacksonville State University campus. Just off the trail is the historic town square, which boasts several shops and restaurants (climb Mountain Street and turn right on Route 21).

Keep alert over the following nine miles, as you may catch a deer or fox watching you. You’ll soon reach central Piedmont, a quaint community that embraces the trail with a welcome center, benches and a sandwich shop just steps away.

From Piedmont the scenery begins to change. Duggar Mountain 18 JULY 2012

and the southern Appalachians provide a backdrop to fields that transition to forests. Terrapin Creek skirts the trail, and soon a bridge carries you over it. Here, the trail travels through protected wilderness within Talladega National Forest. Equestrians should check the trail website and contact the trail manager to inquire about equestrian use on the trail.

At the Georgia state line, the Chief Ladiga Trail becomes Georgia’s Silver Comet Trail, which stretches for another 62 miles, making the trails the longest pedestrian path in the country. A

Parking & Trail Access: Directions: From I-20, take Exit 185 and head north about 10 miles through Anniston on Route 1/Quintard Avenue; bear right on McClellan Boulevard/Route 21 on the north side of town. A few miles past the split, turn left on Weaver Road; continue about a mile, then turn left again on Holly Farms Road to the well-marked Woodland Park trailhead.

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2012  19

Consumer Wise

Hot Water Can Heat Houses Using a reverse cycle chiller with your home’s heat pump can be a less costly alternative to supplemental resistance heating

Q

: We have an old inefficient electric resistance furnace. I have heard there are some new types of heat pumps that use a big water tank and don’t need backup heat. How do these systems work, and are they efficient?

flows directly through an indoor coil. Air blows over the coil to heat or cool your house. A reverse cycle chiller heats or cools water in a small (20- to 40-gallon) insulated tank. The water then flows through the indoor coil. The entire system will cost 15 percent to 20 percent more to install than a standard heat pump/electric furnace combination.

The output capacity of a typical heat pump is sized for the cooling Btu requirements of the house. In most parts of the U.S., the heating Btu requirements are greater. To make up the difference, a backup electric resistance furnace is required during very cold periods. As the outdoor temperature drops, the heat

A

: Although electric resistance heating can be relatively expensive to operate, it is 100 percent efficient—that means all the electricity you pay for ends up heating your house. With a gas or oil furnace, you lose some heat out the flue. The problem with electric resistance heating is it costs more to produce 1 Btu from electricity than it does by burning fossil fuels.

A heat pump can produce 3 Btu of heat for your house for each 1 Btu on your electric bill. This is because the heat pump does not actually create heat directly.

It uses a compressor, coils, and other equipment to draw heat from the outdoor air and pump it into your house.

The heat pump system you refer to is called a reverse cycle chiller. It basically uses a standard high-efficiency heat pump to produce heat during winter and cool air in the summer. A typical air-source heat pump heats or cools a refrigerant that

James Dulley is a nationally syndicated engineering consultant based in Cincinnati.

20 JULY 2012

This reverse cycle system is completely located outdoors. Notice the heavy insulation on the piping.

Source: Aqua Products

output of the heat pump also drops just as the heating needs of your house increase.

You might think you could install a larger capacity heat pump to provide enough heat for your house even on very cold days. This would be possible with an air-source heat pump, but it would not work well in the air-conditioning mode.

An oversized air conditioner results in short cycles, indoor temperature swings, and poor dehumidification.

The primary advantage of a reverse cycle chiller is it transfers heat to an insulated water tank. This allows you to install a heat pump with an extra large capacity for adequate heating even in cold weather without the associated summertime cooling issues. Many of the major HVAC manufacturers’ heat pumps can be used with a reverse cycle chiller system.

During summer, this large heat pump cooling capacity chills the water in the insulated tank to 40 degrees or so. The chilled water is run through a coil in the blower system, which cools and dehumidifies indoor air just like a standard heat pump. The heat pump can cycle on and off as needed to chill the water in the tank independently of the indoor blower. Therefore the blower can run as long as needed to provide comfort and efficiency.

Another key advantage of having the heated water tank is its wintertime defrost mode. A heat pump regularly switches to the cooling mode to defrost ice that collects on the outdoor condenser coils.

During this time, expensive electric resistance heat comes on or chilly air blows out the registers.

With a reverse cycle chiller, the heat to defrost the coils comes from the heated water tank so warm air continues to blow out the registers. During regular operation, the temperature of the air coming out the registers is also warmer than with a typical air-source heat pump.

In addition to eliminating or greatly reducing the use of backup resistance heating, a reverse cycle chiller provides options for efficient heating. Because the heat is coming from the insulated water tank, you can select different types of heating for different rooms. The hot water can be piped through a heat exchanger (fan coil) and typical ductwork to produce heated air.

The following companies offer reverse cycle chiller systems: Aqua Products, 800- 840-4264, www.aquaproducts. us; Multiaqua, 864-850-8990, www. multiaqua.com; and Unico System, 800527-0896, www.unicosystem.com. A

Send your questions to: James Dulley Alabama Living 6906 Royalgreen Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45244

You can also reach Dulley online at

www.dulley.com

www.alabamaliving.coop

CALLING ALL QUILTERS

AREA’s 7 Quilt Competition th

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

Judges for the sixth quilt competition

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 ___________________________________ JULY 2012 21 (Listed on cover of magazine)

Power Plants

Beyond the Kitchen— Herbs in the Landscape

By Katie Jackson

Garden Tips: July Prune summer-blooming shrubs after they have finished flowering. Remove any dead or diseased branches.

Sow seeds for cool season vegetable crops directly into the garden by mid-July.

Pull weeds from garden beds as they emerge and before they can flower and go to seed.

Keep fresh water in birdbaths.

Watch for insect and disease damage on indoor and outdoor plants.

Plant pumpkin seeds for a Halloween harvest.

Plant fall vegetables such as cabbage, parsley and collards.

Pick all vegetables regularly to ensure continued bearing.

Remove flowers from basil and cut mint to encourage new shoots.

Keep container plants well watered during the summer.

Apply water until it runs out of the pot’s drainage holes.

Katie Jackson is associate editor for the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station. Contact her at csmith@acesag.auburn.edu

22 JULY 2012

M

y back patio is home to numerous pots of cooking herbs— oregano, rosemary, thyme, chives and mint as perennials and usually basil and cilantro as annuals. Like most plants in my yard, these herbs have to make it without much pampering. I am lucky to water them some weeks, and the perennial herbs stay outside year-round, so they have to withstand the winter as well.

Lately, though, I’ve been considering moving those perennial herbs into the ground where they can put down deeper roots and may require even less attention. And in the process I have been considering other herbs for ornamental purposes, most specifically hyssop and creeping thymes.

Hyssop is new for me to try because I typically grow herbs for cooking.

While it can be used in small amounts to add a savory zing (it’s supposed to be very good in soups, salads and used on some meats—duck has been suggested), hyssop is grown commercially for use in colognes and liqueurs and it has a long history of use as an herbal remedy, including many Biblical references as a cleansing herb.

For me the appeal of hyssop, which is a member of the mint family that is native to North America and Europe, is not for my kitchen but for its work in the garden where it draws bees, butterflies and hummingbirds and repels some insect pests.

Hyssop is an upright plant that can range in height from one to five feet tall and its fragrant flowers (there is even a bubblegum-scented option) come in an array of colors—purple and pink, blue, red and orange and white, depending on the cultivar—that bloom from the summer through fall.

I will likely use hyssop as a border plant, but it is also great for garden beds,

in rock gardens and in containers, and it is considered a great companion plant in vegetable gardens because it controls some pests and those bees it draws help pollinate other crops.

Creeping thyme, on the other hand, is what I hope to put underfoot. It is one of the few groundcovers that withstands foot traffic and, when stepped upon, creeping thymes emit a lovely scent, plus their soft texture makes even barefoot walking a delight. It can be used as a groundcover carpet or planted between stepping stones and it’s also lovely tucked into the landscape among rocks or cascading over walls.

A number of cultivars of creeping thyme are available offering flowers of pink, purple and lilac hues and they are all low-maintenance, hardy and spread nicely to fill in cracks and crevices in walkways and other areas.

Needless to say there are many other herbs that can make charming landscape plants—rosemary, bee balm, sage and lavender to name a few—so don’t hesitate to explore the options. Do keep in mind, however, that some of them can become invasive (mint, for example) so select with care!

If you’re looking for other garden ideas, take time this summer to attend local workshops and visit public gardens. One amazing option is the 11th annual Farm, Home and Wildlife Expo to be held Aug. 4, noon to 5 p.m., at the Chilton Research and Extension Center in Clanton. This free event features samples of all sorts of yummy garden fruits and recipes as well as information on growing fruits and vegetables and other educational opportunities ranging from farm pond management to food safety advice. For more information call 205-646-3610 or visit www.aaes.auburn. edu/researchcenters/chilton/news.php. A www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2012  23

Worth the Drive Dadeville

Chuck’s Marina Hang Around for Smooth Sounds During the summer months, Chuck’s is packed during the day, but on the weekends, it gets even livelier at night.

When the sun goes down, the music starts up. Every Friday night from 7p.m. to 11 p.m., you’ll find a band playing at Chuck’s. On Saturday evenings, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., anybody can take a turn at the mike for karaoke night.

By Jennifer Kornegay

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 24 JULY 2012

Chuck’s Marina home of Chuckwalla’s Pizzeria 237 Marina Road, Dadeville, AL (256) 825-6871

M

aybe it’s because I’ve got an uncle Chuck that I’m quite fond of, but for me, the name subconsciously conjures up words like congenial, fun and family. So when I was first introduced to Chuckwalla’s Pizzeria at Chuck’s Marina in Dadeville on Lake Martin, I was already prejudiced — on the positive side — before I’d ever had a bite of my food.

Of course, even to those without an “uncle Chuck” connection, Chuck’s brightly colored buildings perched on a slight hill seem to shout, “Come on over and stay awhile” above the din of boats and their wakes slapping the retaining wall. And that’s exactly what owners Greg and Jane Harris want you to do: park your car or tie up your boat and relax on the large deck (part covered, part not) with a cold drink and a hot slice of pizza and soak in the waterfront view.

Greg actually bought Chuck’s Marina from its namesake about 20 years ago.

Since it was already a landmark of sorts, he decided to keep the name, and according to Jane, will gladly answer to Chuck when confused patrons innocently make that mistaken assumption. But the restaurant portion of Chuck’s, Chuckwalla’s Pizzeria, is all Greg; he added it about a year after he took over the marina. His wife Jane has been helping out ever since they got together, about nine years ago.

So Chuck’s has the requisite laidback lake atmosphere; it’s got friendly owners; it’s got a great view. Without good food though, none of the above really matters. But actually, none of the above does matter. As I and other Lake Martin lovers and area residents can attest, the food at Chuck’s is so good, we’d happily eat it in a dark room with a lone, dingy window framing a glimpse of an interstate overpass. All the other stuff is just icing on the cake.

Or, more accurately, extra cheese on the pizza, because that’s what you’ll find at Chuck’s. Pizza, pizza and more pizza. (And wings and mini-corn dogs if, for some strange reason, you don’t want Chuck’s pizza.) If a pizza-dominated menu at a lake restaurant seems a little odd to you, let Jane explain. “Everybody likes pizza,” she

said. “It’s a very versatile food that people can customize to their liking, so it’s easy to satisfy almost everyone.”

Satisfy? I’d say thrill. There are some diverse options to choose from, but the basics of any Chuck’s pizza include fresh tomatoes, fresh herbs and quality cheese all on a firm foundation of either medium or thin crust. For the true Chuck’s experience, mosey on up to the ordering window and ask for the Chimney Rock pizza, a hefty creation named after the lake’s iconic cliff that lures teenage boys to jump off of it and hundreds of boaters to watch. It’s loaded with just about everything they’ve got back in the kitchen, which includes mountains of meat, and if you get it on the thin crust, you may have to employ a knife and fork; the crust often folds under the weight of the toppings.

Non-meat lovers should try the Algae pizza with its special garlic sauce, onions, olives, artichoke hearts and more. Kids usually go for the Goat Island pizza; it’s got a triple layer of pepperoni with extra, EXTRA cheese.

There’s also a bar under the covered portion of the deck with several beers on tap, as well as WineStoppers, a wine bar/ wine shop around from the ordering window that offers specialty wines from small vineyards by the glass and in bottles to buy and take home.

While I downplay the lakeside setting in favor of the food, Jane believes the proximity to the water influences the flavors. “Our attention to fresh ingredients is important, but so is the lake. I think being right on it really does make everything taste better,” she said. A www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2012  25

Alabama Recipes

Picnic Cook of the Month: Cindy Kusnierz, Baldwin EMC

Tomato, Basil and Feta Salad

6 Roma tomatoes, diced 1 cucumber, peeled, quartered lengthwise, and chopped 3 green onions, chopped 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips

3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

In a large bown, toss together all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 4.

I was married to my husband Steve seven years ago, and one of my most favorite wedding presents was a nifty antique picnic basket with all the trimmings; containers for food, wine glasses, dinnerware, and beautiful napkins all tucked into the nooks and crannies of a pretty box. We used it about twice a year for various occasions and four years later, we had our first outdoor picnic (in our backyard) with our then 5-month-old daughter.

She had just learned to sit up on her own and eat “table food.” Picnics always stay with me as fun family memories!

You could win $50!

If your recipe is chosen as the cook-of-the-month recipe, we’ll send you a check for $50!

August September October

Upcoming recipe themes and deadlines are: Budget Friendly Deadline: June 15 Microwave Meals Deadline: July 15 Tailgating Deadline: August 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.

26 JULY 2012

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.

Bowtie Pasta Salad I box bowtie pasta 1 cucumber 1 zucchini 1 yellow squash

8 ounces feta cheese crumbled Italian dressing to taste

Cook pasta. Add dressing and toss while pasta is warm.

Add vegetables and cheese. The cook likes to serve this with Rotisserie chicken.

Jamie Petterson,Tallapoosa River EC

Cucumber Lemonade

1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut in chunks (about 2 cups)

3/4 cup sugar 2 lemons, juiced water

Put the cucumber and about 1 1/2 cups of water in a blender. Blend until well pureed. Strain the liquid into a pitcher and discard the pulp. Add the sugar and about 1 cup water to the blender. Blend thoroughly to dissolve the sugar. Add the blended water/sugar mixture to the pitcher. Juice the lemons and add the juice to the pitcher. Add enough water to make 8 cups of liquid.

To transport, pour into a thermos or other spill-proof container. At your picnic site, give the lemonade a stir and serve over ice.

Sandy Adams, Marshall-DeKalb EC

Sweet and Salty Chocolate-Bacon Fudge

4 4-ounce semisweet chocolate baking bars, chopped 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1/4 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream 1 pound bacon, cooked until crisp 2 cups toasted pecans, chopped

Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Spray with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium saucepan, combine chocolate, condensed milk, butter, and cream.

Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Crumble bacon and reserve 1/4 cup. Stir pecans and remaining bacon into chocolate mixture. Spoon mixture in prepared pan; Smooth top with spatula. Sprinkle reserved 1/4 cup crumbled bacon over chocolate mixture, pressing down gently. Cover and chill for 4 hours or until set. Cut into squares to serve. Makes 32 pieces.

Becky Terry, Joe Wheeler EMC Alabama Living

Want to see the Cook of the Month recipe before the magazine gets to your door?

Become a fan of Alabama Living on facebook.

JULY 2012  27

Aunt Bee’s Fried Chicken 1 frying chicken, cut up 2 eggs, beaten salt to taste

All-purpose flour Shortening or vegetable oil

Wash chicken. Dip the pieces in beaten egg seasoned with salt, then roll into flour. Heat cooking oil in frying pan. When hot, add chicken pieces and cook slowly for 15 to 20 minutes.

Turn chicken pieces over 3 or 4 times. After the pieces turn brown, cover with lids and cook for 20 minutes or until done.

Loretta Robinson, Sand Mountain EC

Grilled Steak Sandwich

4 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise 3 tablespoons olive oil Kosher salt and pepper 1 pound of Strip steak 2 medium onions, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds

2 tablespoons of salt free spice mix 4 pieces of French bread, halved 4 pieces of green-leaf lettuce

Heat grill to medium high. In a medium bowl, toss the tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of the oil and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Season the steak with 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and grill to desired doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Meanwhile, brush both sides of the onion slices with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and sprinkle with the spice mix. Grill until tender, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Grill the tomatoes, 3 to 5 minutes per side.

Form sandwiches with the bread, lettuce, steak, onions and tomatoes.

Rhubarb Slaw

Directions: Cut apple or pear into bite size pieces, add remaining ingredients and toss to combine.

1 pound rhubarb, 3 tablespoons garlic, julienned thinly sliced 2 cups apple cider 1 1/2 tablespoons red vinegar pepper flakes Salt 1 small cabbage, thinly Pepper sliced 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar 1 large carrot, grated 1/2 cup peeled, sliced fresh 2 tablespoons olive oil ginger Place rhubarb in a large heat proof bowl; set aside. Boil vinegar, salt and pepper to taste, and next 4 ingredients. Pour over rhubarb and let cool. Refrigerate overnight. Drain rhubarb, reserving 1/2 cup of the liquid. Toss rhubarb with cabbage, carrot, reserved liquid, and olive oil. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until cabbage softens. Bring to your picnic and enjoy!

Beth Taylor, Joe Wheeler EMC

Robin O’Sullivan,Wiregrass EC

Melba Bryan, Cullman EC

Easy Picnic Salad

3 favorite apples or pears 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1⁄ cup chopped celery 2 tablespoons 3

28 JULY 2012

chopped walnuts 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1⁄ teaspoon salt 1 8-ounce container fat free lemon yougurt 8

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.

Around Alabama Geraldine, Picnic in the Park

Linda Armstrong / Shutterstock.com

Come join us for a day of fun at the Geraldine Town Park.

Great entertainment, food & fun! Cruise-In begins at 11 a.m.

Festival starts at noon with various local artists, including Backwoods Revival, Chosen Generation, Pat Upton, Country Case and a variety of other great

July 21

talent.

Traditional Pit Cooked BBQ chicken plates, Black Pot Pinto Beans & Cornbread, hot dogs and other tasty eats. Arts & Crafts Booths welcome. For more information Call Geraldine Town Hall at 256-659-2122

August

18 • Dothan, Dothan Indian Artifact Show

2 - 4 • Foley, Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation 15th

WestGate Gym Multiple venders displaying cases, pipes, bowls, spears, arrowheads, clothing, jewelry, books and educational displays. Flint Knapping Demo, raffle and refreshments Contact: Troy Futral, 334-821-5823 www.dothanshow.com

Annual Professional Rodeo Foley Horse Arena, 113 East Rosetta Ave. Nightly pre-rodeo activities 7 p.m.

Rodeo 8 p.m. Tickets: Adults-$12, Children 12-4 $6, 3 & under free Benefits peer-to-peer support programs for students in Baldwin Co. schools Information: 251-971-3633 or www.jennifermoorefoundation.com 3 & 4 • Albertville, Main Street Music Festival.

Vendors, children’s activities. Concerts by Phil Vassar, Sister Hazel and Warm Admission: Free 11 • Dothan, Football Fest

Dothan Civic Center – 5-9 p.m.

Samples of tailgating food, collegiate football merchandise for sale, trivia contest and keynote address from Gene Stallings Admission for speech: $10 VIP reserved seating with steak dinner and meet and greet with Coach Stalling: $100 (only to first 250 registrants) Information: 334-699-1475 www.wiregrassfootballfest.com

25 & 26 • Tensaw, 199th Anniversary of Fort Mims.

Exciting 1813 re‑enactments between settlers, militia and Indians; living history, period weapons, displays and crafts, old-time music Contact: Claudia Campbell 251-533-9024 www.fortmims.org 25 • Burkville, Alabama Okra Festival 278 Harriet Tubman Road. Free family-friendly event with live music, all kinds of food, fresh local vegetables and preserves, arts and crafts and children’s activities Contact: Barbara@ okrafestival.org

18 • Russellville, Antique Tractor Show in conjunction with Watermelon Festival. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Trophies and prizes Admission: Free Contact: Mike Powell 256-332-7652

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.

25 • Fyffe, 8th Annual Fyffe UFO Days August 25 (Unforgettable Family Outing) Gates open at 9 a.m., entertainment at 10 a.m.

Live music, arts and crafts, entertainment and games for the kids, antique tractors and cars Admission: Free Contact: Brandi Clayton at Fyffe Town Hall 256-623-7298 or fyffetownclerk@farmerstel.com

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July 2012 29

6/18/12 9:56 AM

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(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 – (706)383-8554 INTERIOR WOODS: CYPRESS, CEDAR, HEART PINE, POPLAR, ASH www.howardcustomlumber.net (251)847-2334 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 USED RENTAL WORK CLOTHES – Pants $4.99, Shirts $3.99, Jackets $10.95 – Call (800)233-1853 or order online www.usedworkclothing.com (THIS IS THE SPECIAL AD WE ARE SUPPOSE TO WATCH FOR) HELP LINES FOR ALABAMA FAMILIES MORTGAGE BEHIND???

Call (888) 216-4173 BANKRUPTCY ADVICE???

Call (877) 933-1139 OWE BACK TAXES???

Call (877) 633-4457 DISCOUNTED DENTAL Call (888) 696-6814 CREDIT SCORE COACH Call (888) 317-6625 NONPROFIT DEBT HELP Call (888) 779-4272 careconnectusa.org, A Public Benefit Org METAL ROOFING $1.79/LINFT – FACTORY DIRECT! 1st quality, 40yr Warranty, Energy Star rated. (price subject to change) 706-383-8554 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 KEEP POND WATER CLEAN AND FISH HEALTHY with our aeration

30 JULY 2012

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

Business Opportunities START YOUR OWN BUSINESS! Mia Bella’s Gourmet Scented Products.

Try the Best! Candles / Gifts / Beauty. Wonderful income potential! Enter Free Candle Drawing - www.naturesbest.scentteam.com PIANO TUNING PAYS – Learn with American Tuning School homestudy course – (800)497-9793

Vacation Rentals GULF SHORES PLANTATION - Gulf view, beach side, 2 bedrooms / 2 baths, no smoking / no pets. Owner rates (205)339-3850 SMOKIES – PIGEON FORGE, TN CABINS – (251)649-3344, (251)6494049, 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 DAYTONA: OCEANFRONT CONDO…near boardwalk and other attractions..See the sunrise Over the Atlantic from your queen size bed… pool and many other amenities..

Non-smoking..Call Jennifer in Scottsboro at 256-259-2244 TENNESSEE’S FINEST SMOKY MOUNTAIN VACATION GET AWAY! Cozy cabins by Owner – (865)712-7633 GULF SHORES CONDO - 2BR/1BA Affordable Rates & Beachfront - Call (256-507-1901) or email brtlyn@yahoo.com

PIGEON FORGE, TN: $89 - $125, 2BR/2BA, hot tub, air hockey, fireplace, swimming pool, creek – (251)363-1973, www. mylittlebitofheaven.com KATHY’S ORANGE BEACH CONDO – 2BR/2BA, non-smoking. Best rates beachside! Family friendly – (205)253-4985, www.KathysCondo. eu.pn 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 – Secluded, home theatre room, hot tub, game room – www. wardvacationproperties.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

WEST BEACH – 3 GREAT CONDOS – Call (404)219-3189, (404)702-9824 or email gulfshores4rent@gmail. com. www.GULFSHORES4RENT.COM GULF SHORES: FESTIVE CONDO AT SEA AND SUN on west beach with private beach access close to restaurants and all attractions.. private pool,,non smoking. Call Jennifer in Scottsboro at 256-259-2244 EDGEWATER BEACH in PANAMA CITY – Beach front condo – 1BR / 2BA – (334)596-4921 LOGCABIN VACATION – WEEKEND RENTAL – Hottubs, King Beds – Mentone and Guntersville – (256)657-4335, www. mentonelogcabins.com, www.vrbo. com/404770 TWO GULF SHORES PLANTATION CONDOS – Excellent beach views – Owner rented (251)223-9248 GATLINBURG, TN CHALET 3BR/3BA Baskins Creek – Pool, 10 minute walk downtown, Aquarium, National Park – (334)289-0304 FT. WALTON BEACH HOUSE – 3BR / 2BA – Best buy at the Beach – (205)566-0892, mailady96@yahoo. com

ALABAMA RIVER LOTS / MONROE COUNTY, AL – Lease / Rent – (334)469-5604

PENSACOLA BEACH CONDO – Gulf front – 7th floor balcony – 3BR / 2BA, sleeps 6, pool – (850)572-6295 or (850)968-2170

HELEN GA CABIN FOR RENT – sleeps 2-6, 2.5 baths, fireplace, Jacuzzi, washer/dryer – www. cyberrentals.com/101769 - (251)9482918, email jmccracken@gulftel.com

GULF SHORES BEACHSIDE CONDO available April thru December – 2BR / 2BA, WiFi, No smoking / No pets – Call Owner (256)287-0368, Cell (205)613-3446

PIGEON FORGE, TN – 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath house for rent $75.00 a night – Call Bonnie at (256)338-1957

FORT MORGAN BEACH HOUSE – Sleeps 6, $150 per night – www. vrbo.com #407162, (251)540-1086

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

ALWAYS THE LOWEST PRICE $65.00 – Beautiful furnished mountain cabin near Dollywood, Sevierville, TN – (865)453-7715

CABIN IN MENTONE – 2/2, brow view, hottub – For rent $100/night or Sale $199,000 – (706)767-0177

GULF SHORES - 3BR / 2BA ON BEACH – W/D, 4 queen beds, sleeps 8 - VRBO#354680 Gulf Shores East – (251)979-3604

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

FT. MORGAN GULFSIDE – 2/2, air, cable and quiet – Owners (251)6752483 or cell (251)709-3824. LEAVE MESSAGE!

GREAT LAKE LIVING - 3BR/2BA, 2 satelite TV’s, deep water, covered dock - Pictures www. vacationsmithlake.com. $75 night (256) 352-5721, annawisener@ yahoo.com

GULF SHORES CONDO - 4 miles from beach or outlet mall, 2BR / 2BA, pet friendly, http://www.vrbo. com/396334, (251)213-0688.

GULF SHORES, WEST BEACH - Gulf view, sleeps 6 - www.vrbo. com/92623, (404)641-4939, (404)641-5314 SMOKIES - PIGEON FORGE, TN CABIN – http://www.vrbo. com/402409 - $130.00 a night, fully furnished – (251)254-1622 ORANGE BEACH, AL CONDO – Sleeps 4, gulf and river amenities – Great Rates – (228)369-4680 GULF SHORES CONDO – 1BR, sleeps 4, Gulf-front – Owner

www.alabamaliving.coop

(251)342-4393, www.brett-robinson. com, Unit I104E MENTONE, AL – LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN – billiard table, Jacuzzi, spacious home, sleeps 12 – www. duskdowningheights.com, (850)7665042, (850)661-0678.

GATLINBURG: FABULOUS VIEWS pool, hot tubs and many other amenities. Call Jennifer in Scottsboro at 256-259-2244. Non-smoking GULF SHORES – CRYSTAL TOWER CONDO - 2 bedroom/ 2 bath, Great Ocean View - www.vrbo.com #145108 - Call Owner (205)429-4886, crystaltower607@gmail.com FORT MORGAN BEACH HOUSE - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, HDTV, WiFi – www.wardvacationproperties.com, (251)363-8576 GULF SHORES / GATLINBURG RENTAL– Great Rates! (256)490-4025 or www.gulfshoresrentals.us, www. gatlinburgrental.us FT. WALTON, FL CONDO – 1BR, sleeps 6 – Gulfside – Owner (251)3424393, www.seaspraycondos.com, Unit 105A GULF SHORES BEACH COTTAGE – Affordable, waterfront, pet friendly – http://www.vrbo. com/152418, (251)223-6114

MOUNTAIN CABIN, WEARS VALLEY NEAR PIGEON FORGE – All conveniences, 3 / 2 – Brochure available – (251)649-9818

Evergreen Tire Center approximately 1 miles north of Fair-view Community Contact Lillie Pierson @ lilliejacksontsu@yahoo.com

GULF SHORES / FT MORGAN BEACH HOUSE - 3/3 . A short walk to the Gulf of Mexico - WINTER rental $9OO. OO A Month, plus half of utilities – Summer rental $850.00 a week, sleeps 6 adults – Call (251)540-7078.

GULF SHORES GETAWAY! 32’ “park model” 2006 BRECKENRIDGE TRAILER for SALE - $6,500 – Excellent condition! Sleeps 5 – In storage at Gulf State Park – (334)749-0302

Camping / Hunting / Fishing VALLEY HEAD, AL LODGE – 5/2, fishing and hunting – Weekly, monthly rates available for summer – Cabins available also – www. lookoutcreekfarm.com, (256)635-6420 RANGE, AL – FOR RENT: 9 BED BUNKHOUSE EVERYTHING FURNISHED – Camper and campsites available – Real Reasonable – (251)248-2086, (850)623-8415

FOR SALE 12.5 ACRE PECAN ORCHARD – COVINGTON COUNTY, ANDALUSIA: Three ponds, 30 X 60 metal barn/ office, power and water. GREAT LOCATION - visit: www.allisonland. com, (205)789-0327 - $139,000 LAND AVAILABLE FOR LEASING… Approximately 3 miles south of Evergreen on U.S. 31 next to old

LAKE GUNTERSVILLE – APPROXIMATELY 3.25 ACRE LOT in CEDAR COVE SUBDIVISION – deeded enclosed boathouse w/ electric lift and remote control roll up door – on Mink Creek and Main River – $115,000.00 or OBO – (205)424-5543, (205)565-1545 SUMTER COUNTY – 80 ACRES, house, outbuildings, lake, timber, deer, turkey – (480)718-5021 or (205)742-8126 WE PURCHASE SELLER FINANCED NOTES, Trust Deeds, Contracts for Deed, Commercial / Business Notes and more, Nationwide! Call (256)6381930 or (256)601-8146

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

Musical Notes PLAY GOSPEL SONGS BY EAR - 10 lessons $12.95. “LEARN GOSPEL MUSIC”. Chording, runs, fills - $12.95 Both $24. Davidsons, 6727AR Metcalf, Shawnee Missions, Kansas 66204 – (913)262-4982

Education BECOME AN ORDAINED MINISTER correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, PMB 767, 6630 West Cactus B-107, 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 FREE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE – write to 23600 Alabama Highway 24, Trinity, AL, 35673

Critters ADORABLE AKC YORKY PUPPIES – excellent blood lines – (334)301-1120, (334)537-4242, bnorman@mon-cre.net CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES. Tiny, registered, guaranteed healthy, raised indoors in loving home, vet records and references. (256)796-2893

How To Place a Line Ad in Marketplace Closing Deadlines (in our office): September 2012 – deadline – July 25 October 2012 – deadline – Aug. 25 November 2012 – deadline – Sept. 25 -Ads are $1.65 per word with a 10 word minimum and are on a prepaid basis -Telephone numbers, email addresses and websites are considered 1 word each -Ads will not be taken over the phone. You may email your ad to hdutton@areapower. com or call (800)410-2737 ask for Heather for pricing.

-We accept checks, money orders and all major credit cards Mail ad submission along with a check or money order made payable to ALABAMA LIVING, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124 – Attn: Classifieds.

Alabama Living

JULY 2012 31

Market Place

32 JULY 2012

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2012  33

Special Advertising Feature

A Salute to the Red, White and Blue!

This Independence Day, Test Your American Flag IQ The American flag is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. It may have many names — the Star-Spangled Banner, the Stars and Stripes, Old Glory— but it has one clear meaning: it stands for unity and freedom.

Our flag has earned our respect: handle it with care! In that spirit, we invite you to find out just how much you know about caring for and flying our national banner.

To determine your flag IQ, answer each of the following questions, then check below for the answers and figure out your score.

2. How do I hang the flag indoors?

(One answer is false—which one?) a. The flag may be used to cover a ceiling b. The flag can be hung horizontally or vertically c. The union, or canton (the blue field of stars), should be on the flag’s right and the viewer’s left d. If hung in a window, the canton should be on the viewer’s left 3. When properly folded, the flag takes what shape? a. A rectangle b. A triangle c. A square d. A hexagon 4. When is a flag not flown at half-staff? a. Upon the death of a president or former president b. When the president or the governor of a state declares an official period of mourning c. On Memorial Day, honoring those who have died while serving the U.S. d. When a member of your family dies 5. How do I raise a flag to the half-staff position? a. Raise it slowly to half-staff b. Raise it slowly all the way to the top, then slowly to half-staff c. Raise it all the way to the top, then all the way to the bottom, then to half-staff d. Raise it briskly all the way to the top, then lower it slowly to half-staff

6. What should a civilian do when a flag passes by in a parade or procession? a. Salute and stand at attention b. Place the right hand over the heart while the first U.S. flag passes by c. Place the right hand over the heart while each U.S. flag passes by d. Place the left hand over the heart while the first U.S. flag passes by 7. What do I do with my flag when it’s worn out?

(One answer is false—which one?) a. Burn it in a private place b. Organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Boy Scouts of America or the Girl Scouts can dispose of your flag c. Fold it, then carefully place it in the trash d. Contact your town or city officials for more information Answers 1. (b) is false. The U.S. flag should never share a pole with another nation’s flag. International law forbids the display of one nation’s flag above another in times of peace.

2. (a) is false. The flag should never be used to cover a ceiling.

3. (b) is correct.

4. (d) is false. Flags are flown at half-staff only during official periods of mourning. On Memorial Day the flag is flown at half-staff until noon and then at full-staff for the remainder of the day.

5. (d) is correct.

6. (b) is correct. People in military uniform salute as the first U.S. flag passes; the remaining flags in the parade do not need to be recognized.

7. (c) is false. When the U.S. flag is no longer in a condition to be displayed with honor, it should be destroyed in a dignified way.

Score 1-2: Not too good. Back to Civics class!

3-5: Impressive, but there’s room for improvement.

6-7: Well done! Stand tall, patriot!

Crowd photo: Mike Powell, Allsport Concepts

1. How do I fly the flag on a flagpole?

(One answer is false—which one?) a. When on the same flagpole, always fly the U.S. flag above any state, municipal or social-organization flag b. When on the same flagpole, the U.S. flag should be above any other nation’s flag c. Raise the U.S. flag briskly and lower it ceremoniously d. When flying the U.S. flag near flags of other nations, it should be positioned on its own right

We gratefully acknowledge for their expertise the National Flag Foundation—the foremost authority on the U.S. flag and the U.S. Flag Code of 1923 as amended through the last edition in 1998.

The Code offers the official way to show respect for the flag, but has no enforcement power or rigor of law. If you would like additional information please visit: www.americanflags.org

34 Month 2012

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6/18/12 4:42 PM

Alabama Living

JULY 2012  35

Our Sources Say

Chicken Little, Ph.D. Folk stories are the foundation of all cultures, not just ours.

They may be the earliest method of passing knowledge from generation to generation. And, folk stories are always based upon life’s lessons (they are not just entertainment).

We all remember the story of Chicken Little who was walking in the woods when an acorn hit him on the head. Convinced the sky was falling, he ran to tell the king of the impending danger. On his way, he ran into a number of acquaintances (mostly fowl with rhyming names).

He convinced them the sky was falling and that they should accompany him to tell the king. However, they met up with Foxy Woxy, who, under the pretense of showing them the way to the king, led them into his lair where he ate them for dinner.

As culture and technology have changed, so has Chicken Little.

Today’s Chicken Little is often a highly degreed, well-dressed, articulate individual with a briefcase and PowerPoint presentations. However, Chicken Little still wants to visit the king and tell him the sky is falling.

He likes to talk on television, in newspapers and in magazines. And Chicken Little likes million-dollar government grants to define how badly and quickly the sky is falling.

There are many Chicken Littles among us. Remember Y2K? Many

Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative 36 JULY 2012

computer experts warned that the modern world would go dark at midnight on Dec. 31, 1999, and billions of dollars would be required to restore the failed networks unless immediate and drastic action was taken to correct computer defects and avoid certain disaster. We and many other companies spent thousands, if not millions, of dollars and manhours to correct systems and prevent impending disaster. Others did nothing. Of course, Jan. 1, 2000, came and went without any destruction. The sky did not fall. Chicken Little was disappointed that his time before the king ended without a great disaster, but he moved on.

Of course, I couldn’t write an article without mentioning global warming or climate change. Al Gore, Jim Hanson and a number of other scientists have created a robust industry predicting the damage from droughts, floods, rising sea levels, increasing storms and general climate chaos caused by unmitigated manmade climate change.

Al Gore says, “Humanity is sitting on a time bomb. If the vast majority of the world’s scientists are right, we have just 10 years to avert a major catastrophe that could send our entire planet’s climate system into a tailspin of epic destruction.” Mr. Gore wants to visit the king to tell him that all is lost unless we plant trees, properly

inflate our tires and use low-energy light bulbs.

Jim Hansen, a NASA employee and a full-time climate alarmist, states, “The latest climate models show the planet is on the brink of an emergency.”

He has called for the prosecution of electric utility officials (people like me) for high crimes against humanity and nature. Mr. Hansen continues with the same “the sky is falling” mantra he has repeated since 1988, although the actual global temperatures stubbornly refuse to match his models’ predictions.

It should be noted that when Hansen took his message to the king, he personally received $1.6 million in research fees over and above his NASA salary.

So what is the psychology of Chicken Little? He loves the talk shows and the adulation. He likes sitting with the king. He enjoys calling down destruction on those that do not heed his warnings. He is not a great and kind soul who warns of danger but a small mind that wishes us to suffer should we refuse his advice. Catastrophe is not his fear but his hope. If you don’t think so, listen to Mr. Gore, Mr. Hansen and other Chicken Littles. Finally, Chicken Little really wants to be Foxy Woxy, lure us into his lair and have us (and our money) for dinner.

Thank you for reading. Keep your eye on the sky, and I hope you have a good month. A www.alabamaliving.coop

Our Sources Say

Keeping Transmission Lines Free of Trees and Bushes We have become dependent on electricity and accustomed to having our lights come on in our homes when we flip a switch.

Waymon Pace is general manager, customer service of the Tennessee Valley Authority in Alabama.

Alabama Living

We have the convenience of dishwashers, computers, televisions, and many other appliances and recreational devices at our fingertips, thanks to the availability of the electricity which powers them.

There is a lot of planning on the part of TVA and the power distributors to make sure this ready supply of electricity is available for the consumer. They have to carefully maintain their transmission systems, not only the lines, but also what is around them.

A critical part of this is clearing trees and other tall-growing plants which pose safety hazards and could possibly cause power outages.

There are four reasons why we cut trees along our lines: safety, reliable power, rates, and regulations.

Our first concern is public safety.

Trees and other objects do not have to touch a high-voltage line to cause injury, fire, or damage property. We clear away trees that are near lines to reduce the risks for the public.

An additional risk is present during storms, when broken limbs can cause damage to power lines Reliability is knowing that you have access to power when you want or need it. We need to know that we can rely on our supply of electricity being there at all times. It brings new businesses and jobs to our area, and allows schools, hospitals, and homes to operate as expected. Tall bushes and trees can damage power lines,

causing unnecessary power outages and affecting reliability.

From a rates perspective, the more efficient we are in maintaining the transmission system, the lower we can keep our rates. If trees are only trimmed, we have to repeatedly maintain them over a period of time, going back to them many more times than we would if the tree is cut.

And finally, there are regulations.

Since the 2003 blackout that put most of New York and a great deal of the Northeast in the dark, new requirements are in place to help prevent outages caused by vegetation growing too close to transmission lines. TVA can be required to pay fines up to a million dollars a day if even a single tree is allowed to grow within a specified distance of a power line.

For those reasons we must be diligent in keeping our right of ways clear of trees, bushes, and other large plants. We must remove any tree or plant that can grow up to 15 feet.

It is our responsibility to communicate with the public concerning what we are doing and why we are doing it. We pride ourselves on being good stewards of the environment and will not remove trees or bushes unless it presents a safety hazard or regulatory infringement.

Remember, tall trees and transmission lines don’t mix. We remove them for safety, reliability, low rates, and because it is required by regulations. A JULY 2012 37

Alabama Snapshots 2

1

My old car II 3

7

4

6 5

Submit Your Images! september Theme: “My

truck”

Send color photos with a large self addressed stamped envelope to:

Photos, Alabama Living, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL, 36124.

Rules: Alabama Living will pay $10 for photos that best match our theme of the month. Alabama Living is not responsible for lost or damaged photos.

Deadline for: July 31

38 JULY 2012

1. L a r r y B u r n s w i t h granddaughters Hallie and Cassie submitted by Larry Burns, Geraldine 2. “Shorty” and his 1934 car submitted by Phyllis Heathcock, Ohatchee 3. Don and May Alice Mims with their ‘55 Chevy submitted

by Vicki Mozingo, Deatsville

4. 1926 Model “T” Ford submitted

by Andrew O. Redmon, Wadley 5. Hobert and Isa West submitted

by Harriett West, Andalusia 6. 1966 Mustang submitted by Debbie McCay, Moulton 7. Roscoe in his 1949 Cadillac submitted by Wayne and Susan Patton, Cullman www.alabamaliving.coop

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

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