The Pintlala Ledger March 2024

Cards with a Message

PRICELESS PAPER TREASURES

By Glenda Williams for the Brotherhood News BrotherhoodNews.com

June 24, 2022

“…love one another deeply, From the Heart.” 1 Peter 1:22

Kathryn Loftin has found a unique way to use her talents and serve the Lord. For 20-25 years she has used paper, a sewing machine, ribbons, glue, buttons, scriptures and personal messages right from her heart to produce the most beautiful greeting cards you may ever see.

Kathryn is a very quiet and humble Christian who grew up in the Cedar Grove Church of Christ inAndalusia, Alabama. Today, she attends the Liberty congregation in Hope Hull,Alabama. Most of the cards she makes now are

for that congregation with their name, not hers, on each card. She does make personal cards and puts her name on them. She stressed that she wants no praise for her work because she does it for the glory of God.

For that reason, she has no desire to sell her work to big name card companies, instead, she always listens for someone’s name who is sick, needs encouragement, or a thank you. Then she lovingly spends hours creating her one-of-a-kind cards.

She uses scriptures in every card and spends a lot of time in the Bible, looking for just the right scriptures to include in her cards.

People who are fortunate enough to receive one of

I feel so blessed to be a recipient of the lovely card in the upper left. Kathryn has a special gift of hospitality and compassion. I plan on keeping my card for years to come. Thank you, Kathryn, for sharing Christ’s love in this way Jerrie Burton

Kathryn’s cards are often hesitant to discard it and keep it for years. What a beautiful ministry, and what a great

example of Ecclesiastes 9:10, which says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…”

APOSITIVEHEALTHCAREPLANFORALABAMA

By Danne Howard dhoward@alaha.org

Alabama is known for its rich history and picturesque landscape. You do not have to look farther than Pintlala to find evidence. For all the positive things about our state, and there are many, beyond the surface, lies a pressing issue

that affects too many of our citizens – access to healthcare in rural areas. With a growing population and a limited number of healthcare providers, the challenges facing rural healthcare in Alabama have reached a tipping point –impacting the access to care and well-being of every citizen regardless of where they live.

Alabama’s healthcare delivery system is shaped by the interplay between rural and urban hospitals, with both sectors facing unique challenges and opportunities that impact not only access to care but also our state's overall economy.

Rural hospitals are the cornerstone of communities. In most rural Alabama counties, they are the largest employer. Their presence supports existing businesses and facilitates the recruitment of new industries. They are on the frontline serving communities,

(Continued on page 2)

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Kathryn Loftin

often operating with limited resources. They provide emergency, diagnostic, inpatient, and outpatient carelocally. Without rural hospitals, Alabama’s urban facilities would not be able to absorb the volume of patients. Every link in the healthcare delivery system must be supported for the system to work its best.

One of the most significant issues facing healthcare is the shortage of healthcare providers. This is especially true in rural areas. Nearly half of Alabama’s rural counties have a shortage of primary care physicians, and most do not have local access to specialists.

This shortage leads to longer wait times for appointments and most often results in patients having to travel long distances to receive medical care. For elderly residents and those with limited means of transportation, this can be a major barrier to accessing necessary healthcare services.

It is difficult to recruit or retain healthcare professionals in rural Alabama. That difficulty is not because Alabama’s rural areas are an unattractive option to establish residence but is primarily due to the disproportionate number of uninsured individuals in rural communities, making it impossible for individual providers to earn a living.

In Alabama, the uninsured rate

stands at around 12%, which is higher than the national average. This means a significant portion of the population lacks access to regular healthcare services, relying on hospital emergency rooms for their medical needs.

Without health insurance, individuals often delay care or forgo treatment altogether, leading to worse health outcomes in the long run. We have nothing to brag about when study after study ranks Alabama in the number two position in having the worst health outcomes.

These studies look at metrics for conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular health, and kidney disease, to name a few. Sadly, Alabama has the second -highest rate of both stroke deaths and influenza and pneumonia deaths and the fourth-highest infant mortality rate in the nation.

A lot of work is going on to improve access to care and health outcomes. The most impactful solution being sought is finding a way to close the health insurance coverage gap.

What if I told you there is a plan, ready and waiting for our Governor and state leaders to give the nod to move forward. A plan that will not cost the state any money for a decade,

perhaps longer – and even then, there would be minimal investment without new taxes. A plan that could provide health insurance to low-income Alabamians, most of whom are working. A plan that increased workforce participation rates in other states – some by doubledigit percentage points –decreased crime rates and opioid-related deaths, and resulted in more babies being born alive, healthy and well.

A plan that could bolster the entire healthcare delivery system, create jobs, and facilitate recruiting health care professionals for our rural communities.

A plan projected to have more of a positive impact on our state’s economy than all the auto manufacturers combined.

There is such a plan. It’s called ALL Health.

You probably haven’t heard much about it yet, but I hope to follow up with a future article to report positive news on its progress – because if there is a plan that can improve access to care for all of us, strengthen our healthcare system, bolster the economic well-being of Alabama and, most importantly, the health and prosperity of its residents –what are we waiting for?

Danne

The Barefoot Belle market is so happy to announce we will be reopening in the spring of 2024!

After pausing the market for one year for our home renovation, the project is complete, and we are excited to return to what we love. The projected date for reopening is mid– April. Follow us on Instagram @thebarefootbellemarket or on Facebook @thebarefootbelle for the announcement.

Greg will continue his weekly trips to Amish country for delicious produce, and as always, we will continue to carry local honey, boiled peanuts, specialty food items and gifts. We look forward to serving you with the best produce around and reconnecting with our friends!

Greg & Sabrenia Sanders 12929 US Highway 31 Hope Hull, AL 36043

334.657.9387

sabrenia_s@yahoo.com

Myths and Facts about Solar Energy CENTER FOR ENERGY EDUCATION

Submitted by Kristi Skipper klskipper01@gmail.com

Center for Energy Education

https://center4ee.org/debunking -solar-myths/

Reprinted with permission from Center for Energy Education in Roanoke Rapids, NC

Myths and Facts about Solar Energy

You have probably seen these large, utility-scale groundmounted photovoltaic (PV) systems, commonly referred to as solar farms. Despite the many economic and environmental benefits of solar energy, there are still some myths and misconceptions circulating around.

A typical land lease for a solar farm can range from 20 to 40 years based on the agreement between the landowner and the equipment installer, and because the panels are not attached to any water system or other equipment, at the end of the lease, the land can be restored to its original purpose. Below are some other commonly asked questions and responses. Links to information sources are also included.

Clean energy jobs, like in solar, are just temporary.

Clean energy provides jobs for more than 415,000 Americans. Clean energy is set to become America’s dominant power source. Harnessing our worldclass clean energy resources will play an essential role in strengthening the country’s economy and combating the climate crisis. From renewables to energy efficiency, clean energy offers a variety of

employment opportunities. What’s more, those who might struggle to find work in rural areas now have more access to good paying jobs, such as those in solar farm construction.

Source 1: https://energync.org/ faqs/

Source 2: https:// cleanpower.org/facts/

Tax payers lose millions of dollars to solar farms, as they are subsidized in order for utility companies to sell electricity at generous low rates.

Various provisions in the Internal Revenue Code support investment in utility-scale solar energy equipment. These provisions reduce the after-tax cost of investing in solar property, thereby encouraging taxpayers, businesses, investors, independent power producers, utilities, and other entities to invest in solar. Solar projects contributed an estimated $564 million in state and local taxes and land-lease payments in 2021 alone. For every dollar of renewable energy tax credit claimed, the state and local governments receive an amount of the tax revenue. This means that the renewable energy income tax credit resulted in significantly more money invested in our communities than the value of the credit.

Source 1: https://energync.org/ wp-content/uploads/2017/03/ RTI_Report_2016-1.pdf

Source 2: https:// cleanpower.org/facts/solarpower/

farming, it is highly unlikely it will ever be farmed again. Land can be reverted back to agricultural uses at the end of the operational life for solar installations. A life of a solar installation is roughly 20-25 years and can provide a recovery period, increasing the value of that land for agriculture in the future. Giving soil rest can also maintain soil quality and contribute to the biodiversity of agricultural land. Evidence suggests that the long-term effects of solar panels on farmland are minor and manageable, especially because decommissioning plans and budgets are standard in the initial project development phase and lease agreements. Additionally, by leasing a portion of land for solar, landowners gain a steady stream of income, and as a result, are able to keep the land in its original form during hard economic times.

Source 1: https:// www.mass.gov/doc/groundmounted-pv-guide/download

Source 2: https://energync.org/ wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ NCSEA_NC_Solar_and_Agric ulture_4_19.pdf

Source 3: https://

farmers-guide-going-solar

You could be stuck with the cost of decommissioning these solar farms.

The solar developer is responsible for decommissioning the solar farm in almost every case. Decommissioning plans and budgets are typically standard in the initial project development phase and lease agreements. Some counties require a decommissioning plan to be submitted as part of the permitting process for new solar PV ground installation projects. Some counties require such decommissioning plans to include the method to be used for ensuring that funding will be available for decommissioning. Some counties go even one step further by requiring solar PV developers applying for permits to provide some sort of performance guarantee in the form of a surety or decommissioning bond.

Source 1: https:// content.ces.ncsu.edu/landowner -solar-leasing-contract-termsexplained#section_heading_79 61

PHOTO: Courtesy of https://center4ee.org/

Source 2: https://energync.org/ wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ NCSEA_NC_Solar_and_Agric ulture_4_19.pdf

There is no community benefit with clean energy like solar.

Clean energy can only stand to benefit and enhance your community. Utility-scale solar is a major economic contributor. The industry has invested nearly $133 billion in projects nationwide. Clean energy provides jobs for more than 415,000 Americans. The U.S. has enough installed clean energy to power 56 million American homes. Solar projects also contributed an estimated $564 million in state and local taxes and land-lease payments in 2021 alone. Clean energy avoids 86 million cars’ worth of CO2 emissions every year.

Source: https://cleanpower.org/ facts/

Solar panels drive down property values.

Analysis from the survey data in the source below shows that there has been no impact on sale price for residential, agricultural, or vacant residential land that adjoins the existing solar farms included in the study.

Additionally, many farmers with solar installed on their land now have a sense of economic security because of the steady stream of income they receive from solar lease payments.

Source: https://energync.org/ faqs/

Solar panels are made out of toxic materials.

The most common type of solar panels are manufactured with crystalline-silicon, a non-toxic element, and currently make up 95% of the solar market. Solar panel materials are also enclosed and don’t mix with water or vaporize into the air –meaning there is no threat of chemicals releasing into the environment during normal use. In addition, the panels are manufactured to endure all weather conditions and are sealed shut to further ensure public safety. Almost all solar PV panels are made of tempered glass, pass rigorous hail tests, and are regularly installed in Arctic and Antarctic conditions.

Source: https://energync.org/ faqs/

Solar energy development is very land intensive.

This is a common misconception. However, the United States EIA predicts that

solar farms will only take up 3 million of the available 900 million acres of farmland in the US by 2030. The amount of land dedicated to solar needed to generate enough energy to power the entire country would occupy roughly as much space as coal mines currently take up. Additionally, it is possible to successfully combine solar electricity generation and agriculture on the same piece of land.

Source 1: https://energync.org/ faqs/

Source 2: https://energync.org/ wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ NCSEA_NC_Solar_and_Agric ulture_4_19.pdf

Fossil fuel costs are low, therefore there is no need to invest in other clean technologies for electricity.

Because clean energy sources like solar and energy efficiency technologies don’t rely on fuel, there is much more price certainty. Solar and wind output is highly predictable, giving grid operators ample time to adjust to changes in output, unlike conventional power plants that can unexpectedly and suddenly trip offline. Clean energy generation also increases state energy resiliency and security as more energy is produced inside the state and does not need to be imported from other states or countries. Wind and solar energy also saves 113 billion gallons of water a year since they don’t need water for cooling, unlike thermal power plants, such as fossil fuel and nuclear power plants. Bonus: unlike traditional, fossil-fuel powered sources, the price of renewables continues to decrease – even as the technology improves.

Source 1: https:// cleanpower.org/facts/

Source 2: https://energync.org/

faqs/

Solar panels cause risks from electric and magnetic fields. Unlike fossil fuel energy sources, solar panels do not produce harmful emissions. There are no confirmed health impacts from solar panels at levels encountered by the public. In fact, solar panels produce a lower electromagnetic field exposure than most household appliances, such as televisions and refrigerators.

Source: https:// legacy.uploads.southernenviron ment.org/words_docs/

Solar_EnvReviewProcess_Sitin gSolar_Final.pdf

Solar panels can’t be recycled and will contribute to landfills.

Solar power is essentially carbon-free. As the solar industry matures and the first projects reach their end of useful life, the solar industry is working closely with recyclers across the United States to establish comprehensive recycling programs that ensure re-use of as much material and equipment as feasible. A PV panel has a life cycle of 20-30 years. Throughout its lifetime, the panel capacity does not diminish, meaning panels installed in the early 1980s still perform at its original capacity. Even at the end of its life cycle, 90-95% of a PV panel is recyclable. The waste from retiring a PV panel is substantially less than what may be expected.

Source 1: https:// cleanpower.org/facts/solarpower/

Source 2: https://energync.org/ wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ NCSEA_NC_Solar_and_Agric ulture_4_19.pdf

An Opportunity for YOU PINTLALA SOFTBALL LIVES

Mike Hawthorne mhawthorne57@yahoo.com

Last year was an incredibly successful year for Pintlala Softball! We had 210 kids and had to cutoff registration for the first time in many years!

Registration has been posted to Facebook, and we highly encourage everyone to register early! The deadline is Wednesday, May 1st.

The success of our league is based on volunteers which run everything! The work that is done keeps the fees down for all families! There are several ways that you can support us!

Sponsorships are available! If you have a business, you can become a sponsor. We will make and display your sign all throughout the season.

Due to rising costs of the signs, the cost for the first year is now $300 and $200 for every year thereafter.

Volunteers are desperately needed this year especially in the concession stand. With the increase in kids in the last two years, our volume has grown tremendously. Signup Genius will be posted on Facebook once the schedule comes out. Practices will occur in May, and the first games will be played on June 3rd. If you can sign up for just one night or even an hour or two, it is much needed and appreciated!

Volunteers are needed for our clean-up days which are scheduled for Saturday, May 4th and May 18th this year. Help is needed with items such as repairing our outfield fence which was damaged during one of the storms during the offseason. Other items that are needed are general yard work, cleaning, and maintenance to the field. If there is any roofing expertise in the area, we have roofing problems with our bathroom building.

Finally, as we do every year, coaches are needed! Without our volunteer coaches, there is no league!

After 63 years, many substantial upgrades were completed last year!Among these were a new concession stand, replacement of LED lights (which were replaced in the field due to storm damage the year before), and a new press box. Projects that are currently being worked on include bleachers, additional

electrical work, bathrooms, and the field itself.

As many of you know, with the field in a low area, we have constant drainage issues. Help is needed in these areas and is always appreciated!

As always, our board would like to thank all the faithful volunteers who have helped, whether physically or financially. With the children’s league and the adult league, our community ballpark continues to thrive! We are looking forward to another successful year with your help! Donations to the Pintlala Softball League are always needed and it is a 501c3 nonprofit group.

Check out the Pintlala Softball FaceBook page for updates, info and sign-up forms.

PINTLALAVOLUNTEERFIREDEPARTMENTNEWS

By Shawn Holland, Chief sholland@pintlalafire.com

Pintlala Fire Department has been very busy lately, we have been undergoing a new change to integrate our incident reporting to an all-electronic system that will allow for more hands on and intuitive patient care, more in depth and detailed fire / medical records for patient’s, home / business owners, as well as insurance companies.

Pintlala Fire Department personnel have also been hard at work furthering their fire department knowledge by receiving fire / medical training to include Emergency Medical Technician. The EMT course that our personnel attended is a multi-week course that requires

in-class attendance and hands on training and multiple long nights of studying in preparation for the NREMT national registry.An in-depth adaptive exam that is required after completion of the EMT course.

I am pleased to announce that the Pintlala Fire Department personnel that attended this course passed their NREMT national registry exam on their first attempt.

The Pintlala Fire Department also had the honor of being formally invited to Pintlala Baptist Church for a Sunday service where we witnessed a wonderful service and were recognized by the people of the community for the services our volunteers and paid staff offer

on a day-to-day basis to make the community a better and safer place for everyone including residence of the community and visitors who are just passing through.

Pintlala Fire Department is always looking for new volunteers and people who would like to have the opportunity to be a part of such a great organization with outstanding community goals. Regardless of anyone’s

PHOTO: Courtesy of Shawn Holland

PHOTO: Courtesy of Shawn Holland

PINTLALA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

By Mrs. Jasmine Deese jasmine.deese@mps.k12.al.us

Pintlala Elementary School.

Principal

334.288.9523

Read Across America Week - We celebrated the importance of reading during this week! We chose books to represent a theme for each day that we dressed up. Our library media specialist created activities where students had to guess their teacher's favorite books, as well as guessing characters based on their silhouettes. We also hosted guest readers that got the students excited about listening to a Daddy Daughter Dance - We hosted over 35 Daddy Daughter Duos! They danced, ate cookies and brownies, and drank punch. This was such a fun event that we will definitely continue having each school year.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Jasmine Deese

PHOTO: Courtesy of Jasmine Deese

PHOTO: Courtesy of Jasmine Deese

PHOTO: Courtesy of Jasmine Deese

YOUR PINTLALA COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

SHARE:

The Pintlala Ledger editions can be viewed on issuu.com, search “Pintlala Ledger.” If you know of someone who would like to receive an email with the link please have them email thepintlalaledger@gmail.com or garyburton1@charter.net

SUPPORT:

Our parent organization PACERS Newspaper Network, is a 501c3 nonprofit group supporting rural Alabama newspapers.

The Pacers Rural Community News Network has launched a web site at https://pacers-prcnn00852.squarespace.com/ chapters with archived issues of the four rural newspaper they sponsor.

Your contributions to “PACERS, INC” c/o Gary Burton, 13812 US Highway 31, Hope Hull, AL 36043 are greatly appreciated.

ADVERTISE:

We would love to publish an ad for your business in the newspaper. Contact Kim O’Connor at 334.220.3025 or kmoc1968@gmail.com for ad information.

JOIN THE TEAM

We are always in need of

We were named as a Science of Reading Spotlight School by the State Department of Education earlier in the school year. This visit allowed principals and reading specialists from all over the state to come and observe our Reading Coach, Mrs. Tammy Marshall and our First Grade Teacher, Mrs. Charlie Jeter teach in tandem. They focused on phonological and phonemic awareness.

volunteer staff who would like to edit, sell ads, write articles, or interview people in our neighborhood.

Thank you for supporting our community newspaper.

We welcome your story ideas, comments and suggestions. Please contact Kristi Skipper at klskipper01@gmail.com or thepintlalaledger@gmail.com

PHOTO: Courtesy of Jasmine Deese

PHOTO: Courtesy of Jasmine Deese

PHOTO: Courtesy of Jasmine Deese

Colts Are Service Oriented

HOOPER ACADEMY COLTS IN ACTION

By Judy Reeves jreeves@hooperacademy.org

In the heart of our beloved small town, HooperAcademy continues to shine brightly, illuminating the path to academic excellence and community spirit. Recent months have seen a flurry of events and accomplishments, each weaving a unique thread in the school's rich tapestry.

December ushered in the holiday season with the heartwarming tradition of "Cookies with Santa and Grandparents." Families gathered to share in the joy and laughter, forging bonds

February brought forth the eagerly anticipated adult prom, a glamorous affair orchestrated by the Student Government Association (SGA) to support Ashley's Embrace, a local charity. The evening of dancing and revelry exemplified Hooper's commitment to service and compassion.

In the realm of academics, our High School Scholar’s team won the District High School Scholar’s Bowl at Evangel ChristianAcademy in February and competed in the State Scholar’s Bowl at Troy University Montgomery where they placed 8th out of 80 academic schools. March saw

Athletic prowess was on full display throughout the season, with basketball teams making their mark. The Varsity Boys soared to the Final Four, while the Junior Varsity Boys clinched the state championship. The Varsity Girls fought their way to the Elite Eight, joined by the JV Girls in the state tournament.

Recognition of excellence shone brightly as Coach Jessi Hayes was honored as the River Region Parents' Teacher of the Month. Her innovative teaching methods and unwavering dedication continue to inspire students and colleagues alike. Photo courtesy of Hooper Academy.

The importance of literacy was emphasized as Big Mo, the mascot of the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, visited to promote the joy of reading to elementary students.

(Continued on page 9)

PHOTO: Courtesy of Hooper Academy

PHOTO: Courtesy of Hooper Academy

Service remained at the forefront of Hooper's mission as the SGA delivered over 2,000 canned food items to the Mountain Hill Baptist Church Food Pantry, offering support to those in need.

dedication and readiness to embrace future opportunities.

Agricultural students showcased their skills at the Montgomery County Livestock Expo, earning recognition for their dedication and hard work.

The dedication of Hooper's faculty was celebrated with nominations for SGANational Teachers of the Year, recognizing the outstanding contributions of Maury "Coach Pop" Popwell and Lauren Meredith.

In the realm of sports, victories continued as the Varsity Softball and Baseball teams triumphed at the Ft. Dale Tournament in February.

Beyond traditional sports, students embraced new challenges, kicking off the clay shooting season at the Lower Wetumpka Road Shooting Club.

As HooperAcademy looks to the future, the collective spirit of achievement and community serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path to even greater heights of success and impact. As the school continues to grow and thrive, Hooper Academy extends an invitation to the wider community. Prospective students, parents, and anyone interested in becoming a part of the Hooper family are encouraged to visit the school and witness firsthand the vibrant and nurturing environment it provides. The doors are open, and the Hooper community welcomes all who wish to be a part of its rich tapestry of history, achievements, and shared values.

For more information about HooperAcademy please call our main office at (334) 288-5980.

Hooper Academy

380 Fischer Road

Hope Hull AL 36043

Answers to the December 2023 Word Search Puzzle

PHOTO: Courtesy of Hooper Academy

We, The People”

By Lee Hester lee.hester@att.net

Part 1 of 3

Of the people. By the people. And stick it to the people. Right?

Well, I hope you took issue with that last one when you read these three little phrases. If not, take another look. After all, we are a government of the people, by the people, and FOR the people.

And yet, despite this very familiar phrase, do "We, The People," really accept such? I'd like to think we do, but then as the political season is in full swing around us, I wonder. With primary elections recently completed and the general election just a few months away how is it that WE, the people, seem to miss the simple

truth that while majority rule applies and may not always align with our individual wishes, the collective WE are in charge. WE make the choices and decisions. And in that WE have roles and responsibilities. What are they? And are we prepared to accept them?

Our roles and responsibilities begin with participation.

And from the get go, we are falling short. When considering the number of eligible voters compared to those who actually vote, especially in local elections, it's disheartening. In a recent conversation with a thirty-something, I mentioned that I'd just come from voting. It was super Tuesday. This person had no idea.

Local participation in that primary election ran just under

Fiftieth Anniversary

25% locally. Republicans and Democrats for local and national elections were selecting their candidates from the county probate judge up to the President of the United States.

Statistically, only 40% of eligible voters vote in the twoyear elections with approximately 60% voting in presidential election years. It's less in primaries. That's only 4-6 out of 10 that even show up. But I'll guarantee 100% of eligible voters complain when something isn't to their liking and demand "something" needs to be done. Consider a local election where only 25% of the eligibles actually vote, and let's assume there are three candidates.

The majority of votes putting a candidate in office could be somewhere around only 9% of

eligible voters. You're thinking, so what? Why does it matter? The answer is in your wallet, and you’ll read more about that in the next edition of the Ledger. In the meantime, if you’re not registered to vote, register. If you don’t know when the next election is, look it up – and put it on your calendar. We, the people, can do better.

Continued in next issue.

AHA CONNECTS PEOPLE TOGETHER

Founded in 1974, the nonprofit serves as state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Look to the Humanities

The nonprofit Alabama Humanities Alliance (AHA) marks its 50th anniversary this year and, in my humble opinion, residents of Pintlala and other rural Alabama communities should consider bringing AHA resources to bear soon on local relationships, issues and interests.

Through grants and programs, AHA helps Alabamians share stories and engage in lifelong learning and other forms of civic engagement that bind people together in communities.

AHA believes the humanities can bring communities together to consider their futures.

But what are the humanities?

The humanities are areas of study like history, philosophy, religion, languages, and arts –fields that help us compare and share with one another our human experiences.

It seems that in today’s social and media climate it can be frightfully easy to see people who do not think (or look or act) like we do as less than fully human unless we put some work into feeling

otherwise. AHA can help Alabamians do that work.

If you’ve ever read a story, studied a language, culture or religion (including your own), or watched a documentary about a person from the past or an historic event, you have already engaged as an individual, a family, a church, or a school with the humanities.

(Continued on page 11)

Laura Anderson landerson@alabamahumaniti es.org

(Continued from page 10)

To take advantage of AHA resources, community members can choose to engage with the humanities together in an effort to know one another or a neighboring community more fully.

Whole towns might do a “big read” of one story or might host a speaker whose expertise or lived experience helps people understand something together.

Different organizations in a community or county might research the past together or host an exhibit together in service to others. Undertakings like these are the humanities in action.

AHA offers both programs and grants to Alabamians who would engage in the humanities with others.

AHA’s longest-running programs include the Road Scholars Speakers Bureau, SUPER (School University Partnerships for Educational Renewal) Teacher workshops, and the Museum on Main Street program – a 30-year partnership with the Smithsonian. These professional and community development opportunities require Alabamians to raise their hands to become participating partners. Call us! We would love to talk with you about program partnerships.

Through AHA’s grantmaking, on the other hand, community cornerstones, cultural nonprofits, and other groups design publicly-accessible humanities projects from literary festivals and documentary films to traveling exhibitions, public lectures, oral history projects, and more – and receive financial and other support needed to bring their projects to life. Think you have an idea? Call us! We would love to talk with you about grant applications.

Whether your community chooses to engage with AHA via programs or grants, AHA’s 50th anniversary vision is to see its resources brought to bear statewide on local interests and issues like never before in the history of the organization or the state of Alabama.

You, then, are a part of the golden anniversary vision. We hope you will explore

AHA programs and grants with your neighbors and decide if the time is right for partnership with Alabama Humanities Alliance.

We sure hope to visit, hear from and work with you in AHA’s next fifty years.

Laura Anderson serves Alabama Humanities Alliance as Director of Partnerships and Outcomes. Curator of MAKING ALABAMA: A Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit and its 67-county tour, she values the view of Alabama she has been blessed to enjoy thanks to years of work here as rural community documentation and celebration coordinator with the PACERS Cooperative, oral historian, archivist, and researcher, all of which have permitted indulgence for her love of going down pig trails. To learn more about AHA, visit www.alabamahumanities.org

Sunday 9:45 a.m., Bible Study for all age 11:00 a.m., Morning Worship

Wednesday 5:15 p.m., Fellowship Supper 6:00 p.m., Adult Bible Study, Preschool/Children/Youth Activities

Egg Hunt and Ice Cream LIBRARY FOR READING AND EXCITEMENT

By Sandra Berry pintlalacirc@mccpl.lib.al.us

334.281.8069

Ms. Berry says sign up during May for the FREE Summer Ready Program June 3 July 26. Check out the library

Facebook page for more info. See you there!

Right: Egg Hunt at the Library on Tuesday March 12, 2024 Mrs. Self's Pre-K class. Thank you for coming.

Monday, January 8, 2024

Pintlala's 5th and 6th Graders

Story Time with Craft

We read “March On” by:

Christine King Farris Craft: Dr. King Bookmarks

By Angela Boyd angela@rah-al.com

For many people, Home Health and Home Care may seem synonymous until they take a close look at the services provided. Home Health and Home Care are both types of care that are provided in a home setting however, they do have differences.

What is Home Health? Home Health refers to clinical medical care provided in-home by a registered nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist or other skilled medical professionals. Home Health services include therapy and skilled nursing services,

administration of medications, medical tests, monitoring of health status and wound care. Some situations where home health may be prescribed include monitoring side effects after a medication change, post inpatient hospitalization, rehabilitation, or when seniors experience an overall decline in functioning to help them regain independence.

What is Home Care? Home Care is provided by caregivers or home care aides who are trained to understand the nuances of senior care. Home care aides can help seniors with daily living activities, such as cleaning, grocery shopping, and preparing meals. They also

a reward for winning our Easter present decorating contest. Mrs. Sandra personally scooped the ice cream for the kiddos while they listened to some of their favorite songs.

provide some friendly companionship. Home Care is classified as personal care and is considered nonclinical. Home Care might be considered when a senior needs assistance with activities such as grooming, meal preparation, driving and transportation assistance, helping with bill paying, and taking medication. They can also be helpful for seniors at risk of social isolation and needing companionship.

This info is found at https:// www.covliving.org/app/ uploads/2022/11/TheDIfferences-Home-Care-andHome-Health.pdf

HOME HEALTH VS. HOME CARE

Angela Boyd is the director of Right at Home. She has been active in senior health care for many years. If you have in home health questions or concerns, she is available to help you navigate thru your options. Angela@rah-al.com 334-517-1045

PHOTOS Courtesy of Right at Home

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Sandra Berry

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Sandra Berry

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Sandra Berry

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Sandra Berry