Around Alabama

Cullman’s annual Strawberry Festival features locally grown strawberries as well as arts and crafts and a baking competition.

APRIL

22-23 Gardendale Magnolia Festival, Gardendale Civic Center complex. More than 150 arts and crafts vendors, two stages with live entertainment, a pooch parade, midway-style carnival, car show, free kid zone, petting zoo, pony rides and cookie-eating contest. MagnoliaFestival.org

22-24 Orange Beach Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party, Flora-Bama. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday; finals each day at 4:30 p.m. $15 to toss a mullet, and all tossers receive a T-shirt. Proceeds benefit local charities. FloraBama.com

23 Florence Smoke on the Water Backyard BBQ Contest, 12 p.m. at St. Florian Park. Barbecue teams compete for cash prizes; this family-friendly event has other activities, including live entertainment. Ages 18 and older, $15; youth under 18 free with paid parent. SmokeOnTheWaterFestival.com

23-24 Guntersville 61st annual Art on the Lake, along Lake Guntersville. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Fine artists and craftsmen from throughout the Southeast and beyond are featured. Food vendors, outdoor games and rides and a bake shop. $2 for ages 13 and older; event is rain or shine. ArtOnTheLake-Guntersville.com

23-24 Troy TroyFest Art Festival, downtown Troy. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Held in honor of Troy artist Jean Lake, this weekend show draws upwards of 10,000 to downtown. Art, food, entertainment and activities for all ages. Free. TroyFestArts.com

29-May 1 Huntsville Panoply Arts Festival, Big Spring Park. This 40th celebration of art, music and more will welcome more than 100 visual artists from a variety of mediums to the Art Marketplace, plus two musical performance stages, artisan food trucks, kid-friendly interactives, community art projects and more. ArtsHuntsville.org 30 Scottsboro Salsa on the Square, downtown. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Arts and crafts vendors, food vendors and competitions for best salsa, specialty sauce and festive booth, with business and amateur divisions. 256-912-0520 or search Scottsboro Trade Days on Facebook.

30-May 1 Enterprise Piney Woods Arts Festival, Enterprise State Community College. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday. One of the oldest juried arts and crafts shows in the area, the festival features original arts and crafts, children’s fun center, food and entertainment. Free. CoffeeCountyArtsAlliance.com

MAY

7Fairhope Barnwell Community Crawfish Derby 2022, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Oak Hollow Farm, 14210 S. Greeno Road. All you can eat crawfish, live music, Kentucky Derby watch party, silent auction and more to benefit restoration of the Barnwell Community Center, a historic 1918 wooden schoolhouse. BarnwellCommunity.org

7Cullman Cullman Strawberry Festival, 10 a.m., Depot Park. Free event with live music, craft vendors, fun and games, Doggy “Pawgeant,” baking competition, food and locally grown strawberries. CullmanStrawberryFest.com.

13-14 Troy Thunder on Three Notch, Pioneer Museum of Alabama, 248 U.S. Highway 231 North. Two days of living history, including re-enactments of the last two battles of the Creek War of 1836 that were fought near Hobdy’s Bridge on the Pea River. Battles between militia and Native Americans at 2 p.m. each day. Skilled artisans and craftsmen in period clothing come to life on the grounds of the museum. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. both days. 334-566-3597.

14 Henagar May on the Mountain Bluegrass Festival, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Henagar City Park at the Cabin. Free; bring a lawn chair to enjoy a full day of local and professional bluegrass music and free food. 256-657-6282.

28-29 Dothan A Night at the Park, Landmark Park. This camping adventure for families features a night walk through the park, hay rides, s’mores, Nerf war, water balloon battleship and tent camping. 4 p.m. Friday through 9 a.m. Saturday. Fee is $20 per person for park members, $25 per person for nonmembers. Food included. Families are responsible for their own tents, sleeping bags and camping gear. LandmarkParkDothan.com

Call or verify events before you make plans to attend. Due to the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, some events may change or be canceled after press time.

To place an event, e-mail events@alabamaliving.coop. or visit www.alabamaliving.coop. You can also mail to Events Calendar, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124; Each submission must include a contact name and phone number. Deadline is two months prior to issue date. We regret that we cannot publish every event due to space limitations.

Gravitas

Burdened by a Mississippi public school education, my vocabulary has never been particularly deep. As a high school senior, we had a six-week course study in literature named “Thirty Days to a Stronger Vocabulary.” We learned a new word every day. However, a short 50 years later I can’t remember a single one.

I tell you that to explain how I learned “gravitas.” I heard gravitas the first time, I recall, from my friend Ted Jackson, who at that time was our general counsel. A couple of us looked at each other and asked Ted what the word meant. He explained in his calm way that gravitas meant deep seriousness, dignity and a weighty consideration. As I hear more from climate change activists on the Net-Zero by 2050 proposition, I think back to Ted’s explanation. I do so because the Net-Zero campaign and most of the climate change proposals are completely devoid of any gravitas.

To start, thousands of leaders of the climate change movement gather at far-away places like Kyoto, Paris, Lima, Madrid, and this year in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, as well as other exotic destinations. They attend to propose how we – those who don’t attend – should have to live. Some of those proposals are drastic; for instance, all of us immediately changing our modes of transportation from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles (that supposedly have a smaller carbon footprint and will help alleviate climate change). According to these proposals, we must also immediately retire all coal-fired electric generation plants, change how we raise food, reduce how often we travel, and radically adjust the food we eat – all to supposedly reduce our carbon footprints and control our carbon emissions. In short, we will have to change our lives in almost every way as a sacrifice to the Net-Zero gods.

The Net-Zero advocates completely ignore the huge costs of their ambitions. No cost or inconvenience is too high to meet Net-Zero by 2050. Last month I referenced a McKinsey and Company study that indicates a successful Net-Zero campaign would cost $275 trillion to implement. To put the cost into context, it is three times the entire world’s 2021 total gross domestic product of $94 trillion. Spending three years of the world’s GDP in hopes of making some difference has no gravitas.

The Net-Zero advocates also have little advice on solving Net-Zero other than using nothing but renewable energy. They have no defined plan to manage the intermittency of renewables or manage an electric grid that rotates at 60 cycles per second with solar and batteries that do not spin at all. They seem to be completely oblivious to the physics of the questions about energy production.

The declarations of the leaders also lack credibility. How many times do we need to hear things like the North Pole will be icefree by the summer of 2013, glaciers will disappear by 2016, or the world as we know it will end in 12 years if the New Green Deal is not adopted?

The Net-Zero advocates also place unserious people at the front of the arguments. For instance, Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg has become a leading spokesperson for Net-Zero. She has written a book in which she states, “Around 2030 we will be in a position to set off an irreversible chain reaction beyond human control that will lead to the end of our civilization as we know it.” I’m not sure in which high school class she learned about climate science, but I doubt she has sufficient expertise in the subject (or knowledge of the physics of obtaining Net-Zero) to write a serious book.

Finally, just last week, former Secretary of State and current U.S. Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry warned of “massive emission consequences from a Russian war against Ukraine which will be a distraction from work on climate change.” He also stated, “I hope President Putin will help us stay on track with respect to what we need to do for the climate. I hope Mr. Putin realizes Northern Russia is thawing and his infrastructure is at risk, and the people of Russia are at risk.” All that was directed at a dictator who is killing civilians in their homes and threatening nuclear action. Mr. Kerry is talking utter nonsense.

The entire Net-Zero movement lacks depth, seriousness, logic or gravitas. It is time the whole group either gets serious about what can practically be done and how we can live with whatever climate change occurs, or moves on to the next existential threat of our time.

I am prepared for all the comments of “What does this have to do with my electric utility?” and “Why do you pick on teenagers?” It is about your electric utility because you will pay much of the increased costs of Net-Zero in your electric bills, and I will temper my feelings of teenagers’ opinions until they have learned enough about life to tell me how I am ruining theirs.

I hope you have a good month.

Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.

Sparking interest in STEM careers for Alabama students

Nearly 5,000 young students in Alabama are benefitting from STEM grants during the 2021-2022 school year. Alabama schools have been awarded $61,000 in grants to develop science, technology, engineering, and math education projects as part of TVA’s partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc., a TVA retirement organization.

The STEM program was created to help prepare students for bright futures in STEM-related careers.

According to Jeannette Mills, TVA executive vice president and chief external relations officer, “TVA is committed to supporting STEM education to help develop today’s students into tomorrow’s engineers, scientists and IT professionals. It’s inspiring to be able to contribute to the innovators of the next generation.”

Throughout TVA’s service region, teachers submitted 336 grant applications and 233 grants were selected for funding, marking the largest number of grants funded since the program began.

Even with the continuing pandemic-related challenges that teachers are facing, they are focused on providing the best STEM education possible and have adjusted to new ways of teaching, as pointed out by Rachel Crickmar, TVA community engagement senior program manager.

Grants are awarded in urban and rural areas to meet the diverse needs of local communities and range from $1,000 to $5,000.

At Arab Junior High School, served by Arab Electric Cooperative, teachers will use the grant to help students design, build and program a robot to compete in the VEX Robotics Competition Tipping Point challenge. In addition to learning STEM concepts, students will hone their communications and writing skills by documenting the design process in an Engineering Design Notebook that is evaluated by industry judges. Students will have the option to compete in year-round tournaments at the regional, state, and national levels.

Skyline High School, served by North Alabama Electric Cooperative, will create an outdoor solar and wind energy laboratory

Last year, DAR Middle School in Marshall County, Alabama, which is served by North Alabama Electric Cooperative, used its STEM grant to support the school’s robotics program. with their STEM grant. The laboratory will contain a wind turbine and solar panel sized for home use, as well as other equipment. The laboratory will be used by environmental science students to analyze renewable energy sources. Physics students will use the laboratory to study heat transfer and thermodynamics. All students will have the opportunity to make measurements and observations with authentic renewable systems. According to Crickmar, the projects TVA funds are across the STEM spectrum. In addition, some schools submit applications for the full amount available for larger scale activities, while others ask for grants to fill in gaps in equipment or educational material. For instance, at Cullman High School the science lab had several inoperable hot plates, which are important tools used in conducting science experiments. The hot plates can be expensive to replace, so teachers are using the grant to purchase a new set. A school served by Cullman Electric Cooperative, Fairview Middle School, will be using the grant to purchase STEM activities to use during cooperative learning. Teachers plan to develop STEM learning centers in the sixth-grade classroom that will help students develop sharp problem-solving skills. These are among the many examples of how teachers and schools are creating excitement among students about pursuing Kevin Chandler is the customer relations rewarding careers in STEM-related fields.director, Regional Relations South, for the Tennessee Valley Authority. A full list of the grant recipients and information about apply ing for future grants can be found attvastem.com. -

How To Place a Line Ad in Marketplace

Closing Deadlines (in our office): June 2022 Issue by April 25 July 2022 Issue by May 25 August 2022 Issue by June 25

Ads are $1.75 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.

Miscellaneous

WALL BEDS OF ALABAMA - SOLID WOOD & LOG FURNITURE – Outdoor Rockers, Gliders & Swings, HANDCRAFTED AMISH CASKETS $1,599 - ALABAMA MATTRESS OUTLET – SHOWROOM Collinsville, AL – Custom Built / Factory Direct - (256)490-4025, www.wallbedsofalabama.com, www.alabamamattressoutlet.com

HEARING AIDS TOO EXPENSIVE? Do you qualify for help or low payments? Hearing Aid Helpline (866)479-1519, www.careconnectusa.org FREE MATERIALS: SOON CHURCH / GOVERNMENT UNITING, suppressing “RELIGIOUS LIBERTY”, enforcing NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW, Be informed! Need mailing address only. POB 374, Ellijay, GA 30540 – thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com, (888)211-1715

Vacation Rentals

MILITARY / SERVICE DISCOUNTS on dozens of rentals. No Booking Fees. (251)333-6500, ALAVHR.com

OWNERS – Join the fastest growing regional site in Alabama. Low annual fee. Verified Owners, no booking fees or commissions. Alabama Vacation Home Rentals. Locally Owned and Operated. (251)333-6500, ALAVHR.com GULF SHORES / ORANGE BEACH / FORT MORGAN – Choose from hundreds of beach houses and condos! Verified Owners. No Booking Fees. ALAVHR.com ORANGE BEACH CONDO, 3BR/3BA; 2,000 SQ.FT.; beautifully decorated; waterfront view; easy beach access; boat slips – GREAT RATES - Owner rented (251)604-5226 GATLINBURG – DOWNTOWN LUXURY CREEKSIDE CONDO – 2BR / 2BA, sleeps 6 – aubie552@gmail.com, (256)599-5552 AFFORDABLE BEACHSIDE VACATION CONDOS – Sugar Beach Condos in Orange Beach, AL – Rent Direct from Christian Family Owners – Lowest Prices on the Beach! www.gulfshorescondos. com, (251)752-2366, (251)656-4935 GULF FRONT PANAMA CITY CONDO – Splash Condominiums – Owner Rental – 1BR / 2BA w/ hallway bunks, Sleeps 6, 18th Floor Balcony View of Ocean – (706)566-6431, bjeffers3@hotmail.com PANAMA CITY BEACH CONDO – Owner rental – 2BR / 2BA, wireless internet, just remodeled inside and outside – (334)7900000, jamesrny0703@comcast.net, www. theroneycondo.com ORANGE BEACH CONDO – 2BA / 1.5BA. Balcony View of Ocean. Across the street from public beach. Owner Rental (334)220-0443. LAKE HOMES / CABINS – Verified Owners. No Booking Fees. ALAVHR.com MENTONE, AL LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN COTTAGE RENTALS – Best brow views, River Front – cottagesofmentone.com, Call or text (504)4818666

GULF SHORES, BEACH VACATION RENTAL – 4BR / 2BA, on the Beach, VRBO 1637830 – (405)6402663 PET FRIENDLY – Save $$$ by booking directly from Verified Owners. ALAVHR.com

GULF SHORES PLANTATION BEACH CONDO – 2 Bedrooms / 2 Baths. NO pets, NO smoking. Max 6 people. (205)344-3810

Land, Lots & Real Estate Sales

A BEAUTIFUL 57 ACRE TRACT SUB-DIVIDED into 11 - 12 acre parcels. A well-established community with public utilities and paved roads. Well suited for the “ Mini-Farm “ lifestyle. Located in the Magnolia Farms Subdivision, only 2 miles from Pensacola, in the Clear Springs community. Priced from $ 16,000 / per acre. (850) 450-3353 QUALITY CUSTOM HOMES BUILT ON YOUR LOT! Watermark Builder offers Affordable pricing and amazing standard features. We make building easy! Schedule your FREE design consultation now! Call (334)512-9866 or visit BuildWatermark.com 20 ACRE PASTURE FENCED MINI FARM in ALPINE / TALLADEGA, AL. Furnished cabin, large pole barn, full RV hook-up, septic tank, and well. Contact wdmore@bellsouth.net or (770)616-2476.

Education

FREE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE – write to P.O. Box 52, Trinity, AL, 35673

Give a 12 ISSUE gift subscription to

for only $1

an issue.

Recipient’s Name:___________________________ Street: __________________________ City: ____________________________ Zip: _____________________________ Phone: __________________________ E-mail: __________________________

RETURN WITH $12 CHECK PAYABLE TO

ALABAMA LIVING

MAIL TO: Alabama Living 340 TechnaCenter Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 ONLINE: www.alabamaliving.coop