July 2022 Cullman

Stories | Recipes | Events | People | Places | Things | Local News July 2022

Cullman Electric COOPERATIVE

Getting up close with the animals Songwriters Festival Summer cobblers

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CULLMAN

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Manager Tim Culpepper Co-op Editor Lindsey Dossey

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. Subscriptions are $12 a year for individuals not subscribing through participating Alabama electric cooperatives. 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 Karl Rayborn Editor Lenore Vickrey Managing Editor Allison Law Creative Director Mark Stephenson Art Director Danny Weston Advertising Director Jacob Johnson Graphic Designer/Production Coordinator Brooke Echols

ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL OFFICES:

340 TechnaCenter Drive Montgomery, Alabama 36117-6031 1-800-410-2737 For advertising, email: advertising@areapower.com For editorial inquiries, email: contact@alabamaliving.coop NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE:

American MainStreet Publications 611 South Congress Ave., Suite 504 Austin, Texas 78704 1-800-626-1181 www.AMP.coop www.alabamaliving.coop USPS 029-920 • ISSN 1047-0311

Sing a song

The sounds of Nashville will reach the shores of Lake Martin at the second Lake Martin Songwriters Festival this month.

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Printed in America from American materials

JULY 2022

Readers’ choice

Check out some of the snapshots readers have sent to us over the past few months.

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A taste of Germany

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Summer cobblers

Hildegard’s German Cuisine in Huntsville has been serving authentic comfort food from the Bavarian region of Germany since 2003.

The ready availability of fresh fruit makes summer the perfect season to bake a cobbler your family will savor.

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D E P A R T M E N T S 11 Spotlight 25 Around Alabama 28 Outdoors 29 Fish & Game Forecast 30 Cook of the Month 38 Hardy Jackson’s Alabama ONLINE: alabamaliving.coop ON THE COVER

Look for this logo to see more content online!

VOL. 75 NO. 7

Visitors to the Alabama Safari Park in Hope Hull can expect many of the animal residents, like this friendly ostrich, to greet them personally. Read more, Page 12.

PHOTO: Mark Stephenson

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ONLINE: EMAIL: MAIL:

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| Cullman EC |

Cullman Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees

Phillip Garrison District 1

Sheila Sizemore District 2

Robert Tidwell District 3 (Chairman)

James Fields, Jr. District 4

Lisa Weeks District 5

Daryl Calvert District 6

J. David Hembree District 7

Chad Alexander District 8

Lynda Carter At-Large

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A Natural Prescription

By Tim Culpepper It seems like everyone is angry lately. We have seen an increase in angry calls and outbursts here at Cullman Electric, and apparently, we are not alone. In conversations I have had with other people who work with the public, they are seeing the same type of responses. However, it’s not surprising, we have plenty to be angry about — inflation, COVID, and most recently, school shootings.

These daily stressors and events often make things seem hopeless. Part of the problem may be that we are bombarded with information all the time, every day. In 2018, a Nielsen Ratings Study determined that American adults spent over nine hours every day looking at a screen. What does all of that “screen time” do to our mental health?

A study completed by the University of San Diego found that the more time children watched screens, the greater their level of stress. The study also found that these children had less curiosity and were more likely to have trouble making friends. This study also determined that children who watched screens more than four hours per day were more likely to be emotionally unstable and have a lower ability to control their emotions. Sadly, I don’t think this just applies to children. I know one of the first things I do when I get up in the morning is look at my phone, and it’s one of the last things I do before I go to sleep too. As we move towards more technology and screens, what can we do to minimize this effect?

I walk most mornings for exercise. I really don’t like to walk on a treadmill, so if the weather is halfway decent, I walk outside.

Generally, I listen to music while I walk, but a friend suggested I take my headphones out and listen to nature some mornings. This simple change makes all the difference in the world. It is amazing to watch and listen to nature. The birds this spring seem to be particularly loud. I regularly cross paths with

rabbits, squirrels and recently a mother fox and her kits. I can tell the difference; it is truly relaxing.

We need to remember that we used to be much more connected to nature. In this part of the world, most of us come from farming backgrounds. By definition farm families have to be attuned to nature. Weather was the biggest single factor in turning a good crop into a bad one. Insects like the boll weevil and plant diseases like blight could mean success or failure. If the weather was decent, and sometimes even when it was not, most people were outside all day. I think farmers and people who primarily work outside are connected to nature in ways most of us in air-conditioned offices, staring at screens are not; for that, we suffer. Research has shown that a walk in the woods reduces cortisol, which is a hormone linked with stress. Cortisol and adrenaline produce the “fight or flight” response we feel when subjected to threats. It affects your blood pressure, blood sugar and sleep patterns. As little as one hour of a walking in the woods a couple of times a week can reduce your cortisol levels and help relieve stress. The Japanese have a therapy called “forest bathing” that is prescribed for people who suffer from stress-related conditions. Forest bathing is simply immersing yourself in nature by walking in the woods; that is it.

I think we would all be better off enjoying regular “forest baths.” It may be taking a hike in the woods, getting away from street lights on a clear night and looking at the amazing display of stars, or if you are lucky, it could be sitting on a beach or by the side of a lake or pond and just watching and listening to the natural world all around us. God has given us a prescription for stress relief; we just need to use it. n Tim Culpepper is the Chief Executive Officer for Cullman Electric Cooperative.

Cullman Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at https://www. usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov. www.alabamaliving.coop

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| Cullman EC |

HOLIDAY CLOSING Cullman Electric Cooperative will be closed Monday, July 4, 2022, in honor of Independence Day. Cullman EC’s 24-hour dispatch center will be staffed. Payments can be made online at CullmanEC.com or at the payment kiosks at both Cullman and Addison offices. Thank you to all who have served!

Cullman Electric Cooperative’s 2022 Touch A Truck Hundreds of guests came out to the Cullman County Fairgrounds on May 14, 2022, for the beautiful weather and to get a first hand view of tractors, fire trucks, construction vehicles, work trucks and more.

Special thanks to all of this year’s participants: Cullman County Sheriff ’s Office, Cullman Police Department, Cullman Fire Department, Hanceville Fire Department, Cold Springs Fire & Rescue, Hanceville Fire Department, Trimble Fire Department, Cullman EMS, Cullman Power Board, Cullman County Schools, RE Garrison Trucking, TriGreen Equipment, Wallace State Community College, Economy Stump Grinding, Preferred Rental, OnTrac and Sprout Fiber Internet and of course, the Cullman Electric Cooperative team.

Contact Information Office locations Cullman - headquarters 1749 Eva Road NE Cullman, AL 35055 Addison - branch office 31132 US Hwy 278 West Addison, AL 35540 Phone 256-737-3200 (main business number) 800-242-1806 (toll free) 256-737-3201 (report an outage) Website & Social Media www.cullmanec.com Follow Cullman Electric Cooperative on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @cullmanec

Payment Options Draft Pay your bill by automatic draft from your checking account or credit card Online Payments may be made 24 hours a day by check, credit card or debit card on our website at www.cullmanec.com Kiosks Payments may be made 24 hours a day at Cullman EC’s offices on Eva Road and in Addison. The kiosk located at Hopper’s Family Market in Fairview is available during regular business hours

Clockwise from top left: Kids explore a Cullman County school bus; Cullman Electric bucket truck offers the opportunity to see the equipment used to keep the lights on; Cullman County Sheriff’s office let kids explore their their rescue boat; Preferred Rental allowed kids to explore an excavator; and Hanceville Fire Department let kids explore their vintage fire truck. We hope to add even more next year!

Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the beautiful weather and the fun event!

Alabama Living

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By Mail Cullman Electric Cooperative PO Box 2303 Cullman, AL 35056-2303 Night Deposit Available at both office locations

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Sprouting value Research shows Sprout Fiber Internet increases home values With events in 2020 completely changing the landscape of many people’s lives, working remotely has become more mainstream. From selling their house and cruising the country in an RV to relocating somewhere totally new for a slower pace of life, families are making moves and big changes.

The Cullman area is growing rapidly.

In fact, according to census.gov, the population estimate for the area in April 2020 was 87,866 and in July 2021 it was 89,496. With that much of an increase in population, the housing market is booming.

Many have moved here to settle into their forever home with young families, while others have come to retire or work as professionals. Regardless of their reasons for calling our neck of the woods home, having access to a reliable internet connection helps makes the decision for many people looking to relocate.

“We are fortunate to live and serve a wonderful area that has a lot to offer and we feel that Sprout is just going to improve that,” Cullman EC CEO Tim 6 JULY 2022

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Culpepper says. “Sprout will not only help attract businesses and jobs to Cullman County, but it will also help increase the value of your home and make it more attractive for builders to build new homes in our area.”

Fiber internet is a huge must-have for homebuyers, and cutting-edge speed can seal the deal. With Sprout, they can have better and more reliable internet connection in the country than many can find in larger cities.

With the 2022 expansion of Sprout Fiber Internet’s new fiber broadband network underway, homeowners throughout the service area can soon enjoy the benefits of gig-speed internet at home, as well as potential boosts in their property values.

Cullman EC recently completed the first phase of the Sprout construction plan, and is now in the process of completing the 2022 expansion. Currently, there are 15 zones live, with more on the way in the coming months.

A recent survey by researchers at the University of Colorado and Carnegie

Mellon University reported that fiber optic connections, the fastest type of high-speed internet available, can add $5,437 to the price of a $175,000 home — equivalent to the value of a fireplace or half the value of a full bathroom.

Another study published by the nonprofit Fiber to the Home Council found a fiber broadband connection can raise a home’s value by 3%, and disconnecting a home from broadband would decrease its value by 2.8%.

If you are interested in seeing if your home, or prospective home, is available for Sprout connection, visit cullmanec. com/sprout and check the address today. n

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EXPANSION PROGRESS

New areas are now live in 2022 expansion plan

Last year, Cullman Electric Cooperative announced plans to expand Sprout Fiber Internet to new areas beginning in 2022. Construction on those areas began at the end of 2021 and today we are happy to announce some of them are now live.

In May, Zone 15 around the Fairview area became the first zone of the 2022 expansion plan to go live. In June, additional areas around Bremen and Trimble became operational, giving more members access to Sprout. Other areas will have the service in July and in the coming months.

The 2022 Expansion areas, represented in blue on the map, will be going live in the coming months. Members living in these areas can soon enjoy the benefits of a lightning-fast fiber internet connection.

“Our cooperative has made tremendous progress on our 2022 expansion plan,” Cullman EC CEO Tim Culpepper says. “We are a third of the way finished with the 2022 construction plan, and more and more members will soon have access to life-changing internet. Many of them for the first time.”

Sprout launched and began construction in June 2020, with the goal of creating a fiber optic ring to first link all Cullman EC offices and substations to a new, faster network designed to provide members the best electric service possible. The initial phase was completed in May 2022 and brought fast, competitively priced internet service to 12,000 Cullman EC members. The project started at the Eva Road office and moved east in a clockwise direction.

The 2022 expansion plan will fill in some of the areas around the initial fiber Alabama Living

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ring. This will allow Sprout to connect all corners of its electric grid and provide internet to more members.

Today, Sprout has nearly 3,000 subscribers and more than 800 miles of fiber line built.

“It’s been two years since we launched Sprout, and we have made great strides during that time,” Culpepper says. “I am extremely proud of our employees for

their efforts, especially with the challenges we faced during the pandemic.

However, we also know that many members still need access to better internet options, and our goal is to provide this service to them. We continue to work to make this happen.”

Details of future Sprout expansion plans could be announced in the coming months. Stay tuned. n

To see if Sprout is available where you live, visit cullmanec.com/sprout.

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| Cullman EC |

2023 Cullman EC Calendar

YOUR BEST PHOTOs

photo contest

could

Fill the pages of the 2023 Calendar Photos should show off the beautiful scenery, people, events, farms, pets, flowers or wildlife of the Cullman Electric Cooperative service area including Cullman, Winston, Lawrence and Morgan counties.

For complete details and to submit photos, scan here: Learn More Visit CullmanEC.com/calendar-contest (256) 737-3273

Cullman Electric Cooperative Privacy Policy Cullman Electric Cooperative collects nonpublic personal information from its members in the following ways: 1. Information that Cullman Electric receives from member applications for electric service or from credit applications or other information received from members.

2. Information that is compiled in the ordinary course of business such as usage and payment histories for member accounts.

3. Information Cullman Electric receives from third parties such as consumer reporting agencies.

Nonpublic personal information may include credit scores, social security numbers, usage or payment

histories, bank account or credit card information or other private financial information. Cullman Electric does not disclose nonpublic personal information to non-affiliated third parties, except as required by law or in providing electric and other services to its members. Non-affiliated third parties who have access to nonpublic personal information typically provide services to Cullman Electric and its members and are restricted in the use of any information they may receive by confidentiality agreements. Cullman Electric may disclose nonpublic personal information to third parties such as credit bureaus or credit reporting agencies in the ordinary course of business such as in the collection of past due Cullman Electric or Sprout

A POWERFUL TOOL AT YOUR FINGERTIPS. Cullman Electric makes managing your account a snap.

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accounts.

Cullman Electric does not sell nonpublic personal information or share such information with third parties for profit. Information is only shared with trusted vendors and other service providers to provide efficient services to the members of Cullman Electric Cooperative and their families. Cullman Electric maintains safeguards to prevent the disclosure of nonpublic personal information to unauthorized third parties and monitors the information collected to make sure that no security breaches have occurred.

Cullman Electric reserves the right to change privacy policies and disclosures. Any material changes in policy will be communicated to the members in the form of a revised privacy notice.

Visit Cullmanec.com and click the pay my bill icon at the top of the page.

www.alabamaliving.coop

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| Alabama Snapshots |

Reader’s choice

Tinley Parker at Hurbert Family Tulip Farm in New Market. SUBMITTED by Lori Parker, Rainsville.

American white pelicans at Wheeler Refuge public boat launch in Decatur.

SUBMITTED by Michael Segorski, Decatur.

Wise old owl spotted in Mentone. SUBMITTED

BY Brenda Yates, Glencoe.

Sunset. SUBMITTED by Celina Calvert, Gulf Shores.

Cruella enjoying her new life in Alabama.

SUBMITTED by Michelle Kilander, Cullman.

Beautiful fall morning on the farm. SUBMITTED by Stewart Kopp, Bon Secour.

September theme: “Football”

SUBMIT to WIN $10!

Online: alabamaliving.coop Mail: Attn: Snapshots P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124

RULES: Alabama Living will pay $10 for photos that best match our

Deadline to submit: July 31

Alabama Living

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theme of the month. Photos may also be published on our website at alabamaliving.coop and on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Alabama Living is not responsible for lost or damaged photos. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to have photos returned.

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Spotlight | July New program provides money for beginning farmers If you’re a beginning farmer in the lower 40 counties served by Alabama Ag Credit, a $10,000 grant may help you jumpstart your farming dreams.

“We know that starting a farm is a challenge,” says Doug Thiessen, Alabama Ag Credit president and CEO. “Our team is passionate about supporting agriculture in Alabama, including these startup operations.”

Full- or part-time farmers who started farming within the past two years or who plan to start a farm business in the next year can apply for one of five $10,000 jumpstart grants. In addition to farming in the Alabama Ag Credit territory, recipients must submit a business plan and complete the AgBiz Basics educational program by July 31. Applicants need not be current Alabama Ag Credit customers.

To learn more, visit AlabamaAgCredit.com/jumpstart

Severe weather knows no seasons Alabama is no stranger to storms, tornadoes, flooding and other weather-related events. It’s important to be aware of pending weather to remain safe.

The Alabama Rural Electric Association safety staff offers these reminders as we continue into hurricane season: • Make a safety plan for severe weather. Pick an area of the home without windows, such as an interior bathroom, to seek shelter.

• For smaller children use a bicycle helmet or other type helmet to protect their heads.

• Make sure flashlights are charged or have fresh batteries.

See more information at Ready.gov.

Fuel your day with healthy snacks Carbohydrates and fats are our main fuel sources throughout the day. The more active we are, the more carbohydrates we need and use. Our bodies use fats too, but those require more oxygen and are typically for when we are at rest or moving slowly.

In contrast, good quality, nutrient-dense carbohydrates help us feel good and give us energy, alertness and focus for exercise.

From HealthMed Inc., here are some healthy snack ideas to fuel your day: Veggies (bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, etc.) with guacamole or hummus; Greek yogurt with mixed berries; apple slices with nut butter; hard-boiled egg; cheese stick with whole-grain crackers and a piece of fruit; air-popped popcorn; oatmeal with fresh fruit; smoothie made with fruit; edamame and frozen grapes.

Take us along!

We’ve enjoyed seeing photos from our readers on their travels with Alabama Living! Please send us a photo of you with a copy of the magazine on your travels to: mytravels@alabamaliving. coop. Be sure to include your name, hometown and electric cooperative, and the location of your photo.We’ll draw a winner for the $25 prize each month.

Paula Blass of Arab Electric Cooperative took her magazine along on a visit to Tuckaleechee Caverns in Townsend, Tennessee.

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Faith Byrd of Montgomery took her magazine to San Marcos, Texas, for a trip last fall to the Troy Trojans vs. Texas State Bobcats football game. TROY won 31 -28. She is a member of Dixie EC.

Sam and Debbie Black, members of Cullman EC, visited the Snake River with their magazine in the Grand Tetons National Park, Wyoming.

Carol Burton of Gulf Shores, a member of Baldwin EMC, visited the famous Alabama Jack’s Roadside Bar and Grill in Key Largo, Florida, with her copy.

Traci and Jeff Pryhuber of Bay Minette packed their copy of Alabama Living on a trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey.

They are members of Baldwin EMC. www.alabamaliving.coop

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July | Spotlight

Whereville, AL

Find the hidden dingbat!

By the time you receive this magazine, many of you will have found the airplane dingbat in the June issue. But due to delays at our printer, many of you did not receive the June magazine in time for us to review your contest entries and congratulate the winner this month. We promise to reveal the winner for June in our August magazine. Meanwhile, enjoy looking for this month’s dingbat, a hotdog, just in time for your July 4th cookout! Happy hunting!

Sponsored by

By mail: Find the Dingbat Alabama Living PO Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124 By email: dingbat@alabamaliving.com

Have a happy (and safe) Fourth of July

Identify and place this Alabama landmark and you could win $25! Winner is chosen at random from all correct entries. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. Send your answer with your name, address and the name of your rural electric cooperative, if applicable. The winner and answer will be announced in the August issue.

Submit by email: whereville@alabamaliving.coop, or by mail: Whereville, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124.

Do you like finding interesting or unusual landmarks? Contribute a photo you took for an upcoming issue! Remember, all readers whose photos are chosen also win $25!

June’s answer: This closeup is of the eight-foot, one ton bronze statue of Jesse Owens, the track and field star who won four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. The statue, created by sculptor Branko Medenica, is part of the 30-acre Jesse Owens Memorial Park in Oakville, dedicated to the athletic icon who was born at the site on Sept.

12, 1913. Owens is remembered for his athletic accomplishments, but also as a symbol of triumph over obstacles and achievement of the American dream. (Information from Encyclopedia of Alabama; see more at jesseowensmemorialpark.com.) (Photo by Lenore Vickrey of Alabama Living) The randomly drawn correct guess winner will be announced in the August issue.

Alabama Living

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In 2020, at least 18 people died and over 15,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. 66% of all fireworks-related incidents reported in 2020 occurred around the July While it’s common to give 4th holiday.

The safest way to enjoy a fire- children sparklers, they burn works display is at a communi- at about 2,000 degrees. ty-sanctioned, licensed event. Al- Consider giving kids glow sticks, confetti poppers or abama law allows only consumer flags instead, the National fireworks, formerly known as class Safety Council recommends.

C fireworks. Some municipalities outlaw fireworks altogether.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission prevents large numbers of hazardous fireworks from reaching consumers. Illegal mail order kits contain chemical mixtures that can explode unexpectedly and violently. M-80s, cherry bombs and quarter sticks are so highly explosive that they have been banned by federal law since 1966.

If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips: • • • •

Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.

Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Read and follow all warnings and instructions.

Discuss safety procedures with children, including teaching them to "stop, drop and roll."

• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.

• Never aim or throw fireworks at another person.

• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves and flammable materials.

• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.

• Never try to relight or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.

Source: Alabama Department of Public Health JULY 2022 11

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wild ride

at the Take a

The giraffes, standing 16 feet tall, love for visitors to hand-feed romaine lettuce from a raised vewing platform.

Alabama Safari Park Story and photos by Nick Thomas

V

isitors to the Alabama Safari Park this summer can expect many of the animal residents to personally greet their human guests. In fact, you’ll have many eating out of the palm of your hand – literally.

Home to more than 800 animals, visitors to the 350-acre wildlife park just south of Montgomery in Hope Hull drive the facility’s 3-mile winding gravel road while pausing periodically to hand-feed the free-roaming zebras, llamas, ostriches, and many other species from food buckets through car windows.

“It’s very safe, but there are rules that should be followed,” says park founder and CEO Eric Mogensen. “For example, you must always remain in your vehicle. You can ride in the bed of a pickup truck, but you absolutely cannot exit your vehicle. We have staff constantly monitoring the park, ensuring everyone follows the rules.”

In addition to catering to the daily stream of curious tourists, the park is dedicated to wildlife conservation as part of the Zoofari Parks group, which operates similar facilities in other states.

“We work closely with other zoos and private breeders around the country on captive breeding programs to build a healthy population of animals,” Mogensen says. This includes their sister parks, Virginia Safari Park, Gulf Breeze Zoo in Florida, and their newest Texas Safari Park, which is opening soon. “Our collection (of animals) depends upon availability, and proper management depends upon facilities and staffing.”

The park also supports conservation projects both nationally and globally, as well as native Alabama wildlife programs, by offering grants ranging from $100 to $5,000. Supported projects include the Siaga Conservation Alliance, Pygmy Hippo Research, tortoise population research at the University of West Florida, the International Crane Foundation, and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

“We budget a certain percentage of our income to be used towards our conservation programs,” Mogensen says. “We believe that there are habitats and species around the world that need additional funding for their programs, and we are able to assist. Our guests can enjoy the fact that while they are enjoying our park, they are actually helping our conservation efforts.”

Mogensen says the park is entirely self-funding, accepting neither donations nor state or federal money. “Because we have been doing this for a long time, we have developed a successful business model that allows us to be self-sufficient. We operate on income generated by admissions, feed sales, our gift shop, and animal encounters.”

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Feeding some new friends

In addition to the self-driving tour, animal encounters include hand-feeding giraffes with lettuce (available on-site). From the raised viewing platform, visitors can stand eye-to-eye with the tallest terrestrial animal in the world which, on average, towers some 16 feet over fellow inhabitants in their native African savannahs and woodlands.

For an additional cost, visitors can also feed vegetable sticks to the newest park residents – the slow-moving but gentle twotoed sloths. And in a separate exhibit, Madagascar’s most famous mammals – lemurs – are on display. The park’s ring-tailed and black-and-white ruffed lemurs represent two of the 100 lemur species that are only native to the west African island nation.

There’s also a petting area with goats, potbellied pigs, chickens, and baby llamas, and at the Kangaroo Walk-About area, the famous bouncing Aussie marsupials could be leaping effortlessly across the grassland, lazing in the Southern sun, or tending to baby joeys in their pouches. Barnaby and Armstid, a pair of Giant Anteaters, are also recent additions to the park’s menagerie.

While Alabama is home to several traditional zoos, Mogensen doesn’t view the park attraction as a commercial rival.

The slow-moving but gentle two-toed sloths enjoy munching on vegetable sticks.

Different from a zoo

“Before we built this park we were in close contact with the management of the Montgomery Zoo and have been careful to be an asset rather than competition,” he says. “We offer a very different experience than the Montgomery or Birmingham Zoos because our park is a drive-thru safari park. Guests can interact more with the animals and have closer encounters with various animals. It’s worth noting that our organizations are very supportive of one another.”

The region just south of Montgomery was selected for the Alabama park site due to the abundant grazing fields. And with Interstate 65 just minutes away, there’s easy access for travelers passing through the area looking for an interesting detour.

For the animals’ safety, visitors cannot provide outside food of any kind, but buckets of suitable feed are available for $5 at the gift shop. But with a constant mobile human food delivery service throughout the day, could the animals overeat?

“Our animals tend to self-regulate when being fed,” Mogensen says. “That is why every trip through is a different experience.

When an animal eats and gets full, it will tend to move off and settle down for a nice rest.”

In addition to daily park passes, annual memberships are also available offering unlimited visits.

“We are constantly adding new animals and exhibits and are always planning for the future,” says Mogensen. “A guest should always notice something new with each visit.”

The Alabama Safari Park is open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas days), with summer hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; last admission is 4 p.m. Adults are $22.95, with discounts for children, seniors, and the military. Admission grants access to the Safari Drive-Thru and Walk-Thru areas for the entire day (receipts allow re-entry to the park). Wagon rides are also available for $10 per person.

The park is located off I-65 at Exit 158 at 1664 Venable Road, Hope Hull. Phone 334-288-2105 or go to www.alabamasafaripark.com for more information.

Alabama Living

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This young Scottish Highland cow is gentle and easily handled.

Corporate marketing manager Susan Robichaux gets up-close and personal with the giraffes.

The Grant’s Zebra patiently waits for a snack from a driver.

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Lake Martin comes to life at songwriters festival

By Scott Baker

T

he sounds of Nashville line-up also includes Marla will reach the shores of Cannon-Goodman, Heidi Raye, Lake Martin in late July and Brian White among others. during the 2nd annual Lake While their names may not be Martin Songwriters Festival. recognizable, the artists who’ve More than 20 hit-writing and recorded their songs are: Rascal highly acclaimed songwriters Flatts, Trace Adkins, Jason Chad Wilson headlined the 2021 Lake Martin Songwriters Festival are slated to appear and perform Aldean, George Strait, Reba at Main Street in Alexander City.

PHOTO BY SCOTT BAKER at 15 different venues in the area McEntire, Martina McBryde, July 27- 31, 2022. The big finale and just about every other major on Saturday night in downtown Alexander City will be headrecording artist. lined by Thompson Square.

Grammy-nominated Blue Foley, writer of Ashley MacBryde’s The inaugural event in 2021 attracted so much attention and “Never Will”, enjoyed the event so much last year that he wasted praise from both the songwriters and patrons that the organizno time drumming up enthusiasm and support for the second ing committee has been overwhelmed with writers clamoring to year event. The effect of Foley’s support is evident with the inclusion of Johnny Bulford, co-writer of the #1 hit “A Woman get involved. “I never expected to be receiving phone calls from Like You” by Lee Brice and “Lonely Eyes” by Chris Young. Terri such prestigious writers,” says Sandra Fuller, Executive Director Jo Box, a hit-writing machine for Miranda Lambert, of Tallapoosa County Tourism and one of the organizers. “I’ve been listening to these artists’ hit songs on Eric Church, Trisha Yearwood and many others, the radio, and suddenly they’re calling me up declared her desire to return before she even left and asking if they can participate. It’s surreal!” the stage last year.

Jamie O’Neal, the writer and artist behind “The folks at Lake Martin were so welcoming, and the lake is absolutely magnificent,” the #1 hit singles “There Is No Arizona” and Blue Foley says. “All the songwriters stayed “When I Think About Angels”, is one of together and we jammed all night and those artists. Another is Kristen Kelly, who played on the lake all day. I couldn’t is taking a break from touring with Brad wait to return to Nashville and Paisley, Racal Flatts and others. The tell everyone about it. star-studded songwriter

Blue Foley PHOTO COURTESY OF BLUE FOLEY

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(From left) Chancie Neal, Kensie Coppin, Emma Zinck and Cameron Havens perform at Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters during the 2021 festival.

PHOTOS BY SCOTT BAKER

This year is going to be even better!”

Main Street in Alexander City will be transformed with a The Lake Martin Songwriter Festival is more than a showstage erected between the historic downtown buildings creating case of the writers behind the songs; it’s a weekend chock-full a natural acoustic venue. The Josh Kiser Band opens the concert of world-class performances at small venues where the writers at 6:30 pm, followed by Jamie O’Neal performing her hit singles “There Is No Arizona” and “When I Think About Angels.” share insight on their writing process, what compelled them to Thompson Square will share their new single “Country In My write the song, and invite questions from attendees. At many of Soul,” among other favorites. the venues, spectators are merely a few feet away from the performers and the feeling “One of the best parts is intimate and converof the Lake Martin sational.

Songwriters Festival is In addition to the it’s all free,” Fuller says. showcase of talent, this “Lake Martin already is year’s event will feature a fantastic vacation destination and this festival a songwriting competition for writers 20 years will continue to grow of age and younger. and introduce more and Held on Friday night at more songwriters and Wind Creek State Park, music lovers to Lake the event will be hostMartin and central Alaed and judged by Bruce bama.” The Lake Martin Wawrzyniak with “Hear Film Festival is presented by Those Lake MarThis Now” podcast and tin Guys and TallapooTrey Foshee of the band sa County Tourism.

Blackberry Breeze. The For more information winner will perform and a complete lineup, their winning composition on the main stage Chad Wilson and Eric Erdman entertain the audience at Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters. visit lakemartinsongwritersfestival.com. concert Saturday night.

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| Consumer Wise |

Planning a remodel?

Timing is everything Q: A:

I’m planning a remodeling project this year. What energy efficiency upgrades should I consider?

I write this from deep in the throes of a remodel that, like many remodels, has lasted much longer than planned.

Remodeling is a great opportunity to take care of energy efficiency improvements by adding them to your scope of work. If your home is already under construction, take the extra step to make it more efficient.

Planning for efficiency is the first step. Look at the scope of your remodeling project to see what energy efficiency upgrades you can add. There may be cost savings and convenience in tackling both at once.

Here are a few examples of energy efficiency upgrades for common remodeling projects.

Kitchen remodel

If your kitchen remodel includes new appliances, buy ENERGY STAR®-rated models. ENERGY STAR® refrigerators are about 9% more efficient than standard models, and ENERGY STAR® dishwashers save both energy and water.

As for kitchen faucets, there are options available with multiple flow-rate settings. You can save water by using a lower flow rate on your faucet when washing dishes, vegetables or your hands, but you can change the setting to quickly fill a pot for cooking.

Bathroom remodel

If you plan to remodel your bathroom, include a high-performance showerhead. Look for the WaterSense logo for showerheads, faucets and toilets, which ensures the product meets performance and water use standards.

Check the fine print on your existing equipment to see how much you can save. The gallons per minute (GPM) is usually printed on showerheads and faucet aerators and the gallons per flush (GPF) is usually printed on toilets.

High-performance showerheads and faucet aerators conserve water and save energy used to heat water. Using less water can lower your water bill or increase your septic system’s lifespan.

Basement remodel

This is where I find myself right now. Our basement has gone from a wide-open space with concrete walls to a nearly completed living space with a den, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a laundry room.

We air sealed and insulated the sill plate and rim joist—the framing between the concrete foundation and the main level

Miranda Boutelle is the director of operations and customer engagement at Efficiency Services Group, which partners with electric utilities to provide energy efficiency services to members. She writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives.

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floor. We built and insulated walls around the basement’s perimeter, ensuring a cozy living space and a more comfortable home.

We upgraded our electric storage water heater to a hybrid—or When shopping for new appliances, check for the ENERGYSTAR® logo on the Energy Guide. heat pump—water ENERGYSTAR®-rated dishwashers save both heater, which is energy and water.

70% more efficient PHOTO COURTESY MARK GILLILAND, than a standard PIONEER UTILITY RESOURCES electric model.

Also, we ran power for an electric vehicle charger while the walls were open. It is much less expensive to run the power supply while you have access.

New siding or exterior paint

The best time to make sure your wall insulation is adequate— or to see if you have wall insulation at all—is when you replace your siding or paint the exterior of your home.

Wall insulation saves on energy costs, makes your home more comfortable and reduces outside noise.

Batt insulation, spray foam or foam board are good options if you are removing the siding. If you are painting, you can have a contractor blow insulation into the wall cavities through holes cut into the siding or from inside the house. The holes are then plugged and prepped for paint.

Lighting

Whether it’s under cabinet kitchen lighting or new can lights in the basement, LED options use less energy than traditional incandescent or CFL bulbs.

Attic insulation

Often, remodeling requires work in the attic for new lighting or venting bath or kitchen fans. During any project that takes you into the attic, check insulation levels. Work in the attic can negatively impact attic insulation by crushing it or removing it to access work areas.

If more insulation is needed, air seal and check ventilation.

Also, make sure all bath and kitchen fans vent to the exterior of the house.

Insulation may not be as pretty as new countertops, but it can help reduce your energy costs and make your home more comfortable.

A little planning during a remodel can go a long way toward improving your home’s energy efficiency. Remember: it’s more difficult and more expensive to go back and tackle energy efficiency projects after your space is finished. www.alabamaliving.coop

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| Worth the drive |

Hildegard’s

A taste of Germany in Huntsville since 2003

By Aaron Tanner

T

hanks to the space and military industry, Huntsville of Miller, who had been working in the restaurant industry is a melting pot of German tradition. Tucked away in since age 14. a small yet busy shopping center is a cozy restaurant While catering a private event at her house, the two disserving culinary staples from one of Europe’s premier nacussed the challenges of the foodservice industry and Sations. bine’s struggles of operating both restaurants at the time.

Since 2003, Hildegard’s German Cuisine has served au“We started talking and lamenting how hard it is to find thentic comfort food from the Bavaria region of Germany to good people to run a restaurant,” Miller recalls. hungry customers. Many popular German staples are availAlthough German food was not originally on her radar, able on the menu, including authentic imported sausages, Miller always dreamed of owning a restaurant. A combinahouse-made soups, a large selection of German beers and tion of Sabine looking to sell Hildegard’s, Miller being fasciwines, and classic German schnitzels. nated with German culture and food and having a grandfaThe schnitzels – thin slices of meat – are best-selling items, ther and father from Germany inspired the two to negotiate including Jaeger schnitzel, a breaded, pan-fried pork cutlet a deal for Miller to buy Hildegard’s German Cuisine in 2016 covered in a brown mushroom gravy sauce, and Rahm Pils, while Sabine focused on her restaurant. “I was fortunate to another schnitzel served with be in the right place at the a mushroom cream sauce. right time,” she says.

Other favorite dishes include The scratch-made dishes Geschnetzeles (tender pork on the menu combine Hildewith mushrooms, onions, gard’s family recipes with ones and a light cream sauce) and from a cookbook of Miller’s a Chicken Cordon Bleu made oma (grandmother). Millwith smoked Gouda cheese er takes pride in the kitchen and Black Forest ham. For a staff ’s methods of prepping sweet after-dinner treat, Hilfood, including hand-pounddegard’s decadent desserts ing each schnitzel and preinclude apple strudel and Gerparing the house-made soups, man chocolate cake. dressings, gravies, sauces, and Before founding her namedesserts. “We won’t sell somesake restaurant, Hildegard thing that is not up to our Collins migrated from Germa- A jaeger schnitzel is a thin piece of pork pan-fried and served standards,” Miller says. ny and worked at Redstone Ar- with mushroom sauce.

Like many restaurants, senal with other women who Covid-19 affected business at PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY MILLER moved from the same country Hildegard’s. Besides supply after World War II. Together, they made traditional German chain issues and temporarily reducing hours due to staffing meals for the soldiers stationed on base once a week. “The shortages, social distancing forced the restaurant to suspend dishes brought a little bit of home back to Huntsville,” curtaking reservations and reduce seating capacity. During the rent Hildegard’s owner Amy Miller explains. height of the pandemic, the staff worked for free to continue After retiring from Redstone and opening a restaurant serving guests via curbside. In return, customers turned up where she served salads and sandwiches during the week in droves to support the restaurant and staff. “We saw the and traditional German dinners on Sundays, Collins sold best of the community come out,” Miller says. the restaurant in 2009 to her daughter Sabine. The latter Despite the challenges, Miller enjoys running a fast-paced expanded the kitchen and sold full-German meals daily. business and treating staff and customers well. “I am a very Sabine’s ability to run her mom’s restaurant and another lofortunate person in that I found something that I love docation she opened across town in 2014 caught the attention ing,” she explains. Her future goals include hiring more staff while taking care of current employees, expanding business Hildegard’s German Cuisine l hours, opening a second location in Athens, and making Huntsville 2357 Whitesburg Drive certain operations at the current location continue running Huntsville, AL 35801 smoothly. “My goal is to bring the authentic tastes of Ger256-512-9776 man cuisine to as many guests as possible and give them a Hours: 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday; great dining experience every time,” Miller says. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (all hours subject to change) hildegardsgermancuisine.com

Amy Miller, the current owner of Hildegard’s, has family and cultural ties to Germany, as well as a love of German cuisine.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY MILLER

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SOCIAL SECURITY

Faster processing of disability claims for people with Alzheimer’s disease

S

ocial Security scams are widespread across the United States.

Scammers use sophisticated tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. They target everyone – especially the elderly – and their tactics continue to evolve.

Here are five easy-to-use resources to prevent Social Security fraud: Check out our Fraud Prevention and Reporting page to learn about Social Security fraud – and how we fight scammers at ssa. gov/fraud.

Read our Scam Alert fact sheet to learn what tactics scammers

Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached by email at kylle.mckinney@ssa.gov.

July

crossword

Across 1 Baseball stadium in Mobile, 2 words 6 Just great 8 Angler’s gear 9 City boasting views of Mobile Bay and fishing off Battles Wharf 11 Rode the waves 13 What the Belle Chevre in Elkmont is famous for 14 Go for a quick swim 16 Lazing about 17 Travel 18 Piers 20 Compass point 22 Meadow 25 Where a helmsman is posted, 2 words 26 Salvation Army, abbr.

28 Conclusion 29 Seattle locale 30 Follower’s suffix 31 River that winds through Tuscaloosa, Pickens and Greene counties 33 Inner ____ (they float on rivers) 34 Alabama mecca for summer and sun-filled adventures with beachfront views, 2 words Down 1 Alabama city for an “out of this world” tour to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center 2 _____ Bridge: longest bridge east of the Rockies that wasn’t built by man 3 Dawn time 4 Wander 5 Civil War side 6 There’s great fishing here at Wilson Dam 7 Beer makers 10 River bottom 12 Archeological expedition 15 Frog’s milieu 18 Where the Dalkin Festival is held, featuring Japanese food and culture 19 Many, 2 words 21 Innovative 24 JULY 2022

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use and how to protect yourself at ssa.gov/fraud/assets/materials/EN-05-10597.pdf.

Create your own personal my Social Security account at ssa. gov/myaccount to stay one step ahead of scammers. Please read our blog post at blog.ssa.gov/my-social-security-what-to-knowabout-signing-up-or-signing-in for more information about creating or signing in to your personal my Social Security account.

Learn about other types of fraud on our Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) Scam Awareness page at oig.ssa.gov/ scam-awareness/scam-alert. You’ll also see how to report these scams to our OIG and other government agencies.

Read our blog post to learn how to guard your Social Security card – and protect your personal information at blog.ssa.gov/ guard-your-card-protect-whats-important-to-you/.

Please share this information with your friends and family to help spread awareness about Social Security imposter scams.

by Myles Mellor

23 Lt.’s inferior, abbr.

24 Goodbye word 26 Geneva county to Alabama compass point

27 Out on a boat, 2 words 30 Heron kin 32 Cry of disgust

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July | Around Alabama “God Bless the USA,” the CMA Song of the Year in 1985. Search the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook.

30

Leighton Sledgefest, 2 to 10 p.m. in downtown. Celebrate the legacy of R&B, soul and gospel singer Percy Sledge and the impact of Leighton artists on the world of music. Live music, local arts and food. Sledge was born on Nov. 25, 1940, in Leighton, and is best known for the 1966 song “When a Man Loves a Woman,” a No. 1 hit that sold more than a million copies. Search for the Town of Leighton on Facebook.

Vulcan and Vesta are the official mascots of The World Games 2022 Birmingham.

They embody the spirit of Birmingham’s history in the iron and steel industries.

PHOTO COURTESY THE WORLD GAMES 2022

JULY

1

Florence 2022 Shoals Spirit of Freedom Celebration at McFarland Park, 200 James M. Spain Drive. The patriotic celebration will start with live music at 3 p.m. with the guest headliner at 8 p.m., and the fireworks show at 9 p.m.

VisitFlorenceAl.com

3-4

Grand Bay 48th annual Grand Bay Watermelon Festival, Grand Bay Odd Fellows Festival Park. 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday. On Sunday, there will be vendors, rides and entertainment and a non-denominational worship service about 6 p.m. On the Fourth, there will be free all-youcan-eat watermelon, children’s entertainment, a car show and “pretty baby” contest.

GrandBayWatermelonFestival.org

4

Henagar 40th Annual Sand Mountain Potato Festival, Henagar City Park. Parade begins at 10 a.m. at Limon’s Restaurant in Henagar. Festival includes live entertainment, craft vendors, food vendors, and game vendors for the kids. Free entry and entertainment.

Fireworks display at 9 p.m. 256-657-6282.

4

Cullman Smith Lake Park Fireworks and Music Festival, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 403 County Road 386. Arts and crafts, food, live music, golf cart parade and fireworks. The park will have putt-putt, beach area, pool and kayaks, canoes and paddle boards for rental. $5 per person.

Search for the event on Facebook or call 256739-2916.

4

Gulf Shores Independence Day Celebration, Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier, 20800 E. Beach Blvd. Pier will close at 7 a.m. for fireworks setup; fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Free. 251-967-3474.

7-17

Birmingham The World Games, various sites all over the Iron City.

This 11-day international multi-sport event will showcase an anticipated 3,600 elite athletes from more than 100 countries, who will compete for gold in more than 30 of the fastest growing sports in the world. For a complete schedule and ticket info, including explanations of each of the sporting events, visit twg2022.com Alabama Living

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5-6

Dothan Watermelon sampling at Landmark Park, 10 a.m., free with paid gate admission. Celebrate National Watermelon Month at Landmark’s harvest and sampling, thanks to the Wiregrass Master Gardeners.

LandmarkparkDothan.com

Athens 30th annual Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days, 20147 Elkton Road. Sponsored by the Piney Chapel Antique Engine and Tractor Association, this family event will include antique power exhibits, a tractor ride and fish fry on Friday and wheat threshing exhibits. $5 admission; 12 and under free. Free parking. Gates open at 7 a.m. Search for the public group on Facebook.

16

Clanton Chilton County Arts Fest, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Clanton Performing Arts Center. The 12th annual arts festival is a free indoor event with vendors selling fine art and hand-crafted arts and crafts, art classes, a silent auction and an appraiser to evaluate your family heirlooms and yard sale finds.

ChiltonCountyArtsCouncil.com

5-6

21-24

Union Springs “Honky Tonk Laundry” at the Red Door Theatre. Featuring the songs of country music’s most famous ladies, the musical tells the story of Lana Mae and Katie, who turn their good ol’ laundromat into a bootscootin’ honky tonk. 334738-8687 or visit RedDoorTheatre.org for ticket information.

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AUGUST

Wetumpka River and Blues Music and Arts Festival, 5 to 11 p.m. in downtown.

Four bands, arts show, kids’ zone and food vendors. Musical acts scheduled to perform include the Lo-Fi Loungers, the Jukebox Brass Band, Bon Bon Vivant and Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha-Chas. Free admission; coolers and chairs welcome. Search for the event’s page on Facebook.

Killen Killen Founder’s Day at Killen Park. The town’s version of a block party has fun for the entire family, including music, food and a car show from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Search for the event’s page on Facebook.

13

Mobile USS Alabama living history crew drill, USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway. Every other month, historical re-enactors dress in WWII period uniforms to demonstrate what life aboard ship was like during wartime. Check ussalabama. com to confirm drill date or call 800-GANGWAY. 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.

Answers to Crossword on Page 24

28-31

Andalusia The city will have two special events at the end of the month to celebrate veterans and patriotism. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, a 3/5 scale of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be displayed at the Covington Veterans Memorial behind City Hall all four days. Country artist Lee Greenwood will perform a free outdoor concert at Springdale Estate at 7 p.m. July 28. Greenwood has seven No. 1 songs but is likely most remembered for 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.

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| Gardens |

The beauty and benefit of bog gardens

I

n a few locations here in Alabama, wild pitcher plants are currently raising their vase-shaped leaves above the soggy floors of seepage bogs to create a unique vista of shape, texture and color.

It’s a stunning scene that’s become harder and harder to experience, but one we can enjoy in small snapshots in our own yards and gardens.

Pitcher plants belong to a family of flora that also includes butterworts, bladderworts, sundews and other intriguing plants that use clever traps to catch and then digest insects and other small animals. This protein-rich diet allows carnivorous plants to thrive in bogs, areas of freshwater wetlands where the slow decay of vegetation and organic matter creates a soft, squishy peat turf and where the constant flow of water through the peat and surrounding soil washes away nutrients.

What remains is a wet, highly acidic and nutrient-poor growing environment that’s inhospitable to many plants but is perfect for pitcher plants, their carnivorous kin and a diverse array of other plants including wildflowers, asters, mosses, sedges and orchids.

These bogs not only support all these different plant species, they also provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species and are extremely efficient at sequestering carbon. Unfortunately, bogs are disappearing due to adverse environmental and climate changes and human activities, and their demise has precipitated the demise of many bog-loving plants.

Among those are the endangered Alabama canebrake pitcher plant, found only in two counties of Alabama, and the green pitcher plant, found in northwest Alabama. Other pitcher plant species are also at risk from this habitat loss as are several of Alabama’s 50 native bog-loving orchid species.

Preservation work is ongoing to protect our remaining bogs (Week’s Bay, Splinter Hill and Gulf State Park in Baldwin County among them) and bog gardens have Katie Jackson is a freelance writer and editor based in Opelika, Alabama. Contact her at katielamarjackson@gmail.com.

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This pitcher plant is a carnivorous plant, which thrives in bogs and freshwater wetlands.

been created in several Alabama public garden facilities including Birmingham, Dothan, and Mobile botanical gardens and Auburn University’s Davis Arboretum. And with a little effort, some of these plants can also grace our home garden landscapes.

According to Patrick Thompson, a native plant specialist at the Davis Arboretum, successful bog gardening is all about recreating the conditions that bog-loving plants enjoy in the wild. For pitcher plants, that means an area that has a peatsand soil mixture and plenty of sunshine and flowing water. While wet areas and the damp banks of ponds and lakes may be able to support pitcher plants, the best way to grow them is in plastic-lined bog gardens, which require a degree of construction and careful engineering. Plans are available from a variety of sources including from the Alabama Wildlife Federation (visit alabamawildlife.org and search for “bog garden”). Help may also be available from local nurseries and public gardens.

If building a whole garden from scratch is a bit too intimidating, Thompson suggested starting out with a few hardy pitcher plants, thousands of developed varieties

of which are now available through many retailers. (Never collect them from the wild!) Put them in a container filled with a peat-sand soil mixture and give them a continuous supply of water — Thompson suggested placing them where they can get a steady drip from rain barrels or even condensation from air conditioning units and they will thrive.

Or make a more diverse ecosystem by adding St. John’s wort, orchids, asters, wildflowers, grasses and sedges, native irises and other plants that do well in wet conditions to the container. Then sit back and enjoy the beauty of the bog in your own garden space.

JULY TIPS • Keep young trees and shrubs and container plants well-watered.

• Weed and keep an eye out for insect and disease problems.

• Harvest summer fruits and vegetables regularly.

• Stake tall plants.

• Plant pumpkins, southern peas, beans, squash and cucumbers.

• Start collecting seed from plants you want to replant next year.

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| Outdoors |

Sport fishing legend leaves behind a giant legacy

A

labama and the world lost a great man when Ray Scott a true professional bass fishing tournament with stringent rules passed away on May 8, 2022. The “Bass Boss” was 88 years and a big purse,” Ray recalled. “My biggest challenge was money. I old. didn’t have any! I had to work smart.”

No person in history influenced fishing more than native AlaThat first tournament led to a national professional fishing trail bamian Ray W. Scott, Jr. Field & Stream magazine once listed Ray and spawned a multi-billion-dollar industry. In 1968, Ray founded the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, formerly based in Ray’s as one of “20 individuals who most influenced outdoor sports hometown of Montgomery and now in Birmingham. during the 20th Century.”

“My first tournament proved without a shadow of doubt the I first met Ray while reporting on a Bassmaster Classic for a passion for an organization was there,” Ray remembered. “Bass newspaper. A consummate salesman, Ray always made a point to anglers across the country were hungry, not just to compete, but meet new people and speak to them for a few minutes. Over the also to get together and share knowledge. The energy and passion years, we bumped into each other at various events and I interviewed him several times at that 1967 tournament for both print and radio. were beyond belief. When He never disappointed. we reached about 10,000 Born Aug. 24, 1933, members in B.A.S.S., that Scott grew up in Montgave me more confidence. gomery during the Great Then it was, ‘Let’s see how Depression. Forever an far can we go!’” entrepreneur, young Ray More than just promoting fishing tournaments, delivered groceries on his Ray encouraged people to bicycle, cut grass and sold release bass. That changed peanuts at baseball games fishing forever. “Catch to help his family during and release” became the those lean times. When not standard for competitive working, though, he went fishing for bass and other fishing. species. He also pressured “I loved fishing from my boat companies to design earliest memories,” Ray and build better livewell once told me. “I’d hop on systems. my bike with a cane pole “I didn’t invent catch and a can of worms to fish and release,” Ray once said, for bluegills anywhere I “but we did make it popucould find. Then one mag- During his lifetime, Ray Scott became friends with many celebrities and powerful people, including former President George H. W. Bush. He often took them fishing at ical day when I was about his private lake. lar in bass fishing, and that 7 or 8 years old, my life changed the sport in so PHOTO COURTESY B.A.S.S. changed. I was fishing and many ways. We preached all of a sudden, this shimmering silver creature leaped out of the that a bass is too valuable to be caught only once. We helped fishermen learn how great it felt to catch a 5- or 6-pound bass and water on the end of my line. I was in awe of its strength. I had then lean over and let it go and watch it swim away, hopefully to caught a largemouth bass. From that moment on, bass fishing was be caught again.” my passion.”

Scott sold B.A.S.S. in 1986, but continued to serve as the BassAs a young man, Ray began selling insurance until drafted into master Classic emcee for years. He turned his attention to anoththe U.S. Army in 1954. After his discharge, Ray used his G.I. Bill er one of his passions – deer hunting. He founded the Whitetail benefits to earn a business degree from Auburn University.

Institute of North America, Inc. to fund research on white-tailed In March 1967, a storm cancelled a fishing trip, but Ray experienced what he called a “brainstorm in a rainstorm.” He envisioned deer, particularly on nutrition issues and availability of deer food a national professional bass fishing trail. That summer, after sellsources. ing insurance for more than a decade, he quit his job to organize “I can honestly say I have no regrets,” Ray told me a few years a bass tournament. ago. “Only in America could a guy like me with no money, but a “The concept of a bass organization grew out of my idea for vision and a dose of hustle have been able to pioneer two outdoor industries and make a positive difference in the lives of anglers and hunters across the country. It has been a great journey!”

John N. Felsher is a professional freelance writer who lives in Semmes, Ala. He also hosts an outdoors tips show for WAVH FM Indeed it has, Ray. You broke a lot of ground for many others.

Talk 106.5 radio station in Mobile, Ala. Contact him at j.felsher@ You left us, but your huge legacy will continue. Farewell and rest hotmail.com or through Facebook. in peace, “Bass Boss.” 28 JULY 2022

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CECIL PIGG STEEL TRUSS, INC. P.O. BOX 389, ADDISON, AL 35540

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DOUG HANNON’S FISH & GAME FORECAST 2022 JULY

We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

AUGUST

We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr

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

EXCELLENT TIMES A.M.

3:42 - 5:42 4:30 - 6:30 5:18 - 7:18 6:06 - 8:06 6:54 - 8:54 7:42 - 9:42 8:30 - 10:30 9:18 - 11:18 10:06 - 12:06 10:54 - 12:54 NA 12:30 - 2:30 1:18 - 3:18 2:06 - 4:06 A.M.

3:42 - 5:42 4:30 - 6:30 5:18 - 7:18 6:06 - 8:06 6:54 - 8:54 7:42 - 9:42 8:30 - 10:30 9:18 - 11:18 10:06 - 12:06 10:54 - 12:54 NA 12:30 - 2:30 1:18 - 3:18 2:06 - 4:06 2:54 - 4:54 3:42 - 5:42 4:30 - 6:30 5:18 - 7:18 6:06 - 8:06 6:54 - 8:54 7:42 - 9:42 8:30 - 10:30 9:18 - 11:18 10:06 - 12:06 10:54 - 12:54 11:18 - 1:18 NA 12:30 - 2:30 1:18 - 3:18 2:06 - 4:06 2:54 - 4:54

GOOD TIMES

MOON STAGE

PM

4:06 - 6:06 4:54 - 6:54 5:42 - 7:42 6:30 - 8:30 7:18 - 9:18 8:06 - 10:06 8:54 - 10:54 9:42 - 11:42 10:30 - 12:30 11:18 - 1:18 12:06 - 2:06 NEW MOON 12:54 - 2:54 1:42 - 3:42 2:30 - 4:30 PM

4:06 - 6:06 4:54 - 6:54 5:42 - 7:42 6:30 - 8:30 7:18 - 9:18 8:06 - 10:06 8:54 - 10:54 9:42 - 11:42 10:30 - 12:30 11:18 - 1:18 12:06 - 2:06 FULL MOON 12:54 - 2:54 1:42 - 3:42 2:30 - 4:30 3:18 - 5:18 4:06 - 6:06 4:54 - 6:54 5:42 - 7:42 6:30 - 8:30 7:18 - 9:18 8:06 - 10:06 8:54 - 10:54 9:42 - 11:42 10:30 - 12:30 11:18 - 1:18 11:42 - 1:42 12:06 - 2:06 NEW MOON 12:54 - 2:54 1:42 - 3:42 2:30 - 4:30 3:18 - 5:18

AM

PM

10:09 - 11:39 10:57 - 12:27 NA 12:33 - 2:03 1:21 - 2:51 2:09 - 3:39 2:57 - 4:27 3:45 - 5:15 4:33 - 6:03 5:21 - 6:51 6:09 - 7:39 6:57 - 8:27 7:45 - 9:15 8:33 - 10:03

10:33 - 12:03 11:21 - 12:51 12:09 - 1:39 12:57 - 2:27 1:45 - 3:15 2:33 - 4:03 3:21 - 4:51 4:09 - 5:39 4:57 - 6:27 5:45 - 7:15 6:33 - 8:03 7:21 - 8:51 8:09 - 9:39 8:57 - 10:27

AM

PM

10:09 - 11:39 10:57 - 12:27 NA 12:33 - 2:03 1:21 - 2:51 2:09 - 3:39 2:57 - 4:27 3:45 - 5:15 4:33 - 6:03 5:21 - 6:51 6:09 - 7:39 6:57 - 8:27 7:45 - 9:15 8:33 - 10:03 9:21 - 10:51 10:09 - 11:39 10:57 - 12:27 NA 12:33 - 2:03 1:21 - 2:51 2:09 - 3:39 2:57 - 4:27 3:45 - 5:15 4:33 - 6:03 5:21 - 6:51 5:48 - 7:18 6:09 - 7:39 6:57 - 8:27 7:45 - 9:15 8:33 - 10:03 9:21 - 10:51

10:33 - 12:03 11:21 - 12:51 12:09 - 1:39 12:57 - 2:27 1:45 - 3:15 2:33 - 4:03 3:21 - 4:51 4:09 - 5:39 4:57 - 6:27 5:45 - 7:15 6:33 - 8:03 7:21 - 8:51 8:09 - 9:39 8:57 - 10:27 9:45 - 11:15 10:33 - 12:03 11:21 - 12:51 12:09 - 1:39 12:57 - 2:27 1:45 - 3:15 2:33 - 4:03 3:21 - 4:51 4:09 - 5:39 4:57 - 6:27 5:45 - 7:15 6:11 - 7:41 6:33 - 8:03 7:21 - 8:51 8:09 - 9:39 8:57 - 10:27 9:45 - 11:15

The Moon Clock and resulting Moon Times were developed 40 years ago by Doug Hannon, one of America’s most trusted wildlife experts and a tireless inventor. The Moon Clock is produced by DataSport, Inc. of Atlanta, GA, a company specializing in wildlife activity time prediction. To order the 2022 Moon Clock, go to www.moontimes.com.

Alabama Living

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| Alabama Recipes |

Summer Cobblers Food styling and photos: Brooke Echols

Cherry Cobbler

T

he smell of a homemade cobbler is one of the most delectable and comforting scents to grace our homes. The ready availability of fresh fruit makes summer the perfect season to bake a cobbler your family will savor. So what exactly is a cobbler and how is it different from a pie? We asked our friends at the Alabama Cooperative Extension System to clear that up for us.

“The defining difference between cobbler vs. pie really comes down to the crust (or lack thereof),” says Elaine Softley, ACES regional extension agent II, Human Nutrition Diet and Health for northwest Alabama. “A pie, whether sweet or savory, always has a bottom crust, while a cobbler doesn't. A cobbler is a baked fruit dessert without a bottom crust and the top crust is a kind of biscuit dough instead of a traditional pastry or pie dough. While almost all fruit pies need some kind of pie pan, you can bake a cobbler in any kind of baking dish, using almost any kind of fruit.”

While some cooks like to prepare their cobblers in an iron skillet, others use a baking pan in the oven. Softley says either will work.

“I have made cobblers in an iron skillet, in a glass pie dish and an aluminum pie pan,she says. “All turned out delicious and were easy to prepare.”

The recipes from our readers this month call for a variety of fruits, and even some unusual fillings, including bacon and sweet potatoes. Let us know which ones you like the best! – Lenore Vickrey

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www.alabamaliving.coop

6/8/22 1:45 PM

Red, White and Blue Berry Cobbler

Photo by The Buttered Home

C

rock Pot Blueberry Cobbler is an easy dessert that captures the essence of a Southern summer. Using fresh or frozen blueberries in a hands-free cobbler is a real treat to make and eat!

Brooke Burks

Crock Pot Blueberry Cobbler 1 cup self-rising flour 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed 1 cup milk ½ cup melted butter 1 and ¼ cup sugar, divided In a large bowl, mix self-rising flour and 1 cup of the sugar and milk. There will be some lumps. Add in melted butter and mix well. Pour into a well-greased liner pot of the crock pot. Coat berries with 2 tablespoons of sugar and allow them to sit.

Sprinkle blueberries over the top of the cobbler mix in the crock pot liner.

Evenly distribute them so you will not have to stir them. Sprinkle ¼ cup of sugar over the top. Cover and bake in the crock pot on low for 2 hours or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cook of the Month: Vicky Byrd, Covington EC

Vicky Byrd of Andalusia has been making her grandmother’s Cherry Cobbler for more than 30 years.

The use of pitted and stemmed cherries, mixed with lemon juice, gives the cobbler an extra “zing” that sets it apart from other fruit Vicky Byrd desserts. She makes it for family gatherings “and they all enjoy it,” she says. This recipe is also just as tasty if you want to use peaches instead of cherries, she notes. And maybe even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, we might add!

Alabama Living

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1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter 1 cup self-rising flour 1 cup whole milk Pinch of salt 11/2 cups sugar, divided 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved 1 cup fresh blueberries 1 cup fresh raspberries Vanilla ice cream In a large bowl add 1/2 cup sugar and lemon zest to the fruit. Gently stir to cover the fruit. Allow fruit to sit for 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. As the oven preheats, melt butter in a 9x13-inch casserole dish or a 15-inch cast iron skillet for a rustic look. Whisk together the flour, 1 cup sugar, milk, vanilla and pinch of salt.

Pour mixture over the melted butter. Do not stir. Spoon the fruit and juice over the butter and dough mixture without stirring.

Bake until the cobbler crust has turned a light golden brown and cobbler is set.

This takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Cooking time can vary depending upon how much juice your fruit produces.

Remove from oven. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream Kathy Phillips Wiregrass EC

Cherry Cobbler 6-8 cups cherries, pitted and stemmed 1½ tablespoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons cornstarch ¼ cup white sugar 1½ teaspoons vanilla ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1¼ cup yellow cake mix ¼ cup brown sugar ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 6 tablespoons butter

Seed and stem cherries. In a large mixing bowl, add cherries, lemon juice, cornstarch, white sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Mix lightly. Pour into 2-quart baking dish. For topping, mix yellow cake mix, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir to combine.

Use pastry knife to cut in butter into coarse crumbs. Add topping to cherry mix. Place in 425 degree oven for 25-35 minutes, until topping is golden color and juice is bubbling.

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Easy Peach Cobbler 1 29-ounce can sliced peaches with syrup 1 package butter pecan cake mix ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted Heat oven to 325 degrees. Layer ingredients, in order listed, in an ungreased 9x13-inch pan. Bake 55-60 minutes. Let stand at least 15 minutes before serving.

Serve warm or cool with ice cream, if desired.

Place layer of biscuit strips in melted margarine. Pour small amount of berries and juice over this first layer. Add biscuit strips and berries with juice alternately, ending with biscuit strips on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees until biscuits on top are golden brown. Serve plain or slightly warm with whipped topping or ice cream.

Diane Jenkins Black Warrior EMC

Strawberry Cobbler

Nancy Sites Sizemore Baldwin EMC

Seedless Dewberry Cobbler 1 quart dewberries, washed and stems removed 1½ cups sugar 2 tablespoons self-rising flour ½ stick margarine 1 small can layered flaky biscuits 2 tablespoons sugar combined with ½ teaspoon cinnamon Bring dewberries and ¼ cup water to a low boil. Remove from heat and strain through a sieve, retaining all the juice possible. Discard seeds. Mix 1½ cups sugar and 2 tablespoons flour together, add to juice. Boil on low heat until thickened. Remove from heat. Melt margarine in a casserole dish. Pull biscuits apart, layer by layer. Roll out each layer until very thin. Cut into small strips.

1 1 1 1 1 1

stick margarine, melted cup sugar cup self-rising flour cup milk teaspoon vanilla flavoring pint strawberries, sliced and sprinkled with sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a casserole dish with cooking spray. Place strawberries in dish. Melt margarine in microwave, set aside. Mix sugar and flour together. Add milk and mix well.

Add melted margarine and vanilla flavoring, mix well. Pour batter over fruit in the prepared casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Cook's note: This recipe was found in an AREA magazine in the late 70s or early 80s. It was my father-in-law’s favorite.

CONTEST

Calling all bakers! Do you have a favorite holiday cookie recipe or special cookies you take to all the holiday parties and cookie exchanges? Share your favorite holiday cookie recipes with us for a chance to win!

Enter online at www.alabamaliving.com. Each entry must include your name, address and phone number as well as the name of your electric cooperative.

Entries may also be mailed to Alabama Living Cookie Contest, PO Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124. Entry deadline is September 2, 2022.

AL STATE JUL22.indd 32

4-5 slices bacon, reserve bacon grease 1 stick butter 5 apples 3 cups lemon lime soda 1 cup apple juice 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1 cup sugar 2 cups Bisquick 1 cup milk Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place bacon in a cake or lasagna pan, baking for 30 minutes. Core, peel and slice apples, putting them in a large bowl with the 3 cups of lemon lime soda. This will keep the apple slices from browning. In a large skillet, add butter, apple juice, cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg. Drain the liquid from the apple slices; add to the skillet and bring to a boil. Boil on medium heat for 10 minutes. Remove the bacon from pan, chopping and adding to the apples. Pour apple and bacon mixture back into the baking pan and mix with the bacon grease. In a bowl mix Bisquick and milk and pour over the top of the apple-bacon mixture and bake for 30 minutes on 350 degrees.

Kirk Vantrease Cullman EC

Rebecca McCarter Pioneer EC

Holiday Cookie

32 JULY 2022

Apple-Bacon Cobbler

Submit to win $50!

Recipes can be developed by you or family members. You may even adapt a recipe from another source by changing as little as the amount of one ingredient. Chosen cooks may win “Cook of the Month” only once per calendar year. To be eligible, submissions must include a name, phone number, mailing address and co-op name. Alabama Living reserves the right to reprint recipes in our other publications.

Themes and Deadlines:

October: Sweet Potatoes | July 1 November: Turkey leftovers | August 5 December: Holiday Cookie Contest | September 2

3 ways to submit:

Online: alabamaliving.coop Email: recipes@alabamaliving.coop Mail: Attn: Recipes P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124

www.alabamaliving.coop

6/8/22 1:45 PM

Alabama Living

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6/8/22 1:43 PM

34 JULY 2022

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6/7/22 10:02 AM

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Alabama Living

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6/7/22 10:02 AM

| Our Sources Say |

Spotlight on Guntersville Reservoir:

A summer destination of choice

Guntersville Reservoir offers world-class bass fishing.

W

ith world-class bass fishing, pristine waterways for kayaking and Small Wild Areas for gentle hiking, the Guntersville Reservoir offers a wide range of recreational pursuits.

What makes Lake Guntersville the ultimate bass mecca? According to David Brewster, manager of West Operations for TVA Natural Resource Management, it’s a combination of factors that include water depth, constant temperatures, and plentiful vegetation.

The Guntersville Reservoir is 67,900 acres of water, but the average depth is only 15 feet, and that shallow range is very conducive to bass. Unlike a lot of other reservoirs in TVA’s system, Guntersville’s water level only fluctuates about two or three feet—it’s a stable pool, so bass aren’t moving around to get to deeper water.

Guntersville Lake has fish in residence year-round.

The lake is home to many species of aquatic plants, both native and invasive, which TVA manages to prove maximum benefits to all lake users. (Without management, some aquatic plants—such as hydrilla, Eurasian milfoil and water hyacinth—could make waters impassible to recreational users and even to the most avid anglers.)

Brewster notes that these aquatic plants produce a safe haven for the bass and for the baitfish that the bass feed on, and since bass are predators, they’re also a great stalking ground for them.

The vegetation gives small fish a better chance to grow after spawning, which is important because Guntersville Lake is very heavily fished. The staff at TVA encourages everyone who fishes Lake Guntersville to catch, photograph and release.

If you enjoy kayaking, visit Lake Guntersville State Park, a publicly owned recreation area located on the far north side of the City of Guntersville in Marshall County, Alabama. You can put Kevin Chandler is the customer relations director, Regional Relations South, for the Tennessee Valley Authority.

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your kayaks in at Town Creek Fishing Center, a small area with a boat ramp, boat rental and a bait/snack shop. There are plenty of places to float or paddle.

For safe paddling, follow these tips: • Wear a helmet and a personal floatation device.

• Paddle water appropriate to your skills.

• Dress to prevent hypothermia.

• Watch for fallen tree limbs, barbed wire, bridge piers and other hazards.

• Don’t paddle alone.

• Don’t paddle in rivers in flood stage after a heavy rain.

• Never fish, wade or paddle too close to the face of a dam.

Two Small Wild Areas in Guntersville are perfect for gentle hiking, mountain biking, photography or birdwatching. SWAs are sites with exceptional natural, scenic or aesthetic qualities that are suitable for low-impact public use. These are areas TVA has set aside for conservation. They are small pockets of land that TVA staff members keep as close to their natural state as possible while allowing the public to enjoy their beauty.

Cave Mountain Trail is a 1-mile loop trail that takes you past a historic cave that was used during the Civil War to mine saltpeter, a base ingredient of gunpowder. Another highlight is the hardwood swamp that attracts waterfowl. It takes about a half-hour to complete, and it is generally considered to be an easy trail to follow. It is on the south side of Guntersville Dam about 6.5 miles north of the City of Guntersville, off of Highway 69.

Honeycomb Trail stretches 7.7 miles and is considered a moderately challenging route. It offers five bluff overlooks for stunning views, and plenty of opportunities to dip your toes in one of the many spring-fed creeks along the way. Look for bald eagles and ospreys as you walk or bike along the trail. The secondary trailhead is currently open and located just before entering Honeycomb Campground on Highway 31, about 18 miles north of the City of Guntersville. www.alabamaliving.coop

6/6/22 12:27 PM

| Classifieds | How To Place a Line Ad in Marketplace Closing Deadlines (in our office): September 2022 Issue by July 25 October 2022 Issue by August 25 November 2022 Issue by September 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.

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Alabama Living

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JULY 2022 37

6/7/22 2:26 PM

| Hardy Jackson's Alabama |

A word about barbecue

Illustration by Dennis Auth

N

ow I’m not going to get myself into a tussle over barbecue.

For some it is a passionate subject. They even argue over how to spell it -- BBQ, barbeque with a “q”, barbecue with a “c,” and such.

They also argue over whether barbecue is a process, as in “gonna barbecue some ribs” or the final product, as in “pass the barbecued ribs,” or both.

Years ago, folks at the U. S. Department of Agriculture tried to clarify things by declaring that for canned or packaged meat to be labeled “barbecue” it had to be “beef or pork in barbecue sauce.”

That should have settled it, but of course it didn’t.

Why? Because down in Dixie, barbecue is like French wine. Each region has its own.

One taste and you know where you are.

Growing up in Alabama, for us barbeHarvey H. (Hardy) Jackson is Professor Emeritus at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hhjackson43@gmail.com

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cue was mostly beef and pork, with an occasional chicken part thrown on the grill. Out in Texas they grill sausages and bologna, and call it barbecue, which is fine with me. I have even heard of barbecued shrimp.

Then there is the sauce, which is as varied as the meat. Up in the Tennessee Valley they have a “white sauce,” while in South Alabama I grew up with a tomato-based sauce livened up with brown sugar, pepper, vinegar or something else.

But not always.

If you want to see barbecue in all its glory, do a search online. Or just stick with what you like.

For many folks, barbecue captures a moment and holds it suspended, waiting to be remembered and enjoyed.

For me, one of those moments came when I was riding through rural Wilcox County. It was a warm summer Sunday morning. Windows down. Suddenly I caught the smell, then I saw the church where under the moss-hung oaks men gathered around a 55-gallon drum that had been converted into a grill.

I stopped.

While the men cooked (or barbecued if you prefer), the women spread out side dishes on tables that been serving this purpose for years. Potato salad, fried okra, corn bread, a feast fit for a king.

A man that I assumed was the preacher seemed to be supervising. So, I approached him and asked “Can I buy a plate”?

He smiled and said, “Come join us.”

I was the only white face there. Not that it mattered. We were church folks and members of the barbecue nation.

When we all were served and seated, the preacher asked the Lord to bless us all.

And when I bit into my ribs, I knew He had.

With dinner done (not lunch, dinner), the men sat together and I sat with them.

The women cleaned up and the teenagers (there were some there) carried off the trash.

Then folks began to slip away, I shook hands with the preacher, thanked him for his hospitality and I took my leave.

This world could use more Sunday barbecues like that. www.alabamaliving.coop

6/7/22 2:26 PM

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