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Festival of the Cranes
Up to 30,000 sandhill cranes and 20-35 whooping cranes wing their way to Decatur’s Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge every winter on their way south. Their presence puts on quite a show for visitors who attend the January Festival of the Cranes.
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Nativity scenes
From live nativity scenes at churches to heirloom creche sets in our homes, nativity scenes are a visual reminder of the season.
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Worth the Drive
An historic Enterprise restaurant has new chefs and a new focus on elevated cuisine.
Winning treats
Cranberries, white chocolate, toffee and pecans are just a few of the ingredients our readers used to create this year’s winning Christmas cookies and treats.
ON
THE COVER
On this month’s cover, Joe Wheeler EMC Director of Engineering Ken McGee, donned one of Annette Campbell’s Santa suits to recreate Haddon Sundblom’s iconic ‘Please Pause Here’ painting. Mr. Sundblom created the image for the Coca-Cola company in 1963.
Board of Trustees
JWEMC 2024 Annual Report
As you may have noticed, we are doing something a little different with our annual report again this year. To conserve resources where possible, we have decided to forgo sending a full annual report to every member, bagged with your Alabama Living magazine as we have done in the past. Instead, we are publishing a summary of the 2024 Annual Report on these first two pages of this edition of Alabama Living. For those wishing to see the entire report, it is available online at jwemc.coop, and a printed version can be picked up at any of our offices.
Independent Auditor’s Report
The Board of Trustees
Joe Wheeler Electric Membership Corporation and Subsidiaries Trinity, Alabama
Opinion
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Joe Wheeler Electric Membership Corporation and Subsidiaries (the Corporation), which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2024 and 2023, and the related consolidated statements of revenue and equities, other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the financial statements).
In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of the other auditor, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Joe Wheeler Electric Membership Corporation and Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2024 and 2023, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We did not audit the financial statements of Wheeler Basin Natural Gas Company, Inc., a whollyowned subsidiary, which statements reflect total assets constituting 3.24% and 3.44%, respectively, of consolidated total assets at June 30, 2024 and 2023, and revenue constituting 1.79°/4 and 1.99% of consolidated total revenue for the years then ended, respectively. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to amounts included for Wheeler Basin Natural Gas Company, Inc., is based solely on the report of the other auditors.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the Corporation and to meet our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audits. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Corporation's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued.
Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements.
In performing an audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, we:
• Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.
• Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
• Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Corporation's internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.
• Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statements.
• Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Corporation's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control related matters that we identified du ring the audit.
Report on Consolidating Information
Our audits were conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements as a whole. The consolidating information on pages 20 through 22 is presented for purposes of additional analysis of the financial statements rather than to present the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of the individual companies, and it is not a required part of the financial statements. Such information is the responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements. The consolidating information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements or to the financial statements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. In our opinion, the consolidating information is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the financial statements as a whole.
Montgomery, Alabama September 19, 2024
2024 Financial Highlights
In a quiet area just outside of Trinity, Alabama, the spirit of Christmas thrives year-round. In an unassuming workshop buzzing with holiday cheer, one of Santa’s busiest elves is always hard at work. Meet Annette Campbell, the heart and hands behind The Sewing Elves, a tailoring service that crafts some of the most exquisite Santa suits in the world.
Lawrence County's Annette Campbell brings Christmas to life, one Santa suit
at a time.
By Michael Cornelison
The Sewing Elves, but in 2016, she took over the reins, officially becoming the head elf. Since then, she has dedicated her talents to outfitting Santas across the globe, from small-town holiday parades to grand festive extravaganzas.
Each suit Annette creates is a unique masterpiece, meticulously crafted to match the personality and vision of its wearer. “No two suits are the same,” Annette explains. “Every Santa brings their own ideas—sometimes sketches, sometimes photos—and I bring them to life.” Whether it’s a sketch from a Santa in Tennessee or a specific style requested by a Santa in Dubai, Annette tailors each suit with precision and love.
For more than a decade, Annette has been the secret behind Jolly Old Saint Nick’s iconic attire. Her journey began as an apprentice for the previous owner of
The process is nothing short of magical. From the moment a Santa places an order, Annette embarks on a journey of design and craftsmanship. Due to the high level of customization, each suit takes about three weeks to complete. This means her calendar fills up quickly, limiting her to about 20 suits a
year. “I have a Santa from New England whose suit is already on my list for 2025,” she says, illustrating just how high the demand is for her creations.
Annette’s repertoire includes three signature styles:
The Traditional Suit: Adorned with a single band of luxurious fur along the jacket's front, hem, and sleeves, this classic look evokes timeless holiday charm.
The Coca-Cola Style: Featuring five bold gold buttons and functional buttonholes, this suit replaces the traditional fur front for a sleek, nostalgic design.
The Long Robe or Open Coat: Often paired with an elegant vest, this style is perfect for Santas looking to make a grand entrance. It allows for flexibility, as the coat can be removed to reveal a layered outfit beneath.
Of course, Annette doesn’t stop at Santa suits. She also designs capes, hats, and purses for Mrs. Claus, ensuring every holiday duo is picture-perfect. Additionally, her attention to detail includes practical
Mrs. Claus and Santa, Amelia and David Odom of Hoover, Alabama.
Santa Ronnie Armor
Autumn Yeager Photography, LLC.
innovations like detachable fur trim, which prevents discoloration during cleaning—a thoughtful touch that her clients appreciate.
Annette’s work has graced some prestigious stages. From magazine covers to films like "Christmas at The Greenbrier" on Fox Nation, her suits have brought Christmas magic to life. “One of my clients told me he’s Nicole Kidman’s personal Santa,” Annette shares with a smile, hinting at the caliber of her clientele.
But Annette’s dedication to her craft doesn’t end in the workshop. She’s an active participant in the Santa community, attending gatherings like the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas (IBRBS) and the Santa Family Reunion in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. These events serve as both a reunion and a marketplace, where Santas exchange stories, learn new skills, and find the perfect suit.
Behind every successful elf is a team, and Annette’s family plays a vital role in The Sewing Elves. Her "Little Elf Helper" Debra Hunter, helps with the sewing. Her husband, John, affectionately dubbed the “number one elf,” handles the logistics, from purchasing supplies to mailing packages and finished suits. Meanwhile, her daughter, Katherine Phillips, manages their website and social media platforms, ensuring a strong online presence.
materials. “Without it, I’d be lost,” she admits. “Santa’s helpers need fast, reliable internet to keep up with emails, orders, and everything in between.”
Despite the hustle and bustle of her workshop, Annette remains passionate about her work. “Santa is always a fun person to work for,” she says. Each suit she crafts is not just an outfit but a piece of Christmas magic that brings joy to countless families.
For Annette Campbell, Christmas is more than a season—it’s a calling. And as she continues to create
wearable works of art for the world’s most beloved holiday figure, she proves that the spirit of giving, creativity, and joy can thrive all year long. Whether you’re a Santa in need of a new suit or simply a lover of all things festive, The Sewing Elves is where holiday dreams come to life.
On this month's cover, Joe Wheeler EMC Director of Engineering Ken McGee, donned one of Annette Campbell's Santa suits to recreate Haddon Sundblom's iconic 'Please Pause Here' painting. Mr. Sundblom created the image for the Coca-Cola company in 1963. Also in the picture is Griffin Brechbill, the son of JWEMC CSR Britta Voss, and Collins Joy Vance, the granddaughter of JWEMC CSR Kristi Vance.
We also want to acknowledge local Trinity Santa Ronnie Armor for letting us use his suit for these pictures. Ronnie helps Santa out during the busy Christmas season. You can find him on Facebook by searching Santa Ronnie Armor.
Speaking of technology, Annette’s work wouldn’t be possible without a reliable internet connection. Since adopting FlashFiber in 2020, she’s been able to seamlessly run her business, from fielding inquiries to ordering
To connect with Annette and explore her enchanting creations, visit thesewingelves. com or follow The Sewing Elves on Instagram and Facebook. After all, Christmas is closer than you think, and Santa’s wardrobe is always in style.
Santa and Mrs. Claus, Russ and Nicole Creel of Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Santa Kenny Higgins of Clifton Forge, Virginia
It’s Scholarship Season
At Joe Wheeler EMC, we take pride in giving back to the communities where we work and live. That’s why each year, we give out more than $30,000 in scholarships to our members. We genuinely believe investing in our young members benefits everyone. So be sure and encourage the young people in your life to take advantage of the opportunities we are offering on these pages before time runs out.
Electric Cooperative Foundation
Scholarship Applications Available
High school seniors, listen up! Electric Cooperative Foundation Scholarship Applications are now available. Two $500 scholarships will be given to high school seniors in the JWEMC service area. For an application, stop by any JWEMC office location or visit www.jwemc.coop/content/scholarships. Deadline for the scholarship entry is February 21, 2025.
Scholarships
Parents, do you have a high school junior who needs a crash course in leadership? Do you wish they had the opportunity to travel to Montgomery and possibly to Washington DC? How does a $1,000 scholarship sound? Well, Joe Wheeler EMC has just the thing! It’s time to sign up for the 2025 JWEMC Youth Tour.
The JWEMC Youth Tour is the trip of a lifetime for up to 10 youth from across the Joe Wheeler EMC territory. Participants will travel to Montgomery in March to join more than 130 other high school juniors from across the state. They will learn how electric cooperatives work for them, meet with local legislators while touring historic sites across the capital, and develop essential leadership skills with new friends.
After the Montgomery tour, five lucky participants will be selected to travel to our nation’s capital in June for the Washington Youth Tour. Here they will meet with youth from across the country to learn about electric cooperatives on a national level while also touring historic sites and meeting with congressional representatives and senators. This 6-day, all-expenses-paid, trip is indeed a once in a lifetime experience for many culminating in lifelong friendships with young people from all across the nation.
With just a few minutes of your time, you can help your junior earn an experience that might shape their future. Visit www.jwemc.coop or call (256) 552-2355 to find out how to get the process started.
Christmas Nativities
I hand-painted this set of nativity figurines my mother-in-law gave me 45 years ago. SUBMITTED by Gwen Windham, Robertsdale.
Pine Grove United Methodist Church in Leroy has had a live nativity scene for more than 40 years. SUBMITTED by Sallie Brown, Leroy.
Kayla Cox Taken, 3, admires a nativity scene at her church. SUBMITTED by Becky Cox, Ragland.
Youth group of Detroit First Baptist Church in Lamar County. SUBMITTED by Amy Spruiel, Detroit.
Spotlight | December
Get in the holiday spirit with Governor’s Mansion candlelight tours
The state Governor’s Mansion comes alive in the spirit of Christmas with the annual candlelight tours each December, when several rooms are open to the public and are decorated by volunteer designers from around the state. Each room displays a different style with a classic Christmas look. Children’s choirs provide music on the staircase of the mansion.
The tours will be Monday, Dec. 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Monday, Dec. 16 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Pick up tickets at the Governor’s Mansion Gift Shop, 30 Finley Ave., or at the Alabama Tourism Gift Shop, on the first floor of the Alabama Center for Commerce building at 401 Adams Ave. The mansion’s address is 1142 S. Perry St. in Montgomery. The tours are free; email tours@mansion.alabama.gov or call 334-425-2818 for more information.
Find the hidden dingbat!
We are grateful for the more than 400 correct guesses we received about the November dingbat, which probably proves that the easier the search is, the more entries we’ll get. But that’s a good thing! Pamela Maten of Gilbertown said she was traveling to a teacher conference when she spotted the carving set on Page 22 on the side of the park pavilion. “It makes me crave Thanksgiving dinner!” she wrote. Alice and Charles Evans of Sulligent said they had help from their granddaughter, age 6, who was home with a sick day. “She was jumping up and down saying, ‘Look Nana, this is it. I found it, Nana!’” Congratulations to Tanya Meadows of Dothan, our randomly selected winner of a gift card from Alabama One Credit Union. We hope you’ll be jumping up and down when you find this month’s dingbat, a gingerbread house. Remember, it won’t be on Pages 1-8 or in an ad. Good luck!
By email: dingbat@alabamaliving.coop
By mail: Find the Dingbat
Grant will help improve rural road safety
Rural Alabama communities are at high risk for pedestrian and cyclist accidents because roadways are designed for motorized vehicle travel. Safety improvements are necessary.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Thriving Communities program — in partnership with the Auburn University Samuel Ginn College of Engineering — is addressing this issue thanks to a $504,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. This funding will be used to develop safety action plans in five counties: Barbour, Bullock, Russell, Marion and Greene. These five counties have a high rate of crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists each year. The plans will focus on enhancing road safety for those groups.
Sponsored by
To learn more about creating a community plan for increasing safe walking and biking, visit ALThrivingCommunities.com.
Readers love Hobby’s gift for words
I so look forward each month to your last page story ("Cup o' Joe"). When my Alabama Living magazine comes in the mail and I separate the mail, it goes in my stack by my chair, so as soon as I can (I start from the back ) I read what you are sharing with us this month. So with all the unnecessary words above, I just want to say I really admire your talent and love your gift for words and the stories you tell. Keep up the good work. God’s blessed you with a talent so it’s to share, lol. Thank you for sharing with us Alabama peeps.
Regina Ham, Troy
From dark to light
I was very much impressed with your article in the September issue (“God and the Rolling Stones”). I always enjoy your writings, but this one I will copy and share with family, friends, customers, etc. I’m guessing it took a bit of courage to write. It would have taken a LOT of courage for me! It’s refreshing to hear of dark and difficult situations that have evolved into healed and manageable situations. From dark to light. How great is that?
Thank you again. God bless.
Lee Racine, Robertsdale
Tears for simple times
I turn 65 next week. Somehow you really struck a chord in my heart (“The Little Woods, a place of magic,” Nov. 2024). And as long as I’m at it, I might as well confess…it caused me to literally weep for simple times. Thank you!
Ralph Mitchell, Foley
Tours of the Governor’s Mansion are a highlight of the holiday season. PHOTO COURTESY GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
Whereville, AL
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 January issue.
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.
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!
December’s answer: This little post office building is in southeast Conecuh County. Immigrants of South Carolina settled in the area in the 1870s, and as the population increased, residents requested a post office with a biblical name. The postal service approved the request in 1907 and named the post office Paul. The postal service closed the Paul, Ala. post office in 1987. It was listed in the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on June 21, 2013. (Photo courtesy of RuralSWAlabama.org). The randomly drawn correct guess winner is Mark Nicholson of Baldwin EMC.
Roland and Carolyn Hendon of Mentone traveled all the way to San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, where they saw giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies. Hendon is a member of the Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative Board of Directors and is vicechair of the Alabama Rural Electric Association Board, which publishes Alabama Living
Jim and Sandra Warren of Dothan, Wiregrass Electric Coop members, visited the Grand Canyon with their magazine.
Scott Nick of Oneonta, formerly of Central Alabama EC, dove way down to read his magazine. This photo was taken at San Pedro Island, Belize, at Ramones Dive Resort, sponsored by Southern Skin Dive Center.
Casey, Julie, and Vanessa Shiver of Andalusia, members of Covington EC, traveled to the Mayan Cacao Company in Cozumel, Mexico.
Larry and Kenneth Capps, retirees from Dixie Electric, Union Springs and Montgomery, along with their wives, Sharon and Dianne, took Alabama Living with them on a 15-day cruise to Hawaii. The photo was taken at Rainbow Falls on the big island of Hawaii.
‘MagicBellingrathChristmas in Lights’ is year-long project
‘Tis the season, but at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, the season began early. Workers have been rolling out Bellingrath’s Magic Christmas in Lights since August.
By Emmett Burnett
Most of us never have the need to decorate outdoor Christmas trees in summer, under a National Weather Service heat advisory. Most of us are not Hayley Zirlott.
Wearing bracelets of Christmas tree lights and perched on a 10foot step ladder, Zirlott explains the task: “Crisscross the strings. Don’t wrap lights around the tree. That makes the tree lights look striped.” Duly noted.
By Nov. 23, three million Christmas lights had been installed, illuminating 65 acres. In addition, workers installed 500 set pieces, 49 pole Christmas trees, and holiday finery throughout the grounds.
By Jan. 5, an estimated 90,000 visitors will stroll through what USA Today proclaimed in 2022 as “The 9th Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in America.”
“This is our top attraction,” notes Bellingrath Gardens and Home Director Dr. Todd Lasseigne. “It is crucial to put on this event. It pulls in people who have never been to Bellingrath before.”
Many have questions.
Lasseigne recalls, “First time visitors often ask ‘where can we go and not go?’ I tell them, just don’t go where there are no lights.” That is not easy. Lights cover the entire 65-acre electrical extravaganza.
The director adds, “another question we receive is, ‘How much is your power bill?’ Actually, since most of our lighting is now LED, the power bill is less than in previous years. The show’s electric power costs will run about $10,000 to $15,000.”
Custom-made set pieces unique to the show
Bellingrath also has its own metal shop, an intricate part of Magic Christmas in Lights. During the year, metal workers bend, fabricate, and weld metal into unique set pieces. With chalk in hand, workers draw the area on the ground where set pieces will sit. “The pieces are made to fit, painted, and given to us to tie the lights on,” adds Wells.
Light Crew Manager Melissa Wells and her team ensure everything stays illuminated. “From August to November, as sets are installed, we test the lighting,” she notes. “Things can go wrong – like when squirrels chew the wiring. We’ve had that happen.”
Another query inquiring minds want to know is when the planning process begins. “The answer is, planning never stops,” says Lasseigne. “Many people are surprised that we work on our Christmas lights show full time.”
Preparation for next year’s event begins the day after the last one. “Melissa and I will discuss what scenes to include next year and any changes needed,” says Lasseigne. “New sets and pieces are added every year.”
Almost everything you see in the show is custom-made, unique to Bellingrath.
August is when designs, plans, and good ideas meet labor. Lasseigne explains: “We wrap the trees first, then come back and do the shrubbery. Usually in October we start adding set pieces.”
The show opened Nov. 29 and ends Jan. 5. The show is closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The work, however, never stops.
“During the show’s run, my team arrives every day about two hours before the doors open,” says Wells. “We turn the power on.”
She explains that one does not just flip a switch to activate three million lights. “It takes over an hour to power up,” says the manager. “It’s not just one big switch. The lights are controlled in multiple panels.”
Once Bellingrath is glowing in Christmas colored lights, crews walk the paths visitors will soon tread, looking for problems. “You will always find something needing attention,” Wells adds. “We have to make those corrections right now, often hours before the night’s show.”
At 4 p.m. the doors open and the show begins. Bellingrath Gardens and Home, one of Alabama’s most famous attractions (it’s mentioned in To Kill a Mockingbird) transforms into an electric winter wonderland.
Less crowded on weeknights
Visitors meander through a dazzling display in garden and home holiday themes, including “Under the Sea,” Mardi Gras, majestic swans, elves, Santa Claus, Nativity scenes and more.
“Try to come earlier than 4 p.m.,” says Bellingrath Marketing and Public Relations Director Cassidy Smith. “Try coming on weeknights. Usually it’s not as crowded as the Friday – Saturday shows.”
“Believe it or not,” Wells adds, “as for crowd sizes, one of the best nights to come here is Christmas Eve. We have our traditional families who make this part of their Christmas but for others, Dec. 24 is not as crowded
Bellingrath Gardens and Home worker Hayley Zirlott strings holiday lights on trees in preparation for Magic Christmas in Lights. The photo was taken on the gardens’ first day of decorating for Christmas, Aug. 12.
PHOTO BY EMMETT BURNETT
as other nights.”
“Many people visiting Magic Christmas in Lights do not realize the gardens are open during the day too,” adds Wells. “Fresh poinsettias, paperwhites, and other winter plantings are everywhere. I tell people to see the gardens during the day. By the time you are finished, the Magic Lights of Christmas lights up.”
Guests are illuminated, too. Visitors meander through a dazzling display in garden and home holiday themes, including “Under the Sea,” Mardi Gras, majestic swans, elves, Santa Claus, Nativity scenes and more.
“Visitors do not realize how big this display is,” Lasseigne says. “It is one of the largest in the country. People become immersed in the scene. They want that. Our guests want more than just seeing pictures. They want to be in it.”
Yes, visitors are in a scene planned last January, implemented last summer or fall, and enjoyed from the day after Thanksgiving to early New Year, as if by magic, a Magic Christmas in Lights.
TIME: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Lights turned on by 5 p.m.
During Magic Christmas in Lights, from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., members are admitted to Bellingrath Gardens & Home free. After 12:00 p.m. members must purchase Magic Christmas in Lights tickets at the member discount rate.
Parking is complimentary. Wheelchairs and wagons are available for a $6 rental fee on a fist-come, fist-served basis
Hot cocoa and snacks are available for purchase on Live Oak Plaza; hot evening meals are available in the Magnolia Café nightly from 4 to 8 pm.
Bars offering beer and wine are available for purchase in the Magnolia Café and on Live Oak Plaza, as well as Irish coffee at the midpoint of the walking tour.
More details, bellingrath.org/discover/magic-christmasin-lights/
PHOTOS COURTESY BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME
Cranes are celebrity ambassadors for wildlife refuge
By Katie Jackson
Back in the early 1990s, a small group of snowbirds on their way south for the winter made a rest stop at Decatur’s Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge and ended up staying for the entire season. Word of this new-found overwintering wonderland apparently spread because today it’s a favorite destination for thousands of seasonal migrants.
These “snowbirds” are of the avian, rather than human, variety — migratory sandhill and whooping cranes that spend summers in the Great Lakes region and northern Canada and fly south to warmer climes in the winter. Traditionally, they overwintered in southern Georgia and northern Florida, but that began to shift northward when, in 1992, three sandhill cranes made WNWR their winter home. Over the next several years, more sandhills joined them, and the seasonal population grew to some 500 cranes in 2005, including several endangered whooping cranes that began arriving the year before.
Today between 10,000 to 30,000 sandhill cranes and 20-25 whooping cranes sojourn at the WNWR each winter to take advantage of all the 35,000-acre refuge has to offer. Located along the Tennessee River above Wheeler Dam, the WNWR was established in 1938 to provide wintering and breeding habitat for
Birder and conservationist Christopher Joe is one of more than a dozen speakers and entertainers slated for the 2025 Festival of the Cranes. Joe, who founded Connecting with Birds and Nature Tours on his family’s farm in Greensboro in 2018, will talk about creating small ecotourism projects to boost tourism in the state. His brother, artist Timothy Joe, will demonstrate the techniques he uses to create images of nature and rural life.
ducks, geese and other migratory birds and wildlife. Much of the area is drained in the summer to control mosquitos and reflooded in the winter, which WNWR park ranger David Young says is ideal winter habitat for the cranes.
“The Decatur area has all the ingredients they need: lots of water and (fallow) farm fields where the birds can feed in the daytime and then move to the mudflats of the Tennessee River and its tributaries at night,” he says.
The cranes begin arriving in mid-November and stay until early to mid-February forming huge gatherings of gray-feathered sandhills punctuated by bright white whooping cranes. Both species are long-legged and statuesque (four to five feet in height) with impressive five- to seven-foot wingspans.
They are also boisterous birds, communicating with one another through an array of burbles, purrs, rattles, snores, hisses, honks and their species-specific calls — sandhills make bugling sounds while whooping cranes, true to their name, “whoop” — that can be heard up to 2.5 miles away. And they are famously elegant and exuberant dancers, performing a series of bows, bobs, wingflaps, stick tosses and spectacular leaps (six to eight feet high) during courtship rituals
Up to 30,000 sandhill cranes and 20-25 whooping cranes fly to the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge each winter to take advantage of the 35,000-acre habit for migratory birds. The annual Festival of the Cranes, set for Jan. 10-12, is expected to attract more than 6,000 visitors to the Decatur-Huntsville area to see the cranes and enjoy cultural and educational programs.
CRANE PHOTOS BY GEORGE LEE
PHOTO BY TREY MOODY
but also year-round.
These large flocks (sometimes called sedges) are a sight to see and hear and the WNWR is an ideal place to do both. The refuge’s two-story observation building, a temperature-controlled facility located near the visitor’s center — and just three miles off Interstate 65 — offers exceptional views of the cranes and the many ducks, geese and other migratory birds that spend winters there.
Conservation and raising awareness
The refuge is also a go-to destination for thousands of human visitors who flock there to view the cranes, which inspired the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Association, a “friends of” group of volunteers, to create the Festival of the Cranes in 2012.
The WWRA works to conserve and raise awareness of the many natural and cultural wonders found at WNWR, which according to the organization’s president, Mary Ratliff, are remarkable.
“To me, it’s one of the most important natural resources in the area,” she says. “It’s like having a 35,000-acre personal park right in the middle of two cities (Huntsville and Decatur).”
“It’s kind of a hidden treasure up here,” Young says. “We’ve had folks who have lived up here for decades who aren’t aware of it.”
“We (the WWRA) wanted to bring awareness to the fact that this is something really special and we should take care of it,” Ratliff says. And the Festival of the Cranes has done just that, so much so that what began as an event hosted at the refuge’s visitor’s center has grown into a community-wide collaboration and celebration.
“It grew so fast that we couldn’t handle the people,” Ratliff says, so she and other volunteers began looking for partners in the community to help support and expand the festival. With the help of her local state senator, Arthur Orr, and cooperation of many other local, state and federal people and organizations, the event has become what Ratliff describes as “a model for collaborating and communicating with one another.”
from crane conservation, falconry and raptors to reptiles, bats, ecotourism and Alabama cave life. (The WNWR manages a complex of properties including three north Alabama caves that are homes to protected bat species and the endangered Alabama cavefish).
Entertainment is also on the agenda including shows featuring storyteller and naturalist Brian “Fox” Ellis, who will perform as John James Audubon, and “Thank You, Rachel,” a play about Rachel Carson, both of which will run all weekend.
Experts on hand
Back at the refuge, hours at the visitor center and observation building are expanded throughout crane season (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Naturalists will be on hand during the festival to share information about the cranes and other bird and wildlife species, and expert-led bird walks will be held on the Friday before and Monday following the festival. Throughout the cranes’ season, the refuge offers free guided Whooping Crane Walks most Saturdays starting at 11 a.m. and Waterfowl Wednesdays walks at 8 a.m.
Young also encourages visitors to come see the cranes outside the festival, especially on weekdays, which are usually less crowded. And really any time of year is a great time to visit the refuge, which offers year-round bird watching, kayaking, cycling and hiking opportunities as well as hunting and fishing seasons.
Last year the festival drew some 6,000 attendees and, like the crane population, seems to be growing each year.
This year’s festival, to be held Jan. 10-12, offers an array of cultural and educational programs for all ages at sites across Decatur including the historic Princess Theater, Alabama Center for the Arts, Carnegie Visual Arts Center, Cook Museum of Natural Science and Decatur Public Library.
Among the programs are children’s activities, art shows and demonstrations and an array of presentations on topics ranging
“There’s something to see here all year long,” Young says, noting that the plant and animal life changes with the seasons. “It’s different all the time, especially as the water level changes.”
Ratliff said the cranes are excellent celebrity ambassadors for the refuge and nature, drawing thousands of visitors to the refuge — some 16,000 last year — and combined with the festival will help those visitors discover the region’s many other natural and cultural resources.
“We want to let them know that we have other opportunities here,” she says, many of them driven by the state’s remarkable biodiversity. And that, she hopes, will encourage people to get out in nature and care about these natural places.
More about the WNWR is available at fws.gov/refuge/ wheeler and details of the upcoming festival and other WWFA activities are available at friendsofwheelernwr.org and through its Facebook or Instagram accounts.
Alabama’s reptiles and amphibians will be the focus of a presentation by Jimmy Stiles, a naturalist and field biologist from Conecuh County who travels the state providing hands-on environmental educational programs focused on appreciating and protecting Alabama’s remarkable biodiversity.
PHOTO BY TREY MOODY
Historic Enterprise restaurant focuses on elevated cuisine, hospitality
By Jennifer Kornegay
Today, The Rawls restaurant in Enterprise is known for its steaks, oysters and creative cocktails crafted with seasonal ingredients. As of 2023, the eatery has new chefs and a new focus on elevated cuisine. But it’s in an old building.
Built as a hotel by the Rawls family more than a century ago, the Spanish-style structure served guests arriving in the area via train (the train depot is right out back, which was the original front entrance), and sometimes, the legacy left by all those visitors, its previous owners and hotel staff comes alive.
“We have things that go bump in the night and during the day,” says owner Sam Gay. Faucets turn on by themselves, and doors open with no one visible pushing or pulling on knobs. The sweet smell of pipe tobacco floats in the air when nobody is smoking. And multiple people have seen an elderly man in a white shirt with suspenders — believed by some to be Jeb Rawls of the original owning family — wandering the halls. “It’s a little creepy, but whoever they are, they’re friendly,” Gay says. “Nothing really scary has happened.”
But the thought of this historic spot and beloved community landmark being lost is cause for alarm. And it almost was. After opening in 1903, the hotel was enlarged with two additional wings, including a grand ballroom, in 1928 and housed visitors to Enterprise for decades. After its hospitality days were done, it held a barber shop, a hobby shop and an eye doctor’s office until the late 1960s. Then, it sat empty for years, and by the mid1970s, with its roof crumbling in, it was on its way to be condemned.
Before it was officially slated for demolition, a local named Hayden Pursely bought it and spent three years working room by room, renovating almost every inch of the building. His efforts saved the structure, and in 1980, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 1999, Gay’s parents purchased it. Upstairs became office space, and downstairs, Gay and his mom opened a small deli. The Rawls restaurant was born, and over the next 20 years, it grew up and grew into the eating establishment it is now. “We steadily added items to the menu,” says Gay. Gay had no intention of remaining in the restaurant business,
The grand entrance hall of The Rawls.
PHOTO BY JENNIFER KORNEGAY
Any of The Rawls’ crisp salads makes a great start to dinner.
PHOTO BY JENNIFER KORNEGAY
Owner Sam Gay.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RAWLS
Juicy prime rib is a special Sunday-only treat.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RAWLS
but life had other plans. “I didn’t think I wanted to run a restaurant, but here I am,” he says, laughing. Now, plenty of others find themselves at The Rawls too, digging into dishes amid the intricate wrought iron, glittering chandeliers and rich wood beams, columns and carved accents of its expansive and elegant dining areas.
The allure of nostalgia
“When I was younger, I didn’t get why this place was important, but it does matter to people here,” Gay says. “People are constantly sharing with me the memories they’ve made here, birthdays, wedding events and other celebrations.” The space’s nostalgia is as appealing to many as anything on the menu. To preserve the allure, Gay and his family remain committed to keeping its historic aspects intact, even through several renovations.
“We want to it to look as close as possible to the original,” Gay says.
LeeAnn Capps, director of communications and corporate recruiter for Gay’s other family business, Navigator Development Group Inc. (which has offices upstairs), has fallen under The Rawls’ spell, and echoes Gay. “The more I’ve learned about the building, the more I love its charm,” she says. “It feels like time has stood still here, so with any work or additions, great care has been taken to make it match and look like it belongs.”
During prohibition, illegal hootch was delivered and put into the tunnel where it rolled down the ramp to an area where the ladies’ restroom is now. “Then someone would lift the trap door and retrieve it,” Gay says. “I love these stories and love that this place is still here for our community as well as visitors to discover and enjoy.”
But in early 2023, Enterprise and The Rawls’ regulars endured a real fright. The restaurant shut down for months when the chef of 14 years left. And Gay didn’t rest and didn’t reopen until he found the right fit for The Rawls’ kitchen. He lured two chefs from Emeril’s in Destin, Florida, to the restaurant. Dawn Sabath and Tommy Wachter, both trained under famed chef Emeril Lagasse, brought an elegant touch to the revamped menu, which debuted when the eatery reopened in October 2023.
Some of the work unearthed interesting artifacts that opened a door to previously unknown elements of the building’s past. “When a plumber came out to run a water line for a new service area, he found an old bottle of liquor,” Gay says. “He kept digging in the same area and found a tunnel with a ramp that led to a trap door.”
Hours: Thursday-Monday, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
A risk paid off
“Like a lot of Southern towns, Enterprise can be fickle, so the decision to venture beyond traditional Southern-style cooking was a risk, but it has paid off,” Gay says. Indeed, despite a lack of items deep-fried and dipped in ranch dressing, diners have taken to selections like succulent pork belly with tangy Asian barbecue sauce, salty-sweet prosciutto and mixed berry salad, rich duck breast over sesame-garlic noodles and crab-crusted fresh grouper swimming in a thyme-scented beurre blanc.
The menu changes several times a year, but constants include the tender smoked prime rib – Gay’s favorite served only on Sundays –whose aroma perfumes most of main street, the German-inspired fare featured on the last Thursday of each month, plus chargrilled oysters and stellar steaks (juicy marbled ribeyes are standouts) anytime the spot is open. A large wine list complements the food, as does the space’s character, according to Sabath.
“This place has been a social hub in some form or another for 100 years, and that history is all here playing into the experience,” she says. The most obvious spirit currently hanging around at The Rawls is one of vibrant hospitality, and there’s nothing scary about that.
Chef Dawn Sabath shows off a steak dinner.
The Rawls’ entrance facing the train station.
PHOTO BY JENNIFER KORNEGAY
Duck breast over sesame-garlic noodles is a favorite dish.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RAWLS
FairWinning recipes
Home cooks bake on the theme, “Celebrating your ancestral roots”
In 2023, Alabama Living’s sponsored cooking competition at the Alabama National Fair was themed, “Celebrating your ancestral roots.” This year, to make it a bit different, we asked our home bakers to use the same theme but limit their submissions to just desserts. And they answered the call! The judges were provided by the Fair and by the Alabama Rural Electric Association, which publishes Alabama Living. The top three winners received a cash prize, a ribbon and the honor of having their recipes published in the December issue.
First place
Old-Fashioned English Apple Dumplings
Melissa Welch, Wetumpka
Ingredients:
1 package double crust pie pastry
6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
¾ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon allspice
Dash red cayenne pepper
½ cup chopped pecans
½ cup raisins
½ cup butter, cut into 8 cubes
Additional butter for greasing the pan
Sauce:
2 ½ cups water
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
Remaining 2 tablespoons butter
Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13-inch oven-proof baking pan. Peel and core Granny Smith apples; set aside. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cayenne pepper, pecans and raisins in small bowl. Fill cavity of apples with brown sugar, spice mix and 1 cube butter.
Roll pastry into a rectangle. Lightly flour if needed. Cut into 6-inch squares. Place an apple on each square and carefully pull pie dough up to cover the apple, gathering it at the top. Mash carefully to completely seal the apple. Repeat with each apple. Place them in the buttered dish. Optional: Cut decorative leaves from leftover pie crust and attach two to top of dough. Roll or twist a marble-size piece of dough to make a stem. Press into top of dough to adhere.
Make sauce by adding water, sugar and remaining butter to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and heat 4-5 minutes until sugar is completely melted, stirring often. Carefully pour over apples and put them in the oven. Once or twice during baking, carefully spoon sauce over the apples. Bake until golden brown, about an hour to an hour 10 minutes. Sauce will thicken as it cools.
Serve apple dumpling with additional sauce from apples; ice cream is optional.
Winners of the 2024 Alabama Living baking competition are, from left, Jamie Davis, TerreLynn Huston and Melissa Welch, shown with Alabama Living editor Lenore Vickrey.
Second place
English Sticky Toffee Pudding
TerreLynn Huston, Montgomery
Ingredients:
5 ½ ounces chopped, pitted dried Medjool dates
1 cup water
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2 medium eggs
2 tablespoons molasses
1 ½ tablespoons golden or dark corn syrup
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
½ teaspoon baking soda (to put in date mixture)
Toffee sauce:
½ cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon molasses
2 tablespoons golden syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 pinch of salt
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add the dates and water to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for a couple of minutes. Let stand for a few minutes while preparing the rest of the batter. Cream together the butter, brown sugar and vanilla. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the molasses and syrup and beat well.
Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in three equal portions, mixing until smooth after each addition. Puree the date mixture in a food processor or blender before mixing in the baking soda. Add this hot mixture immediately to the batter and mix till smooth. Pour batter into well greased and floured 6-cup baking dish and bake about 50 minutes until the center is just firm.
Sauce: Bring all the ingredients to a slow rolling boil for about 2 minutes before serving over the baked pudding. Serve warm with extra sauce and ice cream on the side.
Third place
Nana’s Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Jamie Davis, Tallassee
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh or frozen peaches, pureed in a food processor
2 cups sugar
1 pinch of salt
1 cup whipping cream
1 can Eagle Brand condensed milk
1 can Pet milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Whole milk
1 box ice cream salt
About 10 pounds crushed ice
Directions: In a large bowl, mix peaches with sugar and pinch of salt with mixer. Slowly add 1 cup whipping cream and cans of milk, incorporating after each addition. Add vanilla. Pour into the silver canister of an ice cream freezer. Add whole milk to the fill line. Using the paddles, mix milk into the mixture of peaches. Secure lid and place in freezer. Add crushed ice and rock salt till filled to cover container. Turn on freezer. Takes about 20 minutes on average to make ice cream. When freezer turns off, check to see if ice cream has firmed. If not serving right away, can serve in one hour in ice or place silver container in freezer until ready to eat.
Social Security’s top 10 webpages for 2025
SSA.gov is your best resource to learn about Social Security programs and benefits and conduct business with us. Our website is designed to make it easy for you to find what you need.
Here are our top 10 webpages:
• my Social Security — You can open a personal my Social Security account to verify your earnings, view your Social Security Statement, get benefit estimates, and more, at ssa. gov/myaccount Social Security blog — You can
Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached by e-mail at kylle.mckinney@ssa.gov. You may also call Social Security’s tollfree number at 1-800-772-1213.
find the latest Social Security news and updates at blog.ssa.gov. You can easily share these informative articles with others.
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Do you need answers to Social Security-related questions? Visit ssa. gov/faq to find answers to common questions and other valuable information.
• Retirement application — You can complete and submit your online application for retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes at ssa.gov/ retirement.
• Disability application — You can apply for disability benefits online at ssa.gov/benefits/disability.
• Publications — Visit our online publication library for information
about key subjects at ssa.gov/pubs (includes audio versions).
• Medicare — Sign up for Medicare at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up
• Online Services — You can take care of most business with us by visiting ssa.gov/onlineservices
• People Helping Others — Use these resources to help your family and others in your community at ssa. gov/thirdparty
• Fraud and Scam Prevention and Reporting — Learn how to recognize and report Social Security fraud and scams at ssa.gov/fraud. Remember, if you need information or want to do business with us, the first place to go to is our website. Please share these top resources with your loved ones.
Christmas in Alabama crossword
by Myles Mellor
Wedding vow conclusion, 2
Firm, for short
DECEMBER
All month
Andalusia Drive Through Christmas Lights sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. Plans are to have an “enchanted forest” to view Elf Village, Whoville, reindeer headquarters and other attractions. Cost is $10 per car at 20096 Kiwanis Drive, Andalusia, in and around the fairgrounds and complex. See the group’s Facebook page.
All month
Guntersville Festival of Trees. See more than 30 decorated Christmas trees throughout the Guntersville Museum at this annual event. Special programs and music planned. Contemporary artist Annette Brewer will have works exhibited. Museum hours at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free. GuntersvilleMuseum.org
Weekendsin
December Andalusia
Christmas in Candyland, beginning Dec. 6 and continuing through the season. The south Alabama town turns into a Christmas wonderland each season. The downtown square features a “snow show,” horse-drawn carriage rides and photos at the large Christmas tree. Up the road at the Springdale Estate, visit with Santa and Elsa, take a ride on a replica of a classic steam locomotive and follow the journey of the lost polar bear. Ice skating and tubing down Polar Bear Hill. ChristmasInCandyland.com
2-14
Selma 46th annual Holiday House, at Heritage Village, 622 McLeod Ave. Hosted by the Selma-Dallas County Historical Preservation Society, this festive popup features handcrafted gifts, holiday decorations and sweet treats from local vendors. Purchases support the society’s preservation efforts.
6 Henagar Christmas at the Cabin. Parade starts at 4 p.m. and ends at Henagar City Park, where there will be 80 decorated Christmas
trees, train rides, Christmas crafts for children, hot chocolate, popcorn and pictures with Santa. Free. 256-6576282.
6-7 Bay Minette 42nd annual North Baldwin Christmas Festival, 11 a.m., around the Courthouse Square downtown. More than 100 vendors offer a variety of goods, delicious food options, a kids’ zone, live performances, the Friday night Ping Pong Prize Drop and annual Christmas parade on Saturday evening. NorthBaldwinChamber. com
6-8 Montgomery 53rd annual Montgomery Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show, Garrett Coliseum, 1555 Federal Drive. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 8. $2 per adult; 18 and under free with student ID and paid adult. Free parking, door prizes, demonstrations and children’s activities. Search for the Montgomery Gem and Mineral Society on Facebook.
7 Auburn Christmas Market at the Auburn United Methodist Church, 137 S. Gay St. 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop local arts, crafts and food, including traditional baked goods, frozen soups and casseroles. Free. Parking is available in the church lots on Magnolia and Gay streets. Proceeds support local area missions. 318-2909760.
7
Millbrook Spirit of Christmas festival and parade, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Village Green Park. Parade begins on Main Street at 2 p.m. Live performances, Christmas shopping, vendors, food, music and more. Search for the Facebook page of Spirit of Christmas, Millbrook.
7
Demopolis Christmas on the River. Featuring Fair in the Square in the morning and early afternoon, a day parade and a night parade, followed by fireworks. ChristmasOnTheRiverDemopolis.com
8 Town of Highland Lake Lakeside Christmas, 2 p.m - 4 p.m., The Anchor, 612 Lakeshore Drive. Free Family Event includes photos with Santa, horse carriage rides, light refreshments, Children’s crafts, Santa letters. Please bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the Blount County Children’s Center. Entertainment by Late Bloomers. See Facebook page at Town of Highland Lake, Alabama.
8
Greensboro Greensboro Porches and Parlors Holiday Tour of Homes and Artist Market, 1 p.m. Several private homes and museums will be open for tours, along with an artists’ market. See the past and present meet in this historical Black Belt town. Tickets are $20 per person and can be bought the day of the event at Magnolia Grove, 1002 Hobson St. VisitGreensboroAL.com
Around Alabama
8
Dothan Victorian Christmas at Landmark Park, 1 to 4 p.m. Free. Listen to Christmas carols and visit with Santa. Enjoy snacks, arts and crafts, music, wagon rides and homemade decorations. A circuit riding preacher will deliver a holiday message. Free, but donations of nonperishable food are requested. LandmarkParkDothan.com
10
Prattville A Main Street Christmas in the downtown historic district. 5 to 7:30 p.m. Shop local small businesses for the perfect Christmas gift, then enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, hot chocolate and cookies, children’s make-and-take art projects, dancers, music and a visit from Santa. Free. Search for the event’s page on Facebook.
13-14
Troy Ole Time Christmas at the Pioneer Museum of Alabama, 248 U.S. Highway 231 North. 6 to 8 p.m. each evening. Adults are $10, seniors and military are $9, students are $8 and children 5 and under and members are free. Christmas stories, music, snacks, activities for children and more. Pioneer-Museum.org
14
Arley Ranch Day at A Lighted Path Ranch, a nonprofit youth development ranch between Arley and Addison, Ala. Children learn about sheep, miniature cattle, rabbits, dogs and chickens. Some games and play area available. Free meal for kids and parents. Children receive free gifts and a New Testament Bible. Free but registration is required. Children ages 4 to 12 only and must be accompanied by a parent. sammoore@alightedpathranch.org
14
Wetumpka Christmas on the Coosa. The day begins with a character breakfast for the whole family, followed by live entertainment at Gold Star Park. Arts and crafts and food vendors will be available, in addition to a car show and children’s activities. The parade, with the theme Jingle Bells and Gingerbread, begins at 6 p.m. Email ndodd@cityofwetumpka. com
17
Dothan Music South Christmas Gala and Dinner at the Dothan Civic Center. The Atlanta Pops with vocalist Chloe Agnew from the Celtic Women will perform. Moonlighters will provide dinner music. Tickets are available with dinner, or for the concert only. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. with the concert at 7:30 p.m. MusicSouth. com
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.
Alabama Living on FB instagram.com/alabamaliving
Christmas in Candyland in Andalusia begins Dec. 6. PHOTO BY ALLISON LAW
Do I really need pet insurance?
We have seen big changes in veterinary medicine in the last 50 years. As vet medicine has paralleled human medicine, we now see the same type of set-up with general practices and specialties in surgery, internal medicine, radiology, and many more. While these experienced doctors have saved countless more of our fur babies’ lives, the cost for these services has unfortunately skyrocketed.
Recently while visiting Seattle, I accompanied my daughter to her new puppy’s first exam. Sipping my latte, I tried to look nonchalant as we went through the estimated cost of her first year of care. I was barely able to contain the bit of coffee in my mouth with the shock of the $1,800 cost of spaying her! While I enjoy a lower income lifestyle (partly by choice but mostly not), I wonder how people less fortunate are able to afford pet care. I am so grateful for the lower cost of living here in Alabama, but even here, complete pet care can be expensive!
So what about pet insurance? It depends on your situation. If you are like most of the unintentional pet owners with 8 to 15 pets, even with the multi-pet discounts the cost of pet insurance may still run more than that of your car insurance! Yes, I’m probably exaggerating just a little. (Your best bet in this situation is to find a vet who sympathizes with your situation.)
Comprehensive plans may include wellness care, prescription medications, and alternative therapies. (Of course, we recommend a plan that covers alternative therapies because we understand how effective and money saving they can be!)
Comprehensive care especially pays off when you purchase it while your pup or kitty is young, and you have chosen a breed that tends to come with its own specific tendencies toward certain illnesses. Pit bulls and bulldogs tend to have chronic skin and allergy issues; boxers and Bengal cats can have heart complications; schnauzers are prone to recurrent pancreatitis; Australian shepherds have a low seizure threshold; dachshunds and Maine coon cats can have back issues; and small-breed dogs and many cats are prone to severe dental diseases. The list goes on!
There are so many things to consider when choosing pet insurance. Different insurance plans offer varying levels of coverage: Basic plans typically cover accidents and illnesses, which can save you from mortgaging your house to save your pet. (I really wish that was a joke, but I’ve heard about it happening more than once.) Often, people without pet insurance will have to put their friend to sleep because they could not afford the care that could have saved them. This is where pet insurance really pays off. Like car insurance, you may grudgingly pay it every month but sure are grateful you had it when your car is totaled!
Also be aware if your insurance covers genetic birth defects like those cute little squishy face breeds like Frenchies and pugs that may need a surgery that widens their nostrils to help them breathe better. Gotta love those uncomplicated mixed breeds!
Now that you know the different types of coverage, you need to choose a provider. I could literally feel my eyes spinning after a mind-numbing afternoon of research-
ing various pet insurance providers. I compared their coverage options, premiums, deductibles, reimbursement rates, and policy limitations. I searched reviews looking for comments about policy transparencies, the flexibility to change plans, the claims process, customer service and then asked for recommendations from friends, family and other pet owners.
I chose ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) because their website (aspcapetinsurance.com) was the easiest to understand without having a degree in business finances. It had a side-by-side comparison which helped put this ordeal in perspective and prevented me from running screaming from the room. Soon I was able to wrap my head around the process and understand the fine print; when I was feeling more comfortable with the lingo, I called a couple of the different companies with a few unanswered questions.
I hope this sheds some light on the topic, and I am confident that with a bit of your own due diligence and a couple strong cups of coffee, you will decide if pet insurance will work for you and which company will serve you best!
Julie Bjorland is a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) and has been working alongside Goutam Mukherjee, DVM, MS, Ph.D. (known as Dr. G) for the past 20 years. To suggest a topic for discussion, email contact@alabamaliving.coop
ADOBE STOCK
Give the gift of your gardening ‘finds’
Treasures from your own garden such as plant cuttings, saved seeds, herb-infused oils and vinegars, jars of preserves or pickles (to name just a few examples) are always wonderful gifts to bestow during the holidays. But your personal knowledge and experience — your “finds” — can also be treasured and priceless gifts.
Regardless of how long you’ve gardened, your knowledge can be invaluable to others, especially any new gardeners or homeowners on your holiday gift list. Consider giving them a copy of your favorite gardening book, a gift certificate to your favorite nursery or seed company or even a voucher offering your services as a gardening consultant. Or create and share a list of helpful hints and your go-to websites, blogs, podcasts and local experts for gardening help.
Another idea is to create a gift box (or a harvest basket or garden bucket) filled with your favorite brands of gardening gloves, tools, skin lotions, nail scrubbers, insect repellents, sunscreens and other items that anyone can use and appreciate. This can also be a great idea for children.
If you’re looking for a special gift that keeps on giving, turn to your hands-on knowledge of gardening gear. Those tools and gadgets that make your gardening life easier and more enjoyable may be just the thing that gardeners and nongardeners alike would love and use.
If nothing comes to mind, here are a few ideas for must-have,
budget friendly and incredibly useful tools to get you started.
Hori hori knives: also known as a soil or weeding knives, these heavy-duty multipurpose tools feature long (typically 5 to 6 inches) concave metal blades with pointed ends and sharp sides (usually one side is smooth and the other serrated). They are perfect for planting bulbs, removing weeds (roots and all), harvesting root vegetables, dividing clumps of perennials, digging and refilling holes for smaller plants, creating trenches for seeds and even pruning small stems and limbs.
Snips: these little scissors-meet-secateurs, which come in several sizes and blade and tip shapes, are great for harvesting herbs, flowers, lettuces and other fruits and produce but also for deadheading flowers, trimming dead leaves and small stems from indoor and outdoor plants, opening seed packets and cutting string and twine.
Watering cans: hoses are terrific for irrigating most outdoor areas, but there’s nothing like a watering can for those times you need to gently water newly planted seeds and delicate seedlings, deliver just the right amount of moisture to houseplants and even refill vases without taking out a flower arrangement. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, many of which are as decorative as they are functional.
Garden totes: these bags-of-manypockets — a large main pocket and several side pouches for clippers, gloves, water bottles and the like — are ideal for organizing everyday gardening tools and toting them into the garden. They come in a variety of styles and fabrics but aim for ones that are water-resistant/water-proof and durable without being too heavy or cumbersome to carry.
Kneeler benches: while knee pads and mats make weeding, digging and harvesting easier on the knees, these small benches can make those chores easier on the whole body, especially for anyone with orthopedic or mobility issues. They typically feature a sturdy metal frame and padded cushion that can be used as a seat or flipped over to become a kneeler. And they can come in handy for indoor chores, too.
There are many other gardening tools that may make fine gifts for anyone on your list, so think about your own favorite finds and consider gifting one — or several — this year. As you shop, invest in higher quality and more sustainable items. They last longer, perform better and help protect the environment. A great way to find out which products are durable, well-designed and environmentally sound is to check out recommendations on the Gardening Products Review (gardeningproductsreview.com) and The Spruce (thespruce.com) websites.
And consider creating your own wish list or go ahead and get something for yourself. You can think of it as research for next year.
DECEMBER TIPS
Make lists of seeds, plants and garden supplies you want for next year’s garden.
Plant fruit, nut and ornamental trees and vines.
Take soil samples and amend soil based on those recommendations.
Plant cool season flwers, herbs and veggies.
Keep those birdfeeders and baths clean and full.
Make a donation to a garden-related nonprofit
Winning
Christmas COOKIES & TREATS
Judging our annual Christmas cookie contest is a special occasion for us at Alabama Living! This year, we broadened the contest to include Christmas treats as well. You’ll see that two of our winners are definiely some treats you’ll want to make for your family and friends. Congratulations to our winners of the top prizes of $100, $75 and $50. We think you’ll agree our Alabama cooks are the best!
Food prepared, styled and photographed by Brooke Echols
1st Place
Toffee Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies
TToffee Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies
3/4 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg and 1 egg yolk , room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
11/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon bak ing soda
1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup toffee pieces
1/2 cup pretzels, lightly crushed
iffany Pelham says she has been baking and cooking for as long as she can remember. “Cooking is my comfort pastime,” says the Billingsley resident. “Crazy as it sounds, I am a bodybuilder and just won a show this past weekend. So cookies and candy are my favorite ( because I know I'm not supposed to have it!).” She learned how to cook from her grandmother “and how food and the kitchen is the heart of the home; it’s what brings everyone together. I host so many family gettogethers, holidays and football get-togethers that everyone comes to me to pull off the food.” Tiffany’s prize-winning recipe reminds her of a Kitchen Sink Cookie with its a little bit of sweet and salty: “The best of both worlds.” She cautions not to overbake this recipe because the cookies continue cooking after coming out of the oven. “I prefer a soft, gooey cookie.” So do we! - Lenore Vickrey
Brown the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter begins to foam and turns a golden brown, emitting a nutty aroma. Make sure you only brown the butter lightly. When butter browns, the liquid evaporates, which can dry out your dough. As soon as the butter starts to turn brown and smell nutty, take it off the heat to prevent any more liquid from escaping. Take butter off the heat and allow to cool. In a large mixing bowl combine the cooled brown butter and sugar. Beat until mixed together. Add in the egg, egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix well. In separate bowl mix together the flour, salt and baking soda. Mix half the dry ingredients into the wet until everything comes together. Slowly add in the remaining flour a little bit at a time, stopping if the dough starts to get too dry. Fold in the chocolate, toffee pieces and pretzels. Do not over mix. Refrigerate the cookie dough for a half hour or up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Use a 1-ounce cookie scoop to scoop the cookie dough out into balls, placing them 2-inches apart on the prepared sheet. Bake for 11 minutes or until the edges are just golden brown and the centers have puffed up but are still gooey. Allow to cool before eating. Makes 16 cookies.
Enter to win $50 Cook of the Month prize!
April theme: Healthy dishes (low carb, diabetic, etc) | Enter by: January 3 recipes@alabamaliving.coop |alabamaliving.coop | Attn: Recipes, P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124
Tiffany Pelham, Central Alabama EC
2nd Place (Tie)
Cranberry Pecan Clusters
Jo Hodge, South Alabama EC
An aunt of Jo Hodge’s husband shared her Cranberry Pecan Cluster recipe with Jo several years ago and she’s adopted it as one of her own. The creamy concoction combines the sweetness of white chocolate chips with the toasted crunch of pecans and chewy dried cranberries in a very simple recipe. “You can also use milk chocolate morsels if you want,” says Jo, who lives in Elba. She’s been cutting and saving recipes out of Alabama Living for many years, she says, and is now happy that hers will be one that is saved by others.
-Lenore Vickrey
Cranberry Pecan Clusters
1½ cups pecans, chopped
1 12-ounce package Toll House Premier White Morsels
1½ cups Ocean Spray dried cranberries
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place pecans on ungreased baking sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes or until toasted. In a microwave safe bowl, microwave white morsels on high for 30 second intervals, stirring periodically until white chocolate is melted. Add pecans and cranberries, stirring until coated with white chocolate. Drop by teaspoonfuls on wax paper and let sit.
Tip! Candy canes were not available at time of the contest. We substitued peppermints that worked just as well! We placed unwrapped peppermints in a large resealable bag and used a rolling pin mallet to break the candies apart, then a knife to chop them smaller.
2nd Place (Tie)
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Jane Smith, Joe Wheeler EMC
When Jane Smith makes her holiday Chocolate Cookies, she usually puts maraschino cherries on top for a touch of color and sweet taste. But for our contest, she decided to change up her recipe and substituted chopped peppermint candy canes for the cherries. The result was a winning recipe that tied for second place in our annual contest. “I usually make Italian wedding cookies for Christmas but this time I decided to do something different,” says the Decatur resident. It paid off for the retired pharmacist who has submitted winning recipes to our magazine in years past. In 2022, her Oatmeal Lace Cookies earned her an honorable mention in our Christmas Cookie Contest. -Lenore Vickrey
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
2 cups self-rising flour
½ cup cocoa powder
½ cup butter, softened
2/3 cup dark brown sugar
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup candy canes, coarsely chopped
Sift flour and cocoa together. Beat butter and sugars until fluffy. Reduce mixer speed to medium, add eggs and vanilla. Reduce mixer to low, add flour and cocoa, fold in chocolate chips and candy canes. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 1 hour or overnight. Use 1-ounce cookie scoop, place on pan with parchment paper 3-inches apart. Push any exposed candy canes back into dough. Bake at 350 degrees until the center is set, about 12-15 minutes. Cool on pan 10 minutes and on a cooling rack 20 minutes. Makes 24 cookies.
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Cookies:
3/4 cup sugar
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1 egg
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups plain flour
1/2 teaspoon bak ing powder
1/2 teaspoon bak ing soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon center:
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Icing:
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Photo by The Buttered Home
3rd Place
Cookies at Christmas are a must around our house! For me, this issue of Alabama Living is possibly my favorite. We get excited early to share our recipe as well as sample all of the cookie goodness that readers share each year. Cooking is steeped in tradition. When I see these recipes from the good folks who love Alabama Living as much as I do, I know they are treasures that are made and shared for generations. This year, we are proud to share one of our favorites, Cinnamon Roll Cookies. It may look like a lot of work, but it is a great recipe to get your family or friends to join in on the fun in making. We hope you love it as much as we all do! For more recipes visit thebutteredhome.com.
Brooke Burks
In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until combined. Add egg, vanilla and buttermilk. Mix just until combined. In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add to wet ingredients in two batches and mix just until a soft dough forms. Turn out onto a flour surface and flatten into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight. Take dough out of refrigerator and place on a floured surface or board. Press or roll out into a large rectangle, about 9x12-inches. In a small bowl mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Brush cookie dough with melted butter and sprinkle brown sugar/cinnamon mixture over the top leaving the edges bare. Carefully roll long end like a jelly roll and tuck ends under. Place on a sheet pan and loosely cover with plastic wrap. Freeze for 30 minutes to one hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Take dough out of freezer and allow to stand 5 minutes. Remove plastic wrap and slice cookies starting at the end. Shape cut ends into cookies and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Pay careful attention to make sure seams are sealed. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cool 2 minutes on pan and move to cooling rack.
In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Add milk a little at a time until smooth icing forms. Spread or brush with glaze and allow glaze to set up for 5 minutes. Enjoy!
Sweet and Salty Santa Treats
Joy Griswold, Dixie EC
Joy Griswold of Fitzpatrick has been a long-time contributor to Alabama Living’s food pages, so she was especially thrilled when her recipe for “Sweet and Salty Santa Treats” was chosen for third place honors in this year’s contest. She’d seen similar recipes over the years, but they called for a mixture of different kinds of chocolates, such as milk chocolate and semi-sweet. But being a fan of white chocolate, Joy made her own recipe with that version. “I just like the way it looks,” she says. And while other recipes put sprinkles on the top, she opted for sanding sugar (a large crystal sugar used for decorating) because it gives it an “expensive” look. When she made a large batch of the treats for her work colleagues at the Department of Transportation, it was a big hit. “They said, ‘You nailed it!’” she recalls. Her family agrees that it is “the perfect mix of everything, not too sweet and not too salty. Nothing overpowers the other ingredients.” -Lenore Vickrey
Sweet and Salty Santa Treats
1 11-ounce bag baking chips (recommended: white chocolate chips) 11/2 cups dr y roasted, unsalted peanuts
2 cups salted pretzel twists, broken into pieces (but not crushed into crumbs) Gold sanding sugar, for sprinkling
Melt the baking chips in an oven safe bowl over a boiling pot of water. When the chips are melted, stir until smooth. Add pretzel pieces and stir well, then add the peanuts and mix well. Drop 1 tablespoon of the mixture on wax paper. Sprinkle with the sanding sugar and let sit until the treats are completely cool.
Simple ways to save in the kitchen
Q:How can I save in the kitchen during the most expensive time of the year?
A:The holiday season brings opportunities to enjoy meals with friends and family, leading to spending more time in the kitchen. Whether hosting a few or a crowd, consider making new energy efficiency traditions this year with these tips to manage your energy use.
Let’s start with cooking your meal. Your electric oven is typically the highest-wattage appliance in the kitchen. Yet, people usually don’t turn their ovens on for long periods of time. Assuming an average oven wattage of 3,000 and an average cost of $0.16 per kilowatt-hour, according to the United States Energy Information Administration, it costs $0.48 an hour. Let’s say you use your oven for four hours to make a special meal. That’s less than $2 of electricity. While that may not seem like a big deal now, operating your oven for four hours every day is $700 a year.
Before
you start cooking on your stovetop, clean the burners to ensure the appliance heats evenly, which can help you save energy. Match pots to appropriately sized burners to avoid wasting energy.
Using smaller appliances instead of your oven can help you save. A slow cooker uses between 100 and 450 watts, which is significantly less than an electric oven at 2,000 to 5,000 watts. That means you can use a slow cooker for a longer period and still use less energy.
PHOTO COURTESY MARK GILLILAND, PIONEER UTILITY RESOURCES
Opt for your microwave or toaster oven to reheat or cook smaller items. The microwave uses significantly less energy than the oven. A toaster oven uses about half the energy of a conventional oven, according to Energy Star®.
You also want to avoid turning on your oven and leaving the door open to heat your home. This can break your oven and be a safety hazard, especially with gas ovens that can cause carbon monoxide buildup.
When cooking on the stovetop, match the pot or pan size to the burner. Lids help your pots retain heat, which cooks food faster and wastes less heat. Keep your stovetop clean to ensure the appliance heats evenly.
If you’re looking to upgrade your stovetop, consider switching to an induction cooktop. It uses an electromagnetic field below the surface to heat pots and pans directly. This provides more precise heat, faster cook times and higher efficiency. It can also improve the air quality in your home when compared to a gas cooktop.
In my experience, people like to gather in the kitchen during parties. To avoid overheating your guests in a room that has a hot oven, turn your thermostat down a few degrees before guests arrive.
Next, let’s look for refrigerator savings. The gaskets on your refrigerator doors should make a tight seal to keep in cold air. Make sure you clean and maintain them or replace them if necessary. Don’t let frost build up in the freezer, which can decrease efficiency and make your freezer work harder to maintain a balanced temperature.
Wait until food cools before putting leftovers in the fridge. Putting hot food in the refrigerator results in more energy used to cool it down. Aim for about 30 minutes of cool time. Perishable food should be refrigerated within two hours after it is cooked, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
Setting your refrigerator colder than needed wastes energy. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 37 degrees for the refrigerator and 0 degrees for the freezer. Use an appliance thermometer to monitor the temperature.
When it comes to cleanup, run full loads of dishes in the dishwasher––being careful not to block any moving parts. Use eco mode if your dishwasher has that setting. If you are in the market for new appliances, select Energy Star® models.
Whatever you choose to cook or how you cook it, keep in mind these simple tips to make your kitchen more efficient and save energy this holiday season.
Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating offier at Efficienc Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficienc company.
Jeff and Jamie Sudduth along with Susan Gaither and Anita Gaither, members of Cullman EC from Moreland in Winston County, traveled to the U.S. Virgin Islands with their magazine. Take us along!
Paula and Bobby Pitre, members of Baldwin EMC, brought along their magazine to Bora Bora, an island in the South Pacific and part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The photo was taken on a boat in the Bora Bora lagoon with Mount Otemanu (an extinct volcano) in the background.
Karen Still, a member of Baldwin EMC, shared her copy of Alabama Living with her favorite horse Moose on her visit to Lazy L Equestrian Ranch in Eagle, Idaho.
Neil Foust, a member of Cullman EC, took his copy along on a trip to Tokyo, Japan.
Sport of hunting deer with dogs dates back centuries
Ever since a hungry wolf first saw a fire, smelled meat cooking, walked into a campsite of prehistoric people and become domesticated, humans used dogs to help them harvest game.
Hunting deer with dogs dates back thousands of years as a human tradition. Ancient cave drawings depict humans hunting deer with dogs. In medieval Europe, wealthy landowners released hounds to hunt fallow deer and red stags. They followed the packs on horseback. Europeans brought their hunting traditions with them to North America when they began colonizing the continent. The ancient tradition continues, especially in Southern states.
“The tradition of using dogs to hunt deer in Alabama goes back a long way,” says Lonnie Miller, president of the 3,000-member Alabama Dog Hunters Association with chapters across the state. “Our fathers and grandfathers, and even farther back, hunted that way. Some families who hunt with dogs go back many, many generations. We want to keep that tradition going. As long as people are doing it ethically and legally, dog hunting is a tradition that should continue.”
The association worked to include a Sportsperson’s Bill of Rights in the Alabama Constitution to preserve traditional hunting methods. It reads in part: “The people have a right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife, including by the use of traditional methods, subject to reasonable regulations, to promote wildlife conservation and management, and to preserve the future of hunting and fishing.”
“Alabama citizens have a right to hunt by traditional methods,” says Koty Mccarley, ADHA vice president. “Hunting with hounds is definitely traditional, maybe even the most traditional hunting method.”
During my youth, few people hunted deer with rifles or sat in trees. Running deer with dogs dominated the sport across much of the South. Timber and paper companies owned huge tracts of forest near my home. Companies allowed people to hunt their lands as long as they didn’t cut down any trees or start fires. Each weekend during hunting season, “deer drives” occurred in these forests.
“Standers” took up positions at strategic locations surround-
ing a block of forest. Dog owners released or “turned out” their hounds to roust the deer. Most shots came at moving targets in thick brush. Anticipating running shots in heavy cover, practically everyone used shotguns loaded with 00 buckshot, hence the name of ammunition with large pellets.
“People think it’s easy to kill a deer when hunting with dogs, but in reality, it’s very difficult,” Miller says. “Hunting with dogs is not about killing a deer. The vast majority of dog hunters are not there for the kills, but the thrills. It’s more about the camaraderie and excitement of listening to the dogs running through the woods.”
Hunting deer with dogs requires vast contiguous acreage and considerable expense. One good deer dog might cost several thousand dollars, not to mention the cost of training, housing, feeding and veterinary expenses incurred over the animal’s lifetime. Most dog hunters own several hounds. As costs rose dramatically and available land shrunk, many people quit hunting or could no longer afford to keep dogs.
Modern technology helped dog hunters solve one problem in recent years. Decades ago, hunters frequently spent more time looking for dogs than deer. Now, most hunters put GPS tracking collars on their dogs. With these systems, owners know exactly where each animal stands, even from miles away. When the hunt ends, everyone helps roundup all the animals as quickly as possible.
“Before GPS, dogs were not as easy to control,” Miller says. “Some people didn’t want dogs running on their land and got mad. We don’t have that problem now with GPS and whistle breaking.”
A few Alabama public lands still allow limited dog hunting for deer. In addition, the state annually hosts youth and adult hunts on public lands. Members of ADHA and other dog clubs bring their hounds to these public hunts so people without dogs can experience these ancient traditions.
“Most people entering the sport come from families that hunt with dogs,” Miller says. “These public hunts are great for people who don’t normally hunt with dogs. A young child doesn’t want to sit still and quiet in a shooting house or tree stand all day. Children get bored waiting for a deer to come out. When hunting with dogs, we don’t need to be quiet. It’s a great opportunity for kids to participate.”
For more information about ADHA, look it up on Facebook or call Miller at 850-305-2959.
John N. Felsher is a professional freelance writer who lives in Semmes, Ala. He also hosts
outdoors tips show for WAVH
The dogs pick up a hot deer scent while hunting with Lonnie Miller of the Alabama Dog Hunters Association during a hunt in the Geneva State Forest near Florala, Ala.
PHOTO BY JOHN N. FELSHER
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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 2023 Moon Clock, go to www.moontimes.com.
First Solar opens $1.1
billion
facility in North Alabama
The town of Trinity in Lawrence County is home to First Solar’s newly established photovoltaic solar module manufacturing facility. One of the largest economic development projects in the area, the facility will create more than 700 jobs and bring new opportunities for American solar manufacturing in North Alabama.
Many believe the investment has the potential to transform and sustain this community for generations. There is optimism about greater opportunities for economic growth, stability and community revitalization. The project also means added tax revenue for education and good-paying jobs for residents who can reinvest in their community.
Local leaders and state economic development partners joined teams from TVA and Joe Wheeler EMC to celebrate the inauguration of First Solar’s facility at the Mallard Fox West Industrial Complex.
Georges Antoun, First Solar’s chief commercial officer, says the new facility represents American ingenuity and competitiveness at its finest. “It demonstrates the value that energy technology manufacturing can deliver and redefines how we think of the American energy worker,” Antoun says. “It also firmly establishes Lawrence County and Alabama as an American solar manufacturing hub.”
Momentum for this project started in April 2022,
when First Solar began searching for a new location to build its fourth manufacturing facility. The company issued requests for proposals outlining its power, utility and land needs. When TVA target market specialists looked for industrial areas that met these requirements, Lawrence County stood out as a prime location.
Known for its scenic waterfalls and rural landscapes, Lawrence County offers convenient access to major travel corridors, including Interstate 65 and Highway 72. This logistical advantage – combined with a skilled labor force and affordable, reliable power through Joe Wheeler EMC and TVA – made the county an attractive choice for First Solar. At the community level, collaborative efforts among TVA, the state of Alabama, Alabama Department of Commerce and Lawrence County Industrial Development Board laid the groundwork for a project of this scale. Their hard work paid off in November 2022, when First Solar officially announced plans to establish the Lawrence County facility.
For TVA, attracting a company like First Solar is a winwin. Over the past five years, TVA has helped recruit capital investments totaling around $46 billion, which is expected to create more than 100,000 new jobs. Many of these jobs are in manufacturing facilities for electric vehicles, solar panels or other sectors that support the clean energy transition. First Solar fits within TVA’s aspiration of 10,000 megawatts of solar by 2035, contributing to the enterprise’s advancement of America’s clean energy future inside the Valley region.
We’re grateful for companies like First Solar who build, invest and support clean energy production and help our communities thrive.
Kevin Chandler is the South Region Customer Relations Director for the Tennessee Valley Authority.
The new solar manufacturing facility in Lawrence County is First Solar’s fourth factory in the United States.
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You’ve read and laughed along with Hardy Jackson for the past 10 years in the pages of Alabama Living, and now you can have 48 of his best columns all in one place! We are proud to offer this first-ever compilation of the favorite author’s work, illustrated by the talented Dennis Auth. Just scan the QR code here, or use this form to order your copy today!
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The perils of ‘Dirty Santa’
Iwent to a Christmas party the other day with 50 little old ladies between the age of about 70 and 100. We had some great food, laughter, and fellowship because we were smack dab in the middle of the holiday season.
And then it happened. I had no sooner finished my second helping of a delicious ham and cheese casserole when everyone pulled out a present. I thought, “Oh, no. They’re gonna play Dirty Santa.”
If you’ve never heard of this game before, it’s a blend of gift-giving, greed, and WWE wrestling. Some historians believe it was invented by the Romans to torture their prisoners before they were fed to the lions. And many political experts are convinced that our problems with Democrats and Republicans began with a game of Dirty Santa in Washington D.C.
As I sat and watched the game progress, it would be hard to disagree. I had no idea that such sweet, reserved Sunday School-teaching grandmas could become as ruthless as Navy Seals on a seek and destroy mission. That’s because most of these ladies were brought up on the old Kmart blue light specials. You may recall, once the blue light was cut on, it was retail blood sport - everyone rushed towards that bargain table and fought for whatever was on sale as if they were trying to reach the last lifeboat seat on the Titanic. And years later, all of them have carried that mentality into this holiday game.
If you’re not familiar with the rules, this is how it works: Everyone brings a gift worth a certain dollar value, carefully wrapped. The first person chooses a present. Then the second person chooses another present, and can keep it, or trade it
Joe Hobby is a standup comedian, a syndicated columnist, and a long-time writer for Jay Leno. He’s a member of Cullman Electric Cooperative and is very happy now that he can use Sprout from his little place on Smith Lake. Contact him at jhobby2000@aol.com.
for the first person’s gift. And so it goes until a gift has been traded about three times, or everyone has something they are happy with.
Of course, that never happens because the best present is continuously “stolen” by everyone, and as a result, if you have a lousy gift, you’re probably stuck. And there are always some stinkers. I’ve seen mouse traps, toilet bowl cleaner, even Ex Lax.
From what everyone at my table told me, this holiday season’s edition of Dirty Santa was quite civil compared to previous ones. A few years ago, two people almost came to blows because they both wanted a tree ornament that said, “Peace on Earth.” And today, a battery-operated lamp was quite popular; as a result, it was continuously stolen back and forth for about 30 minutes. I felt the intensity in the room build; it was easy to see how a catfight could erupt. As if there isn’t enough hate in the world, let’s generate more of it by having people take things from one another.
What’s worse, a few of the ladies couldn’t get out of their seats fast enough to trade for a better present, so they were stuck with what they had until somebody who was more mobile came along and traded it away from them.
At least everyone was sober. I’ve heard about parties where Dirty Santa and alcohol is involved. Bad combination. That’s like throwing napalm on a campfire.
Finally, the game ended, and most everyone seemed kind of happy except for the grandma who had the battery-operated lamp taken from her the last time. She was undoubtedly sulking.
It’s been said the purpose of the Dirty Santa game is to build Christmas cheer. That can happen, I suppose, but human nature being what it is, there is always the possibility of pettiness, anger and sophomoric behavior.
Why is there such a ruckus anyway? Most of these folks are at a stage in life where they want to get rid of clutter and, to me, a $10 battery-operated Christmas lamp ain’t nothing but clutter.
But I will admit that it’s going to look really nice on my holiday mantel.
Illustration by Dennis Auth
Healthy dishes See Page 35
Christmas gift ideas:
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