29 minute read

Spotlight

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. Please include your name, hometown and electric cooperative, and the location of your photo. We’ll draw a winner for the $25 prize each month.

Cherie Cochran Connell of Hamilton visited the Roosevelt Arch, dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903, marking the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It is the only entrance that is open year-round. She is a member of Tombigbee Electric Cooperative.

Grace Skinner and Virginia Taylor from Hamilton recently visited the North Pole, Alaska. They are members of Tombigbee Electric Cooperative. Linda Selby of Daphne, a member of Baldwin EMC, took her magazine on a trip to the Everglades National Park.

Mark and Lisa Van Zweden are pictured atop the Hakkoda Mountains in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, “the snowiest place on earth.” The snow-covered trees in the background are called snow monsters. “We love Japan but our home’s in Alabama!” they say. Their home is in Pine Level where they are members of Central Alabama EC. They live in Japan during the school year while Mark teaches at Misawa Air Base.

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 by June 7 with your name, address and the name of your rural electric cooperative. The winner and answer will be announced in the July issue.

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

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

May’s answer: This full-scale replica of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is the centerpiece of the Liberty Bell Garden at the American Village in Montevallo. It was made for the 250th anniversary of the original and was cast by Skylight Studios Inc. of Massachusetts from a mold made from the original bell. (Photo by Lenore Vickrey of Alabama Living) The randomly drawn correct guess winner is Bill Byrd of Wiregrass EC.

Find the hidden dingbat!

More than 700 of you correctly found the bicycle parked in front of Pruett’s BBQ last month. And many of you, including Sherron Crabtree of Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative, wrote that the bicycle’s owner obviously had good taste and decided to stop in and eat there, based on the appetizing photos of the barbecue and chicken fingers on Page 24! Phyllis Fenn, a member of Dixie Electric Cooperative, said she hoped the bike rider was inside “enjoying the sweet potato fluff,” named one of the “100 Alabama Dishes to Eat Before You Die.”

We get entries from readers of all ages, including Beau Sams, 10, and Sybil Lee Sams, 9, of Madison who read their grandmother’s magazine; and Jenna Kate Crutchfield, 8, of Eutaw. Keep up the good reading, kids! Virginia Scroggins, age 71, of Opelika, told us this was the first time she had found the dingbat after searching each month. She got a bit of help when her cat, Sugar, jumped in her lap and put her paw on the picture!

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

Lindsey Sullivan of Baldwin EMC wrote us a poem:

BBQ’s my favorite

But I like catfish, too.

But riding on my bicycle’s

My favorite thing to do.

Alabama Living must

Have been thinking of me

‘Cause on Page 24 in May

I could get all 3!

Congratulations to our randomly drawn winner, Tim Trushaw of Dothan AL, who is a member of Wiregrass Electric. Tim says "Pretty slick putting it in the photo of Pruetts Bar-B-Q at the top of page 24." This month we’ve hidden an ice cream cone, so start looking and send us your guess by June 7.

Noccalula Falls is a city of Gadsden showpiece.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CHRISTINA RICHARDSON

Falling for waterfalls

Visitors to Alabama’s cascading waters are setting records

From gurgling brooks to raging rivers, we fall for waterfalls and there is probably one near you – Alabama has hundreds. Here are seven; some are famous, and others should be.

But first, heed advice from waterfall experts: If possible, call ahead and check conditions. During dry periods, some waterfalls cease falling. Another tip – safety first, as a waterfall is not a water park. It is nature. Be careful, obey the rules, have fun, starting with these:

By Emmett Burnett

Little River

The waterfalls of Little River Canyon are little only in name. Our search starts with Fort Payne’s big three: Little River Falls stands 45 feet high, and over centuries carved the canyon it inhabits. Second, Martha’s Falls is a mini-waterfall and a favorite swimming hole. Last and largest is the seasonal (not often flowing in summer) Grace’s High Falls, 133-feet high, the tallest waterfall in Alabama.

Height is not the only record Little River Canyon and falls have set. Attendance is setting records. “2020 was our biggest year ever,” recalls the site’s superintendent, Steve Black. “Last year we brought in about 800,000 visitors. That’s about a 100,000 increase over 2019.”

The most popular of the three is the namesake, Little River Falls, easily accessible by foot. Visitors tread boardwalks splitting into two routes. One is for people with difficulties maneuvering down steps. The other route leads hikers along scenic-rocky paths.

The other two falls also await explorers. The trek is a bit longer to the overlooks, but the jaw-dropping vistas are worth the hike.

But before assuming Daniel Boone mode, take note: During peak flow times, usually winter or after heavy rain, the timid becomes a tempest. Stay at least 50 feet from the turbulent waterfalls’ edges (required by law). One misstep could send you over the falls, becoming one with nature.

Noccalula Falls

A city showpiece, Gadsden’s waterfall namesake has a heart-tugging tale. Legend says Noccalula was a young Indian maiden in love with a local brave. Her father disapproved. Dad promised his daughter to another suitor in a neighboring tribe.

Rather than marry someone she did not love, Noccalula leaped to her death into the waterfall. Her statue stands atop the fall, depicting the event.

But on a happier note, more than 200,000 people visit Noccalula Falls annually. “It is popular because of easy access and it is beautiful, and offers a one-of-a-kind experience,” notes Christina Richardson, Noccalula Falls supervisor for the city of Gadsden. “In addition to viewing, you can hike behind the waterfall.”

Noccalula Falls is packed with entertainment venues. The 500 acres includes a train ride, pioneer village, botanical garden, campground, 18-hole mini golf course, a playground, and 15 miles of hiking, biking, and running trails. Unfortunately, the petting zoo suffered a devastating fire on May 2, and many of the animals were lost. As of press time, the Gadsden Fire Department is investigating the cause of the blaze.

Meanwhile, the statue of Noccalula gazes down the 90-foot column of rushing water. While teetering on the waterfall’s ledge, her likeness teaches us a lesson in love: Look before you leap.

BY CHRISTINA RICHARDSON PHOTO SUBMITTED

DeSoto Falls

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY BRITTNEY M. HUGHES

One of Alabama’s largest and most visible, DeSoto Falls cascades over the A.A. Miller Dam before pouring 90 feet into a gorge below. Pro tip: DeSoto Falls is one of many waterfalls in DeSoto State Park. “Many people don’t realize DeSoto Falls is one piece of the park’s 3,580 acres,” says Brittney M. Hughes, park naturalist. “There are falls galore most of the year in the main park area as well.”

DeSoto Falls is one of Alabama’s most popular tourist destinations. “To avoid crowds, visit during the winter. That would be your best bet,” Hughes says. “The busiest times for the picnic area are summer and fall weekends. If you visit during those times, go in the early morning or late afternoon.”

In addition to picnicking, DeSoto Falls and DeSoto State Park feature guided paddle trips, kayak rental, zip lining, fishing, and mountain biking. However, as stated in their website, kayaking over the falls is not permitted.

For those desiring to paddle a personal watercraft over a 107-foot wall of water, seek elsewhere. Also seek help. There’s got to be a cure.

Moss Rock Preserve and Falls

“Are you kidding me?” explorers often say on their first visit. “This is not a city park.” Yes, it is, but not just any city park. Moss Rock Preserve and Falls might be the best kept secret in Hoover. Hiking, rock climbing, rare plants, and waterfalls are nestled in 349 acres within Hoover City Limits. The secret is out.

“It is great for an afternoon hike or allday adventure,” says Hoover resident and photographer, Ty Evans. “It has good trails, easy to walk, and not far from the parking area. Lots of local residents park and hike for a quick retreat or long lunch break.”

Others stay longer. Ken Wills is president of Friends of Moss Rock Preserve. “The preserve has rare plants, which change colors – golds and deep blues – with the changing seasons. It’s beautiful,” he says. “As for the falls, the middle of winter to late spring usually results in the best water flow.”

PHOTO BY TY EVANS

Chewacla State Park

Something doesn’t feel right at Chewacla State Park. Oh, it feels good – hiking forest trails and climbing rocks at the foot of a cascading waterfall. But it doesn’t feel like this 696-acre wilderness is 15 minutes from downtown Auburn. It is. “I can have a fancy meal at one of Auburn’s fine restaurants or attend an Auburn University sporting event and within 15 minutes, be back here. It does not feel like you are so close to town,” Park Manager Joshua Funderburk says.

Chewacla’s waterfalls include natural and man-made. A most popular natural one is around 20 feet tall. It is one of the smaller tributaries in our list which allows a more up close and personal experience.

The trails to and from the scenic falls include a 26-acre lake, swimming areas, birdwatching, forest walking, rustic camping to easy living cabins with electricity and TV.

About 30 miles of hiking and biking trails are available including paths leading to the falls. Chewacla offers the best of both worlds: A wilderness wonderland six miles from Jordan Hare Stadium.

Dismals Canyon Rainbow Falls

Quite simply one of the most eerily beautiful places I have seen. You descend the Phil Campbell, Alabama, canyon by stairway. Almost immediately you hear the sound of roaring water and then, wow, there it is. Under a canopy of jungle-like trees, framed by minivan-size boulders is Rainbow Falls.

Sprays bouncing off the prehistoric tributary project rainbows in the mist. Hence the name, “Rainbow Falls.” The vista is accompanied by visitors’ oohs and ahhs. For a moment in time we forget about COVID-19. God is in control and He loves color.

Other falls cascade down mammoth rocks throughout the canyon too. Camping and cabins are available and so is a restaurant and gift shop. Plan on spending the morning or afternoon to fully explore. Rainbow Falls’ creation took a million years. You can spare three hours.

Mardis Mill Falls

The final venture is a little waterfall hidden off 546 Mardis Mi l l Road in Blountsville. Mardis is not famous like state neighbors Noccalula and DeSoto. Nor is it a big waterfall, about 35 feet wide, the width on Grave’s Creek. The falls’ water pours down 16 feet.

“But it is a beautiful, restful place,” adds Ty Evans. “Just park and walk a short trail.”

Nearby are various covered bridges, including Horton Mill Bridge, built in 1935. At 70 feet above Little Warrior River’s feeder bends, it is the highest covered bridge above a waterway in the U.S. Save the bridge for last. Visit Mardis Falls first.

Like the other six, Mardis Mill Falls pleases the eye, lifts our spirits, and calms wayward blood pressure.

Surviving

Safiya Johnson, of Selma, is a registered nurse who worked at a Montgomery hospital and became ill with COVID-19 in October. A long-haul COVID survivor, she was hospitalized multiple times and twice intubated. She and her mother, who serves as her caregiver, advocate for more medical services for rural areas.

By M.J. Ellington

Looking at a year of unbelievable pandemic, health care providers in rural Alabama say the crisis shows how vital rural hospitals and their medical communities are to the health of rural Alabama.

Three health providers tell how Alabama provides care in complicated times, including one nurse who worked in a hospital COVID-19 unit until she got the virus.

A race to save a life

When Selma resident Safiya Johnson thinks about COVID-19, she can look in the mirror and find someone hit by the pandemic. A registered nurse, Johnson worked at a busy Montgomery hospital COVID unit from March 2020 until she became ill in late August. “Because I had worked around it and with it as a nurse, it was no surprise,” she says. When the mild symptoms she had for a few days worsened and Tylenol would not bring her fever down, she headed to the hospital in Selma. A couple of days later, she was on a ventilator, in a medically induced coma and headed to University Hospital at UAB in a special COVID ambulance staffed with a doctor and nurse.

Johnson has little memory of her weeks at UAB, but she has constant reminders that COVID-19 can leave debilitating symptoms long after the virus leaves the body.

Some of her aftereffects, termed post-COVID or long-COVID syndrome, include difficulty walking and diminished feeling in hands and feet. Johnson still requires some help dressing, eating and doing other tasks most people take for granted. But she no longer walks with a walker and is beginning to drive short distances again near her home.

Johnson said while she was in intensive care at UAB, she stopped urinating and was put on dialysis. “They never expected me to come off of dialysis; they told me that,” she says. Then in late January, she started urinating again. By testing her urine analysis and potassium levels, her doctors determined that she no longer needs dialysis. Johnson’s mother, Marilyn Simpson, helps with daily living tasks, including driving her to appointments.

Johnson wonders what would have happened if the hospital in Selma had not had a connection to UAB that helped her transfer to a special COVID treatment facility rapidly. She wonders what happens to people in rural Alabama who don’t have a nearby hos-

a COVID year

in rural Alabama

pital, health insurance, access to specialized care or transportation. She is grateful that Baptist Medical Center East, where she worked in Montgomery, still pays for her health insurance coverage and that the company provides occupational and physical therapy.

She plans more schooling for a degree as a nurse practitioner.

Community deserves honest communication

people in rural areas will take advantage of the services and convenience of their local hospitals. “We depend on the volume of service and appreciate and need for people to use our services,” Grimes says. COVID funds paid for things that Grimes said would be unaffordable otherwise. They include hazardous duty pay for employees during the worst pandemic weeks, a portable x-ray machine, and negative pressure machines to direct air flow that

In Chatom, Washington County helps control the virus. The facility Hospital and Nursing Home CEO also used COVID funds for testing Teresa Grimes said the pandemic hit sites and now conducts multiple her town of 1,200 hard, affecting the drive through COVID vaccination hospital and adjacent nursing home clinics around the county. in spring of 2000. Grimes said the “It has been a tough year for evresponse of people in her town and erybody, but we have put our all into county meant a lot. caring for each other and our com “COVID proved that rural hos- munities,” Grimes says. pitals and healthcare providers are vital, critical infrastructure,” Grimes Physician’s heart in rural says. health care

The hospital shut down “anything In Brewton in Escambia County, that was elective,” to focus on pa- Dr. Marsha Raulerson, a semi-retients and staff dealing with COVID, tired pediatrician, divides her time Grimes says. During the worst between treating 100 special needs weeks, area churches organized children and volunteer advocacy for nightly prayer walks and brought better health policy for children and snacks for healthcare workers. Dr. Alabamians living in poverty. Steve Donald, the facility’s medical A proponent of telemedicine and director, temporarily shut down his increased broadband technology to private medical practice to focus on Dr. Marsha Raulerson, a semi-retired pediatrician, offers connect rural doctors and patients hospital and nursing home patients telemedicine options for her patients and their families. to services elsewhere, Raulerson and staff, she says. PHOTO COURTESY MARSHA RAULERSON began offering telemedicine options

“As painful as it was, we were hon- for her patients and their families. est about what was going on,” she says. The facility did daily up- Her newest program is part of Pediatric Access to Telemental dates on Facebook detailing how many residents and employees Health Services, or PATHS. The Department of Mental Health had the virus, as well as when someone died. - Children’s of Alabama grant program increases the capacity of primary care providers in rural Alabama to diagnose, treat and Federal funds helped fill gaps manage mental health conditions in children and teens.

Federal COVID relief funds have not made the facility wealthy, Raulerson came to Brewton with her husband, a nephrologist but Grimes said they helped make up revenue lost when elective recruited to fill a south Alabama physician gap in care for kidney medical procedures and services temporarily stopped. She hopes diseases and related conditions.

She thought the couple might stay a few years. The quality of life drew the family in spite of the fact that a critical federal formula means physicians in small towns get paid less than doctors near large medical centers. Alabama has the lowest federal reimbursement rates for services to Medicare patients in the country and physician pay is tied to the reimbursement rate, she says.

Raulerson says over 40 years, she’s seen young doctors come to the small city for a few years then leave for a practice linked to a larger medical center for better pay. Nurses also leave for the same reason. The physician drain in rural communities is concerning, she says, but if the federal reimbursement rate is not changed, perhaps a lower tax rate for doctors there could be considered, she says.

“People like me, we have the same training but the pay is different because we are in a small town,” she says. “I have been extremely lucky because my husband is a medical inventor and he had a number of patents.” The patents gave the couple the financial means to live comfortably with small town doctor income and send three children through college.

While people may wonder if the federal COVID and economic recovery relief funds would help rural hospitals and providers, Raulerson says when the federal government ordered hospitals and care providers to stop all routine services and procedures to slow the pandemic in spring 2020, the financial hit affected them all. The COVID funds just help fill the financial hit of that period.

Raulerson is an advocate of Medicaid expansion in Alabama to help people in rural communities be healthier with access to regular care and boost the local economies. But she believes the COVID experience had some positive impact. “Our hospitals will be better prepared for any future pandemic,” she says.

Washington County Hospital and Nursing Home CEO Teresa Grimes and Medical Director Dr. Steve Donald say the pandemic hit their area hard, affecting both the hospital and the adjacent nursing home in Chatom.

PHOTO BY SARAH HANSEN

Challenges in Alabama’s rural areas

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic virus shut down life as usual around the world, Alabama’s rural health care system faced constant hurdles. Figures from the Alabama Hospital Association explain how.

The rural population tends to be older and fewer people have health insurance to pay for care. They often delay care and then use the hospital emergency department for care because there’s no other choice.

Alabama is one of only 12 states that did not expand Medicaid, the federal health coverage for the lowest income people. Without health coverage, there may be no way to pay the bill, leaving hospitals with debt for the care.

A federal formula that determines Medicare payments for hospitals and health providers sets lower reimbursement rates for rural hospitals and health providers than in larger cities.

The result is that 87% of rural hospitals operate in the red.

Two federal changes during the pandemic show possibilities that Alabama could make to reverse the downward trend for rural health care funding. The American Rescue Plan Act will increase Alabama funding by $940 million over two years and could be used to expand Medicaid; and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act temporarily increased the federal reimbursement rate for health care providers.

Museum preserves history of Black baseball in Birmingham

Story and photos by Jonathan Shipley

There were stars on the field. There was a constellation of young men eager to play and pursue their dreams of glory. The year was 1920. The place was Birmingham, Alabama. The players were members of a newly-formed team, the Birmingham All-Stars. They were a part of the new Negro Southern League. The players, those dream chasers with balls in mitts and bats on shoulders, included men with last names like Zigler, Pickens, and Juanelo.

They played brightly, those stars on the grass. Fans from far and wide, Black and white, came to cheer them on to victory against the likes of the Montgomery Grey Sox and the Knoxville Giants; the Nashville White Sox and the Jacksonville Stars; the Atlanta Black Crackers, the New Orleans Caulfield Ads, and the Pensacola Giants.

The Birmingham All-Stars, changing their names to the Black Barons after a white Barons team was already in existence, ended the season with 43 wins and 39 losses. It wasn’t good enough for any sort of playoff run or championship, but shine they did for the city of Birmingham.

Those stars’ lights have not dimmed thanks, in part, to Dr. Layton Revel, the founder and executive director for the Center for Negro League Baseball Research and the guiding hand in the creation of Birmingham’s Negro Southern League Museum. The materials in the museum are owned by Revel. The museum is a non-profit that works in conjunction with the city of Birmingham to bring these valuable materials to the general public.

“What you see in the museum is less than 10% of the collection,” Revel says. “I do 30 to 40 hours a week researching Negro League baseball. You could say it’s a passion of mine. It’s an obsession.” For only 10% of his collection, the museum’s display cases are chock full of rare and one-of-a-kind items.

There are 1,768 signed baseballs at the start of the exhibit. Revel says, “I’ve interviewed all but six of the players who signed them.” One man who signed a ball, Otis Williams, played but one Negro League game in the 1930s before getting injured, ending his career. Another man, old and enfeebled by a stroke, was so proud to be remembered, he signed a baseball, too. With shaky hands it took him a half hour to sign a ball. Revel says, “I wouldn’t sell that ball for a million dollars.”

Also on view in the museum: Satchel Paige’s game used uniform. “I’ve sat on Satchel Paige’s porch,” Revel says. “I’ve been in Cool Papa Bell’s house. I’ve been to Bullet Rogan’s house.” Bullet Rogan’s pitching jacket is on display. Willie Wells’ game used uniform can be seen, as can the oldest known Negro League contract and the oldest Negro League trophy. There are seats in the museum from Atlanta’s old Ponce de Leon Park. Louis Santop’s bat, nicknamed “Big Bertha,” is on display. All told, it’s the largest collection of Negro League materials in the world.

Honored to be remembered

proud. Honored that they’re remembered for what they did and that it was important. That it is important to preserve this history and their stories.” Birmingham’s baseball story is a rich one. It spans further back than 1920. That’s one of the reasons Revel decided to place the museum in Birmingham – the richness. Firstly, the Birmingham Black Barons had the most Negro League seasons than any other team in the nation. It operated from 1919 to 1964. Players included Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, Mule Suttles, and a young Willie Mays. Famed country singer Charley Pride played for the Black Barons. Not only was the city home to the Black Barons, the city sent more players to the Negro Leagues than anywhere else in America. In fact, the state of Alabama sent players to the Negro Leagues more than any other. Monte Irvin (born in Haleburg), Tubby Scales (from Talladega), and a player from Mobile named Hank Aaron all played stellar ball in the Negro Leagues. “The best players came from Birmingham,” Revel says. What’s more, the city is home Guests can swing a bat at the entrance of the Negro Southern League Museum. to Rickwood Field, the oldest professional baseball park in the U.S. Opened in 1910, it was home for Bar-

In the 1980s Revel went to a reunion of Negro League players on and Black Baron games. It is currently the home of the Miles in Kansas City, Missouri, home of the Negro Leagues Baseball College baseball team. Museum. Revel met Buck O’Neill, the famed Kansas City Mon- “It’s important to know our history. To know who we are and archs first baseman and manager in the Negro American League, who we can be,” Revel says. Take that man Pickens from the 1920 who told him that there were, maybe, 250 Negro League players squad. He is still alive, at least in hearts and minds. Satchel Paige, left alive and that the memorabilia (bats and balls; jerseys and the legend, will always be a legend. And the kids holding baseball cleats; posters and paraphernalia) were mostly all gone. There was bats by the front entrance of the museum, are wide-eyed, stars in not much tangible material of the Negro Leagues that remained. them. “I went home,” Revel says, “and thought that can’t be right.”

Through his research, which he does with like-minded individ- For more information on the museum, visit www. uals like assistant Cam Perron, he’s found 700-plus previously un- BirminghamNSLM.org discovered Negro League players. He approximates that there are maybe 200 players still living today. He says, “Of everyone we’ve Rickwood Field is the oldest professional baseball park in the U.S. and has contacted, almost universally, they’re incredibly gracious and served as the home park for the Birmingham Barons and the Birmingham Black Barons.

Alabama Bookshelf

In this periodic feature, we highlight books either about Alabama people or events, or written by Alabama authors. Summaries are not reviews or endorsements. We also occasionally highlight book-related events. Email submissions to bookshelf@alabamaliving.coop. Due to the volume of submissions, we are unable to feature all the books we receive.

Alabama Justice: The Cases and Faces that Changed a Nation, by Steven P. Brown, The University of Alabama Press, $49.95 (history/law) Unknown to many, Alabama has played a remarkable role in a number of Supreme Court rulings that continue to touch the lives of Americans. The book identifies eight landmark cases that deal with religion, voting rights, libel, gender discrimination and other issues, all originating from legal disputes in Alabama. James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House, by Stewart D. McLaurin, White House Historical Association, $49.95 (history) The White House is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, yet little is known about Hoban, the man chosen by George Washington to design and build it. The book is an anthology with contributions from the world’s most knowledgeable Hoban scholars. The author, an Alabama native, is the president of the White House Historical Association. The Wife Upstairs: A Novel, by Rachel Hawkins, St. Martin’s Press, $27.99 (mystery/thriller) In this modern retelling of the Gothic classic Jane Eyre, kleptomaniac Jane moves to a neighborhood of McMansions in Birmingham, works as a dog walker and meets handsome, wealthy widower Eddie. Both Eddie and Jane have their secrets: Eddie’s wife died in a boating accident – or did she? And is Jane really Jane? The author of several YA books is a native of Dothan and lives with her family in Auburn.

One of His Boys: The Letters of Johnnie Pickle and His Mentor, George W. Carver, by John H. Pickle Jr., NewSouth Books, $17.95 (educator biography) George Washington Carver is remembered in part for the many products he derived from the peanut. Less well known is the multitude of students Carver took under his wing over the years. The book is the story of the mentorship of Johnnie Pickle, who was inspired to follow in Carver’s footsteps after witnessing first-hand the Wizard of Tuskegee’s wisdom. The Essence of Nathan Biddle, by J. William Lewis, Greenleaf Book Group Press, $27.95 (fiction) Protagonist Kit Biddle is a rising prep school senior who finds himself tangled in a web of spiritual quandaries and intellectual absurdities. His angst is compounded by a psychological burden: his intelligent but unstable Uncle Nat has committed an unspeakable act. Kit is forced to confront the issues that plague him in this coming-of-age tale. The author grew up in Mobile and lives in Shoal Creek, a suburb of Birmingham. Abandoned Coastal Defenses of Alabama, by Thomas Kenning, Arcadia Publishing and the History Press, $23.99 (photographic history) The book is a guided tour through Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines, the retired guardians of Alabama’s Gulf Coast. For nearly 200 years, these forts have stood stubbornly between the Yellowhammer State and a sometimes hostile world beyond.

SOCIAL SECURITY

Eligibility for spouse’s benefits

Social Security helps you secure today and tomorrow with financial benefits, information, and tools that support you throughout life’s journey. If you don’t have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits on your own record, you may be able to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.

To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of the following: • 62 years of age or older. • Any age and have in your care a child who is younger than age 16 or who is disabled and entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.

Your full spouse’s benefit could be up to one-half the amount your spouse is entitled to receive at their full retirement age. If you choose to receive your spouse’s benefits before you reach full retirement age, you will get a permanently reduced benefit.

If you wait until you reach full retirement age to receive benefits, you’ll receive your full spouse’s benefit amount, which is up to half the amount your spouse can receive. You’ll also get your full spouse’s benefit if you are under full retirement age, but care for a child and one of the following applies: • The child is younger than age 16. • The child has a disability and is entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.

If you’re eligible to receive retirement benefits on your own record, we will pay that amount first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits that equal the higher spouse benefit. For example, Sandy qualifies for a retirement benefit of $1,000 and a spouse’s benefit of $1,250. At her full retirement age, she will receive her own $1,000 retirement benefit. We will add $250 from her spouse’s benefit, for a total of $1,250.

Want to apply for either your or your spouse’s benefits? Are you at least 61 years and eight months old? If you answered yes to both, visit ssa.gov/benefits/retirement to get started today.

Are you divorced from a marriage that lasted at least 10 years? You may be able to get benefits on your former spouse’s record. You can find out more by visiting ssa.gov/planners/retire/ divspouse.html for more information.

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

June crossword by Myles Mellor

Across 1 Alabama song “Dixieland ____” 5 Alabama Crimson Tide SEC college basketball

Player of the Year in 2021, ____ Jones 8 Tigers and the Tide, for example 9 County that’s home to Logan Mountain Lake, 2 words 11 Type of dressing 13 Italian restaurant staple 15 Santa’s collaborator 17 County that’s home to Cheaha Mountain 21 Deer species being re-introduced to Alabama 22 “If ___ told you once ...” 23 Sushi bar order 24 Ozark is its county seat 25 Airport board abbreviation 28 Cold, as a drink 30 Popular Birmingham restaurant 33 Hive resident 34 Biscuit go-with 35 50s blues great, ____ Washington, born in

Tuscaloosa

Down 1 Web address component 2 Profit from instruction 3 Former Auburn football coach, ___ Malzahn 4 Institute founded by Booker T. Washington 6 Alabama player who was drafted by the Tennessee Titans, Rashaan ____ 7 He might serve an Alabama Slammer 10 Betting limit 11 R&B and pop singer born in Eufaula, Alabama,

Martha ____ 12 “American Idol” winner from Birmingham 14 It is better fresh 16 Creator, star and producer of “The Guild” TV show, born in Huntsville, goes with 29 down 18 Renovated 19 Zilch 20 Time just before an event 25 Goes out as a tide 26 Part of a foot 27 Money 29 See 16 down 31 Very, very long time 32 Kilogram, for short

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