September 2018 Central Alabama

Bright Ideas Grant & Youth Tour Information SEPTEMBER 2018

Central Alabama Electric Cooperative

Supporting Future Leaders

Vol. 71 No. 9 September 2018

LIVING

ON THE COVER: CAEC 2018

Washington D.C. delegates: Cade Williams, Cooper Gray, Caleb Langston and Catie Daniel

Central Alabama Electric Cooperative 103 Jesse Samuel Hunt Blvd.

Prattville, AL 36066 www.caec.coop Advertising and Editorial Offices: 340 TechnaCenter Drive Montgomery, Alabama 36117-6031 1-800-410-2737 For advertising, email: advertising@areapower.com For editorial inquiries, email: contact@alabamaliving.coop National Advertising Representative: American MainStreet Publications 611 South Congress Ave., Ste. 504 Austin, TX 78704 1-800-626-1181 www.AMP.coop Alabama Rural Electric Association: Fred Braswell, AREA President Lenore Vickrey, Editor Allison Law, Managing Editor Mark Stephenson, Creative Director Danny Weston, Art Director Jacob Johnson, Advertising Director Brooke Echols, Advertising Coordinator Laura Stewart, Communications Coordinator Nalin Crocker, Graphic Designer Alabama Living is delivered to some 420,000 Alabama families and businesses, which are members of 22 not-forprofit, consumer-owned, locally directed and taxpaying electric cooperatives.

Subscriptions are $12 a year for individuals not subscribing through participating Alabama electric cooperatives. Alabama Living (USPS 029-920) is published monthly by AREA. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and at additional mailing office.

1969 Alabama Youth Tour Delegates

FEATURES

6 12

16

FAVORITES

Apply now for Bright Ideas or Youth Tour

11 Spotlight

Biking the trails

24 Alabama Gardens

Alabama offers riders of mountain bikes abundant trails running through terrain as varied as sandy beaches and mountaintops.

40 Outdoors

Healing power of nature

Photographer Elmore DeMott began photographing one flower a day as a way to connect with her mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016.

34 Cook of the Month 46 Hardy Jackson’s Alabama In this issue: Page 11 Page 28

POSTMASTER send forms 3579 to: Alabama Living, P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124-4014.

USPS 029-920 ISSN 1047-0311

Printed in America from American materials

u

Look for this logo to see more content online!

Board of Trustees Charles Byrd Chairman, Deatsville (334) 361-3324

Van Smith Vice Chairman, Billingsley (205) 755-6166

Mark Presnell, Sr. Secretary/Treasurer, Wetumpka (334) 567-2689

C. Milton Johnson Statesville (334) 412-2843

Patsy M. Holmes Wetumpka (334) 567-8273

Terry Mitchell Stewartville (256) 249-3128

Jimmie Harrison, Jr. Maplesville (334) 366-4338

Chase Riddle Prattville (334) 365-3648

Mark Gray Clanton (205) 351-1889

Contact Us Toll Free: 1-800-545-5735 Outage Hotline: 1-800-619-5460 www.caec.coop Prattville Office: 103 Jesse Samuel Hunt Blvd.

Prattville, AL 36066-6773 Clanton Office: 1601 7th St. North Rockford Office: 9191 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka Office: 637 Coosa River Pkwy.

Youth Tour is an amazing experience Through the Youth Tour program, I was given a chance to visit our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. It was an experience that was not only educational but also eye-opening and fun. Along with 56 of my peers from across the state, I visited some of the most beautiful historical sites in the nation; climbed the steps of the Lincoln Memorial; witnessed the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery; gazed at “The Cade Williams Apotheosis of Washington” at the pinnacle of the Capitol 2018 WYT delegate Rotunda; and even cruised along the Potomac River. I was able to explore places first hand that many people have only seen in pictures, and through these experiences was able to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of our great nation’s history.

Throughout the week, I met kids my age from across the U.S. and we were able to talk and have discussions about our different lives. While interacting with these amazing people, I learned that rural life is similar no matter where you live. Everyone spoke about the crops and livestock that pervaded their communities, the small schools that they attended and the fact that there was “nothing to do” where they lived.

But I also noticed the great qualities that all rural kids shared: we are friendly and adaptable. After only a few minutes of conversation, we were comfortable with each other. At that point, we were cracking jokes, talking about our wild flights and bus rides and forming friendships (despite the accent barrier).

We also had an opportunity to speak with our legislators on Capitol Hill and ask them questions about topics that we felt strongly about. The inquiries ranged from school safety to net neutrality to the national debt, and it was interesting to hear each legislator’s take on these issues. This portion of the trip provided us with a greater understanding of the legislative process and helped humanize our legislators. For me, it was vital to see, in person, the men and women who are representing my views and interests on a national scale. It was reassuring to hear that these leaders are pushing for better education and technological infrastructure to help build up the rural areas of Alabama that our electric cooperatives work so hard to serve.

All in all, Youth Tour was an amazing experience! I thank Central Alabama Electric Cooperative for sponsoring me and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is eligible to attend next year. A

Grants available to help fund classroom projects What creative project could you bring to your classroom with $1,500? The Bright Ideas grant program from Central Alabama Electric Cooperative (CAEC) gives teachers a chance to explore the possibilities.

To assist teachers in getting the funding they need for materials and tools to advance their students' education, CAEC’s Bright Ideas Grant Program will provide $24,000 annually to support valuable, hands-on projects and activities designed to stimulate students' imaginations and desire to learn. Bright Ideas grants assist teachers in public, private and home schools within CAEC’s service area.

Teams of teachers or individual teachers can apply for funding through a simple application process. Individual teachers can apply for grants from $250 to $750, while teams of teachers are eligible for grants up to $1,500.

Since 1998, CAEC has awarded approximately $288,000 to local schools through the program.

Mo r e t h a n 1 1 5 , 0 0 0 students in all grade levels and subject areas have benefited from the Bright Ideas grants.

The deadline to submit an application is Nov. 16.

For more information or an application, visit our website at caec.coop or call (800) 545-5735, ext. 2125. A

Third grade students at Pine Level Elementary School researched different countries and presented the information at their Geography Fair for the entire school.

Youth Tour - a rare leadership development opportunity Join more than 1,800 fellow young leaders from across The following is a description of each Youth Tour activity: the country for a week in June 2019 as part of the annual National Rural Electric Cooperative (NRECA) Youth Tour in Montgomery Youth Tour (March 12 - 14) Washington, D.C. As a Central Alabama Electric Cooperative Learn more about our state’s capital, government and (CAEC) representative, visiting with congressional history during a unique experience that allows you and representatives at the U.S. Capitol to share your perspective fellow students from across Alabama to tour state buildings, is just one of many the Civil Rights Museum and rare opportunities more. You will also spend a you will experience. day at the State House and Each year, as part meet state representatives of the NRECA and other elected officials Youth Tour, CAEC to talk about current issues sends young leaders as well as participate in to Washington, D.C. leadership training activities.

2018 Alabama Delegates to serve as representatives for the cooperative. Aimed at developing future leaders, electric Washington Youth Tour (June 14 - 20) cooperatives have been opening the eyes and minds of A few applicants will be selected to fly to our nation’s capital students about the role of government in their lives for more to meet other youth leaders from across the country and than 50 years. To read about the history of Youth Tour, go members of our Congressional delegation, as well as tour to page 6. monuments, federal buildings and other exciting landmarks.

CAEC selects high school juniors from public, private or To apply, download an application from our website, home schools to participate in up to two, once-in-a-lifetime caec.coop, or contact us at (800) 545-5735, ext. 2125. opportunities for leadership training: the Montgomery Application deadline is Dec. 14. A Youth Tour and possibly the Washington Youth Tour. Each part of the Youth Tour program offers lasting memories and experiences.

SEPTEMBER 2018 5

80 AL ALABA NTR MA CE

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YEARS

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Youth Tour over the years As we celebrate our 80th Anniversary, we’ll look at how your co-op has changed and evolved over the years to better serve you.

Senator Lyndon Baines Johnson inspired the Youth Tour program when he addressed the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Annual Meeting in Chicago in 1957. The Senator and future president declared, “If one thing comes out of this meeting, it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.”

Consequently, some Texas electric cooperatives sent groups of young people to Washington to work during the summer in Senator Johnson’s office. In 1958, a rural electric cooperative in Iowa sponsored the first group of 34 young people on a week-long study tour of our nation’s capital.

Later that same year, another busload came to Washington 1958 from Illinois.

The idea grew and other states sent busloads of young people throughout the summer. By 1959, the “Youth Tour” had grown to 130 students.

In 1964, NRECA began to coordinate joint activities among the state delegations and suggested that coop representatives from each state arrange to be in Washington, D.C., during a designated Youth Tour week. The first year of the coordinated Tour included approximately 400 young people from 12 states.

In 1968, Alabama began participating in the Youth Tour program.

The following year, June 1969, Alabama sponsored 19 Youth Tour students to participate in the program (Debbie Campbell and Eddy 6 SEPTEMBER 2018

McBride from CAEC), joining more than 1,000 representatives from across the nation. Some of the highlights of the trip included a Congressional Breakfast and a visit to the Senate while in session, tours of Mt. Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, the Capitol Building, the FBI and the Smithsonian Institute. The students also visited the Supreme Court,

Breakfast with Alabama's Congressional delegation.

Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, National Archives, Iwo Jima Memorial, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Curtis-Lee Mansion.

Currently, the majority of historical sites are still toured and the program is attended by more than 1,800 delegates from throughout the country. And it is estimated nearly 50,000 students Capitol Building from rural areas and National Statuary Hall small towns across America have participated in this program. A www.caec.coop

| Central Alabama EC |

Teachers get an energy education

“Our county school motto is every student is empowered to succeed,” stated Jessica Tapia, biology/environmental teacher at Wetumpka Middle School, and Elizabeth Johnson, environmental science teacher at Holtville High School. “This workshop empowers the teachers to succeed in educating our students.”

Nearly 260 teachers from across Alabama and northwest Florida gathered at an energy education workshop in June. Co-hosted by PowerSouth and several coops, including Central Alabama Electric Cooperative (CAEC), the annual event was well attended.

The classes provided fun, engaging, fast-paced activities about electricity generation and distribution with a focus on energy education.

Attendees received the tools and curriculum necessary to integrate the activities into their classrooms. These materials, aimed at K-12 students, include hands-on activities designed to teach tomorrow's leaders about all energy sources – from fossil fuels to renewables.

“The workshop had some good information for science teachers and there is no cost to the schools,” said John Hilbish, science teacher at Elmore County High School.

“The hands-on activities align well with the standard science curriculum and it’s free for teachers to attend.”

The conference also provided attendees an opportunity to network with other teachers, sharing ideas and building lifelong connections.

CAEC also hosted an inaugural Empower Alumni Luncheon in July for 2017 and 2018 participants of the Empower Energy Education Workshop. Attendees had the opportunity to share their experience with the implementation of the program in their classrooms.

The Empower Energy Education Workshop is part of an initiative to promote a balanced approach to energy education in the classroom. By empowering teachers to fully explore all forms of electricity generation, students are more likely to receive a reality-based education and become better informed decision-makers as adults. A

The conference was attended by teachers in CAEC's service area, CAEC trustee Van Smith (front row right) and staff from the Cooperative.

CAEC offices will be closed Sept. 3 for Labor Day www.caec.coop

SEPTEMBER 2018 7

DO YOU NEED ACCESS TO HIGH SPEED INTERNET FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS?

THEN TAKE OUR BROADBAND ACCESS SURVEY Central Alabama Electric Cooperative (CAEC) has been researching the need for broadband in our service territory and we could use your help.

CAEC is surveying communities to determine if there is a true need for broadband in our area. Installing broadband is very expensive, which is why we are investigating whether there is a true need for service.

Therefore, we’re asking for a $25 commitment to get your address placed on an interest list. By expressing your interest now, you will avoid a much higher connection fee later if the project moves forward.

This amount is fully refundable if there is not enough interest from our communities. At this time – this is only a survey – we will keep you posted on this project’s progress.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: How long will you keep my $25?

A: Although it depends on the survey response, we expect the board to be able to make a decision by the end of the year on whether or not to move forward with the project. If the venture does not move forward – the amount can be refunded at that time.

If the project does go forward, the $25 will take the place of a connection fee (which will be much higher for those who did not participate in the survey).

Q: What are the projected service costs?

A: Since we are still in the research phase of this project, we cannot give final prices at this time, but pricing will be competitive with other local providers. Additionally, by paying your $25 for the interest survey now, it will avoid additional connection costs if the project moves forward.

Q: When will I get high speed internet at my home?

A: Not only will this depend on the location of the service, but if the board makes the decision to move forward with the project, construction on the backbone of the system will take a few months to begin.

The survey website, www.caecaccess.coop, will become the primary location for updates and to monitor progress.

Q: What connection speeds would be available if the project moves forward?

A: At a minimum, speeds would exceed the FCC definition of broadband, which is 25 Mbps downstream/3Mbps upstream. Most average speeds will be 100-200 Mbps downstream and up to 1Gbps would be available at a higher cost.

Visit www.caecaccess.coop to take the survey & receive updates

| Alabama Snapshots |

County Fair

Sunset at the 2014 Cullman County Fair.SUBMITTED BY Cindy Wilson, Cullman.

Lilly and her best friend Terryn, both 10 years old, riding the carousel at the National Peanut Festival.

SUBMITTED BY Lindsey Winburn, New Brockton.

Miranda, Eliott and Ellyott Stanton at the Baldwin County Fair.

SUBMITTED BY Miranda Stanton, Loxley.

Montana Rain Mathewson’s first Poultry Show at the Dekalb County Fair.

SUBMITTED BY Rosa Lee Weaver, Henagar.

Little Miss Cullman County Fair - Isabella Grace Jones, September 2017. Winning prizes and a crown at our county fair! SUBMITTED BY Tina Jones, Vinemont.

Kamikaze ride at the 2017 Cullman County Fair.

SUBMITTED BY Chris Sears, Cullman.

Submit Your Images! November Theme: “Veterans” Deadline for Nov: Sept. 29

SUBMIT PHOTOS ONLINE: www.alabamaliving.coop/submit-photo/ or send color photos with a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Photos, Alabama Living, P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124 RULES: Alabama Living will pay $10 for photos that best match our theme of the month. Photos may also be published on our website at www.alabamaliving.coop and on our Facebook page. Alabama Living is not responsible for lost or damaged photos.

Alabama Living

SEPTEMBER 2018 9

| News you can use | SOCIAL SECURITY

Don’t be misled by false Medicare or Social Security ads

O

nline and otherwise, there’s a lot of information out there, and sometimes it’s difficult to tell what sources are credible. With millions of people relying on Social Security, scammers target audiences who are looking for program and benefit information.

The law that addresses misleading Social Security and Medicare advertising prohibits people or non-government businesses from using words or emblems that mislead others. Their advertising can’t

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

lead people to believe that they represent, are somehow affiliated with, or endorsed or approved by Social Security or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicare).

People are often misled by advertisers who use the terms “Social Security” or “Medicare.” Often, these companies offer Social Security services for a fee, even though the same services are available directly from Social Security free of charge.

These services include getting: • A corrected Social Security card showing a person’s married name; • A Social Security card to replace a lost card; • A Social Security Statement; and • A Social Security number for a child.

If you receive misleading information about Social Security, send the complete ad, including the envelope, to:

Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline

Social Security Administration

P.O. Box 17768

Baltimore, MD 21235 You can learn more about how we combat fraudulent advertisers by reading our publication What You Need to Know About Misleading Advertising at socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10005.pdf.

You can also report Social Security fraud to the Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report.

PET HEALTH

Protect man’s best friend with adequate shelter

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any of our outdoor dogs could use extra bit of TLC. The primary concern is safety. They need to be in a confined space. Four dogs were shot and killed in our tiny neighborhood in the last 3 years for trespassing. A few months ago, as I was coming home from work, I watched a young German shepherd proudly trotting back from a chicken house with a chicken in its mouth. Next time, he may not be so lucky and will run a risk of getting shot.

An ideal boundary is a physical boundary, like a good quality fence, 4 to 6 feet tall. These fences are not hard to build. In deciding on the height of your fence, take into consideration your dog’s jumping or climbing abilities.

Half to one acre of fenced area will be sufficient in most cases. The cost is not exorbitant. One can plant evergreen trees along the fence to make their house an island of tranquility and increase their property value.

The perimeter can also be established with an “invisible fence.” For some highly impulsive dogs, the wireless fences may not work. When they are chasing something, they simply ignore the electronic signal but when things settle and it is time to come home, they don’t want to risk Goutam Mukherjee, DVM, MS, Ph.D. (Dr. G) has been a veterinarian for more than 30 years. He works part time at Grant Animal Clinic and is a member of North Alabama Electric Cooperative.

10 SEPTEMBER 2018

coming back though the radio field again.

Please talk to a professional.

Placing a dog on a restraint, such as a chain or tether, can be OK if done for a short period, or while supervised, and if the tether is secured in such a way that it can’t become entangled with other objects. An otherwise friendly and docile dog, when kept continuously chained or intensively confined in any way, can become neurotic, unhappy, anxious and often aggressive. Also, collars should be comfortable and fitted properly.

After the perimeter comes the concern of shelter. Our summers are brutal and our winters can be challenging. A good rule of thumb: if it isn’t tolerable for you, it probably isn’t tolerable for them. A simple

hut with raised flooring can be easily built over a weekend. It is wise to block north, south and west sides of the shelter. If constructing a building is not in your plan, buy the biggest enclosure you can afford.

Place the enclosure about 6 to 8 inches above ground on a small deck. If you don’t have a garage full of power tools, this a valid excuse to buy some.

Be careful about providing heat for the winter months in the shelter. A friend’s mobile home caught fire from the heating lamp in the dog shelter. Have a qualified electrician handle any electrical work.

Dogs are social animals! Even outdoor dogs need regular human interaction. If possible, bring the dogs inside after dark.

In the end, let’s not forget them outside! www.alabamaliving.coop

September | Spotlight Medal of Honor recipients to speak at POW/MIA Recognition Day Alabama will officially honor the sacrifices made by America’s prisoners of war, those who are still missing in action and their families on POW/MIA Recognition Day, Sept. 22.

A ceremony will be held on the south lawn of the state Capitol. The day’s events, hosted by the American Legion of Alabama, Rolling Thunder of Alabama and various veterans service organizations, begin at 10:15 a.m. with a motorcycle POW/MIA Honor Ride from the VA Regional office to the Capitol. The opening ceremony begins at 11 a.m.

The guest speaker will be Capt. Gary Michael Rose, a Vietnam War medic who repeatedly risked his life and exposed himself to enemy fire to ensure the safe return of dozens of fellow soldiers during a bloody four-day mission in Laos. Rose was awarded the Medal of Honor on Oct. 23, 2017.

Maj. Gen. James Livingston, awarded the Medal of Honor for heroic action in 1968 during the Vietnam War, will give the keynote address. He served in the Marine Corps for more than 33 years before retiring Sept. 1, 1995.

For more information, visit www.va.alabama.gov.

An empty table is a place of honor set in memory of fallen, missing or imprisoned military service members. Each part of the table setting has significance, including the slice of lemon, symbolizing the bitter fate of the missing or captured; the salt, symbolizing the tears of their families; and the lighted candle, a reflection of hope for their return.

Barbecue competition comes to Decatur Barbecue takes center stage Sept. 14-15 with the annual Riverfest at Ingalls Harbor in Decatur. Riverfest brings together pit masters from across the country for competition as festivalgoers enjoy family-friendly fun and live music.

Riverfest is recognized by the state of Alabama as an official State Barbecue Championship competition and is sanctioned by, and conducted under, the rules of the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Riverfest is also the third and final leg of the North Alabama Triple Crown, a dual sanctioned barbecue competition for North Alabama. The winner of the Triple Crown will be announced and presented a trophy and cash prize at the event. The cook-off is open to professional and amateur teams.

A one-day ticket is $15 per person; ages 10 and under are free. Weekend passes are $25 per person. For more information, visit www.mosaicnorthal.org/riverfest.html.

And check out pages 32 and 34 in this issue for more on barbecue!

This Month In

®

ALABAMA HISTORY

Whereville, AL

Honoring Our People

Identify and place this Alabama landmark and you could win $25! Winner is chosen at

September 1, 1904

Football star and actor Johnny Mack Brown was born in Dothan, Alabama.

Nicknamed the “Dothan Antelope,” Brown earned national notoriety as a halfback when he led the Alabama Crimson Tide to an upset victory over the Washington Huskies in the 1926 Rose Bowl, one of the most important games in southern football history.

Later in his life, Brown led a successful career in the Western film and television industry, including the lead role in the popular 1930 film “Billy the Kid.” Brown was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1969 and the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-1785

Alabama Living

random from all correct entries.

Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. Send your answer by Sept. 10 with your name, address and the name of your rural electric cooperative.

The winner and answer will be announced in the October issue.

Contribute your own photo for an upcoming issue! Send a photo of an interesting or unusual landmark in Alabama, which must be accessible to the public. A reader whose photo is used will also win $25.

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

AUGUST’S ANSWER

This is all that remains of the original front entrance to Chilton County High School in Clanton. When a new school was built, the building became Henry M. Adair Junior High. Later, a new middle school was built near the high school, and this building was torn down. The random guess winner is Ethel Mae Gill of Central Alabama EC.

SEPTEMBER 2018 11

Tables indicate peak fish and game feeding and migration times. Major periods can bracket the peak by an hour before and an hour after. Minor peaks, half-hour before and after. Adjusted for daylight savings time.

Minor

AM Major

SEP. 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

----02:07 03:22 04:22 05:07 --07:07 07:37 08:22 09:22 10:22 11:52

04:52 06:07 07:52 08:52 09:52 10:37 11:07 11:37 05:37 06:22 12:52 01:22 01:52 02:37 03:22 04:07

12:37 03:52 11:52 10:22 10:52 11:07 11:37 12:07 06:37 06:52 01:07 01:37 02:07 02:37 03:07 04:07

09:52 10:22 04:37 05:07 05:22 05:37 05:52 06:22 12:07 12:37 07:07 07:22 07:52 08:07 08:37 09:07

OCT.

---02:37 03:52 04:52 05:37 -07:07 07:52 08:37 09:37 10:37 ----01:37 03:07 04:07 05:07 05:37 --07:52 08:37 09:22 10:37 11:52 ---

05:22 06:52 08:22 09:37 10:22 11:07 11:52 06:22 12:52 01:22 01:52 02:37 03:07 03:52 04:52 06:22 07:52 08:52 09:37 10:22 10:52 11:37 06:22 07:07 01:07 01:37 02:07 02:52 03:52 04:52 06:22

09:52 12:22 09:52 10:37 11:07 11:37 06:07 06:37 01:07 01:37 02:07 02:37 03:07 12:22 07:52 -10:22 10:37 10:52 11:07 05:22 05:37 12:07 12:37 01:07 01:52 02:22 03:22 04:37 09:37 12:37

01:52 03:22 04:07 04:37 05:07 05:37 12:07 12:37 06:52 07:22 07:37 07:52 08:22 08:22 02:37 03:37 04:07 04:22 04:37 05:07 11:37 12:07 12:37 06:22 06:37 07:07 07:37 07:52 08:37 01:22 02:37

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Alabama Living

PM Minor Major

SEPTEMBER 2018 41

A

$24,000

Investment in Education... ...Imagine the Possibilities!

How could $24,000 help children in the classroom? The Bright Ideas Grant program from Central Alabama Electric Coopera�ve (CAEC) gives teachers the chance to explore the possibili�es.

CAEC has given $288,000 in grants each year to support innova�ve, crea�ve and effec�ve ini�a�ves that cannot be covered by tradi�onal funding. Designed for K-12 teachers in public, private and home schools within CAEC’s territory, the program has given approximately $288,000 benefi�ng nearly 115,000 students since its incep�on in 1998.

Teams of teachers and individual teachers are eligible to apply for the grant monies. Individuals are eligible to apply for grants from $250 to $750, while teams are able to apply for up to $1,500.

Don’t miss this opportunity for your child’s classroom. Men�on CAEC’s Bright Ideas grant program to your child’s teacher or cut off the informa�on below and have your child present it to his or her teacher.

Receive up to $750 for your classroom. Please contact CAEC about their Bright Ideas Grant Program.

CAEC offers teachers up to $750 for classroom projects. Teams of teachers can receive up to $1,500. For more informa�on, call (334) 351-2125/(800) 545-5735 ext. 2125 or e-mail communica�ons@coop.caec.com.

Applications available at www.caec.coop

Deadline is Nov. 16, 2018

THE POWER OF SAVINGS

—FEATURED CO-OP CONNECTIONS CARD PARTNERS—

Become a participating Co-op Connections Card business and you could be here!

YOUR AD HERE!

Local businesses can become a Co-op Connections Card partner for free! You provide a valuable discount for our members & we’ll advertise your business both print & online!

Contact us at 1-800-545-5735 ext. 2178 to learn more!

PRATTVILLE, AL

A&J

ARCADE CAFE LASER TAG NINJA COURSE

Duck, dive, and soar through the air on our trampoline dodgeball court! Come with a team of friends or just pick up a game while you’re here!

Stay on track. . . . . .

GLADIATOR ARENA

EXTREME DODGEBALL PRIVATE PARTY ROOMS FIELD TRIPS HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY – THURSDAY 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM FRIDAY 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM SATURDAY 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM SUNDAY 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

LOCK-INS Practice your upper body skills on our one of a kind Ninja Obstacle Course!

Complete with a regulation warp wall!

If you are a laser tag fanatic, challenge your friends and family to our Fury in the Forest laser tag experience in our blacklight arena!

RATES: OPEN JUMP: 30 MIN $8 1 HOUR $14 1 ½ HOUR $18 2 HOUR $22

Dirty Dog? We can help with that!

Visit our Self Service Dogwash Today!

LASER TAG: 1 GAME $10 2 GAMES $18 3 GAMES $25

891 BOARDROOM DR - PRATTVILLE, AL 36066 - 334-568-2041 *ALL JUMPERS MUST BE WEARING LAUNCH JUMP SOCKS AND HAVE VALID WAIVER *ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 MUST HAVE A WAIVER COMPLETED BY A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN

334-365-9376 @backyarddogwash

501 E. Main St. Prattville

| Our Sources Say |

Big Mike’s Bean House, revisited L

ast December, my article was titled Big Mike’s Bean House. It was inspired by an article my friend, Covington County Circuit Judge Ben Bowden, sent me, “If Everyone Ate Beans Instead of Beef.” The Judge is apparently obsessed with protein because last month he sent me another article from the New York Times, “Memo From the Boss: You’re a Vegetarian Now.” My original article discussed a study done by researchers from Oregon State University, Bard College and Loma Linda University calculating the environmental effect of Americans substituting beans for beef in their diet. One of the researchers, Helen Harwatt, stated, “A relatively small, single food substitution could be the most powerful change a person makes in terms of their lifetime environmental impact – more than downsizing one’s car, being vigilant about turning off light bulbs, and certainly more than quitting showering.”

Nine months later, the stakes have risen. This is no longer about a voluntary diet substitution. For people employed at WeWork, it is about their job, their lives, and their livelihood. WeWork, a sponsor of the 2017 Houston Southern Smoke Barbeque Festival, is no longer a safe place for carnivores.

WeWork is a large company that specializes in providing shared office space to businesses. WeWork has more than 6,000 employees and controls office space in 23 U.S. cities and 21 other countries. WeWork’s corporate values include a mission to build a community – a place you join as an individual “me” but where you become part of a greater “we.”

Last month, WeWork announced it was going vegetarian or meat-free. The company will no longer serve red meat, pork or poultry at company functions and it will no longer reimburse employees for meat during a business meeting. Miguel McKelvey, WeWork’s co-founder and Chief Culture Officer, said, “The decision was driven largely by concerns for the environment, and to a lesser extent, animal welfare. Research indicates avoiding meat is one of the biggest things an individual can do to reduce their personal environmental impact – even more than switching to a hybrid car.” It appears Mr. McKelvey is a fan of Ms. Harwatt’s study.

Mr. McKelvey says, “I don’t eat meat, but I don’t consider my-

self a vegetarian. I consider myself a ‘reducetarian.’ I try to consume less and be aware of the decisions I’m making. Not just food, but single-use plastics and fossil fuels and energy.” Mr. McKelvey also indicates imposing his values on his employees is a natural part of being a corporate leader, “Companies have greater responsibilities to their team members and to the world these days. We’re the ones with the power.”

Google tried to impose “meatless Mondays” at two of its many cafes at company headquarters. Employees rebelled, throwing away silverware and staging a barbeque in protest. Lazlo Bock, Google’s senior vice president of People Operations, said, “Human beings really don’t like when you take choice away from them. What people are much more amenable to is nudges. How can you change the environment in a way that doesn’t remove choice, but it sends a signal for people to make a good decision?”

Mr. McKelvey says, “We’re coming at it from an awareness and mindfulness perspective. The headline has been meat-free, but this is a much larger effort to develop personal accountability in our team.” There is no question that WeWork has the right to impose meat-free conditions on its employees. This is not a legal issue, it is a control issue about a few executives imposing their personal worldview values on their employees, even if that includes what they can eat at work. It is certainly not the inclusive, open community values that WeWork expresses on their website.

WeWork’s policy is simply another attempt to impose a personal restrictionist view of global warming on other people they control or influence. If global warming is a serious problem, it deserves serious treatment, not nonsense about people eating or not eating meat. Some employees will accept WeWork’s mandate.

Other good employees will leave because they value their freedom of choice. WeWork and Mr. McKelvey will be the big losers. They would do better by exploring how we all can better live with the results of global warming instead of imposing restrictive conditions on personal lifestyles.

Big Mike’s Steakhouse in Andalusia continues to do very well.

People routinely wait for a table to enjoy their steaks. WeWork employees will have to look for a table at Big Mike’s Bean House.

I hope you have a good month.

Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative

44 SEPTEMBER 2018

www.alabamaliving.coop

CALL FOR ENTRIES

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Alabama Rural Electric Association’s

th

Quilt Competition Our 2019 theme is:

Alabama’s Bicentennial

Mail, or E-mail form below for your entry package. Deadline to submit quilt square is January 25, 2019.

Name: ________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________ City, State Zip: __________________________________________ Mail to: Linda Partin AREA E-mail: ________________________________________________ 340 TechnaCenter Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 Phone: ________________________________________________ Cooperative: ___________________________________________ or Phone: 334-215-2732 E-mail: lpartin@areapower.com (The electric cooperative name on front of this Alabama Living.)

| Hardy Jackson's Alabama |

Southern by the signs

Illustration by Dennis Auth

Y

ou remember a couple of years ago when they busted TV’s Miss Cleo?

She was the Jamaican psychic whose “hotline” offered free “supernatural insight into love and money.”

Well, according to authorities, Miss Cleo (who was really Youree Dell Harris of Los Angeles) used the old “bait and switch” on folks who called in. She came on the line and told them to phone another number which, it turned out, charged them about $5 a minute.

Now I figure that many of Miss Cleo’s callers could have been Southerners.

Not only do we talk a lot (ask us the time of day and we tell you how to make a watch), we have a history of trying to hook up with the supernatural.

Many among us regularly consult the astrological section of an almanac and schedule everything from planting to procreating according to the alignment of heavenly bodies.

Others consult folks like Henry Baysmore.

Back in the 1930s, the 75-year-old Baysmore was interviewed at his Montgomery home. He told how he “started out to be a preacher once” and seemed on the road to success until he found that the Bible said that ministers should keep themselves “unspotted from the world.” He was OK with that until he found that the Good Book also said ministers should “visit the widows.”

That presented a problem for, he observed, if “you have ever been acquainted with any widows, you know a preacher can’t visit them and keep himself unspotted.”

So, he told his visitor, “I give up preachin’.”

What did he do then? He became Montgomery’s Miss Cleo.

Harvey H. (Hardy) Jackson is Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University and a columnist for Alabama Living.

He can be reached at hjackson@cableone.net.

46 SEPTEMBER 2018

Those were Depression years and people were uneasy. So Baysmore had plenty of visitors who “wanted to see into the future.”

Such advice did not come cheap, $10 a session, but if they protested he simply told them, “If you can’t afford ten dollars for a little supernatural information” then they would suffer the consequences.

So they paid up.

Though Henry Baysmore gave up preaching to become a psychic, some time ago, riding through Wilcox County, I saw a sign announcing that “Dr. Black,” the “Holy Profet of God,” had discovered a way to combine the two.

Apparently ignoring the problem with widows, “Dr. Black” found scriptural foundation for his calling in First Samuel where Saul tries to figure out how to pay a seer for helping him recover some runaway asses. Figuring if Saul could, so could he, and Dr. Black opened the “House of Prayer and Faith,” where religion and folklore were bundled together for believers.

According to the sign, anyone who was “crossed up,” “troubled,” or suffering from what he called, with a fine feeling for words, “Lost Nature,” should take Dr. Black on as their “Spiritual Reader and Advisor.”

I bet business was brisk.

We all know that since forever, a sizable segment of the South’s population has believed that greater forces are at work in the world and that there are special people who can understand them. Sometimes the gifted are found in churches that focus on biblical prophecy and mystical communications like speaking in tongues. Other times these spiritual advisors are found outside any religious congregation, out on the fringes of society.

But remember, historically, it is on the fringes of society that so many Southerners have lived. And those Southerners, in trying to deal with troubling questions, have turned to the Bible, the Almanac, preachers, teachers, and people like Baysmore, and Black.

Some even called Miss Cleo – long distance. www.alabamaliving.coop

Cast your vote for the Best of Alabama for the chance to win

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It’s back! Once again, Alabama Living readers have a chance to vote on the places and things that make our state great! We’ve got some new categories this year. So check out the questions and tell us what’s your choice for the “Best of Alabama!”

1. Best museum dedicated to a famous Alabamian

o Helen Keller

o Hank Williams

o Jesse Owens

o Rosa Parks

o your choice______________________________

o Gulf Coast Zoo

o Animal Safari Park (Hope Hull) o your choice___________________

2. Best zoo/wildlife park

o Birmingham Zoo

o Montgomery Zoo

3. Best new tourist destination

o OWA Park o Memorial for Peace and Justice (Montgomery) o New Alabama Gulf State Park and Lodge (opening November 2018)

o Pirate’s Bay Water Park (Leesburg) o Your choice ____________________________________________

4. Best hometown restaurant or diner ____________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Best music venue

o Iron City

o Hangout

o BJCC

(Birmingham)

(Gulf Shores)

(Birmingham) (Montgomery)

o MPAC

o Alabama Theatre

o Flora-Bama

(Birmingham)

(Orange Beach)

o your choice_____________________

6. Best open-air amphitheater

o Oak Mountain

o Tuscaloosa

o Phenix City

o The Wharf

o Lake Martin

o Helena

o Mort Glosser

(Orange Beach)

(Gadsden)

7. Best lake to spend the weekend

o Guntersville

o Martin

o Weiss

o Eufaula

o your choice______________________________

8. Best Heisman Trophy winner from an Alabama school

o Pat Sullivan

o Bo Jackson

o Mark Ingram

o Cam Newton

o Derrick Henry

9. Best small college town _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. Best shopping attraction

o Tanger Outlets

o Unclaimed Baggage Store

o Sikes & Kohn

(Foley)

(Scottsboro)

(Pine Level)

o your choice______________________________

Bonus question:

What does Alabama not have that you wish it did? Tell us!_________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________ City: ________________ St: ______ Zip: __________ Phone Number: _________________________ Your Co-op: ___________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________________________________

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Vote online at www.alabamaliving.coop or mail to: Alabama Living Survey • P.O. Box 244014 • Montgomery, AL 36124 No purchase necessary. Eligibility: Contest open to all persons age 18 and over, except employees and their immediate family members of Alabama Rural Electric Association, and Alabama Electric Cooperatives; and their respective divisions, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising, and promotion agencies.

Alabama Living

SEPTEMBER 2018 47