Spotlight

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 Oct. 8 with your name, address and the name of your rural electric cooperative. The winner and answer will be announced in the November 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!

September’s answer: This small Gothic Revival style church is St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church at Gallion, Alabama, and is a frequent subject of artists and photographers. The church was built in 1853-1854. The design of St. Andrew’s is attributed to Richard Upjohn, the prominent New York architect. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Nov. 7, 1973 and declared a National Historic Landmark the same day. (Photo and information courtesy of RuralSWAlabama.org) The randomly drawn correct guess winner is Vivian Rawlings of Clarke-Washington EMC.

Find the hidden dingbat!

“It’s hammer time!” declared reader Don Lee of Vina, a member of Franklin Electric Cooperative, one of 450+ correct guessers for September’s dingbat contest. Don correctly found the hammer hanging up with several other tools in the photo of the snake removers at work on Page 32. Cary Evans of Clanton reported that “my mother found it first and said, ‘It would be just like someone with a great sense of humor to put it on a snake page; most people dislike looking at snakes so the entry level might go way down.’” Our entries were about the usual number, although some readers claimed to find the hammer in a tree and another said it was in a man’s pocket. Barbara Carver of Bridgeport, a member of North Alabama Electric, wrote: “I found your hammer right where you left it, hanging on the wall with all the rattlers around. No wonder you forgot where you left it!” Congratulations to this month’s randomly drawn winner Stephen Davis, a member of Joe Wheeler EMC. Remember, the dingbat won’t be on Pages 1-8 or in an advertisement. This month we’re hiding a black cat, so good luck and don’t be a scaredy cat! Deadline is Oct. 8.

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

Thanks to J. Reid of Arab, who submitted a photo of her neighbors, Raven and E.J., who found the dingbat in their magazine from Arab Electric Cooperative.

Sponsored by

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 and include your social media handle so we can tag you! We’ll draw a winner for the $25 prize each month.

Sherman Chow took us along to Valley of Fire State Park near Las Vegas, Nevada, where bighorn sheep roam. He and his wife are members of Baldwin EMC and they live in Fairhope. Marsha Edhegard of Ozark took her magazine along for a trip to the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. She is a member of Pea River Electric Cooperative. Charlene Bert of Marbury, a member of Central Alabama EC, is a big fan of Laurel, Mississippi and of Alabama Living! While visiting her grandchildren in Virginia, Katherine Dasinger took her magazine to Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia. She is a member of Wiregrass Electric Cooperative.

Beaver fever

A road trip to Buc-ee’s is an experience like no other

Story and photos by Emmett Burnett

The lobby is indicative of fine art. Depictions of Old West vistas adorn the walls. Polished porcelain and chrome accentuate gurgling waters. And that’s just the restrooms! You should see the rest of Buc-ee’s!

What’s this, you say? Have you not experienced Buc-ee’s of Baldwin County, with 52,000 square feet of floor space, 120 gasoline filling spots, and restrooms cleaner than a church picnic?

Follow me but be advised: First timers can be overwhelmed. Taking in the sights, aromas, and crowds often evokes sensory overload and spontaneous smiles. Slow down, relax. It’s time to smell the brisket.

Alabama’s first Buc-ee’s opened in January 2019 off of Interstate 10, exit 49, Baldwin County. The store was the Texas-based company’s first venture outside the Lone Star State. It wasn’t lone for long.

The second Alabama Buc-ee’s opened January 2021 in Leeds (Jefferson County). Other sites are in the works for Auburn and Athens. So many Buc-ee’s. So little time.

Meanwhile, back on the coast: “We examined every conceivable factor,” says

Buc-ee’s iconic and often photographed red truck, filled with beaver dolls. John Taylor, director of operations - north, discussing Baldwin County’s location decision. “Based on research, which included proximity to Gulf beaches and I-10 traffic, we determined Central Baldwin County was a good spot. We were right.”

Due to company proprietary information, Taylor and the store’s general manager,

Buc-ee’s on a summertime Friday.

Floyd Freeman, cannot reveal how many visitors Baldwin’s Bucee’s receives daily. But both look at each other, then look at me, and collectively smile, “It’s a lot.”

Many take selfie pictures with the statue of the store’s mascot beaver. In fact, so many pose with the bronzed rodent of renown, some company officials believe it is the most photographed statue in Alabama. On a pedestal 300 miles north, Vulcan shakes his fist in jealousy.

Now comes the fun part: Walking in. “You can almost tell a new visitor just by looking at their expressions,” Taylor says. “Their eyes get really big and mouths open wide.” He laughs, “I’ve heard them say, ‘this is amazing.” Indeed, it is.

Buc-ee’s has about 250 employees. Ninety are here on this Friday morning. My first question is, what is the busiest day?

“All seven,” Freeman answers. “It takes an army to keep Buc-ee’s operating 24/7. Behind the scenes, supply trucks roll in almost every hour of every day. We have a master plan devised for everyday and plan for the unknown and unexpected.”

Taking it all in

A shelf of beach-related items on sale during the summer beckons beach goers.

Pro tip 1: Before entering, know your Buc-ee’s. Here is the Baldwin County store’s layout:

Facing the entrance, the right side is gifts, clothing, home decor items, seasonal merchandise, jewelry, wedding presents, one-ofa-kind items, and more. It is not what one expects from other Interstate travel centers.

Shelves here are continuously restocked, refreshed, and updated. Almost every customer visit is different, especially with seasonal items. The store even has a line of Christmas ornaments for a holly, jolly Buc-ee’s.

“You can buy really nice things here,” Freeman says. “We have items you would proudly display at home, wear, or give as gifts. We have a lot of high-end items – not convenience store kind of stuff.”

On the left is affectionately and informally titled “Buc-ee’s World.” T-shirts, glassware, toys, swimsuits, coffee mugs, key chains, beaver dolls, and anything with the company logo on it, await. In this store area, toys are in abundance, many exclusive to Buc-ee’s. Kids love it.

It doesn’t take long to notice the mascot beaver is everywhere – on coffee mugs, T-shirts, stationery, even carved in chocolate. People often ask, “So, what’s the story with the beaver?”

First, it is more than a mascot. The Buc-ee’s beaver is like Mickey Mouse with an overbite. The store and critter have been inseparable since day one.

Buc-ee’s is named after the company co-founder’s pet dog, Buck. As for the mascot, the co-founder is Arch Aplin III, also known by his childhood nickname, “Beaver.” The rest is history. We move next to what many claim is Buc-ee’s star attraction – the food. “TRU (Texas Round Up) is where the action is,” notes Taylor, as beef carving station employees work their magic. “Our barbecue sandwiches are a staple.” “Brisket here!” shouts Alex, my new best friend who doesn’t know me. He slices, carves, and crafts a slab of sizzling beef. Turkey, sausages, burritos, chicken, and most everything else is prepared fresh, on shift.

Pro tip 2: Do not leave Baldwin County without Buc-ee’s Rhino Taco: sausage, beans, eggs, potatoes, cheese, and green sauce, which at 6 a.m. defines breakfast.

Nearby is the great wall of jerky, proclaimed “World Famous.” Varieties are sold in bags or custom cut at the nearby counter. A store favorite is the Bohemian Garlic. Delicious.

Today, a Buc-ee’s employee, Thomas, offers samples on request and answers questions for those who ponder jerky – and who among us hasn’t?

Also in the food arena is “Sweet Street,” and yes, it is as good as it sounds.

Vats of cashews churn while coated with cinnamon. Chocolate is molded into bricks and pieces. Pecans roast to golden tans. As an added customer bonus, inhaling the aroma is free.

A confectionary favorite is in-house fudge. “Try this,” employee Jennifer says, offering a freshly made batch of chocolate perfection. Customers line up.

Some varieties of Beaver Nuggets and other snacks. Beaver Nuggets fly off the shelves almost as fast as Buc-ee’s employees can restock them.

Of course, the Buc-ee’s experience is not complete without a bag of Beaver Nuggets – puffed corn bathed in honey/cinnamon and kissed by angels.

The typical roadside convenience store image of pork skins and coffee made fresh – two days before you got there – is shattered at Buc-ee’s. On the contrary, this fare is restaurant quality, but ordered to go. There is no in-house seating for dining. They don’t have room.

World famous … restrooms?

Buc-ee’s also has a unique attraction not usually seen in public venues: “World Famous Restrooms.” People visit the store’s wash rooms if they need to or not. They want to see how clean it is and are not disappointed. It’s spotless.

Each restroom is staffed by employees, 24 hours a day, cleaning and polishing, all day.

Just as one begins the Buc-ee’s experience by having a picture made with the beaver statue outside, one ends the journey, with a selfie at the old red truck, inside. “Actually it’s a metal shell, made in Texas, and sent here,” Taylor says with a smile. “It’s not really a truck, nor for sale, although we’ve had people try to buy it.”

The day is done. With arms laden with Buc-ee’s logo T-shirts, brisket sandwiches and beaver dolls, I approach the checkout counters. Over 30 people are in my line, yet it moves out in 15 minutes. These employees know their stuff and smile while doing it.

The parking lot capacity is 400 vehicles. It is often full. A steady stream of cars roll in, equaled by a steady stream exiting back to I-10. The continuous parade of patrons in and out never ends. For as Buc-ee’s website proclaims, “The Beaver Never Sleeps.” Indeed, the Buc stops here.

Employee Jennifer offers freshly made fudge. John Taylor, operations director-north, left, and Baldwin County Buc-ee’s general manager Floyd Freeman with the Buc-ee’s truck.

Employee Thomas serves up jerky, which comes in a variety of flavors.

Thrillers, Thrillers, Thrillers, Thrillers, Thrillers, haunts, haunts, haunts, haunts, haunts, frights frights frights frights frights at night

Scare up some fun at Alabama’s haunted attractions

By Emmett Burnett

Happy Halloween (Cue the spooky creaking door hinges). Beyond these cobwebbed thresholds are opportunities: ghostly encounters, mysterious rooms, and perhaps memories of an old ghoul friend.

A haunting we will go, in October, but first, take note: COVID conditions, weather, and other factors may alter schedules so check before visiting your favorite spooky destination. Also, some haunts might be a bit scary for young children, so use discretion. Read on to learn more about the best of Alabama’s things that go bump in the night.

Nightmare at 3008

1731 Decatur Highway, Fultondale

Nightmareat3008.com

Nick and Lori Bryan’s Nightmare at 3008 is known as the “Haunt with a Heart.” Its charitable endeavors include a food drive on Nov. 4-5 with cash and canned items donated to Fultondale’s food bank. But the haunt with a heart makes yours beat faster.

The Nightmare includes two indoor main attractions and an outdoor trail. One theme is a post-apocalyptic underworld. Occupants seek refuge below earth from the blistered surface above. It is not going well.

In total, about 30 to 60 scary-costumed actors await your presence at Nightmare’s venues. Some are still alive. Characters in various states of goriness scream, moan, and shriek as you walk by, often briskly.

“We are a touch haunt,” says Lori. “But for guests not wanting to be touched, we offer chicken sticks.” Actors see the sticks and comply with its unspoken message, “do not touch me for I am chicken.”

Warehouse 31

3150 Lee St., Pelham Warehouse31.com

Pelham’s house of horror gave the heebie-jeebies to thousands last year. “We have a little of everything,” notes owner Jason Sills. Gruesomely costumed characters meander through 50 scenes of terrifying good times.

The merry mayhem occurs in a former lumber supply warehouse turned horror abode in 2013. As for the cast, these folks are not shy.

“We don’t want to invade people’s space but we are definitely in your face,” Jason says about the creature crew. Typically one walks through the facility in about 30 minutes – “or faster,” he laughs. “Depends on how fast you run.”

The signature attraction is Rigamortis – a traditional haunted house with hightech special effects. Other venues include the 3D Experience, Escape Room, and Lights Out Lantern Night.

Pro tip: Visit with someone you can outrun. If monsters give chase, they will catch your friend first.

A Literary Nightmare In a Dark, Dark Wood

Ina Pullen Smallwood Memorial Library 224 Grant St., Chickasaw 251-452-6465

How cool is it being immersed in a storybook, right? Not so fast.

For starters, these novels are authored by the likes of Stephen King and Edgar Allan Poe. Tales of horror come to life with you in a supporting role.

A fundraiser for Chickasaw’s public library, past thrillers included such greats as The Fall of the House of Usher and Dracula. In recent years, guests met the incarcerated Hannibal the Cannibal Lecter, so jailed because he enjoys people of good taste, sometimes with ketchup.

Each scenario offers interactive and sometimes embellished scenes. One guide this year is Little Red Riding Hood, who leads the gullible (that would be you) to grandma’s house. But as Chickasaw Library’s Director and Operations Coordinator, Amber L. Johnson, says, “Little Red isn’t little anymore.”

Amber adds, “Red takes the approach, ‘if y’all end up being eaten by the Big Bad Wolf don’t blame me. You should have listened.’”

Other scenes include the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Pet Cemetery, and other tomes of terror. For those preferring a milder alternative, a hayride is offered through the friendly streets of Chickasaw, a Big Bad Wolf Free Zone.

Mountain Creek Trail of Fear

1802 County Road 23, Verbena

Trailoffear.net

The woods of Verbena reveal many secrets along its path in the Mountain Creek Trail of Fear. Joe and Jackie Wilson’s ominous foot path and hayride have delighted and frightened thousands who keep coming back for more. “We want to scare people but as part of having a really good time,” notes Joe. His wife Jackie chuckles, “there’s a lot of spookies in the woods.”

Preparation begins in August for the October spectacle as laser lights, fog machines, and props are strategically placed for maximum boo factor. Trail of Fear is two segments: A walking trail where one strides and a hayride journey through creepiness. Both are chilling good times on 35 acres.

Encounters feature a maze, Clown Town, an old barn, doll house, tunnels, and other pursuits if you dare. The woods host many creatures along the path. Ready or not, here they come.

The Haunted Chicken House

7522 Hwy 431 Heflin

Thehauntedchickenhouse.com

Spooktrail Haunted Maze

17327 Highway 269, Mile Marker 24 Quinton

facebook.com/SpooktrailHauntedMaze

With 31 years in operation, Spooktrail Haunted Maze is one of the longest running fear factors of its kind in Alabama. Visitors also come from Tennessee, Mississippi, and elsewhere to unite for fright. They are not disappointed.

Site owner “Spook’’ explains the unwritten mission statement: “This is a quarter-mile long maze through the woods in an old junkyard and we try to scare you.” Mission accomplished.

The trail takes about 20 to 30 minutes. One meanders through a green forest on a black night. You are not alone but might wish you were.

Lurking nearby are an array of monsters and misfits. “We consider what we do here as a family haunt,” Spook says. “If you want your whole family scared, bring ’em in.”

The usual suspects are there – vampires, zombies, and goblins of note. Concerning intensity, Spook notes, “We try to customize the experience to the groups coming through,” - perhaps less intense for the timid. Spooktrail offers a discount to the adventure in exchange for a canned food item to benefit Forever and Always Patriots’ food pantry.

An ominous presence lures visitors to Heflin, Alabama. Behold, the Haunted Chicken House, where the cluck stops here. Guests are lured to a flock of fright. Inside are costumed evil clowns, mad scientists, and swamp creatures of dubious character. They join forces for good times, a great scare, and live chickens. Be warned, this is not poultry in peril. These yardbirds are not frightened. You are. Eighteen rooms of horror, each with a different scene and theme, interact with the brood – your brood, not the chickens.’ “I’ve seen a 4-year-old girl laugh all the way through it,” recalls site owner Dan Hopkins. “I’ve also seen grown men tremble.”

Dan adds, “Last year was our best ever. We had over 13,000 visitors.” He advises, “come early.”

The closer to Halloween the larger the crowd, which enters the 440-foot long chicken coop one small group at a time, about 5 minutes apart.

The Haunted Chicken House is a fundraiser for the area’s emergency response team, Hollis Fire and Rescue.

Arx Mortis

4051 US 72 Killen

Arxmortis.com

Arx Mortis is one of the most detailed haunted houses in the U.S. The complex, including a 50,000-square-foot facility of monsters galore, is about 10 miles from Florence, in – wait for it – Killen, Alabama.

The detail and special effects rival Disney World’s. Sheri Grosso, who co-owns the hobgoblin-infested property with husband Vinny Grosso, explains, “Each room takes you through scenarios as the story unfolds.” Guests walk through dungeons, prison, insane asylums, cemeteries and evil doctors performing dubious experiments.

Two main venues are available. One features live actors. “It is rated 5 skulls in the fear factor,” says Sheri. The other is an encounter hosted by animatronics (think of Disney’s Hall of Presidents with fangs). “It’s scary too, but not as frightening as the live action,” adds the owner. ‘I’d give it a three to four skull rating.”

From funny to frightful, haunted adventures await discovery across Alabama. Be safe, have fun, and if things become too scary, wave your chicken stick.

Pope’s Haunted Farm

450 Lee Road 724 Salem

Popeshayride.com

This east Alabama Halloween tradition celebrates its 28th year of “terror at every turn,” and owner Troy Pope and his team change it up every year. The haunted hayride is about a mile and half long, with scary scenes and sets and state of the art animatronics. Then there’s a haunted barn, where 8-10 people go through without a guide; there’s also the haunted forest, outside through the woods, which features more “chicken outs” for those who can’t make it through, the website says. Troy says it’s a “PG-13” kind of frightful, “but we try to make it as chilling and thrilling as we can.” Why keep it going this long? Pope and his team have a passion for Halloween, he says, with great family and friends and people who come back every year. He says it takes about 180 people, including dozens of live actors, to put on the event, and the planning for it is year-round.

A hidden gem with a leisurely vibe

The Farmer’s Chopped Salad is a bowl full of freshness, but the bright pink beet-pickled eggs are a true treat. Jesse’s owners Angie and Steve Coltharp with Jesse’s executive chef Laurence Agnew. The patio area of Jesse’s Restaurant offers outdoor seating with a view of Magnolia Springs’ lovely old oaks.

Story and photos by Jennifer Kornegay

Jesse’s Restaurant calls itself “one of the best kept secrets in the South.” It anchors a street corner in one of Alabama’s tiniest towns, Magnolia Springs, a small enclave (pop. 723) that’s sitting in the shadows of more crowded coastal locales like Fairhope, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Foley and is itself a hidden gem.

Jesse’s also shares its hometown’s ambiance. Time seems to slow down in Magnolia Springs, perhaps lulled by the shade from the area’s many and ancient live oaks. Or maybe it’s simply keeping pace with the lazy current of the Magnolia River as it flows through town. Whatever causes it, this leisurely vibe outside permeates the walls of Jesse’s and is your first clue that your meal will provide much more than food.

You’re greeted with a hospitable hostess smile as you stroll into the white clapboard building, an area landmark opened in 1922 as the Moore Bros. Store, which sold general provisions for the community. In 1998, it became Jesse’s Restaurant, and the eatery’s founding owners named their new establishment in honor of Jesse King, a beloved shopkeeper from the general store known for his 60 years of dedication.

Owners Steve and Angie Coltharp bought Jesse’s in 2012 with the vision of consistently delivering not just delicious dishes but memorable moments, too. “Our goal from the beginning was to be a destination restaurant,” Steve says. “We’re really creating a whole experience here.”

Both she and Steve were working in the restaurant biz in Colorado before looking to move closer to Steve’s parents who’d retired near Magnolia Springs. When they saw Jesse’s up for sale, they jumped on it. And thanks to their food-service backgrounds, they had a good idea what it would take to make their dream of outshining competitors and becoming a truly special spot a reality.

The recipe starts with service, which despite Jesse’s languid atmosphere, is perfectly timed: not too fast but certainly not overly slow; attentive but not overbearing.

The next - and essential - element is the food, and the Coltharps took a bit of a leap when they reimagined Jesse’s menu. “What they were offering before was kind all over the place, so we wanted to focus it and go with a steakhouse theme,” Steve says. Angie jumps in: “People said we couldn’t do that down here, that everyone would just want fried seafood. But I knew we could if we did it right.”

“Right” means dry and wet-aged steaks — including bone-in cuts — offered with “enhancers” like silky bone marrow butter, a whiskey glaze or crown of jumbo lump crab meat; just-off-the-boat fish like pan-seared snapper with truffle whipped potatoes and an onion-spinach saute; and the best supporting ingredients available, plus expert preparation. “We get fresh fish every day,” Steve says, “so we do at least three fish specials every night.” “We use local vegetables and items at their peak,” Angie adds.

Chef Laurence Agnew, who is a recent addition to Jesse’s, is simpatico with Steve and Angie’s definition of doing food right. “Seasonal and fresh is my philosophy,” he says. “I love using products that reflect the area.” The menu usually sees major changes quarterly, but Agnew is always tweaking. “I make little additions and deletions based on what’s at its best at that time,” he says.

The Farmer’s Chopped Salad, a selection from the lunch menu, sounds simple enough but aptly showcases the above sentiments, with its super fresh and crisp veggies, pungent blue cheese, crunchy onion straws and a shockingly pink beet-pickled egg (which adds a hint of sweetness not found in the standard boiled version), all dressed in a creamy, vibrant herb dressing made in-house.

The final element of the “experience” is the atmosphere. It goes beyond promoting relaxation to fostering a feeling of community. “This place has always been a gathering spot, and that has not changed. The town is tight-knit, and we love being a part of that,” Angie says. “We have a lot of regulars, including one who remembers coming to the original general store when he was a kid.”

Ensuring each diner’s time at Jesse’s is an event to savor is a labor of love for Angie and Steve, one that gives them the same rewards they provide their guests. “I love the hospitality aspect, forming those relationships with our guests,” Angie says. “I mean, I love beautiful, quality food, but it’s not just about that.” “When you stop by a table and see happy guests and get those compliments on the food, service and atmosphere, it makes it all worth it,” says Steve.

So worth it, that the Coltharps plan to open a second location in Fort Morgan on the bay in the spring of 2022.

Jesse’s Restaurant

14770 Oak Street, Magnolia Springs, AL 251-965-3827 • jessesrestaurant.com Lunch hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Appetizer hours: Monday-Saturday, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Dinner hours: Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Magnolia Springs l

Leave the leaves

Fallen leaves provide all kinds of environmental benefits

To rake, or not to rake, that is the question. And the answer may surprise you.

For generations, it was common practice to not just rake fall’s fallen leaves, but also remove them from the landscape, especially from lawns and manicured areas. Raking has also always been critical for two autumnal traditions — leaping into leaf piles and earning allowances.

Over the last decade, however, more and more folks have adopted a “no rake” approach to fallen leaves, not because they’re lazy but because they’ve discovered that money actually does grow on trees. Granted, dead leaves can’t be deposited in a bank, but they can be “banked” in the ecosystem, and saving leaves leaves money in the bank, or at least in the wallet.

According to microbiologists, ecologists, soil and turf scientists, horticulturists, entomologists, ornithologists and other experts of the natural world, there’s treasure in those leaves. That’s because fallen leaves provide an array of services to our world.

For example, fallen leaves provide habitat for many small but helpful organisms such as microbes and earthworms. These creatures return the favor by providing environmental functions like breaking down the leaves and aerating the soil. Insects also set up housekeeping in dead leaves, including such beloved insects as fireflies, butterflies and moths, many of which rely on leaf litter to complete their life cycles. In addition, birds and other wildlife species use fallen leaves for food, shelter and overwintering.

The leaves themselves are also beneficial, adding nutrients and organic matter back to soils as they decay and providing natural mulch that help suppress weeds, retain soil moisture and protect plants from cold temperatures. And leaves do all that for free, which means we don’t have to spend our money on water, fertilizers and mulching material.

Admittedly, there are times when leaves must be managed. For example, allowing thick layers of dead leaves to pile up for long periods of time can smother the grasses and plants beneath the pile and promote disease and pest issues. However, this problem can often be solved by mowing the area to chop leaves into smaller pieces and redistribute them more evenly across an area.

There may also be reasons to completely remove leaves from some areas of the landscape, but even then, there’s no need to bag them up and toss them out in the trash. Instead, use them in other parts of your yard and garden or to make compost, or offer them to local gardeners, municipal compost and recycling programs or to friends and neighbors who need bedding for chickens and other livestock.

Still have questions about whether to rake or not? Lots of answers and guidance can be found through many conservation, gardening and environmental organizations groups and through Cooperative Extension experts and local municipalities. As a start, check out Alabama Extension’s “Recycling Leaves” article at aces.edu.

Armed with this knowledge, the question may no longer be whether or not to rake, it may be whether you even need a rake.

Katie Jackson is a freelance writer and editor based in Opelika, Alabama. Contact her at katielamarjackson@gmail.com.

OCTOBER TIPS

• Prepare garden tools and storage areas for winter storage. • Plant trees, shrubs and spring-blooming bulbs. • Plant carrots, onions, leafy greens, strawberries and herbs. • Divide overcrowded perennials. • Get a soil test. • Keep bird feeders and baths cleaned and filled. • Plant a winter cover crop in vegetable beds.

SOCIAL SECURITY

Are you ready for retirement? Social Security can help

We take pride in having provided vital benefits and services to this great nation for 86 years. America has a diverse population with a variety of needs. To meet those diverse needs, we’ve created web pages that speak directly to groups of people who may need information about our programs and services. These pages are easy to share with friends and family on social media. Here are just a few resources that might help you or someone you love: • We proudly serve wounded warriors and veterans, who made sacrifices to preserve the freedoms Americans treasure. Many veterans do not know they might be eligible for disability benefits from Social Security. Please share this page with them to make sure they get the benefits they deserve: ssa.gov/people/veterans. • Social Security plays an important role in providing economic security for women. Nearly 55 percent of the people receiving Social Security benefits are women. A woman who is 65 years old today can expect to live, on average, until about 87. A 65-year-old man can expect to live, on average, until about 84. With longer life expectancies than men, women tend to live more years in retirement and have a greater risk of exhausting their sources of income.

Women often have lower lifetime earnings than men, which usually means lower benefits. Women need to plan early and wisely for retirement. We’re here to help with valuable information. Please share this page with someone who needs this information and may need help planning for their golden years: ssa.gov/people/women. • Do you know someone who is just starting their career? Now is the best time for them to start preparing for retirement.

Social Security benefit payments provide only a portion of retirement income. Those starting their careers should begin saving early to have adequate income in retirement. Please share this page with a young worker you know: ssa.gov/people/earlycareer.

These are just a few of the web pages tailored to specific groups’ needs. You can check out our People Like Me home page at ssa. gov/people to see all of them.

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

October crossword by Myles Mellor

Across 1 Halloween shout (3 words) 7 Street, abbr. 9 Moved fast 11 “____ the 13th” movie 12 Higher 13 You have to wear a costume for this Halloween get-together 15 Biblical suffix 16 Black wood 18 Bottled spirit 20 Snake 22 “Twilight” character 24 Dorothy’s aunt in “Oz” 25 Cpl. or sgt., abbr. 27 They are carved up at Halloween 28 She’s lazy in the kitchen? 29 Former partner 30 Frightening 32 Vampire’s attack 36 Halloween lighting (3 words) 39 Fjord country, briefly 40 Title for Evil or No 41 Nightfall 42 A bad omen, when they’re black 43 Get scared

Down 1 Halloween treat (2 words) 2 Lucky nationality 3 Awful guy 4 Jack 5 Touring vehicle, abbr. 6 ___ Van Winkle 8 Frisbee, e.g. 10 Horror movie monster 13 Golden animal for the Chinese 14 Keepsake 17 Sweet potatoes 19 Lures into evil 21 Rep’s opposite 23 Part of a skeleton 26 Golden state, abbr. 28 They can cause screams at

Halloween 31 Angel food ____ (dessert) 33 Halloween fliers 34 Night stay places 35 Like the night 37 Head __ head 38 Required to open a bank account 40 Gala