July 2022 Wiregrass

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

Wiregrass

Electric Cooperative

GIVING HOPE A HOME

Wiregrass couple’s ministry gives people a second chance

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WIREGRASS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE is a member-owned electric cooperative serving more than 24,000 accounts in Houston and Geneva counties in Alabama and parts of Dale, Coffee and Covington counties in southeast Alabama.

ALABAMA LIVING is delivered to some 420,000 Alabama families and businesses, which are members of 22 not-for-profit, consumer-owned, locally directed and taxpaying electric cooperatives. Subscriptions are $12 a year for individuals not subscribing through participating Alabama electric cooperatives. Alabama Living (USPS 029-920) is published monthly by the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and at additional mailing office.

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

ALABAMA RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

AREA President Karl Rayborn Editor Lenore Vickrey Managing Editor Allison Law Creative Director Mark Stephenson Art Director Danny Weston Advertising Director Jacob Johnson Graphic Designer/Production Coordinator Brooke Echols

Sing a song

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

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VOL. 75 NO. 7

F E A T U R E S

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JULY 2022

Ashford Fire Station

The town of Ashford is starting construction on a second fire station thanks to cooperative partnerships.

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A taste of Germany

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Freedom House

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

Hartford couple starts ministry to help men recovering from addiction.

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ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL OFFICES:

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

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

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

Look for this logo to see more content online!

Printed in America from American materials

Tony and Lynn Wood are founders of True Freedom Ministries and Freedom House.

For more, see page 34.

22 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

ONLINE: EMAIL: MAIL:

www.alabamaliving.coop letters@alabamaliving.coop Alabama Living 340 Technacenter Drive Montgomery, AL 36117

Get our FREE monthly email newsletter!

Sign up at alabamaliving.coop JULY 2022 3

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Tracy Reeder District 5 President

David Winstead District 9 Vice President Debra E. Baxley District 1 Secretary

Randy Odom District 2

John Clark Jr. District 3

Danny McNeil District 4

Kip Justice District 6

LES MORELAND CEO Wiregrass Electric Cooperative It’s no secret that we are in hard economic times. Everyone has their opinion as to how we got here and, of course, there’s plenty of disagreement to go around. But, whatever the explanations are, there’s no denying the truth: These are difficult times.

Inflation has affected just about every aspect of our lives. Food costs alone are squeezing our families, while our businesses struggle to keep up with new wages and to find reliable help. Fuel prices have increased to the point where our members who have a long commute are seeing a real difference in their monthly budgets.

For us here at Wiregrass Electric Cooperative, cost pressures continue to mount. Most of the energy we purchase and distribute to your homes and businesses is produced using natural gas. As natural gas costs continue to increase, so does the expense of supplying electricity to our members.

Further, supply chain issues have wreaked havoc on our ability to have basic parts for our power grid. In years past, if we needed a transformer, we could simply order one. Now, we have to wait. For some of our parts, that wait time can be months. These are, indeed, difficult times.

But, your electric cooperative knows how to manage through difficult times. We’re continuing to do what we’ve done for decades — serve our members, serve our communities and be excellent stewards of every dollar we’re given.

One way we serve our members is by making

sure they can come to us when times are tight and a payment may be late. Our team members truly care and want to help. For any member struggling with paying their bill, we hope you’ll call us before the bill is due and give us a chance to help. We have multiple resources and ways to assist our members.

One way we serve our communities is by continuing to work with elected officials at the local, state and national levels so they understand the challenges of rural America. Through our partnerships with our wholesale power provider, PowerSouth, as well as the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, our voice is much louder than if we were on our own. We are advocating for you and for the Wiregrass to everyone who will listen.

We’re working every day to mitigate these many cost increases. Because of the oversight from every employee at this cooperative, we’ve absorbed every increase in areas where we have direct control. Forces beyond our control, like natural gas prices, have been reflected in our Power Cost Adjustment.

I’m very proud of that fact. To be clear, that doesn’t mean we will never need to increase power costs. There are so many factors out of our control. But, as a member, you can be sure that your cooperative is working to keep your energy costs steady and to help our members in any way we can. Because we’re with you — especially in difficult times. n © macrovector, Alfmaler, Eightshot Studio/Adobe Stock

Board of Trustees

SERVING OUR MEMBERS IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY

Donald Ray Wilks District 7

Greg McCullough District 8

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WEC Service Area

WEC Board of Trustees election information DISTRICTS

The positions up for consideration in 2022 are District 1, District 4 and District 7.

(District maps are available at any WEC office or online at wiregrass.coop/about-us/ourcooperative/bylaws.)

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board of Trustees of Wiregrass Electric Cooperative directs the business and affairs of the company by setting policies and providing guidance and direction to management.

DEADLINE

Any person interested in running for a position on the Board of Trustees must complete and submit a petition and a questionnaire (available from WEC) by Monday, July 25, at 4:30 p.m.

Such petition must be filed with the CEO of the Cooperative at the main office of the Cooperative at Hartford, Alabama, at least sixty (60) days prior to the Annual Meeting at which the election for such Trustees is to be held, in order for such person nominated therein to be eligible for election as such Trustee, if otherwise qualified.

The WEC bylaws specify the qualifications for Trustee candidates. These include: 1. Must be a member and resident of the district represented.

2. Cannot be employed by, or financially interested in, a competing enterprise or business selling supplies to the Cooperative.

3. Cannot hold an elected public office with which a salary or compensation in excess of $100 annual salary is paid.

4. Cannot be an employee of Wiregrass Electric Cooperative.

5. Cannot have a close relative employed by the Cooperative or serving on the Board at the time of election.

6. Cannot have been convicted of a felony offense.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT wiregrass.coop/about-us/ our-cooperative/bylaws.

© macrovector, Alfmaler, Eightshot Studio/Adobe Stock

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs).

Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and

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TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at usda.gov/oascr/filing-program-discriminationcomplaint-usda-customer and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.

To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: 202-690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. n

Contact Information Mailing address 509 N. State Hwy 167 P.O. Box 158, Hartford, AL 36344 Phone 1-800-239-4602 Toll Free Outage “Hotline” 1-888-4-MY-OUTAGE • 1-888-469-6882 (24 hrs/day) Website www.wiregrass.coop Find us here:

Find Wiregrass Electric Co-op on Twitter (@WEC2), Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Payment Options

BY MAIL Wiregrass Electric Cooperative Inc. Department 1340, P.O. Box 2153 Birmingham, AL 35287-1340 WEBSITE Payments may be made 24 hrs/day by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and E-Check on our website at www.wiregrass.coop.

PHONE PAYMENTS Payments may be made any time by dialing 1-800-239-4602.

NIGHT DEPOSITORY AND KIOSKS Available at each office location.

IN PERSON Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Payment kiosks also available 24/7 in all offices.

Locations: • 509 N. State Hwy. 167 • Hartford, AL 36344 • 13148 W. State Hwy. 52 • Samson, AL 36477 • 1066 Ashford Highway • Ashford, AL 36312 • 6167 Fortner St. • Dothan, AL 36305 For questions regarding sanitation service, call Houston County Sanitation Department at 334-677-4781 or Dothan City Sanitation at 334-615-3820.

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Public safety improving for Ashford Co-op partnerships deliver second fire station

Recognizing Ashford’s potential for growth, both in number of homes as well as businesses, Wiregrass leaders developed a plan for infrastructure needed to keep Ashford and Houston County citizens safe. A decade after the effort began, the fruits of that collaboration and forward-thinking are ripening with the construction of the Ashford Fire Southside Station.

The second of the community’s fire stations, it’s expected to accommodate growth for the next 20 to 30 years. With the capacity to offer 24/7 emergency service, the facility is a potential catalyst for economic expansion by establishing the fast response times needed by hotels, motels and similar businesses. Similarly, residents will be assured emergency services aren’t far away, something future developers can emphasize in their plans.

Wiregrass Electric Cooperative and PowerSouth Energy Cooperative provided funds for two-thirds of the total project cost through their Revolving Loan

Fund, contributing $300,000 through a loan with a 10-year term at 1% interest.

“It is wonderful to partner with the great City of Ashford and help finally bring this dream to fruition for people who live here and the businesses that exist now and in the future,” says Brad Kimbro, WEC’s chief operating officer. “When we brought this idea and opportunity to our WEC board, it was a quick yes. We’re happy to play a part in making the Wiregrass a better, safer place for our members and our neighbors.”

The fund provides low-interest loans to individuals, companies or municipalities to help them finance their projects or businesses. Creation and retention of local jobs are key goals of the effort.

“This is a great project,” says Caleb Goodwin, community development and finance representative for PowerSouth.

“We are fortunate to have the resources we do at PowerSouth, such as our Revolving Loan Fund, that allow us to do what really is our core mission: to serve

communities and do everything we can to help them advance community and economic development." The Revolving Loan fund exists to help PowerSouth’s member systems fund projects that benefit their communities.

The city of Ashford will fund the remaining $200,000, and the Houston County Road and Bridge Department will prepare the site for construction.

Ready for launch

A groundbreaking ceremony in May for the new fire station was attended by the Wiregrass’ state delegation, representatives from PowerSouth and WEC, local commissioners and leaders and members of Ashford’s fire and road and bridge departments.

“There’s one thing that I’ve learned to live by as an elected official,” state Sen. Donnie Chesteen says. “When communities come to you with a request,

Wiregrass leaders and staff shovel dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony for Ashford’s new fire station on U.S. Highway 84 East in May.

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(LEFT) State Sen. Donnie Chesteen and Rep. Paul Lee discuss leadership and cooperation during a groundbreaking ceremony for Ashford’s new fire station.

(MIDDLE) Jimmy Posey, fire chief for Ashford Fire and Rescue, and his son Jeff Posey, Ashford Fire Department’s chief of operations, discuss the many benefits of the new fire station, including the extra space to store large equipment. (RIGHT) Ashford’s existing fire station, built in 1988 near downtown, will remain operational once the second site is constructed.

find a way. That’s exactly what we did right here. It couldn’t have happened without the partnership, without people and Wiregrass Electric and PowerSouth stepping up and saying, ‘We can help.’

Support for projects like this for our small towns is very, very important.”

Goodwin also lauded WEC’s partnership and elected officials in the Wiregrass and statehouse.

“Really, without them none of this would have been possible,” Goodwin says. “I know this is going to make a difference in this community by greatly enhancing public safety. We want fire department members to be adequately prepared and equipped and ready to respond when they’re needed.”

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Duty to serve

The volunteer fire department in Ashford has operated at least since the early 1950s, but it’s outgrown the existing fire station close to the city’s historic downtown, says to Ashford Fire Department’s Chief of Operations Jeff Posey.

“The new station will provide more garage space to protect our equipment from the elements, provide more indoor and outdoor space for training new members and be more visible to the public because of its location,” Posey says.

The new station will put emergency equipment on both sides of the railroad tracks, improving response times and better accommodating growth, says Jimmy Posey, longtime Ashford fire chief.

“This is a very special time for the City of Ashford,” Mayor Carole Barfield says. “The journey for me started in 2010, when we first got the property to put our station on, but the idea only really started becoming a reality when Sen. Chesteen, Rep. Paul Lee, Wiregrass Electric and PowerSouth got involved with the project. We are very thankful for their assistance.”

Houston County Commissioner Doug Sinquefield says, “Being here in Ashford and seeing the growth and the prosperity that we’ve seen over the years, I just get too excited — more excited than I get at the beach with the grand-young’uns sometimes.” n

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P U for WEC’s E TEfirst golf tournament Event to boost Operation Round Up's impact Whether you’re a golfing pro or you just started putting around, you’re invited to hit the links at Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s first golf tournament.

WEC’s Operation Round Up Charitable Golf Tournament will be a four-person scramble on Sept. 8 at the Highland Oaks Golf Course in Dothan, with a shotgun start at noon.

“Young and old, male or female — golfers of every skill level are welcome to take part in this incredible event,” says Brad Kimbro, WEC’s chief operating officer. “This is just another way that Wiregrass Electric is working to help better the communities we serve.”

Concern for community

Since 2015, WEC’s Operation Round Up Charitable Foundation has benefited local communities. Through members’ generosity, the foundation annually provides more than 20 scholarships, fulfills dozens of emergency grant requests and donates to hospitals, first responder units and school programs.

About 85% of WEC’s members volunteer to round their monthly bills to the next-highest dollar. While the most any one member will contribute in a year is $12, the foundation collects more than $120,000 annually — which is then disbursed to worthy causes through grants, big and small.

The initiative is a testament to the generosity of co-op members. One of the primary goals of cooperatives is to work for the sustainable development of communities through policies and programs accepted by members.

“We’ve seen these grants making tremendous impacts in our communities over the years,” Kimbro says. “While many of these contributions are immediately beneficial to local residents, a lot of these dollars going back into the Wiregrass are paying dividends for future generations of the Wiregrass.”

Operation Round Up has handed out hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to local students and helped fund training and equipment for first responder agencies, playground equipment for local schools, hospital equipment at Southeast Health and emergency assistance to victims of local natural disasters, among other projects.

In addition, WEC began a partnership with WTVY for Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass, a program that provides money and recognition to unsung local organizations and individuals who help members of the community.

“Wiregrass Electric wants to help channel that momentum to take that impact a little further and better more lives — that’s why we’re excited to invite everyone to participate in the first ORU Charitable Golf Tournament,” Kimbro says.

Locally owned businesses and vendors are providing numerous door prizes for the event, in addition to cash prizes that will be awarded to the top three teams in net scoring and the team with the top overall gross scorer.

There will also be prizes for the longest drive, the closest shot to the pin and the winner of the bucket truck ball drop competition. n

EVENT INFO WHEN: Sept. 8 REGISTRATION begins at 10 a.m. with lunch at 11 a.m.

Shotgun start is at noon.

WHERE: Highland Oaks Golf Course, Dothan COST: $500 per four-person team HOW TO REGISTER: Find the registration form at wiregrass.coop.

EMAIL Bethany Retherford at bretherford@wiregrass.coop for more information. .

PARTNER WITH US! SPONSORSHIPS ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT THREE LEVELS: platinum, $5,000; gold, $2,500; and silver, $1,500. Hole sponsorships, which are $150, are also still available. For more information or to make a commitment, email Bethany Retherford at bretherford@wiregrass.coop today.

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| Alabama Snapshots |

Reader’s choice

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

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

SUBMITTED by Michael Segorski, Decatur.

Wise old owl spotted in Mentone. SUBMITTED

BY Brenda Yates, Glencoe.

Sunset. SUBMITTED by Celina Calvert, Gulf Shores.

Cruella enjoying her new life in Alabama.

SUBMITTED by Michelle Kilander, Cullman.

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

September theme: “Football”

SUBMIT to WIN $10!

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

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

Deadline to submit: July 31

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

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

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

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

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

To learn more, visit AlabamaAgCredit.com/jumpstart

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

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

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

• Make sure flashlights are charged or have fresh batteries.

See more information at Ready.gov.

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

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

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

Take us along!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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July | Spotlight

Whereville, AL

Find the hidden dingbat!

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

Sponsored by

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

Have a happy (and safe) Fourth of July

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

C fireworks. Some municipalities outlaw fireworks altogether.

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

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

Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.

Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Read and follow all warnings and instructions.

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

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

• Never aim or throw fireworks at another person.

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

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

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

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

Source: Alabama Department of Public Health JULY 2022 11

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wild ride

at the Take a

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

Alabama Safari Park Story and photos by Nick Thomas

V

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Feeding some new friends

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

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

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

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

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

Different from a zoo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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This young Scottish Highland cow is gentle and easily handled.

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

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

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Lake Martin comes to life at songwriters festival

By Scott Baker

T

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

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

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

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

Blue Foley PHOTO COURTESY OF BLUE FOLEY

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

PHOTOS BY SCOTT BAKER

This year is going to be even better!”

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

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

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

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| Consumer Wise |

Planning a remodel?

Timing is everything Q: A:

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

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

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

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

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

Kitchen remodel

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

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

Bathroom remodel

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

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

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

Basement remodel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New siding or exterior paint

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

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

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

Lighting

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

Attic insulation

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

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

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

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

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

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| Worth the drive |

Hildegard’s

A taste of Germany in Huntsville since 2003

By Aaron Tanner

T

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

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

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

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

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY MILLER

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SOCIAL SECURITY

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

S

ocial Security scams are widespread across the United States.

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

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

Read our Scam Alert fact sheet to learn what tactics scammers

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

July

crossword

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Myles Mellor

23 Lt.’s inferior, abbr.

24 Goodbye word 26 Geneva county to Alabama compass point

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

Answers on Page 25 www.alabamaliving.coop

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

30

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

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

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

PHOTO COURTESY THE WORLD GAMES 2022

JULY

1

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

VisitFlorenceAl.com

3-4

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

GrandBayWatermelonFestival.org

4

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

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

4

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

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

4

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

7-17

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

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

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5-6

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

LandmarkparkDothan.com

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

16

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

ChiltonCountyArtsCouncil.com

5-6

21-24

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

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AUGUST

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

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

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

13

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

Due to the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, some events may change or be canceled after press time.

Answers to Crossword on Page 24

28-31

Andalusia The city will have two special events at the end of the month to celebrate veterans and patriotism. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, a 3/5 scale of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be displayed at the Covington Veterans Memorial behind City Hall all four days. Country artist Lee Greenwood will perform a free outdoor concert at Springdale Estate at 7 p.m. July 28. Greenwood has seven No. 1 songs but is likely most remembered for To place an event, e-mail events@alabamaliving.coop. or visit www.alabamaliving.coop. You can also mail to Events Calendar, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124; Each submission must include a contact name and phone number.

Deadline is two months prior to issue date. We regret that we cannot publish every event due to space limitations.

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| Gardens |

The beauty and benefit of bog gardens

I

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Harvest summer fruits and vegetables regularly.

• Stake tall plants.

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

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

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| Outdoors |

Sport fishing legend leaves behind a giant legacy

A

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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DOUG HANNON’S FISH & GAME FORECAST 2022 JULY

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

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

AUGUST

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

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

EXCELLENT TIMES A.M.

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

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

GOOD TIMES

MOON STAGE

PM

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

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

AM

PM

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

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

AM

PM

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

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

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

Alabama Living

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| Alabama Recipes |

Summer Cobblers Food styling and photos: Brooke Echols

Cherry Cobbler

T

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

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

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

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

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

30 JULY 2022

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Red, White and Blue Berry Cobbler

Photo by The Buttered Home

C

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

Brooke Burks

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

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

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

Cook of the Month: Vicky Byrd, Covington EC

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

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

Alabama Living

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Serve warm or cool with ice cream, if desired.

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

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

Diane Jenkins Black Warrior EMC

Strawberry Cobbler

Nancy Sites Sizemore Baldwin EMC

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

1 1 1 1 1 1

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

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

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

CONTEST

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

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

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

AL STATE JUL22.indd 32

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

Kirk Vantrease Cullman EC

Rebecca McCarter Pioneer EC

Holiday Cookie

32 JULY 2022

Apple-Bacon Cobbler

Submit to win $50!

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

Themes and Deadlines:

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

3 ways to submit:

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

www.alabamaliving.coop

6/8/22 1:45 PM

Alabama Living

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RESTORING Hartford couple building home for men recovering from addiction Tony and Lynn Wood have a big dinner table. They need one to accommodate their large family and a revolving door of people they help on the path to recovery.

Through their ministry, the Woods are giving recovering addicts a home and a fighting chance to restore their lives.

“I once was a drug addict and a guy that didn’t have his life together,” says Tony, founder and director of True Freedom Ministries. “Jesus got ahold of me, and when he did, I became concerned about everybody else and helping them.

I had a vision for Freedom House that I knew was from God.” The endeavor started on a small scale with an opportunity to help one person who was recovering from addiction and needed a job. The Woods say the man’s life was transformed through gainful employment at Tony’s home-building company, along with discipleship and practical life guidance.

Helping that person find stability and restore meaning to his life over 12 years ago inspired the Woods to help as many people as they could with the same idea: helping people escape the cycle of addiction by teaching them to live by faith and restoring broken relationships with family.

“Most commonly, when people have a history of drug abuse and alcohol abuse and things like that, they have broken relationships with their families, and it’s really hard to gain employment 34 JULY 2022

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afterwards,” says Lynn, affectionately called “Mama Lynn” by the people in their program. “A lot of them get out of jail and they just repeat the same cycle because they’re helpless and they have no resources to pull from, because oftentimes, their family has lost faith in them.”

For over a decade, the Woods have been informally assisting people by feeding them, allowing people to set up campers or tents on their Hartford property, and sharing the gospel with them, in addition to giving them jobs.

“We can just give them a safe place where they have a chance,” Lynn says.

“If they’re really serious about this, we’re going to help them have the means to follow through.”

However, the Woods outgrew the current model of their informal program and had to start turning people away, thus inspiring the idea to build Freedom House.

Freedom House, a 24-bed men’s recovery facility, is the heart of a plan for a ministry that seeks to provide men with a history of alcohol and substance abuse with a program to restore their lives. The program includes a whole life assessment to help participants stay sober, reestablish relationships with their families, create a plan for their financial responsibilities such as paying child support and fines and other legal responsibilities.

Tony and Lynn Wood, founders of True Freedom Ministries, discuss the finishing work needed to complete the construction of Freedom House.

During their time at Freedom House, the participants will also have the opportunity to volunteer and give back to their community.

‘Overwhelming’ community support

“The main goal is for them to have a relationship with Jesus, because we know that if we can get that right then everything else will work itself out,” Tony says. “You can’t do what we’ve done in as short an amount of time as we have accomplished it without this being the plan of the Lord, because there has been an overwhelming amount of donations from the community.”

The Woods’ dedication to the cause earned them a $12,500 grant award from Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Foundation to help get the Freedom House nonprofit up and running. About 85% of WEC’s members volunteer to round their monthly bills www.alabamaliving.coop

6/8/22 12:41 PM

Tony and Lynn are constructing a 24-bed facility to provide a home for men seeking to restore their lives.

to the next-highest dollar to contribute to Operation Round Up. The foundation collects more than $120,000 annually, which is then disbursed to worthy causes through grants, big and small.

“That’s what this program is all about,” says Brad Kimbro, WEC’s chief operations officer. “It’s going to stay here in this area to do things to certainly improve quality of life and give these guys the opportunity to better the outcomes for their lives.

“Members can feel a great deal of pride that the amount they’re contributing may just individually be a small amount of change, but collectively amounts to a larger sum of money that we can then put back into the community to help people here. Our members’ contribution is the reason it can continue to do great work.”

The Woods were also nominated and selected as Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass, a partnership with WTVY that provides money and recognition to unsung local organizations and individuals who help members of the community. As part of the program, the pair received a $1,000 grant to continue their mission.

“That’s just a great thing to recognize how blessed you are to be rescued from that less-than-desirable lifestyle and think, ‘I could use what happened to me and maybe use that to help someone else,’” Kimbro says. “Our foundation was extremely pleased to provide a grant to help them continue to serve others. Who knows what this ministry will be able to do and to help people overcome?”

Construction on Freedom House was nearly completed during a May visit to the property in Hartford. Once finished, True Freedom Ministries will have the only rehabilitation program in Geneva County for those recovering from addiction.

“We can’t help everybody,” Tony says, “but I am going to do everything that the Lord will allow me to do and do my part.”

Visit freedomhouseal.com for more information about the program. n Alabama Living

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Tony gives a tour of where the bedrooms and bunks of Freedom House will be located.

(LEFT) Tony points out where the bathrooms are being constructed inside Freedom House in Hartford.

JULY 2022 35

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| Our Sources Say |

Our Friend Jim O

ur friend, Jim Sullivan–and he was a friend to everyone who knew him– left us on May 4 of this year. Jim lived a full life.

He was a football star, playing at Ole Miss. He was a successful businessman in the family furniture business. He was president of the Alabama Public Service Commission for 25 years. In that role he established a logical formula for utility service that is still used today. He served as president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and guided that organization for a number of years. He was an adviser to many energy companies and a leader in the electric industry.

But Jim was more than a success in the business world. He was a tireless supporter of Glenwood, a Birmingham-based organization that treats adult autism. He served on the Glenwood Board of Directors for many years. He was chairman of the Glenwood Adult Services Campaign, which raised $3 million dollars to expand autism treatment. The facility built to house the program was named The Sullivan Center in honor of Jim and his late wife, Susan.

Jim had fun. His dry sense of humor was evident in almost everything he did. He had a mischievous little grin, and he used it often. You couldn’t tell if he knew everything or nothing about the subject being discussed.

He loved hunting, fishing, photography, building homes, and he loved people. Jim loved his friends and kept up with all of us. But, most of all, Jim loved his family: his wife Toody; his daughters, Leigh Ann and Brannon; his sons-in-law; and his nine grandchildren.

The following poem was read at his funeral. It is so appropriate for Jim.

“If ”

by Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise: If you can dream—and not make dreams your master; If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools: If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

Jim was a man. He was our friend. We will all miss him dearly.

His legacy is that we remember him as the man he was.

I hope you have a good month.

Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.

36 JULY 2022

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Ads will not be taken over the phone. You may email your ad to hdutton@areapower.com; or call (800)410-2737 ask for Heather for pricing.; We accept checks, money orders and all major credit cards. Mail ad submission along with a check or money order made payable to ALABAMA LIVING, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124 – Attn: Classifieds.

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| Hardy Jackson's Alabama |

A word about barbecue

Illustration by Dennis Auth

N

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

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

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

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

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

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

One taste and you know where you are.

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

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

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

But not always.

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

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

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

I stopped.

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

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

He smiled and said, “Come join us.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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