Alabama Living May 2010 by American MainStreet Publications

| MAY 2010 | Alabama Living

Around Alabama Alabama Festival & Event Conference Wetumpka Civic Center

June 11, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Join other festival and event planners from around the state for this inexpensive, one-day conference. Topics discussed will include how to take your community event to the next level, a session that includes budgeting and planning; how to get funding and sponsorship for your event, which includes how to “brand” your event; and how to get publicity and advertising for your event, which includes a session on how to take your event “statewide.” Atmore – May 1 Mayfest 2010 Tom Byrne Park, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: Free Contact: Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce at 251-368-3305 www.atmorechamber.com

Scottsboro – May 15 Catfish Festival Jackson County Park Admission: Free kids areas Contact:Vickie Hastings at 256-574-4305 or www.scottsborosbc.com

Blountsville – May 1 & 2 11th Annual Forrest-Streight Civil War Raid Re-enactment Blountsville Historical Park, Admission: Charged, under 5 free Contact: 205-429-4232

Moulton – May 29 Lawrence County United Way Annual Golf Tournament Deer Run, 1 p.m. Contact: Kathy Thrasher at 256-974-5955

Robertsdale – May 7 & 21 PZK Center Dances Sponsored by Robertsdale Senior Citizens Club 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Admission: Charged Contact: 251-947-5155

Ashland – May 15 4th Annual Clay County Music & Arts Festival Ashland’s Historic Square, 10 a.m. until dark Music, food and entertainment begin after lunchtime Admission: Free Contact: Mary Patchunka-Smith at 256-396-2828

Cullman – May 14 & 15 Cullman StrawberryFest & Classic Car Show Festhalle Market Platz Car show, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Depot Park Admission: Free Contact: Jimmy Simms at 256-775-7207 or www.cullmancity.org Arley – May 15 Arley Day Festival – 9 a.m. Contact for vendor information: Judy Lambert at 256-747-4618 Opelika/Auburn – May 15 & 16 Lee County Master Gardeners Garden Tour Admission: Charged Contact: Lauren Roberts at 334-826-1595 or laurenroberts@charter.net

Notice:

Auburn-Opelika – May 15 7th Annual Heroes Take Flight Fly-In, Armed Forces Day Auburn University Regional Airport 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission: Charged Contact: 334-749-9981 or www.leeredcross.org Talladega – May 22 3rd Annual Fish & Fowl Dinner Benefitting the Drug Task Force – 6 p.m. Admission: Charged Contact: Bryan Townsend at 800-554-8234 or www.WhosoeverwillClass.org

Also on the program will be a review of planning for the Alabama Department of Tourism’s 2011 “Year of Music.” The conference is sponsored by PowerSouth Energy Cooperative; Auburn, Montgomery; the Alabama Department of Tourism; and the Elmore County Economic Development Authority. Admission is $25 a person. For more information, check www.aum.edu/coned.

Silverhill – May 29 Antique and Classic Car & Truck Show Sponsored by Oscar Johnson Memorial Library Downtown Silverhill parks and town squares Car registration 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., judging at 11 a.m. Registration fee: charged per car Contact: Frankie Kucera at 251-945-5506 Cullman – Saturdays in June Cullman County Museum’s June Walking Tours Tours begin at Cullman County Museum at 10 a.m. Admission: Free Contact: Elaine Fuller or Julie Burks at 800-533-1258 or www.cullmancountymuseum.com Selma – Saturdays in June & July Selma Children’s Museum Dallas Academy, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission: Charged Contact: LaFawnda Watson at 334-505-5192 or www.Selmacm.org Morgan City – June 4-6 26th Annual Founder’s Day Contact: Jack Perkins at 256-498-2809 or diannaworsham@yahoo.com Bay Minette – June 4 & 5 2nd Annual PCA Rodeo Sponsored by North Baldwin Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Carol Hodgson Arena Admission: Charged Contact: James Phillips at 251-2099662 or www.nbssar.org

Scottsboro – June 5 Skyline Days Celebration Town of Skyline 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free entertainment and catfish dinner, everyone asked to bring a covered dish or dessert Contact: Angie Scarberry at 256-587-3335 Courtland – June 5 Parade, Pageant & Picnic in the Park Admission: Free Contact: Darlene Thompson at 256-637-8895 or www.courtlandalabama.com Fairhope – June 5 Weeks Bay Foundation Bald Eagle Bash Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Admission: Charged Contact: Marcia Miller, 251-990-5004 www.BaldEagleBash.com Fayette – June 11 & 12 PCA Rodeo Fayette Multi-Purpose Complex 7:30 p.m. nightly Contact: 205-270-6579 Marion – June 11 & 12 15th Annual Marion Rodeo Pro Rodeo sanctioned by the PCA Highway 14 in Marion Rodeo starts 7:30 p.m. Children’s events begin at 6:30 p.m. Contact: 334-683-4004 Georgiana – June 11 & 12 31st Annual Hank Williams Festival Admission: Charged Contact: 334-376-2396 or www.hankwilliamsfestival.com

Around Alabama has a new e-mail address. Please send all event notices to www.calendar@areapower.coop. Any e-mail sent to the old address will not be received. Thank you.

To place an event, fax information to 334-215-8623; mail to Events Calendar, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124; e-mail to calendar@areapower.coop. (Subject Line: Around Alabama) or visit www.alabamaliving.coop

Each submission must include a contact name and phone number. Deadline is two months prior to issue date. We regret that we cannot publish every event due to space limitations.

Alabama Living | MAY 2010 |

Alabama Rural Electric Association’s

63rd Annual Meeting & Trade Show Alabama’s economy is on the rebound, state co-op leaders are told The meeting drew 500 electric cooperative leaders and supporters

Dr. Sam Addy

Speaker Seth Hammett

Dr. Larry Powell

labama’s business leaders are optimistic that the state’s economy is on the rebound, according to one of the speakers during Alabama Rural Electric Association’s (AREA) 63rd Annual Meeting and Trade Show. The meeting, held March 31 and April 1 in Montgomery, drew some 500 electric cooperative leaders and supporters from across Alabama. “Alabama is known all around the world now,” said Dr. Sam Addy, director and associate research economist of the Center for Business and Economic Research. “Alabama’s income is now at one of the highest levels it’s ever been compared to the (rest of the) nation’s. A recent study by the center showed that 17 percent more of Alabama business leaders feel the state’s economy is improving compared to the same time last year. Other speakers at the meeting included Dr. Joe Adams of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama; Dr. Glen Browder, an eminent scholar at Jacksonville State University; Seth Hammett, speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives; Dr. Larry Powell, professor of communication studies, University of Alabama, Birmingham; and John Trawick, a senior vice president with the Tennessee Valley Authority.

AREA’s board of directors reelected Jim McRae of Tombigbee Electric Cooperative chairman; George Kitchens, Joe Wheeler Electric Member Corp., vice chairman; and Patsy Holmes, Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, secretary-treasurer. The late R.R. “Bud” Johnson, longtime trustee at Covington Electric Cooperative and former AREA board chairman, received AREA’s 2010 Bill Nichols Award for his lifetime contribution to Alabama’s electric cooperatives. Named as the association’s State Representative of the Year was Rep. James C. Fields Jr. of Hanceville. Jimmy James, a long-time line worker trainer and safety consultant, received the association’s Pathfinder Award, and Chuck Penry, former legislative director for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, received AREA’s Chairman’s Award. Terri Faulkner of Dixie Electric Cooperative in Union Springs was named the 2010 Communicator of the Year. Charlie Platt of WDHN-TV and John Daniel of radio station WOOF, both in Dothan, each received the 2010 Award for Media Excellence. The Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives is a federation of not-for-profit electric cooperatives, which provide electricity to more than 1 million Alabamians in 64 counties.d

Dr. Joe Adams

Alabama Rep. James Fields Jr.

Dr. Glen Browder

More than 60 vendors took part in the meeting’s Trade Show, where co-op leaders saw the latest technology

| MAY 2010 | Alabama Living

Alabama Living | MAY 2010 |

Going Green One of the most effective energy upgrades you can make is to improve your home’s insulation By Morgan Zenner

ou’ve decided to take the green path for your next home improvement project. These days, the word “green” is everywhere, but homeowners really need to know: What exactly does it mean to go green? According to Building Design & Construction magazine’s White Paper Survey, “55 percent (of building industry professionals) said they had trouble sourcing green products, and out of those, 81 percent said ‘green’ was not always clearly defined.” Why all the confusion? At one time, green products were considered anything manufactured with at least 30 percent recycled material, but now, there are several other factors that determine sustainability. Every material has energy output; the

| MAY 2010 | Alabama Living

question is how much and what type. Currently, green products are ranked by their Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which takes into consideration manufacturing practices, installation, use and eventual disposal.

Lowering Energy Use

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the government has cast a bright light on improving a home’s energy efficiency. By lowering energy use, homeowners preserve existing resources and practice sustainability. Most homeowners want to know about energy tax credits and how to lower their utility bills. There are ways to reduce your bills and make your home more efficient by upgrading areas both inside and outside of your home. One of the most effective energy upgrades a homeowner can make is to upgrade the insulation. Homes require a large amount of energy to generate heat and air conditioning. Over the years, building professionals discovered that regularsized homes were consuming more energy than necessary because of leaking air associated with poor insulation.

The Attic

The first place a homeowner should increase insulation is in the attic. An attic is where people typically store things they’ll never need, which is why the lack of insulation goes unnoticed. Up until the mid-1990s, builders under-insulated the attic to reduce building costs. However, today’s contractors know that ignoring the attic can lead to costly energy consumption.

The Basement

The other major insulation problem area is the basement, especially if it is unfinished. By insulating the ceiling above the basement and above the crawl space, you can save a large amount of money on your heating bills. Air leakage also commonly occurs in more obvious places, like window and door openings. Everyone notices the large draft that flows inside the home when they open their doors in the winter. But these problems don’t only occur when the door opens, they also occur when the doors or windows are closed.

Easy

Windows

Leaks do not only happen in older windows that may have loosened up over the years, but new windows that were not properly installed. Or, it can be because of the type of window. According to Energy Star, energy-efficient windows have low-e glass with special coatings to reflect infrared light and keep heat inside during the winter. They also have multiple panes of glass with argon or krypton gases in between each pane and warm edge spacers to keep window panes apart. “When it comes to windows, keep this in mind: Southern climates should look at the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) – the lower the SHGC, the less solar heat is transmitted,” says Judy Mozen of Handcrafted Homes Inc. in Roswell, Ga.

Weekend Repairs Mozen’s 15-minute inspection of your home can reveal some things you can do that will help improve energy efficiency: q Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. q Replace weather stripping on doors. q Put rubber gaskets on all exterior receptacles and switches.

Doors

Energy-efficient doors have weather stripping around the edges to seal leaks. Weather stripping supplies and installation techniques can range from simple to technical, so it is important to read the instructions on the package first. Doors made from Fiberglas or steel with polyurethane foam cores are some of the best-quality materials in today’s market. One of the myths of air sealing is that it is possible to seal a home too tightly, to the point that it collects moisture. “You can never seal a house too tightly, only underventilate it,” says Ben Thompson a National Association of Home Builders’ Certified Green Professional. He says the key to air sealing is to control how a building breathes by installing a mechanical ventilation system.d

q Install a programmable, set-back thermostat. q Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees, and buy appliances that boost water temperature as needed. q If renovating, make sure joints of floors and walls are caulked before installing drywall. q Install shading on south-facing windows – inside or outside. q Plant deciduous trees near windows that have southern exposure.d

Morgan Zenner is a marketing and communications coordinator with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

Alabama Living | MAY 2010 |

May is National Electrical Safety Month

Co-op employees teach electrical safety to students throughout the country

Story of Survival

By Scott Gates

A power line safety demonstration saved these students’ lives

hen Indiana teenagers Lee Whittaker and Ashley Taylor saw an electric co-op-sponsored power line safety demonstration at their high school, they never expected to actually put their new knowledge to the test. But less than a week later, the two experienced a close call with a downed power line. “I could have lost my life that night,” recalls Taylor. “My plans after high school – all of that was just running through my mind.” The two students, along with two other classmates, were in a car that fishtailed into a utility pole, bringing live wires to the ground. The car rolled on its side, and was pinned

| MAY 2010 | Alabama Living

down by the fallen pole. With the White County Rural Electric Membership Corp.-sponsored safety demonstration fresh on his mind, Whittaker was able to resist the urge to get out of the vehicle. “I made sure everybody else was okay, made sure I was okay, and

Safety on both sides of the power line remains priority one for electric cooperatives told everyone not to get out,” he notes. “That was the main point and was repeated several times: not to get out of the vehicle in an accident involving power lines.”

When the mother and little sister of another teen in the car arrived on the scene, Whittaker and those inside yelled out for them to keep away. All told, the quartet stayed in the car for 45 minutes, until receiving an all-clear from the utility line crew that arrived to help. The high schoolers are now working with Safe Electricity, part of the Springfield, Ill.-based Energy Education Council (EEC), to spread word about the accident and the importance of awareness when it comes to electricity. “Electricity does so many wonderful things for us, and it supports our modern lifestyle,” explains Molly Hall, EEC executive director. “But

Lee Whittaker

Power lines covered the wrecked car

it can be deadly in an instant and must be respected. Awareness is so important in this respect. The vast majority of electrical accidents can be prevented.” Stories like Whittaker’s and Taylor’s – with happy endings – aren’t often publicized. But electric cooperatives nationwide are striving to make that outcome the norm. Safety on both sides of the power line remains priority one for coops, reflected through public safety programs and on-the-job training for co-op employees.

“There are lots of counterfeit goods – knock-off versions of brand-name products or items that bear an unauthorized certification marking – out there that can be hazardous, and they can be difficult to spot. They are often manufactured without key components or compliance to relevant safety standards to save money.” ESFI has developed a Buyer Beware toolkit as a part of an anticounterfeiting campaign, available on the organization’s Web site, www.electrical-safety.org.

Safety at Home To foster public awareness of electrical safety, co-ops often work with groups like Safe Electricity, as well as the Rosslyn, Va.-based Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). The two non-profit groups offer consumers information through their Web sites as well as resources for educators, homeowners, contractors and even curious children. “Among the videos and resources on SafeElectricity.org, visitors can see a 30-minute, live-line demo, just like the one the Indiana kids saw at their school,” says Hall. “Kyle Finley, who does these demonstrations across the country, brings so much enthusiasm. Spending 30 minutes with him can go a long way. And it’s his demonstration that saved Lee Whittaker and Ashley Taylor.” Brett Brenner, ESFI president, warns that as people use more electricity at home, plugging in new flat screen TVs and other electronics, risks of overburdening older electrical systems shoots up. “It’s important to understand these risks, and keep an eye out for unsafe products,” he stresses.

Living and Breathing Safety Since electric co-op line crews work with energized lines day in and day out, safety training becomes an ongoing ritual. “When you have folks across Alabama working around high-voltage electricity every day, safety is not an option,” says Fred Braswell, president and CEO of the Alabama Rural Electric Association, which provides safety training for all employees of the state’s electric cooperatives. “Safety is something we live and breathe.” Being an electrical line worker ranks as one of the top 10 most dangerous professions, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Ken Brubaker, manager of safety programs, at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), hopes to one day get line workers off the list. “When you get in the top five, which includes fishermen and loggers, it seems you get a Discovery Channel or History Channel show about the hazards – not a good thing,” he quips. “The best way to overcome these statistics involves fostering a culture of safety within

AshleyTaylor each co-op.” When an electrical accident actually happens, generally a series of safety rules have been violated. While a system of redundant safety procedures has been developed for every task a line worker may take on, the practices are only effective if employees take them seriously and hold each other accountable. “We’re trying to encourage a kind of repetitive safety coaching among line superintendents as well as supervisors at all levels,” says Brubaker. “Take your favorite football team: There’s a lot of coaching and play practicing going on behind the scenes before players hit the field for a game. If it weren’t for that coaching, there would be a lot more quarterback sacks and fumbled footballs. When co-op supervisors take the time to ‘coach’ their employees and bolster safety awareness, accident rates go down. “Supervisor safety coaching and employees practicing their safety procedures should make zero injuries an attainable goal each year.” An Ounce of Prevention Being safe boils down to being aware of potential pitfalls. Taking the time to learn about them can be a lifesaver, as Lee Whittaker and Ashley Taylor discovered. “I feel like I’m the luckiest person living,” concludes a tearful Taylor. “The crash happened so quickly after we’d learned about it. We actually got to use that information to save each other’s lives. Yeah, we’re really lucky.”d Scott Gates writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Alabama Living | MAY 2010 |

ConsumerWise

RECESSED LIGHTING

Avoid air leaks by installing energy efficient recessed lighting fixtures

Angular recessed lights fit a sloped ceiling for downlighting to highlight a homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architectural design features.

Send your questions: James Dulley Alabama Living 6906 Royalgreen Drive Cincinnati, OH 45244 You also can reach Dulley over the Internet:

www.dulley.com

James Dulley is a nationally syndicated engineering consultant based in Cincinnati.

| MAY 2010 | Alabama Living

Q& A

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always liked recessed light fixtures, but heard theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re leaky and inefficient. Are there any new types of fixtures that are more energy efficient? Are they difficult to install? - Mike M.

Recessed lights have been popular for decades, and remain the lighting fixture of choice for overhead lighting. As with any other product in the home, some recessed light fixtures are more energy efficient than others. Efficient options can use 80 percent less electricity than inefficient versions, which provide the same amount of light output with practically the same appearance. Recessed light fixtures are unique because they penetrate and are mounted in the ceiling of a room. From an energy conservation standpoint, this is not an issue when installed in the first floor ceiling of a two-story house. However, if fixtures are installed in the second-story ceiling or the first floor ceiling of a one-story house, a hole is created between a conditioned living area and the open, unconditioned attic area. Without an efficient design and proper installation, a recessed lighting fixture allows conditioned air to leak out of the house. This is particularly true during winter when the warmer air inside a home naturally rises to the ceiling. This not only wastes energy, but may create a chilly draft in rooms where

colder outdoor air leaks indoors. There are new energy efficient recessed light fixture designs that meet Energy Star standards. All of these fixtures use fluorescent light sources instead of inefficient incandescent bulbs. This fact alone reduces electricity consumption by 75 percent. For fixtures in ceilings where indoor air leakage seems likely, select a new airtight design with a sealed canister. The sealed airtight recessed fixture canister, when installed properly, forms an airtight seal between the ceiling and the fixture. These types of fixtures are most often used in ceilings beneath an unconditioned attic, but they are also effective for unheated basement ceilings. As a safety note, if you already have recessed lighting fixtures in your home, do not go up into the attic and wrap them with insulation to try to save energy. Wrapping older fixtures with insulation can hold in too much heat, particularly when standard incandescent bulbs are used. These fixtures are not designed to be airtight and the excess heat buildup can become an electrical or fire hazard. If a recessed light fixture will be installed in a ceiling under an insulated attic floor, select an insulation contact-rated (IC) design, which are designed to touch insulation without overheating the fixture.Before drilling and cutting holes, make sure your fixture layout clears all the floor joists.d

Alabama Living | MAY 2010 |

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best in Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; By David Haynes

Bridgeport taxidermist Shane Smith brings new life to bird mounts 18

| MAY 2010 | Alabama Living

tanding in the display area of Shane Smith’s business, Artistic Compositions, it’s easy to imagine the sound of wind whistling through the colorfully feathered wings that surrounded me. On one wall a flock of ducks, each frozen in a unique attitude of graceful flight, appear to whiz past me. In fact, a virtual cyclorama of birds surrounded me, each of which is painstakingly preserved in an authentic pose, either in mid-flight or at rest. In the room’s center, two ocellated turkeys perch atop a limb and other surroundings native to their home in the Yucatan, their brilliant blue, red and yellow heads seeming to eyeball me as I examined their brown, orange, blue and green plumage. In 2007 these huge south-of-theborder turkeys earned 35-year-old Bridgeport-based taxidermist the highest honor in his profession – the “best in world” title for turkeys at the World Taxidermy Championships in Reno, Nev. Smith, who has been a hunting enthusiast all his life, became interested in taxidermy at the age of 11, and began learning the basics not long after. Talking amid the sweet scent of Bondo in his workshop as he fiddled with the long feathers of a peacock, Smith said that he needed to continue working as we talked because adhesives were in the process of setting up. As he talked about his love of the outdoors, he’d move one feather a half inch in one direction, then adjust the adjacent feather a bit in the other direction. The peacock’s neck includes feathers that begin as azure blue and become more teal near the head. As he adjusted the dart-like crown of feathers atop the head until each was perfect, he explains that creating natural-looking bird mounts are his passion. While still a teenager Smith, who is largely self-taught, entered his first taxidermy competition and took first place. He says he has always been interested in natural

mounts for birds. “When I got into it, nobody locally was doing birds very well,” he says. Over the years he has used both proven methods and his own improvised techniques to make his birds appear as lifelike and realistic as possible. This often means casting the mannequin-like forms that provide the substructure for the mounted pieces. His business has prospered during the current economic slowdown, and he says he has all the work he wants. Clients from around the globe entrust him with their trophies and he’s got 12-14 months of work in the shop’s freezers waiting their turn for Smith and his three employees to work their taxidermy magic. In recent years Artistic Compositions has averaged 600 to 1,000 mounts per year. He said locally the most popular birds are ducks and turkeys, but he also sees many exotic species from clients who’ve discovered him through his Web site. “We were fortunate to be one of the first shops to have a taxidermy site online in the ’90s and it’s really paid dividends,” he adds. Until a fateful day in January 1999 Smith’s business had been in downtown Bridgeport, but a natural gas explosion that day leveled much of downtown, killing three and injuring several others. The building he was in survived, but the roof was blown off. Since the explosion he has relocated to a 30-acre site outside town where he built a state-ofthe-art, 5,000-square-foot building. One recent addition to the business is the Wingshooter Safaris, which takes hunters seeking exotic birds to locations around the world, with Smith as their enthusiastic guide. For more information on Smith and his services, as well as photos of his work, visit his Web site at www.waterfowler.net/ Artistic/ index.php, or call him at 256-495-2596.d

Smith adjusts peacock feathers

Touching up an ocellated turkey

Perfecting the peacock

Alabama Living | MAY 2010 |

Gary Finch Outdoors

BRING ON THE BREAM Learn to spot a bream bed, then have some fun

By Steve Layton & Gary Finch Gary Finch Outdoors

The great part about fishing for Alabama bream is that they can be found in every type of water. Lake, pond, creek or river; it seems that there is some species of bream existing in even the smallest bodies of water. Those who want to target bream can be every bit as successful from land as they can from a boat. The key is locating a “bream bed.” This is the condition that will have these spawning fish located within an easy casting distance. During the spawning cycle, these panfish will begin to move into the shallow waters that cover gravel or sandy bottoms. If there is plenty of structure in the form of vegetation, snags and stumps, then this location has all the makings of a true bream bed. The first spawn

Gary Finch is host of television show ‘Gary Finch Outdoors.’ Visit www. garyfinchoutdoors.com

| MAY 2010 | Alabama Living

will be the most dramatic, but if the environmental conditions remain favorable, multiple spawns will continue into July. Sometimes, the beds appear as a well-tended garden of tail-swept craters. These depressions are easy to spot when they appear in the shallow waters over gravel or sandy bottoms. Otherwise, the method most often used to find them in deeper water is to look for all the right geographic requirements, and then begin testing the waters by slowly drifting crickets or red worms. The swift running waters of creeks and rivers can be quickly eliminated as bedding sites. However, river bends, eddies and flooded timber that provide calm, shallow, waters out of the mainstream, might demand a closer look. Men and women, young and old are equally captivated by these hard pulling pan-sized fish. The best part about catching bream is that anyone can do it, and the

tackle is as basic as hook, line and pole. Everything from a basic cane pole, to lightweight rods and reels, has been cast toward a bream bed. Live-bait choices of crickets and worms are easily purchased or raised. Using a thin, flexible, longshank hook is easier to grip and remove from the fish. The flexible part comes in handy when these fish snag you into their favorite stump, pier or rock. These bream hooks allow anglers to tug the line free, re-shape the hook, and keep on fishing. The selection of line requires that it be tough, yet invisible in water. While the first fish might be easy to catch, the stragglers will begin to get cautious and peck before biting. Once the bream bed is located, and the fish are in a feeding frenzy, some anglers will trade off from live bait and substitute small jigs, popping bugs or sinking flies. Following each catch, the line is immediately cast back into the zone, without the angler having to re-bait a hook.d

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

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

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

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

12:22 -- -- 02:07 08:52 09:52 10:52 11:37 07:37 08:07 08:52 09:37 10:07 10:52

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

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

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

11:37 12:07 -- 12:22 02:37 08:22 09:37 10:22 11:22 12:07 08:07 08:37 09:22 10:07 10:37 11:22 11:52 12:22 02:37 08:07 09:37 10:37 11:22 12:07 08:07 08:37 09:07 09:37 09:52 10:22

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

Alabama Living | MAY 2010 |

Alabama Gardens

CONTAINER GARDENING A variety of containers are available for gardeners with limited space By Katie Jackson Though many gardeners are out this time of year digging and planting in the yard, those with limited garden space or who want a more portable garden can enjoy the same gardening pleasure by using pots and other containers. Plant containers can be made of plastic, metal, wire, clay, ceramic, wood, glass and a variety of composite materials, but even old wheelbarrows, bathtubs, buckets and other “junk” items make great pots. Really, almost any vessel that has drainage holes in the base can be used for plantings. If you are using old pots or other recycled containers, clean them thoroughly of residual soil and debris and rinse them with a 10-percent bleach solution to destroy any diseases or insects that may have taken up residence there. Once you’ve indentified the containers and plants you want to use, select a planting medium (potting mix) that fits the plant’s needs. Using soil from the yard is rarely a good choice as this may contain pests or other contaminates and may have poor moistureholding properties. Instead, use a “soilless” mix, so-called because these potting mediums contain no “field soil,” but

| MAY 2010 | Alabama Living

instead are comprised of a variety of organic and inorganic substances that have been sterilized and blended for optimum plant growth. A wide variety of prepared mixes are available at garden centers and feed-and-seed stores and some, such as Auburn University’s own “Mater Dirt,” are specially formulated for particular plants. You can also make your own potting mix. “Recipes” are available online and in many gardening books. If the drainage holes in the base of your pot are large enough to allow the potting medium to wash out as you water plants, cover the pot’s bottom with pebbles, broken bits of pots or a wire mesh or even Styrofoam peanuts. Be careful, though, to not completely block or clog the drainage holes. To learn more about container plants, get a copy of Container Gardening (ANR-1139), which is available online at www.aces.edu/ pubs/docs/A/ANR-1139/.d

Katie Jackson is associate editor for the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station. Contact her at csmith@acesag.auburn.edu

Garden tips for

May

3 Thin late summer and fallblooming perennials.

3 Keep flower and vegetable beds weeded and clean.

3 Fertilize lawns and mow turf to a height of about 2½ inches tall.

3 Keep an eye out for insect or disease damage on all plants.

3 Plant corn, cucumber and melon seeds directly in the garden.

3 Set out tomato, eggplant and pepper transplants.

3 Plant summer annuals and summer-flowering bulbs, such as gladiolas and dahlias.

3 Repot houseplants that have outgrown their containers and take hardy houseplants outside for the summer.

3 Mark the holes in your flower spring-blooming bulb beds with stakes or flags so you’ll know where to plant new bulbs this fall.

3 Keep newly planted shrubs and trees well watered, as well. Prune climbing roses after their first flush of flowers.

3 Plant summer annuals and perennials and fall-blooming perennials.d

Alabama Living | MAY 2010 |

Destinations

Rhododendron Festival Mentone’s beautiful wildflowers will be celebrated the weekend of May 15 By Sarah Jacoway Chastain

Getting There Mentone is on Alabama 117 in DeKalb County. Take I-59 to Exit 231. Proceed east through Valley Head to Mentone. For more information on dining or lodging during the festival, go online at www.mentonealabama. org, or call Ronda Bunckno at 800799-1878, or email her at rondab@centurytel.net.

Mentone

| MAY 2010 | Alabama Living

In northeast Alabama’s DeKalb County, spring has always been heralded by the arrival of the many varieties of wildflowers that grow on the mountains and in the valleys. One of the most beautiful is the rhododendron, which has been celebrated by an annual Rhododendron Festival for a quarter of a century drawing more vendors, more entertainment and more families each year. This year’s festival takes place on May 15-17 in Mentone. Festivities kick-off at the Mentone Inn Square at 6:30 pm. Lisa Crow and her friends will provide musical entertainment, and the evening will culminate with a bonfire by the Boy Scouts. Saturday, the festival’s first full day, is full of food and entertainment. The entertainment consists of 12-year-old Ashley Marie Miller, the Southern Gospel Group, and Abby Parks singing contemporary Christian and other music, much of which she writes. Sunday afternoon entertainment includes Sand Mountain Cloggers and line dancers from Fort Payne. Food vendors include Smoky Joe barbecue, seafood with southern catfish, Coney Island hotdogs, nachos, snow cones, Cajun fries, caramel apples, kettle corn and Caribbean food. There will be a parade on Saturday afternoon complete with Mardi Gras beads thrown

to children of all ages. Saturday’s festivities conclude with another bonfire at Mentone Inn Square. Vendors include stained glass, leather goods, paintings, pen and ink drawings, jewelry, wood carvings, paintings on tile and window panes, and knitted items. Rhododendron and other plants will be on sale during the festival. Each year festival-goers look forward to the chance to win a beautiful handmade queen-sized quilt, valued at more than $300. Louise Headrick of Sand Mountain made this year’s quilt. Tickets are $1, and the drawing will take place on Sunday afternoon. Highlights of the festival are boat rides down Little River. They offer an opportunity to see rhododendrons and other wildflowers that frame riverbanks and extend up through the woods. The rides leave from the park area near Desoto Falls. Mentone and the surrounding area provide many opportunities for evening dining. Dessie’s, Wildflower and Winwood are Mentone restaurants offering a variety of excellent cuisine. It takes more than a day to enjoy the full Rhododendron Festival experience. There are several bed and breakfasts in the Mentone area, as well as cabins at Desoto State Park. RV hookups are available for those who wish to bring their own lodging.d

Alabama Living | MAY 2010 |

Alabama Recipes Cook of the Month

Cathy Dabbs, Sand Mountain EC

Tacoritos Sauce: ¼ cup butter, cubed ¼ cup all-purpose flour 4 cups water

3 tablespoons chili powder 1 teaspoon garlic salt

Editor’s Note: Alabama Living’s recipes are submitted by our readers. They are not kitchen tested by a professional cook or registered dietician. If you have special dietary needs, please check with your doctor or nutritionist before preparing any recipe.

Taco Chili Cheese Dip

1 pound hamburger meat 1 medium onion 1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can mild Rotel tomatoes 1 can chili beans 2 tablespoons vinegar 1 box Velveeta cheese

Cook hamburger and onion; drain. Mash chili beans. Mix all ingredients together, simmer in slow cooker 45 minutes to 1 hour. Betty Cross, Joe Wheeler EMC

In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add water. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Stir in chili powder and garlic salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Meat mixture: 1 pound ground beef 1 pound bulk sausage ¼ cup onion, chopped 1 cup refried beans

8 (8-inch) flour tortillas, warmed 3 cups (12-ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook beef, sausage and onion until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in beans, heat through. Spread ¼ cup sauce in a greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Spread 1 tablespoon sauce over each tortilla. Place 2⁄3 cup meat mixture down center of each. Top with ¼ cup cheese. Roll up and place seam side down in baking dish. Pour sauce over top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Serve with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced ripe olives or sour cream.

Mexican Recipes

Now that the weather is getting hot, it’s time to spice up your kitchen by cooking some Mexicaninfluenced dishes to start off your summer. I hope you enjoy the recipes we have in this issue on pages 26 - 29. Also, please look at the bottom of this page to see the upcoming recipe themes for the next couple of months. Remember to send me your best recipes to share with the rest of our readers. Thank you for your submissions.

You could win $50!

If your recipe is chosen as the cook-of-the-month recipe, we’ll send you a check for $50! Upcoming recipe themes and deadlines are:

July August September

Relishes - goodness in a jar May 15 Ice Cream June 15 Wild Game July 15

Please send all submissions to: Recipe Editor P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124 or e-mail to: recipes@areapower. coop. Be sure to include your address, phone number and the name of your cooperative.

| MAY 2010 | Alabama Living

Mexican Fudge 10-12 ounces Monterey Jack cheese

3 eggs, slightly beaten ½ cup salsa

Sprinkle half of cheese in a buttered 9x6-inch pan. Mix salsa and eggs; pour over cheese. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Cool and cut into squares. Mary M. Nicholson, Central Alabama EC

Mexican Cornbread

3 cups self-rising corn meal 3 jalapeno peppers with juice, chopped 3 tablespoons sugar 1½ cups sharp cheese, shredded

1 onion, chopped 1 cup oil 3 eggs 1½ cups sweet milk 1 can cream corn

Mix all ingredients well. Use a deep lip cookie sheet to make a thin loaf. Bake 45-50 minutes on 350 degrees. Cool, cut in squares. This freezes well to make ahead. Rachel Norris,Tombigbee EC

Mexican Cheesecake

2 8-ounce packages cream cheese 2 cans crescent rolls 1 cup sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla 1 stick butter 1 ⁄3 cup sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Line a 9x13-inch pan with 1 can of crescent rolls. Mix cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla and spread over crescent rolls. Top with 2nd can of crescent rolls. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar. Melt butter, pour over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve warm. Patricia Tharp, Pioneer EC

ating Tailg te Favori Sunday

Get two great exclusives from

Mexican Cornbread 1 onion, chopped 1 small can mexi-corn Hot pepper, to taste 1½ cups shredded cheese

1 pound ground beef, turkey or venison 1 red onion, chopped 4-5 garlic cloves, minced 1 package Old El Paso taco seasoning 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed 2⁄3 cup water

Sweet

1 bottle zesty Italian salad dressing 1 package sharp cheddar cheese, grated 2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil 1 package Mission tortilla triangles, restaurant style Fresh cilantro Groovy Guacamole

32 95*

Sauté ½ of the onion with the meat in extra-virgin olive oil until browned. After the meat is browned, cook on high for a few minutes until it is a little crispy on the outside. Add taco seasoning and mix well. Add water. Stir and cook until water is absorbed. Add beans and garlic. Cook on medium-low until warmed through and garlic is heated. Layer chips in deep serving dish or plate. Cover with ½ package of grated cheese and ½ of remaining onion. Cover chips evenly with meat mixture.Top with remaining cheese and onion. Drizzle Italian dressing over the top, to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with Groovy Guacamole. Groovy Guacamole 3 ripe avocados, pitted (black in color, but not mushy) 1 red onion, chopped 1 pint grape tomatoes, chopped

3 sprigs fresh cilantro, finely chopped 1 lime Sea salt, to taste Minced garlic, optional

Scoop the meat from the avocado skins. Cut the avocados into chunks and mash with a spoon. Gently stir in the onions, tomatoes and cilantro. Roll the lime between the palms of your hands until it softens a little. Slice it in half and squeeze the juice into the guacamole. Add sea salt and stir. Cook’s note: To stretch the meat/bean mixture into two meals: use half the meat for nachos and save the other half for the next day. Warm it up and mix it with white, brown or sticky rice. Add some cheese, stir and serve. Jodi Marie Fisher, Dixie EC

Late

Night

Fisher’s Famous Nachos with Groovy Guacamole

Time Party

PED

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gs Endin

Ella Mae Smith, Marshall-DeKalb EC

Alabama Living that no home should be without!

ck Potlu

Mix all ingredients, adding cheese last. Bake in greased and floured pan (2 pans may be needed) at 425 degrees for approximately 25 minutes. Cook’s note: best if cooked thin and golden brown.

Snacks

3 cups cornmeal 2 cups milk ½ cup oil 2 eggs 3 tablespoons sugar

SHIPP

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Alabama Living | MAY 2010 |

Slow Cooker Pork Fajitas

Guacamole

4-5 ripe avocados, peeled and seeded 1 can Rotel tomatoes

1 large onion, peeled and thinly sliced 2½ pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of fat ¾ cup thick and chunky salsa 2 cups barbecue sauce 1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin 2 green peppers, seeded and sliced 18 flour tortillas Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, guacamole, sour cream

Place pork in slow cooker and place onion on top. Mix salsa, barbecue sauce, chili powder and cumin together and pour on top of pork and onion. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Remove pork from slow cooker and place on cutting board. Using two forks, shred pork and return shredded pork to the sauce in slow cooker, mix well. Add green pepper slices and stir, return cover and cook additional 20 minutes. Using slotted spoon, serve in tortillas and top with cheese, sour cream and guacamole as desired. Jessica Benson, Clarke-Washington EMC

Mexican Pinto Bean Casserole

1 pound hamburger meat 1 package taco seasoning 1 large onion 1 can pinto beans, drained 1 can Rotel tomatoes

1 can yellow whole kernel corn, drained 3 cups Mexican cheese blend 2 packages Mexican cornbread mix

Cook hamburger meat, taco seasoning and onion together; drain. Pour into large baking dish, add drained pinto beans, drained corn and undrained Rotel tomatoes. Add 3 cups cheese and mix all together. Mix cornbread according to directions. Pour on top and bake until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Serve with sour cream. Leftovers can be frozen. Dorothy Reaves, Arab EC

Slow Cooker Mexican Cabbage

1 15-ounce can stewed tomatoes 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4 green onions, finely sliced 1 large lime, juiced Kosher salt, to taste

Cut avocados into small chunks. Add remaining ingredients and blend gently. Serve with crisp blue corn tortilla chips. Nancy Woodman, Dixie EC

Breakfast Enchiladas 2 cups cooked ham, diced ½ cup green onions, chopped 10 8-inch flour tortillas 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

6 large eggs 2 cups half and half (may use fat-free) ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper

Sprinkle ham and onions down center of each tortilla, top with 2 tablespoons cheese, roll up and place seam-side down in greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Whisk eggs, half and half, salt and pepper. Pour over tortillas. Cover and chill overnight in refrigerator; remove and let stand 30 minutes. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes; uncover, sprinkle with remaining cheese and return to oven for 3-4 minute until cheese melts. Nancy Lawhead, Baldwin EMC

Baked Burritos 1 pound ground beef ½ onion, chopped Refried beans, optional 1 packet burrito seasoning 1 cup water

1 can Stokes green chili sauce Salsa 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded Flour tortillas, wrap-size

Brown beef, onion and garlic in a skillet. Place cabbage in slow cooker; add both tomatoes, beef mixture, sugar, salt and pepper. Stir and blend all ingredients in the slow cooker; cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours. At serving, sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Brown ground beef with onions. Add burrito packet with 1 cup water and simmer 10 minutes. Spread tortillas out on counter. Layer lower-center of each with refried beans, 3 tablespoons meat mix, 2 teaspoons salsa, 2 tablespoons green chili sauce and a good sprinkle of cheese. Fold sides of tortillas over filling about 1 ½-inches, then the bottom over all and roll into a closed burrito. Lay side-by-side in a greased 9x13-inch pan. Spread any remaining ingredients over top with extra cheese.Tent with greased foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Serve with sour cream.

Sue Capps, Covington EC

Joan Tarnawski, Baldwin EMC

1 pound lean ground chuck 1 medium onion, minced 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic 1 small head cabbage, shredded 1 10-ounce can Rotel tomatoes

| MAY 2010 | Alabama Living

Mexican Egg Breakfast Fresh Tomato Salsa

5 medium tomatoes, finely chopped 1 ⁄3 cup tomato sauce ¼ cup purple onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 large jalapeno pepper

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped 2 tablespoons lime juice ½ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Combine all ingredients, cover and chill. Serve with fish, chicken or chips.Yield: 4 cups. Elizabeth Downey, Clarke-Washington EMC

1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 cup dried pinto beans, washed 1 can water

Wash roast and dry with paper towels. Rub roast all over with chili powder. Put in bottom of crockery pot. Layer the following on top of roast: beans, chilies, onions, cream of mushroom soup, Rotel tomatoes and water. Cover and cook on low 9-10 hours (the longer the better). Do not open lid, do not stir, and do not even look at it until done.When done, take out of crockery pot and put into large casserole dish. With two forks, pull apart the roast and mix up with the whole thing. Serve with flour tortillas. Dot Helms, South Alabama EC

1 pound ground beef 1 medium onion, chopped 1 envelope dry taco seasoning mix 1 can refrigerated biscuits

1 jar spaghetti sauce 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated 2 small cans green chili peppers

Brown beef with onion and taco seasoning in a skillet, stirring often. Drain off drippings. Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces. In a large mixing bowl stir together spaghetti sauce and browned beef, onions and seasoning. Stir in biscuit pieces, add drained chili peppers. Place in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Spread cheese on top of the casserole. Return to oven and bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Charlotte Fulgham, Pea River EC

Heat skillet and brown beef; drain.Add pepper, onion and garlic. Cook until onions are soft. Add Rotel, cumin and cayenne. Cook covered for 3 minutes. In the mixture make 4 indentions and add one egg into indention. Cook 5 minutes covered or until eggs are poached. Top with shredded cheese, cover and cook about 1 minute until cheese melts.Yield: 4 servings. Jennifer Robinson-Tijsma, Sand Mountain EC

1 pound ground beef ½ cup celery, chopped ½ cup onion, chopped 1 10-ounce can tomatoes and green chilies 1 10-ounce can mild enchilada sauce 1 small can sliced ripe olives

¾ teaspoon salt Dash of pepper 1 bag tortilla chips 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 cup cream-style cottage cheese 1 egg, slightly beaten

In skillet, cook ground beef, celery and onion until meat is brown and vegetables are tender; drain. Stir in tomatoes and green chilies, enchilada sauce, olives, salt and pepper. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Combine cheeses and egg. In a 9x13-inch pan, break up 1/3 of tortilla chips, spread 1/3 of meat mixture onto chips, and next add cheese mixture. Repeat layers, ending with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Deborah Parkinson,Wiregrass EC

Mexican Biscuit Bake

¾ teaspoon cumin 2 pinches cayenne 4 eggs 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese

Mexican Lasagna

Crockery Pot Fajitas 1 small rump roast Chili powder 1 onion, chopped 1 small can chopped chilies 1 can Rotel tomatoes and chilies, chopped

1 pound lean ground beef 1 can Rotel tomatoes 1 bell pepper, chopped ½ onion, chopped 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped

Taco Bell Grande 1 soft taco dinner kit 1 small jar mushrooms 1-2 pounds ground beef 1 medium onion, chopped

1 package shredded cheese, any flavor 1 large jar picante sauce or salsa

Cook ground beef until well done; drain. Stir in onion and drained mushrooms; mix well. From taco kit, stir in taco sauce and taco seasonings; mix well. It will be dry. Spray a 9x13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. Fill soft taco shells with meat mixture. Lay them in the pan with one slightly on top of the other. Top with cheese. Any kind of cheese works well. Top with picante sauce or salsa. Bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes, until cheese has melted. Susan Dearmon, Clarke-Washington EMC

Alabama Living | MAY 2010 |

Classifieds 7 ( . Miscellaneous MURPHY WALL BEDS OF ALABAMA – Solid wood, Need Dealers / Reps. – (256)490-4025, www.andyswallbeds.com AERMOTOR WATER PUMPING WINDMILLS – windmill parts – decorative windmills – custom built windmill towers - call Windpower (256)638-4399 or (256)638-2352 ROADSTONE SOUTH – Tar & Stone paving, long driveways, Estates, Churches, Cemataries – Call (850)256-0803 AFFORDABLE CLEAN ENERGY PRODUCTS – Solar room and water heaters. Slash your energy bills utilizing the sun. Great for commercial and farm operations – www.ecoverdeearthsolutions.com, (850)417-8580 DAYLILY GARDEN – OPENS MAY 1ST – over 5,000 -- $5.00 and up – Exit 31 on I-65 – www.crenshawfarms.com, (251)937-9725 ETRONICSGALORE.COM – Choose from hundreds of discounted Electronics, MP3 players, car stereos, cameras and more! www.etronicsgalore.com CUSTOM MACHINE QUILTING BY JOYCE – Bring me your quilt top – various designs offered – (256)735-1543 COLLECTOR PAYING CASH for World War II German and Japanese War Relics – Helmets, uniforms, hats, flags, daggers, swords, medals, etc. Call “Allen” at (334)354-2975 or alamilcollect@gmail.com or Box 11304, Montgomery, AL 36111 ALL- NATURAL BEEF – Home grown and Holmes raised in Perry County, Alabama. Customize your order of ¼, ½ or whole. USDA inspected and vacuum packaged – (334)683-2848, cooper_holmes@hotmail.com, www. holmesteadcompany.com AUTHENTIC HANDMADE JEWELRY – Your old Wine bottle can become heirloom jewelry – (256)586-8375 FREE BOOKS / DVDs – Soon government will enforce the “Mark” of the beast as church and state unite! Let the bible reveal. The Bible Says, POB 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771, thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com, (800)211-1715 DIVORCE MADE EASY – Uncontested, lost spouse, in prison or aliens. $149.95 our total fee. Call 10am to 10pm. 26 years experience – (417)443-6511

Business Opportunities PIANO TUNING PAYS – Learn with American Tuning School home-study course – (800)497-9793 IF YOU LOVE TRAVEL become a home based travel agent – Call (205)9369892 RETAIL SHOPS AND DELI SPACE – available on a “New Orleans Street” scene in downtown Alexander City at The Shoppes of Queen’s Attic, 110 Calhoun Street – Call Larry Tuggle at (256)749-1201 (Cell) or (256)234-3109. Come see this unique building. BEAUTICONTROL – A beauty business specializing in personalized skin care, anti-aging, glamour and spa parties. Become a consultant. Training, flexible hours, excellent income – www.beautipage.com/marthabrooks or (256)7649102 BEAT THE RECE$$ION – Earn residual income part-time from home. FREE information – 53440A Rabon Road, Bay Minette, AL 36507 START YOUR OWN BUSINESS! Home / Internet based – Mia Bella’s Candles / Gifts / Beauty. The best candles on the market. Wonderful income potential! Visit www.naturesbest.scent-team.com and enter to win a free candle. NEW! GROW EXPENSIVE PLANTS, 2,000% profit, Earn to $50,000 year, FREE information, Growbiz Box 3738-AB5, Cookeville, TN 38502 www. growbiz-abco.com

| MAY 2010 | Alabama Living

APPRAISAL CAREER OPPORTUNITY - Recession proof business. Our top appraisers earn over $100,000/year appraising livestock and equipment. Agricultural background required. Classroom or home study courses available. (800)488-7570, www.amagappraisers.com

Vacation Rentals CABIN IN MENTONE – 2/2, brow view, hottub – For rent $100/night or Sale $275,000 – (706)767-0177 STAYCATION: GUNTERSVILLE LAKE CABIN – Fishing / hunting paradise near Scottsboro, 2BR / 2BA, fully furnished, full kitchen, amentities, screened porch, lake lot, pier, boathouse - $100 per night / 4 people – (256)599-3951 ORANGE BEACH, AL – FOR SALE OR RENT – 3BR/4BA, new condo’s in Phoenix West on the Gulf with Lazy River and in Bellaluna on the Bay side with boat slips. Lots of amentities, gated entrance with security, furnished and unfurnished, long or short term – Call owner (251)752-2182 LONG BEACH MISSISSIPPI – New Condo, beachside, sleeps 6 – Call (225)324-0973 LAKE GUNTERSVILLE RENTAL – Waterfront duplex, photos at www.4125hideawaydrive.com – (256)878-3496 GULF SHORES – WEST BEACH, GULF VIEW – sleeps six – www.vrbo. com/92623, (770)954-0444, (404)641-4939 DESTIN – 2BR / 2BA BEACHFRONT CONDO - $175.00 + tax, $100.00 security deposit, $100.00 cleaning – (256)734-9265, ehart@canaanlogistics.com GULF SHORES FOR RENT – 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo on the Intercoastal Waterway – Call (334)382-7775 DESTIN, FL CONDO – 2BR/2BA, across from beach with gated access – OWNER RATES – Call (334)244-6581 or email greenbush@knology.net LAKE LOGAN MARTIN – 3/2, New Waterfront Penthouse Condo. Professionally decorated, private deck, fireplace, pool, boat docks – Owner rates (770)722-7096 GATLINBURG – DOWNTOWN LUXURY CREEKSIDE CONDO – 2BR / 2BA, sleeps 6 – aubie12@centurytel.net, (256)599-5552 www.GULFSHORES4rent.com – West Beach, 2 great condos, each sleeps 6 – Call (404)219-3189 or (404)702-9824 GATLINBURG CONDOS – Beautiful views of the Mountains and ski slopes. Rates starting at $49.95, non-smoking - Call Jennifer in Scottsboro at (800)314-9777 – www.funcondos.com HOUSE IN PIGEON FORGE, TN – fully furnished, sleeps 6-12, 3 baths, creek – (256)997-6771, www.riverrungetaway.org SMITH LAKE VACATION HOME – 3BR / 2BA, deep water - $85.00 night or $500.00 week – (256)352-5721 GULF SHORES CONDO – 1BR/1BA, large pool, beach assess - $95/night, $60 cleaning fee – Call Bernie at (251)404-5800, (251)679-9374, email berniebrandy@comcast.net BEAUTIFUL SMOKY MOUNTAIN CABIN for rent / sale. Close to outlets, Dollywood, attractions. 2BR / 2BA, non-smoking, Jacuzzi baths, hot tub. Great view! Contact valeriejking@charter.net for sales or www.sunsetcottage.com “Away from it All” for rental specials GULF SHORES BEACH HOUSE – Nice 2 bedroom, great gulf view, DirecTV – Spring $800.00 week, Summer $995.00 week – (251)666-5476 Owner LAKE WIESS – 3/2, New Waterfront Penthouse Condo – Professionally decorated, private deck, fireplace, pool, boat docks – Owner rates (770)722-7096 GULF SHORES, AL: (5) CONDOS: Rent directly from owner – Call (251)752-5730

ADVERTISING DEADLINES: July Issue – May 15 August Issue – June 15 $1.65 per word September Issue – July 15

For Advertising, contact Heather: 1-800-410-2737 or hdutton@areapower.com - Subject Line: Classifieds

PIGEON FORGE, TN – 1 bedroom log cabin in Sherwood Forest Resort near Dollywood – www.vrbo.com #261656 – Call owner (205)429-4886 or (205)363-0175

view, covered parking, pier, indoor/outdoor pools. Owner (901)233-0773, VRBO 128673

GULF SHORES – CRYSTAL TOWER CONDO – 2 bedroom, 2 bath, gulf view with lazy river pool on beach – www.vrbo.com #145108 – Call owner (205)429-4886 FT. MORGAN GULFSIDE – 2/2, air, cable and quiet – Owners (251)675-2483 or Cell (251)709-38241, leave message. GATLINBURG, TN CHALET – WINTERFEST: 3BR/3BA Baskins Creek, 10 minute walk downtown, Aquarium, National Park – (334)289-0304 GULF SHORES CONDOS – Now taking reservations for Spring and Summer. Rates starting at $75.00, non-smoking – Call Jennifer in Scottsboro at (800)314-9777, www.funcondos.com PIGEON FORGE, TN - SMOKY MOUNTAINS: $89 - 2BR/2BA, hot tub, pool table, fireplace, swimming pool, creek – (251)363-1973, www.mylittlebitofheaven.com KATHY’S ORANGE BEACH CONDO – 2BR/2BA, non-smoking. Best rates beachside! Family friendly – (205)253-4985, www.angelfire.com/planet/kathyscondo GATLINBURG and PIGEON FORGE CABINS – 3BR, hot tub, gameroom, WiFi – www.smokiesrental.com, (205)663-3697 GULF SHORES PLANTATION - Gulf View, Beach Side, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths - Owner rates - (251)661-9547 or Cell (251)680-4798, No Smoker & No Pets SPRING TIME IN THE SMOKIES – near Pigeon Forge in Wears Valley – 3/2, all conveniences – brochure available (251)649-9818 GULF SHORES CONDO – 2BR/1.5BA, sleeps 6, beach access – (251)2820935 FT. MORGAN, BEACHSIDE – 1BR / 1BA, sleeps six - $125.00 day – Leave message (256)287-2789, (205)237-7188 ORANGE BEACH CONDO – FOR RENT AND/OR SALE – 3BR/2BA, beautiful gulf front view, corner unit, attractively decorated, indoor/outdoor pools, exercise room, sauna, tennis courts – Owner rates (734)856-3839 FORT MORGAN BEACH HOUSE – 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, HDTV,WiFi – www. vrbo.com/162682, www.wardvacationrentalproperties.com, (251)363-8576 GULF SHORES – 1 and 2 bedroom gulf front condos – www.vrbo.com #288789 – Call owner (205)429-4886 or (205)363-0175 Cell GATLINBURG TOWNHOUSE VILLAGE on Baskins Creek! 4BR/3BA, short walk downtown attractions! Call (205)333-9585, email hhideaway401@aol. com. Great Rates! GULF SHORES, ORANGE BEACH – Over 200 beachfront rentals. Economy to luxurious accommodations, convenient to golf & shopping w/ free night specials – Free brochure, Sugar Sands Realty (800)824-6462 or www.sugsands.com – book online 24/7 OWNER RENTAL, ORANGE BEACH – 1BR / 1BA, sleeps 2 – 760sf, 5 miles to beach - $95 – (251)981-8787 BEAUTIFUL CABIN WITH HOT TUB near Pigeon Forge and Dollywood, 85 dollars per night – Call (865)428-1497 GULF SHORES PLANTATION – BY OWNER – BEACHFRONT, www.robscondos.com – Wayyyyy below mgmt prices. (773)719-4914 – Rob or email robscondos@hotmail.com FT. WALTON BEACH – 3BR / 2BA house, equipped kitchen, laundry - $990/ wk – (205)525-5878 or (205)566-0892, rlwheelr@yahoo.com CONDO – GULF SHORES: 1BR, sleeps 4, tastefully decorated, walk to beach – Owner (256)350-0256 ORANGE BEACH CONDO – 3BR/2BA, Huge private balcony on Bay, beach

GATLINBURG / PIGEON FORGE CABIN – 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, hot tub, gameroom – www.vrbo.com/175531, www.wardvacationrentalproperties. com, (251)363-8576 NAVARRE BEACH, FL – Family home, 4/2, all amenities - $150/night – (205)823-1626 ORANGE BEACH,AL COTTAGE - $825 week + tax – Located off Cotton Bayou, on protected water with private beach, pool & boat dock. Gulf of Mexico is around the corner! Newly remodeled, sleeps 6-8. Bring your boat! Easy access to the gulf, islands for picnicking, and waterfront restaurants. Located in the middle of everything – beaches, shopping, dining, etc… Small dog pet friendly – www.orangebeachcottage.com, cutebeachcottage@yahoo.com, (251)975-7003 GULF SHORES BEACH COTTAGE – affordable, waterfront, pet friendly – http://www.vrbo.com/152418, (251)223-6114 BEST PRICE AT THE PLANTATION – Gulf Shores Plantation Resort – Unit 1133, great gulf front view, 2BR/2BA, sleeps 6-8, nicely furnished, 6 outdoor and indoor pools, tennis, golf, beach, Wi-Fi – YoungSuncoast.com, (800)826-1213 SMITH LAKE – 6BR, waterfront, launch, dock - $140.00/ night per couple, plus cleaning fee $70.00 – (615)833-2576 ALWAYS THE LOWEST PRICE $65.00 - beautiful furnished mountain cabin near Dollywood, Sevierville, TN - (865)453-7715 PERDIDO KEY, AL – 3BR / 3BA CONDOS – Direct gulf front, only 28 units located on first and fourth floors – Call (251)747-1644 or www.dolphinkey4A@centurytel.net PANAMA CITY BEACH CONDO – Owner rental – 2BR / 2BA, just remodeled inside and outside – (334)790-0000, jamesrny@graceba.net, www. theroneycondo.com DOWNTOWN GULF SHORES TOWNHOUSE – Call owner (251)5930900 – 2BR/1.5BA, gulf view, large pool, great location, family friendly – Leave message (251)847-3293, krcrouch@millry.net ORANGE BEACH, AL – 3BR resort / gulf front condos – Call owner at (256)355-2590 or (256)565-9257 for rates and availability GATLINBURG, TN – Fond memories start here in our chalet – Great vacation area for all seasons – Two queen beds, full kitchen, 1 bath, Jacuzzi, deck with grill – Call today toll free (866)316-3255, www.hillshideaway.com GULF SHORES RENTAL BY OWNER – Great rates – (256)490-4025 or www.gulfshoresrentals.us PENSACOLA BEACH FL., CONDO – Rent directly from owner, 2BR / 2BA, sleeps 6 – Call for rates (850)343-1663 GULF SHORES / FT. MORGAN – STUDIO APARTMENT – sleeps 3 – www. vactionrentalconnection.com, (251)540-7078 ALABAMA RIVER LOTS/MONROE COUNTY,AL – Lease/Rent – (334)469-5604 LOG CABINS IN THE SMOKIES – Pigeon Forge, TN - (251)649-3344 or (251)649-4049, www.hideawayprop.com HELEN GA CABIN FOR RENT – sleeps 2-6, 2.5 baths, fireplace, Jacuzzi, washer/dryer – www.cyberrentals.com/101769 - (251)948-2918, email jmccracken@gulftel.com GULF SHORES PLANTATION – Gulf view, beach side, 2 bedrooms / 2 baths – No smoking, no pets – Owner rates – (205)339-3850 PIGEON FORGE, TN – 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath house for rent $75.00 a night – Call Bonnie at (256)338-1957 GULF SHORES / FT. MORGAN / NOT A CONDO! The original “Beach House” on Ft. Morgan peninsula – 2BR/1BA – pet friendly, non-smoking – $575/wk, (256)418-2131

Alabama Living | MAY 2010 |

Classifieds 7 ( . PRIVATE COTTAGE ON CEDAR LAKE – Russellville, AL. Many amenities. (256)436-0341

ALABAMA RIVER – 1.11 ACRES – 3/2.5, ss appl., granite, woodfloors, 1760sqft, 1000 sqft bottom – Private Estate – (251)752-1939

MENTONE, AL – LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN – billiard table, spacious home, sleeps twelve – www.duskdowningheights.com, (850)661-0678, (205)807-9909

ORANGE BEACH / BACK BAY – purchase 1/6 (deeded interest) – Buyer has condo every 6th week - $25,000 assume payments of $410.00 per month – (205)919-8386

SMOKIES TOWNSEND, TN – 2BR/2BA, secluded log home, fully furnished. Toll free (866)448-6203, (228)832-0713 ORANGE BEACH CONDO, 3BR/3BA; 2,000 SQ.FT.; beautifully decorated; gorgeous waterfront view; boat slips available; great rates - Owner rented (251)604-5226

Real Estate ORANGE BEACH / Beautiful View TOWNHOUSE & 50’ boat slip – 3BR / 3BA, garage, elevator, much more – (228)467-3601 ON ORANGE BEACH – 3 BEDROOM FURNISHED CONDO. Previously sold for $657,500 in 2005 today’s price $425,000. Plus owner will finance at 4.75% interest with 20% down. Monthly note $1,773.60, no mortgage closing costs – (251)666-9090 FARM FOR SALE – 85 acres, pond, barn, fenced – Albertville area – (256)264-5556

LAKE FRONT – LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN - $149,900 – 2 acres, 2/2 – (256)418-2131

Travel CARIBBEAN CRUISES AT THE LOWEST PRICE – (256)974-0500 or (800)726-0954

Musical Notes PLAY GOSPEL SONGS by ear! Add chords. 10 lessons $12.95. “Learn Gospel Music”. Chording, runs, fills - $12.95 Both $24. Davidsons, 6727AR Metcalf, Shawnee Missions, Kansas 66204

SMITH LAKE RV RESORT – Upscale sites for Sale, direct lakefront gated community, maintenance free, year-round living allowed, full hook-ups, boat launch, oversized private RV lots, many more amentities, visit www.smithlakervresort. com, (256)339-9905

PIANOS TUNED, repaired, refinished. Box 171, Coy,AL 36435. 334-337-4503

REDUCED PRICE! FISHERMAN’S PARADISE! – Tennessee River / Langston area – Fully furnished, renovated mobile home with water access, boat ramp and pier – $100,000 – (256)601-6829

BECOME AN ORDAINED MINISTER correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, 7549 West Cactus #104-207 Peoria, Arizona 85381. http://www.ordination.org

68 ACRES, PAVED ROAD FRONTAGE, CREEK – Colbert County, Alabama – (256)767-2000 - $1,750/acre

WWW.2HOMESCHOOL.ORG – Year round enrollment. Everybody homeschools. It is just a matter of what degree. Contact Dr. Cerny (256)653-2593 or website

GULF SHORES AREA – 1,000s of gulf area properties for sale including foreclosures and short sales – www.gulfshoresmls.com, www.gulfcondoforeclosures.com, www.gulfhomeforeclosures.com – Steve Warren, RE/MAX Gulf Shores, Gulf Shores, Alabama PERDIDO KEY “PARADISE” Reduced – 90’ waterfront lot on Intercoastal Waterway - $399,000 – (228)467-3601 FOR SALE – HUNTING & FISHING CAMP: 2 bedroom trailer, carport – Tensaw River, Xtras - $5,000.00 lease lot $600.00 yearly – Call (850)256-0803 SMITH LAKE, LOT #22 – BRUSHY CREEK POINT – 1.1 acres, dockable, deep water – Ready to build, 470ft waterfront – (251)948-2918, jmccracken@gulftel.com 128+ ACRES, FENCED X FENCED – 3 barns, horse stables, cattle working facilities, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, wrap @ porch, 3 car garage, guest house, 2 stocked ponds, 4 miles to Boaz, DeKalb County - $669K, (256)561-4434

HOUSE ON BON SECOUR RIVER – 2BR/2BA, 1122sqft., large sunroom, 1.3 acres – (251)228-2359 - $160,000.00

| MAY 2010 | Alabama Living

Education

FREE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE – write to 23600 Alabama Highway 24, Trinity, AL, 35673

Critters ADORABLE AKC YORKY PUPPIES – excellent blood lines – (334)301-1120, (334)537-4242, bnorman@mon-cre.net FREE – 5 EXOTIC CHICKS or 3 ducks with 100 frypan special @ $31.95 plus shipping. Also Cornish cross, standard breeds, fancy chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys, bantams, guineas, pheasants, quail, supplies, video. Brochure. Cackle Hatchery A, P.O. Box 529, Lebanon MO 65536, www.cacklehatchery.com CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES. Tiny, registered, guaranteed healthy, raised indoors in loving home, vet records and references. (256)796-2893

Marketplace

7 ( .

Alabama Living | MAY 2010 |

Our Sources Say

NUCLEAR POWER American industry needs affordable, reliable energy to compete globally Electric usage has grown rather remarkably over the past two decades. Even with the economic difficulties of the recent Great Recession, electric usage in the South has continued, although at a slower rate than before. For instance, PowerSouth’s distribution members continue to grow at annual rates of about 1.5 percent as compared to 2.5 to 3 percent before the recession. Why is electric growth important to us or to you, for that matter? Electric generation plants have limited capacity or a maximum output. Once a utility’s generation maximum is reached, additional generation must be secured. That additional generation may be built or purchased from another utility if it is available and cost-effective. The problem with building new generation is that it costs more than the generation resources already in place. Pulverized coal generation plants built in the early 1980s cost about $1,500 per kilowatt, compared to pulverized coal generation that costs about twice that amount if constructed now. That means a higher cost of electricity when new generation

Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative

| MAY 2010 | Alabama Living

has to be built. Growth is inevitable. Steven Chu, secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, recently predicted in the Wall Street Journal that electric usage will increase by 77 percent by 2020. So what new generation resources best meet a utility’s growth profile and provides the lowest cost of electricity? If the future electric generation is to be carbon constrained, a revival of nuclear generation looks promising. In support of nuclear generation, Secretary Chu announced that $8 billion in conditional government loan guarantees for new nuclear plants will help provide enough electricity to serve 6 million American homes. Additionally, Secretary Chu announced that President Obama had requested $39 million to help develop small modular reactors (SMRs) generators that are better sized for system growth than the 1,000-megawatt traditional nuclear generators. Secretary Chu also stated: “These efforts are restarting the nuclear power industry in the U.S. But to truly promote nuclear power and other forms of carbonfree electricity, we need longterm incentives. The single most effective step we could take is to put a price on carbon by passing comprehensive energy and climate legislation. Requiring gradual

reduction in carbon emissions will make clean energy profitable and will fuel investment in nuclear power.” What does all that mean? It could mean the Administration has finally acknowledged that we cannot meet future electric growth and reduce carbon emissions without development of new nuclear generation. As a country, we are finally ready to put fears of nuclear power behind us and catch up with France and China on nuclear development. It may also mean the Administration is willing to promote additional nuclear generation if it can tax carbonemitting generation. Whatever the motivation, new generation – including nuclear – will increase your cost of electricity. If the Administration also taxes embedded generation resources, the cost of your electricity will increase even more. Unfortunately, it also means the Administration fails to recognize that the American people want affordable electric power, and American industry needs affordable energy for its products to compete in a global economy and provide the jobs Americans need.d

Alabama Living | MAY 2010 |

A Funny Face

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u George Archibald, submitted b y his wife, Sylv ia, Gulf Shores

July Theme:

p Corey, Debbie & Sandra, submitted by Sandra Maddox, Hanceville

‘Fireworks!’

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u Adam, 8 , Tucker, 7, Trey, 10, submit te by MeeMe d e Lee, Anniston

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May 31

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| MAY 2010 | Alabama Living

e (“my u Ros submitted , pony”) Gaddy, 8, la e S prings by moso S r e lh a V