Alabama Living February 2011 Pea River by American MainStreet Publications

Around Alabama Andalusia February 24-26 24th Annual Andalusia Civitan Rodeo An exciting western weekend awaits cowboys and cowgirls of all ages at the 24th Annual Andalusia Civitan Rodeo. Sanctioned by the Professional Cowboy Association, the Civitan Rodeo features exciting events such as saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing, calf roping, ladies’ breakaway roping and bull riding. With $8,000 added money, this year’s rodeo is sure to draw some of PCA’s best performers. It’s a first for the Andalusia Civitans to have two rodeo events with three shows in one weekend. Gates open at 6 p.m. and events begin at 7 p.m. with the Grand Entry so come early and bring the kids to participate in children’s activities. The concession stand will be open all Monroeville – February 5 10th Annual Genealogy Workshop Old Courthouse Museum Registration and introductions at 8:30 a.m., programs end at 3:30 p.m. Box lunch served at the Old Masonic Lodge in Perdue Hill Registration fee: $30, includes box lunch Contact: Monroe County Heritage Museum at 251-575-7433 Weogufka – February 5 Tracy K Houston with tribute to Loretta Lynn Dinner and Show Weogufka Center Contact: Office at 334-578-1364 Dothan – February 10 & March 10 Rib Ticklin’ Comedy Contest RJ Saxons in Downtown Dothan, 7p.m.-9p.m. Advanced registration preferred and limited to maximum 10 contestants each month. Admission: Free for non-participants Contact for registration and rules: 334-699-1475 or www.TriStateBBQ.com Hanover - February 12 Coosa County Cattlemen’s Barn, Highway 231 in Hanover, 7.5 miles north of Highway 22 intersection in Rockford Noon-3 p.m. Admission: Free Contact: 334-782-3515 or CoosaCoHorseCouncil@yahoo.com Union Springs – February 17-19 Country Songs Red Door Theatre Southern comedic play about a beauty shop, country music and being jilted by an ex-husband. Each performance preceded by a seated dinner at 6 p.m., play at 7:30. Admission: reservations required Contact: 334-738-8687 or conecuhpeople@knology.net

evening with grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, and many other tasty treats. Ticket prices for children and senior adults age 60 and older will be $6 at the door. Children under five are admitted free and adult tickets are $12 at the gate. All seats are first come first serve with no reserved seating. For more information, call Jan White at 334-222-2907 or e-mail jwhite@andycable.com or Bert Champion at 334313-5613 or e-mail bchampion@covington.coop

Elba – February 17 Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone Elba High School, 7 p.m. Admission: Charged Contact: Coffee County Arts Alliance at 334-406-ARTS(2787) or www.CoffeeCountyArtsAlliance.com

Chatom – February 25 18th Annual Art Auction and Dinner Chatom Community Center Viewing of auction items begins at 5 p.m.; dinner served at 6 p.m. Proceeds to help support Washington County Public Library’s various programs Admission: $30 tickets may be purchased at the Library

Decatur – February 19 River City Charity Chili Cook-off presented by Toray Ingalls Harbor, 701 Market Street NW 10a.m.-3 p.m. Entry fee is $250 per team with 4 individuals per team. Admission: $5 person, children 8 and under free Proceeds benefit the United Methodist Residential Alternatives group homes for adults with developmental disabilities. To register contact: 256-227-2953 or www.umra-inc.org

Pell City – February 26 2nd Annual Tablescapes Fundraiser Luncheon First United Methodist Church, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tickets: $25 each Proceeds benefit Lakeside Hospice and The Love Pantry Contact: Lakeside Hospice at 205-884-1111 Franklin – March 10-12 Alabama River Festival to Celebrate 1800s Frontier Times Alabama River Museum at the Claiborne Lock and Dam Thursday & Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $5 per person Contact: Wanda Green, Monroe County Heritage Museum at 251-575-7433 or mchm@frontiernet.net

Gulf Shores – February 19 34th Annual Gulf Shores Woman’s Club Tour of Homes Tour 5 beautiful Gulf Shores area homes from 9:30a.m.-4 p.m. All proceeds donated to local scholarships, libraries, woman’s shelters and schools. Information and tickets contact: 251-968-4481 Enterprise – February 22 An Evening with Kathy Troccoli First Baptist Church of Enterprise For tickets contact: Michele at 334-393-5683

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Fairhope – February 22 The Baldwin Pops Band Classical Concert Fairhope Civic Center, 7 p.m.

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Andalusia – February 24-26 Andalusia Civitan Rodeo Covington Center Arena Contact: Bert Champion at 334-313-5613

Fo r m o re i n f o r m a t i o n o n t h e s e a n d o t h e r ev e n t s c o m i n g u p a ro u n d A l a b a m a , v i s i t w w w. a l a b a m a l i v i n g . c o o p a n d c l i c k o n t h e A ro u n d A l a b a m a b u t t o n . 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

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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. Follow Alabama Living on facebook

Alabama Living | FEBRUARY 2011 |

1/19/11 10:39 AM

to pass legislation addressing carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, Congress essentially left the decisionmaking up to EPA.

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By failing

A flurry of government regulations are set to drive up your electric bill

Red Tape By Perry Stambaugh

he cost of electricity hinges on several things: among them availability, prices for power plant fuels and materials and the amount of power consumers demand. Now volatile federal rulemaking has hit power producers. Perhaps the most pressing challenge facing electric utilities involves U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as pollutants under the federal Clean Air Act. On Jan. 2, EPA began restricting the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by fossil fuel-burning power plants and other stationary industrial sources. This action will significantly impact electricity production. Fossil fuels like coal and natural gas fuel 70 percent of America’s electricity generation. Since electric co-ops are more dependent on coal than investor-owned utilities and municipal electric systems, the end result will be higher electric bills. “Clearly, EPA is wielding the Clean Air Act as a bludgeon, pressing it into service because the outgoing Congress was unable to agree on how to curb greenhouse gases emissions blamed for contributing to climate

change,” says Glenn English, CEO of the National Rural Electric Association (NRECA). By failing to pass legislation addressing carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, Congress essentially left the decision-making up to EPA. But the Clean Air Act was never intended to regulate carbon dioxide – it was enacted to fight smog and acid rain with proven technologies. No viable, commercially tested solution exists to remove carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. “Co-ops expect EPA’s rulemaking will eventually have the practical effect – absent breakthrough technology – of eliminating coal as a power plant option,” adds English. “On top of this, the cost of switching from coal, which has traditionally been plentiful and affordable, to other fuels will be high.” Only two alternate baseload generation sources can meet America’s demand for safe, reliable, and affordable electricity: natural gas, which is priced on a volatile commodities market (and has carbon dioxide emissions to contend with), and nuclear power, requiring a long lead time for construction.

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| FEBRUARY 2011 | www.alabamaliving.coop

“Electric co-ops are urging Congress and the White House to approve a two-year moratorium on EPA regulation of carbon dioxide greenhouse gases – a delay giving lawmakers the opportunity to fashion climate change legislation that protects consumers and keeps electric bills affordable,” English says. Even if Congress grants a reprieve on greenhouse gas regulations, red tape from other EPA and various government rulemaking efforts – the Clean Air Transport Rule, cooling water intake requirements, and a decision on treating coal ash as hazardous waste, for starters – will trigger higher electric bills.

Cooling Water Intake Requirements

utility industry produces about 130 million tons of CCBs (roughly 8 percent from power supply cooperatives). “In previous analysis, EPA determined CCBs do not warrant regulation as hazardous waste under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; oversight was generally in place at the state level to ensure adequate management,” Johnson says. “Nothing about CCBs has changed since then. Electric co-ops contend coal ash is appropriately regulated and oppose efforts to have it branded as hazardous waste.” Carrying the hazardous label in any form (EPA could classify CCBs as “special wastes,” making them subject to all permitting, handling and disposal requirements that apply to toxic items) will severely hamper beneficial uses of CCBs, Johnson warns. “No matter how you slice it, CCBs will be considered unsafe.” Currently, one-third of fly ash (used as a cement replacement) and more than one-fourth of scrubber sludge (converted into synthetic gypsum for wallboard manufacturing) are recycled. For every ton of cement replaced by fly ash, a ton of greenhouse gas emissions is avoided. More than 10,000 co-op consumers sent letters to the EPA in 2010 voicing their concern and asking EPA not to brand coal ash as hazardous. EPA had not reached a final decision as of press time.

Power plants use water from lakes or rivers to cool generating equipment. The federal Clean Water Act Section 316(b) sets standards for cooling water intake structures, requiring plant operators to use “best available technology” to protect the environment. EPA began reviewing the standards in 2010, launching a costbenefit analysis of imposing stricter regulations. The rule is expected to be unveiled this month. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the nation’s bulk power grid watchdog, estimates this EPA rule will have the greatest potential impact on

Clean Air Transport Rule Released in 2010, EPA’s Clean Air Transport Rule aims to cap emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from power plants across 31 eastern states and the District of Columbia. The regulation enables “downwind” areas whose air quality is compromised by power plants to their west to meet federal standards. By 2014, EPA claims the Transport Rule, when combined with other state and federal measures, will reduce power plant sulfur dioxide emissions by 71 percent and nitrogen oxides emissions by 52 percent from 2005 levels – at a cost to utilities of $2.8 billion per year. The Transport Rule requires 180 coal-fired power plants to install new pollution-control technology, activate existing pollution controls, or shut down. A second-round version under consideration could impose even tighter standards. “We’re expecting a number of existing power plants to simply be retired,” notes Kirk Johnson, NRECA vice president of energy & environmental policy. “The cost to comply with the regulation will simply be too much.”

We’re expecting a number of existing power plants to simply be retired. The cost to comply with the regulation will simply be too much. —Kirk Johnson, NRECA

American energy reserves. If strictly enforced, NERC contends one-third of U.S. electricity capacity may need to be retired.

Coal Ash Debate

Parting Thoughts

To ensure the safe disposal of fly ash and other residues produced by coal-fired power plants, EPA is considering designating the materials – for the first time – as hazardous waste. Classifying these “coal combustion byproducts” (CCBs) as hazardous could cost billions and force increases in electricity rates. Each year, the U.S. electric

“Rest assured, Alabama’s electric co-ops are working together to keep your electric bills affordable,” says Fred Braswell, president and CEO of the Alabama Rural Electric Association. “We’re controlling costs through innovation, and no matter what government mandates come our way, we’ll continue to put our co-op members first.”d

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Alabama Living | FEBRUARY 2011 |

The music that springs from Alabama roots is rich and varied Exhibit of Hank Williams at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame

Year of Music 12

| FEBRUARY 2011 | www.alabamaliving.coop

By John Brightman Brock

.B. Smith, a 20-something soldier fighting in In Mobile, there developed an Alabama brass band Tennessee’s Battle of Shiloh in 1862, couldn›t tradition that distinguishes Mardi Gras. “It illustrates the believe what had just happened. French tradition of Mobile that mingles with the African Hellish cannon blasts roared overhead, blowing apart and local traditions to create a kind of unique style,” Confederate and Union armies. In two days, more Bridges says. than 23,000 men had been killed, wounded or listed Among Alabama’s world-renown greats, there›s the as missing – a number that could form an infantry line likes of Nat King Cole, Emmylou Harris, Percy Sledge, six miles long. Grappling with his own mortality and The Lovin Brothers, the Temptations, the Commodores, despair, Smith turned to God in song for meaning: Blind Boys of Alabama, Wilson Pickett, and many others. I pray to God the Savior, if consistent with Thy will, to Personally for Bridges, it’s hard to get past the save the souls of all who fell on bloody Shiloh Hill. sounds of county music icon Hank Williams, who died Smith’s grief-stricken lament today remains a common in 1953 at the age of 29. Williams, who is buried in man’s message still sung by Bobby Horton of the Montgomery’s Oakwood Cemetery, was all about the Birmingham band Three On A String. Music has always common man. Architreats, an ADAH monthly public been an outlet for the common man, says Horton, who program, has scheduled Williams’ daughter, Jett Williams, has been playing music since he was a to speak Feb. 17 on “My Father, Hank child, and is now known for his anteWilliams” (see purple box below). bellum songs and period costumes. “Hank Williams received the Pulitzer “(The soldier at Shiloh) could sing Special Citation Award this past year about his situation,” says Horton. “And at Columbia University, and I got he did. When you go to the music of to receive it on his behalf,” says Jett these people, you get to know them Williams. “That humbled me. It was a personally. You wonder what motivated long and rocky road from his red clay these people to do what they did. He ’bama roots to the rotunda at Columbia was just doing his duty unselfishly.” University, but he sure deserved it for Music has always been used to his lyrical genius. inspire troops or provide consolation “He was the Shakespeare of the and comfort in times of hardship, says common man,” she continues. “He sang Ed Bridges, director of the Alabama every song as if his life depended on Department of Archives and History it – maybe it did. And as one recent (ADAH) in Montgomery. Bridges called reviewer said: Horton, who provided music for Ken “…He brought emotion, an everyman Hank Williams in Montgomery Burns’ documentary series on the Civil sensibility, lyrics that were direct, War, “a wonderful musicologist.” spare, and heartfelt, and a psychic turbulence to songs Alabama’s musical voices historically have risen from of the heart ... he completely inhabited a song.” various geographical locales to frame melodies. An «When I talk about Hank Williams, I like to focus ADAH geology exhibit will soon drive home this historic on the man,” Jett says. “We all know him through his fact: Alabama has more geological regions than any talent. But until recently, we have known so very little other state east of the Mississippi. about the man. That›s what I hope to do when I have “It is one of the most diverse states in the United the honor of addressing the Alabama Department of States,” Bridges says. “Our music is the same way. Archives and History – do a little sharin’.” Because of this culture that has come together, the range Jett was responsible for the recent release of of music is just incredible.” And the range is indeed recordings of Hank’s 1951 radio shows sponsored by broad. Mother’s Best Flour. “There are the African gospel quartets who comprise “Since he is the host and since they were live shows, a whole incredible tradition of gospel music that I got to know the man who was the father I never got developed in Alabama, in part, because there was a to meet,” Jett says. “He laughs, he kids, he cuts up, he teacher in Tuskegee who taught misfires, he straightens it out, he harmony,” according sings songs he loves to Bridges. but never

Jett Williams will speak about her father, Hank, Feb. 17 at Architreats, which is presented the third Thursday of each month, 12:05 p.m., at the Alabama Department of Archives and History auditorium. Call 334-353-4726 for more information.

Alabama Living | FEBRUARY 2011 |

Bobby Horton, above. Right, wall of Alabama musicians at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame recorded – in short, he is human and so very much alive According to Nutt, the first collection processed at that moment in time.” was audio recordings of musical performances at the Last December the Oxford American magazine Alabama Folklife Festival, held from 1989-1992, and announced its listing of the “Top 15 Contemporary Alabama Sampler Stage at the City Stages Festival in Alabama Acts” in its 12th annual southern music issue, Birmingham from 1992-2002. which focused on Alabama music. Among them are “While a few of the performers on these venues were many rising stars. full time professional artists and musicians, many were The “top 15” can be found online at www. talented, amateur Alabamian music makers who had oxfordamerican.org. They are: Dexateens of Tuscaloosa; never commercially recorded,” he says. Andre Williams of Birmingham; “The Whited Old Time String Shelby Lynne of Frankville; Thomas Band, the Four Eagle Gospel Singers Function of Huntsville; The Secret and the Harmony Ridge Bluegrass Sisters of Muscle Shoals; The Green Band were just a few Alabama artists Seed of Birmingham; Pine Hill whose performances were captured Haints of Florence; Man or Astroon high quality digital tape,” Nutt Man? of Auburn; Billy Bang of says. “Many of these artists are no Mobile; Dylan LeBlanc of Muscle longer with us, and the Alabama Shoals; Dan Sartain of Birmingham; Sampler Stage folded up in 2002. Azure Ray of Birmingham; Yelawolf City Stages ended its run last year.” of Gadsden; Will Kimbrough So far several hundred complete of Mobile; and The Pierces of performances have been captured at Hank plays at a car dealership opening Birmingham. the Archive of Alabama Folk Culture. Bridges’ continuing efforts “Hopefully by the summer to preserve Alabama music coincide with the 2011 of 2011, many of these blues, bluegrass and gospel the Year of Alabama Music campaign by the Alabama performances will be available for listening on the Tourism Department, which will highlight venues, Alabama Department of Archives and History website,” museums and music festivals statewide. Nutt says.d “The goal is really to help us stand back and reflect on the great richness of our musical heritage in Alabama,” National magazine features Alabama music Bridges says. “It is a source of both pride and pleasure. The Oxford American magazine’s 12th annual southern For those of us who haven’t listened to Hank Williams music edition – with 176 in the past three, four, five or 20 years, it’s amazing how pages and a CD with 26 songs alive that music is.” featuring music from Alabama – The state archives has undertaken the monumental is available for $10.95 at most task of converting Alabama music to digital format. bookstores and newsstands Archives staffer Kevin Nutt works under the Alabama nationwide, or it can be Folklife Association and the Alabama State Council on purchased directly at www. the Arts as he converts hundreds of field recordings oxfordamerican.org. “sitting around in various places.” Some of the artists featured The Archive of Alabama Folk Culture, housed at the on this year’s OA Alabama archives, was founded in 2007 with grants from the CD are well known, like Dinah Alabama Folklife Association and the state Council on Washington (covering a song the Arts with a mission of processing and archiving from another Alabama hero, Hank Williams) and folk icon 25-plus years of field work completed by Alabama Odetta (covering a song from Bob Dylan), but the vast folklorists. Alabama has amassed an unarchived majority of the artists – like soul siren Mary Gresham and collection of documentary material on bluegrass, blues teen garage rockers The K-Pers, among many others – will and string band music, as well as congregational hymn likely be new to listeners.d singing and storytelling.

| FEBRUARY 2011 | www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living | FEBRUARY 2011 |

Hall of Music Start celebrating the ‘Year of Music’ by visiting the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia By David Haynes

each year. Names like Hank Williams Sr., Percy Sledge, ’d passed by the unassuming rectangular blue and Tammy Wynette and the Speer Family greet visitors. white building many times on various trips along Marketing and Education Director Dixie Connell U.S. Highway 72 through Tuscumbia. And with explained that the Walk of Fame is one of three ways 2011 being celebrated as the “Year of Alabama Music,” the AMHOF honors Alabama’s top musicians, composers I thought it was about time I stopped to see what was and recording industry personalities. Another honor inside. is that of having memorabilia and information on an Just like the adage that says, “You can’t judge a book artist’s accomplishments exhibited in the museum. by its cover,” I was unprepared for the sights and The third and most sounds offered by the prestigious of honors is Alabama Music Hall of Fame. to be inducted into the The 12,500-squareAlabama Music Hall of foot facility celebrates Fame. The first room in Alabama’s rich musical the museum features heritage in a multitude three brilliant red walls of genres ranging from containing a gallery homegrown highbrow of portraits of all the classical composers and inductees to date from musicians to country, rockfloor to ceiling, each one painted by Tuskegee artist and-roll, blues and gospel Ronald McDowell. artists. The entire museum is Walking through the Exhibit dedicated to Nat King Cole one eye-popping color doors that are shaped to and visual effect after another, with enough authentic resemble vinyl records – a tribute to the world famous memorabilia and documenting details to entice a music recording studios in nearby Muscle Shoals – the first of enthusiast to linger for hours to soak it all in. many visual treats lay beneath my feet in the lobby. As I entered the next room, life-size white sculptures The “Walk of Fame” features a permanent bronze star of Alabama musicians Hank Williams Jr., Lionel Richie for each prominent Alabama musical achiever and to date numbers about 60 stars, with more being added and the group Alabama seemed to be halfway through

| FEBRUARY 2011 | www.alabamaliving.coop

the walls, all of which was bathed in a glow of warm red neon light for quite the dramatic effect. From there I wandered past exhibits featuring sculptures of Nat King Cole at his piano, Hank Williams Sr. with his guitar and Alabama native Sam Phillips’ recording equipment at Sun Records, who first recorded Elvis Presley and is known as the “Founder of Rock and Roll.” I walked into another room through a two-storyhigh jukebox trimmed in neon lights and later passed through the 7-foot-diameter sound hole of an enormous acoustic guitar. Other displays include microphones and other recording equipment used by some of the world’s most popular artists to record their chart-topping hits in the musical worlds of country, pop, rock and gospel. As I rounded another corner, there was Happy Hal Burns’ convertible, complete with six guns on the hood, and a real tour bus for the group Alabama with more displays inside it. Nearby was the television set for the Country Boy Eddie show, which for decades was the early morning coffee time wakeup show for most folks

The group Alabama Signatures of Alabama musicians

in Birmingham. The Alabama Music Hall of Fame opened 20 years ago following a statewide vote authorizing its construction. Future plans include a 2,500-seat audio and video recording auditorium, a setting for concerts, seminars, workshops and theatrical productions. The next phase will be a research library on southern music with emphasis on the state of Alabama. The museum also has an active educational outreach program with Tuscumbia the goal of introducing every school child in Alabama to their state’s musical heritage. It also hosts an annual concert series and a semiannual induction banquet and awards show. To learn more about the AMHOF and its varied activities, and to check for upcoming events or hours of operations, see its website at http:// alamhof.org, or call 1-800-239-2643.d

The Alabama group’s touring bus

Alabama musicians

“Eye-popping” displays

Alabama Living | FEBRUARY 2011 |

Agriculture’s New Day Auburn University’s new dean of agriculture focuses on increasing food production while sustaining the environment

By Katie Jackson

ood security, renewable energy and environmental sustainability are issues that affect everyone. They also are issues that relate directly to agriculture, and they are definitely issues that Bill Batchelor, the new dean of Auburn University’s college of agriculture, has in his sights. A native of Marietta, Ga., Batchelor came from Mississippi State University to Alabama in July as dean of Auburn’s agricultural college and director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station. He arrives at a time when agriculture faces many challenges, but Batchelor is excited about the opportunities those challenges provide for Alabama agriculture. Batchelor’s professional career began at the University of Georgia where he earned bachelor’s and

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| FEBRUARY 2010 | Alabama Living | FEBRUARY 2011 | www.alabamaliving.coop

master’s degrees in agricultural engineering before going on to the University of Florida for a Ph.D., also in agricultural engineering. After finishing his doctorate in 1993, Batchelor went to Virginia Tech as a post-doctoral fellow, then was hired as an assistant professor at Iowa State University where he stayed for 12 years. In 2005, he accepted a job at Mississippi State University where he developed a Sustainable Energy Research Center, which he also directed along with MSU’s Energy Institute. Though he had no plans to leave Starkville, when the dean/director position came open at Auburn, Batchelor saw it as an exciting opportunity. Continued on Page 37

Alabama Living | FEBRUARY 2011 |

The Sweet Taste of History

Main Street Alabama shows how events can revitalize downtowns By Atticus Rominger

f you look past the SUVs and tune out the cell phone noise, if you focus solely on the white-walled tires and mirror-finished chrome of cars and trucks from a half-century past, you can almost imagine the shops and offices behind them in downtown Athens are the same as they were when our grandmas and grandpas were kids. Each spring car enthusiasts bring their finest antique specimens to town for Cars on the Square (www.carsonthesquare.com), an antique car show and street festival in this north Alabama town. And each year with the cars comes something perhaps more valuable: a crowd that views old-town Athens with a new perspective. “You have a lot of people who may not be there to spend (money) on that day, but they’ll definitely come back,” says Trisha Black, executive director of Spirit of Athens. The non-profit agency is one of more than a dozen across the state working to drive economic development in historic commercial districts. In fact this kind of event-based

| FEBRUARY 2011 | www.alabamaliving.coop

Downtown festivals like the Noble Street Festival in Anniston, above and the two lower left photos, and Cars on the Square in Athens, two photos top left, are helping to introduce more people to historic downtown areas of a statewide program in Alabama. With a start-up promotion is one of the key tenets of a Main Street board and a volunteer staff, Main Street Alabama is program, which follow guidelines set by the national providing training and other support for programs in Main Street model, an initiative of the National Trust more than a dozen communities. for Historic Preservation. The program’s four-point “Main Street is not a quick, one-time fix-up, or a approach includes organization, design, economic top-down, outsider-generated solution,” says Charles restructuring and promotion. The National Trust holds that promotions Ball, director of the Regional Planning Commission communicate a commercial district’s of Greater Birmingham and acting unique characteristics, businesses chair of Main Street Alabama. “It is a The program and activities to shoppers, investors, community-based, incremental, longpotential business and property helps create jobs, term approach that is sustainable, comprehensive and focused. It isn’t owners and visitors. increase local tax easy, it isn’t fast, and it isn’t cheap. But Through special events and other efforts, says Black, visitors to Athens rolls and generate it works. “It creates jobs, increases local tax are taking notice of the small town community pride. rolls and generates private investment charm. and community pride.” “When people walk in there, they In some ways Alabama is playing catch-up in this say ‘Oh, I remember this toy or this store from when game of hyper-local economic development, where I was a child.’ They’re definitely becoming destination Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Mississippi have spots. We have markers on our buildings that tell had continuous Main Street programs that have been about their histories. You walk into a business and they’re very friendly. They want to know who you are, able to claim great success. In 2009, the Mississippi where you’re coming from.” Continued on Page 37 In 2010, the National Trust helped organize a rebirth

Alabama Living | FEBRUARY 2011 |

Feral Hogs These Alabama pests are becoming a serious threat to crops and woodland By Alan White

eral hogs are becoming a more serious threat to Alabama’s woodlands and farm crops each year. These oncedomestic pigs, released years ago, are breeding fast and populating areas surprisingly close to towns and cities. They destroy crops and cause erosion by rooting up the topsoil. A herd of feral swine will even kill trees and entire orchards by disturbing the root system. The Department of Conservation has made it much easier now to obtain a crop-damage permit to destroy these pests by trapping or hunting, even at night. You can apply for a permit by contacting the department’s division of wildlife and freshwater fisheries at 334-2423469. Caution: All animals killed under a crop damage permit must be disposed of with the supervision of a wildlife officer. By the way, “feral” generally describes an animal that is in most

Alan White is publisher of Great Days Outdoors magazine. To learn more, www.greatdaysoutdoors.com or call 800-597-6828.

aspects wild, but what was at one time domesticated. The average life expectancy under good condition in a feral hog population is about four to five years; however, they may live up to eight years. A feral hog can reproduce two times a year. They can begin mating, on average, at only 6 months old. Each litter usually contains four to 14 piglets. Due to these high reproductive rates, omnivorous diets and a lack of natural predators, Alabama is faced with a monumental task – getting rid of feral hogs. Control techniques include hunting (with or without dogs), and trapping. It is recommended by wildlife biologists to employ a combination of tactics for the best chance of accomplishing the goal. Feral hog control is time-consuming and often expensive. You can learn more about controlling Alabama’s feral hogs by downloading a copy of “Managing Feral Pigs - a Technical Guide” at www.berrymaninstitute.org. You can apply for a permit to eliminate feral swine on your property by contacting the Alabama Department of Conservation at 334-242-3469.

Wildlife Management Tips for February:

Why not scout now to find new locations for next deer season? With the hunting season now over, deer have seen a lot of hunting pressure over the past few months, so they will usually stay in those areas where they feel safe. If you can find where they are now, you’ll know where they’ll be next season. Check the soil at your food plots for pH and lime, and add fertilizer if needed.Your local farmer’s cooperative office can help you with the soil test. Taking care of this now will give you plenty of time to enhance the soil before the fall planting season arrives. Plan now for planting food plots this summer. Planting them in strategic areas will improve the health of deer herds at a time when fawns are growing as well as developing antlers. Another bonus: Summer food plots will help feral turkeys, quail and other wildlife. Early spring is also a great time to place mineral blocks for deer.

| FEBRUARY 2011 | www.alabamaliving.coop

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

Feb. 16 11:16 05:46 04:31 11:31 17 11:46 06:16 - 05:31 18 06:46 12:01 12:31 06:16 19 07:01 12:46 07:16 01:16 20 07:31 01:16 08:16 01:46 21 02:01 08:01 09:16 02:46 22 02:31 08:16 10:46 03:31 23 02:46 08:46 - 04:46 24 01:31 09:16 - 06:16 25 - 10:01 - 07:46 26 09:16 04:31 12:16 09:01 27 10:01 04:46 02:01 09:46 28 10:31 05:16 03:16 10:31 Mar. 1 10:46 05:31 04:01 11:01 2 11:16 05:46 04:46 11:31 3 11:46 06:01 05:31 11:46 4 - 06:16 12:01 06:01 5 06:31 12:16 06:31 12:31 6 06:46 12:46 07:16 01:01 7 01:01 07:01 07:46 01:31 8 01:16 07:16 08:31 02:01 9 01:46 07:31 09:31 02:46 10 02:01 07:46 11:16 03:31 11 02:01 08:16 - 04:46 12 - 08:46 - 06:16 13 10:16 04:01 - 07:46 14 09:01 04:01 01:16 08:46 15 09:46 04:16 02:46 09:46 16 10:16 04:31 03:46 10:31 17 10:46 05:01 04:46 11:01 18 05:31 11:31 05:31 11:46 19 - 05:46 06:31 12:01 20 12:31 06:16 07:16 12:46 21 01:01 06:46 08:16 01:31 22 01:31 07:01 09:16 02:16 23 02:01 07:31 10:46 03:01 24 02:46 08:01 - 04:01 25 01:01 08:16 - 05:31 26 08:46 03:01 - 07:01 27 09:16 03:31 12:16 08:16 28 09:31 04:01 02:16 09:16 29 10:01 04:16 03:16 10:01 30 10:31 04:31 04:16 10:31 31 04:46 10:46 04:46 11:01

Alabama Living | FEBRUARY 2011 |

Alabama Gardens

COLD FRAMES

Here’s a way you can have cool-season vegetables throughtout winter months By Katie Jackson For several years now my sister has successfully grown lettuces and other cool-season veggies in containers on her front porch. Because the plants are relatively protected from hard frosts, she has been able to supply bowls of fresh salads for our winter family gatherings, but the source of her fabulous greens is almost always cruelly interrupted by a bout of severely cold weather that the porch simply cannot protect against. This year that’s all changed because she received a most wonderful gift back in December – her very own cold frame built by her husband from surplus cedar boards and Plexiglass. For those who don’t already know, cold frames are boxes with solid sides (usually wooden) and a transparent top (either glass or plastic) that lets sunlight in while keeping heat from escaping. They are typically built low to the ground, and are positioned so that the clear lid faces south to capture as much winter sun as possible. These miniature greenhouses can be used to grow cold-hardy plants throughout the winter and also to start or harden-off seedlings for use later in the spring or summer. Cold frames are relatively easy

| FEBRUARY 2011 | www.alabamaliving.coop

to build (I think even my brotherin-law would attest to that, though that does not diminish the fact that he spent hours perfecting his design and construction) from scrap lumber (make sure it is untreated!) and a clear top that can be made of acrylic glass (Plexiglass) or even an old window frame with the glass panes still intact. Kits are also available to build fancier versions, and you can buy them ready-made, but think of the fun you could have putting one together for yourself or maybe even your gardening Valentine this month. Just go online and search for the term “cold frames” to find plans and ideas or contact the local Alabama Cooperative Extension System office and ask if they have plans or a Master Gardener who could help. And remember that Valentine’s Day is not the only cause to celebrate this month. This is also the month that Alabama observes Arbor Day, because February is one of the best months to plant trees here.d

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

Garden tips for

FEBRUARY

3 Divide and move perennials, unless they are beginning to show signs of new growth. 3 Plant roses, deciduous trees and shrubs and hardy perennials. 3 Prune summer flowering shrubs now but wait to prune the spring bloomers until after they flower. 3 Order seeds for the spring garden. Check seeds saved from last year to make sure they are still viable. 3 Plant cabbage, onions, lettuce, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. 3 Start warm-season vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers and summer bedding plants, in cold frames or indoor settings now. 3 Shop for mid-winter clearance bargains at greenhouses or garden centers.d

Tail gati ng rites Favo Sun day Nig ht S nack s Late Tim e Part y ck Potl u gs t E ndin Swee

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A beautiful pictorial history of Alabama’s churches ranging from small rural churches to towering urban cathedrals. Two Great Exclusives only from Alabama Living Southern Occasions Cookbook Churches of Alabama Coffee Table Book

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Alabama Living | FEBRUARY 2011 |

Alabama Recipes Cook of the Month

Cream Cheese

Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes Patricia Spanedda, Covington EC Filling: 8 ounces cream cheese 1 egg 1⁄3 cup sugar

Batter: 1-1/2 cups flour 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup cocoa 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 tsp salt

⁄8 teaspoon salt 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

What makes cream cheese different from other cheeses? It’s fresh, not aged. Cream cheese is a great addition to savory dishes as well as sweet recipes. One of my favorite snacks is a Ritz cracker spread with cream cheese with a dollop of pepper jelly on top. Yum. Whether it is in dips, frostings, cakes, crescent rolls, on bagels or crackers, I hope you enjoy the recipes in this issue featuring cream cheese.

1 cup water

⁄3 cup oil

1 tablespoon vinegar 1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine cream cheese, eggs, 1⁄3 cup sugar and salt. Beat well. Stir in chips; set aside. Sift flour, 1 cup sugar, baking cocoa, soda and 1⁄2 teaspoon salt in large bowl. Add water, oil, vinegar and vanilla. Beat until combined, 2 minutes. Fill lined muffin cups 1⁄3 full. Top each one with 1 tablespoon cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with sugar and chopped nuts if desired. Bake at 350 degrees 15-18 minutes.

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

Ugly Cake

8 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 sticks butter ¾ cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons brown sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla ¾ cup milk chocolate chips ¾ cup chopped pecans

Combine cream cheese, butter, both sugars, vanilla and chocolate chips. Chill until firm. Roll into a ball and roll in pecans. Serve with graham crackers. Glenda Zimmerman, Cullman EC

You could win $50! If your recipe is chosen as the cook-of-the-month recipe, we’ll send you a check for $50! April May June

Upcoming recipe themes and deadlines are: Puddings February 15 Asian Treasures March 15 Under 5 Ingredients April 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.

| FEBRUARY 2011 | www.alabamaliving.coop

1 Duncan Hines butter cake mix 3 eggs 2 ⁄3 cup water

1 stick margarine, melted 1 cup confectioner’s sugar 8 ounces cream cheese 2 eggs

Beat together first 4 ingredients until creamy. Pour into a greased and floured 9x13-inch pan. Combine confectioner’s sugar, cream cheese and 2 eggs. Beat and pour over batter in pan. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes. Delicious with canned peaches or fruit of your choice. Glenda Zimmerman, Cullman EC

Hot Corn Dip

1 15-ounce can white corn, drained 1 15-ounce can yellow corn, drained 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green peppers, drained

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened and diced ½ teaspoon chili powder ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients in baking dish. Bake 30 minutes. Serve with corn chips. Mrs. Harold Batchelor, Covington EC

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.

Strawberry Congealed Salad 2½ cups pretzels, broken in pieces 1½ sticks margarine 8 ounces Cool Whip 1 cup sugar 8 ounces cream cheese

6 ounces strawberry Jello 2 cups boiling water 10 ounces frozen strawberries

Mix pretzels and margarine. Pour into large baking dish. Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Stir twice while baking. Set aside to cool. Mix Cool Whip, sugar and cream cheese. Spread on top of the pretzel mixture when cool. Dissolve Jello in boiling water. Add frozen strawberries. Put in refrigerator until mixture begins to congeal then pour over cream cheese mixture. Let stand in refrigerator. Josie Page, Clarke-Washington EMC

Stuffed Potatoes All-American Quiche

1 8-ounce package cream 1 cup finely chopped cheese, cubed ham 1 cup milk ½ teaspoon Mrs. Dash, ¼ cup onion, chopped Original Flavor 1 tablespoon margarine 1 10-inch unbaked pastry 4 eggs, beaten shell Heat oven to 350 degrees. Heat cream cheese and milk over low heat; stir until smooth. Sauté onion in margarine. Gradually add slightly cooled cream cheese sauce to eggs. Add onion, ham and seasoning; mix well. Pour into pastry shell. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until set. Serves 8. Cathie Donaldson, Covington EC

Cream Cheese and Bacon Crescent Rolls

1 8-ounce tub Philadelphia Chive and Onion Cream Cheese Spread

3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 2 8-ounce cans refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

4-6 medium potatoes, baked 11/2 sticks butter 1 medium onion, chopped 1 small bell pepper, chopped

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened 16 ounces sour cream 2 cups grated cheddar cheese, reserve 1/2 cup 1 jar real bacon bits or pieces Salt, to taste

Bake potatoes and allow to cool. Sauté onion and bell pepper in butter. After onion is cooked translucent, add bacon bits or pieces. Sauté 3 minutes longer. Remove from heat. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out inside of potato and place in mixing bowl. Place empty potato jackets in 13x9-inch glass baking dish. Add sautéed ingredients and butter to potatoes. Mash and stir well. Salt, to taste. Add softened cream cheese, sour cream and grated cheese. Holding out 1⁄ cup. Stir until well mixed. Scoop mixture back into potato jackets. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of stuffed potatoes. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until cheese is melted. 2

Jody Hankins McDaniel,Tombigbee EC

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix cream cheese spread and bacon until well blended. Separate each can of dough into 8 triangles. Cut each triangle lengthwise in half. Spread on each dough triangle with 1 generous teaspoon cream cheese mixture. Roll up, starting at the shortest side of triangle, place point-sides down on baking sheet. Bake 1215 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. Cook’s note: for a sweet version, prepare using Philadelphia Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread and substitute 3 tablespoons chopped walnuts for the bacon. Beth Ellis, Sand Mountain EC

Alabama Living | FEBRUARY 2011 |

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Jenni’s Chicken Crescent Squares

1½ cups butter, softened 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened 3 cups sugar 6 large eggs

3 cups all-purpose flour

⁄8 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until yellow disappears. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended. Stir in vanilla. Spoon batter into a greased and floured 10-inch bundt or tube pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack 15 minutes; remove from pan and cool completely on wire rack. Heather Letson, Joe Wheeler EMC

1 3-ounce package cream cheese, softened 3 tablespoons margarine, melted 11/2 cups cooked chicken, cubed 2 tablespoons milk 1/4 teaspoon salt Dash of black pepper

1 teaspoon dill weed 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes, if desired 1 tablespoon chopped pimento 1 8-ounce can refrigerated crescent rolls

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of the melted margarine until smooth. Add next 7 ingredients and mix well. Separate crescent dough into 4 rectangles. If using perforated, firmly press perforations together to seal. Spoon 1/4 of meat mixture into center of each square. Pull the 4 corners of dough to the top center of chicken mixture. Twist slightly and seal edges. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Brush tops with remaining margarine. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Makes 4 servings. Ann K. Covington, Cherokee EC

Easy Cream Cheese Brownies

1 package fat-free fudge brownie mix 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt

3 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine brownie mix and 2⁄3 cup of the yogurt. Pour into nonstick 8x8-inch pan. Blend remaining yogurt, cream cheese and vanilla extract in small bowl. Drop teaspoonfuls of this mixture onto brownie dough. Use knife to marble mixture through brownies. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Cool before cutting. Robin O’Sullivan,Wiregrass EC

Cream Cheese Pecan Pie

1 9-inch deep dish pie shell 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 egg 1⁄3 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla

1¼ cups pecans, chopped 3 eggs 1 cup light corn syrup ¼ cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla ¼ teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together cream cheese, egg, sugar and vanilla. Beat until fluffy. Spread in pie shell. Sprinkle pecans over top. Beat eggs (not fluffy). Add corn syrup, sugar, vanilla and salt. Mix well. Pour over pecans. Bake for 40 minutes or until nuts are light brown. Phyllis Brown, Southern Pine EC

| FEBRUARY 2011 | www.alabamaliving.coop

Want to see the Cook of the Month recipe before the magazine gets to your door? Become a fan of Alabama Living on facebook.

Chicken Cream Cheese Yummy

6 ounces cream cheese, softened 2½ cups cooked chicken ¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper 1 green onion, chopped 1 can crescent rolls

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cream cheese, chicken, salt, pepper and onion. Separate dough into 4 rectangles. Press perforation together to seal. Spoon ¼ mixture onto one-half of each rectangle. Fold other side of dough over mixture. With a fork, press edges together to seal. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 20-23 minutes or until golden brown. Jennifer Guilford, Pea River EC

Creamy Cut-the-Fat Banana Pudding

1 8-ounce package fatfree cream cheese 1 14-ounce can fat-free sweetened condensed milk 1 5-ounce package instant sugar-free vanilla pudding mix 3 cups cold skim milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 8-ounce container frozen light whipped topping, thawed 4 bananas, sliced 1/2 12-ounce package reduced-fat vanilla wafers

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in condensed milk, pudding mix, cold milk and vanilla until smooth. Fold in 1/2 of the whipped topping. Line the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish with vanilla wafers. Arrange sliced bananas evenly over wafers. Spread with pudding mixture. Top with remaining whipped topping. Allow to chill for at least 3 hours. Slice up a few bright red cherries and place on top for some Valentine Day color! Yield: 12 servings. Chris Lewis, Cullman EC

Cream Cheese Danish

2 8-ounce bars cream cheese, 1 egg, separated room temperature 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 2⁄3 cup sugar 2 cans crescent rolls Beat cream cheese and sugar together. Add egg yolk and vanilla and beat until smooth. Open 1 can of rolls and press to fit in bottom of a greased 9x13-inch pan. Spread cheese mixture over dough. Open second can of rolls and taking half of dough, roll on greased counter with greased rolling pin, to fit half of pan. Place over top. Repeat with second half of rolls, placing over remaining half of pan. Pinch together any open seams. Beat egg white until frothy. Brush over top of dough. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 min. Serve with fruit of your choice. Valerie Miller, Joe Wheeler EMC

Peanut Butter Pie

1 Oreo chocolate crumb pie crust 1 bottle Smucker’s Magic Shell (chocolate fudge flavor) 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter

3 ounces cream cheese, softened ½ cup confectioner’s sugar 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed

Blend together the cream cheese, peanut butter and confectioner’s sugar. Fold in whipped topping. Set aside. Drizzle magic shell in prepared crust, reserving half of the bottle. Pour peanut butter mixture in prepared crust. Drizzle prepared pie with remaining magic shell. Chill at least 1 hour before serving. Cook’s note: Use your food processor to thoroughly combine peanut butter, cream cheese and confectioner’s sugar. Sonji Breeding Dunn, Joe Wheeler EMC 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.

Alabama Living | FEBRUARY 2011 |

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| FEBRUARY 2011 | www.alabamaliving.coop

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Alabama Living | FEBRUARY 2011 |

Marketplace

| FEBRUARY 2011 | www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living | FEBRUARY 2011 |

Our Sources Say

Who pays for government subsidies? You do! I am a huge fan of the Seinfeld Show. I like it because it takes everyday things, blows them out of proportion and makes them humorous – at times hilarious. It may not be a “show about nothing,” but it is a show about the little things of everyday life that most people don’t notice. One of my favorite Seinfeld episodes has Kramer coaching Jerry on how to get money for his stereo by tearing it up, insuring it through the post office, shipping it to himself and making an insurance claim for the loss. When Jerry questions Kramer about who will pay for the stereo, he responds, “…they will write it off.” After a discussion of what “writing it off” means, Jerry accuses Kramer, “… you don’t even know what a write off is, do you!” I can’t help but think of that episode and dialogue whenever I hear the debate about government incentives and subsidies, especially subsidies and incentives for green energy or green power. You hear a lot about green power and how it will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, thereby mitigating global warming, reducing our dependency on foreign oil, creating a new economy based on green jobs, lowering our energy costs and generally improving our standard of living. You also hear a lot about the need to provide government

Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative

incentives to “jump start” the green economy. Just last month, U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) – how did we ever live without acronyms? – urged a substantial increase in the U.S. government’s investment in green energy-related research and development of $16 billion per year so we can maintain pace with China in energy innovation. That investment is in addition to the billions of dollars in government subsidies and incentives the ethanol program, the wind power program, the solar energy program and any other program that claims to be green already gets from the government. Advocates of green energy encourage even more subsidies and incentives for green energy than those proposed by Secretary Chu and PCAST. They argue that without subsidies and incentives, renewable and green power projects cannot develop, thrive or expand. Why would that be? The answer is that almost all renewable or green energy costs more, and for most green energy substantially more than conventional fossil-fired energy. Green energy is simply not cost competitive, and those green energy developers would go bankrupt without government subsidies and incentives. And they will not be competitive until the price of conventional fossil energy approximately doubles from its current levels. Also, government subsidies and incentives allow the government to pick winners and losers. If they like a certain type of technology or

if the developer of a project was a rather large political contributor, a technology or project may be favored. But didn’t government subsidies and incentives help promote nuclear power and combustion turbine technology? They did, but now that the research and development is complete, those technologies are run by the private sector with private investment. But what research is being done on wind and solar? They just need the subsidies and incentives to stay afloat. Finally, who pays for the government subsidies and incentives for renewable or green energy projects? If they are government subsidies, of course the government does. This is where the Seinfeld episode comes into play: Do you know what a government subsidy or incentive is? The government takes your money from taxes – and we all pay taxes, whether income, property or sales taxes – and decides who gets the free government handout of subsidies and incentives. So in the end, the government takes your money and gives it to developers of solar projects, wind farms and ethanol projects, which will increase your cost of electricity. So you pay at least twice. You pay the higher cost of power from green sources and you also pay taxes for the government to subsidize and incentivize those green projects. If you didn’t know that you paid, you are like Kramer, you don’t really know what a government subsidy or incentive is.d

Alabama Living | FEBRUARY 2011 |

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“Auburn (agriculture) was ready to do something and definitely had the potential to be a leader in tackling global challenges – food and fiber production, energy production, sustainable and environmentally sound practices and human health and nutrition,” he says. “Auburn also has a long history of being a strong land-grant university in the Southeast and has a good reputation of serving the needs of the stakeholders in the state,” adds Batchelor. Since arriving at Auburn, Batchelor has been meeting with stakeholders across the state and region and getting the lay of the land. He is now ready to tackle some of the most pressing issues, which he thinks offer great challenges and equally great opportunities. According to Batchelor, agriculture affects every man, woman and child in the state, nation and world, and agriculture has never been more relevant.

Main Street Association reported it generated $661.6 million in private investment through 50+ small town member programs, creating 2,302 new jobs and improving 226 buildings, adding significantly to local tax rolls. Main Street programs place much of the heavy lifting of community development on the shoulders of local merchants and property owners. Of course, it’s a burden these entrepreneurs are willing, even anxious, to shoulder as they strive to see business and property values increase. Trisha Black is impressed by the ingenuity of small town business owners in Athens, pointing to the proprietors of restaurants like Luvicis and Village Pizza, and the historic U.G. White Mercantile, where candy is still sold by the pound and other goods are sold online. “Downtown businesses aren’t just sitting there waiting for customers to come in,” she says. “They’re a mom and pop shop but they’re doing Facebook and Twitter, taking advantage of social media and advertising.” From an ice cream contest dubbed The Crank Off to first ever soap box derby planned for downtown Athens in 2011, community groups, merchants and economic development agents will continue to use events to bring people to their small town. The hope is once visitors have sampled the sweet tastes, smells and smiles of history they’ll be enticed to come back soon and shop.d

“The grand challenge is how do we produce enough food on the current land we have to feed 50 percent more people in the world.” “The world population is sitting at 6.5 billion people today, which is projected to increase to 9 or 9.5 billion over the next 40 years,” he says. That population growth, much of which will be in countries that have rapidly growing economies, such as in parts of Asia, will result in a rapidly increasing global middle class. That translates into more people with more disposable income who will be competing head-to-head for food and energy. “The grand challenge is how do we produce enough food on the current land we have to feed 50 percent more people in the world who have money to spend on diet and energy?” says Batchelor. “How do we develop renewable energy

for this rapidly increasing global population? Petroleum supplies are limited and finite, so the world has to find alternative sources for transportation fuel and electrical generation.” That fast-growing global middle class, he said, will also demand better health care, so another challenge is meeting their health and nutrition needs, such as addressing issues of obesity, nutrition and access to food. “These issues fall squarely on the college of agriculture and the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station (the research arm of Auburn’s agricultural program) to solve,” he says, adding that land-grant agricultural colleges and systems across the nation must focus on increasing food productivity, developing renewable food and doing all that while sustaining the environment. But he believes Auburn is up to the challenge. For many years, federal agricultural policies have designed to keep food and energy prices low, which Batchelor says has allowed America to compete aggressively in the global marketplace and create wealth. In more recent years, however, societal changes have occurred. “Society now demands that farmers protect the environment while growing food and fiber, and they are looking to agriculture to solve their energy needs as well,” he says. “That makes everyone a stakeholder in the college of agriculture.”d

Alabama Living | FEBRUARY 2011 |

Best Friends

t Parker c Sfakianos & Za th bo d, Townsen 4, submitted by nos, Monica Sfakia Bessemer.

u Kyle, Myle & Christian, all 3, submitted by Teresa Hampton, Courtland.

u Sisters Pam Chism & Patty Houston, submitted by Patty, Prattville.

t Sarah Mauldin, A lyssa Raeta & Caleigh C oo 6th grade k, , Meek Sch ool, submitted Sarah of C by rane Hill.

les, t Dianne Batt , UA, es ev Re ie ck Vi AU, ckie Vi by submitted lle vi of Collins

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February 28

q Brody Blackwell, Eli Butts & Owen Blackwell, Submitted by Norma Nance, Rainsville.