Alabama Living Central April 2012

Nuclear Power: Why it Matters to You APRIL 2012

Central Alabama

Electric

COOPERATIVE

Buckets of Savings Use your Co-op Connections Card for a Beach Getaway and more!

Couples Conference Applications Now Being Accepted for Orange Beach Conference www.caec.coop

2  APRIL 2012

www.alabamaliving.coop

VOL. 65 NO. 3 APRIL 2012

LIVING

ON THE COVER: ON COVER: FindTHE great deals

XXXXXX with the Co-op Connections Card.

FAVORITES

Central Alabama Electric Cooperative P.O. Box 681570 Prattville, AL 36067 www.caec.coop Advertising and Editorial Offices: 340 TechnaCenter Dr. Montgomery, AL 36117-6031 1-800-410-2737 E-mail: jclayton@areapower.coop National Advertising Representative: National Country Market 611 South Congress Ave., Ste. 504 504Austin, TX 78704 Austin, TX 78704 1-800-626-1181 www.nationalcountrymarket.com Alabama Rural Electric Association: Fred Braswell, AREA President Darryl Gates, Editor Melissa Henninger, Managing Editor Mark Stephenson, Creative Director Michael Cornelison, Art Director Mary Tyler Spivey, Recipe Editor Jay Clayton, Director, Marketing & Advertising Alabama Living is delivered to some 420,000 Alabama families and businesses which are members of 22 not-for-profit, consumer owned, locally directed and taxpaying electric cooperatives. Member subscriptions are $3 per year; nonmembers are $6. Alabama Living (USPS 029-920) is published monthly by AREA. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Ala. and Ala., andat atadditional additionalmailing mailingoffice office.

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

Montgomery, AL 36124-4014.

USPS 029-920 ISSN 1047-0311

9 Spotlight 10 Power Pack FEATURES

6

16 Motorcycle Diaries

Nuclear Power

Why candidates are talking about it and why it matters to you.

22 Worth the Drive 23 Fish&Game Activity

12

18

Unsinkable

A Birmingham author has published a book about her relatives’ trials aboard the RMS Titanic, which sank 100 years ago this month.

24 Alabama Gardens 26 Cook of the Month 27 Apple Recipes

Artsy Eggs

A Brundidge woman creates works of art from eggs.

12 38 Alabama Snapshots

Printed in America from American materials

Alabama Living

APRIL 2012  3

Board of Trustees Chase Riddle Chairman, Prattville

Jimmie Harrison, Jr. Vice Chairman, Maplesville

Ruby J. Neeley Secretary/Treasurer, Jemison

C. Milton Johnson Statesville

Mark Presnell, Sr. Wetumpka

Patsy M. Holmes Wetumpka

Terry Mitchell Stewartville

David A. Kelley, Sr. Rockford

Van Smith Billingsley

Charles Byrd Deatsville

Contact Us Toll Free: 1-800-545-5735 Outage Hotline: 1-800-619-5460 www.caec.coop Prattville Office: 1802 U.S. Hwy. 31 North Mailing: P.O. Box 681570, Prattville, AL 36068 Clanton Office: 1601 7th St. North Rockford Office: U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka Office: 637 Coosa River Pkwy.

Like us on Facebook 4 APRIL 2012

Guest Column

Preparing for Safety

I

t’s hard to believe that we are quickly approaching the one-year anniversary of two of our state’s most tragic events—the tornado outbreaks of April 15, which produced 45 tornadoes, and April 27 with more than 62 confirmed twisters.

Both of these days brought heartbreak and destruction to thousands of Alabamians in every corner of the state, with areas still working through the re- Darren Maddox is CAEC’s Training and covery process.

It’s important that we learn valuable lessons from Safety Coordinator. these experiences. As the Training and Safety Coordinator for Central Alabama Electric Cooperative (CAEC), I’ve seen firsthand that preparation is the best way to stay safe if danger were to occur—whether you’re driving your kids to school or at your home before a storm hits, being prepared can make a huge difference.

During severe weather, knowledge is power—that’s why having a battery-powered weather radio programmed for your area can be a lifesaver—many times people either do not hear a weather siren or there simply isn’t one in the area. It is also essential to follow weather reports closely and keep track of a storm’s progress— if you live in a manufactured home, make plans to go to a safe place to ride out a storm. Every second matters in a tornado or severe thunderstorm and the more time you have to get to your safe area, the more likely you will survive if one strikes your immediate area.

We’ve all heard the saying “communication is key” and we even saw that after the April 27 outbreak in particular. Many Alabamians found it difficult to communicate with loved ones—phone lines were down, cell phone towers were overloaded and electricity was unavailable in many areas. Now is the time to develop a communications plan with your family—designate a point of contact and a gathering area where everyone can regroup if a disaster occurs. This step can help keep family members from putting themselves in danger by entering hazardous areas looking for loved ones.

It is also important to have a plan in case of an extended power outage. While our linemen and employees work diligently to restore power as soon as possible, at times, a storm’s destruction can hinder this process. If you have a friend, neighbor or loved one who relies on electrical-powered life assistance, having a place to take them in the event of an outage should be a part of any disaster plan.

As we enter our state’s peak time for tornadic activity, take the time to plan now. Visit our website (www.caec.coop) for more information to help you prepare before the next storm hits. A

Couples Conference in Orange Beach--Apply Now!

T

here are many benefits of being a CAEC member, and one of them involves the cooperative principle regarding education, training and information for members. One way we help accomplish this goal is by sponsoring two member-couples to attend the annual Alabama Cooperative Couples Conference held in Orange Beach July 23-25.

The Couples Conference serves as a forum for members to network with others from across the state and gain a unique perspective on how cooperatives affect their everyday lives.

“It was a fun, educational way to learn about all coops, not just electric cooperatives,” said 2011 attendee Jeremy Amerson. “We met some wonderful people,

who my wife and I still stay in contact with, and you couldn’t ask for a better location.”

To be eligible, you must be a member of CAEC (past attendees are not eligible) and age 40 or under. For more information about the Alabama Cooperative Couples Conference, or to apply, call 1-800-545-5735, ext. 2213 or visit www.caec.coop. A

Applications are due

by June 22

Statement of Non-Discrimination

C

entral Alabama Electric Cooperative is the recipient of Federal financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and is subject to the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture which provides that no person in the United States on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or disability shall be excluded from participation in, admission or access to, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any of this organization’s programs or activities.

The person responsible for coordinating this

organization’s nondiscrimination compliance efforts is the President/Chief Executive Officer, Thomas M. Stackhouse. Any individual, or specific class of individuals, who feels that this organization has subjected them to discrimination may obtain further information about the statutes and regulations listed above from and/ or file a written complaint with this organization; or USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC, 20250-9410; or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). Complaints must be filed within 180 days after the alleged discrimination. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible. A

APRIL 2012 5

On the Hill

Nuclear Power in the 21st Century

W

e’re in the middle of a “green” revolution in America, with towering wind turbines and bright solar arrays dominating headlines and political debates concerning the future of electric generation. No doubt, those technologies are an important part of our country’s energy mix, but despite media hype, they won’t totally replace conventional sources for producing electricity, such as coal, natural gas and nuclear power, any time soon.

To meet growing demand for electricity, the electric industry will continue to mix generation resources, finding the best way to balance environmental concerns while ensuring the delivery of affordable and reliable power. A vital segment of this energy-mix is nuclear power. Nuclear isn’t new to many Americans—pioneered and engineered by America, nuclear power began in the 1950s and currently provides 20 percent of the energy used in the U.S. today. But why is it becoming a topic increasingly discussed as part of our future energy needs by candidates?

One of the reasons is the need for more baseload power generation in our country.

As our nation’s energy needs increase and new and proposed legislation and energy standards make it harder and possibly more costly to use our generation workhorse—coal—power providers and political leaders must look for other means to meet this increased power demand while keeping costs reasonable.

Not only is nuclear power considered clean energy because it does not emit carbon dioxide or “green house” gases into the air, it is also reliable and affordable.

According to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), from 1995

6 APRIL 2012

through 2010, nuclear costs have stayed very constant at 2.14 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh), which includes operation, maintenance and fuel costs. Coal has remained low, but is approximately 50 percent higher at 3.06 cents/kWh and while natural gas is low at the moment, it is considered a much more volatile source and has been as high as 16 cents/kWh. Despite these benefits, nuclear does face construction-cost challenges, especially for cooperatives. Financing can be difficult, for example, the two unit 2,200 mega-watt (MW) Vogtle plant in Georgia is estimated to cost approximately $13 billion. Not many co-ops, or any utilities for that matter, are capable of affording costs of this magnitude, leading them to be owners of shares of these large units. Also a factor is the change in construction costs due to the lengthy permitting process, which can last seven to 10 years or more, allowing prices to rise during that time frame. Streamlining the permitting and construction process is an undertaking some candidates are looking toward to make nuclear energy more obtainable and affordable.

Another concern is public acceptance.

But improved advancements in technology, safety and security have made nuclear power a safe option to consider. In fact, during a September 2011 poll prepared for the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), 62 percent of the public favored nuclear power with 80 percent of those living near a nuclear plant (employees and family excluded) favoring nuclear power. The next generation of nuclear plant construction will differ from today’s operating plants, with standardized designs and innovative safety features.

Even though a new nuclear plant has not been built in the United States in more than 30 years, it is predicted by the Electric Power Research Institute, a non-profit organization, that 64,000 MW of new nuclear power generation (or the equivalent of 32 two-unit plants) will be needed nationwide by 2030 to help lower CO2 emissions to 1990 levels—as proposed in current legislation—in order to produce the power the country needs at an affordable price.

With federal climate change legislation likely boosting the price for every kilowatt generated by fuels that emit carbon dioxide–notably coal and natural gas–nuclear power must remain part of today’s energy discussion and become a fundamental component of our nation’s future energy plans. A

CAEC Taxes Provide for the Areas We Serve

I

t’s tax season, and even though CAEC is a notfor-profit organization, we pay taxes each year— taxes that help the communities we serve.

In 2011, the cooperative contributed to local, state and federal governments by paying nearly $9.3 million in taxes.

Of the $9.3 million, approximately $782,000 was paid in ad valorem taxes. Revenue from ad valorem taxes goes to school districts, volunteer fire departments and other vital services for our communities.

In addition, CAEC paid $604,000 in city business licenses and another $51,500 in state and county sales tax for the year. The sales tax is paid when CAEC buys goods and equipment.

Alabama Living

Payroll taxes, totaling more than $2.6 million paid in 2011, included employer-funded state unemployment compensation as well as Social Security and Medicare taxes funded by both the employee and CAEC. The co-op also paid approximately $1.9 million in gross receipt taxes, the taxes on the revenue of the cooperative, and approximately $3.2 million in utility taxes which serves as a sales tax on electricity sold. A

APRIL 2012 7

Powerful Safety

Safety with Large Appliances

C

an you imagine having to go out to the ice-house to get something to cook for dinner? Or spending hours scrubbing clothes on a washboard? Modern conveniences surely make life much easier today than it was 40 or 50 years ago, with large appliances such as refrigerators and washers taking the pain out of our daily tasks.

We often use these appliances without a second thought, which means we can sometimes forget to keep safety in mind. One of the most common dangers posed by large appliances is the risk of fire, accounting for 9,600 fires annually. Follow the safety and maintenance rules below to keep your appliances running at peak efficiency while keeping you and your family safe.

Clothes Washers: • •

• •

Avoid overloading a washing machine.

Make sure your washing machine is properly grounded with a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet (GFCI) - contact a qualified electrician to have one installed.

Make sure the right plug and outlet are used together—washers should have a three prong, GFCI electrical plug.

Never use a washer that is sitting in water.

Clothes Dryers:

• • • •

• •

Do not operate a dryer without a lint filter, and always clean the lint filter before or after each use.

Rigid or flexible metal venting materials should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.

Make sure the air exhaust pipe isn’t restricted and that the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating.

Clean lint out of the vent pipe once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry. You can also have a dryer lint removal service perform the work for you.

Do not leave a dryer running if you leave home or when you go to bed.

Never dry items that have come in contact with flammable substances, such as cooking oil, gasoline, paint thinner or alcohol.

Oven/Ranges: • • • •

Keep burners, the stove top and oven clean and free of grease and other flammable debris.

Never leave flammable items, such as hot pads or towels, near burners.

Don’t leave food that is cooking unattended.

Always turn pot handles inward to avoid the possibility of knocking a pot off the stove.

Refrigerators:

• •

Vacuum refrigerator coils every three months to eliminate dirt buildup that reduces efficiency and creates fire hazards.

Allow air circulation behind the refrigerator.

And remember, even a slight shock from any appliance can indicate an extremely hazardous wiring condition. Turn the power to the appliance off at the circuit breaker and do not touch the appliance until it has been checked by a licensed, electrician. A

8 APRIL 2012

www.caec.coop

Spot Light

In April April 26-29

Red Door Theatre presents new comedy

The Passing of Pearl, a new Southern comedy, will be presented at the Red Door Theatre in Union Springs. Set in a Memphis diner, it tells the story of a cook and her waitress friend trying to go on after the death of Pearl, the diner’s owner. Each performance is preceded by a seated dinner. Dates are April 26-29.

Dinner is at 6 p.m. (reservations required); play is at 7:30 p.m.

Contact 334-738-8687 or visit www.reddoortheatre.org to learn more about the event.

April 14

happening In May

Ozark hosts Crawdad may 5 Art at the Barn and Music Festival The 6th Annual Ozark Crawdad & Music Festival will be scheduled for May Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Ozark. Entertainment includes Todd Allen Herendeen, The Swingin’ Harpoons Blues Band, The Fabulous Shades, Herrick and more. There will also be food vendors, arts and crafts, as well as the Ozark Crawdad 5K Run-Walk-Crawl.

For more information on the event, call 334-774-2618.

April 21 and 22

Cullman announces arts and crafts fair

Cullman’s 28th Annual Bloomin’ Festival Arts and Crafts Fair will be April 21 and 22 at St. Bernard Prep School in Cullman.

For more information, visit www.bloominfestival.com.

BBQ Festival to be featured on TV show

The most popular show to portray the world of competition barbecue, BBQ Pitmasters, is coming to the 7th annual Tri-State BBQ Festival to film an upcoming episode. Season three of BBQ Pitmasters is scheduled to begin airing Memorial Day weekend, so filming during the April 13 and 14 event in Dothan was perfect timing.

The Tri-State BBQ Festival is held at the Houston County Farm Center, and features some of the biggest names in professional competition barbecue, vying for over $10,000 in prize money.

Alabama Living

Art At The Barn will be on Saturday, May 5 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m on Sweet Seasons Farm in Valley Head. There will be 75-100 regional artists as well as entertainment throughout the day, including a sheep/border collie demonstration. Food will be abundant with sales from pastries going to a help a local young man in his battle with cancer. Admission is free. For more information visit sweetseasonsfarm.com or call 256-635-6791.

For more Alabama Events, visit page 29.

Event Coordinator Kerry Farrell couldn’t be happier with the news. “I’ve been a big fan of the show BBQ Pitmasters since the first season. The show really portrayed what professional barbecue was all about, and it’s helped legitimize the sport of competition barbecue.”

Filming for the show will take place all weekend on an open set. This means the public is able to come out and watch the filming of the show, as well as enjoy the other sights, sounds and smells of the Tri-State BBQ Festival.

Tickets for the event are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Children 6 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased online at www.TriStateBBQ.com or locally at the Convention and Visitors Bureau. For questions, call 334-699-1475.

APRIL 2012 9

Power Pack

New ‘100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die’ brochure released The Alabama Tourism Department recently released a new version of its food brochure as part of The Year of Alabama Food campaign. The brochure, 100 Dishes to eat in Alabama Before You Die, lists more than 30 new dishes.

The brochure highlights dishes at award-winning restaurants, historic diners, famous BBQ joints, farmto-table, fresh Gulf seafood and home cooking. Some of the new listings include A young woman displays a savory pie at the Pie Lab in T-Bird sandwich at Rosie’s Greensboro.

Grill in Daphne, pecan chicken salad at Claunch Café in Tuscumbia and braised Meyer Ranch beef short ribs at the Cotton Row in Huntsville.

Four Alabama chefs and restaurants that are semi-finalists in this year’s James Beard Foundation Awards, the Oscars of the culinary world, have dishes listed in the brochure. They include Frank Stitt’s Highland’s baked grits at Highlands Bar & Grill in Birmingham, James Lewis and his Neopolitan pizzas at Bettola in Birmingham, Chef Chris Hastings and his Tomato Salad at Hot & Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, Nick Pihakis and his cheese biscuits at Jim N’ Nicks and Chef Wesley True and his sweetbread with braised vegetables at True in Mobile. A few other dishes that continue to be listed in the brochure include the Muffaletta at Panini Pete’s in Fairhope, peach pie at Peach Park in Clanton, orange-pineapple ice cream at Trowbridge’s in Florence, BBQ chicken & white sauce at Big Bob Gibson’s in Decatur, Cheeseburger in Paradise at Lulu’s in Gulf Shores, Eggs Cathedral at Spot of Tea in Mobile, BBQ Ribs at Dreamland in Tuscaloosa and the BLT Supreme at Radley’s Fountain Grille in Monroeville.

The brochure can be downloaded from the website, www. yearofalabamafood.com or visitors can pick up a copy at any of the state’s eight Welcome Centers.

For more information about the Year of Alabama Food visit www.yearofalabamafood.com. Also like Year of Alabama Food on Facebook and follow @AlabamaFood on Twitter.

10 APRIL 2012

Boiled crawfish.

Baked grits at Highlands Bar and Grill in Birmingham.

All photos courtesy of Alabama Bureau of Tourism

Did you know?

On May 1, 1961, Harper Lee of Monroeville won the Pulitzer Prize for To Kill A Mockingbird, her first (and only) novel. The tale, set in 1930s Alabama, became an international bestseller and was made into a major Hollywood motion picture starring Gregory Peck.

Alabama Department of Archives and History

www.alabamaliving.coop

Cooperatives are global enterprise Electric co-ops join a global celebration of member-owned businesses during the International Year of Cooperatives 2012

By Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC

The International Year of Cooperatives 2012 theme, “Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World,” embodies the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s International Programs, a division of NRECA that celebrates its golden anniversary this year. Since its creation in November 1962, NRECA International Programs has assisted with electrification endeavors that have resulted in increased agricultural output, millions of new jobs, as well as an enhanced quality of life for more than 100 million people in 40-plus nations.

NRECA International Programs projects are currently under way in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Despite progress, much work remains.

“More than 2 billion people worldwide still lack electricity and millions more must depend on unreliable and unsafe power,” emphasizes Ingrid Hunsicker, manager of international program development for the NRECA International Foundation, a charitable organization that has partnered with more than 300 electric cooperatives in the United States to bring power and economic development to rural villages overseas.

“In many countries, a dismaying array of financial problems, such as a lack of investment capital and little understanding of even the most basic accounting procedures, throw up barriers.”

Because circumstances vary so widely, NRECA International

Alabama Living

Cooperatives around the world

The cooperative sector boasts nearly 1 billion members in more than 90 countries.

• The proportion of cooperative membership to population varies, but can be as high as 50 percent in Finland and Singapore, 33 percent in Canada, New Zealand, Honduras, and Norway, and one in four in America, Malaysia, and Germany • Forty-five percent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product can be attributed to cooperatives • Cooperatives account for 80 percent to 99 percent of milk production in Norway, New Zealand, and the United States • Co-ops account for 71 percent of fishery production in Korea, 40 percent of agriculture in Brazil; 25 percent of savings in Bolivia; 24 percent of the health sector in Colombia; and 55 percent of the retail market in Singapore.

• Financial cooperatives serve an estimated 857 million people -13 percent of the world’s population • Approximately 49,000 credit unions serve 177 million members in 96 countries, under the umbrella of the World Council of Credit Unions • Financial cooperatives are the largest providers of microfinance services to the poor, reaching 78 million clients living below the poverty line of $2 per day • Cooperatives generate 100 million jobs globally Source: International Cooperative Alliance

Programs has adopted the slogan, “Electrifying the world, one village at a time.” Outreach relies on the time-tested electric cooperative approach—giving individuals, many for the first time, practical experience in democratic decision-making and entrepreneurship so they can launch locally driven services.

In many cases, volunteer electric co-op lineworkers from the United States head to distant lands for a few weeks to teach their peers safe construction practices. Then NRECA staff instructs local residents on how to maintain simple power grids and run their own utilities.

APRIL 2012 11

Author Julie Hedgepeth Williams of Birmingham

Unsinkable One family’s story of survival aboard the RMS Titanic, which sunk in the north Atlantic 100 years ago this month

By John Brightman Brock

W

hile boarding, Sylvia asked a baggage handler, “Is this ship really non-sinkable?” He gave the notoriously inaccurate reply, “Yes, lady – God himself could not sink this ship.”

– ­ Excerpted from the book “A Rare Titanic Family: The Caldwells’ Story of Survival.”

12 APRIL 2012

Homeward-bound missionaries Albert and Sylvia Caldwell stared back in disbelief at the RMS Titanic as they shivered in a lifeboat rowing away from the ship. Looking up at the long, high decks just after midnight on April 15, 1912, the couple could see that no one really believed the ship was sinking in the Atlantic after hitting an iceberg. www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

APRIL 2012  13

“It was like a throng of people milling about calmly on the deck,” says Julie Hedgepeth Williams, of Birmingham. Williams, a Samford University journalism professor, recently released a book, “A Rare Titanic Family: The Caldwells’ Story of Survival,” which rehashes the sea disaster as told by Albert, her great-uncle. Williams also is the author of “Wings of Opportunity: The Wright Brothers in Montgomery, Alabama.”

“There was no water rushing in, and the floor was flat below your feet,” an aging Albert told Williams 60 years after the incident.

Not many aboard wanted to brave that dark night to leave the world’s largest and supposedly safest vessel. Albert didn’t believe it either... until they had rowed far out and looked back. With the clamor of oars slicing into the water, each splash jolted Albert and Sylvia from their dreams of a calm voyage on the much-hyped ship that should have brought them safely home.

Williams’ book, published by NewSouth Books, coincides with the April 2012 centennial of the renowned and much-documented sinking.

The book relives the sea salvation of Albert, 26, and his sickly wife, 28 at the time, who, with her 10-month-old son Alden, was “sick of the heat” of Siam. Their journey home, financed begrudgingly by the Presbyterian mission board, took them from Siam (present-day Thailand) to Europe, where they boarded the Titanic, and, finally, clinging to life on Lifeboat 13.

One irony after another

In less than three hours after an 11:40 p.m. collision with an iceberg, Titanic’s lights were no longer visible, which was documented by another ship, the SS Californian. The Californian was one of several ships that earlier had attempted to warn Titanic of icebergs The telegraphed warnings had stopped because the Titanic’s operator was too busy telegraphing personal messages for the wealthy onboard. Later, the Californian was unable to respond in time to prevent two-thirds of Titanic’s 2,224 occupants from drowning or dying of hypothermia in the 28-degree water.

The rescue ship that actually brought the Caldwells to New York harbor on April 18 was the ship they earlier rejected in favor of the Titanic, the Carpathia. Sylvia had favored the larger, smoother riding Titanic because she was prone to seasickness. Their story could just as easily have gone to the bottom had they stayed on board with the nearly 1,500 others who died in the freezing water despite wearing lifejackets.

In “A Rare Titanic Family,” Williams recalls her great-uncle’s stories when she was still a girl in pigtails. The little bit of gold left in their stateroom, he’d jest, could all be hers if the ship were resurrected.

Williams pulls back the curtain into the lives of Albert and Sylvia, who had convinced the mission board to pay the nearly $3,000 for their trip due to her claim of ill health. Albert’s story included many anecdotes, such as when after boarding the ship, they took a tour and went to the engine room. Williams recalls that Albert posed for a picture with a stoker, pretending he was “shoveling coal to the fire to keep it going.” One of those same stokers told them after the ship had struck the iceberg: “If you value your life, get off this ship.” But then added, “If the ship is still here in the morning, you can get back on.”

Albert and Sylvia soon faced the shock of moving to Lifeboat 13 as it dangled high above the freezing Atlantic, abruptly being jerked down the ship’s ropes gummed up with paint from Titanic’s send-off from Belfast. “It went bow down, then bow up, nearly throwing people out,” Williams said in an interview about her book. “It passed by the outflow of a pump, and everyone got wet. Meanwhile, the pump water (or the effort to keep away from it) put (lifeboat) 13 directly under (lifeboat) 15, 14 APRIL 2012

www.alabamaliving.coop

which was coming down on top of them, and threatened to dash both boatloads into the water.”

“But 13 couldn’t release from the side of the Titanic - the release mechanism was also gummed up with paint. Finally, when the occupants of 13 were able to beat on the bottom of 15, 15 was stopped, and two crewmen cut the ropes on 13 to set it free.” It splashed to the sea.

“Oddly enough, if you count rate of loss, the highest death rate was in second-class men,” Williams says. “My great-uncle was in second class.”

‘Women and children first’

Detail of Titanic Engineer Memorial, Southampton, England. Dedicated to the engineer officers of the Titanic, all of whom were killed when the ship sank.

One reason for Titanic’s infamy is due to the many wealthy men who went down with the ship after a captain’s directive of “women and children first.” The poor onboard also were the victims of society’s protocol.

Among the notable deaths were: John Jacob Astor, Benjamin Guggenheim, Isidor Strauss (founder of Macy’s department store), Washington Roebling Jr. (builder of the Brooklyn Bridge) and Henry B. Harris (Broadway theater magnate).

“The ship’s first officer found that women were reluctant to get on the lifeboats without their husbands,” Williams says. “So he took women without husbands, then women with husbands, then men without women.” Then the ship’s second officer was told “women and children first,” and no men were allowed until all women were loaded. This officer was assigned to the millionaires’ side of the ship.

Maritime law at that time did not require lifeboats for all, but only for a certain percentage of passengers and crew. The Titanic carried 20 – more than required, but still not enough for all on board.

Albert was still speaking about the ironies of the Titanic years later, even after he and Sylvia divorced. He had always wanted to go back to the mission field, but she did not. Even in his late 80s, and then at 90 and living in Richmond, Va., Albert would speak about the couple’s survival.

“When I first heard about the Titanic it scared me,” Williams recalls.

“Mother said I had a relative on that ship. I was 12, so I got to hear the Titanic story a lot then, and I would beg him to tell it.” “(Albert) came and spoke to anyone we knew,” Williams says. “He always had a smile on his face. He bragged that he never charged a penny for speaking and thought of it as public service.” Albert reveled in the fact that he was among the 700 rescued.

“It was very dramatic and exciting,” Williams says. “The last time I spoke with him, in 1976, I asked him about the people in the water” who no doubt he and Silvia, and their child, could hear. Albert answered, but this time without his smile: “You just have to forget about the screams... or you go crazy.” A

“A Rare Titanic Family: The Caldwells’ Story of Survival” is available through your favorite local or online retailer, or from NewSouth Books, 334-834-3556, (www.newsouthbooks. com) for $21.95.

Alabama Living

APRIL 2012 15

Row Your Boat The Lake Guntersville Rowing Club appeals to rowers of all ages

By David Haynes

M

otorists driving along the Alabama Highway 69 causeway into Guntersville craned their necks on a recent Saturday morning to watch as two 65-foot-long rowing shells glided gracefully through the choppy waters, each manned by members of the Lake Guntersville Rowing Club.

Rowing Club President (and coach) Randy Anderson, holding an old-school, cone-shaped megaphone in a motor launch followed the sleek and lightweight craft as they navigated around bass boats in the Brown’s Creek section of the lake, south and west of the causeway. It was 7:30 a.m. and the temperature hovered around 40 degrees as the rowers practiced their rowing skills on the chilly waters.

Anderson, who rowed in college at Oregon State and has coached at Loyola Marymont University, among others, explains that the sport of rowing is all about teamwork. The delicate-looking longboats the club members were row-

David Haynes is a freelance

photographer and writer from Blount Springs. Each month he rides his motorcycle to a different Alabama location and tells us about it. Contact him at studioblsp@mindspring.com.

ing this morning had eight-person teams of rowers, plus a coxswain who steers the boat and calls out the cadence for the strokes.

At present the club, which was founded in July 2010, has about 40 members who compete in both the junior (high school age) and masters (over 21) classes. In addition to the large boats, the club also competes in shells for one, or teams of two or four rowers.

“We’ve gotten great support from the city,” Anderson says, noting that the recreation center’s gym is one of the few places in town large enough to stow a 65-foot-long rowing shell. Recently the Guntersville City Council approved plans for a more permanent home for the club, complete with a “shell house.”

Since organizing in 2010, the club has competed in several regional meets in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee and will host the “Lake Guntersville Sprints,” April 14.

Anderson says the competition will be a 2,000-meter sprint and will be held along a levy that parallels Railroad Avenue between U.S. Highway 431 and Alabama Highway 227. The levy offers many excellent and unobstructed viewing positions for spectators, he adds.

The event this year will be one day only, but he hopes it will grow into a larger competition in the future.

The club meets in the Guntersville Recreation Center, near the west end of the Highway 69 causeway. Membership is open to those

Continued on Page 20 16 APRIL 2012

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

APRIL 2012  17

E y s g t gs r A

A Brundidge woman uses the old Ukrainian practice of pysanka to create Easter artwork

By David Haynes

18  APRIL 2012

www.alabamaliving.coop

M

ost everyone is familiar with the process of dying eggs at Easter. It’s a simple process, really: Eggs are boiled, dyes mixed with water from pre-measured packets, a piece of bent wire forms a hoop and eggs are dipped into varying colors. The brightly colored eggs become the treasures sought by children in their Sunday best in Easter egg hunts throughout the country.

Melodie Lauer also dyes eggs every year just before Easter. But she takes the process quite a bit further than her neighbors in the southeast Alabama town of Brundidge.

For the past decade or so during Lent, Melodie has practiced the art of pysanka, which is from a Ukrainian word meaning “to write.” Eggs burst with spectacularly detailed and colorful patterns, designs and iconic symbols, some of which predate Christianity.

Melodie’s eggs will not end up in a youngster’s Easter basket. They are much more likely to be proudly displayed as unique pieces of home décor.

On a recent visit to Brundidge she described the process she uses to create the pysanka eggs. Typically several colors of dyes are used to color the eggs with the lightest color – white – always being the first color that will be the background. The dye color is progressively darker for subsequent dye baths.

Each of the patterns and symbols that adorn the eggs is tediously hand-drawn on the surface of the egg using beeswax funneled through a heated stylus called a kiski. This wax relief process dyes selected parts of the egg according to designs in wax in progressive baths of dyes. In between dye dippings, more wax details are added for the next dye color. Sometimes she’ll use as many as seven colors, but most of her eggs will have four or five.

She uses three kinds of eggs. She explained that when shopping for conventional hen’s eggs she’ll open and pick through each carton to check for flaws in the surface of the eggs within. She also uses larger goose eggs and gigantic ostrich eggs, which she orders from a company in Arizona.

The eggs are not boiled.

In fact, the dyes she uses are not food-safe, so each egg is “blown out” after the dyeing process is complete. This involves boring small holes in each end of the egg and using a bulb syringe to remove the yolk and egg white within after carefully scrambling it with a piece of wire.

If she were to remove the innards before dyeing the egg, she explains, it makes the egg harder to dye because it wants to float when put into the dye bath.

At least, this makes the process go easier with hen’s eggs. The

Alabama Living

larger goose and ostrich eggs are delivered to her with the inside of the egg already removed.

Melodie told me it usually takes her about eight hours to complete a hen’s egg, 15 hours for a goose egg and about 40 hours for an ostrich egg.

After the dyeing and blowing-out process is complete, the bee’s wax is carefully melted away and dabbed off before the color is sealed using a polyurethane finish. Each year she creates between 30 to 50 eggs, no two of which are ever the same. In fact, she notes that even if she tried she couldn’t make two alike. Each of her eggs is signed and dated.

Melodie’s eggs are exclusively available thru the Brundidge Marketplace and prices range from about $25 for a hen’s egg to over $500 for a commissioned ostrich egg. For more information contact the marketplace at 334-536-5300 or visit its website at brundidgemarketplace.com. A

Brundidge

APRIL 2012 19

Continued from Page 16 in Marshall and surrounding counties, Anderson says, adding that all the club’s membership to date has been from inside Marshall County.

The club also hosts “learn to row” classes for new members or others interested in learning more about the sport.

For additional information contact either Anderson at 256-477-0378 or Doc Speir at 256-673-5827, or visit the Lake Guntersville Rowing Club’s website at guntersvillerowing.org. A

Be sure to watch the Lake Guntersville Sprints on April 14

Rowing Terms Sweep: Rowing with one oar on one side of the boat. The length of the oar is about 12 feet long.

Sculling: The opposite of sweep. Sculling is rowing with two oars (an oar on each side of the boat). The length of each oar is about 9 feet long.

Hull: The actual body of the shell. There are different boat or shell sizes, distinguished by the number of rowers in the shell (eight, four, two or one).

Gunwales: The top rail of the shell (pronounced: gunnels).

Bow: End of the boat closest to the direction of travel. Also can be used to refer to oneseat, or in conjunction with either four or pair. Bow-four refers to seats four through one.

Bow-pair refer to seats two and one.

Stern: End of the boat farthest from the direction of travel. Also can be used in conjunction with either four or pair. Stern-four refers to seats eight through five. Stern-pair refer to seats eight and seven.

Port: Side of the boat to the coxswain’s left and to the rower’s right. The oar sticks out to a port-rower’s right.

Starboard: Side of the boat to the coxswain’s right and to the rower’s left.

Skeg: Fixed plastic piece beneath boat for stabilization (keel). The rudder is some time mounted on it or next to it. Also called a fin. The skeg, including the rudder, can break off in shallow water. It can also break off by hitting the dock when putting the boat in the water or taking it out.

Rudder: A little fin on the bottom of the boat that the coxswain uses to steer the boat.

Coxswain or cox: A very important member of the crew. Their primary job is steering, but they also provide feedback during races about location on the course, relative position to other crews, and stroke rate per minute. They serve as an in-the-boat coach during races. They do not say, “Stroke, stroke, stroke.”

20 APRIL 2012

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

APRIL 2012  21

Worth the Drive

Our Place Café Fine dining without the fussy attitude in Elmore County

By Jennifer Kornegay

Wetumpka

Our Place Café 809 Company Street Wetumpka 334-567-8778 Open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner

To help celebrate Alabama’s 2012 “Year of Food,” each month freelance writer Jennifer Kornegay will take you to an out-of-the-way restaurant worth the drive.

Jennifer Kornegay 22 APRIL 2012

“It

really is our place; it’s our personality. The music playing is music we like. The way the place looks is the feel we like, and the food we create and serve is the food we like to eat.”

As he summed up the essence of the restaurant he owns with his wife, Mona, the chef of Our Place Café in Wetumpka, David Funderburk, talked with his hands, using sweeping motions to draw attention to the sounds floating from overhead, the décor and the waitresses ferrying plates of food to waiting diners. It may be their place, but with just one visit, you’ll feel like it’s yours, too.

Open heavy wooden doors and step inside the dining room to find a cozy hamlet glowing with flickering candles atop the tables and tiny white Christmas lights twinkling on bare-branch wreaths. Exposed brick walls, rough wood beams and a second-story-high ceiling covered in old tin panels add rustic to other words that spring to mind, like homey, warm and yes, even elegant.

The environment sets the perfect tone for the food, which is also casually elegant and equally pleasing. Offering selections like Shrimp Thermodore, Eggplant Delacroix and Shrimp Diane, Our Place is fine dining without the fussy attitude. Indeed, there’s no room for any pretension when Dave’s affable laugh fills the room.

This head honcho doesn’t put on any airs.

He greets and seats guests and takes drink orders in addition to running the kitchen and then later, helping clean it.

As for what comes out of that kitchen, David’s favorite is “everything.”

“I don’t put anything on the menu I don’t love,” he says. But his eyes shine just a bit brighter when he describes the Eggplant Delacroix, two fried eggplant medallions served over angel hair pasta with a cream sauce and topped with sautéed crab and shrimp. “It’s something special,” he says. “A great blend of pasta and seafood.”

The Alabama Department of Tourism and Travel was wowed by Our Place’s crab cakes: The golden-crusted, moist rounds full

of sweet lump crabmeat fresh from the Gulf Coast earned a coveted spot on its “100 Alabama Dishes to Eat Before You Die” list.

Daily specials are driven by whatever fish Gulf fishermen are catching that week, and while seafood is Our Place’s specialty, steaks and chicken are on the menu, too.

The Lemon Herb Chicken is simple, and simply delicious.

In every dish he makes, David’s experience in the restaurant business (gained at the famous Hotel Talisi) shows. In 2001, he took the leap and opened Our Place in an old, abandoned 1920s-era brick grocery store on a less-than-busy road in Wetumpka. Ever since, Our Place has enjoyed the steady success that many restaurants dream of, but few ever achieve. The secret?

“You have to have a passion for food and for being in this business, because it’s hard work,” David says. “We’ve grown from seating 80 to 120 to meet demand. People keep coming because we are consistently good.”

And they come from miles around. Our Place has become a destination, drawing customers from Montgomery, Birmingham, Prattville and Tallassee. “It’s nice to know that people drive past plenty of other places they could get a good meal to come here,” David says. And they come back. Some regulars are so regular, waitresses bring them their standard drink when they sit down at the table.

But Our Place is not a place for everybody, something that David believes adds to the appeal for those who’ve come to love it.

“We’ve never tried to be everything to everybody,” he says. “You can’t do that and do it well. We don’t do lunch. We don’t have a kids’ menu. We are a smaller place, so when we are busy, you have to wait. But you will always get good food and good service at reasonable prices.”

Another guarantee: You will never taste better bread pudding than what Mona is whipping up at Our Place. Dense, rich and sweet (but not overly so), it alone is worth a visit to Our Place. Plus, it’s guiltfree. “There’re no calories in there,” David promises with a wink. A 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

APR 17 04:01 10:16 10:31 04:31 18 04:16 10:46 11:01 05:16 19 04:46 11:16 11:31 06:01 20 05:01 11:46 - - 06:31 21 12:01 05:16 07:01 12:16 22 12:16 05:46 07:46 12:46

23 12:46 06:01 08:16 01:16 24 01:16 06:16 09:01 01:46 25 01:46 06:46 10:01 02:31 26 02:31 07:16 11:16 03:16 27 03:46 07:46 - - 04:16 28 09:01 12:31 - - 05:16 29 11:46 01:16 - - 06:46 30 08:31 02:01 01:46 08:01 MAY 1 09:52 03:22 04:07 09:52

2 03:52 10:37 10:37 05:07

3 04:22 11:07 11:22 05:52

4 04:52 11:52 12:07 06:52

5 - - 05:22 07:37 12:37

6 12:52 06:07 08:37 01:22

7 01:37 06:37 09:22 02:07

8 02:22 07:22 10:22 02:52

9 03:22 07:52 11:22 03:37 10 04:22 08:37 12:22 04:22 11 06:07 09:52 - - 05:22 12 07:52 01:22 - - 06:37 13 08:52 02:07 02:07 07:52 14 02:52 09:37 03:52 09:07 15 03:22 10:07 09:52 04:52 16 03:52 10:37 10:37 05:37 17 04:07 11:07 11:22 06:07 18 04:37 11:37 11:52 06:52

19 - - 05:07 07:22 12:07

20 - - 05:37 07:52 12:37 21 12:52 05:52 08:37 01:22 22 01:22 06:22 09:07 01:52 23 02:07 06:52 09:52 02:22 24 02:37 07:22 10:37 02:52 25 03:37 07:52 11:22 03:37 26 04:52 08:52 12:07 04:22 27 06:22 10:22 - - 05:22 28 07:37 12:52 12:37 06:22 29 08:37 01:22 02:37 07:52 30 02:07 09:22 09:07 04:07 31 02:52 10:07 10:07 05:07 Alabama Living

APRIL 2012  23

Power Plants

Oleander Sure it’s poisonous, but this hardy plant is worth taking a look at

By Katie Jackson

Garden Tips: April Celebrate National Garden Month and Earth Day (April 22).

Plant seeds for beans, corn, squash, melons and other summer vegetable crops.

Transplant tomato, pepper and eggplant seedlings into the garden.

Fertilize warm-season lawns and plant new lawns.

Plant summer annual flowers after the last predicted spring frost date.

Prune spring-flowering shrubs (spirea, flowering quince, azalea, jasmine and forsythia) after they have bloomed.

Plant strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.

Move house plants outside when any chance of a hard freeze has passed.

Don’t mow or cut foliage of early spring-flowering bulbs, such as narcissus and daffodils, until the foliage has turned brown. A

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

24 APRIL 2012

Longing for something a little tropical in your yard? While palm trees can be a bit of a challenge to grow in parts of Alabama, that ubiquitous coastal shrub oleander (Nerium oleander) can do beautifully even in the northernmost regions of Alabama.

A perennial evergreen that produces fragrant, showy flowers in a variety of colors (among them white, red, pink, salmon, peach, orange and yellow) throughout the summer and into the fall, oleander is attractive, fast-growing, low maintenance and, it turns out, hardy throughout Alabama.

This plant is probably native to southwest Asia, China or the Mediterranean (there’s still some debate about that among botanists), and has typically been used in coastal landscapes, in part because it does well in salty environments. Because it is so often associated with beach landscapes, many people don’t realize that it can tolerate frosts well and even survive single-digit temperatures.

In addition to being a lovely shrub, it’s also very drought tolerant, does well in a wide range of soil types with little fertilizer and has few pests. It can serve well anywhere in a landscape, but also makes an exceptional screen along property lines and roadways.

So what are oleander’s drawbacks?

It does prefer plenty of sunlight so it’s not adapted to deeply shaded locations. And some pruning may be needed since many oleanders typically grow to 10 or 12 feet in height (and width) and can reach heights of 20 feet. However, for those who don’t like to prune, dwarf cultivars are available.

Another drawback is that, despite the fact that oleander seems so com-

mon in the state’s coastal areas, it is not a native plant so those trying to stick with all-native plants may want to avoid it. Luckily, unlike many other non-native plants, it does not seem to be invasive.

All that said, there is one really big drawback to oleander: It is considered among the most poisonous of landscape plants. Though oleander extracts have been used by herbalists for centuries and are now being explored for the treatment of cancer and heart disease, among other ailments, its sap does contain compounds that are toxic to many mammals, including humans.

Most oleander poisonings occur if the plant is ingested, though the sap may also cause skin and eye irritation as well. One story about a troop of Scouts dying after roasting hotdogs on oleander sticks is considered an urban legend, though it’s a powerful cautionary tale. Oleander wood should never be used to skewer or cook food and pruned cuttings should not be burned in case the smoke contains toxic compounds.

If, even knowing that potential for risk, oleander sounds appealing to you, just make sure it is not planted where it can be easily accessed by children or livestock, such as on playgrounds or along pasture fences, and take care in handling its cuttings. A www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

APRIL 2012  25

Alabama Recipes

Apples

Cook of the Month

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away?”

My 2-year-old daughter could eat an apple every day of her life. It sure would be nice if they kept her away from the doctor, but we still get the sniffles every now and then. However, I actually do believe the saying “as American as apple pie.” Every July, my church hosts a grand patriotic concert in the sanctuary with a band accompanying our fantastic choir.

Before the concert the dinner is called an All-American Supper: Hot Dogs with fixins’, chips, baked beans and, of course, apple pie a la mode for dessert. Fun Fact: Did you know “a la mode” means “stylish or fashionable” in French? I’ll have my apple pie with style please.

Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

Patricia Gardner, Central Alabama EC

1 cup unsweetened applesauce 1 cup fat-free milk ½ cup packed brown sugar ½ cup egg substitute 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 apples, quartered 1 can crescent rolls 1 cup orange juice

5 cups cubed day-old bread ½ cup Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped ½ cup fat-free whipped topping ½ cup fat-free caramel ice cream topping

In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, milk, brown sugar, egg substitute, vanilla and cinnamon. Fold in bread cubes and apple. Pour into an 8-inch square baking dish, coated with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve warm with whipped topping and caramel topping. Refrigerate leftovers.

Apple Dumplings

Caramel Apples 1 cup sugar 1 stick butter ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Wrap apples in crescent rolls. Sprinkle cinnamon over crescent rolls. Place orange juice, sugar and butter in a saucepan. Heat until sugar is dissolved. Pour over crescent rolls. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

Ann Richarson, Marshall DeKalb EC

1 cup butter (no substitutes) 2 cups packed brown sugar 1 cup light corn syrup

1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 2 teaspoons vanilla 8-10 wooden sticks 8-10 medium tart apples

Insert 1 wooden stick into each apple. In a heavy saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and milk; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 248 degrees (firm ball stage) about 30-40 minutes and for a softer caramel, cook to a few less degrees. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Dip each apple into hot caramel mixture; turn to coat. Holding by the stick, sprinkle with nuts or whatever you desire while the caramel is still warm (work quickly, the caramel sets up fast). Set on generously buttered wax paper to cool.

Cook’s note: if making a double recipe, make two recipes in two separate pots.

Jennifer Miller, Central Alabama EC

26 APRIL 2012

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

Surprise Salmon and Apple Salad

1 can salmon, drained and cleaned 1 apple, peeled and chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped ¼ onion, chopped

2 boiled eggs, chopped 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Drain salmon and clean it. In a medium bowl, mix salmon onion, chopped apple, celery and boiled eggs. Add sweet pickle relish and mayonnaise, toss until mixed well. Chill for 2 hours before serving.

Karen Turnquist, Cullman EC

Sour Cream Apple Pie 1 unbaked pie crust 1 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons flour ¼ teaspoon salt

teaspoon vanilla 1 flavoring 1 egg 3-4 cups chopped apples

Mix sour cream, flour, salt, vanilla, egg and apples together.

Pour into pie crust; bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.

During this time prepare the topping: ½ cup brown sugar 1⁄3 cup flour

¼ cup butter or margarine ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Remove pie from oven after 25 minutes. Cover with topping and bake an additional 20 minutes.

Mary Walters, Baldwin EMC

Apple-Pumpkin Soup

2 cups tart apples, peeled and finely chopped ½ cup onion, finely chopped 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 4 cups chicken broth 3 cups canned pumpkin ¼ cup packed brown sugar

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg ½ teaspoon ginger 1 cup half and half cream ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 1 cup unsweetened apple juice

Heat butter in a large saucepan. Sauté apples and onion in butter 3-5 minutes or until tender. Stir in flour until blended, gradually whisk in broth. Stir in pumpkin, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 25 minutes. Cool slightly. In a blender, cover and process soup in batches until smooth. Pour into a large bowl and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight. Just before serving reheat soup in saucepan. Cook over medium heat 5-10 minutes. Stir in the apple juice, cream, salt and pepper. Heat thoroughly.Yield: 2 quarts, 12 servings.

BeLinda Sims, Joe Wheeler EMC Alabama Living

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

APRIL 2012 27

Simple Apple Cake

3 cups self-rising flour 2 cups sugar 1 ¼ cups cooking oil 3 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla 3 cups diced Granny Smith apples 1 cup pecans, chopped

1 cup coconut 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Glaze: 1 cup brown sugar ¼ cup milk ¾ cup butter

Mix oil, sugar, eggs and vanilla.Add flour and cinnamon. Stir until blended. Mixture will be slightly stiff. Fold in apples, pecans and coconut. Pour into Bundt pan that has been well sprayed with cooking spray. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. When cake is done, remove to a cooling rack. Mix brown sugar, milk and butter; bring to a rolling boil. Reduce to medium heat and cook for 3 minutes. While cake is still hot and in pan, poke holes in it with a drinking straw. Pour glaze all over cake, let stand in pan for 1 hour. Turn onto a plate and enjoy.

Brenda Pettis, Southern Pine EC

Apple French Toast 2 eggs ½ cup milk 3 tablespoons sugar (dark brown) 1 ¼ teaspoons cinnamon 4 slices bread, cubed (whole wheat preferred)

2 small apples, peeled cored and diced 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons butter or margarine

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two 5x3-inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs; blend in milk, 1 tablespoon of the sugar and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon.Add the bread cubes and apples, stirring gently; let stand until bread absorbs all liquid (2-3 minutes). In a small bowl, mix together (using a fork) flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, butter or margarine and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. Divide bread mixture between the loaf pans; sprinkle with the topping. Bake until golden brown, 35-40 minutes. Cool slightly and serve warm with maple syrup, chocolate syrup or sugarfree syrup.

Anna Clines, Sand Mountain EC

Melanie’s Apple Dip

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: June Seafood April 15 July Picnic Lunch May 15 August Budget Friendly June 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.

28 APRIL 2012

1 8-ounce package cream cheese ½ cup light brown sugar ¼ cup white sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring 1 bag Heath Toffee Bits 4-5 green or red apples Pineapple juice

Cream together 8-ounces cream cheese and ½ cup light brown sugar. Add ¼ cup white sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring. Mix well. Add bag of Heath toffee bits and mix well.

Refrigerate overnight and stir two or three times to mix together the bits and the cream cheese. Cut 4-5 green or red apples as desired. Soak apples in pineapple juice overnight; drain. Arrange on serving dish with dip.

Carolyn Drinkard, Clarke-Washington 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.

Around Alabama April 21 • Millbrook • AWF Alabama Flora and Fauna Arts Festival

Art designed with nature in mind!

That is the focus of the Alabama Flora and Fauna Arts Festival located at Lanark in Millbrook - home of the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) State Headquarters.

Festival hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and admission is free.

With nature as your backdrop, view the inspiring 57- piece exhibit of original paintings that depict Alabama wildlife and plant species in a variety of media.

North April 21 • Red Bay, Garden Club 5th

Annual Plant Sale Farmer’s Market Pavilion, 8 a.m.

Contact: City Hall, 256-356-4473 21 & 22 • Cullman, 28th Annual Bloomin’ Festival Arts and Crafts Fair St. Bernard Prep School www.bloominfestival.com

Contact: Janet Burton, 256-601-8902 or janetburton@mindspring.com

Central April 21 • Prattville, 7th Annual Bark in

the Park • Cooter’s Pond, 1 - 5 p.m.

Admission: Free Contact: Prattville Autauga Humane Society at autaugahumane@yahoo.com

April 21 • Ancestor Swap Meet, at the Senior Activity Center in Gadsden.

Sponsored by Northeast Alabama Genealogical Society, Inc. Admission at the door, $25 (includes hot lunch). Speakers will be Mr. Chris Meekin of the North Carolina Archives & History and Dr. Lindy Martin of Birmingham. For more information, e-mail ancestorswapmeet@bellsouth.net phone or call 256-490-4683.

21 & 22 • Guntersville, 51st Annual Art on the Lake Lake Guntersville – 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days, rain or shine • Admission: $2 May 4 • Guntersville, Hospice of Marshall County 11th Annual Spring Fundraiser Guntersville Senior Center Contact: Susan Sanders, 256-891-7724 or ssanders@hospicemc.org www.hospicemc.org 4 & 5 • Somerville, 8th Annual Somerville Celebration 175th Birthday of the Historic Somerville Courthouse Admission: Free Contact: Samantha Perdue, 256-7788282 or townofsomerville@aol.com 5 • Rainsville, NAAC 2nd Annual Crossroads to the Arts – opens 10 a.m.

Rainsville City Park & the Bevil Center,

28 • Deatsville,

Lightwood V.F.D. Yard Sale Fire Department, 6250 Lightwood Road Also selling whole Boston Butts ($30) and barbeque sandwiches.

Contact: Daphne Smith, 334-569-2264 28 • Prattville, Indian Artifact Show Prattville Doster Memorial Community Center Contact: Tony Bulger, 334-365-7766 or mbulg@att.net 28 • Montgomery, Ride to the Capitol Promoting motorcycle rights, safety and motorist awareness. Riders welcome. vrumble@dixieabate.org

South April 13 & 14 • Dothan, Tri‑state BBQ

Festival • Houston County Farm Center www.tristatebbq.com

To place an event, 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.

This quality artwork is framed, ready to hang and available for purchase. Artists will also display more of their naturethemed works. Wildlife and floral paintings, fine art prints, wildlife photography, sculpture, woodcarvings and more! As an added bonus, AWF will have on hand a wide selection of “quality stock” plants from the Lanark gardens, including hard to find heirloom plants available for purchase.

14 • Orange Beach,

Orange Beach Nautical Flea Market 4550 Main Street – 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Admission and parking are free. 8’ tables may be rented for $50.

Contact: 941-780-0538 14 • Gulf Shores, 2nd Annual Aviation Day 3190 Airport Drive • Admission: Free Contact: 251-967-3968 or visit www.jka.us.com 14 • Stockton, Wild Game Cook Off Old Schoolyard Park, Hwy 59 N. – 4 p.m.

Tickets: $15 includes food tasting Contact: Phillip Hadley, 251-937-1248 19 - 22 • Dothan, Alabama Good Sams Spring Samboree National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds Theme: My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys. Contact: Pat Smith, 256-3501037 or alabamagoodsams@aol.com www.alabamagoodsams.org 21 • Magnolia Springs, 9th Annual Magnolia Run Jesse’s Restaurant, 14770 Oak Street Registration at 6:30 a.m., start at 8 a.m.

Contact: Kristin, 251-943-3291 21 & 22 • Dothan, Gem & Mineral Club 5th Annual Show and Sale Westgate Park Recreation Center Gym Sat. 9 - 5, Sun. 10 - 4 Contact: Arnie Lambert, 334-792-7116 or arlambert@comcast.net 26 – 29 • Union Springs, The Passing of Pearl Red Door Theatre Dinner at 6 p.m. (reservations required) Play at 7:30 p.m.

Contact: 334-738-8687 or

Access the Arts Festival through the Alabama Nature Center and spend the whole day with us. While exploring one of our fabulous nature trails, the observant visitor might spot a screech owl roosting next to a tree trunk or discover that the natural surroundings inspire the artist in you. All proceeds from the Alabama Flora and Fauna Arts Festival will be utilized to support AWF’s wildlife conservation mission.

conecuhpeople@knology.net www.reddoortheatre.org 28 • Opp, DRA Downtown Yard Sale – 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Contact Emilee Gage at 334-493-3070 or egage@oppcatv.com 28 • Spanish Fort, Delta Woods & Water Expo 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center Admission: Free Contact: Spanish Fort City Hall, 251-626-4884 www. deltawoodsandwatersexpo.com 28 & 29 • Troy, TroyFest Arts & Crafts Festival Downtown Troy Contact: Rob Drinkard, 334-268-1098 or troyfest@troycable.net www.troyfest.com May 1 – 5 • Gilbertown,

6th Annual Heritage Festival Contact Gilbertown Town Hall at 251-843-2766 5 • Atmore, 39th Annual Mayfest Tom Byrne Park – 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission: Free Contact: Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce, 251-368-3305 www.atmorechamber.com 12 • Bay Minette, Cookies for Kid’s Cancer Bake Sale • Halliday Park 2nd annual bake sale to benefit childhood cancer research. Lots of goodies, kids activities, live music and silent auction. www.thecookiemomsters.com

Scan this code with your phone and join Alabama Living on Facebook.

Follow Alabama Living on facebook Follow Alabama Living on Twitter @Alabama_Living ®

®

Alabama Living

APRIL 2012 29

Market Place Miscellaneous DIVORCE MADE EASY – Uncontested, lost spouse, in prison or aliens. $179.00 our total fee.

Call 10am to 10pm. 26 years experience – (417)443-6511 METAL ROOFING $1.79/LINFT – FACTORY DIRECT! 1st quality, 40yr Warranty, Energy Star rated. (price subject to change) 706-383-8554 WALL BEDS OF ALABAMA / ALABAMA MATTRESS OUTLET – SHOWROOM Collinsville, AL – Custom Built / Factory Direct - (256)490-4025, www.wallbedsofalabama.com, www. alabamamattressoutlet.com AERMOTOR WATER PUMPING WINDMILLS – windmill parts – decorative windmills – custom built windmill towers - call Windpower (256)638-4399 or (256)638-2352 18X21 CARPORT $695 INSTALLED – (706)383-8554 CUSTOM MACHINE QUILTING BY JOYCE – Bring me your quilt top or t-shirts. Various designs offered – (256)735-1543 KEEP POND WATER CLEAN AND FISH HEALTHY with our aeration systems and pond supplies. Windmill Electric and Fountain Aerators. Windpower (256)638-4399, (256)899-3850 FREE BOOKS / DVDs – Soon government will enforce the “Mark” of the beast as church and state unite!

Let Bible reveal. The Bible Says, POB 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771 – thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com, (888)211-1715 CHURCH FURNITURE – Does your church need pews, pulpit set, baptistery, steeple or windows? Big sale on new cushioned pews and upholstery for hard pews – (800)2318360 or www.pews1.com DAYLILY GARDEN OPENS MAY 1st @ CRENSHAW FARMS in Baldwin County - Take I-65 to Exit 31(Stockton/Hwy 225) go south 1/4 mile - Hundreds blooming each day - www. crenshawfarms.com, (251)577-1235 Also Yard Sale/Flea Market/Antique Store.

PUT YOUR OLD HOME MOVIES, SLIDES OR PHOTOS on DVD – (888)609-9778 or www.transferguy. com SAWMILL EXCHANGE: North American’s largest source of used portable sawmills and commercial equipment for woodlot owners and sawmill operations. Over 800 listings.

THE place to sell equipment.

(800)459-2148, www. sawmillexchange.com

30 APRIL 2012

NEW AND USED STAIR LIFT ELEVATORS – Car lifts, Scooters, Power Wheelchairs – Walk-In Tubs Covers State of Alabama – 23 years (800)682-0658

PANAMA CITY BEACH CONDO – Owner rental – 2BR / 2BA, just remodeled inside and outside – (334)790-0000, jamesrny@graceba. net, www.theroneycondo.com

INTERIOR WOODS: CYPRESS, CEDAR, HEART PINE, POPLAR, ASH www.howardcustomlumber.net (251)847-2334

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 – 3 Night Special - Call (866)316-3255, Look for us on FACEBOOK / billshideaway

Business Opportunities EARN $75,000/YR PART-TIME in the livestock or equipment appraisal business. Agricultural background required. Classroom or home study courses available. (800)488-7570 PIANO TUNING PAYS – Learn with American Tuning School home-study course – (800)497-9793 START YOUR OWN BUSINESS! Mia Bella’s Gourmet Scented Products. Try the Best! Candles / Gifts / Beauty.

Wonderful income potential! Enter Free Candle Drawing - www. naturesbest.scent-team.com

Vacation Rentals AFFORDABLE COZY CABINS for your vacation in Pigeon Forge- (865)712-7633 CABIN IN MENTONE – 2/2, brow view, hottub – For rent $100/night or Sale $199,000 – (706)767-0177 GATLINBURG – DOWNTOWN LUXURY CREEKSIDE CONDO – 2BR / 2BA, sleeps 6 – aubie12@centurytel. net, (256)599-5552 HOUSE IN PIGEON FORGE, TN – fully furnished, sleeps 6-12, 3 baths, creek, no pets – (256)997-6771, www.riverrungetaway.org www.vacationsmithlake.com – 3BR / 2BA home w/ 2 satelite TV’s, gaslog fireplace, central H&A, covered boat dock - $75.00 night – (256)3525721, email annawisener@yahoo.com PIGEON FORGE, TN: $89 - $125, 2BR/2BA, hot tub, pool table, fireplace, swimming pool, creek – (251)3631973, www.mylittlebitofheaven.com KATHY’S ORANGE BEACH CONDO – 2BR/2BA, non-smoking. Best rates beachside! Family friendly – (205)253-4985, www.KathysCondo. eu.pn GATLINBURG TOWNHOUSE on BASKINS CREEK! GREAT RATES! 4BR/3BA, short walk downtown attractions! (205)333-9585, hhideaway401@aol.com GATLINBURG / PIGEON FORGE – 2 and 3 BEDROOM LUXURY CABINS – home theatre room, hot tub, game room – www.homeaway.com #178002, #359930, #965933 - (251)363-8576

ALABAMA RIVER LOTS / MONROE COUNTY, AL – Lease / Rent – (334)469-5604 HELEN GA CABIN FOR RENT – sleeps 2-6, 2.5 baths, fireplace, Jacuzzi, washer/dryer – www. cyberrentals.com/101769 - (251)9482918, email jmccracken@gulftel.com MENTONE, OVERNIGHT CABIN RENTAL – Hottub, King bed, Jacuzzi – (256)657-4335 – www. mentonelogcabins.com 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 – Wi-Fi, pet friendly, non-smoking – $695/wk, (256)418-2131, www. originalbeachhouseal.com AFFORDABLE BEACHSIDE VACATION CONDOS – Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL. Rent Direct from Christian Family Owners. Lowest Prices on the Beach – (251)752-2366, (205)5560368, (205)752-1231 GATLINBURG: CONDOS AND CABINS AVAILABLE NOW – Call Jennifer in Scottsboro at (800)3149777 – www.funcondos.com – Non Smoking GULF SHORES - 3BR / 2BA ON BEACH – W/D, 4 queen beds, sleeps 8 - VRBO#354680 Gulf Shores East – (251)979-3604 TWO GULF SHORES PLANATION CONDOS – Excellent beach views – Owner rented (251)223-9248 WEST BEACH – 3 GREAT CONDOS – Call (404)219-3189, (404)702-9824 or email gulfshores4rent@gmail.com. www.GULFSHORES4RENT.COM DISNEY – 15 MIN: 5BR / 3BA, private pool – www. orlandovacationoasis.com – (251)504-5756 GULF SHORES / FORT MORGAN BEACH COTTAGE – 3BR / 1BA, sleeps 6, gulf side, beach access – Summer rental $900 a week – (251)540-1086

ORANGE BEACH, AL CONDO – Sleeps 4, gulf and river amenities – Great Rates – (228)369-4680 GULF SHORES 4 / 5 BEDROOM BEACH HOME – Direct Gulffront – Also for Sale – (678)409-6616, rob@ playgagolf.com FT. WALTON BEACH HOUSE – 3BR / 2BA – Best buy at the Beach – (205)566-0892, mailady96@yahoo. com PENSACOLA BEACH CONDO – Gulf front – 7th floor balcony – 3BR / 2BA, sleeps 6, pool – (850)572-6295 or (850)968-2170 ORANGE BEACH, 1BR / 1BA, GRAND CARIBBEAN - 3rd Floor - Across from Cotton Bayou State Park! Great Rates!

Call for quote. (205)965-8922, or email: suzette915@gmail.com GULF SHORES BEACHSIDE CONDO available April thru December – 2BR / 2BA, WiFi, No smoking / No pets – Call Owner (256)287-0368, Cell (205)613-3446 MAGGIE VALLEY / WAYNESVILLE, NC – 2BR / 2BA, fireplace, deck, hottub, grill, Smokey Mountain view – Close to historic Waynesville shopping, Cataloochee Ski Resort – Ask for Mountain memories (800)648-1210 GUNTERSVILLE – SMALL COTTAGE: 2BR, full kitchen, w/in 300 yds of boat ramps - $80/night - call (334)361-2459 ALWAYS THE LOWEST PRICE $65.00 – Beautiful furnished mountain cabin near Dollywood, Sevierville, TN – (865)453-7715 GULF SHORES, WEST BEACH - Gulf view, sleeps 6 - www.vrbo.com/92623, (404)641-4939, (404)641-5314 GULF SHORES – CRYSTAL TOWER CONDO - 2 bedroom/ 2 bath, Great Ocean View - www.vrbo.com #145108 - Call Owner (205)429-4886 MENTONE, AL – LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN – billiard table, Jacuzzi, spacious home, sleeps 10 – www. duskdowningheights.com, (850)7665042, (850)661-0678.

ORANGE BEACH, WINDWARD POINTE – GULF FRONT CONDO – 3/2, Owner Rate – (251)626-6566, (251)689-8328 FORT MORGAN BEACH HOUSE - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, HDTV, WiFi – www.homeaway.com/178244, www. wardvacationproperties.com, (251)363-8576 GULF SHORES BEACH HOUSE – Nice 2 bedroom, great view – Spring $800 / week, Summer $995 – (251)666-5476 www.alabamaliving.coop

GULF SHORES CONDO ON THE BEACH! 2BR/2BA - Beautiful update at SANDPIPER - (502) 386-7130

SMOKIES - TOWNSEND, TN – 2BR/2BA, secluded log home, fully furnished.

Toll free (866)448-6203, (228)832-0713

GULF SHORES RENTAL BY OWNER – Great Rates! (256)490-4025 or www.gulfshoresrentals.us

GULF SHORES PLANTATION - Gulf view, beach side, 2 bedrooms / 2 baths, no smoking / no pets. Owner rates (205)339-3850

GULF SHORES CONDO: $75 - $110 night – 1 BR / 1BA, sleeps 4, pet friendly, pool, beach access – (251)9487140, vej264@gmail.com RENTAL BY OWNER – DESTIN, FL CONDO - Check out patsdestincondo. com - 2BR/2BA, across from beach with gated access - Call (334)244-6581 or email greenbush@knology.net for more information WEARS VALLEY MOUNTAIN CABIN NEAR PIGEON FORGE – 2 / 2, fully furnished – Brochures available – (251)649-9818 GULF SHORES / FT MORGAN BEACH HOUSE - 3/3 . A short walk to the Gulf of Mexico - WINTER rental $9OO.OO A Month, plus half of utilities – Summer rental $850.00 a week, sleeps 6 adults – Call (251)540-7078.

GULF SHORES PLANTATION - GULF FRONT - 2BR/2BA, remodeled, sleeps 6-8, Unit 1133 – YoungSuncoast.com, (800)826-1213 BEACH CONDOS: TAKING RESERVATIONS NOW IN GULF SHORES AND DAYTONA BEACH – Call Jennifer in Scottsboro at (800)314-9777 – www. funcondos.com – Non Smoking

SMOKIES – PIGEON FORGE, TN CABINS – (251)649-3344, (251)6494049, www.hideawayprop.com GATLINBURG, TN CHALET – 3BR / 3BA Baskins Creek – Pool, 10 minute walk downtown, Aquarium, National Park – (334)289-0304 ORANGE BEACH CONDO, 3BR/3BA; 2,000 SQ.FT.; beautifully decorated; gorgeous waterfront view; boat slips available; great rates - Owner rented (251)604-5226 GULF SHORES BEACH COTTAGE – Affordable, waterfront, pet friendly – http://www.vrbo. com/152418, (251)223-6114

Camping / Hunting / Fishing VALLEY HEAD, AL LODGE - 5/2, fishing - Weekly, monthly rates available for summer - Cabin available also - www.lookoutcreekfarm.com, (256)635-6420 CAMP IN THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS – Maggie Valley, NC – www.trailsendrv-park.com, (828)421-5295.

How To Place a Line Ad in Marketplace Closing Deadlines (in our office): June 2012 – deadline – April 25 July 2012 – deadline – May 25 August 2012 – deadline – June 25 -Ads are $1.65 per word with a 10 word minimum and are on a prepaid basis -Telephone numbers, email addresses and websites are considered 1 word each -Ads will not be taken over the phone. You may email your ad to hdutton@areapower.com or call (800)410-2737 ask for Heather for pricing.

-We accept checks, money orders and all major credit cards

ANDALUSIA AREA RV CAMPGROUND for fishing and swimming on Point ‘A’ Lake - Nightly, weekly and monthly rates - Reservations (334)388-0342, theshac@shacrvpark.com , shacrvpark.com

Real Estate Sales/Rentals GULF SHORES CONDO - $49,900, close to everything. Go to www.

PeteOnTheBeach.com, click on Colony Club – (251)948-8008 NORTHERN COOSA COUNTY – 6,000sqft home, 55 acres partially fenced, nice lake – 1,600sqft shop / barn. Great potential for horse farm. Many Extras. (256)249-9187 LAKE GUNTERSVILLE – DEEDED RV LOT WITH PORT – 30ft x 40ft, FISHERMAN’S DREAM – MLS#832472 – (256)302-1510 Lot# 51 WE PURCHASE SELLER FINANCED NOTES, Trust Deeds, Contracts for Deed, Commercial / Business Notes and more, Nationwide! Call (256)6381930 or (256)601-8146 MOUNTAIN TOP HOME – MENTONE, AL – 2BR / 2BA on 13.3 secluded acres overlooking 5 acre lake. Beautiful View - $185,000 – (256)634-8017

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

Musical Notes PLAY GOSPEL SONGS BY EAR - 10 lessons $12.95. “LEARN GOSPEL MUSIC”.

Chording, runs, fills - $12.95 Both $24.

Davidsons, 6727AR Metcalf, Shawnee Missions, Kansas 66204 – (913)262-4982

Education FREE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE – write to 23600 Alabama Highway 24, Trinity, AL, 35673 FREE CREATION SCIENCE INFO – WWW.CREATIONANDSCIENCE.NET – Adults, teens – Box 508, Fairhope, AL 36533 BECOME AN ORDAINED MINISTER correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, PMB 767, 6630 West Cactus B-107, Glendale, Arizona 85304. http:// www.ordination.org

Critters ADORABLE AKC YORKY PUPPIES – excellent blood lines – (334)3011120, (334)537-4242, bnorman@ mon-cre.net CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES. Tiny, registered, guaranteed healthy, raised indoors in loving home, vet records and references. (256)796-2893

Fruits / Nuts / Berries OLD TIMEY WHITE AND YELLOW self pollinating SEED corn – (334)886-2925

Support Our Troops Taxpayers can demonstrate support through the Alabama Military Support Foundation for Guardsmen and Reservists by making a contribution by using a check-off box on the bottom of the Alabama State tax form.

The mission of the foundation is to educate employers on the active role played in the defense of our nation

by Guardsmen and Reservists, and to inform them on their legal rights and responsibilities.

Funds donated to the foundation will be used to educate and recognize outstanding employers who go above and beyond to support employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

Mail ad submission along with a check or money order made payable to ALABAMA LIVING, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124 – Attn: Classifieds.

Alabama Living

APRIL 2012 31

32  APRIL 2012

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

APRIL 2012  33

Sheesh, Kabobs Are Easier Than Ever!

When you buy an electric grill or smoker from CAEC, there’s no telling what you can cook up! Get the delicious taste of grilled food without any of the hassle or harm of singed eyebrows.

CAEC’s quality electric grills and smokers can make your summer cooking easier than ever before!

Call 1-800-545-5735 for more information, or visit www.caec.coop

34 APRIL 2012

www.caec.coop

Recipe for Efficiency from CAEC Insulation

H

ave you looked in your attic lately?

Insulation in your attic is an essential component to help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. While your attic temperature is still comfortable, it’s the perfect time of year to re-apply attic insulation before the summer heat arrives.

There are numerous types of insulation to choose from, and each has a different method of installation. The example below uses cellulose--an easy “do it yourself” process.

Ingredients (supplies):

Utensils (tools):

Cellulose Insulation

Insulation Blower

Goggles

Machine Gloves Breathing Masks

Directions:

Purchase the cellulose insulation at your local hardware store where you should also be able to rent an insulation blower. The amount you need will depend on the square footage of your home and the thickness of the existing insulation. Make sure the thickness of your insulation (including any existing insulation) is between 12 and 15 inches, which should give you an R-value of 38.

You will need at least one person to assist you in applying the insulation.

Installing Cellulose Attic Insulation 1. Place the insulation and the blower machine outdoors. DO NOT operate the machine indoors.

2. Take the blower’s tube up into the attic with you (through a window or door in the house).

Make sure you are outfitted with gloves, goggles and breathing mask.

3. Have the person (also outfitted with gloves, goggles and a breathing mask) stationed near the blower machine begin to feed it with the loose, cellulose insulation, one bale at a time. When ready, this person will also control the flow of the insulation by using an on/off switch or a lever that allows insulation to pass through.

4. In the attic, sweep the blower’s tube in the locations where you desire the insulation, avoiding vents so they do not become clogged with insulation.

When finished, have the person stationed with the blower turn off the machine.

On average, an 1,800 square foot house will take approximately four hours to complete at a cost of $500.

Prices and times may vary due to retailers, square footage and depth of existing insulation.

On a house with little or no pre-existing insulation, adding more—and doing it yourself—can help make your home more comfortable and provide some cost savings to your power bill.

Alabama Living APRIL 2012 35

Our Sources Say

A Carbon Free Budget?

I try to remind readers – our electric customers – that a carbon tax or fee on carbon emissions will increase their cost of electricity.

Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative

36 APRIL 2012

If you follow my articles, you know I periodically address global warming, climate change and carbon taxes. My interest in addressing these subjects is to some degree (if not primarily) selfserving. I try to remind readers – our electric customers – that a carbon tax or fee on carbon emissions will increase their cost of electricity. Therefore, when the carbon taxes or fees are actually imposed, customers will be forewarned and understand why their power bill is higher. Furthermore, I am far from personally convinced that anthropogenic carbon emissions are ruining the environment, and I am certainly not willing to spend my money to satisfy someone else’s concern that there will be no future unless we change our carbon-emitting ways.

My friend David Darby continually tells me he doesn’t care for my global warming articles, and other readers complain about my “extremist” political views. While I recognize those opinions, other readers also write notes expressing their appreciation for my positions. So, if you are offended by my climate-denial opinions or political positions, I encourage you to stop here, read something else, watch TV or “An Inconvenient Truth,” or just take a nap.

The Washington Post published an op-ed piece Feb. 24 by Democratic Congressmen Henry Waxman, Sherwood Boehlert, Edward J. Markey and Wayne Gilchrist discussing the apparently unrelated issues of the government’s debt levels and budget deficits. The article encourages urgent action to “protect our nation and the world from irreversible climate change.”

The congressmen express their deep moral concerns about “cutting spending on programs Americans cherish or raising taxes on American job creators.”

They lay out a better policy to “slash our debt by making power plants and oil refineries pay for the carbon emissions that endanger our health and environment. This policy would strengthen our economy, lessen our dependence on foreign oil, keep our skies clean – and raise a lot of revenue” ($200 billion over 10 years).

What does all that mean? First and foremost, it is not a tax. Instead, they suggest “fees on carbon pollution” are merely a charge on all hydrocarbon usage, like fossil fuel electric generation, natural gas and gasoline usage. The fees are not taxes, just fees, passed on to all consumers, on the most basic of life’s necessities. More frightening is the apparent destination for some of the fees, such as “transition-affected industries and investments in cleanenergy related technologies.”

The congressmen state: “A marketbased (carbon fees) policy would... help protect U.S families from ecological disasters and level the playing field for clean-energy sources such as wind and solar. It would spur research into and development of electric batteries, carbon capture, storage technologies and the like.” More transparently, the congressmen propose to charge fees on all carbon emissions that will be passed on to retail consumers, and give at least some of the revenues to affected businesses and clean-energy companies. I guess we can assume some of the entities will be the congressmen’s affected (bankrupt) clean energy friends like Solyndra, Beacon Power, Evergreen Solar and SpectraWatt.

The congressmen conclude their article by stating, “No other policy would do as much for our economy, our security and our future as putting a price on carbon.” I am not sure what carbon fees would do for our economy, but I am sure it would not be good. Also, raising revenue to support the congressmen’s pet programs and affected friends by imposing additional regressive costs on the everyday necessities of life on all citizens, imposing additional costs on the nation’s production and giving money raised from those efforts to the congressmen’s favorite affected industries (supporters) seems like a poor bet to me, but any bet with someone else’s money is a good bet.

I hope you all have a great month.A

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

APRIL 2012  37

Alabama Snapshots

2

little petals

1

1 32

4 6

3

4

5 1. Danica O’Dell submitted by Laura O’Dell of Ider 2. Nathan and Jackson Reid of Bay Minette submit ted by Napoleon and Gracie Reid of Thomasville 3. Lily Dobbins submitted by Lynda Dobbins of Boaz 38 APRIL 2012

4. “Hannah picks flowers for mommy” submitted by Miriam Patterson of Highland Home 5. “Eden’s Garden” submitted by Denise Wempe of Chancellor 6. “Hailey’s yellow flowers” submitted by Tami Ables of Hamilton

Submit Your Images! june Theme: “My

boat”

Send color photos with a large self addressed stamped envelope to:

Photos, Alabama Living, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL, 36124.

Rules: Alabama Living will pay $10 for photos that best match our theme of the month. Alabama Living is not responsible for lost or damaged photos.

Deadline for: April 30 www.alabamaliving.coop

Two Exclusives from Alabama Living ORDER YOURS FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Southern Occasions 19

$

cookbook

95

SHIPPED

Alabama Living’s latest cookbook containing recipes from four years of Alabama Living magazine.

Mail order form to: Alabama Living Southern Occasions P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124-4014

COOK BOOKS @ $19.95 each _____ CHURCH BOOKS @ $32.95 each _____ TOTAL: ___________ shipping included

NAME: _______________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________ CITY: ____________________ STATE: _______ ZIP CODE: ____________ o CHECK o CREDIT CARD PHONE NUMBER: _______________ Credit Card Number: __ __ __ __-__ __ __ __-__ __ __ __-__ __ __ __ Expiration Date: ______________________ CVV#_____________________ Signature: _____________________________________________________

The

A beautiful pictorial history of Alabama’s churches ranging from small rural churches to towering urban cathedrals.

32

$

95

Churches Alabama SHIPPED

of

Alabama Living

APRIL 2012 39