Alabama Living Cullman July 2012

2012 Annual Meeting moving to new location - details inside!

July 2012

Cullman Electric Cooperative

Bass Trail

Series continues on bass fishing destinations www.cullmanec.com

Farewell

Longtime Alabama Living editor Darryl Gates retires

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Vol. 65 No. 7 July 2012

Lıvıng

Manager

Grady Smith Co-Op Editor

Brian Lacy 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. AREA cooperative member subscriptions are $3 a year; non-member subscriptions, $6.

Alabama Living (USPS 029-920) is published monthly by the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives.

Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and at additional mailing office.

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

Alabama Rural Electric Association

AREA President Fred Braswell Editor Darryl Gates Managing Editor Melissa Henninger

11 Farewell

Longtime Alabama Living editor Darryl Gates retires

12 Save the lighthouse Sand Island Lighthouse has a storied history, and many believe it should be preserved for future generations.

ON THE COVER A late spring sunset behind Duncan Bridge in Arley.

PHOTO BY JOEY ERKHART

Creative Director Mark Stephenson Art Director Michael Cornelison Advertising Brooke Davis Recipe Editor Mary Tyler Spivey

14 Alabama Bass Trail

Writer John N. Felsher visits more destinations on the state’s bass fishing trail.

ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL OFFICES:

340 TechnaCenter Drive Montgomery, Alabama 36117-6031 1-800-410-2737 E-mail: advertising@areapower.com www.areapower.coop NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE:

National Country Market 611 South Congress Ave., Suite 504 Austin, Texas 78704 1-800-626-1181 www.nationalcountrymarket.com www.alabamaliving.coop USPS 029-920 • ISSN 1047-0311

departments

Spotlight 10 Power Pack 14 Alabama Bass Trail 17 Fish&Game Forecast 20 Consumer Wise 22 Alabama Gardens 24 Worth the Drive 26 Cook of the Month 38 Alabama Snapshots 9

Printed in America from American materials

Alabama Living

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JUly 2012 3

6/18/12 1:40 PM

Cullman Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees

Manager’s Comments

The best and brightest Grady Smith

Neil Rainwater

President & CEO, Cullman Electric Cooperative

District 1

Lynda Carter

District 2

Robert Tidwell

District 3 (Chairman)

James Fields, Jr.

District 4

Lisa Weeks

District 5

Daryl Calvert

District 6

J. David Hembree

District 7

Chad Alexander

District 8

Sue Reynolds

At-Large

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Cullman Electric Cooperative was proud to sponsor the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce’s eighth annual Student & Teacher of the Year awards and Adopt-A-School/Project Appreciation luncheon, held May 14 at Cullman Regional Medical Center.

Fairview High School student Dalton Sullivan was chosen as the 2012 Student of the Year, and Forrest Bryant, also from Fairview, was selected as the 2012 Career Technical Student of the Year.

Brenda Connell from Cullman Primary School was honored as the 2012 Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Nolan Dooley from the Cullman Area Career Center was selected as the 2012 Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Each year this is a fantastic event that allows some of the best and brightest minds in our area schools to be recognized for their outstanding achievements.

Cullman EC is a strong supporter of our schools. The co-op annually donates new appliances to the consumer science programs at all of our area high schools. Employees are available to give safety demonstrations or speak to classes about energy efficiency and at careers fairs.

Cullman EC and its members have contributed more than $2 million dollars to assist teachers in purchasing classroom materials through the Operation Round-Up program.

Nomineees for 2012 Student of the Year nominees were Kaitlyn Sapp, West Point High School; Grace Willoughby, Cold Springs High School; Meghan McLeroy, Cullman High School; Jared Blackmon, Holly Pond High School; William “Blake” Townsend, Vinemont High School; Madeline Schweers, St. Bernard Prep High School; Tabitha Turner, Good Hope High School; and Kelsey Amanda Ryan, Hanceville High School.

Elementary Teacher of the Year nominees were Angela Hall, West Elementary School; Karen McReath, Cold Springs Elementary School; Brenda Parrish, Welti Elementary School; Judith McBrayer, East Elementary School; Teresa Dees Presto, Good Hope Primary School; Letha Miller, Holly Pond Elementary School; Martha (Jeannie) Fine, Hanceville Elementary School; and Lynn Moody, Harmony School.

Secondary Teacher of the Year nominees were Fharis Richter, Cullman Middle School; La Tisha Jackson, Cold Springs High School; Amy Whaley, Hanceville Middle School; Melissa Chan Fowler, Good Hope Middle School; Lachlan D. Powell, West Point High School; Kim Cole, Fairview Middle School; and Hayden Faulk, Cullman High School.

Congratulations to all of the students and teachers who were recognized this year. Enjoy your summer vacation. You earned it! A

www.cullmanec.com

6/18/12 3:25 PM

Board of Trustees Cullman Electric Contact Information

Unclaimed Refunds

When our members or former members are due a refund (from security despoits or other fees) Cullman Electric Cooperative makes every reasonable effort to contact them and return their money. If you or a family member are on this list please contact our office as soon as possible to arrange your refund. Call our office at 256-737-3200 or call toll-free at 800-242-1806. You may also write to us at: Cullman Electric Cooperative, PO Box 1168, Cullman, AL, 35056 Cunningham, Jeaniene Gilco Contracting Lamar Construction Waldrop, Kyle Wilson, Jennifer H Dupree, Mechelle K Wilson, Christopher Keith Edson, Daniel S Patrick, Mary L Edwards, Christopher R Cruz, Jesus Limon Hankins & Wilson Judys Hairdesign Jones, Helen W Coville, Ricky Adele Prince, Jeffrey Lee Addison Coon Hunting Allred, Bobby D Wick, Randy B James, Virginia O Flores, Jaime Peralta Allen, Matthew Daniel Jimenz, Cornelio Cruce, Justin Ray Wright, Jennie Burke

Thomas, E J Williams, Christopher A Brown, Barbara Tynch Walker, Richard Brannan, Joy J Mozisek, John E Monczyn, Janet Elizabeth Conley, Chesley J Fuson, Stacy Lynn Tidwell, Landon K Austin, Daniel Dee Jerky Joe’s Cleghorn, Gary Oneal Crabtree, Kevin Eugene North, Virginia Ann Cotten, Donald Bates, Perry Harden, Ashton Garcia, Krystal Hood, Timothy Cody Givens, Richard Edward Campbell, Doyal E Franklin, Kelly Ann Enskat, Rita G Severinsen, Rachel Marie

Office locations Cullman - headquarters 1749 Eva Road NE Cullman, AL 35055 Addison - branch office 31132 US Hwy 278 West Addison, AL 35540 Phone 256-737-3200 or (800) 242-1806 Website www.cullmanec.com Find Cullman Electric Cooperative on Twitter (twitter.com/cullmanec) and on Facebook

Payment Options Draft Pay your bill by automatic draft from your checking account or credit card.

Online Payments may be made 24 hours/day by check, credit card or debit card on our website at www.cullmanec.com

By Mail Cullman Electric Cooperative PO Box 1168 Cullman, AL 35056 Phone Phone payments may be made any time by dialing 256-737-3200 Night Deposit Available at both office locations

Cullman Electric Cooperative’s offices will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, 2012, for Independence Day. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Alabama Living

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2012 Cullman EC Annual Meeting Mark your calendar and make plans to join us!

Saturday, Sept. 22 8 a.m. - noon NEW LOCATION! - Northbrook Baptist Church on Hwy 157

My

.coM

Powers Awareness

By monitoring energy usage and making changes to when and how you use electricity, you can reduce the amount you use each day and save money!

IT’S FAST. IT’S EASY. IT’S FREE.

StrawberryFest 5K A group of more than 20 Cullman Electric Cooperative employees and family members gathered on May 12, 2012, to participate in the Cullman StrawberryFest 5K. Many of the employees had trained in a group, running three times a week after work for six weeks, following a “Couch to 5K” training program. Fifteen members of the “Cullman EC Runners” received medals for finishing in the top three of their age division. Cullman EC employee Laura Hale, right, along with her husband, Anthony, left and their son Adam, all won medals for their finishing time.

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• Go to www.myusage.com.

• Register for a Usage Monitor Account.

• Receive daily e-mail alerts when your electricity usage is above normal.

• Visit www.myusage.com to view daily temperature reports and track your energy usage.

MyUsage.com can be used by all members of Cullman Electric Cooperative. Members with a traditional account can see daily usage reports and daily temperature statistics to see how extreme temperatures (hot or cold) can result in high energy usage.

Those with a pay•as•you•go account can monitor daily usage and check account balances.

www.cullmanec.com

6/18/12 3:25 PM

Cullman Electric

It doesn’t matter if you are indoors or outside, check out the following pages for great tips on saving energy — and staying safe — this summer

57

Stay Cool, Save Money

By Brian Sloboda Cooperative Research Network

Cooling a home on hot, humid days can be an energy-intensive process — in fact, cooling generally becomes the largest energy expense homeowners face during the summer. A room air conditioner may seem like an easy-to-install, low-cost way to add comfort, but it’s easy to waste energy and money in the process if you’re not careful.

A room air conditioner is an encased assembly — a self-contained box, basically — designed to be mounted in a window, through a wall, or as a console. These units deliver conditioned air to an enclosed space or zone.

Costing between $100 and $1,000, room air conditioners can be purchased at home improvement centers, big box retailers — even yard sales and flea markets. They tend to last a long time with minimal maintenance, so selecting the right model can save significant amounts of energy.

Room air conditioners rated by ENERGY STAR, a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy, deliver the same or better performance and use See COOL, Page 34 Alabama Living

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Before You Buy...

Before buying a room air conditioner, make some easy and inexpensive energy-saving improvements in your home. Any of these will maximize the cooling power of your air conditioner.

• Caulk and weather strip around doors and windows • Add insulation to attics and exposed walls • Move furniture or obstacles away from room air conditioners • Close blinds or curtains during the day JULY 2012 7

6/18/12 3:25 PM

Pump Up Your Pool’s Efficiency Soak up these pool efficiency tips to save money while maintaining your personal, pristine oasis.

Each pool is equipped with an energy guzzler: the pump.

The bigger the pump, the higher the power bill. Make sure your pool uses the smallest pump possible. New products like variable-speed pumps offer a good way to save. A knowledgable pool supply or service firm can help choose a proper pump for your pool, taking into consideration its size, filter, and piping.

Here are some common myths that lead to extra pump time (and wasted energy): • I need to run my pump to keep chemicals mixed – FALSE. Circulate while adding chemicals, and they will stay mixed. There is no need to recirculate the water each day to “re-mix” the water.

• My pool will be dirty if I don’t run my pump to constantly clean debris – FALSE. Try running your pump for six hours or less a day, as suggested by the U.S. Department of Energy’s EnergySavers.gov. If the cleanliness is not to your liking, increase filtration time by 30-minute increments until you are satisfied.

If six hours works well, try decreasing filtration time to find a balance with energy efficiency. To keep debris down without running your pump overtime, use a skimmer to manually clean the water. Also, try using a timer to run your filter for several short periods during the day rather than allowing debris to pile up after one long continuous filteration.

• I need my pump to run continuously to keep algae at bay – FALSE. Proper chemical balance and brushing down pool walls are the best algae fighters.

Find more ways to save energy around your home at www.TogetherWeSave.com.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Pentair Water Pool & Spa, Inc. 8 JULY 2012

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Watch for Signs of Heat Illnesses Whether you’re lying by the pool or playing on a baseball field, keep heat stress at bay by knowing how to prevent heat-related illnesses and recognize the symptoms.

Heat Stroke The most serious of heat illnesses, heat stroke, can be deadly and swift. Your body temperature could rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or more in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke happens when your body temperature rises rapidly but cannot sweat quickly enough to cool itself.

Symptoms include hot, dry skin or the opposite — profuse sweating, hallucinations, chills, throbbing headache, confusion or dizziness, and slurred speech.

If you see someone with the symptoms of heat stroke, immediately call 911 and move the person to a shady area. Try misting the person with cold water, soaking his or her clothes, or fanning the body.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is the result of heavy sweating — extreme loss of salt and water.

People prone to heat exhaustion include the elderly, those with high blood pressure, or people who work in hot conditions. Other symptoms include extreme weakness or fatigue, dizziness and confusion, nausea, clammy skin, muscle cramps, and shallow, rapid breathing.

If a person suffers from heat exhaustion, move him or her to a shaded or air-conditioned area. The victim should drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages and take a cool shower or bath.

See HEAT, Page 34 www.cullmanec.com

6/18/12 3:25 PM

Spot Light

In July

july 19

Old Alabama Town concert planned The Capital City Shape Notes Concert will be July 19 at Old Alabama Town in Montgomery. Singers will sing from shapenote hymn books published in Alabama including the Sacred Harp and the Christian Harmony from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The concert is free to attend. Call 334-242-4076, ext. 234, or visit www.oldalabamatown.com for more details.

IN AUGUST aug. 2-5

Red Door Theatre presents new play july 20-22

Deep sea fishing rodeo set for mid July Dauphin Island will once again host its annual Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, with more than 3,000 anglers from 24 states fishing in the Gulf of Mexico for three days for more than $400,000 in cash and prizes in 30 categories. Last year’s event was the Guinness Book of World Records largest fishing tournament. Call 251-471-0025 for more information. july 27 and 28

The Red Door Theatre in Union Springs will present Dearly Departed, a play revolving around a colorful group of Southern eccentrics. Evening performances on Aug. 2, 3, and 4, are preceded by a seated dinner (reservations required). The Sunday, Aug. 5, performance is a 2:30 p.m. matinee. Contact 334-7388687 or conecuhpeople@ knology.net for info. Visit www.reddoortheatre.org to learn more about the event and the theatre. aug. 2-5

Tractor pull proceeds benefit school athletics Longest yard sale passes through state The Alabama Championship Tractor and Truck Pull, one of the largest events in the South, will be July 27 and 28 from 7 to 10 p.m at Tanner High School in Athens. Both nights will include six classes sanctioned by the NTPA/Mid-South Pullers Association. Saturday night events will include dualwheel farm tractors. Food concessions and t-shirts available.

Admission is charged. Call 256-232-5411 for questions.

Alabama Living

Visit the World’s Longest Yard Sale from Aug. 2-5. The southern portion starts at Lookout Mountain Parkway from Gadsden and Fort Payne to Chattanooga, Tenn. Call 888805-4740 for more details.

For more Alabama Events, visit page 29.

JULY 2012 9

Power Pack

Safe ways to recycle mercury and batteries A number of common consumer products contain mercury, a toxic substance that can be harmful to human health and the environment.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) encourages users of mercury-containing products to become familiar with and follow requirements of local recycling laws.

Thermostats Many existing wall thermostats contain mercury switches that provide for efficient control of temperature around a desired set point. The switches are securely housed, and the likelihood of consumer exposure to mercury remains extremely low. When taken out of service, however, mercury thermostats should be managed and disposed of properly.

The Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC), a not-for-profit organization, facilitates the collection of all brands of used, wallmounted mercury-switch thermostats by heating, cooling and air conditioning (HVAC) wholesalers. Local electrical distributors or contractors may be a participant in TRC and can help you to recycle your mercury thermostat.

Rechargeable batteries Rechargeable batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras, and remote-controlled toys. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) provides a recycling service for your used portable, rechargeable batteries and old cell phones. The RBRC recycles the following battery chemistries: nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH), lithium-ion (Li-ion) and small sealed lead (Pb). Visit www.RBRC.org to find local participating retailers and other sites that accept rechargeable batteries for recycling.

Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International

State park spotlight: Desoto State Park Desoto State Park encompasses more than 3,500 acres along the Little River, and is nestled on Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama. The park has dining and meeting facilities, along with a large outdoor deck available for gatherings. It features 25 motel rooms, mountain chalets and rustic cabins. Mountain chalets are equipped with full kitchens and private decks.

The park is also home to the Mountain Inn Restaurant, which overlooks the Little River. It is open daily.

The state park is located eight miles northeast of Fort Payne, off of Interstate 59 in the northeastern tip of the state.

For questions, call 256-845-5380 or email Desoto.

StateParkLodge@dcnr.alabama.gov.

Utility bill pay scam promises help from government Alabama residents should be advised that people are trying to scam homeowners by posing as utility company workers and government officials who offer to pay their bills.

There have been reports of customers victimized in the north and south of the state by scammers who offer to pay their utility bills through a new federal program.

An unidentified person has been calling homeowners and telling them they qualify for government assistance to pay their bills.

They acquire banking information and Social Security numbers while on the phone.

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The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips to avoid falling for this scam: • Never provide your social security number, credit card number or banking information to anyone requesting it over the phone or at your home unless you initiated the contact and feel confident with whom you are speaking.

• If you receive a call claiming to be your utility company and feel pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your utility bill.

• Never allow anyone into your home to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless you have scheduled an appointment or have reported a utility problem. Also, ask utility employees for proper identification.

• Always think safety first. Do not give in to high pressure tactics over the phone for information or in person to get into your home.

The BBB advises homeowners who are contacted to participate in the scam to contact their local law enforcement office.

www.alabamaliving.coop

Looking back on 29 years of Alab ama Living

Nearly 29 years ago I wrote my first article as thing unexpected hap editor of Alabama Living. Today, I’m pened. I fell in love. Well, writing my last. let me clarify: I was (still am) happily married to Sometimes we don’t get to pick our profession – the girl of my dreams it somehow picks us. You , merrily raising two wonderapply for a job you think ful boys, who, by the you rea lly wa nt, you way, are now grown. don’t get it, you settle So I’m not talking about for something else, and that kind of love. I fell in lo and behold, 30 years love with the culture of later you’re retiring from Alabama’s cooperatives. a job you’re not sure you I soon learned that wanted. It was a good AREA Magazine – now job, though, you might Alabama Living – is not say. only the voice of the 22 That was not the case electric cooperatives in with me. I really wanted this state, but it serves this job. Ever since grade as a mirror that reflects school I have been fasthe faces of more than cinated by the world of 1 million electric co-op magazines. I had regumembers. You folks are lar subscriptions to MAD the bac kbo ne of our magazine and Boys’ Life. great state. Every month Classics Illustrated commy job took me to you. ics – actually any comic I wrote about your hobbook – dominated my bie s, you r job s, you r reading list. At Auburn homes, your families.

University Montgomery I You invited me to dinworked on the school’s ner, and sent me on my newspaper, but also was editor way with a Mason jar of of the literary local honey or a bag of boiled peanuts. Like I said, magazine, a job I dearly enjoyed.

I fell in love.

Then it was fall 1983 and I was city editor of So I stayed. And from this chair I the (Montgomery) Alabama Journa watched “our l scanning the little book” grow into the state’s largest consumer classified ads, when I happened upon an adver- publication, with a monthly circulation of more than tisement for “Magazine Editor” of som ething called 400,000. Despite its growth, though, I’m proud to AREA Magazine. I had to have tha t job. I applied say Alabama Livi ng has maintained its local feel with all the deter- and local app eal. Sure you can find r e c i p e s mination of a John online, but wouldn’t you rather flip Deere tractor, and through our magazine and see what I got it. Five years, the Cook of the Month is up to? Yep, I thought, as editor I thought so. of this magazine, May 31 was my official retirement then I’ll move on date. As I mov e from editor of Alato an even bigger bama Living to reader of Alabama market. Yep, the Living, I know I have been given the Atlanta, New Or- exquisite gift of getting to meet so leans, even New many of you in pers Yo r k m a g a z i n e this job so muc on. That’s made h more than a capub lish ing wo rld reer. That’s mad e it fun. For that, seemed within my I can only say thanks to you all. grasp.

But then some– Darryl Gates

Alabama Living

JULY 2012 11

Sand Island Lighthouse

A beacon in the Gulf of Mexico has a storied history

Lighthouse

By Emmett Burnett

Early 1960s view of the Sand Island Lighthouse

T

h e d a y ’s m a r i n e forecast calls for a light chop in Gulf waters as our 20-ft. boat leaps wave to wave. The Sand Island Lighthouse is on the bouncing horizon. In 1837, John McCloud became Sand Island’s first lighthouse keeper. The same rough water battling us fought him.

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“The Corps of Engineers spent $6 million dollars pumping sand to it,” Dauphin Island’s Jim Hall shouts above the outboard motor’s roar. Hall is with the Alabama Lighthouse Association. “But it’s going to eventually wash away again. They must continuously add more sand.”

Working from a government grant, workers dredged and laid 1.4 million cubic yards of sand to this dry spot in the Gulf of Mexico. Today its 131-foot conical icon sits on fresh white land – for now.

In the 1800s Sand Island was 400 acres; today it is 15 and shrinking. “People don’t realize how swift this current is,” Jim says,

as we anchor and wade to shore. “The water constantly flows east to west.” And when the water goes west, so does the island, eroding a little at a time.”

Most South Alabamians have seen Sand Island from shore. It is 4.2 bumpy miles from Dauphin Island. But few have actually been on it, and fewer still in the lighthouse. It’s not exactly hospitable. In addition to occasionally treacherous currents that can ground a boat, the lighthouse entrance is about 20 feet up, through a window. The main door was bricked over decades ago. So with rickety ladder in place, we climb. www.alabamaliving.coop

Balancing on a foot-wide window ledge Lighthouse 2 was built in 1848. Standone peers inside the mammoth column ing 200 feet, it was the tallest ever built once home to isolated lighthouse keepers. on the Gulf Coast. The magnificent strucNo one climbs the badly corroded spiral ture became the perfect home for Union staircase to the top. It’s not safe, and there soldier spies, and on Feb. 23, 1863, under is really no reason to – the 10 x 5 foot cover of darkness, Confederate soldier Fresnel lens is gone, now on display at John W. Glenn rowed from Dauphin Isthe Fort Morgan Museum near Gulf Shores.

Hugging the lighthouse like an amateur Indiana Jones, we move around the outside circumference on a narrow ledge. Although it is about 10 feet thick at the base, the brick, tapered wall is crumbly to the touch, after being battered by hurricanes over the century.

Looking straight up at this ocean tower, one wonders, how did they build it? Perhaps more amazing is the fact that it has been built three times. In 1837, Congress responded to complaints Sand Island Lighthouse awaiting restoration of inadequate lighting offered by a tall Sand Island spindle with land to Sand Island and placed 70 pounds a light on it, visible a mere 6 miles. The of gunpowder under the tower. He lit the first working lighthouse, 55 feet tall, was fuse and ran for his life in a downpour of built to replace the spindle. But erosion bricks and Union dead. and competition from the more powerful The third and present lighthouse was Mobile Point Lighthouse prompted sail- built and then activated on Sept. 1, 1873. ors to call Sand Island’s “a second-class In 1903 two keepers manned the beacon. beacon.”

One went to shore, leaving his co-worker.

Both were unaware of a massive hurricane brewing in the Gulf. After the storm, the keeper who went to shore returned to battered Sand Island, then wired the mainland: “Sand Island light out. Island washed away, Dwelling gone. Keeper not to be found.” He never was.

Sand Island’s lighthouse was deactivated in 1932. But it never dimmed for the people who love it. “This and the Middle Bay Lighthouse are all that is left of our rich maritime history,” says Jim. “We have got to preserve it.”

He and the 200 plus members of the Alabama Lighthouse Association visit the site often, making minor repairs, maintenance, and keeping an eye on the place.

“I’ve worked on lighthouses in Maine and Canada,” says member Halvor Biering of Fairhope. “But Sand Island’s is different. It has been so long since active service. We have a long way to go in restoring it. But if done, it will be beautiful.”

Halvor and Jim feel this lighthouse saved many lives. Now is the time to return the favor. For more information or to make a donation, see www.sandislandlighthouse. com.A

Want to help save the lighthouse?

See www.sandislandlighthouse.com to make a donation.

Alabama Living

JULY 2012 13

The Alabama Bass Trail On March 8, Gov. Robert Bentley announced the Alabama Bass Trail to promote 11 of the best fishing waters in the state. This is the second of a four-part series focusing on those lakes and rivers.

Coosa River leads to outstanding bass action

By John N. Felsher

For more information on the Alabama Bass Trail, see www.alabamabasstrail.org.

B

eginning near Rome, Ga., the Coosa River flows 280 miles to the southwest with more than 90 percent of it in Alabama. South of Wetumpka, it merges with the Tallapoosa River to create the Alabama River.

Along the way, it flows through some of the best bass waters in the country.

Thick grass covers many parts of Lake Logan Martin below Sometimes called “The Lake of a Thousand Coves,” Lake Lo- Interstate 20. Largemouth bass tend to hunker down in thicker gan Martin covers 15,263 acres near Pell City and creates more cover around grassy flats or fallen trees. Also look for bass along than 275 miles of shoreline. Impounded in 1964, the lake runs channel drops where fish can move freely between deep and more than 48 miles along the Coosa River and drops to more shallow waters.

“I fish Logan Martin quite a bit, usually at least once a week,” than 110 feet deep in places. said Mark McCaig, a tournament fisherman from Oxford. “Logan Lake Logan Martin served as the venue for four Bassmaster Martin has always been Classics, most recently one of the best spotted in 1992. The lake can bass lakes in the counproduce many largetry, but over the last mouth bass in the few years, largemouths 4- to 6-pound class, have dominated. Up but the lake record the river, people can largemouth weighed fish ledges in 5- to 614 pounds, 11 ounces. feet of water all day The lake can also prolong. In the summer, duce some Kentucky bass sit in 12 to 18 spotted bass approachfeet of water around ing seven pounds and brush, but people can redeye bass up to three usually catch some pounds. fish in the grass early “Lake Logan Marin the morning. I oftin is on fire for bass ten fish the grass with right now,” said Chris a 5/16-ounce swim jig Jackson, a guide and and then move deeper bass pro from Dora.

“It has potential for Mike Wurm, a professional bass angler from Hot Springs, Ark., and Jonathan where I use either a jig or worm.” big fish, although not Newton, a professional bass angler from Rogersville, fish near a dock. as big as Guntersville. The sheer numbers of spotted bass is phenomenal. We wake spinnerbaits as fast as we can and they Lay Lake One of the oldest impoundments in Alabama, Lay Lake dates just annihilate it.”

Spotted bass generally prefer deeper, rockier conditions and to 1914 and covers about 12,000 acres in St. Clair, Talladega, more current. Look for them in the upper reaches of the river Shelby, Coosa and Chilton counties. Running 50 miles along the and in major creek channels. For tempting spots, throw baits old Coosa River channel, it offers anglers more than 289 miles of shoreline. that resemble shad.

Lake Logan Martin

14 JULY 2012

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2012  15

TOP PHOTO: Gerald Swindle, a professional bass angler from Warrior, fights a bass that struck a jig with a plastic creature trailer.

BELOW: Swindle shows off some of his favorite crankbaits.

Crankbaits come with many different types and shapes of lips.

LEFT: Kevin VanDam, a professional bass angler from Kalamazoo, Mich., adds another bass he caught to his livewell.

16  JUNE JULY 2012 2012

www.alabamaliving.coop

The lake can produce some great bass catches. In February 2010, Kevin VanDam won the fourth Bassmaster Classic held on Lay Lake. In three days, he caught 15 bass weighing 51 pounds, 6 ounces.

The middle to lower portion of Lay Lake generally contains more grass beds, stump fields, brush and boulders. This area typically holds the biggest largemouth bass. At the lower end of the lake, anglers find deep structure and open, clearer water.

Although it can produce big largemouth bass, most anglers know Lay Lake for its giant spotted bass. Some top seven pounds. The upper portion of the lake retains much of its riverine shape. Water flowing through the dam creates current that often sparks spotted bass feeding frenzies.

Lake Jordan

The southernmost impoundment on the Coosa River, Lake Jordan dates to 1928 and spreads across 6,800 acres near Wetumpka. The lake offers anglers about 188 miles of shorelines. Weeds, abundant rocks and bluffs drop into deep water and woody cover, creating

excellent bass habitat. A fertile impoundment with a good forage base, Lake Jordan ranks among the best waters in the state for fast growth rates among both largemouth and spotted bass.

In the summer, many anglers fish around docks. Bass move up under docks to take advantage of the cool, shady waters beneath them. Docks also provide excellent ambush cover and overhead protection from birds of prey.

“I like old, crusty wooden docks with large diameter pilings the best,” explained Alton Jones, a former Bassmaster Classic champion. “I also look for secondary structure, like brush piles. I also like docks near pathways that bass use, like creek channels or little ditches. I look for some type of bottom structure that funnels fish into a particular spot, like a creek channel or little ditch that swings in close to a dock or even under it.”

For booking trips with Jackson, call 205-704-2425 or see Chrisjacksonfishing.com. For more information on these lakes and others on the Alabama Bass Trail, see www.alabamabasstrail. org. A

Bass tournament benefits girl with rare illness Brandon McCullogh and Pete Graham, both of Mobile, won the Breanna Moore Benefit Bass Tournament, held May 19, 2012, at Big Creek Lake near Wilmer. They landed a five-bass limit weighing 10 pounds, 12 pounds. McCullogh and Graham anchored their bag with a 4-pound, 8-ounce largemouth that took tournament lunker honors.

The tournament raised money for Breanna Moore, a 4-year-old girl suffering from a rare medical condition called Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome. Also known as Opsoclonus-MyoclonusAtaxia, OMS affects about one person in 10 million and attacks the nervous system. Currently, there is no known cure. The money will be used to pay for Breanna’s medical treatments.

Each team paid $50 to enter the tournament. The tournament paid cash prizes to the top anglers, based upon the number of entries. Many of the anglers who won cash prizes donated their winnings back to the Moore Family to help them defray medical expenses.

For more information or to make a donation to the Breanna Moore Benefit Fund, call Mandy Moore at 251-422-2054.

Alabama Living

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

JUL. 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25

26

27 28 29 30

31

- - 01:07 01:37 02:22 03:07 09:22 10:52 - - - - - - 01:22 02:37 03:37 - -

05:37 06:07 06:52 07:37 08:22 03:52 04:52 05:52 07:22 08:37 09:37 10:37 11:22 04:37

07:52 12:37 08:22 01:22 08:37 01:52 09:07 02:22 09:37 02:52 03:22 10:07 04:07 10:37 12:37 11:22 03:22 12:07 08:22 04:52 09:52 05:37 10:52 06:07 11:37 06:37 07:07 12:07

AUG. 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11 12 13 14 15

16

17 18 19 20

21 22

23

24

25 26 27 28 29

30

31

- - 01:07 01:37 02:22 08:37 09:22 10:22 - - - - - - - - 01:52 03:07 04:07 04:52 - - - - 01:22 01:52 08:37 09:37 10:52 - - - - - - 01:07 02:52 03:52 04:52 - - - -

05:37 06:22 07:07 07:52 02:52 03:37 04:22 05:22 06:37 07:52 09:07 09:52 10:37 11:22 11:52 05:37 06:22 07:07 07:52 02:37 03:22 04:07 05:22 06:37 08:07 09:22 10:22 11:07 11:52 05:37 06:22

07:37 12:37 08:07 01:22 08:37 01:52 08:52 02:22 09:07 02:52 03:07 09:37 03:22 09:52 12:07 10:22 - - 10:52 - - 12:07 09:37 05:52 10:37 05:52 11:07 06:07 11:37 06:22 12:07 06:52 07:07 12:22 07:22 12:52 07:52 01:22 08:22 01:52 02:37 08:37 03:07 09:07 03:37 09:37 01:07 10:22 03:37 11:22 08:52 04:37 10:07 05:07 10:52 05:37 11:37 06:07 12:07 06:37 06:52 12:22 07:07 12:52 JULY 2012 17

Trail mix: Scenic Chief Ladiga Trail leads to Georgia’s Silver Comet Trail

I

n northeast Alabama, the nearly 33-mile Chief Ladiga Trail is a regional playground that passes through welcoming towns and pastoral landscapes. Following a former CSX railroad corridor, the rail-trail is named for the Creek Indian leader who signed the 1832 Cusseta Treaty, surrendering the tribe’s remaining land in the area.

Remarkably flat and smooth, the trail arcs from Woodland Park in Anniston northeast through small towns and quiet countryside to the state line with Georgia, where it connects to the Silver Comet rail-trail. It begins on a slightly raised rail bed before entering open fields, passing beneath canopies of pine, dogwood and other native trees and alongside enchanting wetlands. You’ll find numerous access points along the way.

The first stop is Weaver, where you might want to pop in to the nearby grocery store for snacks. Back on the trail, twin stone foundations of a railroad trestle flank the route. Five miles along, in Jacksonville, you’ll pass an old train depot, restored in 2010 and now providing, among other things, a resting place for trail users.

You’ll also find the Jacksonville State University campus. Just off the trail is the historic town square, which boasts several shops and restaurants (climb Mountain Street and turn right on Route 21).

Keep alert over the following nine miles, as you may catch a deer or fox watching you. You’ll soon reach central Piedmont, a quaint community that embraces the trail with a welcome center, benches and a sandwich shop just steps away.

From Piedmont the scenery begins to change. Duggar Mountain 18 JULY 2012

and the southern Appalachians provide a backdrop to fields that transition to forests. Terrapin Creek skirts the trail, and soon a bridge carries you over it. Here, the trail travels through protected wilderness within Talladega National Forest. Equestrians should check the trail website and contact the trail manager to inquire about equestrian use on the trail.

At the Georgia state line, the Chief Ladiga Trail becomes Georgia’s Silver Comet Trail, which stretches for another 62 miles, making the trails the longest pedestrian path in the country. A

Parking & Trail Access: Directions: From I-20, take Exit 185 and head north about 10 miles through Anniston on Route 1/Quintard Avenue; bear right on McClellan Boulevard/Route 21 on the north side of town. A few miles past the split, turn left on Weaver Road; continue about a mile, then turn left again on Holly Farms Road to the well-marked Woodland Park trailhead.

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2012  19

Consumer Wise

Hot Water Can Heat Houses Using a reverse cycle chiller with your home’s heat pump can be a less costly alternative to supplemental resistance heating

Q

: We have an old inefficient electric resistance furnace. I have heard there are some new types of heat pumps that use a big water tank and don’t need backup heat. How do these systems work, and are they efficient?

flows directly through an indoor coil. Air blows over the coil to heat or cool your house. A reverse cycle chiller heats or cools water in a small (20- to 40-gallon) insulated tank. The water then flows through the indoor coil. The entire system will cost 15 percent to 20 percent more to install than a standard heat pump/electric furnace combination.

The output capacity of a typical heat pump is sized for the cooling Btu requirements of the house. In most parts of the U.S., the heating Btu requirements are greater. To make up the difference, a backup electric resistance furnace is required during very cold periods. As the outdoor temperature drops, the heat

A

: Although electric resistance heating can be relatively expensive to operate, it is 100 percent efficient—that means all the electricity you pay for ends up heating your house. With a gas or oil furnace, you lose some heat out the flue. The problem with electric resistance heating is it costs more to produce 1 Btu from electricity than it does by burning fossil fuels.

A heat pump can produce 3 Btu of heat for your house for each 1 Btu on your electric bill. This is because the heat pump does not actually create heat directly.

It uses a compressor, coils, and other equipment to draw heat from the outdoor air and pump it into your house.

The heat pump system you refer to is called a reverse cycle chiller. It basically uses a standard high-efficiency heat pump to produce heat during winter and cool air in the summer. A typical air-source heat pump heats or cools a refrigerant that

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

20 JULY 2012

This reverse cycle system is completely located outdoors. Notice the heavy insulation on the piping.

Source: Aqua Products

output of the heat pump also drops just as the heating needs of your house increase.

You might think you could install a larger capacity heat pump to provide enough heat for your house even on very cold days. This would be possible with an air-source heat pump, but it would not work well in the air-conditioning mode.

An oversized air conditioner results in short cycles, indoor temperature swings, and poor dehumidification.

The primary advantage of a reverse cycle chiller is it transfers heat to an insulated water tank. This allows you to install a heat pump with an extra large capacity for adequate heating even in cold weather without the associated summertime cooling issues. Many of the major HVAC manufacturers’ heat pumps can be used with a reverse cycle chiller system.

During summer, this large heat pump cooling capacity chills the water in the insulated tank to 40 degrees or so. The chilled water is run through a coil in the blower system, which cools and dehumidifies indoor air just like a standard heat pump. The heat pump can cycle on and off as needed to chill the water in the tank independently of the indoor blower. Therefore the blower can run as long as needed to provide comfort and efficiency.

Another key advantage of having the heated water tank is its wintertime defrost mode. A heat pump regularly switches to the cooling mode to defrost ice that collects on the outdoor condenser coils.

During this time, expensive electric resistance heat comes on or chilly air blows out the registers.

With a reverse cycle chiller, the heat to defrost the coils comes from the heated water tank so warm air continues to blow out the registers. During regular operation, the temperature of the air coming out the registers is also warmer than with a typical air-source heat pump.

In addition to eliminating or greatly reducing the use of backup resistance heating, a reverse cycle chiller provides options for efficient heating. Because the heat is coming from the insulated water tank, you can select different types of heating for different rooms. The hot water can be piped through a heat exchanger (fan coil) and typical ductwork to produce heated air.

The following companies offer reverse cycle chiller systems: Aqua Products, 800- 840-4264, www.aquaproducts. us; Multiaqua, 864-850-8990, www. multiaqua.com; and Unico System, 800527-0896, www.unicosystem.com. A

Send your questions to: James Dulley Alabama Living 6906 Royalgreen Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45244

You can also reach Dulley online at

www.dulley.com

www.alabamaliving.coop

CALLING ALL QUILTERS

AREA’s 7 Quilt Competition th

The theme for this quilt is ‘Spotlight on Alabama’s Official State Symbols’

Judges for the sixth quilt competition

What is it?

• A competition for all cooperative handworkers to make squares for the 7th AREA cooperative quilt • We would like to represent as many cooperatives as possible.

• Winners will be given statewide recognition and have their square included in the quilt.

PARTICIPATION IS FREE! For information and guidelines, please complete the form below and mail or fax it to: Linda Partin Alabama Rural Electric Association P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124 Fax: 334-215-2733 or e-mail: lpartin@areapower.com or visit the link at www.areapower.coop Alabama Living

I would like to participate in AREA’s 7th Quilt Competition.

Please send guidelines and information to: Name ________________________________________ Address ______________________________________ City __________________________________________ State _________ Zip ___________________________ Phone ________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________ Cooperative ___________________________________ JULY 2012 21 (Listed on cover of magazine)

Power Plants

Beyond the Kitchen— Herbs in the Landscape

By Katie Jackson

Garden Tips: July Prune summer-blooming shrubs after they have finished flowering. Remove any dead or diseased branches.

Sow seeds for cool season vegetable crops directly into the garden by mid-July.

Pull weeds from garden beds as they emerge and before they can flower and go to seed.

Keep fresh water in birdbaths.

Watch for insect and disease damage on indoor and outdoor plants.

Plant pumpkin seeds for a Halloween harvest.

Plant fall vegetables such as cabbage, parsley and collards.

Pick all vegetables regularly to ensure continued bearing.

Remove flowers from basil and cut mint to encourage new shoots.

Keep container plants well watered during the summer.

Apply water until it runs out of the pot’s drainage holes.

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

22 JULY 2012

M

y back patio is home to numerous pots of cooking herbs— oregano, rosemary, thyme, chives and mint as perennials and usually basil and cilantro as annuals. Like most plants in my yard, these herbs have to make it without much pampering. I am lucky to water them some weeks, and the perennial herbs stay outside year-round, so they have to withstand the winter as well.

Lately, though, I’ve been considering moving those perennial herbs into the ground where they can put down deeper roots and may require even less attention. And in the process I have been considering other herbs for ornamental purposes, most specifically hyssop and creeping thymes.

Hyssop is new for me to try because I typically grow herbs for cooking.

While it can be used in small amounts to add a savory zing (it’s supposed to be very good in soups, salads and used on some meats—duck has been suggested), hyssop is grown commercially for use in colognes and liqueurs and it has a long history of use as an herbal remedy, including many Biblical references as a cleansing herb.

For me the appeal of hyssop, which is a member of the mint family that is native to North America and Europe, is not for my kitchen but for its work in the garden where it draws bees, butterflies and hummingbirds and repels some insect pests.

Hyssop is an upright plant that can range in height from one to five feet tall and its fragrant flowers (there is even a bubblegum-scented option) come in an array of colors—purple and pink, blue, red and orange and white, depending on the cultivar—that bloom from the summer through fall.

I will likely use hyssop as a border plant, but it is also great for garden beds,

in rock gardens and in containers, and it is considered a great companion plant in vegetable gardens because it controls some pests and those bees it draws help pollinate other crops.

Creeping thyme, on the other hand, is what I hope to put underfoot. It is one of the few groundcovers that withstands foot traffic and, when stepped upon, creeping thymes emit a lovely scent, plus their soft texture makes even barefoot walking a delight. It can be used as a groundcover carpet or planted between stepping stones and it’s also lovely tucked into the landscape among rocks or cascading over walls.

A number of cultivars of creeping thyme are available offering flowers of pink, purple and lilac hues and they are all low-maintenance, hardy and spread nicely to fill in cracks and crevices in walkways and other areas.

Needless to say there are many other herbs that can make charming landscape plants—rosemary, bee balm, sage and lavender to name a few—so don’t hesitate to explore the options. Do keep in mind, however, that some of them can become invasive (mint, for example) so select with care!

If you’re looking for other garden ideas, take time this summer to attend local workshops and visit public gardens. One amazing option is the 11th annual Farm, Home and Wildlife Expo to be held Aug. 4, noon to 5 p.m., at the Chilton Research and Extension Center in Clanton. This free event features samples of all sorts of yummy garden fruits and recipes as well as information on growing fruits and vegetables and other educational opportunities ranging from farm pond management to food safety advice. For more information call 205-646-3610 or visit www.aaes.auburn. edu/researchcenters/chilton/news.php. A www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2012  23

Worth the Drive Dadeville

Chuck’s Marina Hang Around for Smooth Sounds During the summer months, Chuck’s is packed during the day, but on the weekends, it gets even livelier at night.

When the sun goes down, the music starts up. Every Friday night from 7p.m. to 11 p.m., you’ll find a band playing at Chuck’s. On Saturday evenings, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., anybody can take a turn at the mike for karaoke night.

By Jennifer Kornegay

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 24 JULY 2012

Chuck’s Marina home of Chuckwalla’s Pizzeria 237 Marina Road, Dadeville, AL (256) 825-6871

M

aybe it’s because I’ve got an uncle Chuck that I’m quite fond of, but for me, the name subconsciously conjures up words like congenial, fun and family. So when I was first introduced to Chuckwalla’s Pizzeria at Chuck’s Marina in Dadeville on Lake Martin, I was already prejudiced — on the positive side — before I’d ever had a bite of my food.

Of course, even to those without an “uncle Chuck” connection, Chuck’s brightly colored buildings perched on a slight hill seem to shout, “Come on over and stay awhile” above the din of boats and their wakes slapping the retaining wall. And that’s exactly what owners Greg and Jane Harris want you to do: park your car or tie up your boat and relax on the large deck (part covered, part not) with a cold drink and a hot slice of pizza and soak in the waterfront view.

Greg actually bought Chuck’s Marina from its namesake about 20 years ago.

Since it was already a landmark of sorts, he decided to keep the name, and according to Jane, will gladly answer to Chuck when confused patrons innocently make that mistaken assumption. But the restaurant portion of Chuck’s, Chuckwalla’s Pizzeria, is all Greg; he added it about a year after he took over the marina. His wife Jane has been helping out ever since they got together, about nine years ago.

So Chuck’s has the requisite laidback lake atmosphere; it’s got friendly owners; it’s got a great view. Without good food though, none of the above really matters. But actually, none of the above does matter. As I and other Lake Martin lovers and area residents can attest, the food at Chuck’s is so good, we’d happily eat it in a dark room with a lone, dingy window framing a glimpse of an interstate overpass. All the other stuff is just icing on the cake.

Or, more accurately, extra cheese on the pizza, because that’s what you’ll find at Chuck’s. Pizza, pizza and more pizza. (And wings and mini-corn dogs if, for some strange reason, you don’t want Chuck’s pizza.) If a pizza-dominated menu at a lake restaurant seems a little odd to you, let Jane explain. “Everybody likes pizza,” she

said. “It’s a very versatile food that people can customize to their liking, so it’s easy to satisfy almost everyone.”

Satisfy? I’d say thrill. There are some diverse options to choose from, but the basics of any Chuck’s pizza include fresh tomatoes, fresh herbs and quality cheese all on a firm foundation of either medium or thin crust. For the true Chuck’s experience, mosey on up to the ordering window and ask for the Chimney Rock pizza, a hefty creation named after the lake’s iconic cliff that lures teenage boys to jump off of it and hundreds of boaters to watch. It’s loaded with just about everything they’ve got back in the kitchen, which includes mountains of meat, and if you get it on the thin crust, you may have to employ a knife and fork; the crust often folds under the weight of the toppings.

Non-meat lovers should try the Algae pizza with its special garlic sauce, onions, olives, artichoke hearts and more. Kids usually go for the Goat Island pizza; it’s got a triple layer of pepperoni with extra, EXTRA cheese.

There’s also a bar under the covered portion of the deck with several beers on tap, as well as WineStoppers, a wine bar/ wine shop around from the ordering window that offers specialty wines from small vineyards by the glass and in bottles to buy and take home.

While I downplay the lakeside setting in favor of the food, Jane believes the proximity to the water influences the flavors. “Our attention to fresh ingredients is important, but so is the lake. I think being right on it really does make everything taste better,” she said. A www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2012  25

Alabama Recipes

Picnic Cook of the Month: Cindy Kusnierz, Baldwin EMC

Tomato, Basil and Feta Salad

6 Roma tomatoes, diced 1 cucumber, peeled, quartered lengthwise, and chopped 3 green onions, chopped 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips

3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

In a large bown, toss together all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 4.

I was married to my husband Steve seven years ago, and one of my most favorite wedding presents was a nifty antique picnic basket with all the trimmings; containers for food, wine glasses, dinnerware, and beautiful napkins all tucked into the nooks and crannies of a pretty box. We used it about twice a year for various occasions and four years later, we had our first outdoor picnic (in our backyard) with our then 5-month-old daughter.

She had just learned to sit up on her own and eat “table food.” Picnics always stay with me as fun family memories!

You could win $50!

If your recipe is chosen as the cook-of-the-month recipe, we’ll send you a check for $50!

August September October

Upcoming recipe themes and deadlines are: Budget Friendly Deadline: June 15 Microwave Meals Deadline: July 15 Tailgating Deadline: August 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 electric cooperative.

26 JULY 2012

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.

Bowtie Pasta Salad I box bowtie pasta 1 cucumber 1 zucchini 1 yellow squash

8 ounces feta cheese crumbled Italian dressing to taste

Cook pasta. Add dressing and toss while pasta is warm.

Add vegetables and cheese. The cook likes to serve this with Rotisserie chicken.

Jamie Petterson,Tallapoosa River EC

Cucumber Lemonade

1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut in chunks (about 2 cups)

3/4 cup sugar 2 lemons, juiced water

Put the cucumber and about 1 1/2 cups of water in a blender. Blend until well pureed. Strain the liquid into a pitcher and discard the pulp. Add the sugar and about 1 cup water to the blender. Blend thoroughly to dissolve the sugar. Add the blended water/sugar mixture to the pitcher. Juice the lemons and add the juice to the pitcher. Add enough water to make 8 cups of liquid.

To transport, pour into a thermos or other spill-proof container. At your picnic site, give the lemonade a stir and serve over ice.

Sandy Adams, Marshall-DeKalb EC

Sweet and Salty Chocolate-Bacon Fudge

4 4-ounce semisweet chocolate baking bars, chopped 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1/4 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream 1 pound bacon, cooked until crisp 2 cups toasted pecans, chopped

Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Spray with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium saucepan, combine chocolate, condensed milk, butter, and cream.

Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Crumble bacon and reserve 1/4 cup. Stir pecans and remaining bacon into chocolate mixture. Spoon mixture in prepared pan; Smooth top with spatula. Sprinkle reserved 1/4 cup crumbled bacon over chocolate mixture, pressing down gently. Cover and chill for 4 hours or until set. Cut into squares to serve. Makes 32 pieces.

Becky Terry, 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.

JULY 2012  27

Aunt Bee’s Fried Chicken 1 frying chicken, cut up 2 eggs, beaten salt to taste

All-purpose flour Shortening or vegetable oil

Wash chicken. Dip the pieces in beaten egg seasoned with salt, then roll into flour. Heat cooking oil in frying pan. When hot, add chicken pieces and cook slowly for 15 to 20 minutes.

Turn chicken pieces over 3 or 4 times. After the pieces turn brown, cover with lids and cook for 20 minutes or until done.

Loretta Robinson, Sand Mountain EC

Grilled Steak Sandwich

4 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise 3 tablespoons olive oil Kosher salt and pepper 1 pound of Strip steak 2 medium onions, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds

2 tablespoons of salt free spice mix 4 pieces of French bread, halved 4 pieces of green-leaf lettuce

Heat grill to medium high. In a medium bowl, toss the tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of the oil and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Season the steak with 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and grill to desired doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Meanwhile, brush both sides of the onion slices with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and sprinkle with the spice mix. Grill until tender, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Grill the tomatoes, 3 to 5 minutes per side.

Form sandwiches with the bread, lettuce, steak, onions and tomatoes.

Rhubarb Slaw

Directions: Cut apple or pear into bite size pieces, add remaining ingredients and toss to combine.

1 pound rhubarb, 3 tablespoons garlic, julienned thinly sliced 2 cups apple cider 1 1/2 tablespoons red vinegar pepper flakes Salt 1 small cabbage, thinly Pepper sliced 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar 1 large carrot, grated 1/2 cup peeled, sliced fresh 2 tablespoons olive oil ginger Place rhubarb in a large heat proof bowl; set aside. Boil vinegar, salt and pepper to taste, and next 4 ingredients. Pour over rhubarb and let cool. Refrigerate overnight. Drain rhubarb, reserving 1/2 cup of the liquid. Toss rhubarb with cabbage, carrot, reserved liquid, and olive oil. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until cabbage softens. Bring to your picnic and enjoy!

Beth Taylor, Joe Wheeler EMC

Robin O’Sullivan,Wiregrass EC

Melba Bryan, Cullman EC

Easy Picnic Salad

3 favorite apples or pears 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1⁄ cup chopped celery 2 tablespoons 3

28 JULY 2012

chopped walnuts 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1⁄ teaspoon salt 1 8-ounce container fat free lemon yougurt 8

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 Geraldine, Picnic in the Park

Linda Armstrong / Shutterstock.com

Come join us for a day of fun at the Geraldine Town Park.

Great entertainment, food & fun! Cruise-In begins at 11 a.m.

Festival starts at noon with various local artists, including Backwoods Revival, Chosen Generation, Pat Upton, Country Case and a variety of other great

July 21

talent.

Traditional Pit Cooked BBQ chicken plates, Black Pot Pinto Beans & Cornbread, hot dogs and other tasty eats. Arts & Crafts Booths welcome. For more information Call Geraldine Town Hall at 256-659-2122

August

18 • Dothan, Dothan Indian Artifact Show

2 - 4 • Foley, Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation 15th

WestGate Gym Multiple venders displaying cases, pipes, bowls, spears, arrowheads, clothing, jewelry, books and educational displays. Flint Knapping Demo, raffle and refreshments Contact: Troy Futral, 334-821-5823 www.dothanshow.com

Annual Professional Rodeo Foley Horse Arena, 113 East Rosetta Ave. Nightly pre-rodeo activities 7 p.m.

Rodeo 8 p.m. Tickets: Adults-$12, Children 12-4 $6, 3 & under free Benefits peer-to-peer support programs for students in Baldwin Co. schools Information: 251-971-3633 or www.jennifermoorefoundation.com 3 & 4 • Albertville, Main Street Music Festival.

Vendors, children’s activities. Concerts by Phil Vassar, Sister Hazel and Warm Admission: Free 11 • Dothan, Football Fest

Dothan Civic Center – 5-9 p.m.

Samples of tailgating food, collegiate football merchandise for sale, trivia contest and keynote address from Gene Stallings Admission for speech: $10 VIP reserved seating with steak dinner and meet and greet with Coach Stalling: $100 (only to first 250 registrants) Information: 334-699-1475 www.wiregrassfootballfest.com

25 & 26 • Tensaw, 199th Anniversary of Fort Mims.

Exciting 1813 re‑enactments between settlers, militia and Indians; living history, period weapons, displays and crafts, old-time music Contact: Claudia Campbell 251-533-9024 www.fortmims.org 25 • Burkville, Alabama Okra Festival 278 Harriet Tubman Road. Free family-friendly event with live music, all kinds of food, fresh local vegetables and preserves, arts and crafts and children’s activities Contact: Barbara@ okrafestival.org

18 • Russellville, Antique Tractor Show in conjunction with Watermelon Festival. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Trophies and prizes Admission: Free Contact: Mike Powell 256-332-7652

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.

25 • Fyffe, 8th Annual Fyffe UFO Days August 25 (Unforgettable Family Outing) Gates open at 9 a.m., entertainment at 10 a.m.

Live music, arts and crafts, entertainment and games for the kids, antique tractors and cars Admission: Free Contact: Brandi Clayton at Fyffe Town Hall 256-623-7298 or fyffetownclerk@farmerstel.com

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July 2012 29

6/18/12 9:56 AM

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Call (888) 216-4173 BANKRUPTCY ADVICE???

Call (877) 933-1139 OWE BACK TAXES???

Call (877) 633-4457 DISCOUNTED DENTAL Call (888) 696-6814 CREDIT SCORE COACH Call (888) 317-6625 NONPROFIT DEBT HELP Call (888) 779-4272 careconnectusa.org, A Public Benefit Org 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.andyswallbeds.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 KEEP POND WATER CLEAN AND FISH HEALTHY with our aeration

30 JULY 2012

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

Business Opportunities 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.scentteam.com PIANO TUNING PAYS – Learn with American Tuning School homestudy course – (800)497-9793

Vacation Rentals GULF SHORES PLANTATION - Gulf view, beach side, 2 bedrooms / 2 baths, no smoking / no pets. Owner rates (205)339-3850 SMOKIES – PIGEON FORGE, TN CABINS – (251)649-3344, (251)6494049, www.hideawayprop.com ORANGE BEACH CONDO, 3BR/3BA; 2,000 SQ.FT.; beautifully decorated; gorgeous waterfront view; boat slips available; great rates - Owner rented (251)604-5226 DAYTONA: OCEANFRONT CONDO…near boardwalk and other attractions..See the sunrise Over the Atlantic from your queen size bed… pool and many other amenities..

Non-smoking..Call Jennifer in Scottsboro at 256-259-2244 TENNESSEE’S FINEST SMOKY MOUNTAIN VACATION GET AWAY! Cozy cabins by Owner – (865)712-7633 GULF SHORES CONDO - 2BR/1BA Affordable Rates & Beachfront - Call (256-507-1901) or email brtlyn@yahoo.com

PIGEON FORGE, TN: $89 - $125, 2BR/2BA, hot tub, air hockey, fireplace, swimming pool, creek – (251)363-1973, www. mylittlebitofheaven.com KATHY’S ORANGE BEACH CONDO – 2BR/2BA, non-smoking. Best rates beachside! Family friendly – (205)253-4985, www.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 – Secluded, home theatre room, hot tub, game room – www. wardvacationproperties.com (251)363-8576 PANAMA CITY BEACH CONDO – Owner rental – 2BR / 2BA, wireless internet, just remodeled inside and outside – (334)790-0000, jamesrny@graceba.net, www. theroneycondo.com 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

WEST BEACH – 3 GREAT CONDOS – Call (404)219-3189, (404)702-9824 or email gulfshores4rent@gmail. com. www.GULFSHORES4RENT.COM GULF SHORES: FESTIVE CONDO AT SEA AND SUN on west beach with private beach access close to restaurants and all attractions.. private pool,,non smoking. Call Jennifer in Scottsboro at 256-259-2244 EDGEWATER BEACH in PANAMA CITY – Beach front condo – 1BR / 2BA – (334)596-4921 LOGCABIN VACATION – WEEKEND RENTAL – Hottubs, King Beds – Mentone and Guntersville – (256)657-4335, www. mentonelogcabins.com, www.vrbo. com/404770 TWO GULF SHORES PLANTATION CONDOS – Excellent beach views – Owner rented (251)223-9248 GATLINBURG, TN CHALET 3BR/3BA Baskins Creek – Pool, 10 minute walk downtown, Aquarium, National Park – (334)289-0304 FT. WALTON BEACH HOUSE – 3BR / 2BA – Best buy at the Beach – (205)566-0892, mailady96@yahoo. com

ALABAMA RIVER LOTS / MONROE COUNTY, AL – Lease / Rent – (334)469-5604

PENSACOLA BEACH CONDO – Gulf front – 7th floor balcony – 3BR / 2BA, sleeps 6, pool – (850)572-6295 or (850)968-2170

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

GULF SHORES BEACHSIDE CONDO available April thru December – 2BR / 2BA, WiFi, No smoking / No pets – Call Owner (256)287-0368, Cell (205)613-3446

PIGEON FORGE, TN – 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath house for rent $75.00 a night – Call Bonnie at (256)338-1957

FORT MORGAN BEACH HOUSE – Sleeps 6, $150 per night – www. vrbo.com #407162, (251)540-1086

GULF SHORES / FT. MORGAN / NOT A CONDO! The original “Beach House” on Ft. Morgan peninsula – 2BR/1BA – Wi-Fi, pet friendly, nonsmoking – $895/wk, (256)418-2131, www.originalbeachhouseal.com

ALWAYS THE LOWEST PRICE $65.00 – Beautiful furnished mountain cabin near Dollywood, Sevierville, TN – (865)453-7715

CABIN IN MENTONE – 2/2, brow view, hottub – For rent $100/night or Sale $199,000 – (706)767-0177

GULF SHORES - 3BR / 2BA ON BEACH – W/D, 4 queen beds, sleeps 8 - VRBO#354680 Gulf Shores East – (251)979-3604

GATLINBURG – DOWNTOWN LUXURY CREEKSIDE CONDO – 2BR / 2BA, sleeps 6 – aubie12@centurytel. net, (256)599-5552

FT. MORGAN GULFSIDE – 2/2, air, cable and quiet – Owners (251)6752483 or cell (251)709-3824. LEAVE MESSAGE!

GREAT LAKE LIVING - 3BR/2BA, 2 satelite TV’s, deep water, covered dock - Pictures www. vacationsmithlake.com. $75 night (256) 352-5721, annawisener@ yahoo.com

GULF SHORES CONDO - 4 miles from beach or outlet mall, 2BR / 2BA, pet friendly, http://www.vrbo. com/396334, (251)213-0688.

GULF SHORES, WEST BEACH - Gulf view, sleeps 6 - www.vrbo. com/92623, (404)641-4939, (404)641-5314 SMOKIES - PIGEON FORGE, TN CABIN – http://www.vrbo. com/402409 - $130.00 a night, fully furnished – (251)254-1622 ORANGE BEACH, AL CONDO – Sleeps 4, gulf and river amenities – Great Rates – (228)369-4680 GULF SHORES CONDO – 1BR, sleeps 4, Gulf-front – Owner

www.alabamaliving.coop

(251)342-4393, www.brett-robinson. com, Unit I104E MENTONE, AL – LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN – billiard table, Jacuzzi, spacious home, sleeps 12 – www. duskdowningheights.com, (850)7665042, (850)661-0678.

GATLINBURG: FABULOUS VIEWS pool, hot tubs and many other amenities. Call Jennifer in Scottsboro at 256-259-2244. Non-smoking GULF SHORES – CRYSTAL TOWER CONDO - 2 bedroom/ 2 bath, Great Ocean View - www.vrbo.com #145108 - Call Owner (205)429-4886, crystaltower607@gmail.com FORT MORGAN BEACH HOUSE - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, HDTV, WiFi – www.wardvacationproperties.com, (251)363-8576 GULF SHORES / GATLINBURG RENTAL– Great Rates! (256)490-4025 or www.gulfshoresrentals.us, www. gatlinburgrental.us FT. WALTON, FL CONDO – 1BR, sleeps 6 – Gulfside – Owner (251)3424393, www.seaspraycondos.com, Unit 105A GULF SHORES BEACH COTTAGE – Affordable, waterfront, pet friendly – http://www.vrbo. com/152418, (251)223-6114

MOUNTAIN CABIN, WEARS VALLEY NEAR PIGEON FORGE – All conveniences, 3 / 2 – Brochure available – (251)649-9818

Evergreen Tire Center approximately 1 miles north of Fair-view Community Contact Lillie Pierson @ lilliejacksontsu@yahoo.com

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 GETAWAY! 32’ “park model” 2006 BRECKENRIDGE TRAILER for SALE - $6,500 – Excellent condition! Sleeps 5 – In storage at Gulf State Park – (334)749-0302

Camping / Hunting / Fishing VALLEY HEAD, AL LODGE – 5/2, fishing and hunting – Weekly, monthly rates available for summer – Cabins available also – www. lookoutcreekfarm.com, (256)635-6420 RANGE, AL – FOR RENT: 9 BED BUNKHOUSE EVERYTHING FURNISHED – Camper and campsites available – Real Reasonable – (251)248-2086, (850)623-8415

FOR SALE 12.5 ACRE PECAN ORCHARD – COVINGTON COUNTY, ANDALUSIA: Three ponds, 30 X 60 metal barn/ office, power and water. GREAT LOCATION - visit: www.allisonland. com, (205)789-0327 - $139,000 LAND AVAILABLE FOR LEASING… Approximately 3 miles south of Evergreen on U.S. 31 next to old

LAKE GUNTERSVILLE – APPROXIMATELY 3.25 ACRE LOT in CEDAR COVE SUBDIVISION – deeded enclosed boathouse w/ electric lift and remote control roll up door – on Mink Creek and Main River – $115,000.00 or OBO – (205)424-5543, (205)565-1545 SUMTER COUNTY – 80 ACRES, house, outbuildings, lake, timber, deer, turkey – (480)718-5021 or (205)742-8126 WE PURCHASE SELLER FINANCED NOTES, Trust Deeds, Contracts for Deed, Commercial / Business Notes and more, Nationwide! Call (256)6381930 or (256)601-8146

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 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 WWW.2HOMESCHOOL.ORG – Year round enrollment. Everybody homeschools. It is just a matter of what degree – (256)653-2593 or website FREE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE – write to 23600 Alabama Highway 24, Trinity, AL, 35673

Critters ADORABLE AKC YORKY PUPPIES – excellent blood lines – (334)301-1120, (334)537-4242, bnorman@mon-cre.net CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES. Tiny, registered, guaranteed healthy, raised indoors in loving home, vet records and references. (256)796-2893

How To Place a Line Ad in Marketplace Closing Deadlines (in our office): September 2012 – deadline – July 25 October 2012 – deadline – Aug. 25 November 2012 – deadline – Sept. 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 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

JULY 2012 31

Market Place

32 JULY 2012

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2012  33

COOL, from page 7 10 percent less energy on average than comparable models.

An energy efficiency ratio (EER) measures each unit’s efficiency. The higher the EER, the more efficient the air conditioner will be. National appliance standards require room air conditioners built after January 1, 1990, to have a minimum EER of 8.0 or greater.

ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances boast advanced compressors, drawing more heat efficiently from the air. In addition, the high-efficiency motors in these devices use less energy to circulate air and run more quietly. However, they do cost slightly more.

Nationally, an average consumer saves approximately 76 kilowatt-hours per year — about $8 — with an ENERGY STAR-rated room air conditioner. Residents in hot and humid states could save up to $30 annually. So over the life of the appliance a consumer could save between $50 and $250, depending on the model and climate.

Consumers should look for room air conditioners with timers and programmable thermostats. These features offer better temperature control, allowing users to cool spaces according to their preferences. For example, you can set the unit to turn on 20 minutes before bedtime to make your bedroom comfortable.

Installing a room air conditioner is typically an easy job.

Most can be fit into a window 34 JULY 2012

Cullman_July12.indd 34

in a matter of minutes. Another option is to create a custom opening in a wall.

Large-capacity units often require a dedicated electric circuit or may have specific wiring and breaker requirements. They may need to be installed by a professional.

Room air conditioners come in a variety of sizes. Many people buy the largest one they can afford, assuming more power is better. While that may be true in racing, it’s not necessarily the case with an air conditioner. A unit too large will cool a room too quickly to properly remove humidity, leaving the space feeling cool but also wet and clammy.

Most room air conditioner purchases are “impulse buys” — bought during hot weather by consumers who have conducted little research. Most retail displays do not promote the benefits of ENERGY STAR models. So buy a unit from a knowledgeable retailer who will help you select the right size equipment for your room.

Air conditioning will raise your monthly electric bills — what type you choose, climate, and length of use will determine the full impact. Making smart energy choices will leave you happier, cooler, and with a couple of extra bucks in your pocket.

Brian Sloboda is a program manager specializing in energy efficiency for the Cooperative Research Network, a service of the Arlington, Va.-based National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

HEAT, from page 8 Heat Syncope

Sun-bathers may be prone to heat syncope, which is dizziness or fainting after lying (or standing) for long periods of time. Dehydration can contribute to an episode of heat syncope, so keep that water bottle handy when you head to the beach.

Heat Cramps

Folks who work or play sports outside in the heat may suffer from heat cramps, which result from low salt levels after heavy sweating. Stay alert if you feel cramping because it could be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

If you feel them, stop what you’re doing, sit in a cool place, and drink clear juice or a sports beverage. If you have heart problems, are on a low-sodium diet, or the cramps do not go away in an hour, call a doctor.

Heat Rash

Heavy sweating can cause a heat rash during hot, humid weather. It looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters usually on the neck or chest, groin, and in the crook of your elbow. You can’t do much to treat heat rash besides keep the area dry and use baby powder to alleviate discomfort.

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control Photo credit: CDC/Amanda Mills www.cullmanec.com

6/18/12 3:25 PM

Cullman Electric

Fourth of July fireworks

Follow these tips to stay safe while celebrating Independence Day

By Magen Howard

FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS • Sparklers aren’t safe for small children. They burn at very high temperatures — up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt some metals—and can easily set clothes on fire.

• Keep a bucket of water handy in case of emergencies and for fireworks that fail to ignite or explode.

• Do not place any part of your body directly over fireworks while you’re lighting them, and immediately move away as soon as the device is lit.

Magen Howard writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

Alabama Living

Cullman_July12.indd 35

What would the Fourth of July be without cookouts, baseball games, and pyrotechnic displays in the night sky? But it’s easy to forget that fireworks are dangerous explosives, and carelessness could have deadly consequences.

Every year, thousands of people are injured by fireworks—8,600 in 2010 alone, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The agency also reports that three people died the same year.

The federal government has banned sales of the most dangerous fireworks to consumers, such as cherry bombs and M-80s. But sparklers, firecrackers, and other smaller fireworks remain legal in most states.

To help make sure your holiday celebrations don’t end with a trip to the emergency room, follow these safety tips from the CPSC:

• Sparklers aren’t safe for small children. They burn at very high temperatures—up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt some metals— and can easily set clothes on fire.

• Ignite fireworks in a

clearing, away from power lines, homes, other structures, dry leaves and grass, and other flammable materials. Never light them in any type of container.

• Keep a bucket of water handy in case of emergencies and for fireworks that fail to ignite or explode.

• Check instructions for storage, but generally keep fireworks in a cool, dry place.

• Do not place any part of your body directly over fireworks while you’re lighting them, and immediately move away as soon as the device is lit.

• “Homemade” fireworks kits are illegal. Never try to make your own.

• After fireworks have completely burned out, soak them with a hose before throwing them in the trash to help prevent fires. A Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

JULY 2012 35

6/18/12 3:25 PM

Our Sources Say

Keeping Transmission Lines Free of Trees and Bushes We have become dependent on electricity and accustomed to having our lights come on in our homes when we flip a switch.

Waymon Pace is general manager, customer service of the Tennessee Valley Authority in Alabama.

Alabama Living

We have the convenience of dishwashers, computers, televisions, and many other appliances and recreational devices at our fingertips, thanks to the availability of the electricity which powers them.

There is a lot of planning on the part of TVA and the power distributors to make sure this ready supply of electricity is available for the consumer. They have to carefully maintain their transmission systems, not only the lines, but also what is around them.

A critical part of this is clearing trees and other tall-growing plants which pose safety hazards and could possibly cause power outages.

There are four reasons why we cut trees along our lines: safety, reliable power, rates, and regulations.

Our first concern is public safety.

Trees and other objects do not have to touch a high-voltage line to cause injury, fire, or damage property. We clear away trees that are near lines to reduce the risks for the public.

An additional risk is present during storms, when broken limbs can cause damage to power lines Reliability is knowing that you have access to power when you want or need it. We need to know that we can rely on our supply of electricity being there at all times. It brings new businesses and jobs to our area, and allows schools, hospitals, and homes to operate as expected. Tall bushes and trees can damage power lines,

causing unnecessary power outages and affecting reliability.

From a rates perspective, the more efficient we are in maintaining the transmission system, the lower we can keep our rates. If trees are only trimmed, we have to repeatedly maintain them over a period of time, going back to them many more times than we would if the tree is cut.

And finally, there are regulations.

Since the 2003 blackout that put most of New York and a great deal of the Northeast in the dark, new requirements are in place to help prevent outages caused by vegetation growing too close to transmission lines. TVA can be required to pay fines up to a million dollars a day if even a single tree is allowed to grow within a specified distance of a power line.

For those reasons we must be diligent in keeping our right of ways clear of trees, bushes, and other large plants. We must remove any tree or plant that can grow up to 15 feet.

It is our responsibility to communicate with the public concerning what we are doing and why we are doing it. We pride ourselves on being good stewards of the environment and will not remove trees or bushes unless it presents a safety hazard or regulatory infringement.

Remember, tall trees and transmission lines don’t mix. We remove them for safety, reliability, low rates, and because it is required by regulations. A JULY 2012 37

Alabama Living

JULY 2012  35

Alabama Snapshots 2

1

My old car II 3

7

4

6 5

Submit Your Images! september Theme: “My

truck”

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: July 31

38 JULY 2012

1. L a r r y B u r n s w i t h granddaughters Hallie and Cassie submitted by Larry Burns, Geraldine 2. “Shorty” and his 1934 car submitted by Phyllis Heathcock, Ohatchee 3. Don and May Alice Mims with their ‘55 Chevy submitted

by Vicki Mozingo, Deatsville

4. 1926 Model “T” Ford submitted

by Andrew O. Redmon, Wadley 5. Hobert and Isa West submitted

by Harriett West, Andalusia 6. 1966 Mustang submitted by Debbie McCay, Moulton 7. Roscoe in his 1949 Cadillac submitted by Wayne and Susan Patton, Cullman www.alabamaliving.coop

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