Alabama Living December 2010

Alabama LivingAlabama LivingDECEMBER 2010

Christmason the RiverPage 9

The Electric Cooperatives of Alabama

Contents

AlabamaLiving | DECEMBER 2010 | 3

A l A b A m A R u R A l E l E c t R i c A s s o c i A t i o nFred braswell, AREA President • Darryl Gates, Editor • mark stephenson, Creative Director • michael cornelison, Art DirectorJay clayton, Director, Marketing & Advertising • mary tyler spivey, Recipe Editor • Ronnie Fitzgerald, Production Assistant

Alabama Living is delivered to some 397,000 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.

ADVERtisinG & EDitoRiAl oFFicEs:340 TechnaCenter DriveMontgomery, Alabama 36117-60311-800-410-2737E-mail: [email protected]

nAtionAl ADVERtisinG REPREsEntAtiVE:National Country Market611 South Congress Ave., Suite 504Austin, Texas 787041-800-626-1181www.nationalcountrymarket.com

www.alabamaliving.coop

USPS 029-920 • ISSN 1047-0311

Printed in Americafrom American materials

DECEMBER 2010 Vol. 63 No. 12

next monthLearn what Auburn University’s new dean of agriculturesees in the state’s future.

Emphasis on Efficiency . . . . . . 10Consumer-owned electric cooperatives leadthe way in promoting the “fifth fuel” of efficiency

only Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Montgomery’s two state-run gift shops provideseveral opportunities to buy the perfect Alabama gift

Alabama’s Grand Canyon . . . . . . 16Little River Canyon is so expansive it once haltedthe progress of an entire Union Army

Co-op News . . . . . . . . . 4Local information you can use

Around Alabama . . . . . . 9Christmas on the River

Coastal Conservation . . . 20CCA protects Gulf Coast

Fish & Game Forecast . . 21

Destinations . . . . . . . . 22Linden’s ChiLLy Fest

Alabama Gardens . . . . . 24Color with hardy annuals

Safe @ Home . . . . . . 25Decorate safely

Cook of the Month . . . . 26Christmas Monkey Bread

Recipes . . . . . . . . . . 28Cinnamon

Alabama Snapshots . . . . 38 “The Holidays”

on the coverVist the 39th annual Christmas on the River in Demopolis, Dec. 2-5.

AlabamaLiving

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the Electric cooperatives of Alabama

4 | DECEMBER 2010 | Alabama Living

One of the sure signs that Christmas is approaching is the appearance of holiday decorations in homes and businesses.

While these are meant to bring us joy, when we don’t take the proper care, they can bring tragedy.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission says 12,500 people every year seek emergency room treatment because of holiday lights and electrified ornaments that either severely shock or burn them. Some are fatal.

Holiday lights should not be used near any type of utility installation. Don't place yourself or any other object such as a ladder in a position where you or it may come in contact with a power line, because the result may be fatal. Look up before raising ladders or other objects. Keep at least 10 feet away from overhead lines.

Use this handy home safety checklist for holiday lights:

• Secure outside Christmas lights with insulated holders (never use tacks or nails) or run strings of lights through plastic hooks.

• Choose Christmas lights that have been tested and deemed safe by a reputable testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories. Christmas lights listed as safe by these groups will note that on the packaging.

• Try to use the cooler-burning "mini" Christmas lights as opposed to the traditional larger bulbs. The older style burns much hotter.

• Only use Christmas lights that have fuses in the plugs.

• Inspect each set of Christmas lights - old or new - for damage. Return or throw out any set with cracked or broken sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.

• Replace burned out bulbs promptly with bulbs of the same wattage.

• Never hang Christmas lights on a metal tree. The tree can become charged with electricity and shock someone. The tree can also short out the Christmas lights and cause a fire.

• Use outdoor Christmas lights for exterior decorations. The packaging will note whether the lights can be used indoors, outdoors, or both.

• Use extension cords properly. Outdoor cords can be used inside or outside. Do not overload extension cords - they can get hot enough to burn.

• Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold. GFCIs can be installed permanently to household circuits by a qualified electrician.

Decorate Safely this Holiday SeasonBetter safe than sorry, especially during the holidays.

Alabama Living | DECEMBER 2010 | 5

Going ‘green’ doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort

If your holiday wish list includes computer equipment, plan now to keep it clean and tuned-up for a longer life. A few tips:

Set your new computer up in a room that has no carpet. Static from the carpet, some say, can damage the computer’s circuits. If your home office already has a big rug, use an antistatic spray or mat to reduce static buildup on the carpet.

• Keep computer surfaces clean. Use a lint-free cloth and an antistatic cleaning fluid. Spray the fluid onto the cloth rather than directly on the keyboard or other surface. Turn the computer off before you clean it.

•Avoidcrammingthecomputeramidlotsofotherequipment,anddon’t stack books or paper on or around it. Computer equipment needs air to circulate around it so it won’t overheat.

•Don’tsmokenearyourcomputerequipment.

•Insertthree-prongplugsintothree-prongoutlets.Thoseoutletsare grounded. If your older house has two-prong outlets, call an electrician to upgrade them.

•Besuretousethree-prongelectricaloutletsforyourcomputer.Thethree-prong plug grounds the equipment.

Keep computers in good shape

You can be both comfortable and environmentally responsible. Here are five ways to cut your energy consumption without sacrificing comfort:

• Buyaprogrammablethermostat.Ifyouturnyourheat or air conditioning off and on when you leave the house or start feeling too warm or cold, you can wind up spending more for electricity than if you let a thermostat ease the temperature up and down a bit at regular intervals. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you can save 1 percent on your utility bill for every degree you raise or lower your thermostat for eight hours.

•Don’t“binge”onelectricity.Evenonafreezingcoldday, resist the urge to crank the heat way up. Try to keep your thermostat at a steady temperature while you’re home so you don’t wind up with a big surprise on your energy bill.

•Waituntilafterdarktorunthedishwasherandwash clothes. Electricity is in greater demand during hours of the day when everybody is getting ready for work or cooking dinner, so the later you canwaittouseenergy-guzzlingappliances,thebetter. In some cases, your electricity rate could be cheaper if you use the power late at night.

•Askyourelectriccooperativeifitoffersa“time-of-use”ratethatrewardshomeownerswhouseelectricity during off-peak hours. Take advantage of utility and government rebates on energy-efficient appliances.

•Keepup-to-datewiththelatestenergy-savingtechnology. Appliances, windows and other energy-efficient products might cost a little more to buy than inefficient models, but they save you enough on your energy bills to pay for themselves in the long run.


• Prepare in advance. The foundation of a good morning starts the night before. Establish a nighttime routine that includes preparation for the morning, such as choosing what clothes to wear, what to eat for breakfast, and what route to take to work.

•Get adequate sleep. Stop working at any task an hour before bedtime to calm mental activity. According to the National Sleep Foundation, one in three Americans has daytime sleepiness that interferes with daily activities on a regular basis.

How to have good mornings

At some point you may have been asked, “What side of the bed did you wake up on this morning?” Of course, the intent in the sarcasm is to highlight an irritable or ornery mood; most folks have them from time to time.

Sometimes the morning includes dealing with difficult people or the stress of a long commute. No matter what the circumstances, there is value in starting your day on the right foot. A good morning can positively affect your productivity and interactions with others throughout the day. Consider adjusting your nighttime and morning routines to increase your sense of peacefulness and optimism. Here are some tips to keep your mornings good!


•Wake up early. Although it is not an easy habit to get into, getting up early to enjoy some time to your self can be rewarding. You might spend this time reading something inspirational or listening to music that promotes relaxation and creativity.

•Establish rituals that might include making your bed. A simple thing to do, it helps some people bring order to the start of the day.

•Get some exercise. It is beneficial to exercise in the morning. Whether it’s yoga, hitting the gym or a short series of stretches, morning exercise is a rewarding habit.

•Eat a regular, healthy breakfast. Too many people skip or skimp on breakfast and suffer the consequences. According to the Mayo Clinic, a healthy breakfast that includes whole grains, low-fat protein, low-fat dairy and fruits and vegetables, promotes better concentration and productivity throughout the day.

• Connect with your loved ones before you leave the house. Kiss all the people you love in your house, as well as the dog and cat, before you leave. Connecting with your family can help to soothe stress and refocus on what’s most important to you.

•Ease the aggravation of your commute. The principals of time management and stress management are the keys. Allow enough time to comfortably get fromPointAtoPointB.Findways to accept and productively cope with the stress. This might include listening to a book on tape, breathing deeply or mentallyorganizingyourday.

•Commit to a positive attitude. Attitude influences your satisfaction. As you encounter others at work, your positive attitude will help to strengthen your interactions.

•Make a To-Do list for the day. Organizeyourtasksbasedon what must be done, what might be able to wait, and what you can either do or not do without consequence. This step helps you transition from your peaceful morning to your work dayinanorganizedfashion.

Sources: The National Sleep Foundation, the Mayo Clinic, LifeWork Strategies, Inc., and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist Hospitals. This health tip is for educational purposes only. For additional information, consult your physician. Please feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.


You empty the ashes and sweep your fireplace after everyusetokeepitsafeandlookingnice.Butisitready for Santa?

Your fireplace isn’t really clean until you remove what you can’t see: the creosote, soot, ashes, dust, leaves and even birds that are stuck in the flue and chimney.

Unless you want Santa to scrape off the flaky mess with his big belly on his way down the chimney on Christmas Eve, you’d better get the job done before he arrives.

If you do, you’ll have a clean, safe chimney and fireplace to sit around with company during the holidays.

Unless you’re already finished with your shopping, baking, wrapping, mailing and card-writing, you might want to hire a professional chimney sweep to do this time-consuming and messy job. That will cost you $100 or so. Why bother? When smoke from your fireplace goes up the chimney, some of it condenses into soot and tar in the flue, which is the chimney’s inner surface. That creosote builds up over time, and it’s highly flammable.

Keeping your chimney clean will help Santa slide down it worry free. And it will help your family enjoy celebrating the holidays around a dancing fire—also worry free.

Get your chimney ready for cold weather—and Santa

Arab – Nov. 26-Dec. 31Christmas in the ParkMusic and entertainment each weekend. Lights will be on each evening through Dec. 31Admission: FreeContact: Becky Hawkins at 256-586-8128 or [email protected]

Montgomery – December 1-55th Annual Interfaith Nativity ExhibitChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3460 Carter Hill RoadAdmission: FreeContact: Merrilyn [email protected]

Cullman – December 3&4Christmas Arts and Crafts Show Sponsered by Cullman City Parks and RecreationCullman Civic CenterFri. 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 9 p.m.-5 p.m.Admission: Free

Luverne – December 45th Annual Biker Appreciation Day9 a.m. -TBAAdmission: Free, donations acceptedContact: 334-799-2552 or 334-429-1296

Mobile – December 4&5Richards DAR House Musuem Annual Christmas Celebration, “Winter Wonderland.”256 North Joachim St.Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Donation: $5Contact: the Museum at 251-208-7320

Daphne – December 6The Baldwin Pops Band – Holiday Concert No.2Daphne Civic Center Admission: FreeContact: Linde Lynn at 251-987-5757 or www.baldwinpopsband.com

Foley – December 7The Baldwin Pops Band – Holiday Concert No.3Foley Civic Center Admission: FreeContact: Linde Lynn at 251-987-5757 or www.baldwinpopsband.com

Somerville – December 10-12Outdoor Live Nativity PageantBlue Springs Baptist Church, 385 Blue Springs RoadAdmission: FreeContact: 256-778-8900 or 256-682-8461 or [email protected]

Decatur – December 12 & 13Annual Christmas Tour of HomesAlbany and Old Decatur Historic Districts3 p.m.-8 p.m.Admission: ChargedContact: 256-350-2028 or www.decaturchrist-mastour.com

Frisco City – December 17 & 18Live Nativity Drive ThroughFrisco City High School practice ball field

Sponsered by Revive Frisco & City Council 6 p.m.-8 p.m.Admission: FreeContact: Dell Walston at 251-267-3383 or [email protected]

Talladega – December 19Christmas Program, “I’ll be Home for Christmas.”400 East Street South 6 p.m.Admission: FreeContact: 256-362-3891

Talladega – December 22&23Live Nativity400 East Street South 6 p.m.Contact: 256-362-3891

Rainsville – January 6Gospel Singing Featuring Comedy by Tim Lovelace and Music by The Trammels, New Ground and The TaylorsNortheast Alabama Agri-Business Center 1571 McCurdy Ave. NAdmission: $10Contact: Chris at 256-528-4939

Greenville – January 14&15Fort Dale Academy Deer HuntAdmission: $700Contact: Drew Gaston at 334-782-3225 or www.fortdaledeerhunt.com


To place an event, fax information to 334-215-8623; mail to Events Calendar, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124; e-mail to [email protected]. (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.

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The 39th annual Christmas on the River in Demopolis will be held Dec. 2-5, and will feature all new nauti-cal floats (with the exception of the lead Elf float), hand designed by Kirk Brooker and Ben Sherrod.

Included in the celebration will be replicas of the Nina and Pinta, two of the ships Columbus used on his journey that resulted in the discov-ery of the Americas. The ships will be available for visitors to tour, and will be part of the night river parade. Country star Ashton Shepherd will be this year’s grand marshal of the parade.

Since its debut in 1972, Christmas

on the River has grown into one of the Southeast’s leading attractions.

As in years past, visitors will hear reading of the Christmas Story, enjoy candlelight tours of antebellum homes, see the crowning of St. Nick, and the famous championship barbecue cook-off.

Last year’s attraction brought ap-proximately 40,000 into Demopolis.

For more information visit www.demopolischamber.com/COTR, or contact the Demopolis Chamber of Commerce at (334) 289-0270.d

39th annual Christmas on the RiverDemopolis

December 2-5

Dec_10_AA.indd 9 11/17/10 9:06 AM

You’re probably familiar with the concept of energy efficiency – doing more with less electricity.

Some even call efficiency the “fifth fuel” – behind coal, nuclear, natural gas, and renewables – to show its importance in the mix of technologies that produce power for our nation.

Energy efficiency benefits both electric co-ops and their consumers. When mem-bers use less energy, they not only help keep their individual electric bills afford-able but reduce the overall demand for power. That, in turn, delays the need for co-ops to build new generating plants and saves everyone money.

Due to to various efficiency measures, per capita energy consumption by elec-tric co-op members has grown less than 1 percent per year since 1978 despite an explosion in computers and other home electronics. Before that date, aver-age residential electricity use by co-op consumers increased by about 7 percent each year, according to information from the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC), a supple-mental lender to electric co-ops.

A key piece in this trend has been the introduction of national energy ef-ficiency standards for appliances. In the early 1970s, for example, the amount of energy a refrigerator used depended on its design and the amount of built-in insulation. Due to ever-higher energy efficiency standards since then, the typical fridge today consumes 75 per-cent less electricity than in 1975 – even though the size of the average unit has grown from 18 cubic feet to 22 cubic feet, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

“Appliances consume a huge amount of electricity, so they provide enormous potential to both save energy and take pressure of consumers’ pocketbooks every month,” explains DOE Secretary Steven Chu.

The Energy Star program has also played a role in raising the bar for ener-gy-efficient appliances and electronics. Launched in 1992 by DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, En-ergy Star-rated products in more than 60 categories deliver the same or better per-formance as comparable models while using less energy and saving money.

Consumer-owned co-ops lead the way in promoting the ‘fifth fuel’

By Magen Howard

Emphasis onEfficiency

10 |DECEMBER2010| www.alabamaliving.coop

Helping you saveElectric co-ops have long been

in the business of energy effi-ciency – it’s a natural extension of their business model.

“Unlike investor-owned utilities, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric co-ops aren’t structurally motivated to sell more kilowatt-hours,” observes John Holt, senior manager of generation & fuels for the National Rural Electric Coop-erative Association (NRECA).

“To deliver a safe and reliable supply of electricity at an afford-able price, co-ops strive to maxi-mize use of existing resources and infrastructure.

“Efficiency can help co-ops temporarily head off the need for constructing new generation. The biggest payoff comes from con-sumers switching to more energy-efficient geothermal heat pumps, lighting and appliances.”

According to NRECA surveys, 93 percent of co-ops conduct en-ergy efficiency educational efforts such as holding public meetings and seminars; publishing reams of information in statewide con-sumer publications, local news-letters, bill stuffers and websites; broadcasting radio and TV adver-tisements; and even launching a sweeping promotional campaign, “TogetherWeSave.com.”

Almost 80 percent of co-ops offer residential energy audits and 66 percent offer commer-cial and industrial audits as well. Depending on a home’s age and upkeep, savings from acting on an audit’s recommendations can be significant. Brian Sloboda, se-nior program adviser for NRECA’s Cooperative Research Network, predicts that most co-op members will see bills at least 5 percent to 10 percent lower – “amounts that far outpace anything spent.”

To encourage consumers to implement efficiency steps, more than 40 percent of co-ops offer efficiency and weatherization services, including selling and installing high-efficiency lighting

systems, electric water heaters, geothermal and air-source heat pumps, insulation and Energy Star appliances, while roughly 50 percent include interactive energy use calculators on their websites.

Most co-ops are taking ad-vantage of recent technology advancements, too: upgrading power lines, replacing older transformers, using advanced equipment to control voltage fluc-tuations and deploying advanced metering devices. Others are en-couraging consumers to change out traditional incandescent light-bulbs with energy-efficient com-pact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

“Co-ops are doing everything they can to keep consumers’ elec-tric bills as low as possible, and energy efficiency is a big help,” Holt says. “You continue to use

the same products at your home, but at a lower cost. The lights are on, the air conditioner is running, but they’re more efficient, so you use less electricity.”

And co-op members are an-swering the call. A recent NRECA study showed a majority taking low-cost or no-cost energy-saving steps like turning off lights when they leave a room, turning their thermostat up in summer and down in winter, replacing incan-descent bulbs with CFLs or light-emitting diodes, adding weather stripping around doors and windows, and only running the dishwasher or washing machine with a full load.

looking to tHe future.According to DOE, if every

American household replaced one incandescent bulb with a CFL, our nation would save enough electricity to light 3 mil-lion homes and save more than $600 million a year.

And that’s just lightbulbs. The Palo Alto, Calif.-based Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), an independent, non-profit re-search and development group that counts electric co-ops as members, sees massive potential for savings if energy efficiency initiatives are enacted nation-wide.

“The achievable potential at the low end – what we call realistic – is 236 billion kilowatt-hours saved by 2030, roughly five times the (yearly) electricity consumption of the New York City metro area,” says Omar Sid-diqui, EPRI program manager for energy efficiency. “At the high end is a reduction of 382 billion kilowatt-hours by 2030.”

Efficiency’s greatest impact will likely come from advances in commercial lighting, commercial office equipment – particularly information technology compo-nents like servers and data cen-ters – and home electronics.

“Large screen televisions, game consoles, laptops to cell phones, where there isn’t a strong ef-ficiency standard now in place, opens up opportunities for efficient versions that result sig-nificant savings,” Siddiqui points out.

To uncover your own opportu-nities to save energy and money, call your local electric coopera-tive or visit its website.

“Energy efficiency remains key to how electric co-ops will keep electricity affordable in the face of rising prices,” says NRECA CEO Glenn English. “Co-ops are putting their expertise to work in fashioning innovative programs that will help members get the most out of every kilowatt.”d

recycle olderrefrigerators,

which can use 75 percent

more electricitythan new ones

Alabama Living |DECEMBER2010| 11

OnlyAlAbAmALooking for a gift

that says Alabama?

Visit Montgomery’s two

state-run gift shops

By David Haynes

So you’re looking for a gift that says Alabama, but the big-box discount and department stores seem to offer only caps or sports apparel with popular college football logos.

Tucked way in Alabama’s capital city are two gift shops where each item available for sale features an Alabama connection.




Located within the Alabama State Capitol, the Goathill Museum

Store is bursting with items from or about the Heart of Dixie. Operated by the Alabama Historical Com-mission, the Museum Store’s stated mission is to promote the work of Alabama writers, artists and artisans who create works featuring their home state.

Judy Jehle, a sales associate at the Goathill Museum store, tells me the shop is one of Montgomery’s best kept secrets, but not because it wants to be. The store is located on the back side of the Capitol, off Union Street. She says people are often surprised when they discover the gift shop, telling her they had no idea it was there. In fact, she recom-mends customers use the Union Street entrance, where after entering the building, they can find the store just to their right.

Ms. Jehle also points out that while parking can be a problem

during the week in and around the Capitol, there’s plenty of free park-ing near the Union Street entrance on Saturdays, when the store is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekday hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the store is closed Sundays.

A few blocks away from the Capi-tol is a small, peach-colored cottage on Finley Avenue bordered by a white picket fence, directly across the street from the Alabama Gov-ernor’s Mansion, which is on South Perry Street.

The 1920s cottage with its front porch swing and unassuming atmo-sphere makes for an ideal venue for the Governor’s Mansion Gift Shop, where the hospitality and charm of the Old South are alive and well.

Patrons at the Gift Shop can browse the Alabama-themed T-shirts, ball caps and decorative refrigerator magnets as well as a treasure trove of distinctive art, cu-linary articles, decorative items and

other unique Alabama souvenirs. Complimentary coffee or hot tea help to make visitors feel at home while they shop.

The Governor’s Mansion Gift Shop is also an excellent place to find information on various sights and attractions around Montgomery. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is happy to assist visitors in finding historical sites, points of interest and special events in the area. The final stop during school children’s tours of the Governor’s Mansion is the shaded patio of the gift shop where youngsters enjoy old-fashioned lem-onade and cookies.

Located at 30 Finley Ave., the gift shop is operated by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel. For additional information and hours call the shop at 334-241-8824.

For additional information about the Goathill Museum Store in the Alabama State Capitol, call the store at 334-353-4969.d

What do Confederate States of America President Jefferson

Davis, Tuscumbia’s Helen Keller and the Tuskegee Airmen have in common?

Each is featured in a new series of miniature figurines reflecting Alabama’s people and history.

In fact, one of these uniquely Alabama figurines might just be the perfect holiday gift that hard-to-buy-for friend or relative.

Commissioned by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel, the figurines are available exclusively

at the Goathill Museum Store in the Alabama State Capitol and at the Governor’s Mansion Gift Shop, located across the street from the Governor’s Mansion on Finley Av-enue in Montgomery.

Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell said the idea for the figu-rines originated about three years ago.

“When I travel I always buy miniatures of historic buildings and wanted Alabama to have high-qual-ity collectables like this available,” Sentell says.

The Tourism Bureau commis-sioned Designmasters, a specialty company in Virginia, to create the

figurines. Sentell says the company did a masterful job with the project.

He carried one of the bronze miniatures of Helen Keller to Wash-ington when the life-size sculpture of Keller at the water pump outside her Tuscumbia home was unveiled at the U.S. Capitol. Sentell says when he showed the miniature to the sculptor, he was amazed at the detail and quality of the work.

Six of the figurines are actually miniature versions of real, life-sized or larger sculptures. These include diverse figures in the state’s history

ranging from the statue of Jeffer-son Davis that stands outside the Alabama Capitol, to the Tuskegee Airman, a miniature version of a life-size bronze statue on perma-nent display outside the U.S. Air Force Academy Chapel in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Other prominent Alabamians fea-tured in the figurines are country-western artist Hank Williams with his guitar; the towering iron statue of Vulcan that’s a landmark atop Red Mountain in Birmingham; and a miniature of Civil Rights pioneer Rosa Parks.

Sentell says the collectible figu-rines have sold well, adding that

the ones depicting Helen Keller and Hank Williams have been the big-gest sellers.

The series also includes miniature likenesses of significant buildings in the state’s history, like the Alabama Capitol – available in three sizes – and the Dexter Avenue King Memo-rial Baptist Church.

Also available are a Christmas or-nament featuring a miniature replica of the Governor’s Mansion, another that’s a likeness of the Alabama state bird, the yellowhammer, and a bracelet charm with a tiny version of the state Capitol.

Sentell says other collectible figu-rines may be added in the future.d

Miniature figurines make perfect Alabama giftsByDavidHaynes


16 |DECEMBER2010| www.alabamaliving.coop 16 |MONTH2010| Alabama Living

Alabama’sGrandCanyon

Little RiverCanyon is so

expansive, it oncehalted a Union army


Alabama’s many natural wonders are not al-ways part of the image that outsiders have of Alabama. People from other regions some-

times still suffer from mythical misconceptions of our state. You know, like the tired old stricture that Alabama is just a vast flatland of cotton plantations, dirt roads, bare feet, straw hats, magnolias and mint juleps.

Well, let it be confirmed that the troublesome era of cotton plantations is long past in Alabama. And let it be affirmed that most Alabamians have absolutely no problem with dirt roads, bare feet, straw hats and magnolias. We’re even OK with mint juleps if that’s your taste. But, for those who might think Alabama is just a vast flatland, well, such folks are in for quite a shock, as was the case for an historical group of travelers who encountered a particular feature of the Alabama landscape back when cotton plantations yet prevailed.

The year was 1864 and the civil war was in full tilt. Union Gen. William Sherman was preparing for what would become his infamous march across Georgia, burning and destroying Southern towns and proper-ty. Sherman and troops were camped near the north-western border of Georgia as another party of Union soldiers, led by Gen. Andrew May, headed southeast across north Alabama in route to join Sherman.

May’s group moved steadily onward, at times cross-ing difficult and unfamiliar terrain. As they continued eastward across Lookout Mountain, drawing within a day’s distance of Georgia, their journey came to an abrupt halt. To their stunned surprise, May and his men found their route blocked by an awesome can-yon, a gorge so long and so deep that attempts to lo-cate a path across it failed. Whereupon, as story has it, May’s troops were caught from behind by Confed-erate troops closing in pursuit. May survived the con-frontation and in later reports proudly referred to the huge gorge as “May’s Gulf.” Today this remarkable feature is known officially as Little River Canyon, and is often called “The Grand Canyon of the South.”

As its grand reputation suggests, Little River Can-yon is no “little” gorge. It is 18 miles long, three-fourths mile wide at widest point, and 700 feet deep at its highest point. By several measures, Little River Canyon is, in fact, the largest and grandest canyon east of the Mississippi River. But simply describing the canyon’s dimensions does little to convey the sensation felt by visitors to this marvel of nature. And nature is the operative word here. The canyon lies high along the plateau elevations of Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama, where it is snuggled amidst plentiful nature – unfettered forests, mead-ows, fields and farmland for many miles around. First timers to the canyon feel the same surprise

experienced by May, as the mountain plateau of wild woodlands suddenly gives way to an impassable gorge plunging hundreds of feet deep and extending endlessly in either direction.

Some would say the most impressive appeal of Little River Canyon is the mesmerizing waters of its namesake, Little River – snaking along in the canyon depths and typically flowing pristine and emerald green as it makes its way over myriad waterfalls, shoals and rapids, and through numerous deep, quiet pools. These waters begin their journey as small trickles near the Georgia-Alabama line, far north of Little River Canyon. On their way southward through Alabama, Little River’s two primary headwater streams, its West Fork and East Fork, collect some of the nation’s purest waters from surrounding moun-tain springs and tributaries. The West Fork runs near the town of Mentone, below which it soon reaches DeSoto State Park and drops more than 100 feet at dramatic DeSoto Falls. The East Fork cuts through varied farmlands to join the West Fork just above an-other dramatic drop, the wide and rugged precipice of Little River Falls. Here Little River takes a roaring leap of roughly 60 feet down into the great Canyon itself.

Little River offers not only rare natural beauty; it is also a renowned attraction for expert kayakers and canoeists seeking the rare challenge of class IV and V rapids (warning: this is a risky and sometimes le-thal adventure, not to be attempted by anyone with-out whitewater expertise). There is also accessible opportunity for fishing and camping at the canyon’s “Mouth Park,” where Little River meets the broad countryside of the Coosa Valley and draws nearer its terminus at Weiss Lake. And for those content to see the Canyon via automobile, the beautiful two-lane drive along the length of the Canyon’s western rim offers breathtaking overlooks in several places.

Today about 14,000 acres of the Canyon area are protected as Little River Canyon National Preserve, managed by the National Park Service. And the National Park Service is partnering with Jacksonville State University in providing opportunities for nature study and outdoor interpretation at the canyon and at the Little River Canyon Center, a newly-construct-ed 23,000 square foot building located near Little River Falls on Alabama 35 (see accompanying story). The center has classrooms, auditorium, library, out-door trails and other educational facilities suitable for school groups, environmental groups, and anyone interested in learning about Alabama’s abundant natural diversity.

Just think: “The Grand Canyon of the South,” found right here in Alabama – and but one of the many remarkable natural wonders of our special state.d

Doug Phillips is host of the Emmy-honored television series DiscoveringAlabama,aproductionoftheAlabamaMuseumofNaturalHistory/TheUniversityofAlabamaincooperationwiththeUACenterforPublicTelevisionandAlabamaPublicTelevision.Visittheseriesatwww.discoveringalabama.org

By Doug Phillips



Little River Canyon has long been one of Ala-bama’s most beautiful and unique destinations for a variety of outdoor activities ranging from

kayaking in world class white water to simply driv-ing along the rim of one of the deepest gorges in the eastern United States and taking in the breathtaking views.

More than 20 miles long and as much as 900 feet deep, the canyon was formed by the waters of Little River cutting through sandstone as it descended Lookout Moun-tain over the eons. It is also one of very few rivers anywhere that runs most of its length within a mountain.

In 1992 much of the canyon was protected for future generations to enjoy as the Little River Canyon National Preserve, administered and maintained by the National Park Service.

Last year the opening of the Little River Canyon Center marked another milestone for enhancing the experience of a visit to this unique area. The center was built and is operated by the Environ-mental Policy and Information Center (EPIC) of Jacksonville State University.

Located on Alabama Highway 35 just a quarter mile from the northern terminus of the Little River Canyon Parkway, the Center offers visitors information on every aspect of the canyon experience as well as a wide variety of environmentally oriented classes and activities.

And since the National Park Service moved its office for the Preserve from Ft. Payne to the Center this sum-mer the facility has become a hub for information and a beehive of activity.

On a recent weekday when I visited, mayors from

across the state of Alabama were in one of the con-ference rooms attending an Appalachian Regional Commission session on sustained economic growth; Jacksonville State University’s Field School was hold-ing a class for kids learning how Native Americans made pottery; Park Service rangers were assisting tourists with questions about the Little River Canyon Preserve and a film crew was about to arrive to shoot a video about the facility and Little River Canyon. And

this was just a Tuesday morning!The Little River Canyon Center

was the brainchild of EPIC Di-rector Pete Conroy, who took a few minutes from his hectic day to review the history of how the Center came to be a reality.

Surprisingly, Conroy told me grants from NASA paid for much of the construction of the multi-million-dollar facility because the Center will be used, in part, to educate visitors about climate change and global warming.

This fits right in with EPIC’s mission statement: “To work closely with organizations, gov-ernment, business and the pub-lic to guide and provide sound programs, policies and practices that encourage the protection of natural resources.”

As he showed me around the building Conroy emphasized that a minimum num-ber of trees were removed and that the building is a “green” facility, meaning that systems and technolo-gies are used to maximize efficient use of energy. He said it’s important for people to see what these tech-nologies do and that they work and the center can be a model for green construction techniques.

One example is the heating and cooling system,

By David Haynes

Little River Canyon Center

Continued on Page 37

EPICDirectorPeteConroy



The sun had just risen enough to safely navigate the boat’s position and al-

low an accurate cast into the area where speckled trout and redfish congregate and feed in the morn-ings. The second cast of a topwater plug hit the mark and a four-pound female speck rose and exploded in the cool, misty air above the surface. After an exciting tug of war, I netted the fish, admired the catch and re-turned it to the water for some other lucky angler to enjoy in days to come.

We sometimes take a lot for granted here in Alabama, but there are several great orga-nizations working to ensure that you and your grandchil-dren continue to have mornings like these in years to come. These

groups are made up of outdoor sportsmen doing the work that must be done to protect our out-door resources and provide habitat for fish and wildlife.

One of the most active groups

concentrates its efforts on coastal conservation issues and is called CCA (Coastal Conservation Associa-tion of Alabama). I’ve admired its work for many years.

If you’re not familiar with what it does, let me tell you a few things that will interest you.

CCA Alabama is one of 17 coastal

state chapters of one of the world’s most prominent marine conserva-tion group. CCA is a grassroots membership organization, and its formula of membership, educa-tion, advocacy and fundraising has

served it well since the early ’80s.

Its national membership has passed 100,000, and CCA Alabama has more than 2,000 members in eight chapters across the state. Most of the funds raised in Alabama, stay in Alabama and are used en-tirely for marine conservation. A small amount goes to CCA’s national organization for pub-lication of TIDE magazine and national fisheries advocacy.

The mission of CCA is to conserve our marine resources for future generations to enjoy. Com-posed primarily of recreational an-glers with a passion for conserva-tion, CCA has been at the forefront of every marine fisheries debate since the organization’s beginning.

CCA’s efforts are providing a significant, direct impact on coastal

Alan White ispublisherof

GreatDaysOutdoorsmagazine.Tolearnmore,

www.greatdaysoutdoors.comorcall 800-597-6828.

The Coastal Conservation Association isworking to preserve our delicate shoreline

CCA


]]]]

]]]]]]

Alabama. Listed below are a few victories they’ve won in the recent past.

By pioneering the building of the na-tion’slargestarrayofartificialoffshorereefs, Alabama’s coast has benefittedtremendously.

CCA obtained game-fish status forblue and white marlin, and had themclassified as overfished by long-liners.Also, it obtained game-fish status forredfish,speckledtroutandtarpon.

It’s legal teamfiledandwonacriticallawsuitrelatedtoredsnappermanage-ment by forcing the National MarineFisheries Service to address shrimptrawlbycatch.

It’s built a 3,000-ton inshore reef inPerdido Bay.The reef is strategicallylocated in anarea thatprovides shel-terforjuvenilegaggrouperaswellasinshorespecies.

CCAconvincedthestateDepartmentof Conservation to close the upperportionsofMobileBaytoshallow-wa-tershrimping,therebydramaticallyim-provingthehealthofinshorespecies.

CCAwasbehindabillintheAlabamaLegislature that reduced the numberofactivecommercialgillnetterstolessthan50.Plus,theyhelpedputa10-fishlimitonflounders,witha12-inchmini-mum.

DuncanOilwasstoppedfromdrillinga shallow gas well in Grand Bay.TheGrandBay estuary is a very sensitivenurseryarea forcrabs,fishandotherimportantmarineanimals.

More than 100 Coast Watch vol-unteers were trained and a rewardprogramwasestablishedforwhistle-blowers.

CCA’s saltwater fishing license plateprogram was started in 2008.About$41.25fromeach$50taggoestoCCAandisuseformarineconservation.

And it’s made great progress in con-vincing the National Marine FisheriesServicetobettermanageouroffshorefisheries.

The Deepwater Horizon oil well disaster has created an en-tirely new set of priorities for CCA Alabama. Going forward, they’ll be focusing on habitat restoration, but for now they’re attempting to do what they can to help with the cleanup operation. According to CCA officials, BP’s focus has been entirely on public beach areas. Owners of waterfront property along the coast have been left out of the effort. CCA Alabama views that as a significant gap in the cleanup operation and has created a plan to fill the void.

As well as helping with the cleanup efforts, CCA will be lobby-ing for complete restoration of our inshore and offshore fisheries, and it needs your help. You can contact CCA and join the team at www.ccaalabama.org.d

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

Minor Major Minor Majora.m. p.m.

Dec.18 10:16 05:46 03:01 10:46 19 11:01 06:16 03:46 11:16 20 11:31 07:01 -- 04:31 21 07:31 12:01 12:16 05:01 22 08:01 12:31 01:01 05:46 23 08:46 01:16 01:46 06:31 24 09:16 02:01 02:46 07:31 25 09:46 02:31 03:46 08:46 26 10:16 03:16 10:31 05:01 27 04:01 11:01 -- 06:16 28 12:46 11:31 -- 07:31 29 06:31 03:16 12:16 08:31 30 08:16 04:31 01:16 09:16 31 09:31 05:16 02:16 10:16

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

Wildlife Management tips for December

lCollect hunter observationand deer harvest data.This isanimportantpartofyourdeermanagementprogram.Itallowsyoutoassesstrendsinthepro-gramtodeterminewhetherit’sworking or needs adjusting. Ifyoudon’thaveaprogram,de-veloponethisyear.

lPlant fruit andnut treesnow.LateDecemberandearlyJan-uaryareprimetimesforbestresultsinplantingtrees.

lMakenotesofroadsthatneedattention. Midwinter is usu-allywetandgivesyouagoodopportunity to identify roadsthatneedattentionduringtheoff-season. Once your prop-erty dries out, it’s difficult toremember all the places thatneed repair after the huntingseasonisover.d


When the weather turns chilly, there’s no better way to warm up – from the inside out – than by enjoying a big bowl of, well… chili. Recognizing how well the two “chillys” go together, and playing off the slightly different spellings of the words, the city of Linden in west central Alabama founded a free festival and is inviting every-one to its 5th annual ChiLLy Fest Dec. 11.

“We started small and simple, with a nighttime parade, but it was so popular and people were so excited, we decided to add some el-ements and extend it to a weekend-long event,” says mayor and Linden native Mitzi Gates.

One of the new features was a chili cook-off, and it quickly became the focal point and high-light of the weekend, hence the name ChiLLy Fest. The cook-off pits teams of Linden locals made up of church groups, area businesses and just friends against each other in a hot competition to determine who can whip up the best batch of chili.

After the last spoonful of chili has been sampled and rated, the chili champion is announced. This year, the winner will get the brand new ChiLLy Bowl Trophy with his name engraved on it. In the years to come, the ChiLLy Bowl will be passed along to every cook or group of cooks who wins the cook-off. An award for best presentation is given, too.

Of course, it’s not just the judges who enjoy the fruits of the cook-off participants’ labors. “Each team offers their chili and all the fixings for free,” Gates says. “Everyone attending the ChiLLy Fest is wel-come to it. And some teams end up cooking other things as well; last year one guy did brown-sugar cured bacon. It was delicious and got everyone all thirsty, which was nice, because the city sells drinks at the event to raise money!”

Last year, approximately 3,000-4,000 people attended the event and ate as much chili as their tum-mies would hold.

In addition to the chili, other festival food favorites are on hand each year, and the event isn’t just about eating. There are carnival rides, a Christmas parade and a fireworks show. Paying homage to the mass quantities of chili con-sumed at the festival is the ChiLLy Fest’s “Poot-n-Scoot” 5K run.

This year brings with it some new elements. The first ChiLLy Fest Pageant held on Nov.18 crowned Miss Chilly Fest, who will reign over all the activities. To coincide with the Year of Alabama Small Towns and Homecoming Events going on all over the state in 2010, Linden has invited five prominent “native sons” back home to serve as the festival’s Grand Marshalls. “You can take the boy out of Linden, but you can’t take Linden out of the boy,” Gates says.d

CHILLYFESTWhetheryoucookchiliorjustliketoeatit,LindenistheplacetobeonDec.11

Getting ThereLindenislocatedonU.S.43

about17milessouthofDemopolis.

ThereisfreeadmissiontotheChiLLyFest,andnoentryfeeto

competeintheChiliCook-Offortoparticipateasavendor.

Formoreinformationvisitwww.chillyfest.com

orwww.lindenalabama.net.

Destinations

linden

ByJenniferS.Kornegay



Annual winter bedding plants can be a real joy this time of year. They add color to an often drab winter landscape and also help control erosion in empty flower beds.

The best annuals for the dead of winter are in the category known as “hardy” annuals, which means they tolerate cold, wet weather and signifi-cant frost events.

Among the hardy annuals that are tried-and-true op-tions for Alabama are pansies, violas, China pinks and ornamental cab-bage and kale.

Hardy winter annuals are best planted beginning in October and November, which gives them time to become well established before cold weather sets in, but it is not too late to plant them now. Since it is already a little late in the season, though, the most reliable option is to buy transplants rather than grow these from seed.

To ensure your plants do well, purchase high-quality plants that show no signs of insect or disease infestation and do not have yel-low or burned-looking foliage. Pick plants that are compact and have short, thick stems rather than rangy, long-stemmed plants. Also, look for plants that have lots of buds and healthy green foliage

rather than plants that are already in full bloom.

Finally, examine the roots of the plants (or a sampling of the plants if you are buying a large flat). The roots should look healthy, show

signs of small white root hairs emerging and not be too pot-bound.

Try to irrigate freshly planted transplants for the first few weeks so their root sys-tems can become well established. Almost all winter

annuals will benefit from some deadheading (removing spent flow-ers).

Learn more about choosing and planting annual bedding plants year-round by reading the Alabama Cooperative Extension System publication Annual Bedding Plants, which can be found online at www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0184/. See the most current results of winter annual bedding plant variety studies (from 2004-2005 trials) at www.aaes.auburn.edu/comm/pubs/circulars/cir330/index.php.d

HARDYANNUALSPansies,violasandornamentalcabbageandkalecanbrightenawintergardenByKatieJackson

3Placepoinsettiasinalocationwithplentyofmorningsunandwheretemperaturesremainconstant(between65to70degrees,orevenalittlecooler)tomakethemlastlonger.3Reduceoreliminatehouseplantfertilizationduringshortwinterdays.3Placeindoorplantsinhumidareasofthehouse,suchasthekitchenorbathrooms,sohomeheatingsystemsdonotdrythemout.3Coverthesoilaroundoutdoorshrubsandperennialswithorganicmulchestoprotectthemfromfreezingweather.3Transplanttreesandshrubs.3Plantroses,hardyannualplantseedsandspring-floweringbulbs.3Preparelawnequipmentforwinterstorage.d

Gardentipsfor

December

Katie JacksonisassociateeditorfortheAlabamaAgriculturalExperimentStation.Contactheratcsmith@acesag.auburn.edu

Alabama Gardens


Their stories were just about the same. It was almost Christmas and time to decorate the evergreens outside their Indiana homes with holiday lights. Nearby were over-head utility lines carrying high voltage.

But the outcome was different. Shawn Miller, 37, lost part of a limb and required over 30 surgeries to repair his severe electrical burns. Bryan Davis, 42, wasn’t so lucky. He was buried by his family.

Both the death of Davis and the injury to Miller were tragic revela-tions of the powerful force of elec-tricity that flows through overhead utility lines. When the mishaps come during the holiday season, the memories will remain forever in the family.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says 12,500 people every year seek emergency room treatment because of holiday lights and electrified ornaments that either severely shock or burn them. Some are fatal.

This time of year electric cooper-atives nationwide warn against the use of holiday lights near any type of utility installation. The advice is to stay away from utility lines or feeder lines that connect the house to the power lines. Before stringing outdoor lights, check for overhead power lines. Don’t place yourself or any other object such as a lad-der in a position where you or it may come in contact with a power

line. The result may be fatal. Look up before raising ladders or other objects. Keep at least 10 feet away from overhead lines.

Other recommendations include:• Secure outside Christmas lights

with insulated holders (never use tacks or nails), or run strings of lights through plastic hooks. • Choose Christmas lights that

have been tested and deemed safe by a reputable testing laboratory. The best are UL or ETL. Christ-mas lights listed as safe by these laboratories will note that on the packaging. • Try to use the cooler-burning

“mini” Christmas lights as opposed to the traditional larger bulbs. The older style burns much hotter. • Inspect each set of Christmas

lights – old or new – for damage. Return or throw out any set with cracked or broken sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.• Replace burned out bulbs

promptly. •Never hang Christmas lights on

a metal tree. The tree can become charged with electricity and shock someone. The tree can also short out the Christmas lights and cause a fire. •Want Christmas lights outdoors?

Use outdoor Christmas lights. The packaging will note whether the lights can be used indoors, out-doors, or both.

Make sure this holiday season is remembered for the happy times.d

Don’tbeastatisticthisholidayseason–followtheserulesofsafedecorating

Jason Saunders & Michael KelleyarecertifiedmanagersofSafety&LossControlfortheAlabamaRuralElectricAssociation.

Send your questions:

Safe@HomeAlabamaLiving

340TechnaCenterDr.Montgomery,AL36117

334-215-2732

www.alabamaliving.coop

KEEP THESEASON JOLLY

Safe@Home

26 |DECEMBER2010| www.alabamaliving.coop Editor’s Note: Alabama Living’s recipes are submitted by our readers. They are not kitchen tested by a professional cook or registered dietician. If you have special dietary needs, please check with your doctor or nutritionist before preparing any recipe.

Alabama RecipesCook of the Month Holiday Traditions

Stephanie HuffakerCentral Alabama EC

Christmas MorningMonkey Bread

1/2cupsugar 1 teaspooncinnamon 2 cansofrefrigeratedbiscuits(10countcans

workbest) 1blockofPhiladelphiacreamcheese,cut

into20cubes 1 stickofbutter 1 cupofbrownsugar 1 smallboxofbutterscotchpuddingmix 1/2cupofwalnuts,chopped

Preheatovento350degrees.Prepareabundtpanby spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. Setaside.Mixtogetheryourcinnamonandsugar.Onacuttingboardorcleanworksurface, separateyourbiscuits.Sprinkleeachbiscuittopwithyourcinnamonsugarmixture.Placeacubeofcreamcheeseinthecenterofeachbiscuitandthenfoldtheedgesintoconcealthecubeofcreamcheese.Rollingthebiscuitsbetweenyourhandstoformasmallballishelpful.

Onceyouhaveallyourbiscuitsfilledandrolledintoballs,putthemintoalargeziplocbag.Pourintherestofyourcinnamonsugarmixtureandshakethoroughlytocoatthebiscuits.

Inasmallsaucepanmelttogetheryourbutterandbrownsugaruntilcombined-don’tburn!!Nowyou’rereadytoassembleyourbread.First,scatteryourchoppedwalnutsaroundthebottomofthebundt pan.Then place half of your biscuit ballsintothebundtpan,makingsuretoevenlyspacethemaroundthepanaswell(althoughtheywillbestackedontopofeachother).Coverthosewithyour butter and brown sugar mixture. Sprinklewithhalfof theDRYbutterscotchpuddingmix.Then add the remaining biscuit balls and coatwithyourremainingbutterandbrownsugar.TopwithremainingDRYpuddingmixture.Bakeintheovenon themiddle rack for 40 to 50minutes,untilthebiscuitshaveplumpedupandgetgoldenbrown.Servewarmwithyourfavoritehotcoffee.

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Upcoming recipe themes and deadlines are: February CreamCheese December15 march Chicken/Poultry January15 April Puddings February15

WhenIsmellthericharomaofcinnamon,Iknowit’sChristmastime.Moststoreswillput out their holiday scents and candlesthistimeofyearbecausepeopleassociatecinnamon with the holidays. We usecinnamonmore in thekitchenduringtheholidays in our traditional cooking.Aftertryingsomeoftherecipesinthisissue,trymaking some cinnamon stick Christmastree ornaments. Hot glue 5 cinnamonstickstogetherinapyramid.Stack3sticksonthebottom,2inthemiddle,andoneontopusinghotgluetomakesuretheystaytogether.Useawide,prettyribbontobundlethesticksandthreadtheornamenthangerthroughtheknotatthebaseofthebow.Makesurethatonceitisallthewaythroughthatyoubenditsothatitcannotfallout.Nowyouarereadytohangyourhomemade,sweet-smellingornamentonthetreeortoadornaspecialpresent.Merry Christmas

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IregrettherewasamistakewithHarrietFrantz’s“SweetPotatoDumplings”inthelastissue.Therecipecallsfor2cupsofsugarinsteadof5.SeehercorrectrecipeonPage28.

28 |DECEMBER2010| www.alabamaliving.coop 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.

Sweet Potato Dumplings

2packagessweetcrescentrolls

1packagesweetpotatopatties,cutinhalf

2 cupswater

11/2sticksmargarine 2 cupssugar 1 tablespooncornstarch 1 teaspoonvanilla

flavoring

Roll each potato patty half in a crescent triangle. Place ina baking dish. Heat water, sugar, margarine, corn starchand vanilla. Pour over dumplings. Bake at 350 degrees for45minutesoruntilcrescentrollsarebrown.Sprinklewithcinnamonwhendone.

Harriet Frantz, Marshall-DeKalb EC

Cinnamon Pecans

¼cupevaporatedmilk 1 cupsugar 1/2cupcinnamon

2 tablespoonwater ¼ teaspoonvanilla 3 cupspecanhalves

Combineallingredients,exceptpecans.Dissolvesugarovermedium heat. Add pecans and continue cooking, stirringfrequently.Cookuntil pecans are completely sugaredwithnosyrupleftinthepot.Spreadonwaxedpaperandletcool.

Alice M. Smith, Sand Mountain EC

Glazed Cinnamon Bars

2 sticksbutter 1 cupbrownsugar,firmly

packed 1egg,separatedDashofsalt 1¾cupsall-purposeflour

1 teaspoonbakingpowder

3 teaspoonscinnamon 1/2cupun-sifted

confectioners’sugar 1/2 to1cupwalnuts,

chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 15x10-inchpan.Mixbrownsugar,butter,yolkandsaltcombiningwell.Siftflour,bakingpowderandcinnamon.Addtobuttermixtureand mix just until combined. Spread batter into pan. Beateggwhiteuntilfoamy.Stirinconfectioners’sugar.Brushoverbatter.Sprinklewithnuts.Bakefor25-30minutes.Whilehot,sliceintosquares.Ifthebarscoolofftheywillcrackwhencut.Yield:48cinnamonbars.

Elaine Hallman, Marshall-DeKalb EC

Cinnamon Breakfast Puffs

1⁄3 cupbutterormargarine,softened

1/2cupsugar 1egg

11/2cupsselfrisingflour 1/2cupmilk 1/2 teaspooncinnamon 1 teaspoonvanilla

Creambutterandsugar.Addegg,mixwell.Addflour,milk,cinnamonandvanilla.Mixuntilblended.Fill greasedmuffincups 2⁄3 full.Bake350degrees20-25minutes.Drizzlewithicingandservewarm.Yield:12muffins

Icing:1cupconfectioners’sugar 2-3tablespoonsmilk

Addmilktosugargradually,mixinguntil“drizzle”consistency.

Leslie Beard, Joe Wheeler EMC

Cinnamon Coffee Cake

1 cupbutter,softened 2¾cupssugar,divided 2 teaspoonsvanilla 4eggs 3 cupsallpurposeflour 2 teaspoonsbakingpowder

1 teaspoonbakingsoda 1 teaspoonsalt 2 cups(16-ounces)sour

cream 2 tablespoonscinnamon ¾cuppecans,chopped

Insmallbowlcombinecinnamon,¾cupsugarandpecans;setaside.Inlargemixingbowl,creambutterandremaining2cupsofsugaruntilfluffy.Addvanilla.Addeggs,oneatatime,beatingwellaftereachaddition.Combinealldryingredients.Addalternatelywithsourcream,beating justenoughaftereachadditiontokeepthebattersmooth.Spoon1⁄3ofbatterinto a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan. Sprinkle 1⁄3cinnamon mixture over the batter in pan. Repeat layers 2moretimes.Youwillendwithcinnamonmixtureontopofthecakebatter.Bakeat350degreesfor70minutesoruntilcaketestsdone.Coolinpanfor10minutes.Removefrompantowireracktocoolcompletely.Yield16-20servings.

Patti Bell, Clarke-Washington EMC

Holiday Coffee

Sprinkle1/2teaspooncinnamonovercoffeegroundsbeforebrewing.Servewithacandycaneforstirringandasplashofcoolwhipontop.

Kim Lee, Wiregrass EC


Honey Butter

2 sticksbutter 1/2poundpowderedsugar

1 teaspooncinnamon 1/2cuphoney

Mixallingredientswithmixeruntilfluffy.Deliciousontoastorhotrolls.

Glenda Zimmerman, Cullman EC

Cinnamon Butterfingers

1 cup(2sticks)butterorplainmargarine

¾cupdarkbrownsugar,firmlypacked

1 teaspoonvanillaextract

2¼cupsplainflour ¾cuppowderedsugar 1 teaspoonground

cinnamon

Beat butter or margarine until well blended. Add sugarandbeatuntilcreamy.Addflourgraduallythenvanillauntilwell mixed. Cover and chill at least 4 hours or overnight.Pinchoff bya teaspoonfulandrollwithbothhandsforminga“finger” shape. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 300degrees25-30min.Combinepowderedsugarandcinnamon.Removecookiesand letcoolabout3minutes thengentlyrollincinnamonsugar.Letcoolonwireracks.

Becky Tomerlin, Black Warrior EMC

Spiced Apple Cider

Syrup: 4 cupswater 11/2 teaspoonsgroundginger 30wholecloves 12wholeallspice 12 cinnamonsticks

Juices: 2quartsapplecider 2 cupsorangejuice 2 cupslemonjuiceTangpowder,equivalentto

1quartready-made

Bring syrup to a boil thensimmer covered for 30minutes.Removespicesandadd to juices. Makes onegallon. Serve hot or cold.Note: frozen concentratejuicescanbeused.

Joyce Weaver, Joe Wheeler EMC

Caramel Cinnamon Muffins

3 tablespoonsbutter 2⁄3 cupbrownsugarCinnamon 2 cupssiftedflour 3 teaspoonsbaking

powder 1/2 teaspoonsalt

11/2 teaspoonscinnamon 1egg 1 cupmilk 2 tablespoonmelted

shortening,preferablybutterflavored

Greasea12-cupmuffinpanoruseliners.Place1/2teaspoonbutter, 1 teaspoon brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamonin each cup. Sift flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamontogether.Beategg,addmilk,shorteningandremaining¼cupbrownsugar.Addtodryingredients,stirringonlyenoughtodampenflour.Fillmuffinpans2⁄3cupfull.Bake450degreesabout20minutes.

Leah Mosley, Cullman EC

Honey Bun Cake

1boxyellowcakemix 4eggs ¾cupoil 8ouncessourcream

1⁄3 cupwater 1 cupbrownsugar 2 teaspooncinnamon

Icing: 3 cupsconfectioners’

sugar 1 teaspoonvanilla ¼cupmilk

Mixfirstfiveingredients.Pourhalfbatterintolongcakepan,greasedwithcookingspray.Mixbrownsugarandcinnamon,sprinklehalfoverbatter,pourremainingbatterandsprinkleremaining brown sugarover top, cut into swirlwith knife.Bakeat350degreesfor35minutesoruntilknifecomesoutclean.Mix confectioners’ sugar,milk and vanilla; bring to aboil.Pourovercakewhilehot.Yield:24servings.

Betty Abbott, Cullman EC

Sour Cream Pecan Coffee Cake

1boxwhitecakemix 1 cupsourcream(8

ounces) 1/2cupoil 3 eggs

1/2cupchoppedtoastedpecans

1⁄3 cupoats ¼cupbrownsugar 1 tablespooncinnamon

Beattogethercakemix,sourcream,oilandeggsfor2minutes.Dividebatterinto2greased9-inchloafpans.Combinepecans,oats,brownsugarandcinnamon.Sprinklehalfmixtureintoeachpan;swirlintobatter.Bakeat350degreesfor40minutes.. Martha Black Handschumacher, Arab EC


Classifieds

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IBUYOLDCLOCKS–Grandfather,WallandMantel–Call(256)363-2476

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FAMILYTREERESEARCH–Wecandoitforyou.Reasonablerates,quickresults.HomeplaceResearch,[email protected](256)506-8159

KEEPTHEFISHALIVE!Cleanthepondswithouraerationwindmillsandpondsupplies.Windpower(256)638-4399,(256)899-3850

NEW!GROWEXPENSIVEPLANTS,2,000%profit,Earnto$50,000year,FREEinformation,GrowbizBox3738-AB12,Cookeville,TN38502www.growbiz-abco.com

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STARTYOUROWNBUSINESS!MiaBella’sGourmetScentedProducts.TrytheBest!Candles/Gifts/Beauty.Wonderfulincomepotential!En-terFreeCandleDrawing-www.naturesbest.scent-team.com

PIGEONFORGE,TN–3bedroom,1.5bathhouseforrent$75.00anight–CallBonnieat(256)338-1957

GULFSHORES/FT.MORGAN/NOTACONDO!Theoriginal“BeachHouse”onFt.Morganpeninsula–2BR/1BA–petfriendly,non-smoking–$675/wk,(256)418-2131

APPALACHIANTRAIL–Cabinsby the trail in theGeorgiaMountains–3000’abovesealevel,snowywinters,coolsummers,inexpensiverates–(800)284-6866,www.bloodmountain.com

PRIVATECOTTAGEONCEDARLAKE–Russellville,AL.-Waterfront,Furnished.(256)436-0341

1BEDROOMCABINNEARPIGEONFORGE–$85.00pernight–Call(865)548-7915,askforKathy

GATLINBURGandPIGEONFORGECABINS–3BR,hottub,gameroom,WiFi($149-$295/night)–www.smokiesrental.com,(205)663-3697

WEEKSBAY–Waterfront,3/3,boatdock-$100/night–(251)269-0634

MENTONE,AL–LOOKOUTMOUNTAIN–billiardtable, Jacuzzi,spa-cioushome,sleepsfourteen–www.duskdowningheights.com,(850)766-5042,(850)661-0678.

GULFSHORESRENTALBYOWNER–GreatRates!(256)490-4025orwww.gulfshoresrentals.us

SMITHLAKEVACATIONHOME–3BR/2BA,2satelliteTV’s,deepwater-$75night/$500week–(256)352-5721,www.vacationsmithlake.com

GATLINBURG: OVERLOOKINGSKI SLOPES in a beautifulmountainresort. Fireplaces,firewoodfurnished. Canaccommodateuptosix inthischaletcondoforonly$70pernight.CallJenniferinScottsboroat(800)314-9777,www.funcondos.com

DISNEY–FLORIDA:6BR/4.5BA,privatepool–VRBO#234821-$1,500/week-www.skeetersvilla.com–(423)802-9176

HOUSEFORRENTONALABAMARIVER–across fromRiverOaks,SouthofOrrville–Fullyfurnished,3BR/1.5BA,fireplace,non-smoking,boatdock&ramp.Monthlyratescall(334)872-6124

GULFSHORESCONDO–2BR/1.5BA,sleeps6,pool,beachaccess–(334)790-9545

SMOKIESTOWNSEND,TN – 2BR/2BA, secluded log home, fully fur-nished.Tollfree(866)448-6203,(228)832-0713

GULFSHORESPLANTATION-Gulfview,beachside,2bedrooms/2baths,nosmoking/nopets.Ownerrates(205)339-3850

PIGEONFORGE,TN–Logcabins intheSmokies–(251)649-3344or(251)649-4049,www.hideawayprop.com

GATLINBURG,TNCHALET–3BR /3BABaskinsCreek–Fallfest,10minutewalkdowntown,Aquarium,NationalPark–(334)289-0304

ORANGE BEACH CONDO, 3BR/3BA; 2,000 SQ.FT.; beautifully deco-rated;gorgeouswaterfrontview;boatslipsavailable;greatrates-Ownerrented(251)604-5226

CABININMENTONE–2/2,browview,hottub–Forrent$100/nightorSale$275,000–(706)767-0177

GATLINBURG–DOWNTOWNLUXURYCREEKSIDECONDO–2BR/2BA,sleeps6–[email protected],(256)599-5552

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HOUSEINPIGEONFORGE,TN–fullyfurnished,sleeps6-12,3baths,creek,nopets–(256)997-6771,www.riverrungetaway.org

GULF SHORES – CRYSTALTOWER CONDO – 2 bedroom, 2 bath,gulfviewwithlazyriverpoolonbeach–www.vrbo.com#145108–Callowner(205)429-4886

PIGEONFORGE,TN:$89-$125,2BR/2BA,hottub,pooltable,fireplace,swimmingpool,creek–(251)363-1973,www.mylittlebitofheaven.com

Miscellaneous

Business opportunities

Vacation rentals


FebruaryIssue–Dec.15MarchIssue–Jan.25AprilIssue–Feb.25

ADVERTISING DEADLINES:

$1.65perword

ForAdvertising,contactHeather:1-800-410-2737or

[email protected]:Classifieds

KATHY’SORANGEBEACHCONDO–2BR/2BA,non-smoking. Bestrates beachside! Family friendly – (205)253-4985, www.angelfire.com/planet/kathyscondo

GULFSHORES–1and2bedroomgulffrontcondos–www.vrbo.com#288789–Callowner(205)429-4886or(205)363-0175Cell

GATLINBURGTOWNHOUSEVILLAGEonBASKINSCREEK!GREATRATES! 4BR/3BA, short walk downtown attractions! (205)333-9585,[email protected]

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GULFSHORESBEACHCOTTAGE–affordable,waterfront,petfriendly–http://www.vrbo.com/152418,(251)223-6114

ALWAYSTHE LOWEST PRICE $65.00 - beautiful furnished mountaincabinnearDollywood,Sevierville,TN-(865)453-7715

PANAMA CITY BEACH CONDO – Owner rental – 2BR / 2BA, justremodeled inside andoutside– (334)790-0000, [email protected],www.theroneycondo.com

GATLINBURG,TN–Fondmemories starthere inourchalet–Greatvacationareaforallseasons–Twoqueenbeds,fullkitchen,1bath,Jacuzzi,deckwithgrill–Call todaytoll free(866)316-3255,www.hillshideaway.com

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

HELENGACABINFORRENT–sleeps2-6,2.5baths,fireplace,Jacuzzi,washer/dryer – www.cyberrentals.com/101769 - (251)948-2918, [email protected]

ANDALUSIAAREARVCAMPGROUNDFORHUNTERS/FISHERMAN–onPoint‘A’Lake.Reservations(334)388-0342

AERIALPHOTOGRAPHYAVAILABLE–Highresolutionaerialphotog-raphyavailablefrom1956topresentday.PhotoscovertheentireUSA.Photographyisperfectforviewinghuntingland,developments,farms,cit-ies,lakes,golfcourses.Deliveredondiscorprinted.Sizesavailableupto30”x40”.CallWill@(205)[email protected]

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FREEBIBLECORRESPONDENCECOURSE–writeto23600AlabamaHighway24,Trinity,AL,35673

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Fruits, Berries, nuts & trees

real estate

Musical notes

education

critters

traVel

caMping, Hunting & FisHing


Marketplace


Our Sources Say

A TVA economic-development program has identified a dozen sites in the Southeast as prime locations for developing the region’s growing data-center industry.

Data centers are specially designed to house computer, telecommunication and data-storage systems for Internet search-engine companies, financial-transaction processors and other high-tech industries.

The initial sites identified in the Alabama TVA service area are in Guntersville and Hartselle. Other sites are located in Tennessee, Mississippi and Virginia.

Demand for data centers is growing as increased use of electronic commerce and information technologies requires more data storage space. There are exceptional opportunities for regional growth potential in this industry. These initial 12 sites in particular have the resources, infrastructure and other qualities needed to support strong data-center development.

TVA chose Chicago-based Deloitte Consulting to assess more than 50 locations across the

TVA service area for accessibility, telecommunications infrastructure, electric power availability and reliability, and other characteristics beneficial to data-center development.

The potential data-center sites we’ve identified in the TVA region possess a strong suite of resources that could be attractive to the industry and beneficial to the region’s economic growth.

The 12 sites are considered “primary sites” that are ready for development and meet the requirements to support a major data center. TVA is partnering with local power distributors and regional, state and community economic-development leaders to begin marketing the sites as part of its data-center recruitment initiative.

Other sites reviewed during the initial process are working to fulfill the criteria, and more locations are expected to be identified as primary sites after they are assessed a second time.

The TVA board of directors approved rate incentives in December 2008 to attract data centers and similar businesses to the region. Qualifying data centers could be eligible for TVA manufacturing rates if they have a power demand in excess of 5 megawatts and operate at an average of at least 80 percent of this demand.

Data centers provide highly skilled, good-paying job opportunities for the region. TVA’s goal is to help make the region more competitive in attracting and retaining these types of industries and the economic benefits associated with them.d

A STRONG SUITEOF RESOURCESTVA’s goal is to attract good-paying jobs by selecting sites for high-tech industry

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

The potential data-center

sites we’ve identified in the

TVA region possess a strong

suite of resources that could

be attractive to the industry

and beneficial to the region’s

economic growth.

3 | DECEMBER 2010 |www.alabamaliving.coop

Our Sources Say

Last December, I wrote about Gus Mayer, my loyal bagel (half beagle, half basset), and his carbon footprint as described in the book, Time to Eat the Dog? A Guide to Sustainable Living. A year later, Gus Mayer and I are again sitting here talking about the day’s issues.

Gus Mayer is a fine companion and a patient listener. Today, I was lecturing him on the elections and the changes that are likely – in particular, climate change and renewable energy standards (RES). He was more interested in what we would have for lunch, but was still concerned that climate change will result in him being eaten, or possibly more disturbing, a change in his diet.

With an overwhelming Republican victory in the U.S. House, conventional wisdom dictates that cap and trade legislation to tax and limit carbon dioxide emissions will not pass for at least two years. However, with the change of power in Congress, progressives (they don’t like to be called liberals) have shifted their focus and plan to use EPA regulation and RES to increase the price of energy. Their goals remain the same: increase the price of energy, reduce energy usage and thereby reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The results will be the same as well: increase electricity costs and lose millions of U.S. jobs.

Renewable energy is popular

among Americans, and the progressives give great weight to that support. But that support is limited. The same polls that show support for a national RES also show that 57 percent of Americans are opposed to paying even 5 percent more for electricity from renewable resources. That limitation in support is where the progressives’ plans meet hard economic fact.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) says that renewable energy costs at least twice as much as traditional fossil-fired generation. For example, EIA estimates the cost per megawatt hour from conventional coal resources is $78.10, but the cost of onshore wind is $149.30; the cost of off-shore wind is $191.10; the cost of thermal solar is $256.60; and the cost of solar photovoltaic is $396.10. All those costs are without the benefit of federal and state government subsidies, but coal and natural gas generation receive no subsidies, either. Additionally, natural gas generation will be equal to or cheaper than the EIA’s quote on conventional coal if natural gas costs remain in

the $4 per MBTU range.If the federal government

mandates that 22 percent of electricity come from renewable resources, energy costs will increase substantially. A Heritage Foundation analysis predicted household electricity prices would increase 36 percent, industrial electricity prices would increase 60 percent, national gross domestic product would decline $5.2 trillion between 2012 and 2035, and the United States would lose more than 1 million jobs.

If renewable energy was cost-competitive, there would be no need for a RES mandate. As the most critical input to our economy, forcing higher electricity costs will increase the cost of production. However, as opposed to a normal tax, the government will obtain no revenue from that increase. The costs go up and only the renewable energy providers – electric utilities – will benefit. In the end, our economy will suffer when industrial production is shifted off-shore where renewable mandates are not in force. We will gain nothing from the shift, and the progressives’ efforts to save the world will again be in vain.

After a while, Gus Mayer lost interest and went to sleep in the sun, dreaming of juicy cheeseburgers. When I woke him up, he wanted to know if there will be a requirement that a minimum amount of food come from the magic windows at fast food restaurants. They are his favorites, and he would hate for renewable mandates to put them out of businessd

Under mandates, costs go up and consumers pay

Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative

Gus Mayer


36 | DECEMBER 2010 |www.alabamaliving.coop


which Conroy explained is augmented by the largest geothermal system anywhere in the state of Alabama. A series of pumps and more than a mile of tubing allow for glycol to be pumped more than 300 feet deep where the ground temperature is around 57ºF year-round. This liquid is then incorporated into the heating and cooling systems during extremely hot or cold days and saves around $1,000 monthly on the Center’s utility bills. Even though the geothermal system cost about $100,000 to install, the additional, up-front cost will be offset by energy savings in seven or eight years. After that the money saved can be used for other needs.

Other environmentally friendly and energy-efficient

features of the building include the use of a wood-look-alike composite material on porches and decks made from recycled plastic bottles and sawdust and a realistic-looking composite “fake” stone.

Most rooms have sen-sors that turn on lights when someone enters and turn them off when the room is empty. Simi-lar sensors can turn off heating and air condi-tioning for rooms not in use. Even the restrooms use high tech waterless fixtures.

But as enthusiastic as Conroy is about the building, his eyes really

widen and his voice quickens when he talks about what is now and what will be happening there in the future.

He explained that until July the NPS offices for the Preserve have been located 8 miles from the canyon in downtown Fort Payne.

Moving the operations to the Center in mid-summer this year is allowing more interaction with Park Ser-vice rangers and the public. The change also consoli-dated the NPS personnel into a centralized location, including administrative, maintenance and law en-forcement staff.

While I was there a visitor stopped at the Center to ask about a place to take his daughters swimming. A ranger was able to give him directions to a nearby swimming hole. The center also provides a place nearby the canyon itself for visitors to pick up permits for camping or ATV riding.

Soon the Center’s huge auditorium will play an introductory film that will give visitors an overview of the Preserve’s features, attractions and history.

The Center also hosts JSU Field School, which offers a diverse array of environmentally-oriented courses, hikes and tours. Field School Coordinator Renee Mor-rison was working with middle school students in a weeklong nature camp the day I was there. Students took an oath to become “Junior Rangers” and learned pottery-making techniques that day.

The Center’s conference and meeting rooms host to a variety of meetings, conferences and seminars. A one-mile interpretive nature trail loop begins and ends at Center and future plans include an amphitheater on the grounds.d

FormoreinformationontheLittleRiverCanyonCenter,JSUFieldSchoolclassesandactivitiesortheLittleRiverCanyonNationalPre-serve,visittheJSUEPICwebsiteat: http://www.jsu.edu/epic/ ortheLittleRiverCanyonNationalPreservewebsiteat: http://www.nps.gov/liri/index.htm

Continued from Page 18

PotteryclassattheLittleRiverCanyonCenter

Juniorrangerstakingtheiroath

David Haynes isa freelancephotographer and writer fromBlount Springs. Each monthhe rides his motorcycle to adifferentAlabama location [email protected].

The Holidays

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tTim,Janet&SethWhite,Ider

tTheChristmashearthofbarbaraGrill,birmingham

uGrayce,3,&ThomasWalker,6months.SubmittedbyJan“GiGi”Seay,boaz

February Theme:‘Friends’

SendcolorphotoswithalargeSASEto:Photos,AlabamaLiving,

P.O.Box244014,Montgomery,AL,36124.

Rules:AlabamaLivingwillpay$10forphotosthatbestmatchourthemeofthemonth.

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Alabama Living December 2010