Vol. X No. 3 • A Publication of the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority • May/June 2011

New West Dothan Water Tank to Improve System From the Editor May is National Electrical Safety Month Think safety: Respect the power of electricity Plug Into Safety e take certain things for granted, like air, water, food — and power to run the things we use for entertainment, home lectricity is an maintenance and work. That power is electricity. increasing pres- W Electricity is both a blessing and a hazard. Whether we get our ence in our modern E power from the sun, wind, water, coal or oil, the end product — electric- lives. As our reliance on ity — needs to be respected. electricity grows, so does For that reason, education and awareness about electrical safety is the potential for electrical crucial, and National Electrical Safety Month each May is a cornerstone safety hazards. of that effort. Electrical safety is a 24-7 issue, 365 days a year. Statistics from the The Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA) and its 11 Mem- National Fire Protection bers offer these helpful tips to make this time of year, as well as all year Association indicate an estimated annual long, safe and enjoyable: average of almost 51,000 home fires involving • When working outdoors, position ladders away from power lines; electrical failure or malfunction. These fires keep this in mind when painting or cleaning gutters. Even a wooden claim almost 500 lives, injure more than 1,400 ladder can conduct electricity. Maintain a minimum of 10 feet of people, and result in $1.3 billion in property clearance from overhead power lines. damage each year. • Underground wires are a hidden danger. Never dig around a home or Electrical fires are not the only cause for business without checking for underground wires or cables. concern. Statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission show that nearly • Before using any electrical tool, be sure to inspect it for frayed power 400 people are electrocuted in the United cords, broken plugs and cracked or broken sockets. When using an States each year. electric appliance outdoors, be sure it is plugged into an outlet that has a weatherproof cover and a ground fault circuit interrupter. Never Fortunately, most electrical fires and use an electric appliance near a pool or other wet surfaces. If a prob- incidents can be prevented. Electrical safety lem occurs in the equipment, the interrupter will instantly cut the awareness and education among consumers, power, preventing a serious electric shock. families, employees and communities will prevent electrical fires, injuries, fatalities, and • Be sure all electrical equipment for your swimming pool is grounded property loss. properly. If you’re installing a pool, have it inspected by your town’s The Electrical Safety Foundation Inter- electrical inspector when the job is completed. A ground fault circuit national (ESFI) sponsors National Electrical interrupter should be installed on your pool’s electrical equipment. Safety Month each May to increase public • Don’t let anyone climb utility poles, towers, pad-mounted transform- awareness of the electrical hazards around us ers or trees near power lines. If your pet gets stranded on a pole or if at home, work, school, and play. This year’s your child’s ball or toy goes into an electric substation, don’t try to get campaign challenges people across the country them yourself. Call your municipal electric system. to evaluate the electrical safety of their own • Never construct a kite from wire or metal; always use paper or wood. homes, learning more about their electrical That goes for the tail, too; it should be made only of dry string or systems and devices in the process. cloth. Always keep your kite away from electric power lines and Making a few easy changes to improve choose a clear, dry day for kite flying. If your kite should get snagged safety can also lead to increased energy ef- in power lines or in a tree in which lines might be concealed, don’t try ficiency and savings on utility bills. That’s why to free it yourself. Call your municipal electric system. we provide electrical safety articles in each • Watch for power lines when sailing or bringing your boat ashore. issue of Alabama Currents to help protect you, Lower the mast when pulling the boat on a trailer to avoid contact your family and your home from potential with power lines along the road. dangers. You can also find safety resources on • If you buy a generator, make sure it is properly installed by a licensed our web site, www.amea.com, Publications & electrician and it includes a transfer switch. News, Safety Resources. • Always stay away from downed power lines and assume any fallen As you read through this publication, you wires are live and extremely dangerous. Don’t touch anything that will also notice a handy Home Safety Calendar may be in contact with downed wires. Call 9-1-1 or your electric on Page 7. We hope this monthly reminder will municipal electric system immediately. help keep your home safe all year long. To learn more about electrical safety, visit the AMEA web site, www. Plug into safety and enjoy your summer. amea.com, Publications & News, Safety Resources; the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, www.cpsc.gov; the National Safety Council, www.nsc.org; Safe Electricity, www.safeelectricity.org; or the Electrical AMEA Manager of Communications and Marketing Safety Foundation International, www.esfi.org.

2 ALABAMA CURRENTS MAY/JUNE 2011

Lisa Miller Alabama Currents is a Publication of the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority P.O. Box 5220 Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5220 804 South Perry Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104 www.amea.com Fred D. Clark, Jr. President & Chief Executive Officer Inside This Issue Board of Directors 2 Think safety: Respect the power of electricity Chairman Don McClellan AMEA and its Members announce Vice Chairman Gary Fuller 6  Secretary/Treasurer Tim Kant 2011 scholarship winners Dale Baker Mike Dugger 7 Home Safety Calendar Taylor Barbaree Henry Osborne Morris Tate Lee Young Alabama Currents Volume X, No. 3 May/June 2011 News From AMEA Members Editor 8 Lanett 12 Opelika Lisa Miller

Designed by 9 Riviera Utilities 13 Sylacauga Walker 360 10 Dothan 14 Luverne Printed by Walker 360 10 Utilities Board of Tuskegee 16 Alexander City www.walker360.com 11 Fairhope Customers: Address changes should be handled through your local utility office.

Alabama Currents is published Features six times per year by the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority 2 From The Editor 6 Safety News You Can Use (AMEA), and is mailed to the retail electric customers 4 In My Opinion 15 Places To Go – Things To Do of AMEA Member cities. 5 Doug Rye MISSION STATEMENT

AMEA’s mission is to provide for our Member communities a reli- able and economical source of On the Cover electric power, enabling them to The City of Dothan recently placed into service its newly-constructed 1.5 mil- preserve and enhance the bene- lion gallon elevated water tank. The construction site, located on the west side of fits of municipal utility ownership Dothan, was donated to the city by Troy University and is just west of the Dothan for their citizens and the electric campus. customers they serve. We strive This site was easily identified in order to meet existing water demands on the to offer services that our Mem- western side of the City of Dothan. This tank is Dothan’s first concrete column that bers need and can adapt to pro- includes several “green” considerations. The tank was designed by Polyengineering, vide the best value for their com- Inc. and constructed by Caldwell Tanks. munities and customers. Read more about the tank on Page 10.

ALABAMA CURRENTS MAY/JUNE 2011 3 In My Opinion

he recent earthquakes and roughly five-fold. Some 50 more plants are in the planning tsunami in Japan, as well as the stages and another 110 have been proposed. Ton-going nuclear crisis at the But even staunch supporters of nuclear power are now Fukushima Daiichi Plant, have been of considering a slow down in licensing and building new reac- great concern to the world. We con- tors in the United States to make sure that proper safety and tinue to keep the people of Japan in our evacuation measures are in place. This is of a particular con- thoughts and prayers. cern to us as we support increased development of nuclear The ongoing nuclear plant disaster power. Nuclear has been a part of the Alabama Municipal in Japan has accelerated the debate on Electric Authority’s fuel mix for 30 years. The Joseph M. Far- the use of nuclear power in the United States. It raises not ley Nuclear Plant near Dothan continues to provide reliable, only environmental and health issues, but it also creates economical energy to our Members’ consumers. some concern about the future of nuclear power. As we have discussed in previous Alabama Currents The events in Japan have obviously made the political magazines, public power faces even tougher hurdles with the climate for building more nuclear plants in the U.S. more dif- Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) plans to regulate ficult. Nuclear power, which still suffers from huge economic greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. The agency has uncertainties, had been growing in acceptance as what ap- proposed new rules to curb emissions of sulfur dioxide, peared to many to be a relatively benign, proven and non-pol- nitrogen oxides, mercury and other air pollutants, as well as luting source of energy for the United States’ future growth. regulations affecting cooling water intake at power plants. Power companies around the world currently rely on The new rules and regulations pose some very serious liabil- 440 nuclear reactors in 30 countries — 104 of them in the ity issues for our coal generation fleet, which provides half U.S. — to produce roughly 14 percent of global electrical the electricity generated in the United States. supplies. To meet rising demand and reduce carbon emis- As EPA pushes the retirement of coal plants, the conven- sions, power companies outside the U.S. are building 63 tional wisdom and economics are that this will be driven by new plants. Another 158 plants are in the planning stages two sources: natural gas generation in the form of combined and 324 more have been proposed, according to the World cycle plants; and, nuclear generation. Natural gas prices to- Nuclear Association. day are favorable for this development and over the last sev- Europe and Japan are among the most heavily reliant eral years, the development of new nuclear has been equally on nuclear power. Sixteen countries get at least a quarter positive. More recently, increased electricity use, a desire to of their electrical power form nuclear, including Japan (30 generate homegrown energy and concern over global warm- percent), France (75 percent), Belgium ing have made carbon-free nuclear power more attractive. (51 percent) Finland (33 The unfolding nuclear situation in Japan may not be a percent) Germany (26 death blow to the U.S. nuclear industry, but it certainly will percent) Switzerland be a roadblock as the nation plays catch-up with the rest of (40 percent) and the world in building nuclear plants to meet its energy needs. Sweden (34 percent). The United States has not brought a new nuclear power plant Those countries have on line in 15 years. only a handful of new In a nation consuming increasing amounts of electric- plants under construc- ity, something must be used to produce it. If efforts continue tion. by the administration to reduce coal-fired generation, that China has by reduction must be replaced by something. It is impractical far the world’s most to imagine enough huge dams in the United States to supply ambitious program to hydroelectric power in a larger quantity. Solar generation is expand nuclear power far off, and so is wind generation in a quantity sufficient to with 27 plants under meet Americans’ wants and needs. That leaves nuclear and construction. That gas generation as the only feasible sources of future supply. would more than I am hopeful that nuclear power will be a part of our triple the number energy future. of plants in China and boost nuclear power output AMEA President & CEO

4 ALABAMA CURRENTS MAY/JUNE 2011

Fred D. Clark, Jr.

can provide energy savings

am writing this article at 9 a.m. on a beautiful spring So, I located a house that had a lot of south, east, and west morning. The trees are in full bloom, the color of all the windows and high electric bills in the summer. I then asked Iautomobiles are pine pollen yellow, and the crappie are the lady of the house if we could install window tinting on her biting. If I had not watched the early morning news on TV, I windows at no cost to her and meter the results. She knew me would think that it doesn’t get any better than this. from radio and had attended one of my seminars earlier. She However, many of the people in Japan are still suffering stated it would be fine to do so. When we got to the house, from the earthquake and tsunami damage and there is fighting we noticed black curtains covering several of the windows. and unrest over much of the Earth. Then I watch our country’s She told us that she sure hoped that this worked because she leaders make decisions that seem ridiculous to me. I see $3.50 couldn’t use two rooms in the summer when the sun was a gallon gasoline and then see where we have issued only two shining because of the heat, even though the AC was running. permits for drilling in the Gulf of Mexico since the big oil leak. I knew immediately that I had chosen the right house. If we I turn the page and read that the EPA is planning to impose can solve the problem here, many others can benefit from even more regulations on utility companies as related to the what we have learned. generation of electricity, which I can assure you will mean Let’s make the rest of the story short. We arrived to install much higher utility bills for you and me. Basically, it is all bad the correct window tinting on a day when the outdoor tem- news at a time when the economy is looking for better news. It perature was 102 degrees with full sun. The house thermostat would be easy to be depressed and pessimistic, but I remem- was set at 75 degrees, but the house temperature was at 82 ber what an old man told me as a young man about 40 years degrees. It took about five hours to install the tinting. The ago. He said that “nothing remains the same” and “you have to temperature where the sun was hitting the carpet went down roll with the punches.” I have found that to be very true and about 10 degrees almost immediately. The house temperature have benefitted from that advice many times. went down about five degrees, which is huge on a hot summer So what is a person to do? Well, since I can’t solve all the day. The claim was that the tinting would reject 56 percent of world’s problems, I just get up each day with a positive at- the total solar energy, 97 percent of the infrared rays, and 99 titude, work like there is no end, but live like the end is near. percent of the UV rays, which practically eliminates fading. I work hard and help as many folks as I can each day. I truly The tinting passed the test. The house was now comfortable believe that I have been given a special opportunity to help and the lady said, “It’s wonderful. I got my rooms and view people all over this country by writing articles, conducting of the mountains back.” Actually the correct tint is practically seminars, and by hosting a weekly national radio program that clear and also reduces the glare. has aired for 20 years. My topic is energy efficiency and that is If your existing windows are not worn out, this may be important to almost every household in America. the affordable solution for you. As always, you may call me for Let me now introduce another energy tip. more information at (501) 653-7931. About this time last year, I had just finished conducting a See you in July when it is really hot. seminar about energy efficiency when a fellow came up to ask me why I didn’t also tell folks about the benefits of window Doug Rye, an Arkansas architect, is known as the ‘King of tinting. I told him that I really didn’t know much about that Caulk and Talk’ and ‘America’s Energy Expert.’ Doug has helped subject and that I had doubts about window tinting meeting thousands of homeowners save money on their power bills. He hosts all the claims that I had heard. He gave me a nice package of the popular “Home Remedies” radio talk program, which has been material from 3M, a well-known company. I read the mate- on the air for 15 years in 14 states. Doug speaks annually at Ameri- rial and was impressed by the claims, but I remained cautious can Institute of Architects meetings to hundreds of other architects on as experience has taught me that many claims are just sales energy efficiency. He conducts over 150 energy-saving seminars per pitches. But I thought, 3M is a large and well-respected com- year all across the U.S. Have a question for Doug? Contact him at pany, the warranty looks great, and I want to give it a try. (501) 653-7931, or www.dougrye.com.

ALABAMA CURRENTS MAY/JUNE 2011 5 AMEA and its Members announce afety ou 2011 scholarship winners SNEWSYCAN USE hirty three high school seniors will enroll in a four-year university or two- year college this fall with help from the Alabama Municipal Electric Au- Washing machine and dryer Tthority (AMEA) and its 11 Members through the AMEA 2011 Scholarship safety tips can help you Program. avoid potential dangers AMEA has provided scholarship assistance since 1992. Approximately $82,500 will be awarded in this year’s program. AMEA received Nearly 90 percent of the energy approximately 163 scholarship applications in the 2011 program. used for washing clothes in a conven- To be eligible for the AMEA scholarship or technical school scholarship, a stu- tional washer is for heating the water. dent’s family must receive electric service from a Member’s electric utility and the Washing full loads can save you more student must attend an Alabama college or university. than 3,400 gallons of water each year. “We are very pleased with the response to this year’s program and we con- Here are some safety tips which gratulate the winners,” said Pamela Poole, AMEA Scholarship Program Coordinator. can help you avoid potential dangers: “Through such initiatives as the AMEA Scholarship Program, AMEA and its Mem- bers are helping enrich the lives of students throughout the state, and the benefits • Clean the lint filter after each load. of this program will have a long, lasting effect.” Fires can occur when lint builds up Ms. Poole said AMEA will begin marketing the scholarship program to schools in the dryer or in the exhaust duct, within its Member cities and also on the AMEA web site, www.amea.com, Scholar- blocking the flow of air. This causes ship Program, this fall. excessive heat build up, posing a This year’s winners are: major fire hazard. AMEA Scholarship • Have gas-powered dryers inspected LaPrintence D. Gunn, Benjamin Russell High School, Alexander City by a professional annually to ensure Robyn L. Newberry, Benjamin Russell High School, Alexander City that the gas line and connection are Lauren E. Sampson, Providence Christian School, Dothan intact. Amanda L. Gaster, Dothan High School, Dothan • Never let your clothes dryer run Matthew Von Zimmerman, Fairhope High School, Fairhope while you are out of the house or Andrea M. Ferniany, Fairhope High School, Fairhope asleep. Keep the area around the Garrett M. Lloyd, Fairhope High School, Fairhope dryer clean and free of clutter. Madison N. Schneider, Spanish Fort High School, Riviera Utilities (Foley) Megan M. Price, Foley High School, Riviera Utilities (Foley) • Check periodically for excessive Jimmeka M. Leverette, LaFayette High School, LaFayette vibration or movement when the Chase G. Edge, Chambers Academy, LaFayette washer or dryer is operating. Move- James C. Heath, Chambers Academy, LaFayette ment during operation can put Taylor S. Morris, Springwood School, Lanett undue stress on electrical connec- Devuntae M. Finley, Lanett High School, Lanett tions. Megan S. Young, Lanett High School, Lanett • Even a slight shock from a major Adam R. Sport, Luverne High School, Luverne appliance can indicate an extremely Audreanna D. Johnson, Luverne High School, Luverne hazardous wiring condition. Turn Susannah M. Sport, Crenshaw Christian Academy, Luverne the power off to the appliance at the Jacoby D. Payne, Opelika High School, Opelika circuit breaker. Do not touch the Keyo Sanchez Stinson, Opelika High School, Opelika appliance until it has been checked Chassidy L. Cook, Opelika High School, Opelika by a licensed, qualified electrician. Emily M. Jones, Piedmont High School, Piedmont • Do not use electrical appliances Samantha A. Baldwin, Piedmont High School, Piedmont that have been wet. Water can Kalie L. Holmes, Winterboro High School, Sylacauga Utilities Board damage the motors in electrical ap- Brantley C. Carr, Sylacauga High School, Sylacauga Utilities Board pliances, such as furnaces, freezers, Jonathan G. Vick, Sylacauga High School, Sylacauga Utilities Board refrigerators, washing machines, Destiny R. Caldwell, Booker T. Washington High School, Utilities Board of Tuskegee and dryers. Joshua Renfroe, Booker T. Washington High School, Utilities Board of Tuskegee Eden A. Wells, Notasulga High School, Utilities Board of Tuskegee For additional safety tips and AMEA Technical School Scholarship resources, visit the Electrical Safety Kenyatta Heard, Benjamin Russell High School, Alexander City Foundation International web site, Rebekah A. Butler, Dothan High School, Dothan www.esfi.org, or go to www.amea. Dana L. Black, Robertsdale High School, Riviera Utilities (Foley) com, Publications & News, Safety Adam K. Thomas, Piedmont High School, Piedmont Resources.

6 ALABAMA CURRENTS MAY/JUNE 2011 ALABAMA CURRENTS MAY/JUNE 2011 7 WATTS NEW IN Piedmont

WATTS NEW AT Utilities Board of Tuskegee

WATTS NEW IN Luverne

WATTS NEW IN Lanett Cherry tree at Lanett City Hall has long history By Jennie Gunnells his tale begins in 1989 when the Lanett City Hall town be planted with thousands of the Yoshino Cherry WATTS NEW IN moved to the present location at 401 North Lanier Trees. She asked if he would donate trees to plant in her TAvenue. Someone at the City of Macon, GA, sentDothan a neighborhood. He agreed, and her wish came true. Mrs. Yoshino Cherry Tree as a gift for the new City Hall Open Crayton’s wish did not end with her neighborhood project. House, which took place on April 30, 1989. It was just the beginning and the cherry trees were planted The tree required an inspection tag as proof that the all over Macon. The festival has become one of the Top 20 Yoshino Cherry Tree was disease free. When the events in the South, Top 50 events in the U.S., tree arrived, it was about four feet high and Top 100 events in North America. and about one-half inch in diameter. The Cherry Blossom Festival has Two Lanett City Hall employ- WATTS NEW IN been going strong since 1982. ees requested the Street Depart- LaFayette The story came about be- ment employees to dig a hole cause I commented to Deborah outside the drive-in window. Daniel about how beautiful Deborah Daniel, then Accounts the tree is each spring and Payable Clerk and currently Act- she told me the tale of how ing City Manager/City Clerk, and it came to be planted here. I Lee Richardson, then cashier and went online to the City of Macon now retired, planted the tree. They and e-mailed them to try to find watered and fertilized the tree and it has out who may have sent the tree to us. I grown to be one of the most beautiful trees in made pictures of the tree and e-mailed them the city. to the City of Macon. According to Carolyn Crayton, one of the Cherry Blos- Patricia Colbert, a City of Macon employee, responded som Festival founders in Macon, the City of Macon has to the e-mail and gave me a phone number for Mrs. Crayton. given away over 365,000 of the Yoshino Cherry Trees over She stated that if anyone would know about the cherry tree, the years. As the executive director for the Keep Macon it would be Mrs. Crayton. Bibb-Beautiful Commission, she suggested starting a Cherry I spoke with Mrs. Crayton on the phone and she told me Blossom Festival to celebrate the beautiful trees and to honor that she brought a lot of trees to Alabama when she would William A. Fickling, Sr., who was responsible for the cherry speak on behalf of Keep America Beautiful program. She tree’s beginning in Macon. came over and spoke at many chamber of commerce events In 1949, Fickling, a Macon realtor, discovered the first in Alabama and gave away cherry trees when she spoke. Yoshino Cherry Tree in his backyard in Macon. He began asking around town as to the species of the tree. No one Mrs. Daniel said she thinks our tree was mailed by knew what the tree was, not even local gardeners. Several Mayor Lee Robinson, who was the Mayor of Macon in 1989. years later, while on a business trip to Washington, Fickling Mrs. Crayton told me that Robinson is presently on the saw a tree that looked like the tree in his yard. On a later board of the Cherry Tree Festival Committee. Mrs. Crayton trip to Washington, he took a cutting from his tree and com- doesn’t remember giving the City of Lanett the tree and pared it to the Yoshino Cherry Trees, and it was a perfect states that it may have been mailed or it may have been one match. of the ones she gave away when she did the Keep America Fickling learned to grow and cultivate the Yoshino Beautiful programs. Cherry Trees and began giving them away in the commu- Mrs. Crayton was impressed with the pictures of our nity. The trees quickly multiplied in number. There are over Yoshino Cherry Tree; she is surprised that it has thrived in 300,000 in Macon, which makes for a fantastic Cherry Blos- our climate. We are so glad that the Yoshino Cherry Tree did som Festival each year. survive and makes such a gorgeous statement each spring. Mrs. Crayton had an opportunity to meet Fickling at a Thanks to Deborah Daniel and Lee Richardson for planting social gathering. She shared with him a wish that the entire the Yoshino Cherry Tree.

8 ALABAMA CURRENTS MAY/JUNE 2011 WATTS NEW IN Alexander City

WATTS NEW IN Fairhope

WATTS NEW AT • Ensure that your air condition- ing unit and air handler are Riviera Utilities clean and free of debris. Bent or damaged cooling fans can seri- ously decrease performance. Bent fins can be fixed with a special comb available at most hardware stores. WATTS NEW IN • Get a yearly checkup for your cooling system because a prop- Sylacauga erly maintained system can save between one and 13 percent. • Experiment with raising your thermostat setting in summer because every degree you raise will save you between five and 10 WATTS NEW IN percent of your cooling cost. Ceiling fans can • If you’re going to be gone two Opelika or more days, turn off your wa- lower your energy costs ter heating system and set the thermostat settings higher if it’s By David Horton summer and lower if it’s winter and save on your annual bill. ecently, I was asked, “What Fans can also be used in conjunc- can I do at my house to help tion with air conditioning to help • Reduce your water heater tem- Rlower the costs on ourWATTS electric NEWreduce IN energy costs. The “wind chill” perature by 20 degrees and save bill?” In our current economy, everyone effect allows the air conditioner thermo- between five and 10 percent on wants to know the samePiedmont thing. And let stat to be set slightly higher while main- your annual water heating bill. me tell you, there are things you can do taining the same degree of comfort for • Use fluorescent lights in the to help lower your energy costs. room occupants. For example, you can place of incandescent lights. Here, I believe, is one of the best adjust the setting on your thermostat Most of these devices are 500 things to do that may help. In the past, from 78 to 80 degrees and still keep the percent more efficient then prior to the widespread use of air con- occupants comfortable. This increase their incandescent equivalent ditioning, ceiling fans were the primary of two degrees can result in a reduction and last five to 10 times longer. source of cooling for many residences. of up to 15 percent in air conditioning They also produce much less As air conditioning became more avail- energy use, and the cost of running the heat within your home. able and affordable, the use of ceiling ceiling fan is minimal. fans declined. Due to rising energy Here are a few more items that can For more energy-saving tips for costs and increasing customer conser- be important to lowering costs: electric, gas and water, check out the vation awareness, ceiling fan use is now • Add water flow restrictors to Riviera Utilities’ web site, www.rivierau- on the upswing. In addition to saving shower heads and faucets and re- tilities.com. energy, ceiling fans can also enhance a duce annual water heating costs room’s decor. from five to 10 percent. Ceiling fans are an excellent way to • Caulk windows, doors, base- help keep air conditioning energy costs boards, exhaust fans, dryer down while maintaining occupant vents, and other places where comfort levels. Using ceiling fans dur- pipes and wires enter the house ing the cooling season can help keep to save one to four percent. room occupants cool due to the “wind • Clean cooling coils on refrigera- chill” effect. Moving the air in a room tors and freezers regularly and speeds the evaporation of moisture ensure proper air flow to improve from the skin, therefore removing heat. efficiency.

ALABAMA CURRENTS MAY/JUNE 2011 9 WAWATTTTSS NEWNEW ININ AlexanderAlexander CityCity

WATTS NEW IN Fairhope

WATTS NEW AT Riviera Utilities

WAWATTTTSS NEWNEW ININ WATTS NEW IN AlexanderAlexander CityCity Sylacauga

WATTS NEW IN Fairhope WATTS NEW IN Opelika

WATTS NEW AT Riviera Utilities

WATTS NEW IN Piedmont

WATTS NEW IN WATTS NEW AT Sylacauga Utilities Board of Tuskegee

WATTS NEW IN WATTS NEW IN Luverne Opelika

WATTS NEW IN

Lanett WATTS NEW IN Piedmont

WATTS NEW IN WATTS NEW AT Dothan Utilities Board of Tuskegee Dothan constructs tank on west side “Off the WARecord”TTS NEW Carver IN Festival By Randy Morris planned in Tuskegee WATTS NEW IN Luverne he City of Dothan owns, oper- By Dr. Elaine C. Harrington ates, and maintainsLaFayette the electric, Twater works and sewer systems serving the citizens of Dothan. WATTS NEW IN The water system, which has been in operation since the late 1800s, is managed by a director and a support staff of 35 Lanett employees. The oldest Dothan water tank, which is located in downtown Dothan, was constructed in 1897 and is still in opera- tion today. With the continued growth of Dothan, the 34,000 customers the city currently serves are expected to increase to over 40,000 by 2020. In order to meet the current supply and storage needs of the system, an additional water tank and mains WATTS NEW IN were constructed in West Dothan on land donated to the city by Troy University. This particular area of Dothan has had signifi- Dothan cant growth in the last 10 years resulting in higher peak water demands which require the additional water storage to meet those needs. ccording to the organizers and planners of the The west side tank is a 1.5 million gallon elevated water tank 8th Annual George Washington Carver Arts with a 16-inch water main connecting the tank to the existing A& Crafts Festival, this event will be “Off the Record.” Scheduled for Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m. distribution system. The Dothan Water System has been im- WATTS NEW IN proved with the addition of this tank which will assist in meet- until 5 p.m., in the Tuskegee City Square, attendees ing daily water demands, and the connecting water mains will can expect manyLaFayette returning festival highlights. This assist to strengthen the entire western and northern portions of year’s festival theme is “Dr. Carver’s Legacy: Alive in the water distribution system. Modern Scientific Thought.” The design of the tank incorporated several environmen- New and added attractions will thrill all festival tally-friendly or “green” components. The pedestal is made of goers, including: concrete in place of steel to save repainting costs over the life of • Carver image bobble heads for purchase; the tank. Solar panels are being installed to reduce power con- • Academic/education cash awards for local sumption. In addition to a retention pond, a pervious driveway is school entries displaying the theme; being installed to help reduce the quantity of storm water runoff. • Gift card awards for individual student winners Not only will the tank help meet the water system demands, creatively displaying and presenting the theme; the overall project has been designed to reduce the long-term • Carver Image Luncheon/Reception with former impacts of the project on the environment. associates and students of Dr. George Washing- Funding for this project was made available through Drink- ton Carver. ing Water State Revolving Fund Loans and the American Re- The long-standing festival highlights will include covery and Reinvestment Act through the Alabama Department a parade; dramatic production by visiting professional of Environmental Management. Not only did Dothan receive performer; car show; silent auction; and Peanut Run. low-interest funding, overall $1 million was awarded as principle Live entertainment will ‘fast blast’ the air waves during forgiveness, which saved the citizens of Dothan additional out- the Festival. As usual, vendors from across the tri-state of-pocket expenses. area will be positioned on the streets and corners of The tank was designed by Polyengineering, Inc. and con- the City of Tuskegee. Delicious food, arts, crafts, and structed by Caldwell Tanks. The connecting mains were de- gifts will satisfy your purchasing appetites. signed by Polyengineering, Inc. and constructed by Mark Davis For further information, please contact the Tuske- Construction. gee Area Chamber of Commerce, (334) 727-6619.

10 ALABAMA CURRENTS MAY/JUNE 2011 WATTS NEW IN Alexander City

WATTS NEW IN Fairhope Fairhope to host Saturday Walking Tours in WATTS NEW AT Riviera Utilities June

WATTS NEW IN Sylacauga

WATTS NEW IN Opelika

he Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel is spon- for the museum are acquired, stored and displayed. soring and promoting Saturday Walking Tours in All tours will begin at 10 a.m. at the Fairhope Welcome TJune in select cities throughout Alabama. The City Center and will last approximately 45 minutes. All are wel- of Fairhope has been invited to host free guided tours in the come and the tours are free of charge. downtown area for visitors and the local community on the WATTS ForNEW information IN on tours throughout the state of Ala- four Saturdays in June. Piedmontbama, visit www.alabama.travel/activities/tours-and-trails/ On June 4, Donnie Barrett, Director, Fairhope Museum of june-walking-tours/, or the City of Fairhope website, www. History, will lead a walking tour through the streets of down- cofairhope.com and visit the events page. For additional in- town explaining the history of Fairhope’s Single Tax Colony. formation, call (251) 929-1466. On June 11, a member of the Committee of Public Art will walk the group through downtown and add commentary to the Jumpin’ Jubilee art project. Jumpin’ Jubilee will feature the sea creatures of the mysterious Eastern Shore phenom- enon known as the Jubilee. Temporary art pieces will be scat- tered throughout downtown until early August. On June 16, participants are asked to meet Barrett at the Colony Cemetery at the corner of Section Street and Oak Street for a look into the past of some of Fairhope’s founders and notorious residents. The final tour on June 25 will be led by Barrett and will be held at the Fairhope Museum of History. The tour will give participants a chance to ask questions about how materials

ALABAMA CURRENTS MAY/JUNE 2011 11 WAWATTTTSS NEWNEW ININ AlexanderAlexander CityCity

WATTS NEW IN Fairhope

WATTS NEW AT Riviera Utilities

WATTS NEW IN Sylacauga

WATTS NEW IN Opelika Opelika’s Summer Swing Concerts in the Park — a great way to spend a summer evening WAByTT JanS NEW Gunter IN

very Tuesday evening, beginning PiedmontLong, Troy University Band Director family friendly. Elvis fan or not, you May 3, the Opelika Parks and Emeritus. Marches, Broadway show are in for a rare treat. ERecreation Department will host a tunes and classical music will be • July 5, Crossroads. The band free outdoor concert at 7 p.m. at Mu- featured. explores less frequently covered nicipal Park in Opelika. This 15-week • MayWA 31,TT NeilS NEWDiamond AT Tribute. material, such as Fleetwood Mac, concert series offers a wide variety of Artist Conner Lorre is a top-tier Linda Ronstadt, Cross Canadian musical entertainment including Gospel, Utilitiessinger with a fun andBoard unique talent Ragweed, and even a little R.E.M. Jazz, R & B, Praise and Worship, Oldies, and is clearly one of the best Neil • July 12, Adam Hood. An Opelika Country, Big Band Swing, Folk, and Diamondof T uskegeevoice impersonators in the native, Adam Hood is just back from Community Band music. world. the 2011 Willie Nelson Throw Down The Opelika Band Boosters will • June 7, Kidd Blue. For almost 25 Tour. He is a singer/songwriter and prepare hamburgers and hotdogs in the years,WATT KiddS NEW Blue has IN been delivering will perform an acoustic show of his park for a nominal fee from 6:15-7:30 their eclectic mix of Rock n’ Roll, original songs. p.m. These are ideal for a family picnic Soul, R & B, 80s and Jazz favorites Luverne • July 19, Muse. 20th year on the and the homemade ice cream is deli- to packed dance floors all over the Summer Swing Bandstand. Easy cious. RBC Bank of Opelika will provide Southeast. listening, vocal oriented, acoustic complimentary lemonade during the • June 14, Route 66. This energetic soft rock played as only Muse can. concerts. group plays it all – Oldies, Pop, The Rocky Brook Rocket, a vintage RockWATT andS DanceNEW music.IN Audience • July 26, Martha’s Trouble. train with a long, rich history, has been participation is encouraged. Join the Nationally-recognized Americana restored and is back on the tracks for LanettMonkey Park Dancers on the grass singers/songwriters. complimentary train rides. around the stage as they dance, blow • Aug. 2, Fred Jones/The James Come out early. Bring the whole bubbles and have a great time. Brown Trio. Southern Gospel. family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax • June 21, The Fedoras. This acoustic • Aug. 9, Back to School Bash, Route on the banks of Rocky Brook Creek for duo plays Folk, Pop and Bluegrass 66. Enjoy a final concert as we bid an evening of musical fun, fellowship tunes the entire family will enjoy. summer farewell. and relaxation. For more information, • June 28, Bill J. Brooks, Elvis Lives WATTS NEW IN Many thanks to our community call the Opelika Parks and Recreation Concert. Top-rated Elvis tribute partners: The Opelika Auburn News, the Department, (334) 705-5560. Dothanartist in the Southeast. This show is Opelika Chamber of Commerce, WKKR, 2011 Summer Swing Schedule dynamic, entertaining, moving and and MIX 96. • May 3, OHS Symphonic and Concert Bands. Opelika High School Concert and Symphonic Bands will present a Pops Concert. Music will be chosen from an assortment and variety of marches, WATTS NEW IN movie music, and contemporary collections. LaFayette • May 10, Lee Scott Academy Jazz Band. Jazz, Swing, Rock, Ballads and more. • May 17, OHS Jazz Ensemble. Local talent, Jazz Rock, Swing and Jazz. • May 24, Southeast Alabama Community Band. 58-member band, conducted by Dr. Johnny

12 ALABAMA CURRENTS MAY/JUNE 2011 WATTS NEW IN Alexander City

WATTS NEW IN Fairhope

WATTS NEW AT Riviera Utilities

WATTS NEW IN Talladega County is a countywide initiative created by a cross section of health care, business and education professionals Sylacauga seeking to improve the quality of life in the county. A variety of programs are already underway, and this marks the begin- ning of a comprehensive effort to help all of Talladega County lead a healthier lifestyle. Whether it is a healthier mind, body or spirit, this initiative will provide the tools to help and will be an evolving and growing series of programs as well as serv- Sylacauga ing as a resource center for a healthier you. WATTS NEW IN More information is available at www.gethealthytal- ladegacounty.org. Also, four kickoffs have been planned to Opelika educate and promote awareness of this important initiative. GROWS The first kickoff was held on Saturday, Feb. 26, at Noble Park Community Garden is a true example in Sylacauga. Approximately 2,500 people enjoyed numerous vendors and tours of the community. The next kickoff event of community collaboration will be Saturday, May 14 in Childersburg. Similar events in Lincoln and Talladega are in the planning stages and details and partnerships will be announced at a later time. WATTSBy Taylor NEW Logan IN A vital piece to the Get Healthy Talladega County initia- tive is implementing a wellness curriculum, The Way, in five n January 2009,Piedmont a job fair sponsored by the Sylacauga pilot schools across the county to second grade students. The Chamber of Commerce and the City of Sylacauga was five pilot schools are Indian Valley in Sylacauga, Sycamore Iheld at the J. Craig Smith Community Center. Accord- and Fayetteville in Talladega County, and Graham and Salter ing to The Daily Home, over 1,500 people attended looking to in Talladega. In addition, the five schools will have a school replace lost jobs due to layoffs, closings or downsizing by em- garden or compost bin. Outfitting the schools with a garden ployers in the area. In addition to providing information to the will illustrate the full cycle of “seed-to-plate.” attendees about services available to the unemployed, SAFE To volunteer or for more information on the Sylacauga and the Sylacauga’s Promise Committee conducted needs as- GROWS Community Garden or Get Healthy Talladega sessments to determine what the greatest needs were for local County, please contact SAFE, (256) 245-4343. residents. The overwhelming result was the need for food. From the needs assessment, the Sylacauga GROWS Community Garden was born. The Sylacauga GROWS Com- munity Garden has grown by leaps and bounds and is a true testament to the character and commitment of Sylacauga citizens. From the five-acre parcel of land the garden sits on to the garden shed that safeguards all the tools, the Sylacauga GROWS Community Garden is a true example of community collaboration and partnerships. Citizens of all ages, ethnicities, and socio-economic back- grounds came together to plant the first seeds on April 18, 2009. Since its inception, over 5,000 pounds of fresh produce has been provided to area residents. Also, the garden has ex- Get Healthy Talladega County panded to include 26 raised bed garden plots for community members to rent for $5 per year. A greenhouse was recently constructed to house plants during the colder months. In ad- dition, educational planting workshops have been conducted at Indian Valley Elementary School. While the garden has a main purpose of providing food for those in need and offering fresh, affordable produce to the community, the garden has become so much more. In fact, it has sparked a revolution of making Talladega County healthier. An initiative of the DOTCOM (Designers of Talladega County Outcomes and Measurements) consortium, Get Healthy Talladega County encourages residents of the county to become active and make healthier life choices. Get Healthy Recently constructed greenhouse

ALABAMA CURRENTS MAY/JUNE 2011 13 WATTS NEW IN Piedmont

WATTS NEW AT Utilities Board of Tuskegee

WATTS NEW IN Luverne Second Annual Peanut Boil Festival and Shriners’ “World’sWATTS Largest NEW IN Peanut Boil” planned for LaborLanett Day weekend in Luverne By Carol Staller and Regina Grayson

uverne, Alabama, The Friendliest City in the South, comes alive during Labor Day Lweekend as the bumper-to-bumper beach WATTS NEW IN traffic includes tags from almost every state across the nation. The hustle and bustle at this Dothan time of the year is all thanks to two huge events, the Crenshaw County Shrine Club’s Annual “World’s Largest Peanut Boil” and the Second Annual Peanut Boil Festival, sponsored by the Crenshaw County Chamber of Commerce. Numerous travelers plan their vacation WATTS NEW IN routes at the intersection of U.S. Highway 331 LaFayette and Highway 10 so they can stock up on several bags of the steaming, salted goobers beginning on Wednesday of Labor Day weekend. And now travelers can visit the Peanut Boil Festival on Saturday on adjacent grounds. Saturday, Sept. 3, is the day for the Second Annual Peanut Boil Festival and visitors will find arts and craft vendors selling furniture, porch swings, clothing, lotions and candles, pictures and plaques, Auburn and Alabama items, leather goods, quilts, baskets, bird houses, jewelry and much more. For the kids, there will be a train, swing, sand art, face painting, slide, and moonwalk. In addition to the numerous arts and crafts, there are a number of other activities planned for that day including a 5k Fun Run/ Walk, a beauty pageant featuring categories from birth to 15 years, a Peanut King category for boys up to 24 months, and a car and motorcycle show (last year there were 31 entries). The festival will also be filled with plenty of good food, sweet treats, and lots of great music and entertainment, including the cheerleader squads from the four Crenshaw County Schools. For more information about the Peanut Boil Festival, please visit www.peanutboilfestival. com, and the Chamber’s Facebook page at Cren- shaw County Chamber of Commerce, or call the Chamber of Commerce office, (334) 335-4468.

14 ALABAMA CURRENTS MAY/JUNE 2011 Special entertainment by Geddy the May 6, 6-8 p.m., First Friday Art Places to Go & Gecko for children and John Mallory Walk. First Friday of every month. Things to Do and Multicultural Dances for the teens. Downtown Fairhope. For information, The themes are “One World-Many call (251) 929-1466. Stories” for children, and “You Are Here” May 30, 6:30 p.m., Baldwin Pops Memorial for teens. A new program for adults Day Concert. Henry George Park. For Alexander Cityx has been added this year with a theme information, call (251) 929-1466. May 1, Red Cross swimming lessons of “Novel Destinations.” For further Fairhope’s Summer Farmer’s Market. registration begins. Morning and information about the activities and Thursday afternoons (May 19 through evening classes available. Call (256) special programs, please call (256) 329- July 7). Open 3-6 p.m. Behind the 329-6736 for more information. 6796 or (256) 234-4644. Fairhope Public Library on Bancroft May 13, American Cancer Society Relay Dothan Street. For information, call (251) 929- For Life. Central Alabama Community 1466. College track. Survivor Reception will Poplar Head Farmers Market, a Saturday Downtown Fairhope Saturday Walking be held in the HEA Building beginning open-air market, sponsored by The Tours in June. Saturdays in June, 10 at 5 p.m. All cancer survivors and Downtown Group of Dothan, features a.m. Tours starts at Fairhope Welcome their caretakers are invited. Please call fresh locally grown vegetables, fruit, Center. No registration is required. No The Cancer Center at RMC for more flowers, herbs, home baked delicacies, admission. For information, call (251) information. Relay begins at 6 p.m. music, children’s activities and artists 929-1466. with the Survivor Lap. Entertainment from the Dothan area. The market will June 3, 6-8 p.m., First Friday Art Walk. will begin at 6:30 p.m. For more open for its third season on June 11 First Friday of every month. Downtown information, call (256) 329-6736, Ext. and continue every Saturday through Fairhope. For information, call (251) 27. July 30 from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m., rain 928-2228. May 21, 7:30 a.m., Alexander City or shine. Free parking is available in June 4, 7 a.m.-12 p.m., Springhill Medical Kiwanis Club Five Stand Skeet downtown Dothan in the Civic Center Center Grandman Triathlon. Fairhope Shoot. Five Star Plantation, Kellyton. and Wiregrass Museum of Arts parking Municipal Park. For information, call Proceeds from the event help support areas. For more information, visit www. (251) 929-1466. the Alexander City Schools Education poplarheadfarmersmarket.com Foley Foundation. Entry deadline is May 16. Water World open weekends only in May. Mother’s Day weekend, May 7 and 8, 9 For entry forms, call Randy Dawkins, For further information, contact Dothan a.m.-5 p.m., The Flower and Garden (256) 329-7445. For more information Leisure Services at (334) 615-3790 or Extravaganza will be held in conjunction about the shoot, call Mark Lamborne, visit www.waterworlddothan.com with Art in the Park, Foley. (256) 234-4555; Woody Baird, (256) May 6, WWE Wrestling. Dothan Civic June 3, Friday, 5:30 p.m., Cool Change 329-0080; or Leslie Wingler, (256) Center. Contact (334) 615-3175 for will be providing music for Music and a 234-0111. ticket information. Movie in the Park, Foley. The movie will May 21, 6 p.m., Alexander City Kiwanis May 7, SAMC hosts Baby Palooza. Dothan be Field of Dreams. Club Barbecue Dinner. Five Star Civic Center. Contact (334) 615-3175 Silverhill Plantation, Kellyton. Tickets are $35 for times and ticket information each. For tickets, call Louise Tapley, May 7, Mural City ArtFest. N. Foster Street, May 28, Oscar Johnson Memorial Library (256) 329-9762. downtown Dothan. Antique & Classic Car & Truck Show. May 26, Alexander City Senior Citizen May 21, Mayor’s Ride for Fitness. Westgate Downtown Silverhill. Registration, 8 May Celebration. Charles E. Bailey Park. For further information, contact a.m.-12 p.m. Judging will begin at 11 Sportplex Gym at 9:30 a.m. with Dothan Leisure Services at (334) 615- a.m. Registration $20 by May 19; $25 special guest speaker, Dr. George 3700 or visit www.dothan.org per vehicle after May 19; any second Mathison. Events include lunch, May 28-30, Memorial Day Weekend, and third vehicle, $15 per vehicle. Dash entertainment and door prizes. Free Water World opens fulltime. plaques to the first 100 entries. Food and tickets are available at the Senior June 6, 10 Dixie Boys Baseball Future drinks available. For more information, Activity Center and you will need a contact Frankie Kucera, (251) 945-5506 Stars event. Miracle League Complex. ticket to attend. Call (256) 329-2910 or (251) 215-9630. Contact (334) 615-3700 for further for more information. Sylacauga June 6, Alexander City Parks and information

Recreation Summer Day Camp and June 16 and 30, 7:30 p.m. Music South’s May 13, 5 p.m., American Cancer Society Outdoor Adventure Camp. Call Music by Moonlight. Free concert Relay for Life, Legion Stadium. Jennifer at (256) 329-6736 held at Landmark Park by the gazebo. Tuskegee Come out and enjoy the varied musical June 10, 6-10 p.m., Alexander City Jazz June 18, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 9th Annual groups and performances in a casual Fest. Located at Strand Park. Juneteenth Celebration. The Juneteenth park atmosphere. For more information, June 11, 6-10 p.m., Alexander City Celebration Planning Committee is call (334) 677-3431, or e-mail info@ Jazz Fest. Located at Lake Martin hosting the celebration to commemorate Amphitheater. musicsouth.com. You can also find more the ending of slavery in America. June 11, MainStreet Downtown Farmer’s information at www.musicsouth.com. Festivities will be held in downtown Market. Open 7-11:30 a.m. June 25, Future Masters Golf Tournament. Tuskegee on the City Square at the June 14-July 28. 2011 Summer Reading Dothan Country Club. For further intersection of Martin Luther King Program. Hosted by Adelia M. Russell information, contact (334) 793-7144 or Highway and South Main Street. The Library and Mamie’s Place Children’s visit www.futuremastersgolf.com celebration is open to the public and Library. Registration will be May Fairhope admission is free. There will be special 31-June 18. Kickoff parties will be May 1, 1-4 p.m., 13th Annual Historic guests, entertainment, special recognition held on Tuesday, June 14, at 2 p.m. Homes Tour. For information or tickets, awards, games and food. For more for children, ages 11 and under, and call (251) 929-3944 or email mdonald@ information, call (334) 727-1997. 3 p.m. for teens, ages 12 and up. me.com. Exhibitors and vendors are welcome.

ALABAMA CURRENTS MAY/JUNE 2011 15 Alabama Municipal Electric Authority Presort Std 804 South Perry Street US Postage Montgomery, Alabama 36104 PAID Montgomery, AL Permit No. 275

WATTS NEW IN Alexander City Charles E. Bailey Sportplex provides variety of recreational facilities and activities ByWATTS Deborah NEWCourtney IN Fairhope he Charles E. Bailey Sportplex is a beautiful facility Family Nights at the Sportplex located just off U.S. Highway 280 in Alexander City June and July and is open to the public from daylight until 11 p.m. T Monday nights, Ultimate Frisbee The setting includes a football stadium, which is used for football and soccer; five baseball fields; four softball fields; Tuesday nights, Kickball a track field, which is used for soccer; a workout trail; a Thursday nights, Touch Football WATTS NEW AT three-mile walking trail; a horse arena, which is used by the These events are designed to get you and your family local riding club; an archery venue, which is used by a localRiviera outside Utilities playing with your friends and neighbors. We will archery club; an Imagination Station, which is a playground help get the events started, but we will not provide officials. for the little ones; a gymnasium; and a senior citizen’s facil- We want these events to be like the “good ole days” when ity, which is supervised by Corley Holt. you would gather your friends for a friendly game at the Alexander City is fortunate to have this wonderful neighborhood park. If you do not know how to play ultimate facility which allows the Sportplex Athletic and Recreation Frisbee, don’t worry, we will teach you personnel to offer many events to our citizens. Jennifer WATTS NEW IN Baker supervises the after school and summer programs. Rules of play include: Deborah Courtney is the Athletic Supervisor, overseeingSylacauga • Good family fun youth basketball, youth soccer in the fall and spring, youth • Call your own fouls or penalties football and adult softball. These are on-going programs that • Keep it fair encourage our citizens to keep their children in recreational • Everyone plays activities. • Clean up after yourself Because we believe in recreation and the value of fam- ily time, we would like to encourage our citizens to take WATTS • NEWReturn IN equipment advantage of our facilities by participating in some new If you have some other activities in mind, pplease feel family events. These events will only cost you your time. AllOpelika free to call and share your ideas with Ms. Courtney at of these events will be held at the Sportplex track starting in (256) 329-6736. June at 6 p.m.

TO REPORT AN OUTAGE IN ALEXANDER CITY: Day Time (256) 409-2080 After Hours/Holidays – CallWATTS Police Dept. NEW (256) IN 234-3421 – DOPiedmont NOT CALL 911