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Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

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Summer, 2011 issue of Alfa Friends & Family.
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Page 1: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011
Page 2: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011
Page 3: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1 3 w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Summer 2011

c o n t e n t s

On The CoverAlfa employees deliver a check to a Tuscaloosa homeowner whose home was destroyed in the April 27 tornado outbreak. From left are Senior Vice President of Claims Jerry Johnson, Assistant to the President Al Scott, homeowner Dalton “Buddy” Gaddis and Claims Adjuster Terry Barnes.

Photo by Jeff Helms

5 NatureUnleashed

What has been described as the worst storm in decades brought out

the best in the state as Alabamians pitched in to help rebuild their

communities.

10 WeatherCam

Alfa’s partnership with television stations in Mississippi, Alabama and

Georgia provided live weather coverage during recent storms. That

information is credited with saving lives.

12 MemberBenefit

Important personal documents were scattered by recent storms and a

Farmers Federation member benefit could help you stop thieves from

stealing your identity.

16 GrowthCommittee

Farmers Federation leaders from across Alabama are working to make

your membership more valuable than ever.

18 FreshIsBestForTheFirstFamily

Fresh ingredients are the key to great-tasting meals, including those

prepared for Alabama’s First Family by Chef Jim Smith.

24 DRVNOWTXTL8R

Alfa announces the winners of a video contest it sponsored to help

stop distracted driving and save lives of teenage drivers.

26 TeacherOfTheYear

Alfa honored Alabama’s top teacher with the use of a new car she will

use during the next year as she travels throughout the state promoting

education.

Page 4: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 4 F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

In the weeks since deadly tor-nadoes gashed the Alabama landscape, we have witnessed

generosity, compassion and resilience that are truly inspirational.

Moments after the storms passed, neighbors rallied together to mourn the lost, help the hurting and pick up the pieces. Farmers used chainsaws, tractors and trucks to clear debris. Churches provided food, water and clothing to victims and volunteers. And thousands of people from across the country sent prayers, money and supplies to those in need.

At the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance we began our disaster response by praying for healing and guidance. Thankfully, Alfa’s catastro-phe planning, financial strength and extensive network of local offices allowed us to respond quickly and compassionately.

Our agents and customer service representatives—along with the Alfa call center and website—were able to begin taking claims immediately, and our claims adjusters were among the first to see policyholders in the hard-est hit areas. We also mobilized our entire claims force and deployed two Mobile Response Units to provide additional support for local offices.

Although about one-third of the state was without power, our 249 Alfa service centers were open for busi-ness. Only the McFarland Boulevard office in Tuscaloosa was closed the weekend following the storms, and it was back online the following Monday.

Alfa has always received high marks from customers for its handling of claims, and we are determined to

be there for our policyholders when they need us most.

Although it will take time to pro-cess all claims, Alfa is committed to utilizing every resource available to help policyholders recover as quickly as possible. We prioritized claims to help those with the most urgent needs first, and we were able to begin issuing checks as soon as adjusters were allowed into the impacted areas.

Meanwhile, the Alabama Farmers Federation is working with state and federal officials to speed disaster assistance to farmers who suffered tornado losses. Across the state more than 200 poultry houses were destroyed and another 500 were damaged. In addition, hundreds of acres of timber were flattened, miles of fencing were destroyed and tons of debris were scattered in farm-ers’ fields. We appreciate the quick response to this disaster by the gover-nor, commissioner of agriculture and Alabama’s congressional delegation, and we will continue to work with them to get farmers the help they need.

We also appreciate the kindness and generosity shown by Farmers Federation members throughout Alabama as well as Farm Bureaus in other states. Our members have donated thousands of dollars and truckloads of supplies to help those impacted by these storms. They’ve also given countless hours of their time to cut trees, cook meals and haul debris.

The tornadoes that ravaged our state April 27 left physical and emo-tional scars that won’t quickly fade. But the worst storms in our history brought out the best in our members, our organization and our company.

As we continue to rebuild, our prayers are with the families who lost loved ones and those whose lives were forever changed by these ter-rible storms.

MPresident’s essage

GAlabama ardener

KCountry itchen

PMarket lace

Jerry Newby

Volume 87, Number 2________________________Debra Davis, EditorDarryal Ray, Associate EditorMike Moody, Graphic Designer

ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATIONPaul Pinyan, Executive DirectorJeff Helms, Director of Communications

FEDERATION OFFICERSJerry Newby, President, AthensHal Lee, Vice President/North, HartselleDean Wysner, Vice President/Central, WoodlandRicky Wiggins, Vice President/Southeast, AndalusiaJake Harper, Vice President/Southwest, CamdenSteve Dunn, Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen

DIRECTORSJoe Dickerson, LexingtonTed Grantland, SomervilleDonnie Garrett, CentreDarrel Haynes, CullmanJohn E. Walker III, BerryMarshall Prickett, WellingtonRichard Edgar, DeatsvilleDickie Odom, BoligeeGarry Henry, Hope HullCarl Sanders, BrundidgeDavid Bitto, ElbertaSammy Williams, ColumbiaDebbie Freeland, Grand BayBen Haynes, Cullman

Friends & Family (ISSN 1522-0648) is published quarterly by the Alabama Farmers Federation, 2108 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, Ala. 36116. For information about member benefits of the Alabama Farmers Federation, visit the website www.AlfaFarmers.org. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and additional mailing offices. Printed in U.S.A.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Friends & Family, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001.

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Wendy McFarland, McFarland AdVantage, 133 Bridlewood Lane, Hope Hull, AL 36043. Phone: (334) 652-9080. Email: [email protected]. Classified ad and editorial inquiries should be directed to the editor at (334) 613-4410.

ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER: Ad vertise ments contained in Friends & Family do not represent an endorsement by the magazine or the Alabama Farmers Federation.

EDITORIAL MATTER from sources outside of the Alabama Farmers Federation is sometimes presented for the information and interest of our members. Such material may, or may not, coincide with official Alabama Farmers Federation policies. Publication of material does not necessarily imply its endorsement by the Alabama Farmers Federation.

ADDRESS editorial, advertising and address change correspondence to Friends & Family, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, AL 36191-0001.

www.AlfaFarmers.orgA member of American Farm Bureau Federation

Page 5: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1 5 w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

The worst storm to hit Alabama in recent history brought out the best in the

people who live here, according to Jerry Newby, president of Alfa and the Alabama Farmers Federation.

Officials believe 328 people were killed across seven states by the band of tornadoes, labeling it the deadliest twister outbreak since the Great Depression. According to the latest count by the National Weather Service, 35 tornadoes hit Alabama on April 27, where the death toll topped 230. Many people were still missing at press time.

By Debra Davis

A destroyed home in Hackleburg.

F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1 5 w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Page 6: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 6 F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

Stories of survival and sadness filled newspapers, TV and radio accounts of the storm. Newby said despite the widespread damage, farmers showed why they are the backbone of rural Alabama.

“As soon as the storms were over and our Federation leaders knew their families were safe, they began helping their neighbors and making sure their farm animals were safe,” Newby said.

Federation members from throughout Alabama, as well as Farm Bureau members from other states, brought equipment, helped clear debris, built fences and cooked food.

Cullman County Federation President Kenneth Neal, whose home was completely destroyed around him by a tornado, immediately began trying to help others despite facing personal loss.

Neal, who lives near the Trimble Community in west-ern Cullman County, huddled beneath the stairwell in his basement as the storm flattened his home on top of him.

“The floor of the house fell through the basement, and I happened to be in the only spot that I could have pos-sibly survived in,” said Neal, who was still shaken a week after the event. “I am here to tell anyone who will listen: There is a God and there are guardian angels. My guard-ian angel was definitely watching over me and protecting me that day.

“Even with all of this around me, I didn’t have a scratch or a bruise,” said the 77-year-old Neal.

The former poultry farmer had two vacant chicken houses used for storage behind his home that were flat-tened. His 2,000 square-foot brick home was a pile of rubble.

Days passed before he began clearing the debris that was once his home.

“I just can’t get started on it right now,” he said a week after the storm. “I can’t explain it, but all this is just worldly things. They aren’t what’s important to me. I can make another life, and I plan to since the Good Lord saw fit to spare me. The most important thing right now is to see that my cattle are cared for.”

Neal said his cattle were more traumatized than he was.

“There were a few that were hurt, but they will recover,” he said. “We had fences down all over the place, and I’ve still got cows that are missing. But we’re rounding them up and moving them to pastures where the fences are still standing. We’ve already started repairing the fences, and we’ll get things back right eventually. I’m just happy to be here to help get it done.”

Marshall County Farmers Federation Board Member Dan Smalley who lives near Guntersville, operates one of the largest poultry farms in the state. Ten of his 15 houses were damaged. Following the storm, dozens of day-old chicks still dazed from the storm scurried among the scraps of tin that littered his farm.

“Once I knew my family was okay, I tried to get to the farm,” Smalley said, recalling the early morning storm. “The roads were blocked, the phones wouldn’t work, and I was afraid that my workers were injured or worse. When I was finally able to get here, I was relieved to find out all of my employees were safe.”

Twisters that roared through Jackson and DeKalb counties on April 27 have forever changed the landscape there, as well as the minds of residents like Jackson County Federation Board Member Mack Hughes.

Hughes and his wife, Rebecca, live in a double-wide modular home in the Pea Ridge Community just across the DeKalb County line. They were at the home of his

parents, Frank and Alta Hughes, helping

At left, members of the Alabama National Guard were mobilized to provide assistance to storm-ravaged areas; below, Marshall County poultry farmer Dan Smalley sustained damage to his farm.

w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 6 F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

Page 7: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1 7 w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

clear debris from an earlier storm when a tornado came through late that afternoon.

“We all got in the storm pit at Mama and Daddy’s when it came through that afternoon about 6:30,” Hughes said. “Their house wasn’t damaged, but there were lots of fences down all over the place.”

But the young couple’s home, only 10 miles away, was completely destroyed. They were able to salvage only a few small mementoes from the debris.

“We’re just thankful to be alive,” Hughes said. In northwest Alabama, the tiny town of Hackleburg

was torn apart by an EF5 tornado, packing winds in excess of 200 miles per hour.

Marion County Board Member Warren Williford remembers huddling with his family in the basement of his daughter’s and son-in-law’s home a few miles from downtown Hackleburg.

“When it was over and we drove into town it was the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” Williford said, still tearful as he recalled the events from the previous week. “There is so much destruction; so much loss.”

Williford and his family are credited with saving the life of a Mississippi motorist who found himself sud-denly in the path of the killer tornado. Driving toward Hackleburg on U.S. Highway 43, the motorist saw the tornado approaching in his rearview mirror.

“This fella came speeding up to our house and asked to take shelter with us,” Williford recalled. “He was a total stranger to us, but he said he knew he couldn’t outrun the

tornado. He could actually see the debris flying off the road behind him. He got in the basement with us and stayed there until the storm ended.”

The stranger, who Williford knew only as Mr. Williams, left Mississippi earlier in the day and was headed to Huntsville to carry a generator to his brother, who had lost power in a storm earlier that day.

“The day after the storm, Mr. Williams showed back up with his wife and daughter,” Williford said. “He wanted them to meet me and my family. He said he wanted them to see the people who had saved his life.”

Stories of survivors continue to surface as the town combs through the rubble. Williford said five days after the storm, recovery workers found a young child, still strapped in a car seat, alive inside an overturned car just off U.S. Highway 43. There was no one else in the car, but the child lived, he said.

With only 1,500 residents, it’s hard to find anyone in Hackleburg who wasn’t affected. Entire neighborhoods were flattened; the school was heavily damaged, and the downtown area was in shambles.

Williford owns Wiginton Paper Products, which was destroyed in the storm. But even as he sifted through the rubble days after the storm, he was counting his blessings.

“My family was spared and I have a place to go home to,” he said. “There are people here who have nothing left. They’ve lost loved ones, their home and their busi-ness. But the people of Hackleburg are strong. I think our town will come back and will be stronger than ever.”

At right, Marion County Farmers Federation Board Member Warren Williford and Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan in front of Williford’s destroyed business in Hackleburg; above, Alfa Adjuster Lee Lowery discusses a claim with Tuscaloosa policyholder Willie H. Beall; and top, officials clear the streets of a Cullman neighborhood.

F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1 7 w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Page 8: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 8 F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

Alfa Responds Quickly To Storm-Stricken AreasBy Jeff Helms and Debra Davis

A lfa Insurance mobilized claims adjusters, deployed mobile response units and extended office hours to better serve policyholders impacted by the deadly

tornadoes that roared through Alabama on April 27.Alfa President Jerry Newby said the company’s disaster

planning and network of local service centers allowed Alfa to respond quickly to claims.

“Alfa is prepared to deliver on our company’s promise to be there when our policyholders need us most,” Newby said. “Our dedicated employees, strong financial base and advance planning make Alfa uniquely prepared to respond quickly and compassionately.”

The morning after twisters gashed the Alabama landscape, Alfa began sending additional adjusters into the hardest hit areas. By Saturday, more than 100 adjust-ers were in the storm-ravaged towns, working alongside hundreds of agents, CSRs and district office employees.

The company also deployed its two 38-foot Mobile Response Units and sent gasoline, generators and other supplies to service centers in north Alabama. To expedite claims, CSRs in offices that lost computer connection to the home office developed a “buddy system” with cowork-ers in south Alabama, who took claims information over the phone and entered it into the system. At the home office, Alfa’s call center and website allowed policyholders to file claims 24 hours a day.

Alfa Senior Vice President of Claims Jerry Johnson said the company is prioritizing claims to serve the most

urgent needs first and has implemented its catastrophe plan to ensure claims are handled as quickly as possible.

“We are committed to using every available resource to help our policyholders recover from these storms,” Johnson said.

Alfa Adjuster Lee Lowery who lives in Tuscaloosa was among the first dispatched to hard hit area of his county. The day following the storm, he visited 84-year old Willie H. Beall who has been an Alfa policyholder for decades.

“When the storm came through we were in the bathroom in the center of the house,” Beall said. “I could hear the shingles tearing away from the roof and things pounding against the house. It was so scary.”

But after the storm, although still shaky, she said she was comforted to know Alfa would be there to help.

“Alfa has always been good to me,” she said. “They’ve always come through real good and quick for me, and I appreciate them.”

Lowery said helping policyholders like Mrs. Beall keeps him going.

“My house wasn’t damaged but the amount of damage in Tuscaloosa was unbelievable,” Lowery said. “When you interact with the policyholders, I feel a connection with them because it’s my hometown. It’s really a sense of satisfaction, knowing you are able to help people who are dealing with this destruction on a firsthand basis.”

Alfa used advertising on television; radio, billboards and aerial banners as well as in newspapers to make sure policyholders knew how to file a claim. Within a week of

the storm, the company already had received more than 15,000 claims.

To report a claim, contact a local Alfa service center, call 1-800-964-2532 or visit AlfaInsurance.com.

Alfa agents fed policyholders as they filed claims in Hackleburg following the storm. From left are Alfa Agents Jennifer Ward of Double Springs and Terri Robinson of Hamilton, homeowners Roy and Carolyn Holland of Hackleburg and Agent Joyce McLamb of Addison.

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Page 9: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011
Page 10: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 1 0 F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

By Debra Davis

The tornadoes that ripped through Alabama recently reiterated just how valuable a

first-hand view of an approaching storm can be.

Alfa Insurance is a sponsor for 75 weather cameras in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi that television meteo-rologists use to give an up-to-the-minute live shot of what’s happening in those locations. In Alabama, they are located from Huntsville to Gulf Shores and many spots in between.

Ashley McDonald, chief meteo-rologist for CBS station WAKA-TV in Montgomery, said she believes the cameras help save lives. The most recent example was when tornadoes caused catastrophic damage across the state April 27.

“Radar is good and gives us a good indication of what is going on, but nothing replaces actually seeing what’s happening,” McDonald said. “It certainly makes it more real to our viewers and to us here in the news-room. When you can actually see a tornado coming to your area, you know you need to go to a safe place. The cameras definitely add clarity to what is going on.”

Newsrooms can switch to camer-as in locations throughout Alabama and in neighboring states that also may give viewers an indication of weather that may be approaching their area.

“Many of the storm systems that come through our state pass through Mississippi before they reach us in west Alabama,” McDonald said. “So our cameras in Mississippi can give us a very real picture of what is headed our way. We have meteorologists in our studio who are constantly watch-ing all the cameras and even while

I am on the air, they may switch to a different camera location to give our viewers important information about what is happening at that very moment.”

Marlene Hall, media director for Alfa Insurance, said the idea behind sponsoring the cameras is that Alfa is involved in and cares about the com-munities it serves.

“Alfa has offices located in all 67

counties in Alabama and our com-pany and our employees are very involved in those communities,” Hall said. “The weather camera sponsor-ships are a great partnership we have with the television stations to provide an important service to the communi-ties Alfa Insurance serves. There are few things that impact more lives every day than the weather, whether you are a business owner, housewife or farmer.”

The weather also is a critical part of the insurance business because of the risks associated with storms, like

the ones that hit the state in April.“I do believe the cameras

make what is happening more real,” Hall said. “To actually see a tornado

coming into Tuscaloosa or through the middle

of Cullman was unbelievable. The

destruction was hor-rific, and there were so

many people killed and hurting. I do believe

the weather cameras helped save lives by showing the severity of the storms that were approaching and that more people took cover because of that.”

Weather Cameras Provided Warnings That Helped Save Lives

From left, CBS-WAKA Meteorologists Micha Harris, Marcy Novak and Chief Meteorologist Ashley McDonald watch the Alfa weather cameras located throughout the state as the April 27 storm approached.

Alfa Sky Cam Network

Missis

sippi

Alabama

Georgia

Live/On-Air Under Construction Tentative No Coverage Not Sponsored By Alfa

Jackson

Meridian

Hattiesburg

Montgomery

Dothan

Birmingham

Huntsville

Greenville

North Mississippi

Mobile

Atlanta

Macon

Columbus

Albany

Tupelo

Columbus

Last updated Apr. 20, 2011.

Page 11: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

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w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 1 2 F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

By Marc Pearson

Survivors of the tornadoes that killed hundreds in the South need to prepare for another

threat, this one man-made: Fraudsters often target victims in the aftermath of large-scale natural disasters.

The violent storms that ravaged six states in April left thousands homeless and unable to access their personal documents. The tornadoes also scattered confiden-tial personal information including bank and credit card statements and social security cards. This material may have blown miles away never to be recovered. Or it may wind up on a stranger’s front lawn.

Members of the Alabama Farmers Federation have free one-on-one access to a fraud specialist with Identity Theft 911. Identity Theft 911 fraud specialists have years of

experience helping to protect finan-cial, credit and identity data, while maintaining uninterrupted access to financial accounts. Experts with Identity Theft 911 can also help quickly replace important documents.

Should a member become a victim of identity theft, specialists with Identity Theft 911 can help by pro-viding one-on-one guidance through

the resolution process and minimize the damage, stress and time lost.

For help, call 1-800-392-5705 Ext. 4651 (Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.); all other times call 1-888-285-1499 or visit: www.alfafarmers-IDTheft.org for more details.

So, even as survivors rebuild their lives, they face the serious danger of identity theft. Here are some steps victims can take to stay safe:

• Protect important informa-tion and documents. Whether in a shelter or staying with friends and family, never lose sight of these items. They are the key to a person’s identity—and will be needed to prove identity.

• Be proactive and check credit reports by calling 1-877-322-8228 or visiting www.annualcreditreport.com.

Consider adding an initial security alert to a credit report, by visiting www.experian.com/fraud/center.html or by

calling 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742).• Ask the post office to hold mail

until you’re back home. This will keep thieves from finding sensitive materials left in the mailbox.

Identity Theft 911 is just one of many benefits for members of the Alabama Farmers Federation. For member benefits, visit AlfaFarmers.org and click on Benefits & Membership.

Page 13: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

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Page 14: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011
Page 15: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

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Page 16: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 1 6 F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

Growth Committee Aims To Increase MembershipBy Debra Davis

Optimism and excitement was the tone of the inaugural meeting of

the newly formed Membership Growth Committee appointed by Alabama Farmers Federation President Jerry Newby, which met at the Federation home office in Montgomery, March 29.

Federation Secretary-Treasurer Steve Dunn of Conecuh County serves as chairman of the committee, which includes 20 other orga-nization leaders from through-out the state. Dunn said he’s excited about the opportunity to work with such a talented group of people from around the state.

“This is a good team of lead-ers who are committed to the organization, have a passion for it and have a lot of knowledge about it,” Dunn said. “Our main goal is to ensure that our mem-bership feels like it is a part of this organization. Whether those members are farm members or policyholders, we want them to know they are important and that their membership has value to them.”

The committee will work closely with Membership Director Marc Pearson, who formerly worked in Alfa’s Marketing Services Department. The committee will report its findings and recommendations to the Federation state board of directors.

Newby said the committee members have an important task ahead of them.

“Membership is the lifeblood of our organization,” Newby said as he addressed committee members at their first meeting. “It sustains our programs and gives us strength as the voice of Alabama agriculture. We value

your ideas and opinions, and we encourage you to share them openly as we meet together. No idea is bad, and no question is out of bounds. The success of this committee depends on you sharing your thoughts freely.”

In addition to identifying areas for membership growth and retention, the committee took home assignments in preparation for their next meeting, June 30.

“Each person is to contact another state Farm Bureau and find out what that state is doing for membership there,” Dunn said. “So when we meet again, we will have 21 other ideas to consider.

“I think we’ll see some results with so many good people all working on this committee. I’m optimistic about what we can accomplish.”

Dunn said ideas about mem-bership growth and retention, as well as member benefits, aren’t just limited to the committee, however.

“We will welcome any recom-mendations from our members and other county leaders,” he said.

Committee Members Rex Vaughn . . . . . . . . . . . Madison County

Jennifer Cruise . . . . . . . . . Morgan County

Will Gilmer . . . . . . . . . . . Lamar County

Randy Gilmore . . . . . . . . Jefferson County

Delle Bean . . . . . . . . . . . . Calhoun County

Dennis Maze . . . . . . . . . . Blount County

Lamar Dewberry . . . . . . . Clay County

Terry Wyatt . . . . . . . . . . . Shelby County

Richard Edgar . . . . . . . . . Elmore County

Andy Wendland . . . . . . . Autauga County

Pat Buck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sumter County

Peggy Walker . . . . . . . . . Tuscaloosa County

Shep Morris . . . . . . . . . . . Macon County

John Dorrill . . . . . . . . . . . Pike County

Sammy Williams . . . . . . . Henry County

Gloria Jeffcoat . . . . . . . . . Houston County

Meador Jones . . . . . . . . . Marengo County

Richard Holladay . . . . . . Lowndes County

Sammy Gibbs . . . . . . . . . Escambia County

Debbie Freeland . . . . . . . Mobile County

From left, Marc Pearson, the Federation’s new membership director, meets with fellow members of the newly formed Membership Growth Committee — Chairman Steve Dunn, Federation Controller Terrie Channell, Rex Vaughn, president of Madison County Farmers Federation and Women’s Leadership Committee Chairman Debbie Freeland of Mobile County.

Page 17: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

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Page 18: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 1 8 F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

By Debra Davis

When chef Jim Smith plans a meal for Gov. Robert Bentley and First Lady

Dianne Bentley, he’s like an artist who takes color to canvas to create a masterpiece. Using the copious variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and locally grown meats available in Alabama, he treats each meal for Alabama’s first family as a one-of-a-kind work of art.

Although Mrs. Bentley said she was responsible for preparing the meals for her family before her hus-band was elected governor, she said when she moved to Montgomery she knew her time would be limited for cooking. Mrs. Bentley said Jim cooks many of their favorite foods, but makes them different by prepar-ing them in new ways.

“I worked hard as a culinary professional for years, and it was a big move to leave the restaurant business,” said Smith, 33. He first

met the Bentleys through his wife, Angi, who worked as Gov. Bentley’s campaign manager.

Mrs. Bentley first asked Smith for advice of what she could expect regarding meals and entertainment at the mansion. From there, their relationship grew and he eventually applied for and was hired as chef after going through an extensive interview process.

But Smith’s career really began when he was still a teenager in Troy, Ala.

“I started working in a restaurant when I was 15 because I thought it would be a lot of fun,” Smith said. “When I decided to make it my career, I made up my mind that I would go into the nicest restaurant I could find and try to get a job there.”

That first job was as a bus boy at Bottega, an upscale Italian restau-rant in Birmingham. Before long, he moved up in the business to waiter and bartender.

“That gave me a passion for food and steered me into the kitchen,” he said. “I worked there four-and-a-half years, and I learned something new every day.”

After his experience at Bottega, Smith went to culinary school and later worked at Dyron’s Lowcountry in Mountain Brook.

“Each job I had helped make me a better chef,” he said. “I can look at every aspect of the meal from taking the order, cooking it, serving it and cleaning up the dishes.”

So the Bentleys’ invitation to serve as chef of the governor’s mansion combined just the right ingredients for Smith to leave the restaurant business.

“My job is mostly Monday through Friday, depending on the governor’s schedule,” Smith said. “I usually prepare lunch for eight to 10 people every day. That includes the governor, first lady and the staff here. I also take care of meals or food for par-

Alabama Farmers Federation Horticulture Division Director Mac Higgingbotham, left, recently accompanied Chef Jim Smith to Oakview Farms in Elmore County to purchase fresh hydroponic lettuce from farm owner Joe Lambrecht.

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F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1 1 9 w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

ties or receptions held here at the mansion. That can range from hors d’oeuvres to a seated meal for 30 people.”

Mrs. Bentley usually leaves the menu up to Smith, he said, but if she requests something special he’s happy to oblige.

“The Bentleys love shrimp – and we serve Gulf shrimp,” he said. “And we buy as much of the fruits and vegetables as we can from local farmers.”

His pantry also includes items such as fresh ground corn meal and flour from local granaries. Smith said he tries to get to know the local farmers and fishermen who grew or caught the food he is preparing.

“Fresh ingredients are so important when you’re prepar-ing any meal,” he said. “Having good ingredients can help you

overcome a lot, even when your skill level is a chal-

lenge. And when people ask me the secret to

being a good cook, I tell them not to

be afraid of try-ing something

new.”Making

some-

thing new is one of the things that Smith is good at. Since he began his job as mansion chef in January, he hasn’t prepared the same meal twice.

“I have developed a lot of my own recipes over the years,” he said. “When I look at….say a rack of lamb, I may look at dozens of recipes and see what all they have in common. Then I might take a little from each of them to make my own recipe.”

As for the first fam-ily’s favorite dish, Smith said he’s not sure.

“Sometimes the governor will say to me, ‘Jim, this is the best thing you’ve ever made,’” Smith said. “I know they love shrimp, so I do prepare a lot of dishes using Gulf shrimp. The Bentleys are some of the nicest, most caring and thoughtful people you could ever work for.”

A special ingredient Smith has for most every dish prepared at the governor’s mansion is the “spice” added by his assistant, Sarah Crosby, who has worked at the

mansion for 17 years. She began her career

there with former Gov. Fob James,

worked

through the term of former Gov. Don Siegelman and two years for former Gov. Bob Riley.

“She knows where every dish, fork, spoon, glass and serving piece is in this place,” Smith said motion-ing around the large kitchen. “And she is a wonderful server and is so hospitable. She makes everyone feel right at home here.”

So what does a top chef do when he’s not cooking meals for dignitaries?

“I enjoy eating out and going to different restaurants,” he said. “I like to see what other chefs do and to try different things. At least two times a week, I try to cook for my wife. She deserves it, and I espe-

cially love cooking for her.”

Sarah Crosby, who has worked at the mansion for 17 years, assists Smith in the kitchen.

F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1 1 9 w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Page 20: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 2 0 F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

Chef Jim Smith

shares some of his favorite recipes he pre-pares for the first family in this month’s Country Kitchen. For addi-tional recipes and a list of local farms where he purchases fresh ingredients, visit AlfaFarmers.org and click on Country Kitchen under the News & Events link.

Grits5 cups whole milk1 cup grits1 tablespoon butterSalt and white pepper to taste

In a heavy saucepan, pour grits into 4 cups of salted milk, then stir and skim chaff from the surface.

Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer while con-stantly stirring. Let simmer for 30 minutes, paying close attention not to burn the bottom of the pan. Add remaining milk to your preference to adjust thickness. Finish with butter, salt and white pepper.

Ratatouille1 eggplant2 zucchini½ red onion3 large tomatoes1 sweet bell pepper (red, yellow or

orange)Chopped parsleyThyme sprigBasil 1/4 cup vegetable stock1 tablespoon olive oilSalt and pepper to taste

Cut eggplant into a 1/4-inch dice, salt the egg-plant and spread onto a lined pan and let the salt leach out the bitterness (20-30 minutes). Wipe

off excess salt with paper towel before adding to

ratatouille. Peel the tomatoes. (Cut an X in the top of each tomato and remove the core. Place into boiling salted water for 15-30 seconds until skin loosens, then plunge into an ice bath. The skin should easily pull away from the flesh.) Cut each tomato into quarters and remove the seeds. Dice into 1/4-inch pieces. Dice the pepper, onion and zucchini into 1/4-inch pieces.

In a large cast iron skillet heat the olive oil, add the diced peppers and onions and let soften for two minutes. Add the eggplant and zucchini and let cook for 2-4 minutes. Add the tomatoes, thyme sprig and deglaze with the vegetable stock. Let stew for 2-4 minutes. Finish with parsley, torn basil and salt and pepper to taste. (Remove thyme sprig before serving)

4 Gulf red snapper fillets (with or without skin)Salt and white pepper to taste1 teaspoon olive oilHeat a skillet. Add oil.

Season the snapper. Place snapper in the skillet, skin side down, and gently press down on the fillet to make sure all the skin is touching the pan. The skin will naturally release when the skin is almost crisp. Make sure the skin is crispy before turning the fish. Turn the fish. Finish in the oven if necessary.

PAN SEARED GULF RED SNAPPER WITH OAKVIEW FARMS GRANARY CORN GRITS AND ALABAMA VEGETABLE RATATOUILLE

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Page 21: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1 2 1 w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

GRILLED BAYOU LA BATRE SHRIMP WITH CREAMED CORN PUREE AND

ROAST SPRING ONION

Creamed Corn Puree 5 ears of corn3 cups heavy cream salt and pepper to taste

Clean the corn, remove the husk and silk. Cut the corn from the cob and reserve both. Place kernels and cream in a heavy sauce pot. Using a spoon, scrape the cobs over the pot to extract the starch. Simmer for 30 minutes. Using a food processer or blender, puree the mixture and season to taste. Strain mixture. Roast Spring Onion6 spring onions2 tablespoon olive oilsalt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375°F. Trim the tops off the spring onions and reserve. Halve the onions. In a large mixing bowl toss the onions in the olive oil and salt and pepper. Place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and roast for 15-20 minutes.

Grilled Gulf Shrimp2 pounds Gulf shrimpSalt and white pepper to tasteOil

Oil the grill, season the shrimp with salt and white pepper and grill.

ROAST FUDGE FARMS PORK CHOP WITH THYME ROASTED POTATOES AND

SUNBURST SQUASH PAN SAUCE

Thyme Roasted Potatoes1 pound red potatoes2 tablespoons picked fresh thyme2 tablespoons olive oilSalt and white pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 425°F. Quarter the potatoes and place in cool water to prevent oxidation. Drain the potatoes and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the thyme, oil and salt and pepper. Place the potatoes on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Roast for 12-15 minutes until potatoes are cooked through.

Pork Chop and Pan SaucePork Chops2 tablespoons olive oil1 tablespoon chopped shallot2 whole baby squash, sliced½ cup white wine3 tablespoons butter1 teaspoon chopped parsleySalt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 425°F. Heat a large skillet. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Sear the pork chops in oil on both sides making sure not to burn the bottom of the pan. Place the chops on a lined sheet pan and transfer to the oven to finish cooking.

Using the first skillet, place the shallots in the pan and sauté for two minutes. Season the sliced squash and sauté for 2 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the white wine and let reduce by half. Reduce heat and mount the butter into the reduc-tion. Finish sauce with parsley.

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Page 22: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 2 2 F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

By Jeff Helms

A diversified row crop and cattle operation in Autaugaville, Ala., was named the state’s

2011 Farm of Distinction during the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon April 11 in Birmingham.

As this year’s winner, Andy and Dawn Wendland of Autauga Farming Company will represent Alabama in the Swisher Sweets Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest Oct. 18-20 in Moultrie, Ga. Wendland said he’s honored to be recognized, but he was quick to share the credit with employees and family members who have helped tend the farm’s crops and livestock over the last 100 years.

“I feel fortunate to be that third generation that’s kind of taken hold of the reins. Having really good people is a real big part of it, too. That’s been a real asset to us,” Wendland said.

Autauga Farming Company has about 2,500 acres of cotton, corn, soybeans and wheat, as well as about 750 beef cows. The Wendlands were founding members of Autauga Quality Cotton Association, which has grown to become one of the nation’s leading cotton marketing cooperatives -- serving 2,000 produc-ers in nine states. They also joined forces with neighbors to form the Producers Feeder Cattle Sale, which secures premium prices by marketing uniform truckloads of cattle.

Despite good prices for cotton and cattle this year, Wendland said skyrocketing production costs are forcing farmers to find ways to be more efficient.

One way the Wendlands have reduced costs is by transitioning their farm almost entirely to conservation tillage. They also are using GPS guid-ance and swath control to prevent overuse of fertilizer and crop protec-tion materials.

As Alabama’s Farm of Distinction winner, the Wendlands received a John Deere Gator donated by

SunSouth, Snead Ag and TriGreen Equipment dealers in Alabama. They also received a $1,250 gift certificate from Alabama Farmers Cooperative, redeemable at any of its member Quality Co-Op stores.

The Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Health presented the Wendlands an engraved farm sign, and they also will receive a $2,500 cash award and an expense-paid trip to the Sunbelt Agricultural Expo. The Swisher Sweets Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year will receive $14,000, plus several other prizes.

While Wendland admits farm-ing can be difficult, he feels blessed to work at a job he loves and to be able to raise his kids in a wholesome environment.

“I guess it’s just a challenge in today’s environment to be efficient and productive and economical, and all those things that we try to be,” he said. “It’s a challenge, but I enjoy doing what I do. I’m always thinking about it and always trying to improve what we do.”

Wendland is a leader in the Alabama Farmers Federation and

Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. He and Dawn are members of the Church Street United Methodist Church. They have five children, Katie, Drew, Will Howard, Dan and Emma.

Five other finalists also were hon-ored during the program, which was held in conjunction with the Alabama Farmers Federation State Women’s Leadership Conference. They were Bud Hopson of Creekstand Catfish Farm in Lee County, Webb and Joy Thornhill of Thornhill Farm in Jackson County, Phillip and Nancy Garrison of GoldVine Farm in Cullman County, Andy and Anne Sumblin of Andy Sumblin Farm in Coffee County and Roy and Becky Jordan of Landrum Creek Farm in Marengo County. Each finalist received a $250 gift certificate from Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

The Farm-City Committee of Alabama presents the Farm of Distinction Award annually.

Farm-City Week is observed nationally each year the week before Thanksgiving as a way to help bridge the gap between rural and urban residents.

Andy and Dawn Wendland, seated, accept prizes for the Alabama Farm of Distinction from the sponsors. From left are Kenneth Williams of Snead Ag Supply, Jay Hamlett and Lynne Morton of TriGreen Equipment, Lester Killebrew of SunSouth, the Wendlands, Jerry Newby of the Alabama Farmers Federation and Grace Smith of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

Autauga County Operation Named Alabama Farm Of Distinction

Page 23: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

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This story breaks my heart every time. Allegedly, just twoyears after the discovery of tanzanite in 1967, a Maasai

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In the decades since its discovery, tanzanite has become one of the world’s most coveted gemstones.Found in only one remote place on Earth (in Tanzania’s Merelani Hills, in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro), the precious purple stone is 1,000 times rarer than diamonds.Luxury retailers have been quick to sound the alarm, warningthat supplies of tanzanite will not last forever. And in thiscase, they’re right. Once the last purple gem is pulled fromthe Earth, that’s it. No more tanzanite. Most believe that weonly have a few years supply left, which is why it’s so amazingfor us to offer this incredible price break. Some retailers alongFifth Avenue are more than happy to charge you outrageousprices for this rarity. Not Stauer. Staying true to our contrariannature, we’ve decided to lower the price of one of the world’srarest and most popular gemstones.

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Page 24: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

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Students from Coffee and Jefferson counties were awarded cash and prizes May 3 as the winners of the Alfa Insurance® DRV NOW, TXT L8RTM video

contest.Hal Davis of Enterprise High School took top hon-

ors in the competition, which encouraged high school students to produce videos that educate their peers and adults about the dangers of texting and driving. Jordan Dewitt and Conlan McGuff of McAdory High School in McCalla placed second; and Jonathan Ashworth, Daniel Tuggle and John Caraway of Oak Mountain High School in Birmingham placed third.

“I felt that if the goal was to grab the attention of youth, that a dramatic and serious commercial would not be as effective as a somewhat humorous video — even though it is a very serious subject,” said Davis. 

The Enterprise senior’s video features Davis dis-missing a friend’s warning to stop texting and driving, noting that “this isn’t the worst thing I’ve ever done while driving.” The statement is followed by scenes of

Davis engaged in a variety of outrageous activities while behind the wheel. His comical flashback is interrupted by a minor accident immediately after he asks his friend, “What’s the worst that could happen?”

As the first-place winner, Davis received an iPad®2 and $1,500 from Alfa. Enterprise High School also received a $1,500 cash award.

Davis’ video was selected from among more than 150 entries that were submitted between Jan. 1 and March 31. The winning videos, along with educational information about texting and driving, are available at www.AlfaDriveSmart.com. Partnering with Alfa to pro-mote the contest were the Alabama State Department of Education and the Alabama Independent School Association.

“At Alfa, we recognize that distracted driving is a growing concern,” said Alfa President Jerry Newby. “Research has shown that our policyholders and mem-bers support efforts to curb cell phone-related acci-dents. Based on their comments, we decided to launch

the Alfa Drive Smart campaign and the DRV NOW, TXT L8R video contest.

“Knowing how important this safety issue is, we called our friends, State Superintendent Dr. Joe Morton and AISA Executive Director Don Oswald, and they eagerly agreed to help promote the contest,” Newby added. “By working with the schools, we were able to give high school students across the state an opportunity to showcase their creativity while communicat-ing important information

Winners Announced In The Alfa™ DRV NOW TXT L8R Online Video Contest

Hal Davis of Enterprise High School took top honors in the competition, which encouraged high school students to produce videos that educate their peers and adults about the dangers of texting and driving. From left are Herman Watts, Alfa executive vice president of Marketing; Davis; and Carol Golsan, senior vice president of Marketing Services.

w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 2 4 F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

Page 25: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1 2 5 w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

about texting and driving.”

As the second-place winner, Dewitt and McGuff received an iPod® touch and $1,000. McAdory High School also received a $1,000 cash award.

The students’ video uses multiple camera angles and quick edits to dramatically tell the story of a little girl innocently jumping rope in a driveway when a driver, who veers off the road while texting, strikes her. The 40-second video is a stark reminder of the consequences of distracted driving.

The team from Oak Mountain High School received an iPod® nano and $750 for third place. The school also received a $750 cash award. In the video by the trio of Ashworth, Tuggle and Caraway, a teenage boy receives a text message while driving and reaches for his phone. The scene is followed by a flashback in which the main character rescues his younger brother from a distracted driver. As the flashback ends, the video shows the boy pulling his older brother’s hand away from the phone, potentially reversing the roles of savior and victim. Suspenseful music and the use of both color and black-and-white photography add to the drama of the video.

Alfa plans to distribute the winning entries to driver education class-

rooms throughout the state and to television stations as public

service announcements. Jeff Helms, director

of public relations and

communications with Alfa, said the video contest showcased the talent of Alabama students.

“The creativity and production value of the videos is impressive. It is obvious that students not only have embraced new technology, but they also understand its potential for advocacy and marketing,” Helms said. “Some of the vid-eos will stir your emotions, while others will tickle your funny bone. We are pleased that so many students took the time to contemplate the dangers of texting and driving and share their creative messages with friends and family. Since all of the entries are posted to YouTube, we hope other students and adults will view the videos and

share them with friends through Facebook and Twitter. If this program helps save one life, it will be a success.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 20 percent of crashes that cause injury involve some sort of distracted driving. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports

that drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. And, the University of Utah found that using a cell phone while driving, whether it’s hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver’s reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent.

For more information about the dangers of texting and driving and to view the winning videos from the DRV NOW, TXT L8R contest, visit www.AlfaDriveSmart.com.

With more than a million policies in force, Alfa and its affiliates provide insurance and other financial services in 12 states. Visit www.AlfaInsurance.com or call 1-800-964-2532.

Second place in the contest went to students from McAdory High School in McCalla. From left are McAdory video production class sponsor Anthony Cooper, Alfa Executive Vice President of Marketing Herman Watts, students Jordan Dewitt and Conlan McGuff and Senior Vice President of Marketing Services Carol Golsan.

Students from Oak Mountain High School placed third in the contest. From left are John Caraway, Executive Vice President of Marketing Herman Watts, Daniel Tuggle, Jonathan Ashworth and their teacher, Kathy Leaver.

F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1 2 5 w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Page 26: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

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Alfa Awards Auto To Alabama’s Teacher Of The YearBy Debra Davis

A labama’s 2011-2012 Teacher of

the Year, Dr. Gay F. Barnes, a first-grade teacher at Horizon Elementary School in the Madison City School System, received a year’s use of a new automobile courtesy of Alfa Insurance Co. and the Alabama Farmers Federation during a ceremony at the Alfa home office in Montgomery May 12.

Alfa President Jerry Newby presented Barnes the keys to a 2011 Chevrolet Impala as part of her award for being named the state’s top teacher. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Joseph B. Morton made the announcement of Alabama’s Teacher of the Year during an awards ceremo-ny Wednesday evening that honored the final four candidates for the honor.

Newby said teachers like Barnes are the key to Alabama’s future.

“As Alabama’s Teacher of the Year, Dr. Barnes will have the opportunity to inspire thousands of teachers, par-ents and community leaders as an ambassa-dor for education. Alfa and the Alabama Farmers Federation appreciate the important role she and all teach-ers play in the lives of our children,” Newby said.

Morton praised Alfa’s contribu-

tions to the Teacher of the Year Program.

“For years, Alfa Insurance has shared our vision of acknowledging and celebrating the best and brightest in Alabama education,” Morton said. “Alfa’s commitment to supporting the

Alabama Teacher of the Year program has been unwavering

and, as always, is greatly appreciat-

ed. This year, as in years past, Alfa contin-ues to express its support

for those who inspire

learning, spark imaginations and ultimately mold the

minds that will carry Alabama forward.”

Barnes said she was born to be a teacher, adding that her “learning seed” was planted by her mother early in her life.

“I still love to learn new things, and I love teaching now as much as I loved teaching my first class over 20 years ago,” she said. “My greatest contributions and accomplishments center on my unwavering commit-ment to my students who are strug-gling. I have a passion and a gift for helping these students succeed.”

This is the 15th year Alfa has presented an automobile to the state Teacher of the Year. During the presentation, Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan announced that the insurance for the Teacher of the Year car will be paid for by the Federation.

Barnes will spend the majority of the school year serving as the state spokesperson for education, present-ing workshops, speaking to various groups and representing education and the teaching profession. By win-ning Alabama’s Teacher of the Year, she automatically becomes the state’s candidate for National Teacher of the Year.

Alabama’s Teacher of the Year, Dr. Gay Barnes of Horizon Elementary School in Madison, received a new car courtesy of Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation. From left are Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan, Dr. Joseph Morton, Barnes, Alfa President Jerry Newby and Alfa Executive Vice President of Marketing Herman Watts.

Page 27: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

“Well, I finally did it. I finally decided to enter the digital age and get a cell phone. My kids have been bugging me, my bookgroup made fun of me, and the last straw was when my car broke down, and I was stuck by the highway for an hour beforesomeone stopped to help. But when I went to the cell phone store, I almost changed my mind. The phones are so small I can’tsee the numbers, much less push the right one. They all have cameras, computers and a “global-positioning” something or otherthat’s supposed to spot me from space. Goodness, all I want to do is to be able to talk to my grandkids!The people at the store weren’t much help. They couldn’t understand why someone wouldn’t wanta phone the size of a postage stamp. And the rate plans! They were complicated, confusing, andexpensive… and the contract lasted for two years! I’d almost given up when a friend told meabout her new Jitterbug phone. Now, I have the convenience and safety of being able to stay intouch… with a phone I can actually use.”

The cell phone that’s right for me. Sometimes I think the people who designed this phone andthe rate plans had me in mind. The phone fits easily in my pocket, but it flips open and reachesfrom my mouth to my ear. The display is large and backlit, so I can actually see who is calling. Witha push of a button I can amplify the volume, and if I don’t know a number, I can simply push onefor a friendly, helpful operator that will look it up and even dial it for me. The Jitterbug also reducesbackground noise, making the sound loud and clear. There’s even a dial tone, so I know the phoneis ready to use.

Affordable plans that I can understand – and no contract to sign! Unlike other cell phones, Jitterbug has plans that make sense. Why should I pay for minutes I’m never going to use? And if Ido talk more than I plan, I won’t find myself with no minutes like my friend who has a prepaid phone. Best of all, there is no contract to sign – so I’m not locked in for years at a time or subject to termination fees. The U.S. – based customer service is second to none, and the phone getsservice virtually anywhere in the country.

Call now and get a FREE Car Charger and FREE Leather Carrying Case– a $43.99 value. Try Jitterbug for 30 days and if you don't love it, just return it. Why wait, the Jitterbug comes ready to use right out of the box. Ifyou aren’t as happy with it as I am, you can return it for a refund of the purchase price. Call now, the Jitterbug product experts are ready to answeryour questions.

IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: All rate plans require the purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time set up fee of $35.00. Coverage and service is not available everywhere. There are no additional fees to call Jitterbug’s 24-hour U.S.Based Customer Service. However, for calls to an Operator in which a service is completed, minutes will be deducted from your monthly balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator, plus an additional 5 minutes. Rateplans do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges. Prices and fees are subject to change. Savings are based on marketing materials from nationally available cellular companies as of June, 2010 (not including family share plans). The full priceof the Jitterbug Phone will be refunded if it is returned within 30 days of purchase, in like-new condition, and with less than 30 minutes of usage. A Jitterbug Phone purchased from a retail location is subject to the return policy of that retail location. The Jitterbug phone is created together with worldwide leader Samsung. Jitterbug is a registered trademark of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and its related entities. Created together withworldwide leader Samsung. Copyright © 2010 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Page 28: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 2 8 F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

MPresident’s essage

GAlabama ardener

KCountry itchen

PMarket lace

By Lois Chaplin

Walking along the cool of a deep woods creek in summer heightens your senses to nature’s air con-ditioning. Professional landscape designers use

the same landscape elements to create spots in a garden that make you feel a bit cooler in summer. You can create a little of the same in your yard with the use of shade, water and lush foliage. The easiest way is to start with a spot under a tree.

Is there a shady spot in your landscape where you can run some electricity? That helps with two things: creating a breeze and the sound of water. An outdoor fan will blow away summer’s greatest outdoor detractors: mosquitoes. At my house, we place fans in strategic places on the deck to blow the pests away. On hot nights, it makes us cooler, too. I’ve seen locations where an arbor over the seating area provided both shade and a spot from which to hang outdoor ceiling fans and blow pests away.

A refreshing nook in your shady backyard can include a garden pond or water feature. Even a small, pre-fab

water garden can become a big project because of the maintenance to keep it clean, but is well worth it if you have time to clean it out once a year. An edging of stone, a backdrop of shade-loving plants, and a splashing fountain will turn a hole in the ground into a garden oasis.

An easier way to bring in the soothing sound of splashing water is to create a fountain from a large pot. This is where it is important to have an electrical outlet to power a pump in your water feature that keeps the water flowing. The splash is soothing, and the flow keeps the mosquitoes from breeding in it. You can find many plans online for turning a big container into a fountain, or you can buy a garden fountain all ready to go. Either way, the sound of water just makes you feel cooler.

If your garden is sunny, make your own shade. Even a sunny lot usually has a shady spot on the north side of the house where the house casts its shadow. Coupled with shade structure or patio-sized trees such as a full-sized Japanese maple, you can create a shady retreat in almost any spot on your lot. A good garden center can help you select the proper trees. Beware of those that drop blooms

if that would annoy you on a patio.

If you enjoy garden-ing, the nearby bed is a great place to create

a shade border with a mix of shade loving annuals and perennials. When choosing plants, don’t let shade intimi-date you. Some gardeners feel like things don’t grow in the shade, but the truth is far from that. You can enjoy flowers, textural contrasts and leafy color in the shade. For example, elephant’s ear, begonia, ferns, plectran-thus, impatiens, hosta and coleus are just a few that will combine well in the shade. If you don’t enjoy piddling with plants, keep the planting super simple with a mass of ground covers such as periwinkle or liriope that you can just trim back once a year in late winter. Also add a few shrubs with fragrant flowers such as gardenia and tea olive.

So, don’t let summer run you indoors. We are blessed to live in a warm climate. Create a spot to enjoy it. ______________________________Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

GET GROWING AT THE CO-OP. WWW.ALAFARM.COM

Shade trees and lush foliage heighten the senses to nature’s air conditioning.

Page 29: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

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Alfa has great dental insurance.And that’s the tooth.Alfa now has dental insurance. All Alabama Farmers Federation members qualify for this dental plan. Alfa Dental is underwritten by Delta Dental Insurance Company, a member of the nation’s largest dental insurance organization. For detailed benefits or quick and easy on-line enrollment, go to alfadentalins.com. Or contact your local Alfa office or call 1-800-392-5705.

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Ag LiteracyA barn bookcase built by the Good Hope Agriscience Department that was sponsored by the Cullman County Women’s Leadership Committee and books about agriculture sponsored by Cullman County Board members will rotate throughout Cullman County schools to help promote agriculture literacy and awareness with students and teachers. From left are Cullman County Farmers Federation Board Member and Good Hope High School agriscience teacher David Bice, County Women’s Leadership Committee Chairman Nancy Garrison, County Women’s Leadership Committee Member Pat Hicks and County Federation President Kenneth Neal.

Page 30: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 3 0 F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

To demonstrate support of excel-lence in education and reward exceptional educators across

the state, Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation honored two teachers and one principal with recognition and a check for $1,000 in April, May and June. Their schools received matching contributions.

Janie Mohajerin, an English

teacher at Georgia Washington Junior High School in Montgomery, was recognized as teacher of the month in April for her ability to positively motivate her students and fellow teachers. She provides incen-tives for good behavior and character such as dances, board game parties, trips to the movie theater and ice cream parties.

“Not only do I motivate within my classroom, but within the grade level and through collaboration with other teachers as well,” Mohajerin said.

Kristie Williams, a literary coach and reading teacher at L.M. Smith Middle School in Birmingham, was named teacher of the month in May. She builds her curriculum around current events, believes curriculum should be as hands-on as possible and has served on several committees that have helped improve the school’s literacy rate.

“Students need to connect what they are learning to something in the real world and be able to see the significance of learning it,” Williams said.

Dr. Claudia Styles, principal of Legacy Elementary School in Madison, was June’s principal of the month.

Popular for creating a unique learning environment, Styles and her staff emphasize experience-based learning techniques that focus on student responsibility. Legacy Elementary is also home to an out-door learning laboratory, a half-acre, fully stocked pond that was named the Best Environmental Education Program in Alabama.

Throughout 2011, Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation are honoring one outstanding teacher from each of Alabama’s eight state board districts, two principals and two private school teachers.

Application information is avail-able under Alfa Teacher of the Month in the Ag Links section of AlfaFarmers.org.

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Alfa Honors Three Top Educators in Alabama

Page 31: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1 3 1 w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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Attention Farm Bureau Members:

By Debra Davis

The Alabama Soybean Producers, a division of Alabama Farmers Federation, is

partnering with the Alabama Farmers Cooperative by sponsoring a portion of AFC’s weekly television show Time Well Spent, hosted by Jim Allen and Grace Smith.

The many uses of soybeans will be highlighted during the Soybean Producers’ segment of the show, and is being paid for with pro-ducer checkoff funds. The shows are filmed and produced by Federation Broadcast Relations Director Kevin Worthington.

Time Well Spent is broadcast on RFD-TV each Friday at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. In addition to promoting the many uses of soy-beans, the show will feature segments on Alabama producers who last year grew soybeans on 350,000 acres in the state.

Soybean Producers Chairman Jeff Webster of Madison County said he is excited about the exposure the show will provide.

“This is a good way to get the

message out about how the soybeans produced in our state contribute to the overall farm economy,” Webster said. “High-protein soybeans provide the basis of the diet for our state’s poultry, pork, beef and aquaculture industries. It is one of the most versa-tile crops we grow in Alabama.”

Federation Soybean Division Director Steve Guy said the tele-vision show is part of an overall promotion plan to increase awareness of how important soybeans are to the U.S. economy. The United Soybean Board, funded by producers’ checkoff dollars, has launched a national cam-paign aimed at increasing awareness of the many uses of soybeans.

“The stories featured on Time Well Spent will complement the printed advertising the Alabama Soybean Producers initiated this year,” Guy said. “Consumers are amazed at the versatility of soybeans and at just how many items contain ingredients made from soybeans.”

Alabama Soybean Producers Help Sponsor ‘Time Well Spent’

Page 32: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

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Autism is a big part of who Dr. Temple Grandin is, but the internationally known animal

scientist said it doesn’t “define” who she is. She said she considers herself a teacher above all else.

Grandin was at Auburn University recently and spoke to students and faculty about her autism and the importance of recognizing and encouraging different kinds of “thinkers.”

“It takes all kinds of minds work-ing together to really get things done,” said Grandin, who is the subject of an Emmy Award winning movie about her life called Temple Grandin.

Grandin didn’t speak until she was 4, but a determined mother and teachers who recognized her dif-ferent way of thinking helped her realize that she could learn.

“I am a total photo-realistic, visual thinker,” she said. “Most peo-

ple who are visual thinkers don’t see things the way

other people do. People like me learn much better from hands-on experience instead of from reading or listening to someone talk. We need to visualize what we are learning, whereas there are some people who think in patterns and they may be really good at math or engineering.

But the world needs all kinds of people

working together to get things done.”Grandin spoke often

about the need for America to re-evaluate occupations that

have moved away from getting their hands dirty.

“Programs like FFA and 4-H are so very important, and I’m abso-lutely shocked at the funding cuts

being made to those,” she

said. “School officials are taking so many of the hands-on classes out of the schools, like woodshop, auto mechanics, welding, music and art. Those are some of the classes where the kids are a little geeky or may have a touch of autism, but they can really excel there because they can work with their hands. They can turn those classes into a really good career.”

Young people need the exposure to vocational training, including those involving agriculture, she said.

“One of the reasons I went into working with livestock is when I was 15, I had a chance to go out and visit my aunt’s ranch,” Grandin said. “You’ve got to be exposed to differ-ent industries and things in order to get interested in it. If I hadn’t gotten exposed to cattle out on my aunt’s ranch, I would not have gotten interested in it.”

Today’s public is far removed from what really happens on a farm and often times when they are exposed to agriculture, it is presented in a nega-tive light, she said.

“Alabama has a lot of poultry farms, nurseries and cattle, and we need to get kids out working on them to get excited about going into those businesses,” she said. “There’s a hunger to get back in touch with agriculture and the land. You see it with the increased interest in buying local food, organic food and natural food. That’s a good thing. But we need to expose them before they are grown and have already made a career choice. That’s why programs like 4-H and FFA are so important.”

By Debra Davis

w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 3 2 F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

Page 33: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1 3 3 w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Grandin said farmers need to do a better job of showing the world how they care for their land and animals. She said some major farms now have video cameras that stream live to the Internet so consumers or anyone else can see what is happening there.

“If you would squirm to show a video of your farm to your wedding guests, then maybe you need to be changing what you’re doing and how you’re doing it,” she said.

More than half the cattle in North America are handled in humane systems Grandin designed.

Although she is a big proponent of humane treatment for animals, she admittedly is a meat eater and has no intentions of changing that.

“I feel very strongly that we owe animals a decent life,” she said.

She has written several books, including a bestseller she wrote with Catherine Johnson titled Animals in Translation – Creating The Best Life For Animals. Other books she has writ-ten include Livestock Handling and

Transport, Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals, and Improving Animal Welfare: A Practical Approach.

Grandin has produced sev-eral DVDs that include animal handling demonstrations, and many of her demonstrations can be found on YouTube. She also has written books on autism, including Thinking In Pictures. Links to her books and videos are available at her website, Grandin.com.

Although Grandin has become famous by using her unique perspective and way of thinking to revolutionize the livestock indus-try, she says she doesn’t want to be remembered for her autism.

“I want to be remembered as a teacher,” she said.

AU Meats Lab Manager Barney Wilborn, left, discussed Auburn University’s meats lab and livestock handling facilities with Dr. Temple Grandin, center, and Dr. Wayne Green, head of Auburn’s animal science department, right.

F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1 3 3 w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Page 34: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 3 4 F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y • S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

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MPresident’s essage

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PMarket laceClassified FactsFor just $2 per word your classified ad in Friends & Family reaches 340,000+ sub-scribers each quarter. So if it’s a recipe, service or an item for sale, let Friends & Family help.CLOSING DATE: Ads must be received by the 10th day of the month prior to publication (Ex: Fall issue closes Aug. 10). Dates for publication are Spring (March), Summer (June), Fall (September) and Winter (December). Ads received after closing will automati-cally run in the next available issue unless notified. No changes may be made after closing. Minimum 10 words per ad.PRE-PAYMENT REQUIRED FOR ALL ADS. No fax or phone orders. Cash or credit cards accepted. Phone 1-800-392-5705, ext. 4410 for more details. Send your ad with payment, payable to Alabama Farmers Federation, to:

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Page 35: Alfa Friends & Family, Summer, 2011

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