Panola-Harrison ElEctric nEws Pages 6-7 • april 2014 • Vol. 31, no. 1

Co-ops, members prepare for spring and summer storms

Page 2 • Louisiana Country • april 2014

Beware.SpringcanusherinmorethanAprilshowers.Nowthroughthesummer,thunderstormscanquicklyrollinandtor-nadoescantouchdown,oftenduringtheafternoonandeveninghours,accordingtoresearchersattheNationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration’s(NOAA)NationalSevereStormsLaboratory. FollowthesetipsfromNOAAandtheAmericanRedCrosstokeepyouandyourhomesafewhentornadoesandseverethunderstormscomeyourway. •Prepareforhighwindsbyremovingdiseasedanddamagedtreelimbs. •ListentolocalnewsorNationalWeatherServicebroadcaststostayinformedabouttornadowatchesandwarn-

ings. •Ifinamobilehome,immediatelyheadtoasturdyshelterorvehicle.Mobilehomes,especiallyhallwaysandbathrooms,

arenotsafeplacestotakeshelterduringtornadoesorotherseverewinds. •Designateafamilymeetingplaceforshelterduringandafterastorm.Ifpossible,gotoyourhome’sbasement,asmallinteriorroom,orunderstairsonthelowestlevel.Also,haveabattery-operatedweatherradiohandyalongwithemergencysupplies. •Unplugyourelectronics.Avoidusingelectricalequipmentandcordedtele-phones. •Rememberthatthereisnosafeplaceoutsideduringaseverestorm.Ifyouarecaughtinastormwhileontheroad,theAmericanRedCrossurgesdriverstoturntheirheadlightson,trytosafelyexitthe

roadway,andpark.Stayinthevehiclewithyourseatbeltonandturnontheemer-gencyflashersuntiltheheavyrainends.Ifthunderandlightningisoccurring,avoidtouchingmetalorothersurfacesthatcon-ductelectricityinandoutsidethevehicle. •Moveorsecurelawnfurniture,trashcans,hangingplantsoranythingelsethatcanbepickedupbythewindandbecomeaprojectile. •Staysafeafterastorm.Remainindoorsatleast30minutesafterthelastclapofthunder.Also,stayawayfromdownedpowerlinesandavoidfloodedareas,powerlinescouldbesubmergedandstilllivewithelectricity.Reportthemtoyourlocalco-op.

storm safety: when thunderstorms and tornadoes strike

Addingafewitemstoyourlistofspringchorescanhelpmakeyourhomemoreenergyefficientanddeliverelectricbillsthatwon’tmakeyousweatwhentemperaturessoar. Startwithyourairconditioner. Springandearlysummeraregoodtimestomakesurethatyourairconditioningunitisreadytoworkwhenyoufliptheswitch: •Gethelpfromaprofessionalwhocaninspectandserviceyourunit. •Giveyourairconditionerado-it-yourselfcleaning.Shuttheunitoff,andclearawayleavesandyarddebrisoutside.Insidetheunit,cleanorreplacefiltersthatcanrestrictairflowandreduceoverallefficiencybymakingtheairconditionerworkharderonhotsummerdays.Dustthe

fanbladesifyoucandososafely.Makesureaircanflowfreelyovertheinsideandoutsidecoils.Vacuumregisterstoremoveanydustbuildup. •Checkweatherstripping.Whenusingwindowunits,ensurethatweatherstrippingisinplace.Placementshouldbebetweenthemiddleofthetopwindowpaneandthebottompane. Checkoutyourroof.Seehowwellyourroofhasweatheredthewinter.Fewthingscanshortenthelifeofyourhomefasterthanaroofleak.Evenaminoronecandam-ageyouratticinsulationbeforeyouknowit.Aroofingprofessionalcanrepairthingslikelooseormissingshingles,leaksandcleargutters. Makeyourelectricco-oparesource.Theenergyadvisorsat

yourco-opcanhelpyoudeterminetherightstepsforyourhome,includ-ingwhetheranenergyauditwillhelpfindmoresavings.Youcanalsovisit

TogetherWeSave.comtofindouthowlittlemeasuresaroundthehousecanadduptobigenergysavingsastemperaturesoutsideclimb.

Prepare for summer heat, increase energy savings

Average Prices for Residential Electricity 2012 �gures, in cents per kWh

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration Numbers rounded to nearest tenth of a cent

Updated February 2014

U.S. Average: 11.9¢ per kWh

Residential Average Price(cents per kilowatt-hour)

Under 9.5¢9.5¢ to 12.0¢

Over 12¢

VT: 17.0¢NH: 16.1¢MA: 14.9¢RI: 14.4¢CT: 17.3¢

NJ: 15.8¢DE: 13.6¢MD: 12.8¢DC: 12.3¢

ME14.7¢

NY17.6¢

PA12.7¢OH

11.8¢

MI14.1¢

IN10.5¢

IL11.4¢

WI13.2¢

MN11.4¢

IA10.8¢

MO10.2¢

AR9.3¢

AL11.4¢

KS11.2¢

TX11.0¢

NM11.4¢

MS10.3¢ LA

8.4¢

NE10.0¢

SD10.1¢

ND9.1¢

CO11.5¢

TN10.1¢

FL11.4¢

GA11.2¢

SC11.8¢

NC10.9¢

VA11.1¢KY

9.4¢

WV9.9¢

AZ11.3¢

UT9.9¢

NV11.8¢

CA15.3¢

WY9.8¢

MT10.1¢

ID8.7¢

OR9.8¢

WA8.5¢

AK17.9¢

HI37.3¢

OK9.5¢

We’re gone most o f the day. D idn ’ t make sense to keep an empty house

comfor tab le . But now when we get home, i t ’s ready. I ’m sav ing $280 a

year jus t by programming a thermosta t . Wha t can you do? Find out how

the l i t t le changes add up a t TogetherWeSave.com.

TOGETHERWESAVE.COM

FEELS BETTER AROUND THE HOUSE SINCE I SET OUR THERMOSTAT TO CHEAP.

april 2014 • Louisiana Country • Page 3

Call 877-2-Mueller (877-268-3553)

Click www.muellerinc.com

Come By 32 Convenient Locations

GORGEOUS. STRONG. EFFICIENT.

Simply StunningRESIDENTIAL METAL ROOFING

SimplyStunning_LA_Mueller.indd 1 1/24/14 9:52 AM

Formerly Rural Louisiana,founded March, 1950

Vol.31,No.1April2014

randall c. PierceCEo/PublisherBilly Gibson

Director of CommunicationsLouisiana Country is published in the

interest of members of the electric cooperatives in Louisiana and is the official

publication of the following co-ops:

Beauregard Electric Co-op, DeRidderClaiborne Electric Co-op, HomerJefferson Davis Electric Co-op, JenningsNortheast Louisiana Power Co-op, WinnsboroPanola-Harrison Electric Co-op, Marshall, TexasPointe Coupee Electric Co-op, New RoadsSouth Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association, HoumaWashington-St. Tammany Electric Co-op, Franklinton

advertising is accepted and published in Loui-siana Country on the premise that the mer-chandise and services offered are accurately described and sold at the advertised prices. Louisiana Country and Louisiana’s electric co-ops do not endorse any products or services promoted herein. address inquiries and rate requests to: Louisiana Country, 10725 airline Hwy., Baton rouge, La 70816. national adver-tising representatives: nCM, 611 s. Congress, ste. 504, austin, tX 78704 (800-626-1181).

LouisianaCountry(USPS473-180)ispublishedmonthlybyTheAssn.ofLouisianaElectricCo-ops,Inc.

10725AirlineHwy.,B.R.,LA70816

Phone: (225) 293-34501-800-355-3450

FaX: (225) 296-0924website: www.alec.coop

annuaL suBsCriPtions: $2.64 MEMBErs$5 non-MEMBErs

Postmaster: Send form 3579 to 10725 Airline Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70816-4299. Periodi-cals postage paid at Baton Rouge, LA 70821.

audit of ExcellencenECEa-rEsMa

L o u i s i a n a C o u n t r y

your Cooperative Connection

Asthespringseasonapproaches,manywillusherinthewarmerweatherbythoroughlycleaningtheirhomesandtendingtoyardwork. TheElectricalSafetyFoundation(ESFI)recommendshomeownersensurethatelectricalhazardsareeliminatedalongwithunwanteddustandclutter.ESFIsuggestsstartingwiththebase-ment,animportant,butoftenoverlookedspacewhenitcomestohomeinspectionandfiresafety.Theselow-levelroomscontaintwoleadingcausesofhomefires-heatingequipmentandelectricaldistri-

butionsystems. •Checkthelabelinsidethedoororcoverofyourelectricalservicepaneltoseewhenyourelectricalsystemwaslastinspected.Ifthedatehaspassedorisapproaching,contactalicensed,quali-fiedelectriciantoscheduleaninspec-tion. •Besurecircuitbreakersandfusesarecorrectlylabeledwiththeiramperageandtheircorrespondingrooms,circuitsoroutlets.Usecorrectsizeandcurrentratingforbreakers/fuses. •Increaseyourfireprotectionby

havingalicensedelectricianreplaceyourstandardcircuitbreakerswitharcfaultcircuitinterrupters-AFCIs. •Haveyourfurnacecleanedandinspectedbyalicensedprofessional. •Makesureallfuel-burningequip-ment,suchasfurnaces,stoves,andfire-places,isventedtotheoutsidetoavoidcarbonmonoxidepoisoning. •Checkforexcessivevibrationormovementwhenthewashingmachineordryerisoperating.Thiscanputstressonelectricalconnections. •Makesuretheareaaroundyour

dryerisclutterfreeandthatthedryerlintfilteriscleanedaftereachload.Buildupcanbeafirestarter. •Don’toverlookyourbasementoratticwhenitcomestosmokedetectorsandcarbonmonoxidedetectors.Thesedevicesshouldbeinstalledinthesespacesaswellasoneverylevelofyourhomeandoutsideeverysleepingarea.Testtoensuretheyareinworkingorder.Replacebatterieswhenneeded. Visitwww.esfi.orgformoretipsonkeepingyourhomeandfamilysafethisspringandbeyond.

Enjoy a safe start to spring by eliminating hazards

Page 4 • Louisiana Country • april 2014

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Itwasn’tmyintentiontocomerightoutandconfesstomywifeandchildrenthattheirhusbandandfatheronceearnedaregrettablereputationasaschoolyardbully. Butsincemytwokidshavemovedbeyondthefairytalestageoftheirdevelopmentandrecentlyfoundthem-selvessquareinthecrosshairsofbullies,Ithoughtitnecessarytoletthemknowhowandwhybullyingoccurs-duringtheschool-ageyearsandbeyond-sotheycouldbothavoidbeingbulliedandprobablymoreimportantlyavoidbecomingabully. Attheriskofhavingmyparentalrespectmeterspiraldownwardintheirestimation,Ifiguredthebestwaytohammerthismessagehomewouldbetogivethemthebenefitofhearingstraightfromareformedbullyhimself. Bolsteredbytheclarityofhindsightcoupledwithafewdecadesofregretandremorse,Idescribedthedynamicthatexistedbackinthe1970sasIsetaboutattemptingtostakemyclaimasgrandmasteroftheplayground. Theignoblegoalofmymenacingwayswastogainattention,improvemysocialstatus,impressmypeers,increasemysenseofself-importanceandraisemyprofilebyterrorizingsomeofthemorevulnerablemembersofourelementaryschoolpopulation. Evenmoredeplorableisthefactthatinourwarpedadolescentworldmorepopularitypointscouldbescoredifthevitriolweredirectedatateacher,oranyadultauthorityfigureonthepremises.Heck,eventhejanitorwasfairgameforhazing.Andifthat’snotcringe-worthyenough,youcouldbecomeabullyinglegend–reveredforyearsaftergradua-tion,thatis,assumingyougraduated-if

youhadthenervetotargettheprincipalforabuse. Inanyevent,Icamecleanwiththefamily,describingthedeepinsecurity,thesenseofinadequacy,thecoward-ice,callousnessandfearthatdrovemybehavior-thatdrivesallsuchbehavior-andhowitlatercametoanend. OneoftheepisodesthatcurbedmyarrogantanticscamewhenIdecideditwouldbecooltotauntafemaleclass-mateabouther,um,physicaldevel-opment.Igavenotananosecondofthoughtabouthowmyideaofpokingalittlefunwouldaffectthisgirl,butIwassurebeingtheinstigatorandgettingafewlaughsatherexpensewouldresultingrabbingtheattentionIcraved. Well,laterthatnightthephonerang.Itwasthegirl’sfathercallingtospeaktomyfather. Nowadays,thatcallmightjustaslikelyresultinthecontactedparentimmediatelytakingthesideofhisdear,sweet,innocentangel,condemningtheaccusationsasbaseless,blamingthecallerfornotraisinghisdaughtertobetoughenough,orblamingthevictimforbeingtoothin-skinnedandunabletotakeajoke,orforreachingpubertytooprematurely,ormaybethreateningsomekindofcockamamielawsuit–anythingotherthanbearingresponsibility,takinghismischievoussonouttothewood-shedandteachinghimhowtobehave.

Whichisexactlywhathappened…thewoodshedpart,Imean.AsIwasgetting“disciplined,”Itookcarefulnotethatcompletelyabsentfromthesceneandcertainlynotparticipatinginthepainofmydeservedpunishmentwerethekidswhojustafewhoursearlierwerejoininginbylaughingatmycruelone-linersandeggingmeontoslingmorewise-cracking,hurtfulinsults,thosesamepeoplewhoseapprovalIdesperatelysought.Theywerearoundforthefunandgames,butwhenitcametimetofacethemusicIwasstandingonthatolddancefloorallalone. Thetopicofbullyingisonewehearaboutoften,especiallysincewenowknowthenegativeeffectitcanhaveonvictimsevenyearsafterthefact,tothepointofpushingsomeyoungpeopletocommitsuicide. And,nowthattechnologicaladvanc-essuchastheinternetandinstantaneousworldwidecommunicationarecatalyz-ingunprecedentedlevelsofnarcissismacrossoursociety,we’veexpandedourunderstandingthatbullyingdoesn’toccuronlyinadolescence,onlyontheplaygroundoronlybymales.Statisticsshow,andmyownexperienceconfirms,thatgirlscanbejustasviciousandmeanasanyoneelse. Whenmorethanafewhumansaregatheredinrealtimeorincyberspace,andegosandstatusandcontroland

powerandprideandpeckingordersareatstake,that’saprimebreedinggroundforbullyingtotakeplace. Itshouldalsobenotedthatinmanywaysweallplayapartintheprolifera-tionofbullying.Forinstance,ontheseTVrealityshowsthatdrawmillionsofviewersaweek,themorecrude,nasty,abusiveandprofanetheseawfulchar-actersare,thehighertheratings.Inmyview,standingbyandwatchingbulliesoperate,evenapplaudingandglorifyingtheircruelty,isalmostasbadasdoingityourself. Bullyingisalsoflourishingonthepoliticallandscape,whichhascometoresembleaplaygroundfullofincor-rigibleschoolchildren.Asthemajorpoliticalparties,ideologuesandtheirshrillmediamouthpiecesbecomemorepolarized,themoretheydemonize,dehumanizeandvilifytheopponent. It’sencouragingtoseethattherearemanyindividualsandorganizationspointingoutthisproblemandattempt-ingtodosomethingaboutit.OnesuchgroupistheGeneralCouncilonUnitedMethodistMen,whichrecentlydevotedanentireeditionofitsquarterlymaga-zinetothetopicandhowmenoffaithcanhelpcurbbullying. Asoneofthosemeninpursuitoffaith,Ibelieveitbeginswithlookingatmyselfinthemirror.Andasaparent,itbeginswithmakingsuremyownchil-drenaren’tbullyingothers. So,ifyouseeanymemberoftheGibsonfamilybeingabusive,pleasereportitassoonaspossible.Remem-ber,tattlingistryingtogetsomeoneintrouble,butreportingistryingtokeepsomeoneoutoftrouble. Andwhenitcomestostayingoutoftrouble,IneedallthehelpIcanget.

Viewpointby Billy Gibson

Director of Communicationsassociation of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives

lacountryblog.wordpress.com

the true confessions of a reformed schoolyard bully

april 2014 • Louisiana Country • Page 5

Electriccooperativeshavebeengoodenvironmentalstewardssincetheirbeginnings–livinguptotheco-opprin-cipleofCommitmenttoCommunity.Afterall,thefirstelectricco-opswereprimarilyinruralareas,servingmem-berswholargelymadetheirlivingofftheland. Thosemembersknewthevalueofcleanair,soilandwater,andtoday’selectricco-opscontinuetohonorthatheritage.Injustthelastdecade,powersupplycooperativesacrossthecountryhaveinvestedmorethan$3.4billiontoreduceemissionsandboostefficiency.Theyareplanningbillionsofdollarsmoreinfurtherupgrades. Cooperativeshavealwaysbalancedinvestmentsinefficiencyandtheenvi-ronmentwiththeneedtocontrolcostsformembers. Aswehavebeenreportinginthispublicationoverthepastfewmonths,theU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)isconsideringaseriesofnewenvironmentalstandardsforcoalpowerplantsthatpotentiallycouldhaveadevastatingimpactontheabilityofelectriccooperativestoprovidetheirmemberswithaffordableandreliableelectricity. Thefederalagencyistighteninganumberofregulationsthatlimitpowerplantemissions. Whilecomplyingwithallthesestandardscouldcostpowergenerationcooperativesmillionsofdollars,themostpressingissueandtheonethatcouldhavethebiggestimpactonco-opmembersistheproposedrulethatwill

comeoutthisJuneoncarbondioxideemissionsforexistingpowerplants. Cooperativesaremoredependentoncoal-firedgenerationthantherestoftheindustry.Thereasonliesinthetumultu-ousdecadeofthe1970sthatgaveusoilembargoes,gaslines,soaringpricesandshortfalls. Formuchofthe1970s,thenationwascaughtupinacomplicatedenergycrisisthatinvolveddisruptionsinMiddleEasternoilsuppliesandaconvictiontheworldwasrunningoutofoilandnaturalgas. In1977,PresidentJimmyCartercalledontheU.S.to“shifttoplentifulcoal”tomeetitsgrowingenergyneeds.Ayearlater,Congresswentfurther,passingthePowerplantandIndustrialFuelUseActtoblocktheuseofnaturalgasoroiltogenerateelectricity.Elec-triccooperativessteppeduptomeetthechallenge,adding15,600MWofcoal-basedcapacityduringthenaturalgasban. TheFuelUseActwasrepealedin1987,butco-opeffortstohelpthenationmeetitsenergyneedsduringatimeofcrisishavehadlong-termconsequences.About70percentofthepowergener-atedbyco-opscomesfromcoalplants,

comparedtoabout37percentfortheindustryoverall. Thesecoal-firedunitsstillhavemanyyearsofeffectivelifeandcoopera-tiveshavealreadyinvestedsignificantlytomeetEPAregulations.CoupledwithotherrulesnowbeingconsideredbytheEPA,theruleoncarbondioxideemissionscouldmakethecontinuedoperationofsomeplantsfinanciallyun-feasible.Ifcomplyingwiththestandardprovestoocostly,itmaymakemoreeconomicsensetoshuttersomeunitsratherthanspendmillionstocomply. Louisiana’sco-opsbelieveenviron-mentalregulationneedstobebalancedwitharealisticassessmentofcostsandbenefits.Thesituationisparticularlycriticalwithregardtocarbondioxideemissions. TheEPAmovedtoregulatecarbondioxideaftertheSupremeCourtruledin2007thattheagencyhadauthorityundertheCleanAirActtoregulategreen-housegasemissions.ButmanyanalystsbelievetheActwasneverintendedtoregulatecarbondioxide.Itwasenactedtoaddressproblemswithsmogandacidrainforwhichprovensolutionsexisted.Nocommerciallyviabletechnologyyetexistsforremovingcarbondioxide

emissionsfrompowerplants. Still,someenvironmentalgroupshavebeenpressingtheEPAforregula-tionsthatwouldmandatea25percentreductionincarbonemissions,whichwouldrequireeitherclosingplantsorseverelycurtailingtheiroperations. TheEPA’sefforttoexpandregula-torycontrolofemissionsandotherop-erationscomesatatimewhenCongresshasbeenunabletoagreeonlegislationtoaddressthesameissues.CapitolHillobserversnotetheEPAtookamoreac-tiveroleongreenhousegasesafterCon-gressfailedtopassa“capandtrade”programthatwouldhavecurtailedtheemissions. Morerecentbillshavebeenin-troducedtolimitEPA’sauthoritytoregulatecarbondioxideandothergreen-housegasemissions,butanylegislationfacesaverystronguphillfightbecauseCongressissodivided. Electriccooperatives,however,continuetolobbyforreasonablesolu-tionstoEPAconcerns.workingwithabroad-basedcoalitiontofindaneffectivelegislativeapproachtocoalashdisposal.ThelegislationhasreceivedbipartisansupportintheHouse,butfacesadiffi-cultroadintheSenate. Congressmaybeparalyzed,butelectriccooperativesaren’t.We’reen-couragingallelectricco-opmemberstovisitwww.action.coopandweighinonthisissue.Weinviteyoutosendames-sagetotheEPAtodayandchallengetheagencytoconsidertheeffectsofhard-workingco-opmemberswhendevelop-ingpoliciesforthefuture.

co-opCornerby randy Pierce

Chief Executive officer,association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives

co-ops strive for balance of regulation and stewardship

Theterm“crapemurder”hasbeencoinedtodescribethecuttingbackofcrapemyrtletrees.Perhapsalittleoverlydramat-ic,itisinusebyhorticulturistsacrosstheSoutheast. Weseecrapemyrtlesbeingcutbackalloverthestate.Perfectlybeautifultreesarebeingdisfiguredanddeformedfornogoodreason.Inmanycases,thisannualprun-ingisneedlessworkthatgenerateshugeamountsoftrashthatendsupinlandfills.Anditisnothealthyforthetrees. Onewaytostopcrapemurderistode-bunkthereasonswhyitisdone.

Pruning misconceptions Thisisthepreferredorbestwaytopruneacrapemyrtle.Nothingcouldbefurtherfromthetruth.Inmostsituations,pruningonlytoenhancethenaturalshapeismostappropriate. Crapemyrtlesbloombetterwhencutback.Thisisnotaccurate.Theflowerclus-tersmaybelargeronseverelyprunedtrees.Buttheaddedweightontheendsoflongbranchescausesthemtobendoverawk-wardly,especiallyafterarain.Theselow-hangingflowerheadscancreateproblemsandgetinthewaywhenatreeisplantednearadriveway,sidewalkorpath.Andsincethetreeissmaller,itactuallyproducesfewerflowerclusters. Youcancutbackacrapemyrtletochangeitsshape.Awidevarietyofcrape

myrtlevarietiesareavailabletoday,andasyoulookaroundarealandscapesyouwillseegreatdiversityamongthem.Somegrowtallanduprightlikeavase,whileothersareshorterandspreading,likeamushroom.Theseshapesarecontrolledbygenetics.Youcannotmakeanupright-growingcrapemyrtlegrowintheshapeofamushroombycuttingitback.Ifyouwantacrapemyrtlethatwillmatureintheshapeyoudesire,chooseonethatnaturallygrowsthatway. Youngcrapemyrtlesshouldbecutbacktomakethemlook“fuller.”Youngtreesoftenappearmorespindlythanolder,well-establishedtrees.Butthisisamatterofage,notsomethingthatneedstobecorrectedwithpruning.Youngcrapemyrtlesarenotsupposedtolooklikeolderones.Overtime,youngtreeswillattainthefullcanopiesofoldertreeswithoutdrasticpruning. Youshouldcutbackacrapemyrtletocontrolitssize.Iftheheightofthetreeisnotcausingaproblemwithanearbystruc-tures,thereislittlereasontoreduceatree’s

height.Tocutacrapemyrtlebackbecause“itjustseemstoolarge”ignoresthefactthattheseplantsaretrees.Theyaresupposedtoberelativelylarge.Nobodycutsbackredbuds,silverbells,floweringcherriesandotherfloweringtreesjustbecausetheydaredtogrowintowhattheyare–smalltrees.Whydowedoittocrapemyrtles?

Pruning properly Topruneacrapemyrtleproperly,firstdecideifitneedstobepruned.Haveaspe-cificpurposeinmindbeforeyoubegin.Inotherwords,ifyoucan’tcomeupwithagoodreasontopruneit–leaveitalone. Ifyoudoseesomethingthatcallsforpruning,studythetreeanddeterminewhatneedstobeprunedtoaccomplishthatgoal.Iftheproblemisonebranchistouchingtheedgeoftheroof,dealwiththatbranch.Don’tcutbackthewholetree. Everycrapemyrtlewillneedsomepruninginitslifetogrowproperlyandfitinwellwithitssurroundings.Overtime,branchesthataretoolowwillneedtobe

prunedtoraisethecanopytothedesiredheight.Weoftenneedtoremoveweak,thinorverticalshootsfromtheinnerpartofthetreetoproduceacleaner-lookingtree. Branchesmayneedtobeprunedbacktoasidebranchorthetrunktocreateashapeliertreeandtoeliminatecrossedandrubbingbranches.Generally,avoidshorten-ingbranchesmuchlargerthanyourfinger,thoughit’sfinetocutlargerbranchesbacktoasidebranchortothetrunkwhenneed-ed.Ofcourse,youneedtoprunetoremovesuckersfromthebaseofthetrunk.Thisisespeciallyimportantinyoungertrees. Youmayalsoneedtoredirectabranch’sgrowth.Thiscanbedonebystudy-ingthebranchcarefullyandlookingforasidebranchthatgrowsinthedesireddirec-tion.Prunebacktothatbranch,andyouhaveredirectedthegrowthofthebranch. Acommonproblemiscrapemyrtlesbeingplantedtooclosetoahouse–alwayslocatetreesatleast10feetawayfromtheroofline.Insituationswheretreesareclosetoahouseandbranchesarehittingtheroof,branchescanberedirectedtogrowawayfromorupandovertheroofbyusingthispruningtechnique. Crapemyrtletreesdonotdeservetobebutcheredanddisfigured.Helpspreadthewordthatcuttingthembackisnottherightwaytoprunethesetrees,andmaybecrapemurderwillnotbesocommon.

You can do your part to help stop ‘crape myrtle murder’

Get it Growingby Dan Gill

Lsu agCenter Horticulturist

Page 6 • Louisiana Country • april 2014

april 2014 • Louisiana Country • Page 7

Page 8 • Louisiana Country • april 2014

Dear Jim: My front door is wood with a window and the back door is metal. They are the original ones and neither is very efficient nor airtight.

I cannot afford new ones. How can I im-prove their efficiency myself? - Al R.

DearAl:Energylossesfrominef-ficiententrydoorscanaccountforasignificantportionofyourmonthlyutil-itybills.Whenleakydoorscreatedrafts,peopletendtosetthefurnacethermostathigher.Thiswastesevenmoreenergy. Therearewaystoimprovetheef-ficiencyofolddoors,butdon’timmedi-atelyeliminatethepossibilityofinstall-ingnewones.Thecostsofsomewell-insulatedsteelandfiberglassdoors,es-peciallythoseforthebackdoorwithoutglass,areveryreasonable.Apre-hungdoorinitsownframeisnotdifficulttoinstallyourself. Beforemakingadecision,carefullyinspectyourolddoors.Iftheyareinverybadcondition,itwillbedifficulttoimprovetheirefficiencybyameaningfulamount. First,makesurethewooddoorisnotrotting.Thenplacealongstraight

edgeacrossthedoortoseeifitisbadlywarped. Themostcommonproblemwithmetaldoorsisrust,notwarping.Thefirstplacetocheckisalongthebottombytheweatherstrippingoneitherside.Rainwatertendstocollectthere,anditisnotalwayspaintedwell. Ifyoufindsmallholesrustedthrough,theycanberepairedwithcarbodyfillerandthenpainted.First,trytodeterminethereasonwateriscollectingthereandcorrecttheproblem.Cleanoutasmuchrustaspossibleandfillwithautomobilebodyfiller. Ifthedoorsarereasonablysound,checkforthelocationoftheairleaks.Atnight,havesomeoneshineaflash-lightfromoutdoorsaroundthesealsandcheckforlightindoors. Thiswillhighlightsignificantleaks.Onawindyday,moveastickoflightedincensearoundthesealsandwatchthetrailofthesmoketofindthemi-norleakyareas.Checktheastragalondoubledoors.Thisisusuallytheraisedhalf-roundoverlapwherepairsofdoorsmeetandactsasasealbetweenthem. Oftenwithwooddoors,especiallyoneswithcompressionweatherstrip-ping,themainproblemissimplythelatchplateisnotholdingthedoortightlyclosedagainsttheweatherstrip-ping. Onesolutionistorepositionthelatchplate.Thiswillrequirefillingintheoldscrewholesanddrillingnewones.Chiselawaysomeofthewoodintherecessforthelatchplate.Anotheroptionistoinstallanadjustablelatchplate.Youmaywanttorepositionit

forsummerandwinterasthedoorandframeexpandandcontractfromseasonaltemperatureandhumidity. Steeldoorsshouldfeaturemagneticweatherstripping,sothisisnotamajorissuebecausetheweatherstrippingisdrawnagainstthedooredge.Justmakesurethesurfaceofthedoorandtheweatherstrippingarecleanandsmooth.Paintonthedooredgecansometimescomelooseinsmallpiecesandcreateagapwhichleaksair. Checktheconditionofthehinges,andreplacethemifneeded.Ifthehingesandpinsareworn,thedoorwillnothangsquareintheopening,andthere-fore,willnotsealproperly. Therearemanydifferentsizesofdoorhinges,sotakeanoldonealongtothestoreandgetanexactmatch.Don’tjustbuythecheapestones,becausetherearemanytochoosefromandqualityvaries. Itisalmostcertainthesealonthebottomofthedoorsagainstthefloorthresholdisworn.Ifitisnotworn,ad-justthefloorthresholdhigher.Thereareseveralheightadjustmentscrewsacrossthethreshold,butafteryearsofuse,theymaybefilledinwithdirt.Pokearoundtofindthem.Ifthesealitselfisbad,therearemanygenericreplacementsealsyoucaninstall. Anotheroptionisanadd-onretract-ablethresholdsealwhichiseffectiveifcarpetingisonthefloorbythedoor.Thethresholdsealismountedontheinsidesurfaceofthelowerdooredge.Whenthedoorstartstoopen,apinagainstthedoorframeisreleasedandthesealauto-maticallyliftstoclearthecarpeting.Itis

easytoinstallandadjust. Thefollowingcompaniesofferdoorimprovementproducts:DuckBrand,(800)321-0253,www.duckbrand.com;M-DBuildingProducts,(800)654-8454,www.mdteam.com;PemkoManufactur-ing,(800)283-9988,www.pemko.com,andThermwell,(800)526-5265,www.frostking.com. SendinquiriestoJamesDulley,LouisianaCountry,6906RoyalgreenDr.,Cincinnati,OH45244orvisitwww.dulley.com.

improving the efficiency of older doors

Q

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ABANDONS ALL-OF-THE ABOVEThe Administration is reversing course: ditching our All-of-the-Above energy strategy for an All-But-One approach that bans new coal plants.

TECHNOLOGY GAMBLENew regulations essentially require technology that’s not commercially viable and prohibitively expensive—leading to higher bills down the line.

LIMITS ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE, DOMESTIC ENERGYBy banning new coal plants, Americans forfeit a 236-year domestic source of energy with a historically stable price.

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‘treatology’ blends different flavors for delicious dessert results

april 2014 • Louisiana Country • Page 9

Dessertisanindulgence,andwhenyoudelightinthetaste,textureandaromaofadecadentsweettreat,yousavoreverybite.Itiseasytogetlostintheflavorandfragranceofrichchocolateorcreamycaramel. Butwhathappenswhenchocolateorcaramelarepairedwithdifferentfla-vors,likesalty,sourorsavory?Spurredbycuriosity,thefoodscientistsintheWiltonTestKitchendugdeeperintounusualflavorpairingstoenhancethetasteexperience. Whiletheterms“taste”and“flavor”areoftenusedinterchangeably,thereisadifferencebetweenthetwo.Thetasteofafoodiswhatthetastebudsperceive,whiletheflavorofafoodisthecombi-nationofthesetastes,plusthearomaandtheothersensations. Treatology™isthescienceofblend-ingdifferentflavorsandtastestocreatedishesthatareanexperienceallontheirown. Lookformoretaste,flavorandinspi-rationathttp://treatology.wilton.com.

Coffee Toffee Heath Cupcakes•Coffeeincreasesthebitternessofthechocolateforricher,deeperflavor•Toffeeaddsrichbutterynotesandcara-melizedsugarflavorsCupcakes•1cupwater•2tablespoonsinstantcoffee•1package(16.2ounces)Devil’sFoodcakemix•3eggs•1/3cupvegetableoilGanache•1/2cupheavywhippingcream•2tablespoonsinstantcoffee•1cupsemi-sweetchocolatechips•1package(8ounces)Englishtoffeebits Preheatovento350°F.Linemuffinpanwithbakingcups.Inasmallbowl,combinewaterandinstantcoffee;stirtodissolve.Inalargebowl,combinecakemix,coffee,eggsandoil.Beatwithelec-tricmixeronlowspeedfor30seconds,scrapingbowlfrequently.Then,beatonmediumspeedfor2minutes.Fillbakingcups2/3fullwithbatter.Bake16to18minutesoruntiltoothpick,insertedintothecenter,comesoutclean.Coolcup-cakesinpan5minutes.Removefrompanandplaceoncoolinggridtocoolcompletely.Forganache,combinecreamandinstantcoffeeinsmallsaucepan;stirtodissolve.Warmovermediumheatuntilcreambeginstosteam;donotboil.Removefromheatandaddchocolatechips;stiruntilsmooth.Coolslightly.Place1/2cupganacheindisposabledecoratingbag.Usingthehandleofawoodenspoon,createasmallholeinthecenterofeachcupcake;pipeinganache.Diptopsofcupcakesinremainingganache;lightlyshakeoffexcess.Immediatelydipcupcakeintoffeebits.

Pear and Brie Honey Tartlets•Briehascreamytextureandisasoft-

ripenedcheesewithmildflavor•Honeyaddssweetnessandbalancesthecheeseflavor•Pearalsoaddssweetness•Cardamomaddsaslightbitternote•1sheet(1/2ofa17.3-ouncebox),puffpastry,thawed•1teaspoongroundcardamom•1/4teaspoonsalt•3tablespoonshoney,divided•1-1/2cupsdiced,peeledfirmripepear•1/24-ouncewheel,brie,cutinto1/4-inchpieces Preheatovento400°F.Preparea24-cavityminimuffinpanwithveg-etablepanspray.Onalightlyflouredsurface,unfoldpuffpastry;rollouttoabout12inchesx8inches.Cutinto24squares,about2inchesx2inches.Presseachsquareintoapreparedpancavity.Inasmallbowl,stirtogethercardamom,saltand2tablespoonsofthehoney.Addpears;tosstocoat.Add1heapingtea-spoonpearmixturetoeachpastrytartlet.Bake13to16minutesoruntilpuffpas-tryisgoldenbrownandfillingisbubbly.Immediatelytopwithpiecesofbrie.Coolinpan5minutes.Removetocool-inggrid.Drizzleremaininghoneyovertartletsandserveimmediately.

Frozen Greek Yogurt Pops with Pistachios and Raspberries

•Greekyogurtaddssourculturednotesandcreamytexture•Sournessisbalancedbythesweethoney,whichcontributesfloralnotes•Raspberriesaddfruityflavor,whichisalsoslightlyfloral•1cupplainGreekyogurt•2tablespoonsheavywhippingcream•1/4cup,plus4teaspoonshoney,divided•1teaspoonWiltonClearImitationVanillaExtract•1/4cupraspberries•3tablespoonschoppedpistachios,divided•4Wilton8-inchCookieSticks,cutinhalf Inmediumbowl,whisktogetheryogurt,cream,1/4cuphoneyandvanillauntilsmooth.PlaceonewholeraspberryinthebottomofeachWiltonRoundBrowniePopsMoldcavity.Cuttheremainingraspberriesintoquarters.Toassemblepops,spoon1-1/2teaspoonyogurtmixtureoverraspberryinmoldcavity;lightlytapmoldagainstworksur-facetolevel.Sprinkle1/2teaspoonpista-chiosoveryogurtandthen1/4teaspoonhoneyoverpistachios.Repeat,layeringyogurt,pistachiosandhoney,aslistedabove,lightlytappingmoldtolevel.Addaquarteredpieceofraspberry;topwithremainingyogurtmixtureandlightlytaptolevel.Insertsticksabout2/3intopop;freezeatleast3hoursorovernight.

Sweet and Salty Caramel Cashew Brownies

•Caramelgetsitsflavorfrombrowningsugar,butterandcream;itaddsarich,mouth-fillingflavor

•Cashewsaddnutty,roastedflavornotes•Saltreducessweetnessandincreasesthebitternessofthechocolateandbutterinthecaramel,creatingaricherflavor6ouncessemi-sweetchocolate(squaresorchips)•12tablespoons(1-1/2sticks)butter•1cupall-purposeflour•1/4cupcocoapowder•1teaspooncoarseseasalt•1-1/3cupsgranulatedsugar•3eggs•1teaspoonpurevanillaextract•2/3cupcashews,choppedplusaddi-tionalforgarnish•15softcaramelcandies Preheatovento350°F.Prepare9-inchx9-inchpanwithparchmentpaper.Inalargesaucepan,meltchoco-lateandbutteroverlowheat,stirringtocombine.Coolslightly.Inasmallbowl,stirtogetherflour,cocoapowderandsalt.Addsugar,eggsandvanillatochoc-olatemixture.Stiruntilwellcombined.Addflourmixture;stiruntiljustincorpo-rated.Stirincashews.Pourintopreparedpan.Bake24to28minutesoruntiltoothpickinsertedintothecentercomesoutnearlyclean.Whilebrowniesbake,

unwrapcaramelcandiesandrolleachoneoutuntilitis1/8inchinthickness.CutwithmediumsizedLeafCut-Outscutter.Removebrowniesfromovenandimmediatelytopwithcaramelcutouts,arrangingin3rowsoffive.Positionacashewoneachcaramel.Returntoovenfor1minute.Removefromoven.Cooloncoolinggriduntiljustbarelywarm.Cutinto1-1/2-inchx3-inchrectanglesandservewarmorroomtemperature.

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APRil• 4-6-BoudinFestival,Scott,CityHall,www.laboudinfestival.com

• 4-6-CypressSawmillFestival,Patterson,KemperWilliamsPark,985.395.3720,www.cypresssawmill.com

• 4-6-KiteFestLouisiana,PortAllen,WestBatonRougeSoccerComplex,www.west-batonrouge.net

• 4-6-BayouCajunFestival,Larose,CivicCenter,985.693.7355,www.bayoucivic-club.org

• 4-6-Cyphacon,LakeCharles,CivicCenter,www.cyphacon.com

• 4-13•Harvey,Thibodaux,WetlandsAca-dianCulturalCenter,985.446.1896,www.thibodauxplayhouse.com

• 5-ScottishTartanFestival,Minden,Scot-landFarms,318.393.2693,http://scottish-societyla.typepad.com

• 5-CorkWineFestival,Shreveport,Festi-valPlaza,318.424.4000,www.corkwinef-estival.com

• 5-UnionTalentandMusicFestival,Farmerville,DavisRecreationCenter,318.957.0741

• 5-6-SnowWhiteBallet,BatonRouge,RiverCenter,www.batonrougeballet.org

• 5-6-FestForAll,BatonRouge,NorthBoulevardTownSquare,www.facebook.com/pages/FestForAll-Art-and-Music-Festival-Baton-Rouge

• 5-6-UCAPGolfTournament,Minden,PineHillsCountryClub,318.218.4909

• 5-6-ZippityZooFest,BatonRouge,GreaterBatonRougeZoo,www.brzoo.org

• 6-AfternoonwithHalLindenandHisBand,Shreveport,StrandTheatre,318.226.8555,www.thestrandtheatre.com

• 6-MusicatSt.John’sConcertSeries,Thibodaux,St.John’sEpiscopalChurch,985.447.2910

• 7-AnEveningwithHalLinden,MorganCity,MunicipalAuditorium,985.385.2307,www.morgancitycca.com

• 8-150thAnniversaryCommemoration,Mansfield,MansfieldStateHistoricSite,318.872.1474,www.lastateparks.com

• 10-RickSpringfield,BatonRouge,Man-shipTheatre,www.manshiptheatre.org

• 10-WestSideStory,Shreveport,TheStrandTheatre,318.226.8555,www.thes-trandtheatre.com

• 10-12-RailroadDaysFestival,DeQuincy,RailroadMuseumFairgrounds,www.lara-ilroaddaysfestival.com

• 10-13-FrenchQuarterFestival,NewOrleans,FrenchQuarter,800.673.5725,www.fqfi.org

• 11-PuttfortheParkClassic,Mathews,300LaTourBlvd.,985.693.7355,www.bayoucivicclub.org

• 11-BayouCountryJam,BatonRouge,RiverCenter,www.brrivercenter.com

• 11-President’sBlackTieScholarshipGala,Grambling,HutchinsonPerformingArtsCenter,318.274.2217,www.gram.edu.

• 11-13-BayouTecheBlackBearFesti-val,Franklin,MainStreet,337.940.1156,www.bayoutechebearfest.org

• 11-13-MigratoryBirdCelebration,GrandIsle,MultiplexCenter,985.787.2997,http://grandisle.btnep.org/GrandIsleHome

• 11-13-GreatLouisianaBirdfest,Mandeville,NorthlakeNatureCenter,985.626.1238,www.northlakenature.org

• 11-13-LouisianaStrawberryFestival,Ponchatoula,800.917.7045,http://lastraw-berryfestival.com

• 11-13-MarketattheMill,NewRoads,OldCottonseedMill,https://www.facebook.com/pages/Market-At-The-Mill/184834184958265

• 11-20-HolidayinDixie,Shreveport,FestivalPlaza,318.865.5555,www.holi-dayindixie.com

• 12-LibertyFestival,Tallulah,CourthouseSquare,318.574.4308

• 12-BluesFestival,BatonRouge,NorthBoulevardTownSquareandRepentancePark,225.341.1314,www.batonrouge-bluesfestival.org

• 12-JoeWoodsWildwoodExpressShow,Ruston,DixieCenterfortheArts,318.255.1450,www.dixiecenter.org

• 12-FranklinCatfishFestival,Winnsboro,www.franklinparishcatfishfestival.com

• 12-DowntownCrawfishFestival,LakeCharles,CivicCenter,http://downtown-crawfest.com

• 13-OldFashionedEasterCelebration,BatonRouge,RuralLifeMuseum,http://rurallife.lsu.edu17-19-GreatSouthernSpringBluegrassEvent,Angie,GreatSouthernRVPark,985.516.4680,www.greatsouthernbluegrassevent.com

• 17-20-CatfishFestival,Washington,festi-valgrounds,337.826.3627

• 18-20-BonnieandClydeTradeDays,20550Hwy.9,Arcadia,318.263.2437,www.bonnieandclydetradedays.com

• 18-19-CorneyCreekGreatOutdoorsFes-tival,Bernice,downtown,318.368.5300

• 18-19-MudTruckMadness,Negreet,NegreetMudPits,800.259.5253,www.toledobendlakecountry.com

• 19-AnglersRoyale,NewOrleans,FrenchMarket,504.251.0113

• 19-SpringBloomCelebration,Shreve-port,AmericanRoseCenter,www.ars.org

• 19-SpringFling,Florien,HodgesGardensStatePark,800.354.3523,www.lastate-parks.com

• 20-EasterSunriseService,Florien,HodgesGardensStatePark,800.354.3523,www.lastateparks.com

• 21-27-ZurichClassic,Avondale,TPCLouisiana,http://zurichgolfclassic.com

• 23-27-FestivalInternationalDeLoui-siane,Lafayette,downtown,337.232.8086,www.festivalinternational.com

• 25-26-ChockawApachePowWow,Zwolle,TribalOfficeGrounds,318.645.2588,www.toledobendlakecoun-try.com

• 25-27-EtoufeeFestival,Arnaudville,St.JohnFrancisRegisChurch,337.754.5912,www.johnfrancisregis.net

• 25-27-ItalianFestival,Tickfaw,OurLadyofPompeiiBaseballField,800.542.7520,www.theitalianfestivalorg.com

• 25-May4-JazzandHeritageFestival,NewOrleans,RacetrackFairgrounds,www.nojazzfest.com

• 26-TrailsandTrellisesGardenTour.Minden,variouslocations,318.371.2586

• 26-Chickenstock,Minden,TheFarm,318.393.5991,www.artsinminden.com

• 26-27-CajunWoodstock,ChurchPoint,CommunityCenter,337.280.8710,www.cajunwoodstock.com

• 26-27-SpringRodeo,Angola,LouisianaStatePenitentiary,225.655.2030,www.angolarodeo.com

• 26-27-BayouOutdoorandAdventureFes-tival,Houma,CivicCenter,985.381.1490,www.facebook.com/bayououtdoorexpo

• 26-27-AntiqueStreetFair,Slidell,985.641.6316,www.slidellantiques.com

• 27-BlessingoftheFleetBoatParade,GoldenMeadow,OurLadyofPromptSuccorChurch,985.475.5428

• 27-FancyNancy,BatonRouge,ManshipTheatre,www.manshiptheatre.org

• 27-SpringFestival,Thibodaux,LaurelValleyVillageSugarPlantation,985.446.7456

• 29-May11-ContrabandDays,LakeCharles,www.contrabanddays.com

• 30-May3-PutnamCountySpellingBee,Ruston,StoneTheatre,http://latechuniver-sitytheatre.com

MAY• 1-4-AllBecauseofAgatha,Ruston,DixieCenterfortheArts,318.255.1450,www.rct.org

• 1-4-BassmasterEliteSeriesTournamentonToledoBend,Many,CypressBend

Park,318.256.4118,www.toledobendlake-country.com

• 1-4-Firemens’FairandParade,Thibodaux,Firemen’sFairgrounds,985.446.3247,www.thibfiredept.org

• 2-3-AntiqueTractor,EngineandTruckShow,Franklinton,fairgrounds,985.732.3950,www.ihc31.com

• 2-3-ElCaminoRealDeLosTejasSaleontheTrail,Many,La.Highway6,800.259.5253,www.toledobendlakecoun-try.com

• 2-3-Mayfest,Leesville,downtown,800.349.6287,www.venturevernon.com

• 2-4-CrawfishFestival,BreauxBridge,ParcHardy,337.332.6655,www.bbcraw-fest.com

• 3-CincoDeMayo,Shreveport,FestivalPlaza,318.673.5100

• 3-SawmillFestival,Heflin,downtown,318.377.7539

• 3-KreweDesAmbassadeursGolfTourna-ment,Minden,PineHillsCountryClub,318.382.2150

• 3-SpringGardenScroll,St.Francisville,variouslocations,225.635.3614

• 3-Vince:TheLifeandTimesofVinceLombardi,Shreveport,StrandTheatre,www.thestrandtheatre.com

• 3-June30-FarmersMarketattheFarm,Minden,TheFarm,www.artsinminden.com/farmersmarket

• 3-4-ArtsandCraftsFestival,MelrosePlantation,www.natchitoches.com

• 3-4-DeanBrownArcherySywatInvita-tional,Shreveport,RedRiverBowmenArcheryClub,318.572.6102,http://redriv-erbowmenarcheryclub.com

• 3-4-XterraRustmanChallengeWeek-end,Ruston,LincolnParishPark,870.246.6686,http://www.dltevents.com/on-road-events/292-xterra-mid-sounth-central.html

Country Calendar

april 2014 • Louisiana Country • Page 11

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