July/Aug 2013 issue

Connected
July/August 2013
Published for
customers of
Pickett’s Charge
Fyffe’s FFA String Band
State Champions
minor leagues
Enjoy a day at the ballpark
Just peachy
Delicious summertime recipes
Industry News
Growth in the face of uncertainty
FCC regulatory changes are creating challenges for rural
telecommunications providers planning network expansions
By Stephen V. Smith, Editor
I
n the May/June issue of this magazine,
Shirley Bloomfield talked about the
newly unified NTCA, the association for which she serves as CEO. In a
continuation of that interview, Bloomfield describes how changes in federal
regulations are creating an atmosphere of
uncertainty among rural telecommunications companies.
Smith: The telecommunications
industry is in a state of transition. What
challenges are rural providers facing?
Bloomfield: There are regulatory
proceedings going on right now regarding Universal Service, which is regulated
by the FCC. They have essentially turned
on its head how this regulation works.
So far, they have cut and capped a lot of
the support the rural telecommunications
providers have been getting.
Smith: What is Universal Service, and
how does it work?
Bloomfield: Universal Service
allows carriers who provide service in
rural, high-cost areas to essentially have
support from the rest of the industry to
keep their monthly subscription fees low.
Shirley Bloomfield
NTCA CEO
2 | July/August 2013
Consumers in these rural markets benefit
from this offset in terms of the actual cost
of providing that service. It’s important
to note that Universal Service is a support
mechanism supported by other carriers. It
is not a tax. It is not government support.
It is a fee that other carriers pay into the
Universal Service Fund, or USF.
Smith: How will rural telecommunications providers be affected by these
cuts and caps to the USF dollars they
depend on?
Bloomfield: It’s going to impact
them in two ways. One, they are going to
have a lot less money, and that’s going to
mean a lot less investment. Two, the FCC
wants to reassess every single year, which
means providers won’t know until that
next year if they are going to be able to
recover any of their costs. Providers will
be paralyzed, because the FCC has created
this environment of regulatory uncertainty.
This is a capital-intensive industry. You
can’t make investments if you don’t know
if you can recover your costs.
Smith: Are we seeing this impact now
in the industry?
Bloomfield: We are. In NTCA
surveys, several rural telecommunications
providers have told us they have actually
cut back or eliminated an upgrade to their
network or an investment in new construction that they had planned on making.
Smith: Why is it so important for providers to continually invest in improving and expanding their networks?
Bloomfield: Telecommunications
networks are living, breathing operations.
You don’t just put broadband in and walk
away, saying “job well done, now we have
broadband.” There is so much more to
consider. Maybe a provider offers DSL, but
how do they get to a point where they can
do fully interactive service? How do they
provide enough bandwidth to allow rural
hospitals to do diagnostics using fiber?
How can they support distance learning
programs so schools can aggregate and
share their resources? Broadband that was
installed 5 to 10 years ago isn’t going to
do the trick. Networks need constant upgrades and new deployment. And there are
still people in some parts of rural America
who don’t have access to broadband yet.
Smith: NTCA and its members work
hard to strengthen and protect the rural
telecommunications industry. Why are
these providers so important to the
rural markets they serve?
Bloomfield: I can’t stress enough the
importance of local telecommunications
providers and what a difference they make
in their rural communities. They are so
innovative and willing to try new things.
They are incredibly creative about the
services they offer to their consumers. The
people they serve are their neighbors and
friends. The idea of customer service is
important to them. For the consumer, it’s
great to know you can pick up the phone
and get help immediately, or sit down with
folks who know you who can answer your
questions as you look at new products. I
can’t overemphasize what it means to be
served by a locally owned and controlled
telecommunications provider in this day
and age, and what a driver that is for the
rural economy. 
Digital
Citizenship
Do you know
the rules of
the road?
By Carissa Swenson
W
e all know the Internet can
connect us to the world, but do
we really understand what that
means? Understanding the power behind
that connectivity is critical to becoming a
safe, productive digital citizen.
What is digital citizenship? It is the
“rules of the road” or guidelines we follow
when interacting with others in the digital
world.
The Internet is much like the roads we
drive on every day. Each connection provides access to people, places and things
all over the world. The devices we use to
access the Internet, such as smartphones,
tablets, computers and gaming units, are
much like the cars we drive. Some are
fancier with more buttons, but they all can
get us to our destination.
Driving a car is a rite of passage that
our youth anticipate and even study for.
They stay awake at night dreaming about
the places they want to go and things they
want to see. Meanwhile, parents stay up
at night worrying about what their sons
and daughters will do once they have that
freedom:
• What if they make poor choices while
behind the wheel?
• What if their friends pressure them to
do things we don’t approve of?
• How are we going to prepare our child
to become a responsible driver?
Despite these concerns, teenagers are
getting behind the wheel every day. Why
do parents let their kids drive when there
is so much risk? Because the rewards
outweigh the risks.
Rules and rewards
The Internet should be treated the same
way — yet often we aren’t asking these
same types of questions when giving our
youth access to the world via the Internet.
We are buying Web-ready devices for our
kids, but are we making sure they know
the rules? After all, there is no Internet
“drivers ed” or test to pass.
Knowing the rules of digital citizenship
will help young users reap the rewards of
a connected world. Being a good digital
citizen means you:
• Understand the impact of your digital
footprint and your future
• Know the risks involved with cyberpredators, cyber-bullies, sexting and
other high-risk behaviors
• Discover ways to protect your identity
when going online
raising digital citizens
As adults, it is our job to teach our
young people the rules of the digital road.
They may be able to text under the table
during dinner and customize an iPad in
record time, but do they understand the
ramifications of their digital behaviors?
As adults, we don’t need to know how all
these pieces of technology work, we just
need to make sure we are teaching and
practicing good digital citizenship.
Yes, there are risks to accessing the
digital world. And topics like cyberbullying, sexting, identity theft and other online
risks can make a parent want to keep their
child unplugged. The idea, however, is not
to disconnect, but to be aware — and to
raise responsible digital citizens. 
In our next issue, Carissa will share ways
to protect your reputation, because “you
can’t take back what you post online.”
Carissa Swenson
is the owner and
technology specialist
of TechTECS,
a technology
training, education,
consulting and
support company.
Lifeline
‹‹ Service
When you need help paying
for telephone service
Is your annual household income at or
below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty
Guidelines for a household of its size?
Do you or someone in your household
participate in any of the following lowincome government assistance programs?
If so, you may qualify for Lifeline Service.
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Section 8 Federal Public Housing
Assistance (FPHA)
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance
Program (LIHEAP)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
(TANF)
• National School Lunch Program’s Free
Lunch Program
To find out whether you qualify for Lifeline assistance,
customers must fill out standard forms, available at your local
telephone company’s office, as mandated by the Federal and/or
State government. Your telephone company is not responsible
for determining who qualifies for these programs or who
receives assistance. Customers must meet specific criteria in
order to obtain assistance with their local telephone service,
and qualifying is dependent upon government-established
guidelines. To qualify for Lifeline credit, each customer must apply and provide proof that he/she, or a household member for
whom he/she is financially responsible, participates in at least
one of the programs listed above or that the customer meets
the income-based requirements. Additional eligibility requirements may also apply. Customers must choose to apply the
Lifeline discount to a landline or a wireless number, not both.
For more details about Lifeline Service and
to apply for assistance, please contact your
local telephone company.
July/August 2013 | 3
From the General Manager
Feel deeply
It’s been an emotional week at the Johnson
household. Those of you with children will relate
to this fairly quickly; those of you without will
too but probably a bit differently.
I just witnessed my youngest child graduate from high school
as the valedictorian of her class. A few days earlier I listened
to my older son address a group of graduates with a challenge
full of wisdom way beyond his years. As if that isn’t enough,
my oldest daughter is getting married in a few days. Needless
to say, there is no boredom around our house. The first person
to suggest there is will be banished to the garage until repentance is forthcoming. Amidst all of this, a close associate lost
his father, and I shared in his grief. Quite unexpectedly, a friend
popped in with a bit of news that had a significant emotional
impact on me. That story is far too complex to talk about here, but it nonetheless illustrates just how emotional the week really was.
Some folks are quite uncomfortable talking about their emotions. I, obviously, am not
one of them. A fellow church member recently joked that he gets choked up over the
announcements in the bulletin. I can relate. The following is not an original thought. I
would properly credit it better if I could, but my memory fails to adequately connect
the several literary sources from which it comes. The principle is this. Sometimes, what
exactly we feel is not as important as is the fact that we simply feel at all.
There is much truth there. It is, after all, our ability as human beings to feel, and to
feel deeply, about things in our life that add to our humanity. Think for one moment
about those people for whom you hold the most admiration and respect. There is a strong
likelihood that you will describe them as quiet and thoughtful people who have relatively
strong feelings about certain things and certain values in life. More often than not, those
people who make the greatest difference in their world are those who have managed to
find and pursue their passions. Properly focused passion is a powerful motivator. In the
context of FTC, we understand that a strong and modern communications infrastructure
is essential to the economic health of our community. Believing strongly in our mission
of improving the quality of life in our communities is a sustaining principle of our leadership and employees. It is one of the most important reasons I appreciate and enjoy the
opportunity to work with them.
To wrap it up, I am not suggesting that you wear your feelings on your sleeve all the
time or drool all over the shoulder of anyone who will listen. There are, after all, some
things best kept in private. Still, take comfort in knowing that it is perfectly all right to
feel and to feel deeply. Perhaps you can forgive me if I occasionally choke up with a
grieving friend, swell with pride as a brilliant daughter or an amazing son speaks with extreme poise in front of hundreds or, as I am pretty sure will happen, get rather misty-eyed
as I escort a beautiful young lady down an aisle even though it’s toward a young man of
whom I totally approve. She is, after all, the person who first taught me what is meant by
the phrase “Daddy’s little girl!” 
Fred johnson
Executive Vice President and General Manager
4 | July/August 2013
“We Keep You Connected”
is a member-owned corporation
dedicated to providing communications
technology to the people of Northeast
Alabama. The company has more than
15,000 access lines, making it the state’s
largest telecommunications cooperative.
Board of Trustees
Randy Wright, President
Flat Rock Exchange
Gary Smith, Vice President
Fyffe Exchange
Danny R. Richey, Secretary
Geraldine Exchange
Lynn Welden, Treasurer
Bryant Exchange
Kenneth Gilbert
Pisgah Exchange
Gregg Griffith
Henagar Exchange
Randy Tumlin
Rainsville Exchange
Connected
Vol. 17, No. 4
July/August 2013
is a bimonthly magazine
published by Farmers
Telecommunications Cooperative, ©
2013. It is distributed without charge
to all customers of FTC.
Farmers Telecommunications
Cooperative, Inc.
P.O. Box 217
144 McCurdy Ave. N.
Rainsville, AL 35986
Telephone: 256-638-2144
www.farmerstel.com
Produced for FTC by:
www.WordSouth.com
On the Cover:
Members will enjoy
the progressive
bluegrass sounds
of Pickett’s Charge
at the FTC Annual
Meeting on Aug. 3.
See story Page 9.
FTC awards scholarships
Each year, two deserving area students receive a $2,000 scholarship from FTC to help
them pursue their educational goals. One scholarship is awarded to a graduating high
school student and the other is awarded to a student already attending college. Congratulations to this year’s winners!
High School
Winner:
Michael Davis
Michael Davis
is a 2013 graduate
of Geraldine High
School. He was a
member of the Beta
Club, FFA, FCA
and SGA. Michael was an All-County, AllRegion, County MVP and All-State football
player. He is attending Jacksonville State
University where he will continue his football career for the Gamecocks. He plans to
become an educator and coach.
Two earn
national
scholarships
through FRS
College
Winner:
Stacey Chaney
Stacey Chaney is
a student at Athens
State University,
where she is pursing
a bachelor’s degree
in health sciences.
Ultimately, Stacey plans to obtain a doctorate in physical therapy. She currently
works as a physical therapist assistant at
facilities in DeKalb, Jackson and Marshall
counties. She and her husband, Ricky, live
in Rainsville and are raising four children.
The Foundation for Rural Services (FRS) awards
30 scholarships annually to high school students
living in rural areas around the country. Students
are chosen based on their academic achievement
and involvement with their school and community.
Two students in FTC’s service area were
recently selected as scholarship recipients. Kyle
Nash and Patrick Ryan Gant each received $2,000
from the FRS and a matching contribution of $500
from FTC to help with college expenses.
Patrick Gant of Pisgah is a 2013 graduate of Pisgah High
School. He was active in sports, student government, FFA,
4-H and the school newspaper. Gant is an active community
volunteer, helping with numerous community projects including food drives, tornado relief and Christmas charities. He will
attend Northeast Alabama Community College in the fall where
he plans to earn degrees in computer engineering and business
management.
Kyle Nash from Bryant is a 2013 graduate of North Sand
Mountain High School. He played football and was on the track
team. He was an officer in the Science Club and a member of the
Beta Club. He is an active volunteer in his community, helping
with tornado relief and food drives and volunteering at the Flat
Rock Community Center. Nash will attend Northeast Alabama
Community College this fall to pursue a business management
degree before transferring to a four-year college.
Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative
Washington
Youth Tour
FTC sponsored two high school students as part of the Foundation for Rural
Service Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., in
June. This year’s representatives for FTC
were Heather Boman of Rainsville and
Rosamaria Luna-Paredes of Higdon.
They and their chaperones, Tony and
Evelyn Newsome, spent four days touring some of the most historic sites in
the nation. They met some members of
Congress and learned about the telecommunications industry, regulatory agencies and the legislative processes.
They also visited George Washington’s
home at Mount Vernon, the Smithsonian Museums, the Korea, Vietnam and
World War II Memorials and several other
national monuments.
“We’re proud to partner with FRS
to provide this opportunity for these
students,” says Brandi Lyles, FTC manager
of marketing and public relations. “They
come away with a better understanding
of the important role companies like FTC
have in the rural communities they serve.”
Rosamaria Luna-Paredes
Heather Boman
July/August 2013 | 5
Web-powered summer vacations
8 ways to use the Internet to create an awesome family vacation this summer
By Mariann Martin
D
oes the phrase “family vacation”
bring back painful memories of
long, boring drives, dozens of
wrong turns and hotels with an advertised beachfront view that turned out to
be a sandy parking lot? If those scenarios
sound familiar, there is a solution — the
Internet! Use websites for research and
booking accommodations online to plan
the details of your vacation before heading
out for a relaxed, enjoyable trip with the
family. Here are some tips:
1 Plan together
Get the entire family involved in planning
your vacation with online exploration.
Most states, cities and parks have detailed
websites that give an overview of available activities. Children can click through
pictures, read about the destination points
and pick out places of interest.
2 Be prepared
Find out what documents you will need by
checking the websites of all the places you
plan to visit. Make sure you have the right
insurance cards, passports and travel documents before you head out the door. Also
check the weather for your destination, so
you can pack the proper clothing.
3 Book it
Hotels, car rentals and airline tickets can
be purchased online, using various websites to find deals. Travel experts recommend searching at least three booking
websites to find the best prices, which are
frequently offered at the beginning of the
week (especially on Tuesdays).
4 read Reviews
Even the most drab hotel can look good in
a photo, so use the Internet to learn what
other travelers think of the places you
plan to visit. Websites such as TripAdvi-
6 | July/August 2013
sor include reviews from people who have
visited the places, and can also offer useful
tips and warnings.
stretching visit. Use GPS devices to skip
all those wrong turns.
5 Save information
If your day trip to the water park gets
rained out, use the Internet to quickly find
the closest kids’ museum or other indoor
activity. And if the wait is too long at the
restaurant you planned to visit, get online
to check nearby options.
Use online resources such as Google Docs
or Dropbox to plan your itinerary and
budget your trip. If you are traveling with
other families, Google Docs allows multiple users to share plans and add information. During your trip, you can access your
stored trip details.
6 On the road
To avoid the infamous “are we there yet?”
chorus, download apps and activities to a
smartphone or tablet to entertain the kids.
Research historical sites along the way
and stop for a quick educational and leg-
7 Changing plans
8 Savor the memories
Once you return home, create an album
on Facebook or a photo sharing website to
upload your favorite photos from the trip.
You can share the album with friends and
family, or click through them on a dreary
winter day when summer vacations are
only a distant dream. 
➜
Places to visit, sights to see
Summer memories are filled with blue swimming holes, dripping ice
cream cones and family vacations. From beaches and mountains to
historical downtowns and outer space exploration, the Southeast
abounds in unique spots ideally suited for family trips. These days, a
well-planned and researched family trip begins with a few mouse clicks
and a quick review of the endless resources on the Internet. Then set
out to make memories in one of these breathtaking locations.
First stop on your
vacation: the Internet
Preparation is the key to success
when it comes to family vacations.
Here are some state tourism sites to
help you plan your next getaway.
•
•
•
•
www.tnvacation.com
www.alabama.travel
www.kentuckytourism.com
www.discoversouthcarolina.com
Photo courtesy of Kentucky Derby Museum
Kentucky
Kentucky Derby Museum • www.derbymuseum.org
The Kentucky Derby Museum offers visitors a chance to explore Kentucky’s rich
horse racing heritage within view of the famed racetrack.
The smell of leather and the sound of thundering hooves are recreated through
thousands of books, photos, films and racing artifacts housed in the museum. Visitors
can also take guided tours for a behind-the-scenes look at Churchill Downs.
Photo courtesy of South Carolina Botanical Garden
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Alabama
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center • www.rocketcenter.com
Visitors to Huntsville’s U.S. Space & Rocket Center trace the history of ventures into
space and watch as potential future scientists and astronauts train at the home of
America’s space program since the early 1950s.
Visitors can “be an astronaut for the day” as they explore a rocket park, education
training center and theater. The museum includes space hardware from the first trip
to the moon, along with information about the space race, the Apollo missions and
the International Space Station.
South Carolina Botanical Garden • www.clemson.edu/public/scbg
Take a day away from hectic life to explore beautiful gardens and hike nature trails
at the South Carolina Botanical Garden in Clemson. The 295 acres of beauty feature
an arboretum, woodlands, streams, managed meadows, turf and shrubs filled with
birds, fish and other wildlife.
The garden features a geology museum and an art gallery, as well as one of the
largest collections of nature-based sculptures in the country.
South Carolina
Photo courtesy of National Park Service
Tennessee
Cades Cove • www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cadescove.htm
Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, nature lover, photographer, hiker or history buff,
Cades Cove should be at the top of your list of places to visit. Part of the Great Smoky
Mountains National Park, this broad valley features an 11-mile loop road that presents
travelers with stunning mountain vistas; sightings of white-tailed deer, black bear, turkey and more; and a number of hiking trails. You will encounter several 18th- and 19thcentury structures, including churches, barns, log cabins and a working grist mill.
July/August 2013 | 7
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Saturday, August 3, 2013
Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center
Highway 75 North in Rainsville
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• Registration begins at 8 a.m.
• Entertainment by Pickett’s Charge begins at 9 a.m.
• Business Meeting begins at 11 a.m.
• Election for the Board of Trustees: Fyffe and
Rainsville
Prize:
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8 | July/August 2013
Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative
Levi
Tom
Annual Meeting
Entertainment
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John
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Avery
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Charged Up!
By Kerry Scott
Pickett’s Charge headlines FTC’s Annual Meeting Aug. 3
ight harmonies. Gifted musicians.
Outstanding instrumentals. These
are just a few of the phrases used
to describe the five-member progressive
bluegrass group from Fyffe known as
Pickett’s Charge.
FTC members are sure to enjoy a great
mix of bluegrass, country and gospel as
this local group provides entertainment
for this year’s annual meeting.
John Hicks is lead vocalist and plays
rhythm guitar for the band. Jesse McClendon sings tenor and plays bass. Tom
George sings baritone and plays mandolin. Avery Rains is the lead guitarist
and Levi Thompson is the band’s banjo
picker.
The group got its start about three years
ago as part of Fyffe High School’s FFA
String Band. “Our Ag teacher, Mr. Myers,
came up with the idea that the school
should have a string band,” says Hicks.
Performing as the FFA String Band, they
have won two district championships, one
second-place finish at the state convention
and are this year’s State FFA Convention
champions.
Rains, George and McClendon have
been playing music together since they
were in 6th grade. George credits his
father, Dennis, for teaching the three of
them so much. “In the George family, you
come out of the womb playing an instrument,” jokes Rains.
Hicks’ ability to write songs, his
smooth lead vocals and talent on the guitar make him an asset. And no bluegrass
band would be complete without a banjo
player. Thompson’s picking style helps
wrap the group’s sound into a unique
package.
One of the reasons for the band’s distinctive sound is their eclectic individual
tastes in music. “Because we’re listening
to all this different inspiration, it really
creates a different feel,” says McClendon.
“If bluegrass was all we listened to all
day, we’d sound like every other bluegrass band you’ve heard. But we bring
something different to the table because
we all have our different tastes in music.”
The group puts an individual spin on
each song they write, too. While Hicks
and George do most of the group’s songwriting, each member adds his own flavor
to the song with their music. “Every
band member does their own thing with
the music to give it their own personality,” says Hicks. They collectively work
out any rough edges until the end result
is something with which they are all
pleased.
Four of the five members graduated
high school in May. Thompson is a
senior. Rains is hopeful that his move to
Auburn this fall will open more doors for
the group. “It’s going to be tough living
so far away, but I’m hoping Pickett’s
Charge will have some opportunities to
play down there on weekends,” he says.
The group’s single-minded focus at this
point is to one day play at the Grand Ole
Opry. “As long as we keep our heads on
straight and don’t get stupid, we’ve got
nowhere to go but up,” says Hicks. 
Pickett’s Charge will have their first CD available for sale at FTC’s Annual Meeting. Find
the band on Facebook by searching “Pickett’s
Charge (Fyffe FFA String Band)” to learn more
about them and upcoming performances.
Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative
July/August 2013 | 9
Minor
Attraction0
Stars of tomorrow
and fan-friendly
venues draw crowds
By Jeremy Wood
W
hen it comes to big-league rooting alliances, Southern baseball fans are mostly
left listening to radio broadcasts of teams
in faraway cities like Atlanta, St. Louis and Cincinnati. But the South has plenty of the next-best thing:
the minor leagues.
The region’s rich baseball playing history and
small-town style fit perfectly with the essence of
minor league baseball, where teams send younger
players to develop. The South boasts nearly 50 minor
league teams, ranging in level from Rookie (just
signed their first pro contract) to AAA (one step away
from the big time).
Here are a few popular places to see a minor-league
game in the South, along with their classification and
big-league parent club. For a portal to every minor
league team’s website, visit www.minorleaguebaseball.com.
Nashville Sounds
H
Huntsville (Ala.)
Stars
(AA, Milwaukee Brewers)
Tickets: $8 for adults, $5 for kids
under 12 (all tickets are general
admission and must be purchased at the ballpark).
At the park: An $8 ticket is a good deal for the upper minors and it allows you to pick from any seat
at Joe Davis Stadium. Promotions this year include
a bobblehead night on July 27, discounted drinks on
Thirst-Aid Thursdays, fireworks and bingo games.
Watch for mascot Homer the Polecat, who was created in honor of a skunk that used to live behind the
outfield wall.
While you’re in town: Take the money you save on
baseball tickets and visit the U.S. Space and Rocket
Center.
10 | July/August 2013
Photo courtesy of Nashville Sounds
(AAA, Milwaukee Brewers)
Tickets: $15 day-of-game, $12
when purchased in advance. They
also offer a family ticket bundle that includes seats,
hot dogs and sodas for four at a cost of $56.
At the park: There are six Faith Night promotions
throughout the season, featuring live Christian music
prior to the game. Sticking with the religious theme,
there will be two “Bible Series” bobblehead giveaway nights during the season. The featured statuettes? David and Goliath.
While you’re in town: The Tennessee State Museum
has exhibits covering 15,000 years of human history
in the state. Best of all, museum admission is free.
Chattanooga
Lookouts
(AA, Los Angeles Dodgers)
Tickets: Range from $5
for adult general admission to $9 for lower box seats.
At the park: Sitting on the third-base side
offers a better view of the nearby mountains and shade from the setting sun, while
the first-base side treats you to cars going
by on U.S. 27 outside the park.
While you’re in town: Have dinner at
Big River Grille and Brewing Works for
a family-friendly menu. It’s a two-block
walk from the restaurant door to the front
gate of AT&T Park. If you’re a baseball
history buff, Engel Stadium (which is no
longer used by the Lookouts) has been
open since 1929 and is a must-see.
H
Jackson
(Tenn.)
Generals
(AA, Seattle Mariners)
Tickets: $10 reserved,
$6 general admission.
At the park: If you can make it for any
Dollar Thursday during the season, general admission seats are knocked down
to a single greenback (as are hot dogs,
popcorn, soft drinks and beer). Sarge, the
Generals’ bulldog mascot, was named by a
six-year-old in an online contest.
While you’re in town: It’s a good place
for railroad fans, who can visit both the
Casey Jones Village and the Nashville,
Chattanooga & St. Louis Railroad Museum and still make a night game.
H
Charleston
(S.C.) Riverdogs
(A, New York Yankees)
Tickets: $8 to $17 for
Friday nights, cheaper by
$1 for all other nights except July 4.
At the park: Joseph P. Riley park was designed by the same architectural firm that
worked on several modern major league
stadiums. It is one of the most picturesque
locales in the minors.
While you’re in town: If you can’t find
a great meal at one of Charleston’s more
than 350 restaurants, you’re not really trying. Chefs at places from famous staples
like Hyman’s Seafood to hot new restaurants like Macintosh serve up their take on
shrimp and grits, barbecued ribs and more
every day. For non-culinary exploration,
your best bet is to ride the ferry to Fort
Sumter for some Civil War history and
watch for dolphins while you’re on the
boat.
H
Tennessee
Smokies
(AA, Chicago Cubs)
Tickets: $11/$10 for
adults/children infield box seats; $6 for all
ages on grass outfield berm.
At the park: Located in Kodak, Tenn., a
few miles east of Knoxville, the Smokies
enjoy one of the minors’ more creative
promotional teams. Movie Mondays
weave great baseball movies into the live
game experience, while country music
fans can hit Kenny Chesney night on July
19.
While you’re in town: The glitz of Dollywood and Gatlinburg and the wilderness
of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
are both just a short drive away.
H
Rome Braves
(A, Atlanta Braves)
Tickets: Club seats are
$10 apiece; cheapest is
$4 lawn seating.
At the park: Romey and Roxie are two of
the biggest, bluest mascots in the minors.
Rome also hosts Superhero Night on July
6; dressing up as your favorite superhero
is encouraged and Captain America will
be in attendance for pictures.
While you’re in town: Grab dinner at local institution Schroeder’s on Broad Street
in downtown Rome. If you have time for
sightseeing, visit the campus of nearby
Berry College to check out the exquisite Frost Chapel and a vintage overshot
wooden water wheel.
Lexington
Legends
(A, Kansas City Royals)
Tickets: The cheapest
reserved seats are $14
when purchased in advance (add $1 to all
prices day-of-game).
At the park: Kids receive a voucher for a
free ballpark meal on Monday night home
games. Also, the Legends will have three
George Brett bobblehead giveaways this
season, honoring one of the Royals’ alltime greats.
While you’re in town: The Kentucky
Horse Center is referred to as “Disneyland
for horse lovers.” It features two theaters
and two museums on the grounds.
H
Bowling
Green (Ky.)
Hot Rods
(A, Tampa Bay Rays)
Tickets: Highest are
$12 for premium box seats; cheapest are
$7 for general admission.
At the park: The parent
club, Tampa Bay, has one
of the best reputations for developing
minor league talent
in the business, and
some of the Rays’
top prospects figure
to be in Bowling
Green this
summer.
While
you’re in
town: If you
love cars, check
out the National
Corvette Museum.
If the great outdoors is more
appealing, enjoy
an underground
boat tour at the
Lost River Cave
& Valley on the
outskirts of
town. 
July/August 2013 | 11
New look and features for farmerstel.com
By Elizabeth Wootten
I
t’s now even easier to explore all that FTC offers thanks to its
newly redesigned website. A user-friendly interface, improved
navigation and contemporary layout feature innovative ways to
help users in their online experience.
One new feature is a link to FTCtv’s local programming. One
can browse through numerous past video clips of “Connected
Life,” “Tech Talk” and more. The search feature provides quick
access to a particular clip.
“By offering our local programming online,” says Brandi Lyles,
marketing director at FTC, “we can reach more people and increase
awareness of this service.”
Another feature that will benefit FTC customers is the Interactive
Fiber Availability Map. This color-coded map shows the estimated
times when FTC’s fiber network will reach different parts of the
service area.
“We wanted our customers to see the progress we have made
with our fiber network, as well as our goals this year for the project,” Lyles says.
FTC will also offer video tutorials to help answer technical FAQs
from its customers. The videos will allow customers to view helpful demonstrations of FTC technicians solving common problems,
rather than simply reading instructions.
“FTC strives to provide customers with both the latest technology and the information about the best ways to use that technology
in their daily lives,” says Lyles. “The new website helps us meet
both of those goals. It’s a better, more useful online experience.” 
›› Check out some features of FTC’s updated website
The Quick Links banner is where customers
can easily log in to their Webmail account,
pay their bills and access the online directory.
Users can also connect with FTC through
Facebook, Twitter and more.
The search bar provides an easy way to locate
information. Type a key word or phrase into
the search bar, then click go.
The rotating banner shows any specials FTC is
currently promoting. Customers can click on
the banner to find out more about the newest
deals on products and services.
The products and services you want more
information about can be accessed by clicking either the buttons at the top or the boxes
below the banner.
Local programming segments
from FTCtv can be viewed by
clicking the link in the lower
right corner of the home page.
12 | July/August 2013
The Interactive Fiber Availability Map is
color-coded to show where fiber is currently
available, as well as where it will be installed
next. The address search bar enables users to
type in their address to learn if fiber is available
at their location.
The Connected Online link allows readers to
browse current and past issues of Connected.
Flip through recent issues of the magazine,
print or download previous issues or share
a story with friends through social media.
Older issues are also accessible by clicking
the download issues button.
Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative



TC and NACC teamed up once
again to co-sponsor their annual Career Enrichment Day. On May 8, seniors from high schools across the DeKalb
and Jackson county school systems and
Fort Payne High School were on the college campus to hear from professionals in
a number of different vocations.
Popular speaker Sam Glenn — The
Chalk Man — returned to provide the
morning keynote address for the event. He
performed a fast-paced chalk art demonstration before encouraging seniors with a
message about pursuing their greatness.
Students then dispersed and went to
classrooms across the campus to explore
their career options. The day was divided
into three sessions, offering seniors an
opportunity to hear about several career
choices they found interesting. Students
chose different sessions throughout the
day, during which a professional explained
details about their career and answered
questions from students. Presenters talked
about the challenges they face daily in
More than 700 seniors from across Jackson
and DeKalb counties attended Career Day.
NACC campus classrooms were packed with
seniors eager to learn about career options.
Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative
their jobs and answered tough questions­
— including some about job availability in
the area.
Students who haven’t chosen the field
in which they want to work found the day
quite helpful. “I’m undecided right now,”
says Taylor Pack. “I attended two sessions
about careers I’m interested in and then I
went to the career planning session. It was
great because I was able to go ahead and
set up an appointment with a career counselor at NACC. That was really helpful.”
Brandi Lyles, manager of marketing and
public relations for FTC, believes Career
Enrichment Day has a great impact on students’ lives. “This event provides valuable
insight to the youth in our area,” she says.
“Through our partnership with the college
and our wonderful presenters, we’re giving students a unique opportunity to spend
time hearing from professionals who
work in these fields every day. It’s great
guidance for students who are considering different career paths and are ready to
solidify their decisions.” 
Students mingled with friends during lunch,
which was provided by FTC.
Ashley Stanford, FTC multimedia production
coordinator, was among the session leaders.




F
Helping seniors 

find direction
















FTC extends a special
“Thank You” to these
2013 presenters:
•
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Gordon Gossett • Gant, Croft and Associates
Tyler Pair • Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative
Jessica Blalock and Sherry Whitten • NACC
Sharon Totten • NACC
John T. Davis • Edward Jones
Ashley Stanford • Farmers Telecommunications
Cooperative
Jeff Rains • DeKalb Regional Hospital
Kenny Brown, Steve Cowart
and Jason Plunkett • Vulcraft-Nucor
Tom Norquist • Gametime
Adam Moore • Seimens Energy
Fred Johnson • Farmers Telecommunications
Cooperative
Dr. Cindy Jones • NACC
Mark Webb • NACC
Reggy Jones • Pharmacy Partners
Drake Ibsen • Rehab Partners
Ashley Vaughn and Deanna Wigley • White Realty
Amanda Woodall • Fyffe Special Services Center
Scott Kirk • First Southern State Bank
Mike Cochran • Retired Coach, DeKalb County Sports
Hall of Fame
Thomas Whitten • DeKalb Youth Services
David Davis and Brent Satterfield • NACC
Jim Allen • Alabama Farmers Cooperative
Ronny Neely • DeKalb Farmers Cooperative
Jason Yerby • Pilgrim’s Pride
Robert Reed • nVius Graphics
Tony Newsome • Farmers Telecommunications
Cooperative
Wayne Cummins • Consultant
Scott Martin • Federal Bureau of Investigation
Dr. Anthony Sims • Henagar Family Medicine
SSG Carlos Chaparro • Alabama National Guard
Adrian Casey • DeKalb County Health Department
Sam Phillips • Phillips Engineering
Ross Boydston • NACC
Sam Wilson • Sam Construction
Dr. John Anderson • Dentist
Marcie Davis • Fort Payne City Schools
Brenda Hammonds • Studio B Designs
David Clemmons • The Times-Journal
Lee Buffington • Turf Tamer, Inc.
Julie Baker-McCormick • DeKalb and Cherokee
Asst. District Attorney
Joseph Bates • Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative
Dr. Martin Habel • Vision Plus
July/August 2013 | 13
Southern Kitchens
Every time I bite
into a peach, the
memories come
flooding back.
My mother loved
Anne P. Braly
peaches, but her
Food Editor
favorite variety was
one you don’t see very often these
days: Georgia Belle. We had a summer
home in the North Carolina mountains, and there was one roadside
stand we passed every time we made
the drive. When the sign went up
saying Georgia Belles were in season,
Momma would make a quick turn
into the open-air market along Highway 64.
Momma’s gone now, Georgia Belles
aren’t so easy to find anymore, and
the last time I drove past, the fruit
stand had closed. But farmers are now
growing other good peaches, and
they’re readily available this time of
year. Here’s one of my favorite ways
to use peaches on grilled chicken. For
the best taste, make it the night before, put it in a sealed container and
allow the flavors to marry.
Fresh Peach Salsa
3-4 1/4 2
2
1
1
1
2
peeled peaches, diced
cup fresh lime juice
teaspoons honey
tablespoons diced red bell
pepper
tablespoon minced
jalapeno pepper
tablespoon chopped
cilantro
clove garlic, minced
tablespoons chopped red
onion
Combine ingredients; refrigerate until
serving time. Makes 1-1/2 to 2 cups.
Email Anne Braly at apbraly@gmail.com.
14 | July/August 2013
R
A passion for peaches
“After the 5-1/2-hour
drive to Arkansas, we
got back in the car and
drove another 50 miles
just to pick peaches
from an orchard that
Ronda Hays’ recipe
was well-known for
for her mom’s peach
its beautiful and sweet
pie brings back
fruit,” she says. “There
childhood memories.
were acres and acres of
peach trees loaded with
ripe, luscious fruit ready for picking.”
After picking their fill — several bushels, Hays recalls — they got back in their car, having rearranged their luggage so that the peaches would have a protected place to travel.
“When the visit was over, our trip home was a constant reminder by the ever-present
smell of fresh peaches and the thoughts of delicious treats to come,” she says. “Once
home, Mom and Dad began the process of preserving the tasty peaches for us to enjoy during the cold winter months.”
Her love of peaches has never diminished, only bloomed. And though Hays prefers freestone peaches over any other — the pits are easier to remove and there’s less waste, she
says — she really doesn’t have a preference about what specific variety she uses.
“I usually just buy the freshest-smelling the grocery store offers,” she says. “The same
goes when I go to the local farmers’ markets in the summer.”
If it looks like a peach and smells like a peach, she bags it.
Though she uses frozen peaches when good fresh ones are not available, Hays’ favorite
peach dessert is never made until this time of year when peaches are at their best. Her
mother’s peach pie is special to her because it brings back such good memories.
“I remember her making it when my brother and I were children,” she says. “We could
hardly wait for a slice of it every time she made it.”
So she, like you, has to wait no longer. Peaches are in their prime, right in time to please
your peachy palate. Here are two of Hays’ favorite recipes. 
Photo by Thomas Jackson
The perfect peach
onda Hays of
Cunningham,
Ky., has a passion for peaches that
goes all the way back
to her childhood. She
remembers a trip to
visit family in Arkansas
when she was about 10
years old, and on the
way back to her home
in Missouri the smell of
peaches filled the car.
Peaches: The fresh taste of summer
Peach-Blueberry Bread
eggs
cups sugar
cup vegetable oil
teaspoons vanilla extract
cups all-purpose flour
teaspoon baking powder
teaspoon baking soda
teaspoon salt
teaspoons cinnamon
cups diced peaches
cup blueberries
cup walnuts, chopped
Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease and flour
two 8-by-4-inch loaf pans.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs lightly.
Blend in the sugar, oil and vanilla. Add
flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt,
and cinnamon; mix just to combine, but
do not overwork the batter. Stir in the
peaches, blueberries, and nuts. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for about 1
hour or until a toothpick inserted in the
center comes out clean. Remove from
oven and place on a wire rack to cool in
loaf pans for 10 minutes. Turn the bread
out onto the wire rack to completely
cool. Serve with softened cream cheese
or your favorite flavored butter.
Note: Frozen blueberries may also be used.
If frozen fruit is used, thaw and drain excess
moisture prior to use.
Photo by Thomas Jackson
3
2
1
2
3
1
1
1
3
2
1/2 1/2 One of Ronda Hays’
favorite peach desserts
is her mom’s peach pie.
Mom’s Peach Pie
3-4 2
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
peaches, peeled, pits removed
graham cracker crusts
cup water
tablespoons cornstarch
cup sugar
(3-ounce) package peach gelatin
(8-ounce) container whipped
topping, thawed
cup powdered sugar
(3-ounce) package cream cheese
Slice peaches into crusts. In a small
saucepan, add water, sugar and cornstarch, stirring and cooking until sugar is
dissolved and mixture is clear. Add peach
gelatin and stir to dissolve. Remove from
heat and cool slightly. Pour mixture over
peaches; place pies in refrigerator until
they are set. Meanwhile, in a medium
bowl, blend whipped topping, powdered
sugar and cream cheese. Remove pies
from refrigerator, spread with cream
cheese mixture, slice and serve. Store any
leftovers, covered, in refrigerator.
Dessert, Decor and More
Ronda Hays of Cunningham, Ky., has a knack for domestic
creativity. In 2011, Hays turned her passion for home arts
into All Things Home Related, a blog in which she shares
favorite recipes and photo updates about life on the farm,
as well as arts and crafts projects around her home. The
recipe index makes finding just the right dish quick and
easy. Hays’ recipes have been featured in various cookbooks
and publications, all of which are listed on her website.
For more information or to contact Hays, visit her blog:
www.allthingshomerelated.com
July/August 2013 | 15
Presort STD
US Postage PAID
Permit #21
Freeport OH
“We Keep You Connected”
P.O. Box 217• 144 McCurdy Ave. N.
Rainsville, AL 35986
r
e
m
m
u
s
a
Host
!
t
h
g
i
n
e
i
mov
Get
and HD
programming
FREE
for 3 months!*
H H H H H
Make it a 5Hstar event!
H H H H H
Here’s how:
1
Call 256-638-2144 and get FTCtv!
2
Visit farmerstel.com/FTCtvoutdoors
for how-to video instructions on setting
up FTCtv for outdoor viewing.
3
Create a screen for projecting your movie.
Easy instructions and lots of ideas can be
found at backyardtheater.com.
›› Make sure you have
plenty of seating. Your
friends will want to
come.
›› Citronella candles
provide lighting and
the added benefit of
repelling insects.
›› Have plenty of snack
food on hand.
256-638-2144
farmerstel.com
*Current and new FTCtv customers must call
to order Starz and HD programming to receive
this promotion. After the 3 months promotional time, customers will be charged the
standard rate for Starz and HD programming
until canceled by the subscriber.
Hurry, offer ends July 31, 2013.