A Publication of New Hope Telephone Cooperative

The

Vol.Communicator 7, No. 4 April 2008 NFL Superstar Howard Cross Peoples State turns 40

The Rock Café serves up local history Manager’s Comments It’s that time of year again... One thing I’ve learned since moving keeps me from rolling over and slapping here is that, in Alabama, there is always it off without ever waking up complete- a 100 percent chance of weather! I’ve ly. It gets my attention. is a member-owned corporation dedicated to providing communi- seen hot weather, freezing tempera- Weather radios are loud. You will cations technology to the residents tures, snowfall, drought, soaking rains, wake up when one goes off. Even if you and businesses of New Hope, Grant and Owens Cross Roads. thunderstorms, tornado warnings...and I can’t hear the siren a few miles down haven’t even been here a year yet! the road, your weather radio will make Board of Directors Like many of you, I am looking sure you know about the severe weather Greg Glover, President forward to the spring season, but I know in your area. Owens Cross Roads Exchange that with the blooming flowers and bud- I encourage every one of our mem- Jimmy Segler, Vice President Grant Exchange ding trees comes the very real threat of bers to buy a weather radio for their Jim Duncan, Secretary severe weather. home. You can find one for around $25. New Hope Exchange Emergency operations planning was Your life and the lives of your family David Ayers, Treasurer among my duties at the telecommunica- members are certainly worth that small Grant Exchange tions company where I worked in South expense! Sonny Cantrell Grant Exchange Carolina. I learned some valuable les- Not only is it ‘that time of year’ to Jeff Cooper sons in that environment, where a hur- plan for weather safety, it’s also time to New Hope Exchange ricane could disable your entire network start thinking about your cooperative’s Garland Elders in one day. Above all, I learned that it Annual Meeting. In May, New Hope Owens Cross Roads Exchange pays to hope for the best and prepare for Telephone Cooperative will gather for Barry Jones the worst. its Annual Meeting of the membership, New Hope Exchange In the severe weather that passed where we will update you on the prog- Barry Mefford New Hope Exchange through North Alabama in February, ress we are making in our fiber install The several of our employees said they and other programs. Make plans now to Communicator never heard the weather sirens that are come visit with friends, win door prizes, Vol. 7, No. 4 April 2008 supposed to warn us that dangerous and learn more about your NHTC!s is a monthly magazine published by New Hope Telephone Cooperative, weather is approaching. In my opinion, ©2008. It is distributed without charge this is a perfect example of why every to all Cooperative members/owners. home should have a weather radio. New Hope Telephone Cooperative I keep our weather radio in another Tom Wing is General P.O. Box 452 Manager of New New Hope, AL 35760 room, so that if it goes off during the www.nehp.net Hope Telephone night I have to get out of bed and leave For Customer Service: Call 723-4211 Cooperative my bedroom in order to turn it off. That For Editorial Advertising: Call 723-3748 2008 Telephone Directory Corrections or email [email protected] Produced for NHTC by: The following listings were inadvertently left out of the NHTC directory. We WordSouth Public Relations, Inc. apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. www.WordSouth.com Alan B. Butler Joann & Tyler The Rock Café & Madison County On the cover: Former NHHS football player, Howard Dennis Catering Courthouse Cross, who played 13 years in the NFL is shown with his old jersey. The 723-4264 728-5432 723-5656 723-5123 school is retiring his number. Read about Cross’ visit to NHHS on page 8.

Page 2 The Communicator • April 2008 It’s a different world online Quick. What’s the fastest grow- Follow theses safety tips to protect layer (SSL) for protection of sensitive ing crime in the United States? If you yourself: information. guessed identity theft, you’re right. • Never keep personal information on • Cancel and closeout accounts for Last year alone more than 15 million your hard drive. any unused credit cards. Americans reported they were victims of • Don’t give your name, date of birth • Keep your security software identity theft. or Social Security number out online. updated Although it’s true people have been • Use dynamic passwords to protect Phishing scams are really popular casualties of identity crimes for years, your online accounts. Include capital and with thieves, too. The IRS reports that tax there has never been a time in his- lower case letters, as well as numbers and return season is a high risk time of year tory when it has been this widespread. symbols, such as c$Nth1#stP. This will for these scams. Thieves will send emails The Internet is partly to blame for the make it harder to decipher. and are even calling victims in an attempt increase. • Only shop online at secure sites. to gain enough personal information to The Internet is a great tool for re- Look for the padlock icon in the lower steal their identity. search, education, shopping and enter- right section of the screen. If you receive an email from your tainment. But it has also become a place • Check your credit report for errors. bank or the IRS do not respond. Contact where thieves look for unsuspecting • Call online companies to verify they local law enforcement to report a suspi- victims. are legitimate. cious email. Financial institutions lost nearly $48 • Make sure you see “https” in the Find more useful tips to keep safe on- billion dollars to ID theft last year — an URL. This indicates that you are using a line at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/ average of $10,000 per victim. site that is encrypted with a secure socket idtheft/.s

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The Communicator • April 2008 Page 3 Excerpts from Bylaws on Voting Procedure to Elect Board Members

Article IV Board Members person shall be eligible to become or shall include at least two candidates for Section 1. General Powers. The remain a board member of the coopera- each board position to be filled by the business and affairs of the Cooperative tive who: election. The Secretary shall be respon- shall be managed by a board of direc- a) Is not a member of the sible for mailing with the notice of the tors, consisting of nine (9) members. Cooperative; and meeting or separately, but at least ten The membership of the Board of b) Is not a bona fide resident of the (10) days before the date of the meet- Directors shall be based as follows: respective exchange from which said ing, a statement of the number of board New Hope, four (4) members on Board member was elected. members to be elected and the names the Board of Directors; Owens Cross c) Is in any way employed by or and addresses of the candidates nomi- Roads, two (2) members on the Board financially interested in a competing nated by the committee on nominations. of Directors; and Grant, three (3) mem- enterprise or a business engaged in Any fifty (50) or more members acting bers on the Board of Directors. selling or reselling telephone service or together may make other nominations Section 2. Election and Tenure of supplies, or constructing or maintaining by petition and the Secretary shall post Office. The persons presently serving telephone facilities, other than a busi- such nominations at the same place as directors of the cooperative shall ness operating on a cooperative non- where the list of nominations made by compose the Board until the first annual profit basis for the purpose of furthering the committee is posted. Nominations meeting or until their successors shall rural telephony. made by petition, if any, received at be elected by a secret ballot at each Upon establishment of the fact that least five (5) days before the meeting annual meeting of the members, begin- a board member is holding the office shall be included on the official ballot. ning with the year 1984 by and from the in violation of any of the foregoing Later nominations by petition shall be members at large to serve until the next provisions, the board shall remove such treated as nominations from the floor. annual meeting of the members or until board member from office. The chairman shall call for additional their successors shall have been elected Nothing contained in this section nominations from the floor and nomina- and shall have qualified. If an election shall affect in any manner whatsoever tions shall not be closed until at least of directors shall not be held on the day the validity of any action taken at any one minute has passed during which no designated herein for the annual meet- meeting of the board. additional nominations has been made. ing, or at any adjournment thereof, a Section 4. Nominations. It shall No member may nominate more than special meeting of the members shall be be the duty of the board to appoint, not one candidate, for the same position. held for the purpose of electing direc- less than thirty (30) days nor more than Any nominee by petition or from the tors within a reasonable time thereafter. seventy five (75) days before the date floor must meet the qualifications stated Directors may be elected by a plurality of a meeting of the members at which in the Bylaws, Article IV, Section 3. vote of the members. All elected direc- board members are to be elected, a Section 5. Failure of Action by the tors shall serve a term of four (4) years three member (3) committee on nomi- Nominating Committee. In the event provided they do not resign or are not nations consisting of one (1) member the nominating committee fails to make removed from office by the members. from each exchange, so as to insure a report after 3 requests by the Secretary All directors terms will be staggered equitable representation. No member and having been notified and appointed so that two (2) are elected each year, of the board may serve on such com- in accordance with the Bylaws Article except in 1987 three (3) members of mittee. The committee keeping in mind IV Section 4, it shall be the duty of the the Board of Directors shall be elected the principle of equitable representation, Board of Directors to make said nomi- and every four (4) years thereafter; i.e., shall prepare and post at the principle nations or nominations based upon the 1991,1995, etc., three (3) members of office of the Cooperative at least twenty guidelines set out in the Bylaws, Article the Board of Directors shall be elected. (20) days before the meeting a list of IV, Sections 1 through 4. Section 3. Qualifications. No nominations for board members which

Page 4 The Communicator • April 2008 NHTC: We’re owned by those we serve Local business leaders seeking a 1. Open Membership - anyone way to bring telephone service into who can use the services of a coop- our rural community established New erative and is willing to accept the re- Hope Telephone Cooperative in the sponsibilities of membership is eligible early 1950’s. Today, thanks to their to join 2008 foresight, members have the same 2. Controlled Democratically - Annual Meeting high-quality services as people in large members participate in electing board metropolitan areas. members, who in turn represent the Tuesday, May 20 But you may not know when you membership when making decisions signed-up for telephone, Internet or about what is best for the company. New Hope Middle School cable service from NHTC, you became Members may also be called upon to Lunchroom & Auditorium part owner in the company. That’s vote on specific issues how cooperatives work. 3. Provide Service - providing Registration begins at 5 p.m. Each member in a cooperative is members with quality services at af- in the lunchroom also a part owner in the business. And fordable prices is what drives the co- Business Meeting starts at unlike other businesses whose sole operative, not profit-making 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium purpose is profit, members of a coop- 4. Returning Profit - margins erative have a direct say in how the above and beyond the costs required Entertainment & Door prizes business is run. to cover the operating expenses are There are a few basic principles that returned to members in the form of Bring a valid photo ID for voting registration direct cooperative-based businesses. capital credit refunds

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The Communicator • April 2008 Page 5 ADVERTISEMENT “Don’t Let the Door Hit You in the Rear On the Way Out” I’m Nelson Payne of New Hope. I did some- patients had to say: may as well write one for a lesser amount for thing a while back that changed my life. chiropractic. When you bring in this article by Here’s my story. “Dr. Mike has been helping me with my April 28, 2008, you will receive my entire new low back pain, and headaches for over nine patient exam for $27. That’s with x-rays...the I’ve been in chronic pain for years. I deal with years.” (Larry Luttrell) whole ball of wax. And, further care is very neck, back and shoulder pain on a daily basis. affordable. You see, I’m not trying to seduce I’ve gone to several clinics over the years, but “My sciatica stays in check thanks to Dr. you to come see me with this low start up when they find out that I do not have insur- Mike.” (Leonard McPeters) fee, then to only make it up with high fees ance, they just write me a prescription and say after that. Further care is very important to “don’t let the door hit you in the rear on your consider when making your choice of doctor. way out.” High costs can add up very quickly. By law, we must state that additional charges may be A couple of years ago I decided to try a differ- incurred for related services which may be re- ent doctor, who’s office is in Grant. He didn’t quired in individual cases. Results may vary care that I did not have insurance; he treated in individual cases. me the same as the guy who had great health benefits. Dr. mike did an exam, took some x- Great care at a great fee... Please, I rays, and then adjusted my spine, and shoul- hope that there’s no misunderstanding about ders. I’ve tolk Dr. Mike many times since that quality of care just because I have a lower day, “if I had known adjustments would help exam fee. You’ll get great care at a great fee. this much, I would have come here a long Dr. Mike, Emma, and Nicholas Ellis My qualifications... I’m a 1991 graduate of time ago.” Being a chiropractor can be tough, because Life University. I’m certified by the National there’s a host of so-called experts out there. Boards as well as the states of Alabama and Oh, did I mention that this doctor is a Chiro- They tell people a lot of things that are just Tennessee. I’ve practiced in Marshall County practor? Today I’m not on near as much pain plain ridiculous about my profession. But the for 14 years after a one-year associateship in medication, and recently he’s helped me with studies speak for themselves, like the Virginia Huntsville. I just have that low exam fee to my TMJ problem, too? I would highly recom- study that showed that over 90% of patients help more people who need care. Results may mend Dr. Mike. who saw a chiropractor were satisfied with vary in individual cases. their results. That’s just incredible! Now for Emma, who is the little girl in the My assistant is Sandy and she is a really great photo. About a year ago, she was plagued by Forty-eight million Americans no longer person. Our office is both friendly and warm asthma. Each day as I changed her diaper, I have health insurance, and those who do have and we try our best to make you feel at home. would give her an adjustment. The asthma found that their benefits are reduced. That’s We have a wonderful service, at an exception- started to improve immediately, and now she where chiropractic comes in. Many people al fee. Our office is called ELLIS CHIRO- is virtually symptom free. find that they actually save money on their PRACTIC CENTER and it is at 4664 Main health care expenses by seeing a chiroprac- Street in Grant. Our number is 256-728-2044. The other child, my son Nicholas, has recent- tor. Another way to save... studies show that Call Sandy or me today for an appointment. ly been having some headaches. He’ll come chiropractic may double your immune capac- We can help you. Thank you. up to me and say, “Daddy, adjust my neck.” ity, naturally and without drugs. The immune And even before he gets up he’ll say, “man system fights colds, the flu, and other sick- - Michael Ellis, D.C. that feels a lot better, it’s all gone.” nesses. So you may not be running off to the doctor as much. This is especially important P.S. When accompanied by the first, I am also It’s strange how life is, because now people if you are self-employed. And an entire week offering the second family member this same come to see me with their carpal tunnel syn- of care in my office may cost what you could examination for only $10. drome problems. Also they come to me with pay for one visit elsewhere. their headaches, migraines, chronic pain, neck P.P.S. Can you imagine not having to wait at pain, shoulder/arm pain, whiplash from car You benefit from an Amazing Offer - Look, it a doctor’s office? Well, your time is as valu- accidents, backaches, ear infections, asthma, shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg to correct able as mine. That’s why we have a no-wait allergies, numbness in limbs, athletic injuries, your health. You are going to write a check to policy. You will be seen within minutes of just to name a few. Here’s what some of my someone for your health care expenses, you your appointment.

Page 6 The Communicator • April 2008 ‘The Big Read’ comes to New Hope Bobbie Keane, librarian for New of the movie with the same title featur- future. Anyone interested in helping with Hope Public Library says they have ing Humphrey Bogart as detective Sam ideas, planning, volunteer work or even planned several events to encourage read- Spade. This will be held on April 15 with donations is encouraged to attend. ing throughout the summer for people of at 7:00 p.m. and everyone is invited to • Story Time - Every Tuesday at all ages. attend. 10:30 a.m. - Bring your toddler or pre- The library has been selected to There are also several other events schooler by the library to have wonderful participate in ‘The Big Read’, a pro- planned by the library. They are listed stories read to them. It is a fantastic way gram established to help restore reading here with the date and time for each. to introduce your child to a love of books to the center of American culture. It is • Genealogy 101 class - Saturday, and reading. funded by the Madison County Library April 12, at 7:00 p.m. - If you are inter- Stop by the library to find out more System in partnership with the National ested in tracing your ancestry, this class details on their summer reading program, Endowment for the Arts. offers details on where and how to begin. too. “We always have a terrific response,” The Maltese Falcon has been selected It is offered free of charge. says Keane. “Our kids read thousands of as the book for the big read. “This detec- • Friends of the Library Meeting pages. We rival many larger cities.” tive novel is a famous classic from the - Thursday, April 3, at 6:00 p.m. - (This Business hours for the library are: 1930’s,” says Keane. meeting is held the first Thursday of each Monday 2 - 8 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Anyone who would like to partici- month) This group of concerned citizens Closed Wednesday pate in ‘The Big Read’ is encouraged to plans fundraisers for the library, helps Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. do so. The library will have a showing develop events and plan for the library’s Closed Sunday

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The Communicator • April 2008 Page 7 Peoples State Bank celebrates milestone Employees have seen many changes over the last 40 years Peoples State Bank of Commerce with the bank for more than 30 years. president. She started on the teller line in Grant recently threw a party for their The two have seen many changes in when she was just 19 years old. Over customers and employees to commemo- banking since their first day. the years she has held various positions rate their 40th anniversary. The lobby The biggest change to come to in different departments throughout the was filled with balloons, customers, old Peoples State Bank happened in 1977. bank. She became Peoples’ first female friends and classic stories as participants That is when the first computers were in- president in 1999, as well as the first fe- celebrated and enjoyed refreshments and stalled. The staff and customers both had male bank president in Marshall County. door prizes. to make some adjustments to make room Today she is also Chairman of the Board “We had hundreds of people come for the new technology. and Chief Executive Officer. by,” reported Josh But having a title Barnes, Assistant doesn’t mean that’s Vice-president, of the only job you do the day long celebra- in a hometown bank. tion. “Several former “I still have a few of and retired employ- my older customers ees came by for a who asked if I would visit, and that was still handle making exciting.” their deposits when Many of the I became president. employees at Peoples I told them, ‘Yes, I have been on staff will.’ And I still am,” more than 20 years. laughs Barnes. “We don’t have an “We’ve worked employee who has hard to build those been here since we relationships,” she opened in 1968, but adds. Jeanette Hall retired “This is a good last year after 35 community we live in. years of service,” And I love the sup- says Barnes. “We are port. If we get to the practically a family point where I’m not here.” Grant’s mayor, Samantha Lemley, stopped by Peoples State Bank of Commerce for the 40th able to do things like Teller Bobbie Anniversary celebration. She is shown above registering for a door prize with Josh Barnes, we’ve done today, I Edmonds can Assistant Vice-President. won’t like it. I’ll just certainly attest to go home,” she says. that. She has been at the bank for 24 “We hated them,” laughs Brenda Josh Barnes agrees. Peoples has seen years. “At one time or another all eight Barnes. “We were used to doing every- numerous changes in banking technol- of my children worked here,” Edmonds thing manually. We balanced every day ogy and phenomenal growth over the tells. Most have gone on to pursue other manually, posting on ledger cards.” That last 40 years. “But we don’t ever want careers, but her daughter Sharon has workload took a substantial number of to outgrow our hometown roots. That’s followed in her mother’s footsteps by employees to complete the task that is what makes this community so special,” making banking her career. done today with a few simple clicks of a explains Josh Barnes. “Every day we Brenda Barnes, bank president, and button. come to work, we get to help our friends her secretary Laura Hairrell have been Barnes hasn’t always been the bank and neighbors.” s

Page 8 The Communicator • April 2008 Reserve officers graduate training Reserve police officers make a real difference in a small po- “These officers will patrol with our full-time police offi- lice force. These unpaid volunteers undergo weeks of training cers and help with special operations such as warrant sweeps,” in a variety of areas including firearms and state and city law. explains Chief Hoover. “They are an amazing example of self- They spend their own sacrifice.” money on supplies and Hoover is hopeful volunteer their spare time that more people will to help make their city volunteer to help serve a better place for those their community in the who live there. future. “I would like to New Hope Police add more reserve of- Department recently held ficers in the future,” says graduation exercises for Chief Hoover. their first group of five If you are interested reserve officers. The in volunteering as a reserve program is one reserve police officer, of many changes imple- contact the New Hope mented by New Hope Police Department for New Hope Police Chief Shannon Hoover presents graduates with their diplomas. Shown Police Chief Shannon above (Left to Right): Joshua Grimes, Richard Jones, Celeste Morris, Chrisopher Walls, more information about Hoover. Tanner Ward and Chief Shannon Hoover. the requirements. s

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The Communicator • April 2008 Page 9 Howard Cross NFL veteran shares keys to success with NHHS students “It’s 9:57. He’ll be here any min- athlete today?” asks Cross to a gym full “This guy gets $29 million a year for ute,” says Amy Largen, New Hope High of students. playing third-base. School Librarian and head of the Spirit Answers start popping from the “Now you can’t even imagine how Committee. Her short quick steps that bleachers. “Tiger Woods,” one student much money that is—to even try to spend carry her through the lobby are barely au- calls out. that much in a year. But is that what you dible above the anticipating want when you grow up? chatter of the awaiting mass. To be a famous celebrity Past and present faculty athlete? members, coaches, friends, “Think about this: Who and members of the media pays A-Rod?” Cross stops are sharing their favorite and smiles while the ques- stories of the soon-to-appear tion penetrates his capti- alumnus. vated audience. “I want to “I played basketball be the guy who can afford to against him, he was a real pay A-Rod!” good basketball player too; The audience got the I went to school with him, message. Smiles and head he finished a year before I nods return to Cross in ap- did; I remember when they proval and realization of started recruiting him, he his point—don’t limit your got offers from all over to dreams based on the success play college football; he was of one individual. “Finish always reading, he was such school, develop a plan, work a good student, a straight-A at it, and never lose focus,” student…” they say. he says. All at once, the sun- Cross’s message of light filtering in through the success starts with the dif- front doors was partially ference between character blocked by a 6-foot-5-inch, and image. “Image is what 270-pound frame, wrapped people think about you,” he Former lineman Howard Cross, spoke to students at New Hope in a huge smile. School recently. Cross’ message encouraged students to be ambitious and follow defines. “Too many kids to- “Hey Howard!” they their dreams while remembering the importance of a quality education. day care far too much about call out as each acknowl- their image instead of who edge his presence. The fear- they really are.” less ones emerge from the crowd to shake “Yes. He is the highest paid single He also warns that the world is flat hands heartily or wrap the giant in a warm athlete, but I’m talking team sports,” he and that computer files never go away. He hug. Howard Cross, a 13-year National clarifies. After several guesses from the says teens using social networking sites Football League veteran has come home crowd, Cross breaks in with the answer like Myspace.com inappropriately are do- to share a message of success and the he was looking for. ing more damage than they can virtually importance of character with the students. “A-Rod,” he says referring to Alex imagine. Pop quiz. “Who is the highest paid Rodriguez of the New York Yankees. “You only have one name,” he says.

Page 10 The Communicator • April 2008 It’s given to you at birth…it’s yours. You can anchor yourself to that is so strong In his NFL career, he caught 201 have to protect it like a delicate egg. It that nothing else can touch us. Something passes for 2,194 yards and 17 TDs. His can be growing something really incred- that is going to be consistent; an absolute list of injures and surgeries sound like ible, or you can shatter it.” thing. If you have that you have some- a page out of Grey’s Anatomy. Yet, he Cross is no stranger to speaking to thing you can grab and hold on to when only missed one game and three prac- students of all ages. He has been holding something goes wrong. tices in this 13-year employment with attention spans since the days of Nancy “If you don’t have anything, where do the Giants. Reagan’s “Just Say No” campaign in you turn to? What do you hold on to?” Cross loves to share memories of the 1980’s. As a high school All-State Cross is using his influence to turn playing with , Phil Lineman and a highly recruited college students’ attention to the influences that Simms, and . freshman, Cross was a favorite speaker affected him most—the educators and “Those guys were bigger than life!” he for the program. coaches from NHHS. says. “I have always surrounded myself “Mrs. Duckett was my favorite teach- He refers to himself as a blue-collar around people and players who don’t do er hands down,” he remembers with a big lineman. “I went to work everyday and I drugs,” he says. “In high school, college grin. “Mrs. Brawley in English, and Mr. did my job,” he says proudly. “I remem- and the pros—I know too many lives that and Mrs. Smith, they taught science, bi- ber what my dad told me. He said, ‘Be a have been destroyed by that stuff.” ology, physics. Those teachers really took man first. Before anything else. Be a man. He was also a member of the a high interest in you.” On the football Then, you can wear any suit you want.’” Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His field he played tight end and linebacker Today, Cross has finally traded suits. advice to students today still includes for Coach Hillis and Coach Taylor. He is working in television for the YES the importance in believing in something After high school he played tight end Network and in commercial real estate greater than you. at Alabama (1985-88), then was drafted in New Jersey. But he still makes time “My great grandmother taught me by the New York Giants. He made the to speak to students and civic groups all that ‘if God is for you, who can be against NFL All-Rookie team in 1989 and played over the U.S., just like he did this day you?’” he says. Cross believes that a in two Super Bowls, winning in 1991 back home in New Hope. strong foundation is very important. against the at “In 12 years it will be 2020,” Cross “You’ve got to have a strong founda- XXV. In 1995 he was the Giants’ True says in closing. “What’s your plan?”s tion and a belief in something that you Value Man of the Year.

Cross autographs retired jersey, shows students his Super Bowl ring, and embraces a former teacher.

The Communicator • April 2008 Page 11 Pastor’s Notes Rock Café Opens By Larry Bishop, Pastor The wait is over. The six-month reno- about each photo,” says Adams. The First Baptist Church vation is complete and the Rock Café & prints display legendary scenes of New New Hope Catering is now open for business. Hope’s past from the 1800’s to the “This is incredible, it’s more than we 1960’s. Group shots, old farm equipment It is Spring Time! I know this be- could have imagined,” says co-owner and antiques, as well as a few famous cause the calendar marks the first day Wanda Ikard with a big smile. She is faces are expected to keep the stories of spring as March 21. Other reasons referring to the rush of new patrons on alive. are warmer weather, longer days (actu- opening day that sent her and co-owner The walls are not the only changes ally more daylight), and spring flowers. Teresa Keel into an excited frenzy. to the old restaurant. The extensive There is also the increased road traffic, “We had to close almost an hour renovation brought all new kitchen especially the vehicles that are pulling early because we had run out of food,” equipment, dining room seating, and boats. It seems that everyone is going says Scott Adams, one of the waiters and tables to the newly declared smoke-free, fishing! a good friend of the owners. “But that’s a establishment. good problem to have.” The Rock Café & Catering also fea- I am pretty sure that there will be Visitors to this memorable New Hope tures a menu like no other in New Hope. several fish stories about “the big one landmark are sure to receive more than “We have appetizers!” Adams reports that got away” as well as the ones that just a good meal. Families can come to with a grin. Fried dill pickles, cheese were caught. I remember seeing pho- share stories that feed off of the photos sticks, wings and more. tographs of some very large fish that decorating the walls. They have breakfast for the early birds. people caught at Keller’s Store. Every “Jimmie Ruth Richards from the The lunch specials are made fresh daily fisherman has a fish story. New Hope Historical Association helped (along with the desserts), and the dinner Have you heard the story about provide the prints, dates and information menu has something for everyone. s the time that a fish caught the man? This story can be found in the Old Testament book of Jonah. People have debater over the years whether this could be true. Some say it’s not possible because there is not a fish big enough to swallow a man. Others say that it was a whale. I think the real story is not that the fish swal- lowed the man, but the fact that the man was alive when the great fish cast him to the dry ground. Jesus confirmed this story when he said, “As Jonah was three days and nights in the (belly of the great fish), so shall the Son of man be three days and nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:40) Jesus used a fish story to reveal the greatest story ever told. A glimpse inside the Rock Café (above) displays He is alive! the renovation efforts featuring old photos from the historical society. The restaurant’s new name came See you in church Sunday! from the familiar rock facing on the outside.

Page 12 The Communicator • April 2008 Home Safety 101: Making Plans The warnings are mind numbing. All A flashlight and batteries, whistle and Make a plan too prevalent are the images that flood other miscellaneous hand tools can make It is important to plan before disaster news and weather channels. Disaster a difference. Visit www.ready.org for strikes in case your family is not together. strikes. Families are separated. Lives are more items to consider. You need to decide how to contact each changed forever. other and how to get back together. Still, countless victims of emergen- Depending on the event and the cies are caught off guard. Think of magnitude of the devastation, it may be spring as reminder to change out your easier to make a long-distance call than emergency kit for warm weather and to call across town. Select a friend or check smoke detector batteries and relative out-of-town as the person with carbon monoxide detectors. whom to communicate among separated Plan a weekend to make a plan — family members. Make sure each family an emergency plan. You will need a kit, member knows the phone number and a plan and some specific information. has change for long distance calls. Be familiar with the places your fam- Basic emergency supply kit ily members frequent. Know the emer- When preparing for emergencies gency plans for work places, daycares most think of the three basics: food, and schools. water and shelter. But do not take for Spend time with your family discuss- granted the elements that are not listed. ing the dangers and warnings of weather Air – Clean air is vital. Include a related emergencies and man-made dust mask in your emergency supply emergencies like fires or terrorist threats. kit to filter contaminated air. Also have Know the dangers and seasonal threats of plastic sheeting and duct tape to help you your area. shelter-in-place. Families should also have an evacua- Water –­ Have a three-day supply of tion plan that includes exit plans for fires, water stored in plastic containers. Include as well as where family members should one gallon of water per family member. plan to meet. Food – Store a three-day supply of non-perishable food that requires little or no preparation. If you select Collect your family canned foods, be sure to include a members’ information non-electric can opener. Consider including your family’s Have a NOAA Weather Radio or personal information in your emergen- a battery-powered radio and extra bat- cy kit. Have all of your medical history teries for both. Staying alert of chang- and identification numbers in a secure, ing weather conditions and local radio weather and fire resistant container. broadcasts will keep you informed and You can download an Emergency help you make good decisions. Family Plan from a disaster prevention First Aid kit – visit www.redcross. Also look at the specific age ap- and preparation Web site. org for a detailed list of items. Don’t propriate needs of your family. Have For more information and ideas about forget the importance of sanitation dur- prescriptions and glasses on hand, or how to make better emergency plans visit ing times of crisis. Include a few items things like entertainment for children Ready.gov, Redcross.org, FEMA.org or to help prevent spreading disease. and games. Prepare.org.s

The Communicator • April 2008 Page 13 New Hope High School Co m m u n i t y Ca l e n d a r Ap r i l 2008 Teacher of the Month April month April through October 6 - 9 p.m. at Hard- Gunter Mountain DAR ee’s Restaurant in New Hope. Contact Billy Vann at Guidelines for contributing items for placement in the 723-4631 or Donald Roy Paseur at 723-4500. Pennsylvania Log Cabin Museum, on the campus of DAR High School, will be featured in the April issue. April 10 The Gunter Mountain DAR Chapter plans to reopen County Shed Day the Museum later this year. Madison County Commissioner Jerry Craig will host the annual appreciation lunch at the County Shed. April 1-6 Everyone is invited to come out for a free barbeque Kidtopia Workdays & Grand Opening lunch as part of County Government Week. The community is urged to come together April 1-5 at the Grant Park to help construct the facility in a April 19 style reminiscent of an old-fashioned “barn raising.” New Hope Spring Beauty Pageant Everyone’s help will be greatly appreciated. Help is Entry deadline is April 5 (Beauty - $40, Optionals are needed to serve food, baby-sit, pound nails, paint $5 each) Open for girls 0 and up. Pageant is Sat- and much more! To volunteer call Paula Wright at urday, April 19 at 6 p.m. at New Hope School. For 728-4558. more info contact Tina Anderton at 256-585-4727 or 723-5310. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please call Heather Saint at 683-0017. A “Kidtopia Celebration” and Grand Opening is planned for April 26 April 6th. The playground committee has raised over Special Singing $100,000 and currently needs about $38,000 to The Boys of Alabama will be singing at Galilee Bap- complete the project. Tax-deductible donations can tist Church at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome! still be made by calling Heather Saint at 683-0017.

Tell us about your community event and we will in- April 5 clude it on our Community Calendar. If your group has Coach Hal Parvin has been an ed- Cruise-In an upcoming event, please send the event name, dates and North Alabama Street Toys Cruise-In. Custom Cars, times, a brief description and contact information to: NHTC, ucator for over 31 years and he’s spent Street Rods, Trucks and Classic Cars welcome? (No Attn: Communicator, PO Box 452, New Hope, AL 35760, every one of them at New Hope High boom boxes) 50/50 drawing, door prizes, awards. or email [email protected]. The information must be No entry fee—just lots of fun! First Saturday of each submitted 8 weeks in advance to meet printing deadlines. School. He received his teaching de- gree from Athens State University. He has two grown children, Amy Parvin Osborne and Ben Parvin. Parvin has also served his country as a member of the Alabama National Grant Founder’s Day Festival Guard for 30 years. Lieutenant Colonel Parvin currently serves as the S6 Come out and join the fun at Grant Founder’s Day. This year the Communications Officer for thest 31 festivities have been moved to May, so more people can enjoy the Chemical Brigade in Tuscaloosa. fun. There will be arts and crafts, displays, games, a car show, and One of Coach Parvin’s fondest plenty of fun for the children. Concessions will be available. There memories is of taking Howard Cross, will also be plenty of musical entertainment including gospel, coun- his younger brother Eric, Coach try and western, and bluegrass. Solley, and Bernard Bell home after football practices in a 2-door Toyota When: Friday, May 2 Kickoff at 5 p.m. Corolla hatchback. Each man weighed Saturday, May 3 starting at 7 a.m. over 200 pounds. “Needless to say, I Where: Main Street at the Fire Station had to buy a new transmission after Sponsored by: Grant Fire & Rescue Howard’s senior year,” laughed Coach Info: Robert Patterson at 723-8866 or 505-1204, Robert Parvin. Davis at 728-2698 or 558-0134, or City Hall at 728-2007

Page 14 The Communicator • April 2008 “Clean Street Week” The Inaugural New Hope Lions Club and the New Hope City Council are sponsoring the Indian Classic Golf Tournament ‘Street Walkers’ Clean Up Campaign for Gunter’s Landing — Guntersville, AL the city April 7 through 12. Saturday, May 10, 2008 • 1:00 p.m. Shotgun Start During this week homeowners can Pre-event/ registration begins at 12:00 p.m. Noon place trash too large for garbage cans by DETAILS Food and drinks will be furnished following the tournament the roadside to be picked up. Volunteers will meet at the Piggly Sponsor fees are $100 per Hole and Multiple Hole Sponsorships are encouraged. Your company’s logo, Wiggly on Saturday, April 12 at 8:00 business name or family member name will be placed on a a.m. to pick-up trash from the roadsides. tee box. This is a 100% tax-deductible donation. April 19 has been set as a rain date. SPONSORS Commissioner Jerry Craig will once Sam Baker - 214-0002 work, 683-8604 cell again cook lunch for the volunteers. Devin Whitaker - 755-6519 cell, 723-2195 home And business owners across town have Mike Whitaker - 723-4040 Brian Largen - 723-8687 donated items to be used for the street CONTACTS walk. Every volunteer will be entered in a drawing for door prizes. w1st and 2nd Place wLongest Drive Call Ava Cambron at 723-4695 to wClosest to the Pin wDoor Prizes volunteer your group to help with the PRIZES clean up effort. Thanks for helping keep sponsored by the New Hope Homerun Booster Club the streets of New Hope clean!

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The Communicator • April 2008 Page 15 Hometown Hero USMC Corporal Jonathan Blake His father served in the National Guard Cooper recently deployed with the for 20 years. His grandfather served in Guardian Company to Camp Fallujah the Army during the Korean War. in Iraq. There he will run reconnais- “He’s fulfilling a life-long dream,” sance operations. says his father, John. “Ever since he He is the son of John and Rhonda was six years-old he’s had a poster of Cooper of New Hope and the grandson the Marines in his bedroom. This is all of Riley and Jane Cooper. he’s ever wanted to do.” Jonathan and his wife Laura reside John recalls his son calling to tell in San Diego, California. They were him he was going to Iraq. “I’ve got to married four months ago on New go. This is what I’m supposed to do,” Year’s Eve. Jonathan explained simply. Jonathan graduated from Friends and family can write NHHS in May, 2004 and joined Jonathan while he is serving our coun- the Marines in December of the try in Iraq. Use the following address: same year. He spent two years Cpl Jonathan Blake Cooper working in communications in Cpl. Cooper, Jonathan, B. of the United States Marine Okinawa, Japan, before joining GUARDIAN Company, I MHG, I Corps is shown with his M-16 the Special Forces. MEF just before his deployment to Iraq in February. Jonathan is the third generation UNIT 42540 to join the military in his family. FPO AP 96426-2540

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Page 16 The Communicator • April 2008 Pennies for Patients New Hope Elementary School recently held a fund raising campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Students in Kindergarten through 6th grade collected spare change to raise money to help fight blood cancers. A total of $2,412.37 was collected throughout the three week campaign. The money will be used by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for blood cancer research, education and patient services. Since the organization was founded in 1949, more than $550 million has been used to help find a cure for blood cancers. Mrs. Burleson’s class collected the Mrs. Burleson’s Kindergarten class raised the most money during the Leukemia & Lymphona Society’s most money. The kindergartners raised annual Pennies for Patiernts campaign. The group celebrated with a pizza party. Students shown above $366.67. The class received a pizza party are: Front Row (L to R) Tony Maples, Trinton Wilcox, Spencer Watson, Sydney Moore, Cody Rice, Brianna Roberson. 2nd Row ( L to R) Andy Jarrell , Janna Parker, Elizabeth Burton, Mackena Maples, for being the top fundraisers for the Emily Martin. 3rd Row ( L to R ) Shelby Sutton, Mrs. Burleson, Jesse Nielson, John Robert Kelly. school. When it comes to banking, we don’t clown around. We know you’re serious about your money and want a bank that is, too.

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The Communicator • April 2008 Page 17 NHHS Food Dynamics Class

The Food Dynamics Class at New Hope High School this the cultures, foods and climates of other countries. Through year is a fun blend of personalities. The entire group has been the process of creating a powerpoint presentation, they will consistently open-minded about trying foods that are new to learn how all of the other cultures on earth have influenced the them. variety of foods available to them here in the southeast United The class does labs twice a week and each lab is an adven- States. This is the third year Mrs. Ezell has done this project ture to watch! Some days the boys are very enthusiastic about with students, and it is always fun to see their perspectives of learning to cook, and other days they prefer to stand back and other cultures. watch the girls cooking. They are all very conscientious about “I have enjoyed working with this group of young people. safety, and have learned to follow recipe directions well. I hope that spending some time in the kitchen here will inspire The class is about to embark on a journey around the them to enjoy preparing food in their lives away from here world. They will search the Internet for information about and as they mature,” said Mrs. Ezell.

Chicken Casserole margarine and garlic powder, brush 1 lb. ground beef 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, on top of hot biscuits. Makes 12 small 1 pkg. taco seasoning mix boiled and chopped biscuits or 8 large biscuits. 1/4 cup chopped onion 1 can cream of chicken soup 8 oz. can tomato sauce 4 Tbsp. sour cream Microwave Chili 1 small block Colby-Jack cheese, 1 package crackers, crushed 1 lb. ground beef (or chicken or shredded 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted turkey) 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds 1 small green pepper, chopped Preheat oven to 350º. Line a pie pan 1 medium onion, chopped with crescent rolls. (Hint: They are tri- Preheat oven to 350º. While chicken 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped angles - put the point of the triangles is boiling (15 minutes), mix soup and 1-16 oz. can stewed tomatoes, in the center and they will form a cir- sour cream together in a medium undrained cle. Press the dough together to fill in bowl. Mix cooled, chopped chicken 1-16 oz. can kidney beans gaps.) Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips into soup mixture. Spray an 8” x 8” or 1-8 oz. can tomato sauce on top of crescent rolls. Set aside. 9” x 9” baking pan with Pam. Spread 2 Tbsp. chili powder Brown meat and onion, drain grease. mixture in pan. Mix crackers, butter 1/4 tsp. salt Add tomato sauce and taco seasoning and poppy seeds together and spread mix. Spread meat mixture over torti- over chicken mixture. Bake uncovered Crumble meat into 3 quart microwav- lla chips. Sprinkle with grated cheese. 15 to 20 minutes, until bubbly. able bowl. Add bell pepper, onion Bake for 25 minutes, or until crescent and garlic. Cover loosely with plastic rolls are cooked in the center of the Cheddar Biscuits wrap and microwave on high for 6 to pan. Serve with sour cream. (similar to Red Lobster biscuits) 9 minutes, breaking up meat chunks 2 cups Bisquick original baking mix and stirring well after 4 minutes. When Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits 2.3 cup milk meat is no longer pink, remove from 2 cans biscuits 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded microwave and drain in colander. Stir 1 stick margarine 1/2 stick butter or margarine, melted in remaining ingredients. Cover tight- 1 cup sugar 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ly and microwave 12 to 18 minutes, 2 Tbsp. cinnamon stirring every 6 minutes, until boiling. Heat oven to 450º. Stir baking mix, Serves 4 adults or 2 teenagers! Mix cinnamon and sugar together milk and cheese until soft dough well. Melt margarine. Dip biscuits in forms. Drop by spoonfuls onto un- Taco Pie melted margarine and then cinnamon greased cookie sheet. Bake 8 - 10 min- 1 can crescent rolls sugar mixture. Bake according to di- utes until golden brown. Stir together 1-1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips rections on biscuit can.

Page 18 The Communicator • April 2008 Inspiration Corner

If you have ever been on a road trip and had an accident, or eaten at a restaurant and got sick, you’re in good company. I would assume that, like myself, after these experiences you still take road trips and you still eat in res- taurants. Imagine that. Years ago I heard some people stopped going to a church because the parking lot wasn’t paved. I also heard Clouds and Sunset people stopped going to a church be- cause a mural of the Creation Story after the rain. Photo showed Adam with a “belly button”. taken looking west at How does such justification happen? Old Gurley Pike by Lou Because pride is a powerful tool of sa- Baby Elizabeth “Izzy” Medlen isAnn 9 months Poole. old. She is the daughter of Kanita and Donny Medlen. tan. Don’t get me wrong, a Christian church not teaching Christ needs purg- ing, however, Proverbs 16 says, “pride comes before the fall.” If every mem- ber of a church is a part of the Body of Christ, as I Corinthians states, and no part is any less important than another, only pride would cause a nose to cut it- Baby Elizabeth self off to spite the face. “Izzy” Medlen at 9 One who keeps taking road trips af- months. She is the ter a wreck but stops going to church daughter of Kanita because of a flat might want to look and Donnie Medlen. deep into their relationship with Jesus, since He is the One who gives life to the Church. As we enter into the plant- ing season, please join with me pray- ing for every Christian to seek God’s “Summer Fun ” is the photo theme for June. Send pictures matching the photo theme to: NHTC will in every church, and for the Great • Attn: Communicator Photos • P.O. Box 452 • New Hope, Alabama 35760. You may prefer to e-mail your photo to [email protected]. Follow these guidelines for publication: (1) Commission to be realized in every Photos must match theme. (2) Photos must be high resolution. The resolution offered by heart. Searching souls need to know some printers is not high enough for publication. (3) Do not write on the back of photo. Include where they can find REAL Peace, Hope names of persons in photo, as well as, photographer, address and phone number on paper and Love. Show them in a church near taped to back. (4) Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like your photo returned. (5) Deadline for June is April 20th. you.

By submitting your photos: (1) you attest that you are the creator and owner of the photos, (2) you give New Hope Telephone permission to publish your material in The Communicator, (3) you agree to offer said photos without the expectation of payment from New Hope Telephone, and (4) you understand that photos are selected for publication Michael Carpenter, Pastor in The Communicator at the sole discretion of New Hope Telephone, and that submission of your photo does not New Hope United Methodist guarantee your photo will appear in the magazine. Church & Oak Bowery United Methodist Church

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