BROADBAND: MILLENNIAL EDITION

ConnectedJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

Directory Recycling Dennis Heard carries on a family tradition

SMART RURAL COMMUNITY SIMMERING SATISFACTION FTC earns award for Slow cooker recipes warm world-class network winter tables INDUSTRY NEWS

Rural Connections

BY SHIRLEY BLOOMFIELD, CEO NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association What is your broadband story? We just closed out a year when rural broadband was a continuing news item, and I believe that will hold true in 2019. This is good news for those of you read- ing this magazine, and even better news for the millions of rural Americans not served by a progressive broadband pro- Fighting cyberthreats together vider like yours. NTCA continues a collaboration with the Department It’s easy to get caught up in the policy of Homeland Security to provide telcos with critical behind the issues. After all, the bills Congress debates become the laws that cyberthreat information govern rural broadband. It’s so important Small telecommunications providers mount a strong defense against advanced that rural broadband providers like yours security threats from criminal elements and overseas enemies. Beyond the profes- stay involved in the process to ensure sionals on its local staff, your internet provider benefits from the cybersecurity that public policy encourages investment efforts of hundreds of similar companies across the U.S. in building reliable broadband service to NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association represents nearly 850 independent, our rural regions. That’s a key function of community-based telecommunications companies, helping them collectively NTCA as the unified voice of nearly 850 work toward solutions to industry challenges and better serve their members and independent, community-based telecom- customers. munications companies. The association recently announced that, in partnership with the Department of But we must always remind ourselves Homeland Security and National Institute for Hometown Security, it will explore that the reason we work for good public creating a forum for small, rural telecom operators from across the country to share policy is to help communities build the and receive timely, actionable and relevant cyber information. networks needed to support an improved Bob Kolasky, director of the National Risk Management Center, presented quality of life for real people. In every NTCA with a National Infrastructure Protection Program Security & Resilience issue of this magazine, you read stories of Challenge award for 2019 to support the project, which will include the creation people who are using broadband to make and beta test of a daily cyber intelligence report. This will be curated to meet the a difference in their lives, businesses, unique needs and interests of community-based telecommunications broadband families and communities. That is what providers. drives our work. This new award follows NTCA’s successful collaboration with DHS to create the With funding programs in the news, 2018 Cyber Wise Program that provided free, industry-focused risk management USDA efforts and FCC initiatives — not training to rural telcos. to mention new providers getting into “NTCA is proud to support small, rural operators as they navigate an increas- the telecom business — 2019 is going to ingly complex cyber landscape,” says NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley be another big news year for broadband. Bloomfield. “As we all know, cyberattacks are truly a matter of ‘when,’ not ‘if,’ Help us keep our eyes on the human and this new partnership with DHS and NIHS will help explore a new forum to impact by sharing your broadband stories ensure rural broadband providers are both aware of threats and equipped with the on social media using the #ruraliscool information and tools that they need to respond. I’m grateful for this continued col- hashtag.  laboration and look forward to seeing its results.” 

2 | January/February 2019 Lifeline is a government assistance program that can help pay a portion of your telephone, mobile Lifeline phone or internet bill each month. Consumers are allowed only one SERVICE Lifeline program benefit per household.

? How much will Lifeline Guidelines will continue to be eli- save me? gible for a Lifeline program benefit. (State determinations of income will If you qualify for Lifeline, you will no longer be accepted.) There are receive a credit of $9.25 each no changes to the eligibility criteria month on your bill. for Tribal programs. FRS Youth App What services are covered ? NOTE: Some states have additional Challenge by this credit? qualifying programs, allowances You have the choice (where applica- and stipulations. Check with your Students, it’s time to start ble) of applying your benefit to one local telecommunications provider thinking about the Foundation of three types of service offerings: for information about benefits that for Rural Service’s challenge and • Fixed or mobile broadband may be available in your state. the app that could pave the way • Fixed or mobile voice-only to your future. • Bundles of fixed or mobile voice ? How do I enroll in the and broadband Lifeline program and start Who: Students enrolled in grades receiving this benefit? seven to 12. A single student, NOTE: Lifeline can only be used for To find out whether you qualify for or teams with as many as five one source of communication from Lifeline assistance, please visit students, may compete. the list above. www.lifelinesupport.org or call your local telecommunications provider. What: Develop a concept for a Can I receive more than ? mobile app to address a problem one Lifeline credit? NOTE: Your telephone company is or improve a process in your No, consumers are allowed only one not responsible for determining rural community or in rural Lifeline program benefit per house- who qualifies for these programs or America at-large. The challenge hold. who receives assistance. Consumers is concept-based only, and must meet specific criteria in order entries will be judged based on ? How do I qualify? to obtain assistance with their local how well-researched and well- telephone and/or broadband service, You are eligible for Lifeline benefits presented the app is. It must be and qualifying is dependent upon if you qualify for and receive one of possible and not already an app government-established guidelines. the following benefits: in existence. • SNAP • Medicaid When: The submission deadline is • Supplemental Security Income March 1, 2019. (SSI) ? • Federal Public Housing Assistance Why: The winning team will • The Veteran’s Pension or Survivor’s Pension benefit. DO YOU QUALIFY? receive $1,000 in gift cards and Stay connected with a Codecademy scholarships. Additionally, consumers at or below Lifeline discount. 135 percent of the Federal Poverty How: Visit FRS.org for more Apply today! information about submissions.

January/February 2019 | 3 FROM THE CEO Connected JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 VOL. 23, NO. 1

Connected is a bimonthly magazine Our mission published by Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative, © 2019. It is distributed without charge to all customers of FTC. bout two decades ago our Board of Trustees adopted a formal statement of mission. Though we’ve always Aunderstood our duty to you, it was refreshing to see it stated in print and in somewhat visionary terms. We sort of wrote down what we aspired to become. This was before the widespread adoption of the public internet and our decision to become an FTC is the state’s largest member-owned provider of telecommunications services. optical fiber provider. Still, the statement guided us well. It serves Northeast Alabama with a robust In recognition of the fact we’ve accomplished much of broadband network using world-class optical fiber technology. what we set out to do, our Board of Trustees just approved a forward-looking update to this document. It wasn’t merely an exercise in wordsmithing. It was a meaningful and fresh endorsement of our commitment to each of you, to remain Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc. faithful to our original purpose. It is a blessing to work for P.O. Box 217 • 144 McCurdy Ave. N. such a company and for you. I am extremely grateful for that Rainsville, AL 35986 FRED JOHNSON and for my colleagues, the outstanding men and women who Telephone: 256-638-2144 Chief Executive Officer daily keep you connected. There is much else I would like to www.farmerstel.com tell you, but sometimes the less talk the better. I will let our Mission speak for itself. BOARD OF TRUSTEES Randy Wright, President THE FTC MISSION Flat Rock Exchange We are different. We were created not for profit, but to serve ... to serve you. Garry Smith, Vice President At Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative, we realize it is not about us. It is about Fyffe Exchange you. We will invest in your future. We will build, maintain and serve you with the Danny R. Richey, Secretary region’s premier telecommunications and broadband network. We will enhance and pro- Geraldine Exchange mote economic growth and the quality of life for all we serve — connecting your homes, Lynn Welden, Treasurer businesses and communities to the rest of America and the world. Bryant Exchange We do not merely serve the community. We are part of the community and we are com- Kenneth Gilbert mitted to making it a vibrant place in which to live and do business. We will use our time Pisgah Exchange and resources to connect you, to empower you, to create jobs for you, to give charitably, Gregg Griffith to improve lives — to make our community stronger — all through communication. Henagar Exchange Because we value you, in all that we are and in all that we do, four principle values Randy Tumlin — honesty, integrity, fairness, and respect — will guide our every action. We shall not Rainsville Exchange compromise these values, and we expect the same from all who choose to do business with us. Produced for FTC by: We are a cooperative. We are driven by our values and by our principles. We are driven by you. We are many members. We are one force. We are one vision. By keeping you connected we will build a better world. We are FTC.  On the Cover: Dennis Heard, known as Big D, picks up telephone directories each year from local schools and handles recycling for FTC. See story Page 8.

4 | January/February 2019 Rates are increasing. HERE ARE THE FACTS. Why? What We’re Doing As consumers’ dependence on broadband We are constantly improving our network to provide continues to climb, we must maintain and you the best broadband experience. upgrade equipment to offer more bandwidth We are upgrading in-house equipment to faster, and faster speeds. This is our first increase in better routers to give you improved Wi-Fi coverage. broadband rates in two years, still below the rate of inflation. We are adding more redundancy — routes from key points in our network to the outside world to minimize service interruptions. Broadband

Why? Increase Amount Programmers continue to increase the rates they charge us Broadband Internet for their channels. We must pass those increases on to our subscribers. Residential service – $3.00 Business service – $4.00 FTCtv What We’re Doing FTCtv We continue to negotiate with programmers to keep costs Expanded Basic TV – $8.12 low, but the truth is, they can charge us whatever they want Business Premier TV – $6.00 to charge. You can contact your congressman to express Business Office Video – $5.50 your concerns, but frankly the issue of rising costs of TV Business Preferred TV – $4.00 programming does not seem to be a priority to the U.S. Business Office Entertainment – $3.50 Congress at the moment. Business Office Lite, Business Core TV, Tavern Core TV and Tavern Preferred TV – $3.00 New TV Reality Expanded Basic Lite TV – $2.50 Viewers are shifting away from traditional TV to streaming Limited Basic TV and TV Lifeline – $1.50 channels over broadband. Instead of paying for well over Showtime, ViewLocal – $1.00 100 channels to get the 10 or 15 they really want, viewers are Variety Tier – $0.50 turning to streaming services that offer select packages at STARZ – $0.25 lower prices. Hispanic Tier – $0.20 Phone Service Our New Direction Phone service will also see a slight increase, based on the Consumer Price Instead of spending up to $1 million for needed equipment Index. upgrades to serve just 4,000 FTCtv subscribers, we are putting Residential service – $0.40 that money to work expanding fiber internet service. We are Business service – $0.78 no longer adding new FTCtv subscribers, but instead we are Increases effective either Dec. 31, 2018 or Jan. 15, 2019 depending upon building the best broadband network available to support the service provider. many viewing options being offered today.

As technology changes, our mission remains the same: keeping you connected.

Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative January/February 2019 | 5 TRAVEL

TakeSoda bottling a sip oftours history offer a tasty treat

eorge Fletcher boarded a train in New York near his Long Island home and rode Gfor hours until he arrived in Cincinnati. Then, he rented a car and drove 100 miles to his destination: the Ale-8-One plant in Winchester, Kentucky. He patiently waited until the start of the tour, which had also drawn parents with young children, grandparents and others who love Ken- tucky’s favorite soda.

“I’ve wanted to do this for a long time,” Fletcher says. “I’ve loved Ale 8 for so long, and it will be fun to see how it’s made. Just to see the process will be so interesting.” Fletcher’s quest is not unusual. Guests come from all around to see where and how their favorite soda is made, says DeAnne Elmore, the company’s public relations and field marketing manager. Crafting a destination The building now housing Ale-8-One was originally part of a bowling alley. The first soda was produced in 1926, and the com- pany moved its headquarters in 1966. In 1989, an addition enabled increased soda production. There are now four varieties of Ale-8-One: the original, diet, caffeine-free and cherry. Tours began during the soda’s 75th birthday celebration. “We are limited by space, so we try to keep groups at about 30 people,” Elmore says. “That way, everybody gets a good experience and can see our production facility. People get to see up close and personal who’s really making this brand.” The company embraced Kentucky’s legacy of beverage production, which benefits from the popularity of bourbon and the Bourbon Trail tourism guide. “We are a member of the Kentucky Distiller’s Associa- tion and an associate member of the Bourbon Trail as Kentucky’s only soft drink,” Elmore says. Guests on the tour take a seat in a large room where they enjoy a video presentation hosted by the company’s CEO, Fielding Rogers, who is the fourth generation of the Rogers family to hold the post. The video offers a history of the brand and the manufacturing processes Ale-8-One is a signature Kentucky soda and part that are not part of the tour due to OSHA safety regulations. Follow- of a family-owned business dating to 1902. Tours ing the video, a vial of the secret formula that is part of every bottle are available at its plant in Winchester, Kentucky. of Ale-8-One is passed around for sniffing before the tour takes a turn

6 | January/February 2019 through the heart of the facility. Visitors see where bottles are filled, capped and prepared for shipping. “We’re still an operating manufacturing TENNESSEE SodasDouble Cola is asaround synonymous with Chattanooga,the Tennessee,South as Moon Pies. Double facility, so we can’t guarantee that all the lines will be running, but we try to do our Cola has been made in the downtown area since 1933 by the company that also pro- best to make sure they are when we have duces other soft drinks like Ski, Jumbo Chaser and Oranta. Buy a hoodie and other tours,” Elmore says. items online and learn more about it at double-cola.com. Following the tour, guests are treated to tastes of Ale-8-One, and if you want SOUTH CAROLINA to take some home — or a baseball cap, Since 1903, Blenheim has produced ginger ale in Hamer, South Carolina. But the hoodie, koozie, salsa, barbecue sauce or drink’s origins go back to the 1700s when a man lost his shoe in a water hole. Thirsty, other Ale-8 gear — there’s a gift shop he sampled the water and found it to be excellent. One hundred years later, ginger near the entrance/exit. was added to the water and Blenheim Ginger Ale was born. The soda now comes in For tours of Ale-8-One, offered on three varieties: mild, hot and diet. Thursday and Friday mornings, log on to www.ale8one.com. ALABAMA Buffalo Rock Ginger Ale was created in the late 1800s and is instilled in the hearts of Alabamians. The Birmingham company of the same name — Buffalo Rock — HOW IT BEGAN continues to make its famous ginger ale. It has added more sodas to its line over the years, including Grapico, Wham and Sunfresh. The company remains family-owned George Lee Wainscott started his and is under the leadership of founder Sidney Lee’s great-grandson, James C. Lee. soft drink company in 1902, making Interesting fact: Buffalo Rock developed the first 3-liter soda bottles used by distilled water and flavored drinks. many soft drink companies today. In 1906, he added Roxa-Cola to his inventory, named for his wife, Rox- GEORGIA anne. Coca-Cola sued and lost, but Coca-Cola was created in Atlanta, and a visit to World of Coke teaches you all even so, Wainscott wanted some- about the Coke phenomenon. Learn the story behind it, see Coke artifacts, enjoy thing new and unique to him, so he interactive exhibits, get a behind-the-scenes look at the bottling process and more. invented a new, unnamed soda — a For information, visit www.worldofcoca-cola.com. pleasant blend of ginger and citrus. He introduced his creation at the NORTH CAROLINA Clark County Fair and sponsored a L.D. Peeler created Cheerwine in Salisbury, North Carolina, 102 years ago at the “name-that-soda” contest. The win- height of a sugar shortage in World War I. The wild cherry cola was an immediate hit ning name was “A Late One,” mean- and is now marketed across the country. The family-owned company is under the ing, in Southern vernacular, “the leadership of L.D. Peeler’s great-grandson.  latest thing” or “something new.” The name “A Late One” was then created into a logo pun, Ale-8-One, that would eventually become the colloquial name. But every bottle still carries the original “A Late One” name above Ale-8-One. Following Wainscott’s death, the company passed into the hands of his second wife, Jane Rogers; then to her brother, Frank Rogers; and on to his son, Frank Jr., who left it to his son, Frank III, who left it to his son and current CEO Fielding Rogers. He still uses his great-great-uncle’s handwritten notes to hand-mix the secret original formula.

January/February 2019 | 7 Dennis Heard has been helping FTC with its directory recycling program since its inception.

Another one for the books FTC gives back to schools through recycling program

BY LISA SAVAGE

ennis Heard learned the importance The Heards would haul the first load to a recycling center in of recycling and giving back from his Chattanooga. Then, they would continue at the school where they had left off, going from Sylvania north through DeKalb father. So it was natural that the men D County and on to Bryant, North Sand Mountain, Flat Rock, started a recycling company years ago and also Pisgah, Dutton and Section in Jackson County. volunteered their time to FTC’s phone book The route took two weeks to complete each year and two trips recycling program. to the recycling center. “When we first started, it was D & D Recycling,” Heard says. THE BEGINNING “That stands for Daddy and Dennis. We would joke that it really Injuries from a wreck in the late ’80s kept the elder Heard stood for dumb and dumber.” from working at the job he had held at the Tennessee Valley But now, it’s just Big D Recycling. Heard works alone, and Authority for years. To make extra money, he would pick up only one time each year, to collect and recycle phone books scrap metal to sell. for FTC. His father, Eldridge Heard, who was known as Big L, passed away in 2012. Now, Heard continues his father’s legacy. Students at North Sand Mountain The Heards were on the forefront of recycling in the ’90s. participate in the directory recycling program for FTC. They collected mostly cardboard, but FTC wanted to start a recycling program for the 55,000 phone books it produces each year. Dennis Heard’s aunt, Martha Knight, worked at FTC and thought the two men might like to be involved. Peggy Benefield, now retired from FTC, started the recycling program and had wooden bins placed in each community. It soon became evident, though, that the open bins collected too much water. “They’d get wet, and we were hand-loading them,” Heard says. “They were heavy, and it was tough.” The next year, schools in FTC’s service area collected the phone books. FTC paid about 25 cents to the schools for each of its phone books collected. “We’d start at Crossville, go to Geraldine and then Fyffe,” Heard says. “By the time we got to Plainview, we’d be packed out.”

8 | January/February 2019 Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative After Heard graduated from Pisgah Even though the numbers are smaller, “He started all this, and he was so High School in 1996, he started work- it’s still an important mission for Heard. proud to be a part of it,” Heard says. “He ing full time for his father. They recycled Now, FTC pays the schools 50 cents for always wanted to know what school had cardboard, primarily from sock mills in each phone book. the most and how many pounds we had.” Fort Payne. But they always volunteered “It helps the schools, and it’s showing He still gives his father an update each two weeks a year, collecting the telephone the kids that not everything needs to go in year. books and taking them to a recycling the garbage,” Heard says. “Still today, I go by the graveyard and center. Those concepts are important to him, visit Daddy afterward,” he says. “I’ll sit With the decline in the sock industry in and they were important to his father. In down and tell him who had the most. I the late ’90s, the bottom fell out of card- the later years, when his father could no know he’d be proud that we have contin- board recycling, and the men regrouped. longer help, he still wanted an update. ued doing this. It’s just a tradition.”  Recycling no longer took full-time efforts from both men. While his father continued the recy- cling operations, Heard went to work for the Jackson County Sanitation Depart- ment. He would take a week’s vacation each March and work with his father to recycle the phone books. Sometimes, North Sand Mountain his father had to scale back his efforts School has strong because of his health. participation in FTC’s That system continued until his father’s recycling program. death six years ago. Now it’s a one-man job. Heard still takes a week’s vacation. He picks up fewer phone books than when he and his father first started. In the early years, students brought phone books that their parents, friends and neighbors FTC proudly sponsors this recycling had saved for years. The Heards might project that keeps tons of waste out Other phone directories can be pick up between 1,200 and 1,500 books at of our landfills and dropped off for recycling, but only helps schools one school and collect between 4,000 and earn money. FTC phone books will earn money 6,000 books in a two-week period. for your school. Take books to the Last year, Heard picked up 35 books school of your choice. at one school. The most he picked up was 800 at another school. It only takes a week to make the rounds, and he takes the books to a recycling center in Scottsboro. “Last year, I think I only picked up 5 tons total,” he says.

Five tons of old phone books were kept out of landfills last year.

DROP OFF OLD FTC PHONE BOOKS TO ANY OF THESE PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS: • BRYANT • FLAT ROCK • ROSALIE • CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN • FLORAL CREST • PLAINVIEW ACADEMY • FORT PAYNE • MOUNTAIN VIEW • CROSSVILLE • FYFFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY • DEKALB COUNTY SPECIAL • GERALDINE • NORTH SAND MOUNTAIN SERVICES CENTER AT FYFFE • IDER • PISGAH • DUTTON • HENAGAR • SYLVANIA DEADLINE MARCH 8TH

Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative January/February 2019 | 9 THE IMPACT OF BROADBAND: MILLENNIALS EDITION

How some Rethinking millennials are re-evaluating life in rural rural communities BY DREW WOOLLEY ix years ago, Chase Rushing thought he Shad his future planned. Living in San Marcos, Texas, between San Antonio and Austin, he and his wife had access to all the entertainment a 20-something couple could want — not to mention a bur- geoning tech scene.

Chase Rushing wants “Our plan was to stay in the Austin his own family to area,” Rushing says. “That’s where the experience the small- jobs were, and that’s what I was preparing town lifestyle he grew up with. myself for.” of Isabel Reyna. courtesy Photo That preference for metropolitan areas is typical for a generation that rural com- a mortgage and kids to raise. As Rushing possessions, get their news online rather munities have had difficulty holding on to: and his wife began considering the latter, than from TV, and value work-life balance millennials. But there’s reason to believe the idea of returning to his hometown of in their careers. millennials may find more to like in rural Yantis, Texas, lodged itself in Rushing’s Perhaps most importantly, millennials communities as they age. mind. are the first generation to grow up in the For many, the term millennial has “It was important for me that my son internet age, meaning they have a natural become synonymous with the silly, and got to experience what I did growing up,” comfort with technology previous gen- derogatory, stereotype of any young he says. “Being around all your family, the erations have not had. That could make person eating avocados while staring at friendships, the bonds you form over that them a predictor of how future tech-savvy their phone. But the Pew Research Center time. It’s like nothing else.” generations will behave. works with a more precise definition. They Millennial trends are of particular define millennials as anyone born from the WIDE-OPEN SPACES interest to Dr. Roberto Gallardo, assis- years 1981 to 1997. Even if millennials are no longer the tant director of the Purdue Center for That means even the youngest mil- youngest generation, several character- Regional Development. While the lennials have likely already entered the istics set them apart from those before mainstream consensus has been that mil- workforce, while the oldest probably have them. They tend to value experiences over lennials are flocking to cities, Gallardo

10 | January/February 2019 believes improved internet connectivity Fostering more rural development are the challenges we face and what can could provide new opportunities in rural programs is one step Larson believes we do to address them?” he says. “It’s areas. communities like his could take to better not millennials versus baby boomers or “If you have a young family, you may promote the culture that already exists, as anyone else. It’s about all of us as a com- consider moving out of an urban area well as to help business owners collabo- munity.”  because of rising housing prices,” he rate and learn from one another. says. “Rural areas have a natural ambi- As the generation that now makes up ance that can attract younger families if the majority of the workforce, millenni- their job allows them to telework.” als will have an important say in those That draw depends heavily on rural efforts. But Rushing believes that if his communities building a high-speed generation is going to open up rural com- internet connection, but there is reason to munities to more young people, they will believe doing so could have a significant have to do so without losing sight of what impact. makes the rural lifestyle special. It may Living in a rural A population analysis by Gallardo and be necessary to break down generational community gives John two colleagues published in The Daily divides altogether. Larson the chance to share the countryside Yonder shows that, while rural counties “I think we need to be asking what we with his daughter.

across the country are seeing declines in can do to impact our community. What Lindstrom. of Kirstin courtesy Photo millennial populations, those with high- speed internet service saw millennial populations increase by 2.3 percent from 2010 to 2016. Rural America online That may not sound like much, but Gal- Millennial population change in southeastern states lardo points out that this is a process just getting started as millennials grow older. “Younger folks always flock to cit- ies, so if you’re a very rural community, broadband is not a silver bullet,” says 2 .1% Gallardo. “But it is a very key ingredient 0% -2.3% -2.4% -5.3% -6.4% to attract or retain millennials or younger families.”

CROSS-GEN COMMUNITIES John Larson moved to a rural com- munity not because he wanted to work remotely, but because his work could Population increase or decrease increase Population only be done from there. As a ceramic FASTEST INTERNET SPEEDS SLOWER INTERNET SPEEDS sculptor living outside of Milan, Min- nesota, Larson is able to run his own business with low overhead and access Nationwide population data shows that rural communities are losing younger natural materials that would be costly or residents to larger metropolitan areas. When looking at rural counties that have inconvenient in a larger city. invested in high-speed internet connections, however, the picture changes “Ceramics is a product of its location. significantly. If you use local materials, it will be a The graph above shows how millennial populations changed in the most rural reflection of its place,” he says. “I’ve counties in Alabama, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee from 2010 to 2016. built my small business on reusing bent Counties were ranked based on their internet connection, with the column on nails and foraging for materials.” the far left showing those with the fastest internet speeds and the column on Larson’s work also gets a boost from the far right showing the slowest. the established market for ceramics in the Over that time, counties with the fastest internet connections saw millennial Midwest, but finding a place in that mar- populations grow by more than 2 percent, while counties with slower connec- ket isn’t always easy for young artists. tions saw their millennial populations drop by more than 6 percent.

January/February 2019 | 11 FTC receives prestigious Smart Rural Community honor

BY LISA SAVAGE

ichele Pettis, a gifted education specialist for Fort Payne City MSchools, arranged for her students to Skype with a student in Russia. Pettis regularly takes advantage of the opportunities broadband internet provides to make online

interaction possible with a student on the other FTC had a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the city of side of the globe. Albertville as part of its gig launch in Marshall County.

She uses platforms such as September with the Smart Google Classroom and other Rural Community Showcase technologies that allow her Award at a gathering of more to communicate and teach. than 1,300 rural telecommuni- “I may present an interactive cations industry leaders. The lesson to both the class and association also acknowledged the student in Russia and in 12 other companies and their real time through Skype,” she communities. says. “It is truly amazing to be NTCA’s Smart Rural Com- able to do so 5,000 miles away. munity initiative recognizes The advantages for our rural the efforts of telecommunica- student population are invalu- tions providers across North Fred Johnson, chief executive officer of FTC, accepts the Smart Rural able.” America to deliver technolo- Community distinction from Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA–The This is just one example of gies that make rural communi- Rural Broadband Association, at the association’s fall conference. how communities across North ties vibrant places in which to of NTCA. courtesy Photo Alabama are improving lives live and do business. participation in the global ALABAMA’S ACCESS by leveraging the broadband The selection is a competi- economy. FTC was instrumental in network built by Farmers Tele- tive process. A panel of experts “We are pleased and excited assisting with legislation that communications Cooperative in the fields of education, to accept this award,” says brings more broadband access — from economic develop- health care, telecommunica- Fred Johnson, FTC’s chief to the state, says state Sen. ment strategies, education and tions, finance and rural eco- executive officer, who rep- Clay Scofield, a sponsor of the health care to government ser- nomic development reviews resented FTC at the awards Alabama Rural Accessibility vices, public safety and other applications from across the presentation. “We have worked Act. vital public functions. country. hard with our local leaders to “I’ve been working on that FTC received recognition for ensure that our citizens have act for a number of years,” RECOGNIZING TECHNOLOGY its use of broadband to connect access to advanced communi- Scofield says. “We finally NCTA-The Rural Broadband the community’s resources and cations and the many benefits passed a form of it. Fred John- Association honored FTC in to prepare and enable citizens’ those services enable.” son and Farmers were at the

12 | January/February 2019 Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative EDUCATION The benefits of a SMART RURAL COMMUNITY SMALL BUSINESS FTC’s world-class HEALTH CARE broadband network ENTERTAINMENT provides the foundation for an PUBLIC SAFETY improved quality of life in our corner of COMMUNITY SERVICE the state. ECONOMIC DEVELOPEMENT

heart of helping me understand the more service,” Durham says. “They closed all and we’re going to be able to expand technical aspects of broadband, including their distribution centers and moved them broadband access to our students, hope- why it was a challenge to serve rural areas, to Fort Payne simply because they handle fully in the surrounding areas where they how FTC was actively serving rural areas, all the sales and logistics via the internet.” live,” she says. and what we could do to help them serve In Albertville, Mayor Tracy Honea says The gigabit service FTC provides also rural areas better.” many of the 25 industries inside the city benefits Northeast Alabama Community The recognition comes as a result of use FTC services. “Several are extremely College. “It’s fantastic having this type FTC’s hard work to bring broadband to the excited for Farmers to come in because of of service here at Northeast,” college forefront in northeast Alabama. the access to fiber internet and what Farm- President David Campbell says. “We have “They’re the people who are bringing ers has to offer,” Honea says. “I think it’s more than 1,000 personal computers and broadband to these rural areas, which is huge.” 25 computer labs, and all our classrooms going to allow our areas to compete with are equipped with smart boards. We really other areas, attracting business and indus- EDUCATIONAL IMPACT emphasize technology, and the gig service try and providing jobs,” state Rep. Kerry FTC’s commitment to better serving the is what puts us over the top.” Rich says. community makes tangible differences for educators like Pettis in Fort Payne City MAKING A DIFFERENCE BROADBAND AND BUSINESS Schools, which began a move toward a It’s that kind of service and commitment The success of FTC’s efforts is evi- digital platform in 2009. Superintendent that is making an impact in the communi- dent in the growth of businesses like The Jim Cunningham says the change is pos- ties FTC serves. Children’s Place, a 700,000-square-foot sible because of FTC broadband services. “FTC is a prime example of the power distribution center for a leading specialty “It was necessary for our shift from of a broadband connection and a steadfast retailer of children’s merchandise. Located paper and pencil to classroom instruction commitment to growth and prosperity,” in Fort Payne, The Children’s Place had through digital devices and content,” Cun- says NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield. “Not 150 employees when it opened in 2007, ningham says. only are the people of FTC charting their says Jimmy Durham, executive director of FTC also provided hot spots around the own path to a more prosperous future, but the DeKalb County Economic Develop- city at locations students can use. “This they are also creating a road map for more ment Authority. enables students to access the internet who communities across the country to follow The company moved its internet-based might not have an internet connection at suit. I commend the people of FTC for operations from Secaucus, New Jersey, to home,” Cunningham says. these extraordinary efforts.” Fort Payne and now employs as many as Boaz City Schools Superintendent Shan- For FTC, it’s only the beginning. “We 1,175 workers locally, shipping 1 billion non Stanley says FTC coming to Boaz is a look forward to building on our success units of product annually. game-changer for the school system. for many years to come,” Johnson says.  “They tapped into Farmers Telecom- “It’s going to heighten our connectivity. munications and were able to get great It’s going to strengthen our infrastructure,

Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative January/February 2019 | 13 SOUTHERN KITCHENS

TheCOOKING joy of SLOW

n the South, when the weather turns cold and the days are short, we bring our slow Icookers out of hibernation to blanket ourselves in comfort food. “Nothing beats a slow-cooked pork butt or roast chicken with all the trimmings,” says Sandra Corbin.

She lives on a farm in laboring over the stove. “A Clarksville, Tennessee, and momma is always full time, she started using a slow and a farm momma even more cooker when her children were so,” she says. “When my Melissa Corbin learned slow cooker secrets from young and still in school. Her youngest daughter was 16, I her mother, Sandra. first slow cooker, purchased worked full time commuting in the 1970s, was harvest gold to Nashville five days a week with a brown lining and glass while attending college at cooking. The house would care what mess I might make. top that didn’t seal very well. night. The Crock-Pot certainly be filled with the smells of It was more important to her “It was round and only had came in handy during that delicious foods that had slow- that I learn kitchen basics that, two settings — high and low,” time of my life, too.” cooked for hours. to this day, I can remember she says. Her daughter, Melissa “There were always aromas her teaching me.” But with work on the farm Corbin, a Nashville-based to be savored in her kitchen,” Though Sandra Corbin and children’s after-school food consultant and freelance she says. “She encouraged made much use of her slow activities, she appreciated the journalist, says she remembers me from a very early age to cooker when she had children freedom of not spending time coming home to her momma’s cook alongside her. She didn’t in tow, she appreciates it all

14 | January/February 2019 POZOLE VERDE 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 carrots, diced A favorite go-to recipe from Melissa Corbin. SLOW COOKER 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth 3 pounds pork butt, roughly cut into 1 (16-ounce) can tomatoes or 3-4 CANDY 1-inch pieces fresh tomatoes roughly chopped Sandra Corbin’s slow cooker candy is Salt and pepper, to taste 1/2 tablespoon onion powder adapted from several online sources, such 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon thyme as this favorite from country music star 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 teaspoon salt Trisha Yearwood. 1/2 cup white wine 1/2 teaspoon pepper 2 pounds salted dry-roasted 1 large onion, diced 1/2 teaspoon sugar peanuts 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped 1 teaspoon olive oil 4 ounces Baker’s German’s sweet 1 poblano pepper, charred and 2 bay leaves chocolate chopped 1 (12-ounce) package semisweet 1 jalapeno pepper, charred and Stir all ingredients into a 6-quart slow chocolate chips diced cooker. After cooking on high for 30 min- 2 1/2 pounds white almond bark 1 pound tomatillo, roughly cut into utes, simmer on low for 4 hours. Remove 1-inch pieces bay leaves. The starter is ready for Put the peanuts in the bottom of a 2 (15.5-ounce) cans hominy, drained immediate canning. Otherwise, let cool slow cooker. Over these, layer the Sliced limes, chopped cilantro, thoroughly before freezing in freezer- sweet chocolate, chocolate chips and freshly sliced jalapeno and safe bags. almond bark. Slow cook on low for chopped red onion for garnish about 3 hours. Do not stir the mixture Suggested additions: while cooking until after the 3 hours Generously season pork with salt and bb Consider using this starter as a founda- is up. Then, stir with a wooden spoon pepper. Sprinkle with cumin. Heat a large tion for curry. Heat 1 1/2 cups of full-fat until smooth. Drop the candy into frying pan (preferably cast iron) with coconut milk with 1 tablespoon curry cupcake pan liners and let cool. 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, adding powder, 1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger, extra oil as needed. The pan should be 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 screaming hot to sear the pork without stalk of lemongrass (optional), 1 diced the more as she’s gotten older. “As cooking through. Make sure to work in potato and a protein of your choice, I’ve aged, I prefer one-pot meals with small batches so you do not steam the such as chicken or shrimp. Stir in 1-2 simple ingredients, like a pot roast, pork. Look for caramelized edges to the cups starter and simmer, uncovered, cream of mushroom soup and a package pieces of pork as you brown. Transfer the until desired thickness. Remove lem- of Lipton Onion Soup Mix with all the pork directly into the slow cooker, and ongrass before serving. Garnish with veggies simmered on low all day,” she then reduce the heat and deglaze the chopped cilantro or green onions. This says. skillet with 1/2 cup white wine and pour soup is great on its on but is delicious As life changes, so do slow cook- over pork. Add to the slow cooker the over a bed of jasmine rice. ers. Many come with multiple bells onion, garlic, peppers and finally tomatil- bb Into a cast-iron skillet, add 1 cup shred- and whistles. “Too many parts prone los in the order listed. Cover and cook ded rotisserie chicken, 1/4 cup chopped to breaking,” Melissa Corbin says. on high for 3 1/2 hours. Then, stir in the kalamata olives and 1 teaspoon dried “Rather, we have the same slow cook- hominy for a final 30 minutes of cooking. oregano to 1-2 cups of the soup starter. ers in different colors from the original Turn the slow cooker to its lowest setting Spoon over grilled bread and top with Rival Crock-Pot line. Mine is stainless to give the pozole time to rest before fresh feta cheese for a Mediterranean and Momma’s is red. She’s drawn to serving. Finish with lime, jalapeno, cilan- twist on bruschetta. bright colors.” tro and red onion. Makes approximately bb Minestrone is an Italian soup classic. 6 servings. Combine 1 cup cooked elbow macaroni, 1 (15-ounce) can of drained kidney beans, 2 cups chicken stock, 4 cups FOOD EDITOR SLOW COOKER SOUP STARTER soup starter, 1 teaspoon dried oregano ANNE P. BRALY This nutrient-rich soup starter recipe will IS A NATIVE OF be just what the doctor ordered in the cold and 1 teaspoon dried basil. Simmer on CHATTANOOGA, months of winter. low for 15-20 minutes. Garnish with TENNESSEE. 3 yellow squash or zucchini, cubed freshly torn basil leaves and grated 4 banana peppers or 1 bell pepper, parmesan cheese. Drizzle a bit of extra chopped virgin olive oil for the perfect finish.

January/February 2019 | 15 Presort STD US Postage PAID Permit #21 Freeport OH P.O. Box 217 • 144 McCurdy Ave. N. Rainsville, AL 35986

Ininvesting our future! Earn a scholarship from FTC! FRS scholarships »» FTC will award one $2,000 scholarship to a deserving high school senior. also available! »» FTC will award one $2,000 scholarship to a student already enrolled in Ask your guidance counselor or visit college. farmerstel.com for more information »» Applicants must live in the FTC service area and their legal guardian/ about these additional scholarship parent or applicant must be an FTC customer. opportunities available through the »» Applications are available through area guidance counselors and at Foundation for Rural Service. farmerstel.com. These applications must be received »» Completed applications must be received at FTC’s business office no by February 13, 2019, at 4 p.m. at the later than 4 p.m. on March 7, 2019. FTC office. High school students could win a trip to Washington, D.C. Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) Youth Tour June 1-5, 2019

»» Students must be in high school, age 16 or 17, at the time of the tour to qualify. »» Applications are available through area guidance counselors and at farmerstel.com. »» Applicants must live in the FTC service area, and their legal guardian/parent must be an FTC customer. »» Completed applications must be received at FTC’s business office no later than 4 p.m. on March 1, 2019.

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