The Voice of Andrew Pope His Podcast Goes Beyond the Music

ConnectedJULY/AUGUST 2021 The voice of Andrew Pope His podcast goes beyond the music

GRAPES GALORE ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE Growing muscadines on Broadband extends art Sand Mountain beyond the theatre INDUSTRY NEWS

Rural Connections

By SHIRLEY BLOOMFIELD, CEO NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association Partnering to fend off cyberattacks

n recent years, we’ve learned even the biggest of corporations, including IMicrosoft, Target and Marriott, are vul- TIPS FOR SECURE ONLINE SHOPPING nerable to cyberattack. Then, last year, the pandemic increased the number of remote workers, moving more technology from the onvenience and a seemingly endless supply of options drives online shop- office into homes. ping, which is safe as long as you take a few straightforward precautions. “The pandemic gave cybercriminals the CThe Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency offers a few straight- opportunity to discover new malware fami- forward tips to ensure that no one uses your personal or financial information for lies, successful new tactics and ‘double extor- their gain. tion’ strategies,” says Roxanna Barboza, our Industry and Cybersecurity Policy analyst. THE THREATS “And since then, they have further honed their 1. Unlike visiting a physical store, shopping online opens the doors to threats like skills to exploit fear, gather intelligence and malicious websites or bogus email messages. Some might appear as charities, attack.” particularly after a natural disaster or during the holidays. If this sounds like the trailer for a horror film you have no interest in seeing, I promise 2. Vendors who do not properly secure — encrypt — their online systems may allow you, the possible impacts of a cyber breach an attacker to intercept your information. are much more frightening. So, NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association is working to 3. If your digital device and the vendor’s systems aren’t properly updated and support the security efforts of internet service protected, the risk increases. providers such as yours. NTCA initiated CyberShare: The Small PROTECT YOURSELF Broadband Provider Information Sharing and • Before providing any personal or financial information, make sure that you are Analysis Center as a pilot project five years interacting with a reputable, established vendor. In case of trouble, note phone ago. We now have a robust team focused on numbers and physical addresses of vendors. the critical topic of cybersecurity, and NTCA members are encouraged to join the effort to • When shopping, check the address bar of your web browser to be sure the recognize, analyze and respond to vulnerabili- address begins with “https:” instead of “http:” and that it has a padlock icon. ties, threats and other risks. These generally indicate a secure site. Also, CyberShare partnerships link us to • Remember, a legitimate business will not use email to request account informa- the owners and operators of critical infrastruc- tion or ask you to confirm a purchase. ture like electric and water systems. More than 90% of CyberShare participants say the • Use a credit card for purchases, which limits your liability for fraudulent information received through the program charges. Debit cards do not have the same level of protection. enhances their ability to combat cyber threats. It is through programs like CyberShare • Keep a record of your purchases and copies of confirmation pages, and com- that we help organizations like your service pare them to your bank statements. Report discrepancies immediately. provider protect consumers by creating a safe, • Before providing personal or financial information, check the website’s privacy secure digital experience.  policy to understand the storage and use of your information. 

2 | July/August 2021 Summer reading on the go efore you jump online to order your top picks to round out summer reading, you might consider tapping into what could become your own personal librarian. And you might even keep more money in your pocket. B Most libraries offer free digital resources. So, all you need is a library card, an internet connection and a digital device. Here are a few other resources that could make the digital literary journey for you or the young reader in your family much easier.

OVERDRIVE: SORA: Most libraries buy the digital licenses to book titles they think OverDrive’s educational reading app offers students access to you would enjoy. Then, you can use your library card to reserve e-books and audiobooks in multiple languages through partic- those free e-books. OverDrive can work with apps like Libby so ipating school and local libraries. The app allows teachers to you can send your e-book to a Kindle or other reading device. track the amount of time students spend reading. Sora makes overdrive.com notes as students read and can share those notes with teachers and classmates. LIBRARY EXTENSION: meet.soraapp.com If you’re crunched for time and enjoy browsing for digital books, Library Extension offers a free browser plug-in so you can see SCHOLASTIC SUMMER READING: your library’s digital book offerings while skimming titles on sites If your child needs a more structured summer reading experi- such as Amazon.com. ence, then you might want to check out the Scholastic Summer libraryextension.com Reading Program. While mostly web based, it also offers some e-books. You’ll have to create a Home Base account for your PROJECT GUTENBERG: child through Scholastic. Home Base is a free, kid-safe, online The oldest digital library features some of the world’s most digital community that offers fun reading-related activities. popular classic literary titles. With more than 60,000 e-books to scholastic.com/site/summer/home.html browse, you can read your favorites online or download them to your device. NOOK: gutenberg.org The Nook app is another option for finding free e-books for chil- dren. Just download it in the app store and look for the “Explore TUMBLEBOOKLIBRARY: Kids” section. You can This interactive reading program takes existing picture books scroll through a range of and turns them into talking, animated e-books. It also offers topics to find free digital read-along chapter books. And another neat feature is that each copies for download.  book is offered in English, Spanish and French. Many school and public libraries offer the service to students or card holders. There’s also a new TumbleBooks app. tumblebooks.com

July/August 2021 | 3 FROM THE CEO Connected JULY/AUGUST 2021 VOL. 25, NO. 4

Connected is a bimonthly magazine A lesson from a carwash published by Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative, © 2021. It is distributed without ne pleasure of this column is the opportunity to pay tribute to charge to all customers of FTC. those I feel deserving. Leaders of our area’s cooperative busi- Oness movement are often featured. Our area just lost such a man with the passing of Mr. James Carmichael of Valley Head. Mr. Carmichael was a trustee of the Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative for 47 years, many of them as its chairman. FTC is the state’s largest member-owned Before I knew and respected him as a cooperative trustee, I provider of telecommunications services. knew him as the father of a very good friend and as an influ- It serves Northeast Alabama with a robust ential person in the community. If something was going on at broadband network using world-class optical fiber technology. school, he was there to support it. For many years, his full-service gas station doubled as the Valley Head field house during football games. My first truly Farmers Telecommunications impressionable moment at his hands came during a carwash Cooperative, Inc. P.O. Box 217 • 144 McCurdy Ave. N. FRED JOHNSON fundraiser. Mr. Carmichael kindly offered his service station for Rainsville, AL 35986 Chief Executive Officer this purpose and furnished all the supplies. The first customer Telephone: 256-638-2144 came, and we quickly washed the car. We thought we were www.farmerstel.com done until Mr. Carmichael came out and told us to hold our horses. He then inspected our work. We failed. He kindly, but nonetheless firmly, pointed out what we missed. “If you are going to use my service station and take these people’s BOARD OF TRUSTEES money for washing their car, then you will need to do it the way I would.” Customer num- Randy Wright, President ber one got two washes for the price of one that day. To the best of my knowledge, it was Flat Rock Exchange the last required do-over. Garry Smith, Vice President So, there you have it. A respected member of the community taught a bunch of high Fyffe Exchange schoolers a lesson in giving people their money’s worth and taking pride in your work. We Danny R. Richey, Secretary weren’t his kids. He could easily have looked the other way. But that wasn’t who he was. Geraldine Exchange There was a principle at stake, and he cared enough to share something with us that had Lynn Welden, Treasurer enduring value. That was over 45 years ago. I still remember it. Bryant Exchange This particular character trait of Mr. Carmichael is common to many of the men and Kenneth Gilbert women instrumental in leading the cooperative movement in our area. The common thread Pisgah Exchange was their desire to leave their communities in better shape than they found them. They had Gregg Griffith great vision. They were neither consumed with self-serving egos nor did they just live for Henagar Exchange the moment. They were determined to make things better and to improve the quality of life Randy Tumlin in the area. All of us who have lived, worked and raised a family here owe them a debt of Rainsville Exchange gratitude for their sacrifice and service. I see the same sense of commitment from FTC’s trustees and from the leadership of oth- Produced for FTC by: ers who, like us, are committed to providing reliable power, water, gas and other essential infrastructure to our area. My own bosses never hesitate to hold me accountable for making sure FTC’s proverbial car “is properly washed.” We all need people in our lives who hold us accountable. There is no case where that isn’t appropriate. Many of you reading this article have much to offer the next generation of leaders. On the Cover: Please don’t squander any opportunity you have to “pass it on.” If you see a car that needs Andrew Pope, singer and songwriter from rewashing, care enough to make it happen. We owe it to those who thought of us to pay it DeKalb County, created forward. Not everyone will appreciate the effort, but some will. It will be worth it.  a podcast, “Pickin” It Out with Andrew Pope." See story Page 12.

4 | July/August 2021 FTC NEWS

FTC awarded grants to expand broadband

FTC received FTC honors scholarship winners grants for just over $200,000 to Emma Hilley, daughter of Chris and Natasha Hilley, is a provide internet 2021 graduate of Fyffe High School. She plans to pursue access in two pre-medicine studies at the University of Alabama in areas in Jackson the fall and major in psychology or biochemistry. She and DeKalb intends to take classes with the Honors College and counties with little or no access. shadow the medical professionals in Tuscaloosa County. While attending the University of Alabama, Hilley hopes Gov. Kay Ivey awarded 36 grants in to continue her volunteer work by becoming a part of May to provide funding through the the Tide Against Suicide and other counseling services. Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund. After earning her college degree, Hilley would like Emma Hilley to attend the University of Alabama School of FTC received two grants, one Medicine through the Rural Medical Scholars Program. She hopes to return to the for $84,665 to provide Internet rural communities in Alabama and help those most in need. Her goal is to become a access for 106 households in dermatologist, psychiatrist or neurosurgeon. the Dutton area, and $116,593 to provide Internet access for up to While at Fyffe High School, Hilley excelled in extracurricular activities. She was a class 122 households in DeKalb County officer for four years, including senior class vice president, and served as Beta Club in the areas of Lookout Mountain, chaplain and Spanish Club vice president. Hilley also founded the FHS Mental Health Little River Canyon and Wade’s Awareness Club, YANA (You Are Not Alone) and FHS Morning Announcements. She is a Gap. The grant only covers 35% of member of Northeast Alabama Community College honors clubs Mu Alpha Theta, Phi the projects. FTC contributes 65% Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta. She volunteers with the SAM Foundation/Family toward the projects. The Dutton Services of North Alabama and scheduled Question, Persuade, Refer training for the total project costs are $241,900 and FHS student body. She also volunteered with the Beta Club’s Campus Beautification, the Lookout Mountain total project Giving Tree and Christmas Giving programs. Hilley committed to these activities while costs are $333,123. maintaining a 4.3 GPA and taking 24 dual enrollment classes at NACC. FTC would like to thank Gov. Ivey, the legislative delegation and the Garrett Thrash, son of Dedra Capps and Heath Thrash, Alabama Department of Economic is a student at Birmingham Southern College. He plans and Community Affairs for making to follow in the footsteps of his mother and pursue a broadband access a priority for degree in medicine. Thrash realized medicine was the Alabama’s rural communities. direction he wanted to follow when he assisted in his mother’s medical clinic during COVID-19. The award of these grants will allow FTC to expand its fiber network to After college Thrash wants to move back home and help bridge the gap in the digital practice family medicine. There is a huge health care divide for rural Alabamians. disparity in rural areas, and DeKalb County is considered a health care shortage area. “By returning to my area to Garrett Thrash “We are extremely grateful for practice medicine, I will be providing a much-needed the support of our state leaders service to our rural community,” Thrash says. He plans to help take care of patients who in recognizing the importance of he grew up with and families he grew up knowing. making world-class broadband Internet service available and Thrash is a member of the Birmingham Southern football team, a volunteer for the affordable to all Alabamians,” says Jimmie Hale Mission, Student Government Association freshman representative at BSC Fred Johnson, FTC’s CEO. and a teaching assistant. He also received a presidential scholarship to BSC.

Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative July/August 2021 | 5 TRAVEL

For even longer treks, the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail extends 319 miles, starting in Daniel Boone National Forest and ending at Pickett State GORGE-OUS Park in Jamestown, Tennessee. The exquisite scenery of the Red River Gorge At peak season the trails may be busy, but on weekdays and during the colder Story by ANNE P. BRALY months you may not run into a soul. The liffs dominating the skyline, make an overnight, or longer, journey out quiet is only broken by a deer foraging rushing mountain streams and a of it as you explore the thousands of acres through the brush or sipping from a Clandscape chiseled by millions of hills and valleys. Campers must have nearby stream. of years of wind and water erosion bear permits for overnight stays, along with But there was a time when the raucous witness to the forces of Mother Nature in proper food storage equipment to keep sounds of sawmills echoed through Red Kentucky’s Red River Gorge Geological black bears at bay. River Gorge. Early in the 20th century, Area. Swift Camp Creek Trail is a good start- loggers harvested its hardwood. Sawmills Nestled largely within Daniel Boone ing point for extended hikes. Descending and logging camps sprang up on the National Forest along the Cumberland from the top of the gorge to the lower hillsides. Railroads snaked through the Plateau, the gorge encompasses 29,000 areas, it’s a 7-mile trek that follows valleys, and dams were constructed along acres filled with history, wonder, excite- Swift Camp Creek. The dramatic scenery the Red River and other tributaries to ment and adventure. includes cascading mountain streams power the sawmills. It was a massive Matt Vogt, information assistant at Red rushing through dense stands of rhododen- operation. That is, until the gorge was River Gorge’s Gladie Visitor Center, has dron and, at one point, flowing under one saved, enveloped in the arms of Daniel no problem identifying the No. 1 promi- of the gorge’s famous arches. Boone National Forest in 1937. nent feature of the gorge — the landscape. “It’s the gullies, caves, rock shelters, arches, cliffs and all the natural, rugged, scenic beauty,” he says. “And many are drawn to the gorge’s naturally formed arches.” Vogt says the gorge has up to 150 such arches, the greatest number east of the Rocky Mountains. Red River Gorge is a photographer’s dream, a paddler’s fantasy and a hiker’s paradise. Hidden waterfalls and rock houses — rocky overhangs once used as shelter by native tribes like the Shawnee — are the perfect backdrop for a photo to treasure. The many natural features of the gorge The Red River Gorge Geological Area is a can be found along its 77 miles of trails. Kentucky treasure, a Take a short day hike or pack your sleep- place for scenic beauty, ing bag, food and other essentials and relaxation and adventure. Photo courtesy of Mark Vogt. of Mark courtesy Photo

6 | July/August 2021 The area also includes Clifty Wilderness, named for its towering cliffs and added to the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1985. The section of the Red River that runs through Clifty Wilderness is a Kentucky Wild River, one of nine such river sections in the Bluegrass State. Adding to the pristine charm are numer- ous creeks that rush through the canyons of the gorge and empty into the Red River. The Red River’s upper reaches provide Class II and III whitewater canoeing. This Wild Rivers section is generally navigable from December to May, but the Falls of the Red River is a 3-foot drop. Unless you’re an expert canoeist, portage your canoe or kayak around them. Just below the falls is the Narrows of the Red River, which in some places is no more than 6 feet wide and littered with large boulders. This section can also be dangerous when water levels are high. As the Red River continues through the heart of the gorge, it levels out and provides gen- tle Class I paddling, ideal for beginners. 

Points of Interest You’ll find Mother Nature at her finest throughout Red River Gorge, but there are a few places where she really shines. b Chimney Top Rock is easy to reach — a short, quarter-mile hike — and provides one of the most beautiful overlooks of the Red River as it passes through the gorge. b Sky Bridge is a mile-long road open to vehicles. It offers several good overlook opportunities. The road ends at a traffic circle and parking lot, where you’ll find good picnic spots and the start of a 1.5-mile hike Digging the past to the largest arch in the gorge. Archaeologists have found a treasure b The Grays Arch Trail is also very pop- trove of artifacts that reveal life as it was ular and leads to one of the most 13,000 years ago when Native Americans spectacular arches in the forest. It lived in the Red River Gorge, including gets busy in peak season, however. pottery, seeds and tools. b The Auxier Ridge Trailhead follows a In more modern times, the ruins of narrow ridgeline where it ends with moonshine stills dotting the hills have views of several outstanding rock been found. formations. Photos courtesy of Mark Vogt. of Mark courtesy Photos

July/August 2021 | 7 Grapeful VINEYARD FULFILLS A DREAM ! Story by LISA SAVAGE

t’s been decades since Laz and Kathy After graduating from Pisgah High Denes drove up the California coast School and from the University of Ala- Ion their honeymoon and visited Napa bama as a journalism major, she started Valley’s wine country. They both fell in work in the newspaper industry, first in love with grapes and vineyards there — Montgomery and then South Florida. from the colorful clusters hanging on the There, at the Palm Beach Post, she met her vines to the aroma wafting from the wine future husband, a California guy who grew cellars. up in a suburb of Los Angeles. “We just loved the whole concept of As a journalism student at the Univer- the vineyards,” Laz Denes says. But they sity of Southern California, Laz Denes’ never envisioned that love would lead first exposure to Southern girls was truly them to create Sand Mountain Vineyards, an eye-opener. “When Alabama came to growing muscadines on the farm where USC for a football game, Sela Ward was Kathy Denes’ grandfather once raised the a cheerleader, and I fell in love with those Laz and Kathy Denes began growing muscadines at their grapes and other crops. Alabama girls. I said then, ‘I’m going to vineyard after moving back to marry an Alabama girl one day,’” he says. Sand Mountain several years ago. LOVE GROWS DEEP After graduation from USC, he, too, The muscadines her grandfather grew found himself at the Palm Beach Post, Southern California, so we packed up and and she enjoyed eating off the vine as a working as a sports writer. A couple years moved,” he says. His new job at a public child were long gone by the time Kathy later, along came the Alabama girl who relations firm in Redondo Beach mainly Denes settled back on the family farm in captured his heart, and the two married in involved representing motorsports racing 2001 after being gone from the area more 1985. “A few months after we were mar- teams, while his wife again went to work than 20 years. ried, I got offered my dream job back in in journalism.

8 | July/August 2021 Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative The couple bought a home near his parents, but after 15 years in Southern California they decided to leave the beach and move to the family farm on Sand Mountain to raise their two daughters near her parents. There, the idea for a vineyard started to take root. “We planted some muscadines after the first year we were here,” Kathy Denes says. The couple put in about a dozen vines initially, and they knew very little about vineyards, so they researched online, joined a grape growers’ association and reached out for advice from local experts. Laz Denes, whose parents had grown up in grape-cultivating families in Hungary, learned that the local climate, soil and pests would make it difficult to grow the types of grapes that thrive in California and Europe. “It would take an incredible effort to keep them alive and productive,” he says. However, the thicker-skinned muscadines native to this area thrived. So, the couple set aside some farmland to plant more vines — about 150 at a time — of the blue-black noble and cowart varieties. “We don’t really water them or do anything special other than pruning,” Kathy Denes says. “We don’t use any pesticides. We just keep the area clean, and Mother Nature does StartLaz Denes worked your from home beforeengines working from the rest.” home was a thing. It allowed the time and flexibility for With the vineyards producing more fruit than the couple could him and his wife, Kathy, to establish their muscadine use, they began selling the muscadines. Visitors can pick their vineyards. own for $5 a gallon or buy them prepicked for $15 a gallon with He works for a motorsports public relations firm, and advance notice. “It’s labor-intensive,” she says. “But some people his job takes him all over the world for NASCAR and other like to pick for the experience. I understand that, because it types of racing. “I’ve been working from home since 1993 always brings back memories for me.” when I wasn’t traveling,” he says. For information about the muscadines, directions and The family initially had dial-up internet through FTC, and availability, follow Sand Mountain Vineyards on Facebook and eventually DSL, and both gave him just enough service to Instagram. do what he needed. About four years ago, though, FTC’s fiber internet became available, and Denes says it was a game-changer. In his job with True Speed Communication, based in the heart of NASCAR country in Charlotte, North Carolina, he represents race teams owned by retired NASCAR cham- pion Tony Stewart and from various other series. His work involves creating race reports and coordinating driver and team public relations activities. His job meant being away from home during racing events and especially on NASCAR Sundays. But when the pandemic hit in March 2020 and travel to races was put on hold, Denes made adjustments to his setup, and his home office now looks like a media room on race days. He monitors the drivers’ radio communications and tracks the racing action in real time. He streams the race broadcast on TV, connects to multiple computer screens and accesses video and statistical feeds. “I’m doing my job, and instead of being in the media center, I’m in my office or can be in my living room,” he says. “It’s like I’m at the race, but probably better because I don’t have any other distractions. I couldn’t do this without FTC’s fiber Kathy Denes picks internet.” muscadines from the vine.

Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative July/August 2021 | 9 ONON WITHWITH THETHE SHOWSHOW Virtual platforms keep performances going on and off the stage Story by DREW WOOLLEY ess than a week before performer needed to make on the the Northeast Alabama back of script pages and holding LCommunity College them up to the screen. Theatre Department’s virtual “It’s crazy to block a show and spring production of “Dear do choreography without being Edwina,” the show hit a major on the stage,” Smith says. “Once snag. With just one dress rehearsal we did get on stage we realized left before the musical’s live debut, one girl had learned everything one of the lead actors had to drop backwards. So she had to flip out of the show, leaving assistant everything around in her head on director Halle Huber to step in. the fly.” It was just one more twist in an already unusual season that VIRTUAL ESCAPE saw NACC’s Theatre Department The cast’s final performance in Rainsville, Alabama, put on didn’t take place in front of an two virtual productions. Much of audience but in front of cameras. the early preparation for “Dear The entire show was filmed live Edwina” occurred over Zoom, an and made available to stream on inconvenience that suddenly came demand via the ShowTix4U plat- in handy when Huber needed to form. Additional learning materials brush up on her part fast. for local middle and elementary “Because the video and chore- school students and teachers were ography was already online, I was also available. able to look at those and make sure While the remote preparations I understood the correct move- were a challenge, they forced ments,” Huber says. “We even did performers to take an even greater the vocal rehearsals online, so we degree of responsibility for their had some of those tracks to help parts. “One of the cast members me understand what part I needed told me they’ve never been in a to sing, as well.” show before where they were this Putting those remote practice ready and this prepared for the sessions together was a challenge performance,” Smith says. “I’m for performers used to playing off really hoping they carry that with Photos courtesy of Trey Gilliland and Lauren Cantrell. each other. For Director of Theatre them forever.” A production of “Dear Edwina” by the Kayleigh Smith, it often required With one more virtual show on Northeast Alabama Community College Theatre drawing the movements each the schedule this summer, NACC Department went online to reach its audience.

10 | July/August 2021 Theatre is on course for its first NEW HORIZONS entirely virtual season. That wasn’t For Texas Ballet Theater, digital performances the department’s ideal plan for the provided an opportunity to expand the horizons of last year but NACC President Dr. ballet beyond the traditional stage. In its two-part David Campbell is impressed with “The Poetry of Expression” series, company dancers how creatively everyone involved has choreographed their own pieces specifically for the adapted. digital medium, using the entire Dallas-Fort Worth area “They have done some outstanding as their backdrop. virtual productions that have given Dancers and choreographers collaborated with our students experience and a way to local businesses and nonprofits to bring community display their talents, while at the same landmarks and locations with personal significance time, keeping everyone safe through into the performances. The result was an innovative all the COVID-19 prevention tech- showcase filmed at familiar locations like downtown niques,” he says. Fort Worth, Firestone & Robertson Distilling, the In addition, the digital format Benbrook Dam and the Kimbell Art Museum. The opened the doors to greater accessibil- prerecorded performances were available for ity to shows and new opportunities for streaming in March and April in lieu of the nonprofit students interested in film. Smith also dance company’s traditional spring lineup. hopes that it has provided a respite For more information, visit texasballettheater.org. during the pandemic for people who “We hope audiences enjoy a new kind of haven’t had the same access to the performance experience through these productions,” live experiences they enjoy. executive director Vanessa Logan says. “They show “We were able to provide a little bit us all how the beauty and art of ballet can be found of art, and hopefully a virtual escape, anywhere, even in unexpected places.” safely,” she says. “Theater has been healing for us doing it, but also for audiences. I do think it’s an escape from what everyone’s going through right now and it can be a healing thing.” 

The NACC production of “Dear Edwina” is available to stream on demand through April 19, 2022. Visit Digital performances gave the showtix4u.com and search “NACC” Texas Ballet Theater a new for more information. outlet for expression. Photos courtesy of Trey Gilliland and Lauren Cantrell. Lauren Gilliland and Trey of courtesy Photos

SOMETHING NEW For more information, visit mnopera.org. More than a year after it put live performances on hold, Minnesota Opera continued to find new ways to connect with its community with the premiere of “Apart Together” in April. The free virtual program featured original performances from members of the opera’s Resident Artist Program and the orchestra, ranging from spoken word to piano pieces. The goal of the project was to give artists a chance to step outside their traditional creative roles within the opera. Resident artists who typically perform pieces composed by others were given the opportunity to pursue their own visions, while audiences could see orchestra musicians perform in a more intimate capacity. “I really think the future is on the internet, video and how you connect with people through this form we’re not used to,” says Joey Leppek, resident tenor. “I think getting these kinds of skills in how to create something that’s effective on screen is helpful for us, and I hope all artists out there feel permission to get out there and try something new.”

July/August 2021 | 11 Storiesof the

‘Pickin’ It Out with StarsAndrew Pope’ Story by LISA SAVAGE Photography by MELISSA GAINES

ndrew Pope grew up listening to his Agrandmother’s beloved gospel music and his grandfather’s favorite Elvis tunes. He started piano lessons at 6 years old and quickly learned he had a natural talent and ear for music. But it would be years before he ventured out and started writing songs, playing music and performing in front of people. “When it started coming out, it wouldn’t stop,” says Pope, now 36. The country music singer and songwriter grew up in Geraldine and now lives in Henagar. His music has been featured nationwide on SiriusXM Radio. Along the way, Pope met a lot of musicians and other famous people, and he toured nationally alongside acts like John Michael Mont- gomery, Mark Chesnutt, Shooter Jennings, David Allan Coe, John Schneider and Sunny Sweeney. He has written songs with legendary musicians Larry Gatlin, David Bellamy and Buddy Cannon. Schnei- der’s newest album, “Truck On,” which came out in April, includes some of Pope’s songs.

12 | July/August 2021 Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative A LIFETIME OF FRIENDS Through his years in the music industry, Pope developed friendships that will last a lifetime. It’s those friendships that he called upon when a pandemic turned the music industry upside down. “When COVID hit, everything in my world came to an abrupt halt,” he says. “It changed people, and it was easy to find yourself depressed and not sure what the future would hold.” When touring stopped for musicians, Andrew Pope broadcasts his podcast Pope did some virtual concerts. “I didn’t from his home office near Henagar. particularly enjoy that,” he says. “I love playing and performing, but it just wasn’t 60 acres. Offer him $1,000 an acre. Musician friends, professional wrestlers the same.” I’m sure he’d be happy to sell it to you and other sports stars he met through the Pope realized he had lost touch with for that.’ I was close to my grandfather music industry are invited by Pope to join his music industry friends and wanted to anyway. He kind of raised me. It was a him on his podcast. “I’ve really enjoyed reconnect. “I was thinking, ‘Why not start no-brainer. He told me, ‘I’d love for you this,” he says. “This has breathed new life a podcast?’ I wanted to reconnect with to have the place, Teddy.’ I told him the into me.” more than a text here and there,” he says. house was his until he passes away. So he Pope strives to present the authenticity He did just that, creating the “Pickin’ lived on the farm until he was 93 years of each person he invites to the podcasts. It Out with Andrew Pope” podcast, and old.” “I’ve gotten to know a lot of folks, and now he has more than 13,000 followers on It is the intimate stories fans often hav- I like to invite people on who I think are Facebook and links to other social media en’t heard that Pope loves to share through going to connect,” he says. “I’m having platforms. Pope relied on his producers the podcasts. fun with it, and I hope people are having when recording albums in the studio, so he Pope worked closely in the music fun listening to it.”  had to do some research of his own to set industry with Schneider, a musician and up a home studio to record the podcasts. “I actor who played Bo Duke on the popular went on Amazon and started researching television series “The Dukes of Hazzard” equipment,” he says. from 1979-1985. In a podcast with Pope, He connects through his FTC internet at Schneider shares a story about country home for the productions. He records the great Waylon Jennings, who wrote and podcasts and then edits them and uploads recorded the show’s theme song, “Good them to Facebook, YouTube and other Ol’ Boys.” platforms. That’s the technical part, but it’s Schneider tells Pope about meeting Jen- the spontaneous connections to his guests nings for the first time on the set of “The he enjoys most. “We don’t play songs or Dukes of Hazzard” in California: “There script what we’re going to say. We don’t was nobody in the world bigger than have a plan,” he says. “We just talk about Waylon Jennings at that time. I went to whatever is on anyone’s mind.” introduce myself, and he said, ‘Hang on a second, Hoss,’ and he pulled a note out of PERSONAL STORIES his wallet. He called me Hoss. If he didn’t In one of his first podcasts, Pope know your name, he called you Hoss. If recorded a session with Teddy Gentry of he did know your name, he still called you the group Alabama. When the conversa- Hoss.” tion turns to how he spent his first RCA Jennings handed Schneider the note, royalty check, Gentry says: “I asked my which a young fan had given the country Learn more about Andrew Pope

wife, ‘What in the world are we going to legend months before, telling him to give andrewpopemusic.com do with $60,000?’ We was getting by at it to “Bo.” Schneider continues, “He had Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Where to listen and see a listing of podcasts: the time. We didn’t have nothing, really, saved that piece of paper, and that really anchor.fm/pickinitout Google Podcasts but we were OK. She said, ‘Why don’t spoke volumes to me about Waylon’s Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts you buy your grandfather’s farm? There’s integrity.” Breaker Spotify

Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative July/August 2021 | 13 SOUTHERN KITCHENS

FRIED CATFISH

3/4 cup yellow cornmeal A fresh angle on catfish 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Catch the secret to a wonderful meal 2 teaspoons paprika atfish holds a special place in the heart of a Southerner, but take a little 1 teaspoon fine sea salt care to make sure you get the tastiest results. 2 teaspoons ground black pepper Bad catfish can be mushy and have a funny, almost metallic flavor. 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper C 4 catfish fillets Good catfish is sweet, with firm, flaky flesh. But, go ahead and give your fillets a bath in some buttermilk before cooking to help neutralize any fishy odors.And Canola oil, for frying to ensure even cooking, choose fillets that are meaty with an even thickness from Tartar sauce: end to end. 1/2 cup mayonnaise (store- No fish dinner screams Southern flavor more than a platter of fried catfish, bought or homemade) complete with sides of coleslaw and hush puppies. No well-rounded collection of 1 small dill pickle, chopped very recipes is complete without a good catfish option, such as this one fromWhole small (3 tablespoons) Foods Market. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste 1 tablespoon capers, chopped, optional 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard Hot sauce (optional)

Combine the cornmeal, flour, paprika, salt and both peppers in a shallow bowl or pan.

Coat the fillets with the mixture on both sides, shaking off excess.

Fill a heavy skillet or large frying pan with about an inch of oil. Heat the oil to 350 F (ready when a small piece of the fish will bubble and rise to the top).

Add the catfish fillets, two at time, and fry until golden, 5 to 6 minutes, turning once. Fried Catfish Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve with tartar sauce and a dash of hot sauce, if desired.

To make tartar sauce: Combine the mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, capers, dill, Worcestershire sauce and mustard in a small bowl and stir until well blended and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Taste, then adjust with additional lemon juice, salt and pepper.

FOOD EDITOR ANNE P. BRALY IS A NATIVE OF CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE.

14 | July/August 2021 CATFISH WITH LEMON PASTA Lemon pasta: 21/ pound fettuccine pasta 1/3 cup olive oil 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1-2 teaspoons lemon zest 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped Catfish With Lemon Pasta (or 1 tablespoon dried) Salt and freshly ground pepper Catfish: 4 catfish fillets 2 teaspoons salt SPICY CHIPOTLE CATFISH SANDWICH 1 teaspoon dried, crushed red pepper flakes 4 catfish fillets 5 tablespoons olive oil Zest of 1 lemon 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth) 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced 4 cloves garlic, chopped Salt and pepper, to taste 3 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley 4 regular or multigrain sourdough rolls (or 1 tablespoon dried) 4 slices sweet onion 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 1 tablespoon Chopped cabbage or Romaine lettuce dried, crushed) Chipotle mayonnaise: 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon capers Cook the pasta in salted water until tender but still firm. Mean- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika while, whisk oil, cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest and basil to Half of chipotle mix blend. Drain the pasta, but reserve 1 cup of the water. Toss the pasta with the lemon blend. If needed, add some of the reserved Preheat the oven to 400 F. Mix the lemon zest, lemon pasta water. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. juice, garlic and chipotle pepper. Divide equally into 2 bowls. Season the fish with salt and red pepper flakes. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Rub a small amount of olive oil on the fish. Top the fish fish and saute, rounded side down, for 3 minutes; turn and saute with half the chipotle-lemon mixture, then sprinkle it 3 minutes or until cooked. Transfer the fish to a plate and set with salt and pepper. aside. Bake for 8 minutes or until done. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and add 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil. Saute until translucent. While the fish is baking, make the chipotle mayonnaise by combining the mayonnaise, capers, paprika and half Add the undrained can of tomatoes, wine (or chicken broth), gar- the chipotle-lemon mixture. lic, parsley, basil and oregano. Simmer until the sauce is reduced slightly, about 10 minutes. Assemble sandwiches with fish, chipotle mayonnaise, onion and lettuce or cabbage. Makes 4 sandwiches. Gently return the fish and any juice to the tomato mixture to — Courtesy of Catfish Institute absorb the spices, then spoon it over the pasta. Makes 4 servings.

July/August 2021 | 15 Presort STD US Postage PAID Permit #21 Freeport OH P.O. Box 217 • 144 McCurdy Ave. N. Rainsville, AL 35986

. 2021 Annual Meeting Aug. 25-27 & Aug. 30-31 • FTC Office – 144 Mccurdy Ave., N., Rainsvillle • 8 a.m.-5p.m. • Weekdays, Wednesday-tuesday Bill Credit Prize Drawings Vote of $20 for every member Daily giveaways and the grand prize is a for trustees representing who registers and votes. ‘97 C1500 Chevrolet Silverado truck Bryant, Geraldine and Pisgah.

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