The Communicator JULY/AUGUST 2018

2018 ANNUAL MEETING Members enjoy food, prizes and entertainment

SECURITY SOLUTIONS DINNER IS SERVED Protecting families and homes Meal delivery kits make with the latest technology evenings tastier INDUSTRY NEWS Money from home Rural Connections Using the internet to start cottage industries ver been told you can sell those knit caps or great jewelry pieces you’ve made BY SHIRLEY BLOOMFIELD, CEO but don’t want to invest the money it takes for a brick-and-mortar location? NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association Look to the internet. EMore and more people are finding ways to earn a living by building online busi- nesses from their homes. According to Forbes, more than 52 percent of all small busi- Telemedicine is nesses in the U.S. are home-based, and most rely on the internet. These jobs can offer key to rural health flexibility, independence and a way to skirt the traditional 9-to-5. As more Americans board the microbusiness train, the economy is taking notice. roadband internet access is mak- While small, these microbusinesses employ 55 million people in the U.S. They also ing a real difference in the lives of contribute more than $1 trillion in earnings to the U.S. economy, according to Etsy, a people across rural America. I see global online marketplace for handcrafted and vintage pieces. Bit whenever I travel to the states where Many of these entrepreneurs are young, female and live in rural areas, too. Etsy telecommunications companies like this recently polled its network of 1.7 million sellers around the world, and the results are one are building advanced networks to eye-opening. Check out a few of these statistics from the 2017 Etsy Seller Census: reach those in hard-to-serve regions. Broadband supports efforts that are vital to a community’s well-being, such as economic development, education 97% 77% and small-business growth. But broad- of all U.S. Etsy are one- band’s greatest impact is perhaps seen in sellers run person the delivery of health care. their shops operations. Robust and sustainable broadband from home. infrastructure is necessary for expanding access to health care in rural America. NTCA has been looking into telehealth applications for a number of years. We have hosted events on our own. We have worked with health care groups to learn about their challenges and to introduce them to our member telcos’ capabili- 87% 32% are say their creative ties. We have assisted our members in women. business, both launching pilot projects of their own. on and off Etsy, Telemedicine in rural America is is their sole truly a win-win proposition. Access to occupation. advanced services in a local community brings greater health care options to its residents. As a bonus, telemedicine also makes it easier to attract high-skilled labor, industry and economic develop- ment. NTCA is passionate about the role that our member telcos play in tele- 32% 28% of Etsy sellers have live in rural medicine — and I think we have only traditional full-time jobs. communities. scratched the surface of possibilities. Your local telecommunications pro- vider, like hundreds of similar compa- nies across rural America, is building the advanced broadband network that makes telemedicine possible. 

2 | July/August 2018 STUDY: f Social media use is growing But so are privacy concerns l

BY JEN CALHOUN

bout seven out of every 10 American adults use some kind of social media, but it doesn’t mean they don’t have U Aworries about it. //////////////////////////////////// A recent Pew Research protect their privacy, nearly result, some users find it hard Center study found that more two-thirds worried that current to stop. Social media is part of Social media use has Americans than ever use Face- laws weren’t good enough to do their everyday lives. grown dramatically book, Twitter, Instagram and the job. In addition, nearly 65 Percent of adults other social media platforms percent said they support more NEW RULES who say they use social as part of their daily lives. They regulation of advertisers. However, some privacy media sites, by age keep in touch with friends and It’s not just privacy that wor- advocates say change is family. They participate in civic ries them either. Pew research coming. One example is the 18-29 year olds and political activities. They found that only 5 percent of European Union’s General even use social media for work users trust all of the informa- Data Protection Regulation, 56% 88% or to share health and science tion that comes to them on which was adopted in April 2008 2018 research. social media. They also don’t 2016 and went into effect in But the study found that as like the harassment, politi- May of this year. the number of likes and shares cal bickering, disrespect and The regulation offers data 30-49 year olds grows, so do concerns about incivility that can come with protection and privacy for privacy. a day in the life of Twitter or all those in the European 18% 78% Facebook. Union, but it could also have 2008 2018 PRIVACY ANXIETY a positive effect on U.S. social Last year, only 9 percent of HARD HABIT TO BREAK media users. Pew experts say 50-64 year olds social media users were “very But if social media is so the GDPR “will give users — confident” that social media troublesome, why are people even Americans — greater 6% 64% companies would protect their sticking with it? protection about what data 2008 2018 data, Pew research found. In Maybe it’s because they feel tech firms can collect, the fact, about half of the users like they have to, Pew experts data that can be used and polled “were not at all or not suggest. Let’s face it; social how consumers can be given 65+ year olds too confident their data was in media is an easy and conve- more opportunities to see safe hands.” nient way to stay connected to what is happening with their 2% 37% And while many users said our friends, families and the information.”  2008 2018 they wanted to do more to organizations we love. As a SOURCE: PEW RESEARCH CENTER

July/August 2018 | 3 FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER The Communicator JULY/AUGUST 2018 VOL. 17, NO. 4 The Communicator is a bimonthly Are you well-connected? magazine published by New Hope Telephone Cooperative, ©2018. It is distributed without charge to all top and count with me for a moment. How many cooperative members/owners. Sinternet-connected devices do you have in your home? For many of us, smartphones and computers are the first obvious devices that come to mind, but what other devices are there? How about tablets? Any smart TVs or streaming boxes like Roku or Ama- zon Fire TV? If you have children at home, what about their game is a member-owned corporation systems, computers and other devices? Maybe you’ve gotten into the dedicated to providing communications smart home technology and have some of the bulbs, security cameras technology to the residents and or outlets. businesses of New Hope, Grant and Owens Cross Roads. When you think about all of the things we use regularly that depend on the internet, the answer to my question can grow quickly. JIM COOK Send address corrections to: General Manager In fact, depending on which source you use, most North Ameri- New Hope Telephone Cooperative can households have between five and 10 connected devices. Some P.O. Box 452 experts believe that number will grow to as many as 50 devices in less New Hope, AL 35760 256-723-4211 than five years! www.nhtc.coop Whatever your number of connected devices happens to be, know this: There is no bet-

ter network to handle a family using multiple connected devices than the type of fiber optic BOARD OF DIRECTORS network NHTC has built for our members. Mike Whitaker, President We have invested millions of dollars in our region to build a world-class fiber optic network. New Hope Exchange While there are many benefits to a fiber connection — including reliability and increased Jeffrey Cantrell, Vice President home value — I’d like to discuss the capacity your fiber connection will afford your family. Grant Exchange While we often talk about an internet connection’s speed, we really mean the speed at which Calvin Bearden, Secretary things download. The bits and bytes are moving at the same speed no matter your connection, Grant Exchange but it’s the capacity (how many bits and bytes can pass through each second) that matters. Randy Morrison, Treasurer I often tell people to think of internet service like plumbing. Each file you are trying to Grant Exchange download is like a bathtub filling up. The bits of data that make up the file flow through your Garland Elders modem and router just like water into a tub. Filling a tub from the spout is much faster than Owens Cross Roads Exchange filling it with a sink sprayer because the spout has more capacity to let more water through. Jeff Cooper New Hope Exchange Similarly, a smaller connection is going to limit the amount of data that can pass through Jim Duncan when compared to a bigger connection. New Hope Exchange To follow that analogy, it’s also important to consider how many faucets you’re going to Greg Glover be using at the same time. If you open all of your faucets, the water pressure is going to dip Owens Cross Roads Exchange significantly, and it’s going to take a lot longer to fill each tub or sink. For broadband, the same Barry Jones thing happens with multiple devices on a network. If you have three tablets, a game system, New Hope Exchange two computers, four phones and a streaming TV using your connection, each one is going to be slower — unless you have a high-capacity connection via fiber optics. Produced for NHTC by: As we continue to improve our network, we’re looking down the road at the future. We see families in our area continuing to add the latest technology in their homes, which drives up the demand for broadband capacity. The fiber network we’ve built is the only way we can be sure we have the capacity to serve you today and in the future.  On the Cover: Brandon Elder, of Arab, was a recent American Idol contestant and was part of the entertainment lineup at the New Hope Telephone Cooperative annual meeting. See story Page 12.

4 | July/August 2018 Scholarship winners chosen

Sara Clark Sara Clark, a New Hope High School graduate, was awarded a $1,500 college scholarship by NHTC. She plans to attend Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, to study religion. Clark’s extracurricular activities included Fellowship of Christian Students and varsity volleyball. She was also an SGA officer. She served on the yearbook staff for two years. Clark has served in several locations in Nashville and Lynchburg, Virginia, as a volunteer for Fuge camps. She has assisted building homeless shelters and special needs workplaces, and she has worked with Boys and Girls Clubs. Clark has also volunteered with Manna House, and she has taken a mission trip to Uganda. Along with taking AP courses in school and her impressive list of clubs and activities, Clark also led vacation Bible school and taught lessons with Fellowship of Christian Students.

Gracie Weeks Gracie Weeks, a KDS DAR High School graduate, was awarded a $1,500 college scholarship by NHTC. She plans to attend Calhoun Community College with a focus on 3D drafting and design, followed by attending the University of Alabama in Huntsville to major in business management. Weeks was inspired to follow this career path after working part time at her father’s business, Weeks Construction. Weeks was a member of the Leo Club and the DAR High School Choir, and she attended Lake Guntersville Music Academy for piano and vocal training. She was a member of the Historical Society and the United States Dressage Federation, and she was voted senior class best dressed. Weeks was also an aide for the Learning Resource Center physical education class and has served the community by visiting nursing homes and volunteering for both Special Olympics and Grant youth football and basketball leagues.

Save the date! Bids for lawn Make plans to attend maintenance NHTC’S CUSTOMER Happy Fourth NHTC is currently APPRECIATION DAY of July! accepting bids for lawn maintenance. Please call Mark your calendars to join NHTC The NHTC offices will employees for a day of food and 256-723-4211 for be closed Wednesday, more information. fun at our Customer Appreciation Day on Friday, Oct. 26, from July 4, to celebrate 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Independence Day. Have a safe and happy holiday!

New Hope Telephone Cooperative July/August 2018 | 5 TRAVEL

A Republic P-47 Thunderbolt from the Tennessee Museum of Aviation. Photo courtesy of Tennessee Museum of Aviation. of Tennessee Museum of courtesy Photo _ Flying High _

light museums around the Tennessee Museum of Aviation South take us into the sky, 135 Air Museum Way • Sevierville, Tennessee Children will love being the pilot as they climb in the cockpit and celebrating the history, as well get their hands on the controls of an authentic A-4 Skyhawk from the Fas the future, of flight. Some exhibits Vietnam War era. Aviation enthusiasts will appreciate the massive, 35,000-square-foot hangar with all of its aircraft engines, cockpits, immerse us in active simulations, military vehicles and restored vintage Warbirds. These aircraft make up and others challenge us with interac- the foundation of the Tennessee Museum of Aviation and were flown on tive designs. Still others tell impactful missions during World War II. “They are most impressive, and a number of the Warbirds are still stories. All share a common mis- airworthy,” says Rhonda Melton, operations coordinator. sion, though, offering insights into Among the aircraft within the museum are two Republic P-47 Thun- derbolts — there are less than a dozen of these World War II fighters how American history is inextricably remaining in the world. Another favorite exhibit is the Douglas A-1H linked to the early pioneers of our Skyraider, complete with battle scars received from its service during skies. Here are some of the museums Vietnam. A new “Faith and Courage” exhibit pays tribute to U.S. Military that soar high in offering education Chaplains from World War II through the present. And a 52-foot display and fun for children and adults. traces milestones in the history of pre-Wright Brothers aviation,

6 | July/August 2018 including timelines of military aviation. They can also create a new adventure The wall also features the Volunteer when they get behind the controls of a State’s contributions to flight, making the Cessna 150 to get a feel for what it’s like Tennessee Museum of Aviation Tennes- to pilot an actual aircraft. see’s official repository and archive of The museum is located in North Caro- aviation history. lina, but it’s an easy road trip from South • Admission: Adults: $12.75. Seniors: $9.75. Carolina. Ages 6-12: $6.75. Children under 6: free. • Admission: Adults: $12. Seniors 60-plus: • Information: 866-286-8738 or online at $10. Veterans: $9. Ages 4-18, college www.tnairmuseum.com. The Lone Star Flight Museum in Texas students with ID and active military: includes a flight simulator. $8. Kids 3 and under: free. Photo courtesy of Lone Star Flight Museum. Flight Lone Star of courtesy Photo Southern Museum of Flight • Information: 704-997-3770 or online at 4343 73rd St. N • Birmingham, Alabama spy plane before World War II broke out. www.carolinasaviation.org. A visit to the Southern Museum of But the museum also looks toward the Flight is a walk through time. Learn about future of aviation with exhibits such as Lone Star Flight Museum a pilot in 1953 who defected from North “Women in Aviation,” which, while tell- 11551 Aerospace Ave. at Ellington Korea to an air base in South Korea. Or see ing of women in the past, encourages Airport • Houston, Texas a 1925 crop duster flown by Huff-Daland, young women of today to pursue their History and the future of aviation meet the company that would become Delta aviation dreams as pilots and aerospace at the new Lone Star Flight Museum, Airlines. engineers. Kids will enjoy getting in the opened less than a year ago at Houston’s The level of detail in the exhibits, cockpit of a Cessna 150 and turning the Ellington Airport. This is one museum combined with their scale — the Korean control wheel to learn about the relation- that takes you into the skies — literally. defection exhibit spans 150 feet — pro- ships between control surfaces on the With a battery of more than 20 restored vides visitors with an immersive experi- aircraft, such as rudders and stabilizers. planes, you can buy a ticket and take a ence, says museum curator Wayne Novy. • Admission: Adults: $8. Veterans and ride. Or, stay grounded and tour the two And there are a number of activities for seniors: $6. Ages 6-16: $5. Members and 30,000-square-foot hangars housing children, including sitting in aircraft cock- children under 6: free. historic aircraft, such as a Boeing B-17 pits, operating the controls of a full-size • Information: 859-231-1219 or online at Flying Fortress or a North American B-25 airplane, and building and flying their own www.aviationky.org. Mitchell. balsa glider. The Aviation Learning Center, the • Admission: Adults: $7. Seniors and Carolinas Aviation Museum second of its kind in the U.S., immerses students: $6. Kids under 3 and active 4672 First Flight Drive at Charlotte visitors in the energy and excitement military and their families: free. Douglas International Airport of flight through a hands-on learning • Information: 205-833-8226 or online at Charlotte, North Carolina adventure. Designed for students in www.southernmuseumofflight.org. Flight had its beginnings in the Caroli- grades 5-12, the center uses the universal nas, and for the past 25 years, the Caro- wonder of flight to engage kids in the The Aviation Museum of linas Aviation Museum has told its story. exploration of science, technology, engi- Kentucky Exhibits include the Wright Brothers on neering and math. Students have come 4029 Airport Road at Blue Grass Airport the coast of North Carolina at Kitty Hawk from around the world to get a taste of Lexington, Kentucky and the Airbus A320 that became Flight aviation training. There are three replica The Bluegrass State is well-grounded in 1549, the “Miracle on the Hudson.” This cockpits, two hang glider simulators and aviation history. Matthew Sellers, of Carter is the museum’s signature exhibit, and it a theater featuring a film about the prin- County, Kentucky, invented retractable leaves people in awe. ciples and history of flight development. landing gear, and Solomon Van Meter, of “Many visitors don’t realize that we • Admission: Adults 18-64: $20. Ages Lexington, is responsible for the creation have the actual Flight 1549. It’s not a 12-17: $18. Seniors 65-plus and kids of lifesaving pack parachutes. These men replica,” says museum spokeswoman 4-11: $16. Members and children 3 and and others are honored for their contribu- Jessica Mallicote. “Visitors can see the under: free. Additional discounts given tions and service in the Aviation Museum actual aircraft, hear passenger stories for advance online purchases. of Kentucky’s Hall of Fame, one element and experience the event in a powerful • Information: 346-708-2517 or online at of the 23-year-old museum. way.” www.lonestarflight.org. History buffs will enjoy seeing restored Visitors will come face to face with an barnstormers and vintage airliners, such F-14 Super Tomcat, a DC-3 commercial as a Lockheed L-12 that was used as a airliner and a CH-46 helicopter transport.

July/August 2018 | 7 Sarah and Jeff Holland Protect what matters most TECHNOLOGY GIVES CUSTOMERS PEACE OF MIND WHEN THEY’RE NOT HOME

BY LISA SAVAGE

eff Holland is a out the house. They also have security with other NHTC says. “We’re committed to other interior and exterior services. serving our customers and firefighter, and cameras. They can monitor the “We were already happy ensuring we provide the best his hours at home system using an app down- with our decision to go with equipment, installation and Jare unpredictable. He loaded to their mobile phones. NHTC Security Solutions, but customer service possible.” “When he’s at work, he can now that we have it, we love While some customers have often worried about look at his phone and see it,” she says. “Now, I always the basic alarm system, other his family while he what’s going on,” Sarah Hol- sleep like a baby.” advances in technology have land says. “It gives him peace allowed for services such as was working. His wife, of mind when he’s not here.” THE LATEST TOOLS home automation, Med Alert, Sarah, usually didn’t If the Hollands leave for an “Technology has changed home theater, structured sleep well, aware of extended time, Sarah Holland’s significantly since New Hope wiring, audio and closed- mother checks on their dog. “I Telephone Cooperative first circuit video systems. These every sound when he can arm the alarm when we’re offered security services,” offerings include key features was away. gone and then disarm it when says Bart Hopkins, part of the such as local monitoring, fast she is going to go let the dog security sales and service team and friendly service and the All that changed when the out. Then, I reset the alarm at NHTC. “And the security bundling of bills. Most home- Big Cove family had a security when she’s finished,” Sarah systems are also available to owners’ insurance companies system installed from NHTC Holland says. homes and businesses outside also give discounts for home Security Solutions. The Hollands love the NHTC’s traditional service security systems. It gave them peace of mind. service, but even before they are a .” Home automation has A camera system is one of started using it, they liked the “NHTC Security Solutions many features that allow the Jeff Holland’s favorite aspects way the plan worked. With isn’t like one of the other customer to configure the of the service. One camera NHTC, they were able to set major security providers, and system, including a phone app. allows a good look through- up a payment plan and bundle we don’t try to be,” Hopkins “The service can be as basic

8 | July/August 2018 New Hope Telephone Cooperative The NHTC Security Solutions team wants to talk to you about securing what you love. SecurityNHT SolutionsC Sarah and Jeff Holland From left are Becca Hyde, Kanita Medlen, Lee Glaser and Bart Hopkins.

as accessing the app to see if your home everything possible to ensure that you “We are licensed and insured, and all of is armed or disarmed and what doors are have everything you need,” Glaser says. our employees are certified installers with open,” Hopkins says. “Our goal is to give you a solution that fits years of wireless and structured wiring “Technicians will meet with custom- you best with no high pressure.” experience, so you can feel comfortable ers to determine how many cameras are and safe when we’re working in your home needed and the best possible locations BUSINESS-FRIENDLY or office,” Hopkins says. “When you work to cover as much of an area as possible,” NHTC Security Solutions is based in with NHTC Security Solutions, you’re not says Lee Glaser, security specialist and New Hope as part of NHTC. “Technicians buying a product or a service; you’re buy- installer. have many years of experience in con- ing a solution and the feeling of security it “We will never pressure you to buy sumer electronics, theater design, security provides.”  something you don’t want, but we will do and low-voltage wiring,” Hopkins says. Meet the security solutions team

sales representative sales representative Security specialist and installer security specialist and installer Kanita Medlen Becca Hyde Bart Hopkins Lee Glaser of New Hope has been with of Grant has been with of Owens Cross Roads has been of Grant has been with NHTC for 18 years NHTC for nine years with NHTC for five years NHTC for two years

New Hope Telephone Cooperative ubscription shopping online can save you time and money. In fact, it’s so easy to get a quality meal delivered that you may cut down on long trips to Sthe grocery store. There are subscription services that will provide fresh, healthy ingredients straight to your door. From turkey shepard’s pie to garlic and herb shrimp, these meals are only a few clicks away from your doorstep. But these services wouldn’t be possible without a high-speed internet connection. That’s what’s great Good about the World Wide Web: It’s truly international. From your living room, you’re connected to recipes inspired by the world’s greatest chefs. And with online subscription services, you can get regular deliveries of the meals you like most. & EASY In the next few issues, we’ll feature several online sub- EATS! scription services ... but don’t wait on us. Check them Subscription services provide out for yourself. Everything from chic skincare products first-class meals and convenience to children’s toys and vintage vinyl records ship daily.

Blue Apron Hello Fresh Freshly MunchPak Blue Apron delivers Much like Blue Apron, If you’re tired of cooking on If you’re not in the mood everything you need for Hello Fresh is a competitor the stove but still want to for a full meal but you’re a gourmet-quality meal with a twist. While you’ll put a satisfying meal on the curious about what our you can cook at home. still find high-end meals, table every night, Freshly is neighbors across the pond The step-by-step recipes Hello Fresh specializes in the perfect option. Packed reach for in their pantries, are paired with unique simple home cooking. But with protein, Freshly MunchPak is the answer ingredients to help you the meals don’t skimp on meals can be cooked in the without the cost of the feed your family for a flavor. The plates include microwave. The natural flight. With snacks from fraction of restaurant tasty recipes for winner ingredients are also gluten around the world, you prices without sacrificing winner chicken orzo free. The options don’t choose the size of your taste. Menu items include dinner, pineapple poblano disappoint; each chef- delivery and customize its spicy smoked trout beef tacos and slow cooker prepared meal is ready in contents. Try out Japanese sandwiches, Caribbean smoky beef chili. under three minutes. You’ll hard candy, wacky new chickpea curry and find Sicilian-style chicken potato chip flavors, drink Mexican-spiced pork. parmesan, homestyle meat- options and more. loaf, and spaghetti squash and meatballs on the menu.

As low as As low as As low as As low as $9.99 $8.74 $8.99 $9.95 per serving! per serving! per serving! per serving! TECHNOLOGY IN THE GOLDEN YEARS Your personal ‘techtionary’

Learn the  internet lingo  basics WI-FI STREAMING ometimes the language  OTT VIDEO of technology can seem complex, but it’s an BROADBAND Sincreasingly common, and WIRELESS ROUTER important, part of day-to-day VOIP life. Hopefully, this column will make your use of technology a little smoother.  I often describe myself as a translator, and I want to help you create your own “techtion- ary.” I’ll define some common words associated with the internet and related services, and, hopefully, this will give you a simple reference you can keep handy. XXBROADBAND: This term is meant to define fast internet. internet without using a wire. maintain the device and keep when copper wires transmit The fastest broadband services From your home to the coffee it updated. I think of a router phone calls. With VoIP, calls go come from providers that shop, Wi-Fi is increasingly as a sprinkler head attached to through your internet connec- rely on fiber optic networks, essential as more and more the end of the garden hose. It tion. VoIP is becoming more although some companies do people rely on mobile devices distributes the broadband sig- and more common, and in offer broadband plans through or connected devices, such as a nal to a wider area, much like a most cases you don’t even know networks reliant on copper Roku, Amazon Echo or gaming sprinkler distributes water. you are using an internet-based cables. I like to think of broad- box. Keep in mind, Wi-Fi can XXSTREAMING: This term phone. band as a garden hose deliver- be either open for all to access refers to accessing content, such These are just a few of the ing water. The higher the water or protected with a password. as television shows or music, words you may hear in regards pressure — how many megabits If you have a home Wi-Fi net- over the internet. If you like to to your internet service. Don’t per second your plan provides work, consider using a secure watch a video using applica- hesitate to ask questions when — the faster the speed! password. tions such as Netflix or You- speaking to your internet ser- XXOVER-THE-TOP (OTT) XXWIRELESS ROUTER: This Tube, you are streaming video. vice provider, which is a great VIDEO: This term refers to device converts a broadband If you listen to music online resource. The internet network media delivered through an connection into a Wi-Fi signal. through Pandora or Spotify, can seem like magic at times, internet connection — often Routers need to be maintained you are streaming audio. The but it’s not as mysterious as it with the help of a smart TV, and updated regularly to have content is stored online as may appear.  Roku, Apple TV or other the best connection. Many opposed to you downloading it streaming device — as opposed broadband providers sell rout- to your device. CARISSA to your standard cable TV or ers or offer plans where they XXVOICE OVER INTERNET SWENSON satellite TV. manage the router. Using a PROTOCOL (VOIP): While IS A TRAINING XXWI-FI: This is the way router recommended by your the phone seems to work as it AND EDUCATION CONSULTANT you can connect a computer, broadband provider is a good always has, VoIP technology is FOR CONSORTIA television or other device to the idea because they typically help very different from that used CONSULTING.

July/August 2018 | 11 Grand-prize winner Mike Tipton celebrates with his family after learning he won a 50-inch smart TV. BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE A report from NHTC’s annual meeting BY LISA SAVAGE

eston Reed licked The Reeds are NHTC internet custom- wanted to come, but this was the first year ers, and they don’t usually miss a meeting. I actually made it. I sure am glad I did.” a drop of ketchup Brandon Elder, a man from Arab who from the corner made it to the Top 50 and Hollywood DOWN TO BUSINESS Wof his mouth as he ate his hot Week on the hit television show “American Even though it’s a festive atmosphere, Idol,” provided entertainment. the meeting is an important part of opera- dog. His brother, Jameson, “I watched ‘American Idol’ this season, tions at the cooperative. and sister, Gracyn, shared a so this was exciting,” says Nicole Reed Board members are elected, and the box of popcorn, sneaking in a of Elder’s performance. “We would have meeting serves as a platform to update come anyway, but this made it even better.” members on highlights from the previous few tosses of the treat at each The New Hope High School show choir, year. Place 1 Board member Greg Glover other. “The Pride,” also performed. and Place 8 Board member Randy Mor- NHTC members registered for more rison were re-elected. The 4-year-old triplets sat with their than two dozen door prizes, including free General Manager Jim Cook described parents, Grant and Nicole Reed, on the internet service, TV service, gift packs, the cooperative’s solid 2017 financial bleachers at the middle school gym, tablets, an Apple Watch and TVs. performance, which allowed members to enjoying the entertainment at New Hope Member Mike Tipton pumped his arms benefit with more bang for their buck. Telephone Cooperative’s annual meeting. in the air when his name was called as the All NHTC subscribers now have digital “It’s a good family outing,” Nicole Reed winner of the grand prize — a 50-inch TV. fiber-to-the-home internet, Cook says. The says. “I just had a feeling,” he says. “I’ve always minimum residential internet speed was once again increased — this year from 25 to 50 Mbps — with no price change. The cooperative also reduced the residential pricing for 100 Mbps and gigabit-speed tiers. In addition, the minimum business internet speed was increased with no price change. The cooperative’s assets in 2017 totaled $37 million, and there was a $2.7 mil- lion investment in the fiber-to-the-home Grant and Nicole Reed enjoy attending the project. NHTC annual meeting every year with their triplets: Weston, Jameson and Gracyn. Operating expenses rose by 3.5 percent,

12 | July/August 2018 New Hope Telephone Cooperative Representing New Hope Telephone Cooperative, seated, from left, are Calvin Bearden, secretary; Jeffrey Cantrell, vice-president; Mike Whitaker, president; and Randy Morrison, treasurer. Back, from left, are General Manager Jim Cook; NHTC board member Garland Elders board members Jeff Cooper, Garland Elders, Jim Duncan, Barry Jones and Greg announces the winners of the door prizes. Glover; and the board attorney, Mac Martinson.

driven by significant increases per networks are aerial lines. in fees charged by television Cook says the cooperative content providers and the deci- plans to focus on removing the “We will expand our boundaries and sion by the cooperative’s board aerial lines and recycling the enhance our product and service to speed the removal of old cables. Removing the aerial copper and cable networks. cables should cut expenses by offerings.” “Even with the slight reduc- $200,000 annually. — Jim Cook, General Manager tion in revenues and increase Cook says the NHTC team in expenses, our ability to keep can grow the broadband net- New Hope Telephone Cooperative controllable expenses relatively work to serve the influx of new flat along with modest growth subscribers into the area. “We in nonregulated products and will expand our boundaries services, such as internet and and enhance our product and security solutions, allowed us service offerings,” Cook says. to post a healthy operating Robust growth in new home income margin of $1.2 mil- construction, with the major- lion,” Cook says. ity in the Owens Cross Roads exchange, results in a 3.5 GOING GIG percent increase in residential This year marks the one- subscribers. The broadband year anniversary of the customer base has grown by 5 cooperative’s certification percent. by NTCA–The Rural Broad- The board approved the band Association as a gigabit expansion of the fiber network broadband internet provider. near the communities of Horse The cooperative is capable of Cove, McMullen Road and delivering gigabit broadband Berkley. speeds and enabling techno- “For years, we have been logical innovation throughout approached by residents living New Hope, Grant and Owens in the areas adjacent to our Cross Roads, with 100 percent boundaries. They have asked of the membership included in us to please extend our fiber the fiber network. network in their areas so they, Only about 10 percent of too, can enjoy the benefits of NTCA member-companies our state-of-the-art broadband have achieved the designation network,” he says. “We are of gig-certified provider, Cook proud to be your technology says. and communications provider While about 99 percent of in the areas we have served for Bo Baldwin shows off the fiber network is under- many years as well as the areas his new NHTC shirt at ground, the cable TV and cop- where we are expanding.”  the annual meeting.

New Hope Telephone Cooperative July/August 2018 | 13 SOUTHERN KITCHENS Canning 101

o you want feed on a farmer’s wages, my mother taught each of us to to get started harvest, freeze and can fruits with canning and vegetables,” she says. She Dvegetables, fruits and became a member of her local 4-H club; food preservation more? Well, it’s best to was one of her many projects. pay attention to a few After college, she worked fundamental rules. as an agent for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Ruth Sarro, a former exten- Although she primarily han- sion agent for the Alabama dled 4-H programs, she also Cooperative Extension System, answered consumers’ questions says you will need some basic about canning and food safety. equipment, including a wide- Now retired, she teaches mouth funnel, tongs, a ladle or nutrition classes part time at dipper, a jar lifter and a water Jacksonville State University, bath canner with a rack inside. and she continues to enjoy The best foods for canning canning at home. She makes have good structure and won’t berries into jams, freezes them fall apart during the process. to use throughout the year or High-acid foods and pick- eats them fresh. les don’t need to be pressure That’s the beauty of food canned, but low-acid foods — preservation, she says. Canning like vegetables, meats, soups and freezing let you enjoy the and broths — do. taste of summer in the dead of Ruth Sarro Inspect your fruits and winter. prepares vegetables before canning. “My family prefers home- strawberry jam “The quality of the food going canned jams and jellies because in her home in determines the quality of the the taste is more like fresh in Wellington, Alabama. canned product,” says Sarro. fruit,” Sarro says. “Home- Glass jars and rings may canned peaches taste much be sterilized and reused, but better than commercially your-own farms in her area. The following recipes are you must purchase new flat canned peaches. Sometimes Canning also frees up freezer some of Sarro’s favorites. They lids each time. The “USDA I make peach jam, too. My space. However, there’s no are ones she found in the Complete Guide to Home daughter calls that ‘liquid room in the house for all the publication “Food Safety in Canning” is available through g o l d .’” full jars, so the Sarros store Alabama” but she says she’s the National Center for Home them on shelves in their work- tweaked them through the Food Preservation’s website. HOMEGROWN shop. years. Retirement has allowed “They’ll stay above freezing FOND MEMORIES Sarro time to garden, and she’s temperatures out there in the FOOD EDITOR Sarro recalls childhood harvested okra, tomatoes, winter but not too hot in the ANNE P. BRALY IS A NATIVE OF summers spent gathering wild hot peppers and cucumbers. summer; then we’ll bring them CHATTANOOGA, blackberries and plums and She grows corn, squash and inside and keep them in the TENNESSEE. fresh figs, pears, persimmons eggplant, too. What she doesn’t pantry as we need them,” she and pecans on the family dairy grow she buys at the local says, adding that she tries to farm in South Alabama. farmers market in Anniston, use the food within a year of “With seven children to Alabama, or she shops at pick- canning.

14 | July/August 2018 Anything from watermelon rind pickles to tomatoes and pepper jelly can be canned and preserved.

WATERMELON RIND PICKLES and allow to steep for 1 hour so flavors frequently, until sauce reaches of spices can be absorbed. Strain out consistency of ketchup (about 4 2 pounds (about 4 cups) prepared spices. Add drained watermelon to the hours). Pack in hot, clean standard watermelon rind syrup and cook gently for 2 hours until pint jars. Remove air bubbles. Wipe jar 1 tablespoon pickling lime syrup is thicker. Using a slotted spoon, rims. Adjust jar lids and bands. Process 4 cups white vinegar, divided pack watermelon rind into prepared in a boiling water bath canner for 10 1 cup water standard canning jars. Pour syrup over minutes. 5 cups sugar the watermelon rind in the jars to cover 1 tablespoon whole allspice it. Leave 1/2-inch head space in the jar. BREAD-AND-BUTTER PICKLES 1 tablespoon whole cloves Wipe jar rims. Adjust jar lids and bands. 6 small pieces stick cinnamon Process in a boiling water bath canner 10 cups sliced cucumbers for 15 minutes for pints and half-pints. 2 cups sliced onions Prepare the watermelon rind by 1/4 cup salt trimming all green and pink portions CHILI SAUCE 2 cups cider vinegar off. Cut into desired shape or size. Mix 2 teaspoons celery seed pickling lime in a quart (4 cups) of 1 peck (about 2 gallons) large 2 teaspoons powdered turmeric water. Soak prepared watermelon rind ripe tomatoes 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick in the lime-and-water mixture for 2 to 6 large onions 3 cups sugar 3 hours. Drain and rinse well, then rinse 3 large bell peppers again to make sure all lime is off the 1 1/2 pints (3 cups) cider vinegar Combine cucumbers and onions, pieces of watermelon rind. Cover rinsed 2 tablespoons cinnamon sprinkle with salt and set aside for watermelon rind with fresh, cold water 1 tablespoon mustard 1 hour. Drain off all liquid. Put in a and boil for 1 hour or until tender. Drain 1 cup brown sugar saucepan with vinegar, celery seed, watermelon rind. Cover with a weak 2 1/2 tablespoons salt turmeric, cinnamon and sugar. Bring vinegar mixture of 1 cup of vinegar to 2 1 tablespoon ginger to a boil and simmer 20 minutes. Put cups of water. Allow to stand overnight. 1 teaspoon nutmeg into clean standard pint canning jars. Discard the liquid the next morning. Remove air bubbles. Wipe jar rims. Make syrup of the 3 cups of vinegar, Peel, core and slice tomatoes. Chop Adjust jar lids and bands. Process in 1 cup water, sugar and spices by onions and peppers. Put into a large a boiling water bath canner for 10 combining and heating to a simmering saucepan. Add remaining ingredients minutes.  point. Remove syrup from heat, cover and cook on top of range, stirring

July/August 2018 | 15 Presort STD US Postage PAID Permit #21 Freeport OH

P.O. Box 452 New Hope, AL 35760

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