March/April 2018 Connection

The Foothills MARCH/APRIL 2018 CONNECTION

SPIRIT STRONG Fitness studio caters to heart and health

BIRTHDAY SMOKY GOODNESS CELL-EBRATION A journey of the finest Happy 45th to the modern BBQ joints mobile phone INDUSTRY NEWS

Create the next great app! Rural Connections FRS seeking students to BY SHIRLEY BLOOMFIELD, CEO NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association take the App Challenge Rural youth are the future

t NTCA and the Foundation for Rural Service, we believe an investment in our rural youth Ais an investment in the future of rural America. That’s why we are committed to making those kinds of investments. Each year, our partners at FRS award $100,000 worth of scholarships to assist rural pps play a big role in making life The App Challenge will judge students students in attending college or technical easier. They are often the fastest based on how well-researched and well- school. FRS also coordinates a trip each and easiest way to access social presented the app is. While the idea can year for rural youth to visit Washington, Amedia, check the weather forecast, pay be similar to an existing app, it must be D.C., and learn about the way our gov- bills, listen to music, shop and access an original idea. ernment works. just about anything imaginable on the The program launched Jan. 23, and the I am thrilled about the launch of the internet. deadline for submissions for the contest FRS Rural Youth App Challenge and That’s why the Foundation for Rural is April 20. Students in grades 7-12 are excited to see the bright ideas that come Service created the FRS Rural Youth eligible. from the minds of our rural youth. App Challenge. Students will develop a Either a single student or groups with I believe deeply in the importance of concept for a mobile app that addresses as many as five participants may enter. these programs, but for NTCA members a problem or improves a process in their A parent of at least one student in the like your local provider, support for our rural community, or anywhere in rural group must be a member of a coopera- rural youth goes much deeper. America, says Jessica Golden, executive tive that is an NTCA member. Your broadband provider works hard director of the Foundation for Rural Ser- Winners will be announced in mid-to- to bring a reliable internet connection vice. “Youth engagement is a huge part late May. The winning team will receive to students’ homes — and often their of what we do,” she says. $1,000 in gift cards and Codecademy schools — to get the education they The FRS is the charitable arm of scholarships. The first 10 student appli- need. They make sure teachers can NTCA–The Rural Broadband Associa- cants with complete applications will connect to the resources and research tion and has been involved in scholar- also receive a subscription to Codecad- needed to provide quality instruction. ships, youth tours in Washington, D.C., emy-PRO, worth about $84.  And once these young men and women and many other programs geared toward graduate, it will be your broadband engaging the youth of America, Golden provider whose service enables them to says. apply for jobs, start a business or work It’s all part of the emphasis on the FOR MORE INFORMATION: remotely. importance of broadband, which is Go to frs.org, send an I’m proud of the investments NTCA, becoming a vital thread in the American email inquiry to FRS and our member telcos have made fabric. “We want all our youth to see and will continue to make in the future themselves as a gamechanger and a voice [email protected], of rural America.  of the rural communities,” she says. “We or call 703-351-2026. want them to think outside the box.”

2 | March/April 2018 Attention local Hey business owners: telemarketers: Make sure you follow the Do Not Call rules No matter if you’re a one-person shop or a beloved company, local business owners should remember DO NOT CALL! that National Do Not Call Registry rules and regulations apply to you. After all, you don’t want to upset a loyal customer, or frustrate poten- tial new customers, with unwanted phone calls. he Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communica- If you are a company, individual or tions Commission established a National Do Not Call Regis- organization that places telemarketing calls, it is very important that try. Joining this registry can drastically reduce the number of you familiarize yourself with the Ttelemarketing calls you receive. operations of the National Do Not Call Registry. Unless you fall under one of the established exceptions, JUST THE FACTS ABOUT DO NOT CALL: political organizations, charities, tele- such as telemarketing by charitable • Once you’ve registered, telemarket- phone surveyors and businesses with organizations or for prior business ers have 31 days to stop calling your whom you have an existing relationship. relationships, you may not make number. telemarketing calls to numbers • Register as many as three non-business Strict Federal Trade Commission rules included in the National Do Not Call telephone numbers. You can also regis- make it illegal for telemarketers to do any Registry. ter cellphone numbers — there is not a of the following, regardless of whether or For information regarding separate registry for cellphones. not your number is listed on the National National Do Not Call regulations, • Your number will remain on the list Do Not Call Registry: visit the National Do Not Call permanently unless you disconnect the • Call before 8 a.m. Registry at www.telemarketing. number or you choose to remove it. • Call after 9 p.m. donotcall.gov. You can find the • Some businesses are exempt from the • Misrepresent what is being offered Federal Communications Commis- Do Not Call Registry and may still be • Threaten, intimidate or harass you sion and Federal Trade Commission able to call your number. These include • Call again after you’ve asked them not to rules governing telemarketing and telephone solicitation at 47 C.F.R. § 64.1200 and 16 C.F.R. Part 310, respectively.

It’s Easy! Register online at OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION: Add your number to the The Do Not Call initiative, regulated www.donotcall.gov by the Federal Trade Commission Do Not Call Registry or call 888-382-1222. (FTC) and the Federal Communica- For TTY, call 866-290-4236. tions Commission (FCC), requires telephone service providers to You must call from the telephone notify customers of the National Do number you wish to register. Not Call rules and regulations. 

March/April 2018 | 3 FROM THE CEO The Foothills CONNECTION Keeping our part of the MARCH/APRIL 2018 VOL. 5, NO. 2 The Foothills Connection is a bimonthly newsletter published by Foothills ‘net’ neutral Communications, ©2018. It is distributed without charge to all customers of the company. t’s very rare that telecommunications policy grabs headlines, dom- inates social media feeds, and leads the news broadcasts. But that’s Iexactly what we saw after the FCC’s decision on net neutrality. It’s encouraging to see people around the country take stock, realize how important their broadband service is to their daily lives, and take action to protect it. Concerns over net neutrality have caused some of our members to email, call or message us on social media. I’m proud Foothills is a member-owned cooperative that our members are tuned in to the issues and willing to communi- that has been serving residents and cate with us about the future of their service. businesses in eastern Kentucky since 1951. The term “net neutrality” refers to policy that would prevent inter- In the early days, we only offered telephone net providers from interfering with selective forms of internet traffic service over copper wires. Over the years, through blocking or slowing down certain services or websites. we have expanded our network and now RUTH CONLEY There’s a lot of conflicting information about how the regulations provide broadband Internet and cable TV Chief Executive Officer and the FCC changes to the rules will affect broadband, but I wanted services over fiber-optic facilities to much of to set the record straight for Foothills customers. Our No. 1 concern our service area. Our service area includes has been and will always be delivering to you the best online experi- Magoffin County and portions of Johnson ence possible. We do not throttle, prioritize or block any legal internet traffic and have no plans County and Lawrence County. We love to do so in the future. Essentially, we are keeping our members’ connections net neutral. being part of the communities we serve; I understand that many people have concerns about this ruling, but please know that Foot- our customers are our families, friends and hills has no intention of making changes to our service based on the FCC’s decision. neighbors. I can’t speak for what other telecommunications providers I can’t speak for may do, but we have been net neutral and will stay that way because it’s the right thing to do for our customers. Foothills Communications what other profit- The only thing the FCC’s decision will change for us will be P.O. Box 240 “ 1621 Kentucky Route 40 West driven corporate reducing the amount of regulatory paperwork we have to keep. Staffordsville, KY 41256 telecommunications Representatives from NTCA–The Rural Broadband Associa- www.foothills.net providers may do, tion — which represents 850 small, rural, community-based 606-297-3501 member companies like ours — testified to this before congres- but we have been net sional committees. neutral and will stay For small telcos like ours, the so-called net neutrality rules Foothills Mission Statement that way because it’s implemented in 2015 required extensive reporting that took “To provide the latest in time and effort from our team. That’s time and effort we’d rather the right thing to do for communications at affordable spend on growing and improving our network and customer prices with exceptional service.” our customers.” service features. NTCA Senior Vice President Michael Romano told Congress the 2015 rule’s “heavy-handed regulatory burdens can be distracting at best or devastating at w or s t .” Produced for Foothills Communications by: In summary, some experts would have us believe that the removal of net neutrality rules is a threat to the internet as we know it. But here at Foothills, we’re going to keep your internet service open and free as you enjoy it today — and will work hard to make it even better tomor- row.  On the Cover: Pam Parker demonstrates how to use a weighted PLEDGE: Foothills does not throttle, prioritize or block any legal hula hoop as an exercise internet traffic, and we have no plans to do so in the future. technique at her Spirit Strong Fitness Studio. See story Page 12.

4 | March/April 2018 Congratulations to the winners OF OUR HUGE GIVEAWAYS! Customers who signed up for select services before Dec. 31, 2017, were entered into a drawing to win special prizes from Foothills Communications.

Internet customers Gary and Margaret Platinum customer Ezra Allen Cable customer Amy Watkins Blanton won Beats wireless headphones. won a Bose radio. won a Sonos Playbar System. Accepting the prize were the couple’s grandchildren, who are, from left, Haley, Kyra, Adilee and Jaylin.

Foothills offices to close Good Friday Spring forward! Foothills’ offices will close Friday, March 30, in honor of Good Friday. The cooperative wishes you and your family a happy Easter.

Don’t forget to move your clocks forward one hour! Daylight saving time will begin at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 11, 2018.

Foothills Communications March/April 2018 | 5 TRAVEL

TAKING IT LOW AND SLOW

ON THE TRAIL FOR

BY ANNE BRALY

ther regions of the coun- Owensboro, Kentucky — Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn 2840 W. Parrish Ave. try have certainly tried It once said, “Bahhh,” but your taste buds will say, “Ahhh,” when you bite into to imitate, but none the barbecued mutton that put Moonlite on the map. Order it by the plate, Ohave been able to duplicate the on a sandwich or by the pound, and don’t forget an order of the famous Kentucky burgoo. There’s a barbecue buffet serving lunch and dinner and a barbecue found in states across dine-in menu with traditional pork or beef barbecue, catfish and chicken. the South. Some restaurants have different sauces, while others Memphis, Tennessee — Central BBQ 147 E. Butler Ave., 2249 Central Ave. and 4375 Summer Ave. are known by the type of wood Memphis is in the heart of the barbecue belt, so it’s hard to visit and not they use for smoking. But all are find a good pit. Central, though, is consistently ranked in the top three and always comes home from competitions with a trophy. So when you want known for the magical spell they to pig out on ribs, pork, chicken, turkey, brisket, sausage and even bologna, put on the grill. Just follow the Central can’t be beat. No sauce meets the meat until the latter comes out smoke from state to state on this of the smoker, and even then, not until you order. The spice mixture has been a deeply held secret since the first Central opened in 2002. Now, there road trip around the South to get are three locations, all of which have been featured in national publica- your ’que on. tions, and it’s a favorite stop for TV food personalities, too.

6 | March/April 2018 Little Rock, Arkansas — Whole Decatur, Alabama — Big Bob Hog Cafe Gibson Bar-B-Que 2516 Cantrell Road; 12111 W. Markham St.; 1715 Sixth Ave. S. and 2520 Danville and 5107 Warden Road, North Little Rock Road SW It’s no small feat to garner a win in the Cross the Alabama border and ask for esteemed Memphis in May World Cham- a good barbecue place and chances pionship Barbecue Cooking Contest, but are you’ll be directed to the town on Whole Hog has done it three times with the banks of the Tennessee River just two second-place wins for its ribs and a south of the Tennessee border where first-place for its whole hog. What began Big Bob started cranking out the ’cue as a food truck in a parking lot in Little back in 1925. Gibson created his empire Phil Beaubien is the owner of The Hickory Pig barbecue Rock has now spread across the nation, from smoked chicken smothered in shack in Gainesville, Ga. but its heart belongs in Little Rock, white sauce, a recipe that’s appeared Photo courtesy of Hickory Pig BBQ. where you can order a simple pulled pork in numerous publications, as well as in sandwich or get a taste of it all with the bottles sold online and in the restaurant. Ultimate Platter, which includes pulled The menu expanded over the years to pork, smoked beef, smoked chicken, ribs, include every kind of smoked meat you three sides and dinner rolls. Hungry yet? may crave — pork butts, turkey breasts,

whole chickens, brisket and ribs. And Dallas, Texas — Pecan Lodge don’t forget a slice of peanut butter pie. Pint. & Pig of courtesy Photo 2702 Main St. In a state known for its barbecue, Pecan Gainesville, Georgia — The Lodge was named one of the top four Hickory Pig barbecue joints in the world — that’s a 3605 Thompson Bridge Road Pig & Pint in Jackson, Miss., puts a spin on barbecue with dishes such pretty big deal. But owners Justin and When you envision a barbecue shack, as its pork belly corn dogs. Diane Fourton say they weren’t out to the building housing The Hickory Pig is set the world on fire, just the seasoned what comes to mind. From the stack of Big Bob’s Bar-B-Que is famous woods they put in the pit to smoke their wood out front, to the giant pig in the for its smoked chicken served mouthwatering brisket, among other parking lot, to the ramshackle building, with white sauce so good they bottled it. meats. It’s well worth the hour-long wait it’s a place with pure Southern small- you might encounter. Order the brisket town charm. And the food? Just bite into on a sandwich or by the pound, or have a fork-tender rib and you’ll see why it’s it piled into a salt-crusted sweet potato a favorite in the north Georgia area for with cheese, spicy sour cream, butter and barbecue. The Brunswick stew is not to onions. It all smacks of Southern comfort. be missed.

Jackson, Mississippi — Pig & Spartanburg, South Carolina Photo courtesy of Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Que. Pint — Carolina BBQ and More 3139 N. State St. 7115 Lone Oak Road This joint puts a spin on barbecue with its Southern Living named Carolina BBQ barbecue chicken tacos and pork belly as the best barbecue joint in the The barbecued mutton made Moonlite corn dogs, while also offering traditional state, a reputation built on finger-lick- BBQ in Owensboro, Ky., famous. favorites like pulled pork, smoked brisket ing ’cue: St. Louis-style ribs, hickory- and barbecued chicken. It gives a nod smoked chicken and turkey, brisket to other regional cuisines, too. There are and pulled pork. Brunswick stew is Asian smoked wings and fried boudin made from scratch, and you won’t shut balls, a Louisiana favorite served with up about the chocolate hush puppies. beer mustard and housemade bread- The red slaw is known as some of the and-butter pickles. The menu may sound best in the business, and you’re wel- outlandish, but the food is a hometown come to take home a bottle of the favorite that’s picked up awards, includ- barbecue sauce for yourself.  ing best barbecue in Missi- ssippi by firstwefeast.com. Inn. Bar-B-Que Moonlite of courtesy Photo

March/April 2018 | 7 Girls on the Johnson Central High School soccer team wait for their turn to work on shooting drills during practice.

Kickstarting the future Foothills employees coach youth soccer BY DREW WOOLLEY Wayne Davis, assistant oothills Cable Lineman Wayne Davis ally compete once they hit the high school soccer coach for Johnson had always prepped his son to play l e v e l .” Central High School, and his daughter, Molly, joke baseball. So when the boy came home Now, Davis’ daughter is a senior at Johnson around during soccer Fone day wanting to start soccer, Davis had to Central, and he has spent more than a decade practice. make sure he’d considered all his options. as part of the school’s soccer program. The “I looked at him and said, ‘Son, is there any middle school program alone has helped Foothills Network Technician Anthony other sport you’d like to play?’” he says. Johnson Central’s teams improve measurably, Sagraves coaches his daughter’s recreation In the years since, Davis has come around simply by introducing kids to the sport at a league team and emphasizes similar life to soccer. In fact, after coaching his son’s rec- younger age. lessons. While he works on fun moves like reation league team for several years, he has “We went from having maybe four or five stepovers and scissors to beat defenders, the become involved with both the boys and girls kids on the team who had actually played most important lessons are about leadership teams at Johnson Central High School. before to 15 or 16 kids who have that skill set,” and sportsmanship. he says. “We encourage the kids and praise them for YOUTH DEVELOPMENT the positive things they do, but we also teach Davis first joined the high school team as an AFTER THE WHISTLE them that mistakes can be learning experi- assistant coach during his son’s freshman year. Most importantly, Johnson Central’s success ences,” Sagraves says. Four years later, with his daughter entering has drawn more kids into an environment That positive impact has even extended the seventh grade at Johnson County Middle where they can learn valuable life lessons beyond the team itself to the community as a School, Davis began working to develop a about teamwork for which Davis believes soc- whole. Davis recalls his own change of heart middle school soccer program. cer is particularly well-suited. when he sees others experiencing the game of “One thing we found with my son was the “In soccer, one play is usually not going to soccer in a new way now. team didn’t have those skilled players that make the difference,” he says. “One person “I’ve had a lot of kids who didn’t come out some other schools had,” he says. “With the taking the ball and trying to run all the way until their sophomore or junior years say they middle school program, we could get those down the field will never be able to move it as wish they’d known how fun it is,” he says. “I younger players prepared so they could actu- fast as a couple of good passes.” think it’s turned everybody’s head.” 

8 | March/April 2018 Foothills Communications Lawrence County history goes

down in The current board members for the Lawrence County, Kentucky Genealogical and Historical Society are, front from left, Director Nita Lewis, Vice President Vicki L. Moore and President Theodore B. Walter, Sr. Back from left are Director the books Beverly P. Estep and Secretary-Treasurer Judge John David Preston. BY RACHEL BROWN KIRKLAND

In 1964, the building was the site of a Lawrence County native Lloyd Moore — cates, and other information that relates to pistol-and-sawed-off-shotgun bank rob- who now lives in Galloway, Ohio — spear- the county’s history and genealogy. bery that went down in history. Roughly headed the initiative to start the society by Walter, who is also editor of Lawrence three decades earlier, it stood proudly open placing advertisements in local newspapers County Legends, enjoys retelling the while other institutions closed during the announcing an organizational meeting. stories of individuals who left their mark Great Depression. Today, the building that Moore has been involved in genealogy and on the county. One such story is that of was once the Bank of Blaine houses history history since 1962. George Milton Elam, an academic who of another sort. “We had always talked about doing settled down in Blaine. He taught at Blaine Since 2015, when Citizens National Bank something for Lawrence County to Normal School and built a reputation donated the property, the building has been preserve historical things,” says Theodore for turning out future doctors, educators the home of the Lawrence County, Ken- Walter Sr., society president and editor. and other leaders. During his 23 years in tucky Genealogical and Historical Society “What we decided to do was try to start Blaine, he taught two generations of 65 Inc. Hard copies of historical records are saving and preserving photographs of families and three generations of eight housed in the society’s building, which has images of Lawrence County — of people, families. long been a focal point of the town. their family, barns, houses and anything Elam produced students who had an The genealogical and historical society related to Lawrence County and surround- impact: 70 physicians, 27 lawyers, 17 who was founded in October 2010 through the ing areas.” entered the ministry and about 700 school- efforts of a handful of individuals. There The $30 annual membership fee teachers. There were two college presidents are now about 340 dues-paying members. provides access to the quarterly issues of and a member of Congress. Some of them live in Lawrence County, and Lawrence County Legends, a publication Those are the types of stories the Law- others have ties to the area but have moved the society produces that includes photos, rence County, Kentucky Genealogical and away. articles, copies of birth and death certifi- Historical Society Inc. honors. 

A historic and current image of the Bank of Blaine, which was donated to the Lawrence County, Kentucky Genealogical and Historical Society by Citizens National Bank in June 2015.

Foothills Communications March/April 2018 | 9 Mobile phones turn 45 Wireline technology makes cellphone popularity possible

BY PATRICK SMITH

hile you’ve likely and fiber optic backbone to a call or access the internet, and download speeds for area heard of Steve connect wireless communica- your connection spends part homes and businesses, but it Jobs, the influ- tions. of its journey on the same also means faster cellular data Wential entrepreneur and Wireless technology needs network that makes landline speeds. one-time leader of Apple, a hardwired foundation to calls and internet connections Mobile data service — 3G, you probably don’t know of operate. Without wireline possible. 4G and 4G LTE — relies on Martin Cooper, a Motorola technology, cellphones would fast connections from tele- employee who made the first neither be able to make calls RURAL TELCOS PLAY A communications providers to cellular phone call on April 3, nor use internet data. VITAL ROLE cell towers, so users can have 1973. Jobs’ achievements with Telecommunications com- dependable mobile access to the iPhone, along with much THE WIRELINE BACKBONE panies provide an essential the internet. of Apple’s recent success with When it comes to cell- service by keeping cellular While a release date has the device, wouldn’t be pos- phones and the wireline tech- callers connected in rural not been set, developers are sible without Cooper. nology they need to operate, areas. Many rural telco pro- working to create a new 5G When Cooper stood in think of the concept like the viders supply wireline copper technology, which could offer midtown Manhattan and wireless router in your home. or fiber service to large cel- data speeds as fast as 10 Gbps. placed a call 45 years ago, A wired connection runs from lular towers. These lines keep Peak 4G LTE speeds top out he forever changed how the wall to your router so it people connected when they at about 50 Mbps today, mak- we communicate. Known can broadcast and receive a are making cellular calls in ing 5G potentially about 200 as the father of modern signal. The same principle rural regions, whether they’re times faster. cellphones, Cooper success- applies to the fact that cellular traveling through the area or And while it’s impossible fully connected to Bell Labs phones need a wired connec- residing there. to predict the future and the headquarters in New Jersey, tion to operate. developments that newer, calling on what would become Copper and fiber lines run- 3G SPEEDS AND BEYOND faster cellular technology will the world’s first commercial ning overhead and under- As fiber optic connections bring, it’s clear that progress cellphone. ground play a crucial role become more common, they isn’t possible without a strong Much like Jobs’ success in carrying signals between also help to lay the ground- base of copper and fiber wire- was dependent on Cooper, more than 300,000 cell sites work for faster cellular speeds. line technology to connect today’s cellular technology is across the country. When you The blazing-fast speed of fiber our calls and provide high- dependent on a wired copper use your cellphone to make not only means faster upload speed mobile data. 

10 | March/April 2018 TECHNOLOGY IN THE GOLDEN YEARS Gadgets for the golden years

os Angeles Times Pub- lisher Ross Levinsohn once said, “The speed Lat which technology evolves affects everyone; we repeatedly hear that constant innovation is overwhelming for consumers, who struggle to keep pace.” I couldn’t agree more with that statement. It seems like as soon as I learn a new piece of software, or how to use the latest technology gadget, it becomes outdated and replaced with a newer version. If it gets overwhelming for me — a professional who works with technology daily — I can just imagine how overwhelming it is for someone who considers themselves non-techie. your eyes. If you have trouble Medical Tech Gadget: remember. My favorite feature I want to take a bit of the reading small print, you can MedMinder Pill Dispenser of this device is the ability to guesswork out of researching make the font larger so that it Never worry about remem- “drop in” on loved ones to technology and point out a few is easier to read, even without bering to take your medicine at see how they are doing. Just gadgets that I think are good your reading glasses. the right time each day. Med- by answering a call with your starter items for those adopters Minder can help you remember voice, you can see and hear the in their golden years. Gadget for a Non-Techie: your meds by calling, texting or people you care about the most. Pix-Star Wi-Fi Picture emailing you. Multiple features The best way to learn how to Tablet: Amazon Fire Frame and differing models ensure the use the latest in tech gadgets is The Amazon Fire is a great If you are looking for a great right style for different needs. to give them a try. You never starter tablet for a couple of gift for a parent or a grandpar- know; you may find you enjoy reasons. It is reasonably priced, ent, this is a good one. The Voice Control Gadget: using them!  coming in under $100. It’s great picture frame is connected to Amazon Echo Show for watching movies or TV Wi-Fi and has an email address. Once the Amazon Echo CARISSA shows, checking email, playing The system makes it very easy Show is set up, you can get the SWENSON games and, of course, reading to add updated photos to the information you want easier. IS A TRAINING AND EDUCATION books. The Fire even has a blue frame. Family and friends can Ask the built-in helper, Alexa, CONSULTANT light filter that makes reading simply email photos directly to for the temperature, score of FOR CONSORTIA on the tablet less strenuous on the frame. the game, or a fact you can’t CONSULTING.

To learn more about the gadgets mentioned in the article, visit the following websites:

gg www.amazon.com/fire gg www.pix-star.com gg www.amazon.com/echoshow gg www.medminder.com

March/April 2018 | 11 Lora Rice helps Pam Parker lead a yoga class at Spirit Strong Fitness RISING Studio. ABOVE

Spirit Strong Fitness Studio helps women meet goals

BY JEN CALHOUN

amela Parker was praying in church But the hip pain bothered her, and so did her weight problems. She decided to do something about both. In January 2008, at the one day when she heard the question, age of 48, Parker vowed she would look better and feel better by “Are you ready now?” That was all she the time she reached 50. Soon, she joined a gym and was moti- Pneeded. vating others with her spirit and dedication. “I didn’t even realize it was just in my blood to be a personal “It was as plain as someone sitting right beside me and speak- trainer,” she says. “I hadn’t been working out long, but I’d come ing in my ear,” Parker says. “I didn’t have to ask why or what it in and say to the other women working out with me, ‘Hey, girls! was about. I knew. So, I was like, ‘Lord, I’m just going to have to Come on! Let’s push. Let’s go. We’ve got to build this muscle!’” yield to this because it’s obviously what you want me to do.’” The owner of the gym took notice. By the end of March, she What she knew was that it was time to go ahead with plans hired Parker as an assistant to help teach members to use the to start a fitness studio of her own. So, she did. Within a year, equipment and to motivate them. Within a few years, Parker also Parker received a loan to start Spirit Strong Fitness Studio in earned nutrition and fitness certifications from the Cleveland Paintsville. The women-only facility opened in August 2017 and Clinic and through Embrace Life Certified Coaching. provides hydraulic fitness equipment and cardio equipment, as For close to a decade, she encouraged women to get healthier well as circuit training, yoga, core strengthening and other classes and stronger. She realized it was her calling. But the thought of throughout the week. starting her own gym kept popping up in her head. Then, there was the voice. GETTING STARTED Ten years ago, Parker would have seemed like an unlikely OBSTACLES candidate to be a gym owner or even a fitness instructor. She was Parker had never operated a business, and neither had anyone overweight and suffering from pain in her hip joints. She also had in her immediate family. Her great-grandfather had owned a suc- been out of the workforce because she had stayed home raising cessful, large farming operation, but she wasn’t sure how to start a her son for several years. client-based business without mortgaging her home.

12 | March/April 2018 Foothills Communications “I said, ‘Lord, I do not have that kind of classes include an Awesome Ab class, money. You know our financial situation,’” a Cardio HIIT class and a stability and she says. strength class. Coming soon are Body But within a few weeks, a friend told Grooves and Delicious Dance classes. her about another friend who worked at a financial institution. She urged Parker to FEMALE-FOCUSED call. Parker says she never once doubted her “It worked out,” Parker says. “I got the gym would cater to women of all ages and money without having to mortgage my sizes. Many of her clients are between 40 home or any of that.” and 70. Her oldest client is 85. Since those Pam Parker, left, takes measurements for Since the gym opened in August, Parker early months in 2008, she has known she Lora Rice in Parker’s studio, where she has been putting in 12-hour days. She is here to help these women. focuses specifically on the strength and spirit of women. teaches classes, including a Fusion class “I am here to serve women,” she says. “I she designed herself. The class combines love men, but I think I can be more of a high-intensity interval training, power help to women. You just don’t know what “We lose so much after the menopausal yoga and stretching. it’s like to weigh 200 pounds or more and years. This kind of training helps build “It’s a belly-buster,” she says. decide you want to change your life. You bone density. The conditioning of strength Spirit Strong also offers instruction in just don’t know until you’ve been there training also helps to fight depression and a circuit training option for busy women and know what it feels like to go to a co-ed to trigger those endorphins and get the who need a quick 30- or 40-minute work- g y m .” serotonin pumping.” out. The circuit uses the gym’s hydraulic It’s hard to explain the feeling, she says. She adds, “We as women are givers, equipment, which allows clients to work “Your self-esteem at that point is at rock but we need to realize the importance of every major muscle group in their bod- bottom,” she says. “It’s daunting.” focusing on our own health, too. Other- ies. Spirit Strong also offers yoga classes Instead, she wants to make women wise, if we let our own health decline, we with a certified yoga instructor, as well as stronger and healthier, physically, mentally won’t be able to help our children, our chair yoga for women who have difficulty and spiritually. parents, our churches and everyone else getting onto and up from the floor. Other “Women need that strength,” she says. who depends on us.” 

IF Spirit Strong Fitness Studio is at 871 Kentucky Rte. 23 N. in Jim’s Plaza in Paintsville. Nearby businesses include Burchett’s Heating and Cooling and All Things Personalized. The gym offers several different packages, but many members pay about $35 a month, Parker says. Spirit also YOU loves to offer specials on processing fees. For more information, check out their Facebook page or GO call 606-297-7737. Spirit is also Silver Sneakers certified.

Foothills Communications March/April 2018 | 13 SOUTHERN KITCHENS Baking for spring with Jason Smith pringtime baking means shedding Jason Smith was a school cafeteria the heavy ingre- manager in Kentucky before winning the Sdients of winter: “All Food Network’s “Holiday Baking that butter and those Championship.” heavy chocolates,” says Jason Smith. Smith, a resident of Grayson, Kentucky, once a cafeteria manager at Isonville Elementary and also a florist and caterer, was the 2017 Food Network Star. Just months before that BLACKBERRY-GRAPE PIE win, he won Food Network’s “Holiday Baking Champion- Dough for double-crust pie ship,” followed by a victory on 2 pints fresh blackberries “Holiday Baking: Adults vs. 2 cups green grapes Kids.” In less than a year’s time, 2 tablespoons cornstarch he baked his way to three major Zest from 1 small lemon wins, making more than 50 1 teaspoon freshly grated dishes to impress the judges. ginger Smith’s successes in the in Laurel County, Kentucky. “I Cookbooks are one of Smith’s 1 1/2 cups sugar food competitions came as no decided I didn’t want to be out- hobbies. He collects them surprise, says Felicia Green, side hoeing tobacco, so I went and enjoys reading the stories Heat oven to 350 F. Spray an who served as a teacher and a inside and asked my grand- behind the recipes. “I’ve taken 8-inch pie plate and place 1 sheet principal at Isonville Elemen- mother if I could stay and help so many recipes and switched of dough in it, allowing edges to tary for 27 years before retiring her in the kitchen,” he recalls. things around to give the reci- hang over. In a large mixing bowl, in November 2016. “He always On the menu that day? Fried pes new life,” he says. toss the berries and grapes in the went the extra mile,” she says. “I chicken, fresh corn on the cob, That’s a trademark of his cornstarch, lemon zest, ginger remember he was always mak- potatoes and strawberry short- as evidenced by recipes he and sugar, stirring to coat. ing things for us to put in the cake made with berries from shares. Pour into pie shell. Place other teachers lounge. And on TV, the garden, along with biscuits sheet of dough on top, and crimp his personality is so genuine.” left over from breakfast that the edges of the 2 sheets of In the past year, Smith has morning. dough together. Then, using a also been a judge for Food Net- Smith says his grandmother FOOD EDITOR sharp knife, make 4 slits in middle work’s “Best Baker in America.” saw something in him that day ANNE P. BRALY of top to let steam escape. Brush He now has a show of his own that others had dismissed. “She IS A NATIVE OF with egg wash (one egg whisked CHATTANOOGA, with a little cold water) and place in the works, which he hopes to always told my mom about TENNESSEE. make “very dessert heavy.” how much I loved to be in the pie on cookie sheet. Tent pie with Smith’s earliest memories of kitchen, whether it was to wash a sheet of aluminum foil and cooking go back to a hot day the dishes or peel potatoes,” he bake 30-45 minutes. Remove foil on his family’s tobacco farm says. and bake a few more minutes to brown the top.

14 | March/April 2018 CARROT CAKE WITH COCONUT FROSTING 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder Lemon Chiffon Cake 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt with Blueberry Mousse 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon allspice • 1 3/4 cups packed light brown ; ; sugar 3/4 cup vegetable oil 4 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3/4 cup tomato soup 1 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup grated fresh carrots

Coconut frosting: 4 tablespoons butter, divided 2 cups shredded coconut LEMON CHIFFON CAKE WITH beat with a mixer until stiff peaks form. 1 (8-ounce) package BLUEBERRY MOUSSE Pour batter over the beaten egg whites cream cheese, room and gently fold with a figure-eight motion temperature 1/4 cup vegetable oil until all streaks disappear. Pour into a lined 2 teaspoons milk 2 unbeaten egg yolks 13-by-18-inch sheet pan or rimmed cookie 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cold water sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar 2 teaspoons lemon extract a toothpick stuck into middle comes 2 teaspoons lemon zest out clean. Take out and let cool; cut into Heat oven to 350 F. Spray a 10-cup tube 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sifted cake 1-inch squares. pan. In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking flour powder, soda, salt, cinnamon and allspice. 3/4 cup white sugar Meanwhile, make the mousse: Place the Place brown sugar, oil and eggs in stand 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder cream and sugar in a large bowl and whip mixer and mix till fluffy; add the vanilla 1/2 teaspoon salt into stiff peaks. Then fold in the vanilla extract and tomato soup and mix in. Then 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced and half the blueberries. add the dry mixture. Turn the mixer on low 4 egg whites and slowly drizzle in the buttermilk until 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar To assemble: Place 1/3 of the cake cubes combined, and then stir in the carrots. Pour Blueberry mousse: and then 1/3 of the mousse in a trifle into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until 2 cups heavy cream bowl. Then sprinkle a few blueberries and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes 1/4 cup powdered sugar some of the white chocolate over the top. out clean. Let cool and frost with coconut 2 pints fresh blueberries Repeat layers until all the cake, mousse, frosting. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract berries and white chocolate are used. 1 cup finely chopped or grated/ Make sure to save a few berries for the Coconut frosting: Melt 2 tablespoons butter shredded white chocolate garnish. You can also garnish with fresh in a skillet and add the coconut; toast until thyme sprigs on top. Refrigerate for 8 lightly brown, then place on a paper towel Heat oven to 325 F. Mix together oil, egg hours or overnight before serving. Serve to cool. Cream the rest of the butter and yolks, water, lemon extract and lemon with strawberry sorbet if desired. cream cheese till fluffy in a stand mixer; mix zest. Sift dry ingredients together, then in milk and vanilla extract, then slowly add mix into the wet ingredients in a stand the powdered sugar, mixing well. Fold in 1 3/4 mixer until smooth. In another large bowl, cups of the cooled coconut. Frost cake and combine egg whites and cream of tartar, sprinkle remainder of coconut on top. 

March/April 2018 | 15 Presort STD US Postage PAID Permit #21 Freeport OH

P.O. Box 240 1621 Kentucky Route 40 West Staffordsville, KY 41256

JOIN THE MARCH MADNESS WITH HIGH-SPEED INTERNET FROM FOOTHILLS

``Track your team’s success online. ``Watch the latest highlight videos. ``Track your tournament brackets. ``Is your game available for streaming? Don’t miss it!

ALL YOU NEED IS THE LIGHTNING-FAST BROADBAND SPEEDS OF FOOTHILLS COMMUNICATIONS. Need to upgrade your internet to an even faster speed? Call Foothills at 297-3501 or visit Foothills.net.

Streaming speeds may not be available in some areas.