BROADBAND: HELPING YOU WORK

ConnectedMAY/JUNE 2020

A close-knit project Looking back at the sock industry

POPPING WITH FLAVOR MAKING A CONNECTION Family business built Broadband links home and with love work to the world INDUSTRY NEWS

Rural Connections By SHIRLEY BLOOMFIELD, CEO WE WERE HERE NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association when our communities needed a modern, Staying well, reliable communications network. staying connected t’s late March as I work on my thoughts for this issue. Knowing that the maga- Izine won’t reach your mailbox for another four weeks, I asked myself, “What will the world look like in late April to early May?” So much has changed in just the past two weeks, it’s hard to imagine what the immediate future holds. WE ARE HERE There are, however, a few things I know to help you stay connected during this with great certainty. In this time of crisis, time of national crisis. community-based broadband providers across America have stepped up their already deep commitments to keeping you connected. As Americans are increasingly compelled to work or study from home, use telemedicine, and lean on virtual tools to connect with loved ones, the work of your local broadband company has become more essential than ever — for you and for the national economy. Working with one voice through NTCA, WE WILL these providers have been on top of national issues such as adopting the FCC’s “Keep Americans Connected” pledge, communi- BE HERE cating with Congress on the importance of the “Keeping Critical Connections Act,” and supporting the recovery through a advocating for support to help small broad- band providers ensure internet connectivity broadband network that builds businesses, when it’s extremely critical. creates jobs and drives the economy. Locally, providers like yours are balanc- ing employee safety with their commitment to keeping networks functioning. In times of crisis, we see more strongly than ever that these providers’ investment in build- ing resilient networks — and in the people PROUD TO BE YOUR who operate them — is foundational to our society. COMMUNITY-BASED Stay well, stay healthy and stay con- nected. We will get through this together.  BROADBAND PROVIDER

2 | May/June 2020 Unlocking the potential of rural businesses Story by NOBLE SPRAYBERRY y turning to digital technologies, more TRAINING than half of small businesses in rural areas There should be a goal of increasing the talent pipeline of expanded their customer base not only locally candidates trained in digital skills, such as the use of cloud com- B puting and digital marketing. Such a workforce could offset the but also throughout their state, and about one-third grew their market in neighboring states. In fact, about existing shortage of IT professionals in rural areas. 16% of rural businesses even used digital resources to DIGITAL TOOLS expand into international markets. Increasing the adoption of digital training and digital tools by Those were only a few findings from a study Amazon commis- rural small businesses will allow them to better scale their opera- sioned from the U.S. Chamber Technology Engagement Center tions. This study highlights two points: the positive benefits for that showed how broadband has the potential to further benefit rural small businesses effectively utilizing digital tools to sell the economy in rural communities and the nation as a whole. online and the potential for businesses currently underutilizing What’s the possible upside of improving access to digital tools those digital tools to grow.  such as broadband? Rural small businesses have the potential to be critical blocks in the foundation needed to strengthen the Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree nation's economy. Increasing the number of businesses adopting online tools Technology helps rural businesses 55.2% 39.5% and digital services could support thousands of jobs. Businesses to grow the customer base with revenue of less than $100,000 have the greatest potential to Conducting business online is an benefit. opportunity for small business 46.3% 38.2% Increased adoption of technology could be responsible for gen- erating billions of dollars of revenue, and Southern states have Conducting business online puts existing business at risk 17.9% the most room to grow. Results of the study released in 2019 were compiled from a 7.6% survey sent to more than 5,000 rural small businesses across the Source: Unlocking the Digital Potential of Rural America, A U.S. Chamber country. And the report made three policy recommendations that Technology Engagement Center study commissioned by Amazon. could help make the projections a reality.

CONNECTIVITY Selling online depends on internet and mobile phone service. About 27% of rural residents lack access to high-speed internet, compared with 92% of all Americans who can access faster ser- vices. The private and public sectors should continue to identify opportunities to expand connectivity through initiatives such as the creation of new infrastructure.

NEW POLICIES COULD EASE CONCERNS OF RURAL SMALL BUSINESSES 66% of rural small businesses say poor internet or cell- phone connectivity negatively impacts their business.

38% of rural small businesses say they can’t hire the talent with the right digital skills in their area.

Nearly 41% of rural small businesses agree that policy- makers should create incentive programs that make it easier for rural small businesses to incorporate digital technology into their daily operations.

May/June 2020 | 3 FROM THE CEO Connected MAY/JUNE 2020 VOL. 24, NO. 3

Connected is a bimonthly magazine Have faith — brighter published by Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative, © 2020. It is distributed without days are ahead charge to all customers of FTC. Editorially, there will necessarily be a significant number of days between the time I write these words and the time you read them. At the moment, Alabama is more fortunate than some states in experiencing and dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. We can only hope and pray this continues. Our social media accounts will highlight much of what we are trying to do to help FTC is the state’s largest member-owned you and your community stay connected, and I will not recap provider of telecommunications services. It serves Northeast Alabama with a robust FRED JOHNSON that here. Neither will I engage in platitudes that would likely broadband network using world-class optical Chief Executive Officer offend some who are truly suffering. The fact is, COVID-19 is fiber technology. not, as we all hoped, just another type of flu. It is a serious threat to us all and deserves to be respected as such. My heart goes out to health care workers, first responders and those manning our grocery stores (just to name Farmers Telecommunications a few) who, through their commitment, are allowing some normalcy to prevail for the rest Cooperative, Inc. of us. P.O. Box 217 • 144 McCurdy Ave. N. Rainsville, AL 35986 I keep hearing that these are unprecedented times. While I appreciate the sentiment, it Telephone: 256-638-2144 is more correct to say that these are times unprecedented in most of our lifetimes. At the www.farmerstel.com outset, the Wall Street Journal did a fine job of reminding us of how, as a people, we have faced similar crises before — and won. Think of the yellow fever epidemic, smallpox and polio just to name a few. BOARD OF TRUSTEES We don’t teach American history as we once did, but a careful review would reveal Randy Wright, President that this is but the latest in a long string of existential crises faced by the world and, more Flat Rock Exchange particularly, our relatively young nation. Yet we endured, and we will endure this. Perhaps Garry Smith, Vice President we will be changed by it, and maybe some of those changes will make us better people. Fyffe Exchange Say, less prone to political posturing, less judgmental of efforts to help, more appreciative Danny R. Richey, Secretary of times when they are good. Perhaps, we will realize that sometimes bad things simply Geraldine Exchange happen. More important is how we react. Lynn Welden, Treasurer Early on, a friend reminded me of Franklin Roosevelt’s oft-quoted words, “We have Bryant Exchange nothing to fear but fear itself.” At the precise time Roosevelt said that, there was actually Kenneth Gilbert much to fear. The nation was in the throes of its greatest depression and evil forces were Pisgah Exchange advancing on both sides of the globe toward a war that would define the world for genera- Gregg Griffith tions to come. There was no certainty the United States would survive as we know it today, Henagar Exchange and the rest of the world was in even greater danger. Still, Roosevelt coined it perfectly. The Randy Tumlin greatest danger of all was our own fear. The same is true today. Rainsville Exchange It doesn’t help that in the midst of this crisis, we face forced separation from friends and family. For many of us that is our greatest source of human strength. Still, I challenge Produced for FTC by: you to accept that fear itself is still our greatest enemy. Those of you who are people of faith must remember that our source of hope comes ultimately from the God in whom we believe. But for all of us, including those who choose not to accept divine providence, we can still find comfort and courage in each other and in our common bond as friends and neighbors to prevail. To overcome hardship and inconvenience. To help those in need. To On the Cover: respect and help protect those who must still work, keeping crucial parts of our economy Glenn Horton calls his collection of knitting and infrastructure working. What we must not do is give up — either now or during the machines a working next inevitable crisis. We are better than that. Like generations before us, we are more resil- museum. The machines ient than this virus. We will survive. May God bless and keep you as we do.  are the same ones used 100 years ago. See story Page 12.

4 | May/June 2020 FTC NEWS

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Trustees shall be nominated and elected as provided fifty percent (50%) or more of the regular meetings BYLAWS hereinafter. of the Trustees during each twelve (12) month period Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative is required SECTION 3. Qualifications beginning with the month of a trustee’s election. The by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to furnish the Any member shall be eligible to be nominated, elected President or Secretary shall provide prompt notice of following information to members prior to the and remain a Trustee of the Co-op who: any violation of this section which would disqualify a annual meeting. (a) Resides in the geographic area for which the member from service on the Board, at which time such BYLAWS – ARTICLE IV | SECTION 2. Election and Trustee is elected and has resided there for more than member’s office shall be deemed vacant. Nothing con- Tenure of Office two-hundred-forty (240) days during the preceding tained in this Section shall invalidate any prior action The Co-op is divided into seven (7) geographic service twelve (12) month period. taken at any meeting of the Board of Trustees. areas and from each such service area there shall be (b) Is not an employee of the Co-op or a wholly owned SECTION 4. Nominations. elected one trustee to the Board. Members shall be subsidiary of the Co-op or in any way financially inter- It shall be the duty of the Board to appoint, not less eligible to vote for every Trustee. The geographic ser- ested in a competing enterprise or a business engaged than forty (40) nor more than seventy (70) days vice areas are set forth as follows: Bryant, Flat Rock, in the selling of end user communications services before the date of a meeting of the members at which Fyffe, Geraldine, Henagar, Pisgah and Rainsville as or supplies or maintaining communication facilities, trustees are to be elected, a committee on nominations the same are shown on the map or plat of the service other than a business operating on a cooperative non- consisting of not less than five nor more than eleven area on file in the office of the Co-op at Rainsville, profit basis for the purpose of furthering rural tele- members who shall be selected from different sections Alabama to which such map or plat thereof reference phony. Provided however that a member of the Board so as to insure equitable representation. No member of is here made for a more complete description of said of Directors of any subsidiary corporation wholly owned the Board may serve on such committee. The commit- service areas. The Trustees shall be elected by secret by the Co-op, who is not otherwise employed by such tee, keeping in mind the qualifications for office, shall ballot for a term of three years on a rotating basis with subsidiary, shall not be considered as an employee prepare and post at the principal office of the Co-op the Trustees from the Pisgah, Bryant and Geraldine of such subsidiary for the purpose of determining at least thirty (30) days before the meeting a list of service areas being elected at the annual meeting qualification to serve as a Trustee of the Co-op. nominations for trustees which shall include at least of the members of the Co-op in August 1991 and the (c) Is not closely related to an incumbent Trustee or two candidates for each trustee position to be elected. Trustees from the Rainsville and Fyffe service areas an employee of the Co-op. As used herein, “closely Any fifteen (15) or more members acting together being elected at the annual meeting of the members related” means a person who is related to the principal may make other nominations by petition by delivering of the Co-op in August 1992 and the Trustees from the person by consanguinity or affinity, to the second such petition to the Headquarters of the Cooperative Flat Rock and Henagar service areas being elected at degree or less, i.e., a person who is either a spouse, during normal office hours not less than twenty-two the annual meeting of the members in August 1993 child, grandparent, grandchild, parent, brother, sister, (22) days prior to the meeting and the Secretary shall and after their election the Trustees shall continue aunt, uncle, nephew or niece, by blood, marriage, adop- post such nominations at the same place where the to serve until the election of Trustees at the annual tion or in-law, of the principal. However, no incumbent list of nominations made by the committee is posted. meeting of the members of the Co-op at which their Trustee shall lose eligibility to remain a Trustee or to The Secretary shall mail with the notice of the meeting term expires or if no election shall be then held, be re-elected as a Trustee if such Trustee becomes or separately, but at least five (5) days before the the Trustees shall continue to hold office until their a close relative of another incumbent Trustee or of date of the meeting, a statement of the number of successors shall have been elected and shall have a Co-op employee because of marriage to which the trustees to be elected and the name and addresses of qualified. If an election of Trustees shall not be held Trustee was not a party; neither shall an employee lose the candidates, specifying separately the nominations on the day designated herein for the annual meeting eligibility to continue in the employment of the Co-op made by the committee and the nominations made by or at any adjournment thereof, a special meeting of if he or she becomes a close relative of a Trustee petition, if any. The ballot to be used at the election the members shall be held for the purpose of electing because of a marriage to which he or she was not a shall list the names of the candidates nominated Trustees within a reasonable time thereafter. Trustees party. by the committee and the names of the candidates may be elected by a plurality vote of the members. (d) To remain a trustee, the incumbent must attend nominated by petition, if any. 

Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative May/June 2020 | 5 Rest, relax and rejuvenate A vacation does not necessarily require a plane ticket, hotel room or even a tank of gas. In fact, whether you’re on a budget or just looking for a way to unplug from the stresses of day-to-day life, there are plenty of relaxing options if you never leave home.

After all, any break is a good break, so here are a few resources, suggestions and tips for those interested in unwinding without heading out.

S Exploren Are you a burgeoning birder? iBird, Peterson Birds n Backyards are meant of North America, the Audubon Society and oth- for play and family ers have created apps to help both the novice and barbecues, but take a experienced birder. Apps may include photos, art- closer look. Grab a magnifying glass and learn what’s work and birdsongs to help you identify birds where out there beyond the grass. Create a nature trail for you live. You can even earn an online certificate kids and learn about the plants, insects and animals from birdercertification.org. living in your backyard. n Arborday.org offers an online database for identify- n Geocaching is a good old-fashioned treasure hunt ing trees across the U.S. along with its “What Tree Is with a twist. Try the app from Geocaching.com That?” pocket field guide. Snap a photo of a leaf and and get out in nature to find the website will help identify it. “treasures” others have left. n You’ll also learn some handy navigation skills.

6 | May/June 2020 GetS playful n Coloring isn’t just for kids. It can help adults reduce stress n Pull the board games out and anxiety, improve vision and focus, and even sleep of the closet and dust better! Best of all, coloring supplies are inexpensive and them off. It’s time for a available at stores and online retailers everywhere. family-friendly faceoff. Traditionalists may prefer games like Monopoly, Life or Scrabble, but n Piece together a pretty picture conservative estimates count tens of thousands of and flex your mental muscles available board games. at the same time. Family jigsaw puzzles use a combination of n Discover your inner Monet with an online art class. small, medium and large pieces A quick internet search for online art classes yields so everyone can join in on the results of everything from basic drawing to comic book fun. Try puzzlewarehouse.com art to figure drawing and more! for a giant selection of puzzles for all ages.

n For those who believe SBooks and music “all the world’s a stage,” playbill.com offers a n Did you know there’s a free digital library of classic books? range of resources, Project Gutenberg offers digital downloads of titles rang- including guides to ing from “Pride and Prejudice” to “Peter Pan.” Just visit finding streaming gutenberg.org. videos of stage per- n If you need help selecting a book formances. to read, do a quick Google search n Check with your local for Time magazine’s All-Time 100 library about e-book selections novels. If mysteries are your thing, using apps such as SimplyE and Libby. visit theedgars.com for a list of the latest award winners. And for sci-fi fans, pop over to nebulas.sfwa.org.

n Consider a virtual our,t and begin with a visit to google.com/earth. Search for one of the 31 virtual visits to national parks such as Acadia, Everglades and Joshua Tree. They’re fantastic. SGo virtual n Check out Virtualiteach.com for a guide to online tours of places such as the Louvre, the National Museum of History, the Metropoli- tan Museum of Art and other popular venues across the world. n And don’t miss artsandculture.google.com for n Many zoos offer entertaining live webcams, tours of The Modern Museum of Art, the CERN particularly if the viewer catches the animals laboratory and much more. Seriously, this is a at just the right time. A great first stop is the must-visit.  San Diego Zoo: zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live- cams.

May/June 2020 | 7 BROADBAND: HELPING YOU WORK hether it was the kids who rode her school bus or the youth Wgroup at church, everyone knew Angela Harper for her caramel corn. She had perfected the recipe years ago, and the sweet treat became a tradition she Perfectly gourmet often shared with others. She always had NANA POPPINS CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS caramel corn popped and available in a tin in the family living room. Story by LISA SAVAGE | Photography by MARK GILLILAND “When I first started making it, my husband, Tim, loved it,” she says. “Then, I got in the habit of making it for kids on the bus, and they loved it.” A popcorn store was the natural choice when she began her own small business. Five years ago, the family tradition became a family business, and the Harpers opened Nana Poppins, a gourmet popcorn store, in Rainsville. “We’ve grown much more than I ever dreamed,” she says.

FROM THE BEGINNING The Harpers first talked about having a popcorn store years ago when their kids were little, but it never worked out. For 17 years, she drove a school bus and contin- ued to make her signature caramel corn, often giving out bags of it to the kids on the bus for Christmas and other special occasions. After a back injury, she was waiting for surgery and began looking at eBay and other online sales sites — not something she usually did. That’s when she saw the listing for popcorn equipment from a store in Michigan that was going out of business. “It was an unbelievable deal,” she says.

Nana Poppins offers gift baskets for all seasons and occasions.

Tim and Angie Harper, owners of Nana Poppins.

8 | May/June 2020 Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative The store also had equipment for coffee, Desiree Thomas puts ice cream and other products the Harpers finishing touches on weren’t interested in buying, but the owner Rice Krispie Treats. wouldn’t break up the items. The overall price was too much, but she couldn’t get the idea of opening a popcorn store out of her mind. She shared her vision with a friend, and within a few weeks, the friend had purchased the entire contents of the Michigan popcorn store and had the equip- ment shipped to Rainsville. The friend told her she could pay for it when she was able. Just two weeks from surgery, she and her husband and daughters separated the equipment, keeping what they needed and selling the rest online. “We sold off every- thing we didn’t need, and we were able to repay our friend before we ever opened,” she says. As she recovered from back surgery, she could hear her husband and kids working, trying to figure out how to convert her recipe for a batch to a recipe to make 10 gallons at a time. “They were out in the garage, tweaking my recipe,” she says. “We were all excited to get started on this venture.” Another friend owned a building and and cream, pina colada, caramel apple, Nana Poppins works with schools and rented the space to them at a reasonable black cherry, cherry and movie theater other groups and organizations for fund- price. This friend didn’t want the Harpers butter are available fresh. Lots of other raising sales, giving the organizations 50% to sign a lease. “Five years later, we’re flavors are available by order. of the profits. The store also sells at craft still here, and we’ve doubled in size,” she Nana Poppins also makes other tasty, shows and other select events throughout says. fresh treats, such as caramel and candy the year. Much of its promotional and apples, chocolate-dipped pretzels, turtles, sales information is shared with the public WHAT’S IN A NAME chocolate-covered Oreos and choco- through Facebook, along with daily or Known as Nana to her grandkids, she late-covered strawberries. seasonal specials and store hours. has loved the character Mary Poppins “We do a lot of chocolate-dipped straw- The company ships products ordered from the time she was a child. When berries, especially around Valentine’s,” she by phone. This year, the Harpers hope to deciding on a name for the business, Nana says. expand to online sales and provide the Poppins just popped out, and it stuck. The whole family works at Nana Pop- Nana Poppins products wholesale for “Now, pretty much everybody calls me pins. One daughter works full time, while other vendors. Nana Poppins,” she says. Tim Harper and their other daughter work “The Lord opened this from the start, The caramel corn was the favorite prod- part time. and we give him the glory,” says Harper, uct when the store first opened, and while The fall months leading up to Christmas who believes the faith she and her family the Harpers added the flavors from the are the busiest time of the year, and Nana have plays a role in their business success. Michigan popcorn store, “caramel is still Poppins hires additional part-time employ- “God keeps sending people. It’s been very our No. 1 seller,” she says. ees. fulfilling, and we know God put us here Nana Poppins has 50 available flavors Nana Poppins also sells a few select for a reason.”  but doesn’t always keep popped corn in all jewelry items and similar products, such those flavors in stock. as the popular Tori Belle magnetic eye- Caramel corn, cheesy jalapenos, cherry, lashes. “We just have a small display with 260 VisitMcCurdy Nana Ave. N., Suite Poppins 2, Rainsville. strawberry, watermelon, banana, blue a few other things we make available,” she Call 256-717-7949. raspberry, dill pickle, vanilla, strawberries says. Visit www.facebook.com/nanap111.

Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative May/June 2020 | 9 BROADBAND: HELPING YOU WORK A trusty solution Broadband creates a key resource

ccess to fast internet For many, the benefits created by access through a fiber optic network. And service is an increas- to broadband are deeply personal, and the the couple took advantage. ingly important choices made by one Tennessee family “I’ve had the company for about A illustrate the possibilities. nine years, but I couldn’t operate it the resource, a realization playing Aaron and Becca West lived in Spring way I can operate it now,” West says. out in large and small ways Hill, a Nashville suburb, when a national “The fiber was so huge for the contract for rural communities across communications provider brought high- work. It was so much easier to commu- speed internet to their neighborhood. nicate. When we were looking for homes the nation. And state and local Aaron West took advantage, working here, we immediately ruled them out governments are striving to from home and eliminating his 45-minute if they didn’t have high-speed internet make it easier for residents to commute to a software company. Also, access.” the new technology allowed him to grow Broadband has also helped the career take advantage of new com- his own business, an audio and visual con- of Becca West, a teacher by training. munications resources. sulting company serving churches. She connected with a program called When the family opted to relocate to the GoGoKid, allowing her to use the internet more rural area of Crossville, Tennessee, to teach English to Chinese students. The they did not leave behind the oppor- arrangement also made it easier for her to tunities made possible through home-school the couple’s two daughters. broadband. The local tele- While fast internet access improves phone cooperative, Ben their connectivity to the world, the family Lomand Connect, also experiences its capacity to create a provides 1 Gbps deeper connection with each other. “We’re internet service all here together, and we’re very inten- tional about doing things together,” Aaron West says. “We’re able to go to parks and libraries. We’re freed up to focus on our family instead of it being career first and family second.”

UNTAPPED POTENTIAL Stories such as that of the West family are only the beginning. The full potential of broadband remains untapped, and states nationwide can benefit as fast networks reach rural areas. Last year the U.S. Chamber Technol- ogy Engagement Center released results Becca West of a study commissioned by Amazon that teaches found Texas could add as many as 23,433 English to jobs in rural communities over three years. Chinese children via the internet.

10 | May/June 2020 Her employer is based in Minneapolis, but she works from home. The need for high- speed internet connectivity is a necessity. “We connect via phone, and we hold meetings on Skype,” she says. “It works. It’s very slick.” Like other telecommuters, she enjoys the freedom to get up and move, to go walk the dog or to pitch in a load of laundry. “It definitely makes life easier,” she says. Rob Schierman says that freedom is part of the draw for telecommuters who live in Bayfield County or those considering relocating there. “The younger workforce doesn’t like to be married to a desk or a location,” he says. “They’re a little bit Aaron West, more fluid in their lifestyle and like to a Tennessee be where they can hop on a bike trail or resident, in his go fishing or go kayaking. They can take home office. advantage of the resources in Bayfield County — we’re uniquely situated along Lake Superior and close to a lot of unde- veloped areas where recreation is still And hitting that mark could generate an world,” says Rob Schierman, director of plentiful.”  additional $6.6 billion in annual sales and planning and zoning for Bayfield County. $963 million in annual wages. “We created some breathing room for While the Lone Star State leads all when a business would need a permit and states in potential gain from broadband when it doesn’t. We’re creating opportu- growth, both Ohio and Mississippi could nity while still protecting the integrity also see significant gains. The study of neighborhoods.” emphasized that achieving the potential The area was one of the first growth would require investments such to receive the state’s Telecom- as an increase in rural broadband and muter Forward! Certifica- cellphone access, as well as growth of the tion, one step in promoting number of people with digital skills neces- work-from-home jobs and sary for these jobs. taking advantage of the With so much potential at stake, local internet network of Nor- communities are incentivized to promote vado, a telecommunica- broadband-based jobs, even if that means tions cooperative in Cable, updating local regulations, as one Wiscon- Wisconsin. sin county has done in recent years. “We’re providing a means to try to stimulate EMBRACING OPPORTUNITY some of that employment Once, home-based businesses in Wis- activity coming to Bayfield consin’s Bayfield County were required to County and to take advantage secure permits to operate. Now, the county of the fiber optics that we have takes a more common-sense approach as here with Norvado,” Schierman the description of a home-based worker says. evolves. The issue is personal for Schierman “We’ve recognized the direction of and his wife, Jennifer, who under- Jennifer business in America today and around the stand the benefits of telecommuting. Schierman telecommutes to the city. May/June 2020 | 11 Inspirational Keeping the memories alive

Story by LISA SAVAGE Socks Photography by MARK GILLILAND

hen Glenn Horton stands in the small room with the Horton grew up in a sock mill family, working in the factories knitting machines, the sounds and scents take him every summer. His dad would pick him up after school, and they Wback. He listens to the clanking of the metal as the went to the small mills around town, fixing knitting machines. yarn feeds through the needles, and he smells the oils that keep After high school, Horton earned a degree in business administra- the sock equipment humming. When they get into a rhythm, it’s tion from Auburn University, got a job in real estate, and stayed like magic for Horton. close to the industry, working some at the sock mill owned by his “If I close my eyes, it takes me back to when I was 10 years old brother, Dan Horton. and going into the mills,” the 43-year-old Fort Payne real estate Now, he wants to preserve a piece of his family’s history by broker at Southern Properties says. “When I go in that tiny room, maintaining and operating the machines. “I call it a working it sounds and smells exactly like it did when I was a kid. For me, museum,” he says. “It’s these Banner knitting machines that this is about preserving my heritage.” started the sock industry and have kept the sock mills going around here for 100 years.”

A PIECE OF HISTORY Horton’s inspiration for his small, operational sock mill “museum” came from his uncle, Wayne Goza, who once modi- fied a horse trailer to house a working sock operation. He traveled to schools and festivals for demonstrations. Meanwhile, Erby Farmer, who had worked for Horton’s grand- mother as a “fixer” — a term in the industry for those who keep the machines running — had some old machines he kept oper- ational. “I always told him I wanted to buy them from him one Glenn Horton examines the day,” Horton says. When Farmer decided to sell, Horton bought quality of a sock with Debra Hairel, who operates the everything the man had, and Farmer helped Horton set them up. sock mill he restored. Now, the knitting machines fill one of the small rooms at the

12 | May/June 2020 Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative Wayne Goza, Glenn A near billboard-size photo of the mill, Horton’s uncle, tinkers with a knitting with dozens of employees standing out machine from the front, hangs on the wall of the DeKalb turn of the century. County Hosiery Museum, located next door to the Fort Payne Opera House on Gault Avenue. Horton’s grandmother is one of the employees in the photo. In those days, it was hard to get a job without experience. So Goza worked at the mill by day, and on a machine at home, she taught others how to knit socks at night. Many of the people she taught even- tually got jobs at the mills. “If you didn’t have experience, you couldn’t get a job,” Horton says. A contract with the U.S. Army boosted the Davis mill, and Davis created the cushion-foot sock to provide comfort for soldiers. Argyle socks were born in historic Quin Hotel building on First enjoy getting them to someone who really Fort Payne in the 1950s. Goza eventually Street. Horton bought the building a few needs them.” opened her own mill, along with families years ago and plans to renovate it as a It’s an unusual gift, but people enjoy like the Cobbles, Prewetts and Shugarts. hotel and apartments, keeping the structure receiving them. “When we give them The industry soon grew to be the largest similar to its original design and charac- away, it tends to put a smile on someone’s in DeKalb County. It reached a peak in the ter as part of Fort Payne’s revitalization face, and I always smile knowing I made late 1990s, and Fort Payne gained noto- project. those and it brightened their day,” Horton riety as the Sock Capital of the World. At Horton cranks up the century-old says. He believes his love of giving back its busiest time, the industry consisted of knitting machines routinely for tours and comes from his grandmother, Ida Goza, 150 mills employing 7,800 people with other events where people want to see the matriarch of their sock mill family. an annual payroll of about $150 million, them. Debra Hairel, a longtime sock mill She took care of her employees, Horton according to the museum’s statistics. worker, helps run them. Rex Harrell, a says, and always helped others. “I want to Socks eventually lost exemption from lifelong fixer, also works on the machines be able to have an impact on my commu- the North American Free Trade Agree- as needed. nity like she did.” ment, and the industry diminished. “That’s The instruments can produce about when we lost the big corporations, but the 25 dozen pair with each run, and Horton THE HISTORY OF THE SOCK sock industry and culture is still alive and doesn’t want them to go to waste, so he Fort Payne’s sock industry dates back well today,” Horton says. “It continues donates the socks. more than 100 years to the first mill W.B. to be a big part of who we are in DeKalb Horton’s passion is vintage-style socks. Davis opened. County.”  “Ours are fun crew socks with the cushion soles and colored stripes at the top,” he says. “It’s these same machines that knit- ted those cushion socks that W.B. Davis used to fulfill that Army contract.” The socks often go to charity organiza- tions, school sports teams, or family and friends. Sometimes, Horton enjoys getting them into the hands of someone who needs them. He occasionally takes them to classrooms. “A lot of those kids in that classroom don’t need socks, but those that do are not going to say they do,” he says. “So we just give everybody a pair. I really

Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative May/June 2020 | 13 SOUTHERN KITCHENS

LOCAL INGREDIENTS Farm( fresh MAKE A DIFFERENCE arm-to-table dining Heirloom tomato isn’t a flash in the pan. Tommy Hines, executive and peach salad “It isn’t a trend,” says chef at Pursell Farms in F Sylacauga, Alabama, with olive crumble Tommy Hines, executive chef finishes a plate of at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga, vegetables with boiled 4 large heirloom Alabama. “It’s here to stay. peanut hummus. tomatoes (about 2 1/2 I look forward to sourcing pounds) locally and cooking with the 2 medium yellow peaches seasons.” Fleur de sel or kosher When it comes to food phi- salt losophies, few are as straight- Freshly ground black forward as the farm-to-table pepper movement. Simply, it’s food 1/4 cup torn fresh basil sourced as close to home as leaves, plus whole leaves possible — if not from a per- for garnish sonal garden then from a farm 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil close enough that whatever 3 tablespoons chardonnay vinegar is harvested one day can be 4 (2 1/2 ounces each) on your plate the next, if not I think that’s the best way to But when the weather warms, rounds burrata cheese sooner. In addition to being cook. you’ll find dishes featuring 2 tablespoons black olive more healthful, with no added “Why cook something that’s the bounty of summer, such crumble (instructions ingredients, the farm-to-table not from your area?” Hines as Hines’ heirloom tomato follow) philosophy supports the local says. “First of all, you’re and peach salad with olive economy, so it’s a win-win going to pay more money, but crumble or the strawberry-rhu- Cut the tomatoes and peaches for food purveyors, cooks and it’s not as good quality. You barb shortcake with whipped into wedges and place them diners. know, you pick up a tomato mascarpone. in a large bowl. Sprinkle them Hines, a native of New in December, and it’s nothing Hines likes to think of farm- with fleur de sel and pepper, Orleans, grew up and honed like those wonderful toma- to-table eating as something add the 1/4 cup basil and olive his culinary skills in a part of toes you can get in July and that comes full circle — from oil, and mix well. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes the country where farm-to- August.” the ground to the plate and, to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. table is a way of life, with a When Hines started at if you compost, back into the Place 1 burrata cheese round warmer climate that allows for Pursell Farms in the fall of ground again. “I think people in the center of each plate. year-round produce and within 2019, he began a relationship should be eating what they Fan the tomatoes and peaches easy reach of the fruits of the with farmers and other food have the ability to grow or around the cheese, divid- sea. producers in the Sylacauga get from their local farmers ing equally, and drizzle with “We cook with the seasons, area. And his menus at the markets,” he says. the dressing left in the bowl. using foods that are out our resort’s two dining venues, Garnish with olive crumble and back doors,” he says. “We use Old Tom’s Pub and Arrington, whole basil leaves. FOOD EDITOR Creole tomatoes when they’re reflect the partnership between ANNE P. BRALY in season. We use Louisiana chef and farmers with dishes IS A NATIVE OF To make olive crumble: Place peaches when they’re in sea- that change according to the CHATTANOOGA, 1 cup pitted black olives on a TENNESSEE. wire rack with a tray under- son. And the fresh seafood in season. neath and roast in the oven the Gulf and the foods that are In cooler months you may at 175 F until dry, about 2 1/2 at your back door. Everything find crab au gratin, kale and hours, or until semicrispy. Pulse that’s available to you. That’s brussels sprout salad, or in a food processor to a consis- just how I learned to cook, and chicken and sausage gumbo. tency of coarse crumbs.

14 | May/June 2020 Strawberry-rhubarb shortcake with whipped mascarpone For the filling: 1 pound medium-size strawberries, hulled and quartered 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh rhubarb (about 2 stalks) Pinch kosher salt Biscuits: 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour, plus xtrae for work surface 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon table salt 2 tablespoons granulated sugar Freshly grated zest of 1 orange 1 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing biscuits Coarse or granulated sugar Unsalted butter (for baking sheet) Whipped mascarpone: 1 cup mascarpone 3 tablespoons powdered sugar 2 tablespoons heavy cream

For the filling: Mix berries with 1/4 cup sugar, vinegar and Grand Marnier in a medium-size bowl. Toss gently and set aside. In a small saucepan, combine rhubarb, remaining 1/2 cup sugar and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until sugar melts and liquids are simmering nicely, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Rhubarb will soften as it sits. Add berries and stir. Set aside.

For the biscuits: Preheat oven to 400 F. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and orange zest. In the bowl of a standing mixer, whip cream until it forms firm peaks. Fold the whipped cream gently into the flour mixture until the dough begins to come together. (Add another 1 or 2 tablespoons of unwhipped cream, if needed.) Gently gather the dough into a ball and turn it out onto a floured surface. Press to form a disk about 3/4 inch thick. It will be slightly crumbly. Using a biscuit cutter 2 ½ inches wide, cut out the biscuits and lay them on a baking sheet greased with unsalted butter. Brush them with extra cream and sprinkle on the coarse or granu- lated sugar. Bake until golden, 15 to 17 minutes. Cool on racks.

For the whipped mascarpone: Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat, starting on low speed and gradually increasing speed, until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use, up to 3 days.

To plate: Split each biscuit horizontally. Spoon berry-rhubarb mixture on the bottom half, top that with mascarpone and cover with the top half of the biscuit. Garnish with powdered sugar. 

May/June 2020 | 15 Presort STD US Postage PAID Permit #21 Freeport OH P.O. Box 217 • 144 McCurdy Ave. N. Rainsville, AL 35986

JUNE 27 FREE ADMISSION GATES OPEN HAT

RainsvilleH H1 P.M. HFREEDOM FESTH at the Field of Dreams behind Alabama Agri-Business Center Our biggest FIREWORKS SHOW 9 p.m. (weather permitting) Made possible by co-sponsors FTC AND THE CITY OF RAINSVILLE

y Huge car, truck and motorcycle show! y Free entertainment for the kids — pony rides, inflatables, face painting, photo booth, rock LITTLE TEXAS takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. climbing wall and mechanical bull y Other entertainment throughout the day, Lots of food vendors and arts and crafts! including The Underwoods, DJ-Chris Grey, Bring folding chairs or blankets to sit on and enjoy the Pardons and The Moore Sisters. entertainment. Only service animals accompanying disabled individuals are allowed.

H H FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 256-638-7800 H H