May/June 2013 issue

Connected
May/June 2013
Alice
Circle
Fun, artistic
and delicious
Looking for adventure
Mentone camp teaches kids
life lessons in nature
It’s grillin’ time
Stephenson shares BBQ recipes
Published for
customers of
Industry News
One Voice
}
Telco groups unify to bring stronger voice
and new opportunities to rural subscribers
By Stephen V. Smith, Editor
Editor’s Note: In February, America’s leading telecommunications trade groups voted
to become one association. The unification of NTCA (National Telecommunications
Cooperative Association) and OPASTCO (Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies) created a single group representing the concerns of rural telcos and their customers across the nation. As of March 1,
the organization became known as “NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association.” In an
interview following the vote, we asked Shirley Bloomfield, the CEO of NTCA, about the
impact a unified group will have on rural subscribers.
Smith: NTCA and OPASTCO were
both 50-year-old trade associations
comprised of rural telecommunications
providers. How were the two groups
different?
Bloomfield: NTCA had a very
strong basis in the cooperative movement,
and actually originated as an arm of the
NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperation Association). The organization itself
was established as a cooperative entity,
with control being held by telephone
cooperatives.
OPASTCO was formed as a home for
those companies that were traditionally
family-owned. When rural telephone systems were first established, people either
got together and created member-owned
cooperatives, or a family said “we see a
void, let’s fill it,” and they built a telephone company.
Smith: What was the driving force
behind unifying the two organizations?
Bloomfield: Over the past several
years, we have found that in this industry the issues are all the same. It doesn’t
matter whether you are a cooperative or a
family-owned company, the issues facing
this industry impact all the carriers. Things
that are taking place on the regulatory
front, with state utility commission deci2 | May/June 2013
sions, with technology transforming at a
daily rate and changing people’s business
models ... these things created an opportunity for the two organizations to work
more closely together. We all began to
realize that if we bring these forces together there is more that we can do as one,
as opposed to trying to do the same thing
with two separate organizations.
Smith: What benefit will rural telcos,
and the industry as a whole, gain from
the unification?
Bloomfield: The first area I would
highlight is advocacy. Because there is so
much dissension and politicking in Washington, it has become imperative that the
message of the rural telecommunications
industry find a voice, that we speak a little
bit louder. When you have two entities
saying the same thing, they diffuse each
other. When you put all carriers together,
speaking in a definitive voice for the entire
industry, it cuts through the clutter. It allows us to move faster and be more powerful, in a day and age where, frankly, this
industry is still very heavily dominated by
the large carriers.
Another area is the business opportunity front. We now have more than 800
companies at the table, and that will give
us the ability to go to wireless carriers,
Shirley Bloomfield
NTCA CEO
go to middle-mile institutions such as
hospitals and educational institutions, and
form partnerships to offer different kinds
of services.
Smith: How do these benefits translate to the consumer at the end of the
line?
Bloomfield: It will give rural telcos
the ability to create some scope and scale
in order to offer new services. Rural providers have been terrifically innovative,
but what could they do if they could get a
nationwide presence? What kind of things
could they offer their customers?
Also, so much of the revenue of these
carriers is tied up in the regulatory arena.
If we can be successful speaking with one
voice, we hope to keep local costs low, to
minimize rate increases and to continue
universal service support, which makes
things like advanced broadband affordable in these rural communities where you
don’t have the customer base to offset the
costs. 
Our interview with Bloomfield continues
in the July/August issue, as she talks about
how the uncertainty surrounding FCC
regulations is threatening the level of service and investment in rural communities.
The truth behind what’s driving up
TV subscription costs nationwide
Your
Telco
(Content Providers/Networks)
(Customers/Subscribers)
As a provider of TV service, we are caught in the middle of a tug-of-war. On one side,
content providers and networks are demanding more money every year from companies
like ours who carry their programming. On the other side, consumers demand quality
content but are growing weary of package prices that continue to rise.
“W
hy does my bill keep going up?” It’s a common question consumers nationwide are asking, as they watch
the steady climb of TV programming costs. There are
two main factors driving these increases.
1) Cable channels charge us a fee to deliver their
programming to you — and those fees keep rising.
We work to include as many channels as possible in our lineup.
But most channels add an expense to our cost of providing you
TV service.
According to estimates from analysts SNL Kagan and Barclays
Capital, sports programming accounts for four of the top ten
channels as ranked by their monthly subscriber fees. ESPN/ESPN
HD leads their list at $5.06 per subscriber. The NFL Network
comes in at 84¢. Compare that to Nickelodeon’s 52¢, MTV’s 39¢
and Discovery Channel’s 37¢ and you get a clear picture of the
dominant driver behind programming price hikes. (Note: These
estimates are based on fees paid by the large, nationwide providers, and do not reflect the exact cost we pay for these channels.)
2) Local network affiliates now charge us a fee
to deliver their programming to you — and those
fees keep rising.
There was a time when your “local stations” charged nothing
for a carrier to rebroadcast their signals. Not anymore. In order
for you to enjoy channels such as ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX,
we must pay them a fee based on our number of subscribers —
and these fees continue to rise each time we renegotiate what is
known as the retransmission consent agreements with them.
SNL Kagan reported in November that the revenue TV station
owners receive from these fees could reach $5.5 billion by 2017
— an even higher number than was previously projected. Why?
“The increased projections are due to the success of a wider range
of TV station owners in securing sequentially higher (retransmission) fees from multichannel operators over the last year of
negotiated deals,” says the report.
Will this trend continue?
Unfortunately, there is no end in sight. Content providers know
that consumers want their channels, and they continue to build
fee increases into their contracts with providers like us. Furthermore, sports channels are negotiating huge deals with teams and
leagues that are driving up their production costs (for example,
in late 2011 ESPN agreed to pay the NFL some 70 percent more
to carry Monday Night Football through 2021). They are passing these costs on to providers like us nationwide, who have no
choice but to pass the increases on to consumers.
The bottom line is that we are committed to providing all
our subscribers with the channels they want. And as your local
telecommunications company, we are doing everything we can to
control our operating costs and keep our prices as low as possible. In the end, however, the reality is that TV rates will continue
to move upward as long as content providers keep increasing the
fees we must pay and the number of channels we must carry. 
May/June 2013 | 3
From the General Manager
Investing in a stronger future
For those who put money in the U.S. stock market, the past few years have been like a long ride
down a rough road. The same can be said for the
real estate market. But as your telco, we are making investments that have guaranteed returns.
We are investing in our communities. We are committed to
doing more than just providing a basic service to the communities in our area. We understand that quality of life is about more
than the basics; it’s about having access to services that create
greater opportunities for our families, businesses, schools and
other institutions. We are investing the time and resources into
making sure you have access to those advanced services.
We are investing in technology. Technology is the key that
makes those advanced services possible. Just like electricity
in the 1930s and 1940s, and reliable telephone service in the
1950s, broadband is the new infrastructure that is driving our community development.
We are investing in the equipment and people to deliver broadband technology to everyone in our service area.
We are investing in education. Today, children in rural America can have the same
opportunities to pursue a top-notch education as their urban counterparts. To take advantage of those opportunities, the systems and the technology must be in place — from
Wi-Fi tablets to distance learning. We are partnering with our schools by investing in the
broadband network that makes advanced education happen.
We are investing in health care. Technology is changing health care faster than perhaps any sector. From electronic medical records to telemedicine, technology is helping
people receive better care while helping providers control costs. We are partnering with
health care providers by investing in the broadband network that powers these advances.
We are investing in business. Local businesses are no longer competing with just the
shop next door or in the next town. Now they are competing with companies in other
states, and even other countries, thanks to the Internet. We are partnering with our businesses by investing in the broadband network that helps them offer the best local service
while competing on a much larger stage.
We are investing in the future of this industry. The progress of rural America is
directly tied to the success of the rural telecommunications industry. On Page 2 of this
issue, you will read how two national rural telco associations have come together to form
one voice in order to be more effective in representing your concerns in Washington,
D.C. In April, leaders from rural telcos across the country met in our nation’s capital to
discuss policy concerns and remind our elected officials that any reforms to this industry
must be fair and workable for rural communities. For every proposed law or regulation
that comes along, we are there to work on your behalf to protect the progress we have all
made together.
These are the kinds of investments we are making — and will continue to make. And
they are guaranteed to yield a return, because ultimately what we are investing in is a
stronger future for you and your family. 
Fred johnson
Executive Vice President and General Manager
4 | May/June 2013
“We Keep You Connected”
is a member-owned corporation
dedicated to providing communications
technology to the people of Northeast
Alabama. The company has more than
15,000 access lines, making it the state’s
largest telecommunications cooperative.
Board of Trustees
Randy Wright, President
Flat Rock Exchange
Gary Smith, Vice President
Fyffe Exchange
Danny R. Richey, Secretary
Geraldine Exchange
Lynn Welden, Treasurer
Bryant Exchange
Kenneth Gilbert
Pisgah Exchange
Gregg Griffith
Henagar Exchange
Randy Tumlin
Rainsville Exchange
Connected
Vol. 17, No. 3 May/June 2013
is a bimonthly magazine
published by Farmers
Telecommunications Cooperative, ©
2013. It is distributed without charge
to all customers of FTC.
Farmers Telecommunications
Cooperative, Inc.
P.O. Box 217
144 McCurdy Ave. N.
Rainsville, AL 35986
Telephone: 256-638-2144
www.farmerstel.com
Produced for FTC by:
www.WordSouth.com
On the Cover:
Alice Pettyjohn
has built a thriving
business at her
place, Alice Circle,
on Highway 35 in
Rainsville.
See story Page 12.
Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative
is required by the Rural Utilities Service
(RUS) to furnish the following information
to members prior to the annual meeting
BYLAWS – ARTICLE IV
TRUSTEE SECTION 2. Election and Tenure of Office.
The Trustees shall be elected by secret ballot for a term of three years on a rotating basis with the Trustees from the Pisgah, Bryant, and Geraldine service areas
being elected at the annual meeting of the members of the Co-op in August of
1991 and the Trustees from Rainsville and Fyffe service areas being elected at the
annual meeting of the members of the Co-op in August of 1992 and the Trustees
from the Flat Rock and Henagar service areas being elected at the annual meeting
of the members in August of 1993, and after their election the Trustees shall continue to serve until the election of Trustees at the annual meeting of the members
of the Co-op at which their term expires or if no election shall be then held, the
Trustees shall continue to hold office until their successors shall have been elected
and shall have qualified. If an election of Trustees shall not be held on the day
designated herein for the annual meeting or at any adjournment thereof, a special
meeting of the members shall be held for the purpose of electing Trustees within
a reasonable time thereafter. Trustees may be elected by a plurality vote of the
members. Trustees shall be nominated and elected as provided hereinafter.
The Co-op is divided into seven (7) geographic service areas and from each such
service area there shall be elected one Trustee to the Board. Members shall be
eligible to vote for every Trustee.
The geographic service areas are set forth as follows: Bryant, Flat Rock, Fyffe,
Geraldine, Henagar, Pisgah, and Rainsville as the same are shown on the map or
plat of the service area on file in the office of the Co-op at Rainsville, Alabama,
to which such map or plat thereof reference is here made for a more complete
description of said service areas.
SECTION 4. Nominations.
It shall be the duty of the Board to appoint, not less than forty (40) nor more
than seventy (70) days before the date of a meeting of the members at which
trustees are to be elected, a committee on nominations consisting of not less than
five nor more than eleven members who shall be selected from different sections
so as to insure equitable representation. No member of the Board may serve on
such committee. The committee, keeping in mind the principle geographic representation, shall prepare and post at the principle office of the Cooperative at least
thirty (30) days before the meeting a list of nominations for trustees which shall
include at least two candidates for each trustee to be elected.
Any fifteen or more members acting together may make other nominations by
petition not less than twenty (20) days prior to the meeting and the Secretary shall
post such nominations at the same place where the list of nominations made by
the committee is posted. The Secretary shall mail with the notice of the meeting
or separately, but at least five (5) days before the date of the meeting, a statement
of the number of Trustees to be elected and the names and the addresses of the
candidates, specifying separately the nominations made by the committee and
the nominations made by petition, if any. The ballot to be used at the election shall
list the names of the candidates nominated by the committee and the names of
the candidates nominated by petition, if any. The chairman shall call for additional
nominations from the floor and nominations shall not be closed until at least one
minute has passed during which no additional nomination has been made. No
member may nominate more than one candidate.
Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative
CPNI:
Understanding
your rights
Important notice to subscribers regarding your
Customer Proprietary Network Information
FARMERS TELECOMMUNICATIONS COOPERATIVE, INC.
FARMERS TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
FARMERS CELLULAR TELEPHONE, INC.
Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc., Farmers
Telecommunication Corporation and Farmers Cellular Telephone,
Inc. (collectively, “FTC”) want you to understand your rights to
restrict the use of, disclosure of and access to your Customer
Proprietary Network Information, or CPNI. You have a right and
FTC has a duty, under federal law, to protect the confidentiality of
your Customer Proprietary Network Information.
What is CPNI?
It is the information that FTC obtains that relates to the
quantity, technical configuration, type, destination, location, and
amount of use of the telecommunications service you subscribe
to from FTC. It includes the information that is found in your bills,
but it does not include subscriber list information (name, address
and telephone number).
Examples of CPNI would be the telephone numbers that you
call, the times you call them, the duration of your calls or the
amount of your bill.
Use of your CPNI.
CPNI may be used by FTC to market services that are related to
the package of services to which you currently subscribe, when
providing inside wiring installation, maintenance and repair services, and when marketing “adjunct to basic” services, such as call
blocking, call waiting and caller I.D. CPNI may also be used for the
provision of customer premises equipment (“CPE”) and services
like call answering and voice mail or messaging, and to protect
Company property and prevent fraud. A carrier may use CPNI to
bill and collect for the services you receive from FTC.
FTC offers additional communications-related services. We
seek your approval to access your CPNI so that FTC can provide you
with information on new services and products that are tailored
to meet your needs or may save you money.
IF YOU APPROVE OF OUR USE OF YOUR
CPNI AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, NO ACTION IS
NECESSARY ON YOUR PART.
You have the right to disapprove this use of your CPNI by contacting us in writing at P.O. Box 217, 144 McCurdy Avenue North,
Rainsville, Alabama 35986, or by telephone at 256-638-2144 or
toll-free at 866- 638-2144, within thirty-three (33) days after this
notice is sent to you. Our drop box located at 144 McCurdy Avenue
North, Rainsville, Alabama, is accessible twenty-four (24) hours
a day, seven (7) days per week. If you disapprove our use of your
CPNI, you may not receive notice of new services or promotions,
but your existing services will not be affected. If you do not notify
us of your objection within thirty-three (33) days, we will assume
you do not object and will use your CPNI for these purposes. You
have the right to notify us at any time to object to the use of this
information. Your election will remain valid until you notify us
otherwise.
Thank you for your patronage!
May/June 2013 | 5
Education Focus
Keeping
students
off the
summer
slide
By Brian Lazenby
R
eading, writing and arithmetic
are the last things on kids’ minds
during summer vacation. Most are
focused on sports, video games and playing with their friends.
This educational downtime contributes to what is known as the “summer
slide,” when students lose much of the
skill, knowledge and motivation acquired
during the previous school year. In fact,
a 2011 study conducted by the RAND
Corporation shows that most students lose
a month’s worth of learning by the time
school resumes the following year.
This phenomenon affects children of all
ages and from all economic backgrounds,
but it is most harmful to those students
already struggling to keep up. However, it
can be avoided.
Broadband technology provides access
to numerous websites and applications that
transform computers and Wi-Fi-enabled
tablets into tools that make learning fun
and will help avoid the summer slide. Let's
take a look at a few of the best sites for
your kids to visit this summer.
FunBrain.com, for example, is a site
geared toward children in grades K-8 that
offers online activities to boost learning
in math, grammar, science, spelling and
history.
6 | May/June 2013
E-learningforkids.org is another site
that specializes in providing fun, educational activities for children. Others
include thekidzpage.com and pbs.org.
According to many educators, one of
the most valuable things students can do
during the summer to avoid the slide is to
continue reading.
“Just because school is out doesn’t mean
students should take a break from reading,” says Dennis Van Roekel, National
Education Association president, on the
group's website at www.nea.org. “When
students return to their classrooms in the
fall, we want reading to top the list of what
they did this summer.”
There are thousands of books available
on just about any reading level that can
be downloaded to an e-reader or wireless
tablet.
Farfarfia is an app for your smart tablet
that gets kids excited about reading. It
includes more than 100 stories in e-book
form for kids ages 2 to 9, and new titles
are added every week. This app will make
reading fun for your child, and will make
it easy to carry a whole load of books to
the pool, the park or the beach — without
lugging a heavy bookbag. 
There are many other apps designed
to keep your kids entertained all
summer (they may not even realize
they are learning!). For example:
• PBS character apps are for
children 6 and under who will love
reviewing science and math skills
with favorite characters from PBS
shows.
• Ruckus Reader, another educational app for children, offers a
unique series of digital storybooks
designed to help your child practice
important reading skills.
• Motion Math Games is one of
the many apps that offers a variety
of games focused on fundamental
math skills. It provides fun with numbers for students ranging in age from
4 to 14, and studies show children
who played the game improved
their scores on a fractions test by 15
percent.
• iLearnWith is an app that offers a
suite of games to encourage children
ages 3 to 6 to have fun while learning
key developmental skills such as adding, counting, spelling, phonics and
meteorology.
Summer vacation doesn’t mean
your kids have to take a break
from learning. By exploring these
tools and the many others that
are available, your child can still
have fun while staying off the
summer slide.
“
“
Nationwide, consumers are reporting
failed connections and poor call
quality when dialing into rural areas
By Stephen V. Smith, Editor
“I
called you earlier today, but I couldn’t
get through; it never even rang.”
If you have heard this or similar
complaints from friends, family or business associates, there’s a good chance
the problem is not with your local telephone company. According to the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC),
telephone subscribers in rural areas “are
reporting significant problems receiving
long distance or wireless calls on their
landline phones.”
The problem appears to lie in the fact
that some long distance and wireless carriers, in an effort to cut costs, are contracting with third-party service providers to
route phone calls into rural areas. The
FCC in February announced that it plans
to adopt rules requiring these carriers to
keep records on call attempts to determine
and track the rural call failure rate.
“Our nation’s telephone network is a
valuable asset in part because everyone
has access to it,” says Trevor Bonnstetter,
CEO of Ben Lomand Connect, WK&T
Telecommunications and Ardmore Telephone, serving portions of Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama. “These call completion issues are weakening that network,
making it less useful to consumers.”
Fred Johnson, executive vice president
and general manager of Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative in Alabama,
agrees. “I’m proud to see the FCC stepping up its efforts to address this issue,” he
says. “Substandard service into America’s
rural areas threatens commerce, public
safety and consumer convenience. This is
an issue that must be resolved.”
WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS?
On its website (www.fcc.gov), the FCC
outlines two problems that are being reported by rural consumers and people who
call them:
Failure to Complete
»» Long distance or wireless callers tell
you they repeatedly hear nothing or
“dead air” for 10 seconds or more after
they dial your number. If they stay
on the line, the call may seem to be
dropped or they may eventually hear a
busy signal.
»» Long distance or wireless callers tell
you they repeatedly hear prolonged
ringing on their end after they dial your
number (e.g., the callers wait 10-20
rings before they finally hang up).
»» Long distance or wireless callers tell
you they repeatedly hear a recording
such as “The number you have dialed
is not in service” or “Your call cannot
be completed as dialed” when they
know they’ve correctly dialed your
number.
Poor Call Quality
»» Long distance or wireless callers tell
you they repeatedly hear nothing or
“dead air” for 10 seconds or more
before hearing ringing and you answer
your phone.
»» Long distance or wireless callers tell
you they repeatedly hear prolonged
ringing (e.g., 10-20 times or more)
before you answer the phone — when
you are sure the phone actually rang
only a couple of times before you
answered.
»» Consistently after you answer a call,
the voice quality is unacceptable. For
example, one person cannot hear the
other, the sound is choppy, there are
awkward transmission delays after
speaking, or there is an echo.
»» Fax machines fail to interoperate.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
If someone has trouble completing a
call to you from a long distance or wireless telephone service provider, the FCC
recommends that you encourage them to
report the issue to their provider. They will
need the following information:
• the date and time the call was
attempted
• the calling and called telephone
numbers
• the name of the caller’s long distance
or wireless telephone service provider
Next, call your local phone company
and provide the same information so it
may work with the caller’s provider to
isolate the problem. 
May/June 2013 | 7
One World
Adventure Company:
A natural approach to learning
By Diana LaChance
Founders Billy and Angie Shugart with their
youngest daughter Ellie.
W
hen Billy Shugart came back
home to Fort Payne after
graduating from Montreat
College in North Carolina with a degree
in Outdoor Education and Environmental Science, he learned just how high the
dropout rate had risen for DeKalb County
schools. He and his wife, Angie, became
aware of the vulnerability of low-income
youth and families. Instead of turning a
blind eye to the problem, however, they
decided to do something about it, opening
One World Adventure Company in 2008.
Based in Mentone, One World Adventure is a non-profit organization for area
youth that blends education, life lessons
and environmental awareness programs
with outdoor activities and recreation.
It’s an approach that Angie Shugart says
is “effective in multiple ways: for teaching science concepts, supporting positive
social-emotional development and moti-
8 | May/June 2013
vating youth to think and act more responsibly as stewards of the environment.”
The youth that participate in One World
Adventure programs, and in particular
the county’s underserved or at-risk youth,
also build much-needed self-esteem and
learn indispensable tools to confront and
overcome life’s many challenges. “We
provide a supportive environment teaching kids how to respect themselves, others
and their environment,” says Angie. “They
take away important skills reminding them
they are responsible for everything they do
and say.”
Already, more and more schools are
starting to emphasize this type of character
education to help solve behavioral problems and improve academic achievement.
Incorporating these components into their
programs is something that One World
Adventure takes very seriously.
“Because character education creates
success, we help build an individual’s
view of themselves, others or the environment in a positive light,” says Angie.
“Through group challenges and outdoor
activities designed to make you think outside the box, character education helps you
solve problems, make solid decisions and
effect positive change in one another.”
It also helps the youth differentiate
between perceived risks in an activity,
such as rock climbing, and real-life actual
risks, and to take charge of their behavior
accordingly. “When we are doing an activity such as hiking, climbing, rappelling or
kayaking,” Angie says, “we always use the
phrase ‘make good steps.’ There are rocks
and roots that you can trip on. When you
trip, you fall. Falling hurts. Through periods of activity debriefs, we can relate this
phrase to real life. We want to teach kids
about having fun but being responsible.”
And not just responsible for themselves
and their actions, but also for the environment. That is a cornerstone of One World
Adventure’s mission, to “foster stewardship of the environment and teach appreciation and the importance of the wise
use of natural resources,” says Angie. That
includes the Little River, which runs past
One World Adventure. In 1991, the river
was designated an Outstanding Natural
Resource Water (ONRW) by the Alabama
Environmental Management Commission.
Recently, the global water advocacy group
Waterkeeper Alliance (www.waterkeeper.
org) accepted One World Adventure’s
Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative
Photos courtesy of Angie Shugart.
Rock climbing teaches
important skills and
builds confidence.
Adventure Day campers rock
climbing at Cherokee Rock Village.
Team building
activities like
this one teach
participants
about trust.
As an alternative to traditional field day games, these youth learn team
building skills.
Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative
entire family.” Second, fees are set on a
sliding scale to make the programs more
affordable to the county’s underserved
residents. And third, she adds, “several local businesses contribute to a scholarship
fund helping provide when there is a need
for financial assistance.”
Angie says the goal isn’t to make money;
it’s to reach children. “We believe participation in outdoor education programs
impacts a young person’s personal and
social skills,” she says. “Hiking, swimming, paddling and climbing are all great
for the body as well as the mind. When you
are out in the woods, no one cares if you’re
driving a Lexus or wearing Aeropostale. It’s
humbling and it’s simple.”
It’s also a message that has resonated
with One World Adventure’s campers.
“We are so fortunate to have such wonderful feedback,” says Angie. Every camper
has reported favorable experiences, saying
not only did they have a wonderful time,
but that they will come back every year.
“They also gained a better sense of
purpose and understanding of their actions
and the environment,” she adds. “Parents
and teachers have reported increased confidence and self-esteem, positive relation-
ships among students or siblings, and reduced discipline and behavior problems.”
While it would be easy for Angie and
her husband to become satisfied with all
they have already done for their fellow
county residents, their goal instead is to
grow and meet even greater challenges
across the county and the state. “We hope
to see this type of education flourish in
our local community, throughout DeKalb
County and in the state of Alabama,” she
says. “We hope more teachers will take
advantage of our programs. In the near
future we are looking at a facilities expansion with more to offer.”
Even with One World Adventure’s
exciting plans for expansion, Angie and
her husband remain grounded by — and
focused on — the natural beauty that surrounds them. “Staying connected to nature
is the most important part of a person’s
life; we are nature,” she says. “They don’t
call it the great outdoors for nothing!” 
➜
application to become the Little River
Waterkeeper.
“Having our camp on an ONRW makes
the river an even greater place to educate youth,” says Angie. “Becoming the
Little River Waterkeeper only made sense
because of our commitment to children,
their future and the natural resources they
inherit. The Waterkeeper monitors the
quality of Little River and serves citizens,
protecting their rights to clean, healthy
water.”
In the five years since its inception, One
World Adventure’s camps have served
around 200 campers from the DeKalb
County area each summer. These include
their Summer Adventure Day Camp, an
outdoor adventure education for kids aged
7 to 13, and their Watershed Exploration
Team, a five-day science exploration trip
for kids aged 14 to 18. Statewide school
enrichment programs reach another 200
students and teachers annually.
Part of the attraction of the camp is its
rates, which are kept relatively low thanks
to a combination of factors. “First,” says
Angie, “we are a public charity, so we
raise funds through grants and annual
fundraising events that are fun for the
To learn more about One World
Adventure, visit us online at
oneworldadventureco.com
May/June 2013 | 9
The Southeastern U.S. is an outdoor lover’s
paradise. Whether you're looking for a rugged
multi-day hike or an afternoon paddle along a
quiet creek, the region has something for everyone. But before packing up, spend some
time exploring the Internet to ensure you get
the most from your adventure.
Congaree National Park
Six outdoor destinations and
the technology that can
enhance the nature experience
By Andy Johns
Canoeists
at Congaree
National Park
✔ Map
✔
Compass
✔ Water
od
✔ Extra fo
thes
✔ Extra clo
kit
✔ First aid
10 | May/June 2013
knife
✔ Pocket
tection
✔ Sun pro
Savage Gulf
Dotted with waterfalls, unusual rock formations and lush
gorges, the trails at Savage Gulf State Natural Area in Tennessee have been ranked among the nation’s best by Backpacker
magazine. Not all of the park’s 50 miles of trails are as savage
as the name states, but there is a good mix of routes from short
walks to multi-night backpacking adventures.
The area is also popular with rock climbers for features like
the Stone Door, a 10-foot wide, 100-foot deep crack in the rock.
Located on the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau, Savage
Gulf offers fantastic views during leaf season in the fall.
www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/savage
The Duck River
ht
✔ Flashlig
s and
✔ Matche
firestarter
ce
eltowee Tra
h
–Source: S
Located southeast of Columbia, S.C., the Congaree National
Park claims to preserve the biggest section of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the region. What that means is
visitors should be prepared to see trees like they’ve never seen
before. In fact, to find a “taller” forest you have to travel out
west to the famous redwoods and sequoias.
One of the nation’s newest national parks, Congaree offers
everything from a 2.4-mile boardwalk to the ominously-named,
11-mile King Snake Trail. Rangers say the best way to see the
park, however, is by water. Canoes and kayaks can be rented
from outfitters in Columbia, or you can register for one of the
park’s guided canoe tours.
www.nps.gov/cong
The 270-mile Duck River has more species of fish than all of
Europe, according to the Tennessee Department of Environment
and Conservation. A 37-mile section of the river has been designated a State Scenic River and is a perfect spot for beginning
paddlers. The river is mostly moving flat water with only a few
easy rapids that can be easily portaged.
Paddlers will enjoy a variety of wildlife, along with forested
banks, rocky cliffs and even a cave or two. At least three outfitters offer canoe or kayak rentals from Columbia and Chapel
Hill, so not having a boat is no excuse to stay on the banks.
www.tn.gov/environment/tn_consv/archive/duckriver.htm
Upper Greeter Falls
in Savage Gulf
A great blue heron at
Congaree National Park
Web-based technology can add
to your hiking experience before,
during and after
your hike. Here
are three ways
technology can
help you on the
trails.
Photos courtesy of Tennessee State Natural Areas
and Congaree National Park.
A green anole lizard at
Congaree National Park
Before:
Lower Greeter Falls
in Savage Gulf
Zebra swallowtail butterfly
at Congaree National Park
Hiker at the
Walls of Jericho
The Sheltowee Trace
Running for about 300 miles through East Tennessee and Kentucky, the Sheltowee Trace
offers hikers a multi-night long-distance trail experience or a collection of shorter day trips.
Some of the highlights along the route include Cumberland Falls, Natural Bridge State Resort
Park and Cave Run Lake. For some variety, sections of the trail are open to mountain bikes,
horses and some off-road vehicles.
www.sheltoweetrace.org
North/South Trail
While many trails will wear you out climbing mountains, the North/South Trail at Kentucky's Land Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area is wide and relatively flat,
making it easy on hikers. Like other long distance trails, the North/South offers appealing
segments for single day hikes or the full 60-mile distance for multi-day trips. The trail offers
a few views of nearby Kentucky Lake, but the big attraction to hikers here is the solitude and
wildlife. Deer and turkey roam the LBL, and there are even bison in one designated area off
the trail. Mountain bikes and horses are allowed, but motor vehicles are prohibited.
www.lbl.org/Hiking.html
Walls of Jericho
The Walls of Jericho is a great example of two states working together. Tennessee and Alabama (with the help of private groups) have teamed up to protect 21,000 acres on their border
that feature 200-foot cliffs, endangered species and unusually shaped rocks. Getting to the
Walls is a 7-mile round-trip hike with several small stream crossings. Hikers need to be sure
to wear good boots, bring plenty of water and pay attention to the weather.
www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/jericho
Websites like backpacker.com/
destinations and gorp.com
(which stands for "Good Ol’ Raisins
and Peanuts," a popular trail snack)
offer countless maps, images and
user reviews for hikes in your area.
Research ahead of time so you
don’t miss spectacular side trails —
and so you'll be aware of hazards in
the area.
During:
The Audubon Society and other
groups have developed apps for
smartphones that can enhance
your nature experience. Apps like
Audubon Birds give you access to
thousands of bird call sound files
and photos to help identify species
you may run across.
After:
Mobile apps like RunKeeper allow
you to map your route as you go.
Most of them have features that
allow you to review your pace,
elevation gain and distance
covered so you can analyze your
trip. Many also allow you to share
your route with friends so they can
see where you’ve been and try it
themselves.
May/June 2013 | 11
Alice Pettyjohn describes her
place as “Etsy and Pinterest”
combined in a shop.
By Kerry Scott
F
or as long as she can remember, Alice Pettyjohn has had
a knack for art. While attending Auburn University she
studied industrial and graphic design, learning many of
the computer programs favored by the art community. But even
before college, she was “designing” signs and breakthrough banners as a member of the Sylvania Rams cheerleading squad. “I
jokingly tell people that’s where I got my start,” she says.
Until about five years ago, she limited herself to creating gifts
for friends and family. She never really charged for her work. “My
friends would tell me I could make a living doing this,” says Pettyjohn, “and after a while I started to believe them.”
She began offering art lessons and selling paintings and murals.
But eventually the art began to take up too much space in her
home so she decided to rent a commercial space and do her art
full-time.
When Pettyjohn first saw the rock house on Highway 35 in
Rainsville that would become Alice Circle, she knew it had potential. “It was a place with character and charm,” she explains.
Originally, her plan was to use the two front rooms for art
lessons and parties with the rest of the house essentially going
unused. But it didn’t take long before ideas began popping into
her mind about how she could use the rest of the space. “It’s such
a cute place,” she says. “I started thinking it would be lonely in
here with only the two rooms in use. Then I started visualizing
what different displays would look like and how the other rooms
could be used.”
12 | May/June 2013
Art lessons, parties and
showers are among the
activities offered at Alice
Circle.
Reaching out to her friends first, Pettyjohn began renting space
to other artists and craftsmen, giving them an opportunity to show
off their handiwork and earn some extra money at the same time.
“I’m really glad to have them here,” she says. “Not everyone
would stop in just to see my stuff. Because we have so many different items — from clothing and accessories to crocheted items
to beauty aids to housewares, and even sandwiches and cupcakes
— people may come by to get one thing and see a dozen other
items they fall in love with. They really help make the place what
it is.”
And what exactly is Alice Circle? Pettyjohn describes the shop
as “Etsy and Pinterest rolled into a store.” While she says it isn’t
possible for everything to be handmade, many things are. “The
items sold that aren’t handmade must have some creativity that
goes into them in order to be here, and I don’t want to sell items
that are overly commercial,” she says.
Pettyjohn hopes her place leaves a lasting memory for all who
come through. She feels nostalgia when remembering after-school
visits to Super D for an Icee as a child. “I would love for kids
to say ‘I remember art lessons at Alice Circle’ or ‘I used to get a
cupcake every time I went there,’” she says. “I want this to be a
fun place that makes people happy.”
There’s a lot of work that goes into making the shop the place
of her dreams, though. The business is only open three days a
week — Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“A lot of people ask why I don’t open through the week but I
Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative
just can’t,” she says. “That’s my painting
and creating time and I need every bit of
it to stay on top of the custom orders that
I get. Much of what I do can’t be done
while customers are here or food is being
prepared.”
While Pettyjohn admits to putting in
some really long hours at the shop, she
says “I always have a smile on my face.”
She believes that those who have a creative
side need a way to release it in order to be
happy. She also believes they need to be
inspired.
Many of her inspirations for design
come from others. “I see things that I like,
then I make my own version of things,”
she explains. Most of those creations end
up being shared with her more than 1,400
followers on Facebook. Art classes often
follow as a result of a Facebook post to
teach others how to make their own.
Some might say that isn’t good for business, but Pettyjohn doesn’t think so. “I
don’t mind teaching anyone how to make
something,” she says. She rationalizes that
not everyone will want to spend the time
and energy to make their own and things
trend so quickly that she’s always thinking
ahead for the next big thing.
While on the lookout for what that might
be, Pettyjohn is grateful for what she’s
been able to accomplish so far. “I used
to dream of a way to do what I love and
still pay the bills,” she says. “I’m living a
H
H
s
d
a
o
Crossr Fest
m
o
d
e
e
Fr
Join us for
Crossroads FreedomFest
Saturday, June 22
Rainsville City Park
dream. I’m doing something I love. I’m
making people happy and I’m earning a
living. It’s awesome.” 
Art students get to work with
several different mediums.
HPerformances by RFBC’sH
H.O.P.E. Puppet Ministries
(Helping Others Prepare for Eternity)
HEntertainment throughout the dayH
Entertainment throughout the day
Performances by H.O.P.E. Puppet Team
HFreedomFest 10K & 5K RaceH
Concessions
Pre-register online at
Car Show
www.rainsvillefreedomfest.racesonline.com
Fireworks at dark sponsored by City of Rainsville and FTC
Saturday, June 22
Rainsville City Park
HCruise-In Car ShowH
All proceeds go to support mission programs at First Baptist Church Rainsville
For more information call 256-638-8637
with special guest
Michael English
HConcessionsH
Register now for
Rainsville FreedomFest 10K & 5K
HHUGE FIREWORKS SHOWH
After
a
rewarding
solo
career
in
gospel
music
where
he
won
Sponsored
Visit
rainsvillefreedomfest.racesonline.com for complete
detailsby FTC and the City of Rainsville
several Dove awards, English joined the Gaither Vocal Band in
2009. His soulful voice, combined with his gift for connecting with
audiences, has kept him in the forefront of the Christian music
world. His latest solo album is entitled “Some People Change.”
Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative
For more information call 256-638-8637
May/June 2013 | 13
Southern Kitchens
An art fired
by passion
My dad was never too fond
of barbecue. As a result, I really
never experienced smoked foods
until well beyond my youth. In
fact, it wasn’t until I was well
into my third decade of life that
I not only learned to love barbecue, but also learned there was
more to it than I ever knew — all
because of an invitation to judge
one of the most esteemed of all
barbecue competitions, the Jack
Daniel’s World Championship
Invitational. In accepting the
invitation, I also took classes to
become a certified judge.
I went back several years to
judge this event and came to
discover that barbecue is an art.
It’s a sixth sense in many barbecuers who are born to the flame,
it seems. As years go on, they
become adept at putting on the
heat to produce just the right
amount of smoke to marry with
the juices flowing through the
meats. These sons — and daughters — of the South have smoke
in their veins. It’s an all-consuming passion, and one shared by
many now that it’s gone beyond
the back yard to become a global
cuisine. Just take a look at Eric
Stephenson’s recipes in the adjoining story and see if you don’t
become addicted to his fiery passion… if you’re not already.
Smoke runs in his blood
E
ric Stephenson was just 16 years
old when he learned that a little
bit of flame, a smoker filled with
wood and a careful eye produces incredibly good meat. It was then that his dad,
James, opened a barbecue restaurant in
Geraldine, Ala., and employed his son to
work after school and during his summers off. Soon, Eric became a master of
the flame under his father’s watchful eye.
Now 32, Eric owns his own barbecue
restaurant, Stephenson’s Bar-B-Que in
Stephenson
Rainsville, Ala. It has a take-out drive
learned the art
through, as well as a covered front porch
of barbecue
with a handful of picnic tables where
from his father.
folks can “eat-in.”
“I loved working with my dad growing
up,” Eric says. "I was able to see first-hand the pride he took in his work. Before his death,
he laid out a blueprint for me through multiple conversations. That’s where the idea for
Stephenson’s Bar-B-Que began. It’s in my blood.”
His first barbecue hut was a Saturday-only business located next to his house. When that
building was destroyed by a tornado in April of 2011, he reopened in a new location along
Highway 35 in downtown Rainsville. Now folks can smell the smoke from the hickory pit
five days a week.
From pork sandwiches to rib plates, Stephenson’s Bar-B-Que reigns in Rainsville.
Eric took time out from smoking to answer a few barbecue questions:
Q: Do you prefer using gas or charcoal?
A: Neither. The best method is to use all wood when smoking meat. It gives it a whole lot
better flavor.
Q: What are the best woods to use?
A: Most all hardwoods are good — pecan, hickory, oak, cherry.
Q: How do you get juicy meat?
A: Don’t pierce the meat; it creates holes that let the juices escape. Brining the meat is a
better option. I brine all of mine, from the chickens and turkeys to pork butts and ribs.
Q: What is the biggest mistake people make when smoking meat?
A: Allowing the flame to touch the meat or cooking it at too high a temperature. That
scorches the meat, and the smoke won’t have time to penetrate the inside of the meat.
Q: How do you know when the meat is done?
A: I can tell just by touch. But people who are new to smoking meats should use a meat
thermometer. I cook my pork butts to at least 175° F. Makes them more tender, too. 
FOLLOW THE SMOKE TO...
Anne P. Braly
Food Editor
Email Anne Braly at [email protected].
14 | May/June 2013
Stephenson’s Bar-B-Que H 832 Main St. East H Rainsville, Ala.
Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. H Tuesday – Saturday
Phone: 256-717-4080
House special: Pulled pork barbecue plate with coleslaw and baked beans ($6.25-$7.75)
BBQ: A mouth-watering Southern tradition
Sweet ’n Savory Rub
This rub adds a zesty flair to whatever
meat you put on the grill.
1/2
1
2
1
1
1
1
cup brown sugar
tablespoon black pepper
tablespoons paprika
tablespoon salt
tablespoon onion powder
tablespoon garlic powder
tablespoon chili powder
Mix together all ingredients and store in
airtight container. May be used as a rub
for chicken, beef or pork. Makes about 1
cup rub for 2-3 pounds meat.
When ready to use, sprinkle rub onto
meat and allow to rest for 5 minutes
before grilling. Or, rub onto meat, wrap
meat in foil and refrigerate overnight to
grill the next day.
Bourbon Smoked
Pork Tenderloin
Makes an elegant entree or one that can
be served with baked beans and coleslaw
for tasty picnic fare.
2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed
of silver skin
1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
2 tablespoons molasses or strong
honey
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 bay leaves, crushed
5 teaspoons dried thyme
5 teaspoons dried sage
3/4 cup oil
1 teaspoon salt
Combine the bourbon and molasses.
Add the remaining ingredients and roll
the pork in the marinade. Refrigerate 8
hours, or overnight, turning occasionally.
Remove the pork from the marinade,
season with salt, and smoke, basting with
marinade for 15-20 minutes. The pork
may then continue to cook on a smoker,
be finished on a grill, or be roasted in a
Using nothing but wood will give your ribs that
distinct smoke flavor that barbecue lovers crave.
350° F oven until reaching an internal
temperature of 145-150° F. Remove pork
from heating source and let rest 15 minutes before serving.
Stephenson's ribs with
spicy barbecue sauce
Ribs with Spicy Barbecue Sauce
The sauce tickles these ribs with lots of
flavor.
1 3-pound rack of ribs
SAUCE:
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Place ribs in pan. Combine all sauce
ingredients and pour over ribs. Cover ribs
and refrigerate for 2 hours, turning ribs
frequently. Drain sauce from ribs, reserving sauce. Place ribs over medium coals
and grill over direct heat for 1 hour, turning ribs and basting often with sauce.
May/June 2013 | 15
Presort STD
US Postage PAID
Permit #21
Freeport OH
“We Keep You Connected”
P.O. Box 217• 144 McCurdy Ave. N.
Rainsville, AL 35986
Limited Time Offer!
Check out the new budget-friendly TV plan!
You’re going to love Expanded Basic Lite. You get some of the most
popular channels, plus great local programming at an affordable price.
Expanded Basic Lite
only
$40
per month
More than 40
channels!
Hurry!
Limited !
er
time off
Get 3 months free
when you sign up for any new service including
Expanded Basic Lite**
**A 2-year term service agreement is required for promotional pricing
Sign-up now! Time is limited!*
256-638-2144
farmerstel.com
ABC – WTVC (Chattanooga, TN)
ABC-WAAY (Huntsville, AL)
Animal Planet
BBC America
C-SPAN
C-SPAN2
C-SPAN3
CBS – WDEF (Chattanooga, TN)
CBS – WHNT (Huntsville, AL)
CBS – WHNT Retro TV
CLOO
CNN
CNN Headline News
CW – WHDF (Florence, AL/ Huntsville, AL)
Destination America
Discovery Channel
Discovery Fit and Health
Eternal Word
Food Network
FOX – WZDK (Huntsville, AL)
Fox Business Network
Fox News Channel
*This package is only available on a limited basis.
Halogen
HGTV
Home Shopping Network
Inspiration
Learning Channel (TLC)
FTCtv Local Programming
Military Channel
NBC – WRCB – Retro TV
NBC – WRCB (Chattanooga, TN)
NBC-WAFF (Huntsville, AL)
OWN Oprah Network
PBS – WHIQ (Huntsville, AL)
PBS -WTCI (Chattanooga, TN)
QVC
Shop NBC
TBS
The Hub
Trinity Broadcasting Network
USA Network
WAMY – MY 8 TV (Huntsville, AL)
Weather Channel
WOLW Local Programming