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Plus...Authorities get tough on copyright infringement

FTC earns national award for video

Dorothy Bowman lives a life of service

Bringing inspirationto the mat

top katz

ConnectedMarch/April 2010 Published for the

members of

“We Keep You Connected”

I appreciate the kind words of en-couragement received from many of you regarding my last article. If you missed it, I related an experience from years past regarding a friend on his way to receive some tragic news. I commented that we seldom really know what others are fac-ing as we pass on our daily journey and I wondered aloud about how we would act if we did.

Well, a few days ago, I had the oppor-tunity to tell one of our employees how much I appreciate the way they care about the customers they usually deal with. You see, this employee obviously stops long enough to ask the question: How would I want to be treated in this situation? In a very real sense, they were doing exactly what I sort of wish we would all do; take a moment to look beyond the obvious and try to understand someone else’s point of view. In a nutshell, that’s what I want the hallmark of our service to be.

I’ve recently asked many of our employees to take a few moments to ask themselves why our members should want to give us their business. Now, I can give you a page full of business reasons why I think it would be a good idea for you to use us. I could talk about our service record, our capital credit refunds, how we give back every dime of profit to our members; but the one answer I would most like to hear is this one: Because we care.

And we do care. Don’t get me wrong; we aren’t perfect. Just recently, a customer that I very much respect pointed out to me very clearly how we had failed to meet his expectation. He did me a great favor. Only when we know we’ve messed up can we do a better job the next time around. The point is it bothers us when we don’t do our best. We are not some faceless company owned by investors with an eye toward nothing but money. We are your

friends and neighbors. We work for you. We don’t like to let you down.

I’ve shared with you on many occa-sions that we will seldom have the cheap-est products available. Whether we are talking about plain old telephone service, high speed access to the Internet, or our newest television offering, all of our products are built for the future and for a high quality of service. We don’t aim to be the cheapest — just the best. Now, to be sure, we do believe that if you will give us a chance at providing more than just one type of service, and if you will look at the quality of that service, then we just might turn out to be the best value you can find anywhere.

Regardless, in the coming months I want you to take a good hard look at Farmers Telecommunications Coopera-tive. See if you can sense that we really do care. And when we ask how we are doing, please, like my friend, tell us the truth.n

Why us? Why your cooperative?

Fred Johnsonis General Managerof FarmersTelecommunications Cooperative, Inc.

It’s All OnlIne!Connected magazine is available anytime, from anywhere. Search feature stories and recipes, then print or even email them to family and friends. Login today and stay connected! Visit FARMERSTEL.COM and click on the Connected icon.

Connected - March/April 2010 2

is a member-owned corporation dedicated to providing communica-tions technology to the people of northeast Alabama. The company has over 16,000 access lines, mak-ing it the state’s largest telecom-munications cooperative.

Board of TrusteesRandy Wright, President

Flat Rock Exchange

Gary Smith, Vice PresidentFyffe Exchange

Danny R. Richey, SecretaryGeraldine Exchange

Lynn Welden, TreasurerBryant Exchange

Robert B. BurkhalterPisgah Exchange

Greg GriffithHenagar Exchange

Randy TumlinRainsville Exchange

ConnectedVol. 14, No. 1 January/February 2010

is a bimonthly magazinepublished by Farmers Telecom-

munications Cooperative, © 2010. It is distributed without charge to all member/owners of the Coop-

erative. Send address corrections to:

Farmers TelecommunicationsCooperative, Inc.

P.O. Box 217144 McCurdy Ave. N.

Rainsville, Alabama 35986Telephone: (256) 638-2144

www.farmerstel.com

Produced for FTC by:WordSouth Public Relations, Inc.

www.wordsouth.com

On the Cover:Maxim Top Katz team members:

(Front) Hunter Norwood(Middle L-R), Braxton Blevins, Andrew House, Ryan Pierson, Kendle Larson,

(Back) Constance Glover

Digital Downloads

With so many downloading options on the Internet, some customers may be confused about what is legal and what is not. It is actually very simple to de-termine if a copyright infringement has taken place. “If you didn’t pay for that song or movie or software at the time you downloaded it, in most cases there is a copyright infringement,” says FTC’s Keith McClendon. “It’s illegal.”

Copyright owners are serious about pro-tecting their property. The following question appears on the Web site of the Recording Industry Association of Amer-ica (RIAA):

Q: Is it still illegal to download music on P2P sites like LimeWire, BitTorrent and Ares?Absolutely. We will continue to moni-tor these and others and send notices to ISPs upon detection of illegal file-sharing activity. Additionally, we will continue to hold file-trafficking servic-es responsible.

For those who enjoy access to a broad range of music, movies and software, there are countless legal ways to down-load them. For a list of music sites where music can be downloaded legally, visit www.riaa.com/toolsforparents.phpand click on the link ‘Legal Music Sites.’

By Stephen V. Smith

It seems harmless enough. Log onto your computer, connect to someone through a free peer-to-peer network pro-gram, and download that new song or movie you’ve been wanting. The process is simple, the file is free, and no harm is done. Right?

Wrong. Downloading copyrighted material without permission from the owner is illegal — and it has become a significant problem for Internet service providers like Farmers Telecommunica-tions Cooperative.

“When someone downloads a song without paying for it, they have stolen that song, plain and simple,” says Chris Townson, Manager of Customer Service and Support for FTC. “To the people who own the copyright to that song, illegal downloads are no different than walking into a retail store and slipping a CD into your pocket.”

Townson says that while FTC does not monitor the download activities of its customers, the company is required to cooperate when notified that a copyright infringement has taken place.

Cracking downAcross the music, film and software

industries, copyright owners are cracking down on the practice of illegally down-loading copyrighted materials. When their researchers determine that a song, movie or application has moved across a certain Internet protocol (IP) address, they can trace that IP address to the com-pany that owns it.

“We get notices by email that there has been a copyright infringement,” explains LaDonna Greeson, Administra-tive Support Specialist for FTC, “and we research to see which of our customers had that IP address on the date of the infringement.”

At that point, FTC is required by law to contact the owner of the account where the copyrighted material was downloaded. “We are not the enforcers, we are the informers,” says Townson. “Our job is to make certain that our In-ternet customers know a crime has been committed on their account, and that they must take action to immediately remove the illegal files from their com-puter.”

FTC sends a letter by certified mail, with a return receipt, to the offending ac-count holder. Recurring complaints sub-ject the user to potential disconnection.

‘Everyone does it’Many adults are surprised when

contacted by FTC about a copyright in-fringement. “Often it’s a child or grand-child who is downloading songs and movies, and the actual account holder doesn’t know it’s going on,“ says Keith McClendon, FTC Advanced Services Technician.

“The younger generation doesn’t see sharing files as wrong,” he adds. “They think if something is out there on the In-ternet, it must be free. That is not true.”

McClendon encourages parents and grandparents to check their computers for peer-to-peer software, and to ask the younger members of their households if they are downloading files illegally. “They may tell you that all their friends are doing it, and that may be the case,” McClendon says. “But that doesn’t make it legal.”

Townson says it is important for FTC’s Internet customers to read and un-derstand the Acceptable Use Policy they agreed to when signing up for service. This document, which can be found at www.farmerstel.com/doc/FTC_accept-able_use_policy.pdf, says users agree not to use FTC’s service to participate in illegal activities.n

Is this legal?

Peer-to-peer networks not only facili-tate illegal downloading, they can ex-pose a user to serious threats.

“If a user is not careful, they will open ports on their computer that allow other people to access their personal files,” McClendon says. Hackers can also use an unsuspecting Internet us-ers’ computer to download illegal files remotely, then revisit the computer to collect the illegal files. “We’ve had this happen to customers,” McClendon say. “It makes it appear that our customer has downloaded the file, and they are ultimately responsible.”

Is this safe?

Are you breaking the law?


Farmers Telecommunications Cooper-ative (FTC) has received national recogni-tion for its efforts to teach area students how to protect themselves online.

In February, FTC representatives took the stage at the annual meeting of the National Telecommunications Coopera-tive Association (NTCA) to accept the prestigious award for Best Subscriber Communications Program. Accepting the award were FTC’s Fred Johnson, Execu-tive Vice President and General Manager; Randy Wright, Board of Trustees Presi-dent; Brandi Lyles, Manager of Marketing and Public Relations; and Kim Williams, Community Relations Representative.

The NTCA represents more than 560 locally owned and controlled telecom-munications cooperatives and commercial companies throughout rural and small-town America. They provide members with legislative, regulatory and industrial representation.

The award came for a video project produced by FTC entitled “Playing It Safe in an Online World.”

Educating and ProtectingFTC, along with the DeKalb County

School System and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, recognized the need to provide students with additional educa-tion on current topics such as protecting themselves from Internet predators. As the region’s leading telecommunications provider, FTC felt it had a responsibility

to inform and protect its members.FTC had presented an Internet safety

program in area schools before, but was considering ways to create a new pro-gram that would have a greater impact on students. Through conversations with schools officials, FTC staff learned that the schools and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office were developing a program to in-volve student leaders in sharing Internet safety guidelines with the entire student population. FTC recognized a unique op-portunity to partner with school and law enforcement officials on this worthwhile project, and immediately offered its as-sistance.

An Internet Predator Awareness Team was formed, consisting of two juniors and two seniors from every high school in the county system. FTC would provide the presentation material, and members of the student team would visit each county school and present the information to fel-low students.

A PartnershipFTC enlisted the services of a pro-

fessional video production company to produce a quality presentation that would capture and hold the attention of stu-dents.

FTC brought in Stephen V. Smith, president of Town Creek Productions and WordSouth Public Relations, a long-time communications partner who for 14 years has produced FTC’s award-winning

member magazine Connected. Smith and the creative staff of Town

Creek Productions took the concepts and ideas conceived by the FTC staff and school officials, and created a powerful video to be shown to DeKalb County students in grades four through 12.

Engaging StudentsThe presentation was so effective

in the local schools that students were asked to present the video at a statewide SADD conference, as well as a meeting of the student-teachers at Jacksonville State University.

Ronald Bell, principal of Plainview High School is thankful to have such a great training tool for students and parents. “Educating our children about online predators is one of the most press-ing needs in our schools today.”

“The success of this video program is a testimony to the hard work and dedica-tion of staff members Brandi Lyles and Kim Williams,” says FTC’s Fred Johnson. “They coordinated the partnership with the County School System and the Coun-ty Sheriff’s Office to present the video to thousands of students — and we believe it has impacted many young lives.”

This award is a reflection of the commitment to excellence that is shared by FTC staff members and its partners, who are working to develop additional projects to teach members how to use technology in a safe manner.n

NTCA Chief Executive Officer Michael E.

Brunner (center) presents the award for

Best Subscriber Communications program

to (left to right) FTC’s Kim Williams, Brandi

Lyles, Fred Johnson and Randy Wright.

Award is a reflection of the commitment to

excellence that is shared by FTC staff members

and its partners

FTC receives national award

for Internet predator video


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 sub-scribe 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.

CPNI may be used by FTC to market services that are re-lated to the package of services to which you currently sub-scribe, 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 equip-ment (“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 the company.

FTC and its affiliated companies offer additional communi-cations-related services. We seek your approval to access your CPNI so that FTC, and its affiliates, can provide you information on new services and products that are tailored to meet your needs or may save you money.

You have the right to disapprove this use by contacting us in writing at P.O. Box 217, 144 McCurdy Avenue, Rainsville, Ala-bama 35986 or by phone at 256-638-2144 within thirty-three (33) days after this notice is sent to you. Our drop box, located at 144 McCurdy Avenue North, Rainsville, AL 35986, is acces-sible 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.

SEXTING

Important Notice to our Subscribers regarding your Customer Proprietary Network Information

STUDENTSEven if you’re a minor, it is a FELONY to produce, possess or distribute child pornography (that’s images of ANYONE who is a minor - even images of yourself!). Besides the embarrassment and humiliation, you could face serious consequences and be registered as a sex offender for the rest of your life.

PARENTSFTC, along with local law enforcement and the DeKalb County Board of Education, have developed an educational video addressing sexting among students. This impactful video, being presented in schools, is intended to show students that sexting can have very real consequences. If you discover sexual com-ments or photos on your child’s cell phone, contact the school resource officer at your child’s school, DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris (845-3801), or District Attorney Mike O’Dell (845-8550). Early inter-vention is the key to protecting your child.

Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc. (FTC) wants you to understand your right 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?

Use of your CPNI

If you approve of our use of your CPNI as described above, no action is necessary on your part

There are consequences...

Educationalvideo coming soon to DeKalb County Schools


Dorothy Bowman was always proud of her husband, Joe. He was not only a good husband and father, he was also a man who cared about others. He gave freely of his time and money to the church and was a respected member of the community. Joe and Dorothy had been married for 43 years, and they were happy and secure in the life they had built together. Their three children were grown and had children of their own.

Joe worked too hard, but he loved his job as Regional Director for Alfa Insurance and his commitment to excel-lence was just another part of who he was. He had the ability to see the big pic-ture whenever a task was set before him, and he could motivate people in a way that made them want to work hard.

Joe and Dorothy had gone on mis-sion trips to places like West Virginia to help repair churches, even though Joe did not like to travel. He loved being close to home and he and Dorothy en-joyed their life together. She looked out for him and he looked out for her.

The night he died was no exception.It was Memorial Day, 1992, and the

entire Bowman family had gotten to-gether for a reunion at Langston. Doro-thy says Joe had not been feeling well

the previous week and had gone to the doctor. He was scheduled for some tests on his heart later in the week.

“He didn’t make a habit of fishing on Sunday,” Dorothy says, “but that day he agreed to go with the boys at four o’clock. He caught a five-pound bass. When he got back, our grandson took a picture of us on the couch. I could tell Joe wasn’t feeling good.”

Joe and Dorothy decided to go the emergency room at the hospital in Fort Payne. Joe drove, and Dorothy says he was silent most of the way. When he finally spoke, he told her over and over to go on missions.

“I don’t know how many times he repeated that I needed to go on mis-sion trips,” Dorothy says. “I didn’t say I would go. I had no idea what the future held. But I believe he did. I believe he knew he was dying.”

At the hospital, the doctors told Dorothy to drive to Gadsden immediate-ly. They were sending Joe by ambulance and she was to meet him there. Dorothy kissed Joe on the forehead and left. When she arrived at the hospital in Gadsden, there was a phone call for her. Joe had suffered a heart attack and could not be moved. She headed back to Fort Payne.

Dorothy says she was at peace on the drive back and felt the Lord was comfort-ing her. When she got back to the hos-pital in Fort Payne, the doctors told her Joe had suffered another massive heart attack. Her beloved husband was dead.

In the aftermath of Joe’s funeral and adjusting to being alone for the first time in her life, Dorothy thought long and hard about the things Joe had said to her in the car that night. “I believe he was trying to give me direction of what I should do with my life,” she says.

Months after Joe’s death, Dorothy and Joe’s sister, Jean Tray-lor of Pisgah, packed their bags and joined a group on their first evangeli-cal mission trip.

“We chose Sumy, Ukraine.”

A Life of ServiceDorothy Bowman’s faith has touched countless lives at home and around the world

Joe and Dorothy Bowman marriedwhen Dorothy was only 15.

By Tina Thurmond


Dorothy says. “It is near the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site.”

Dorothy says the trip was life-changing for her. Although she had spent her entire life reaching out to people in need, she was not prepared for some of the things she saw in Sumy. “The country was in bankruptcy and at times there was no water or electricity,” Dorothy says. “There were no bathrooms. We did street preaching in front of doorways. We went to an orphanage and I think those children were probably there because of what happened at Chernobyl. It was so sad. We also went to a TB (tuberculosis) sanatorium and did open air preaching.”

It was at the sanatorium that Doro-thy had an experience which impacted her life forever. “The people were just dressed pitifully,” she says, “and it was so cold. We were wit-nessing for God outside, and these two women came to me. In broken English, one of them said ‘I want what you have.’ All I know is that she had maybe seen a smile on my face. I knew immediately that she needed a witness for Christ. As I turned around, there was Pastor Victor from our group. He wit-nessed to them in their language, and as I was getting on the bus to leave, they came and hugged my neck. I believe they had been saved,” she says.

To Dorothy’s delight, she was later given a picture of that exact moment when she turned to Pastor Victor. “I didn’t know someone had even taken it,” she says. “It is one of my most cherished memories.”

Unlike Joe, Dorothy loved to travel and before his death she went to places and did things most people only dream of. She walked on the Great Wall of China, stood on the Mount of Olives in east Jerusalem, and was even in Tianan-men Square in Beijing, China months before the 1989 national uprising. She and Jean had also gone on a European tour of 12 countries including Holland, Belgium, France and Monaco. The trip also included Germany, the Principal-ity of Lichtenstein, Italy and finally, the Vatican.

Incredibly, Dorothy says she seldom thinks of slowing down even though she is 75 years old. Since her first trip to Sumy, Ukraine, she has ministered to people all over the world. She has been

to Ecuador, Taiwan, Spain, Australia, Tazmania and twice to Denmark, to name a few.

Even though they are mission trips, the destinations are not always the safest or the most ideal places to be. “My most adventurous trip was one of my three trips to Mindanao, Philippines,” she says. “We zipped down the Auguson river in a dingy boat balanced by poles and powered by a car motor. When our four-wheel-drive truck got stuck in the mud, we were pulled into the village on mud sleds hitched to water buffaloes.

“The trip ended abruptly on our third day,” she continues, “as we were told to leave before breakfast by the Communist rebels in the jungle nearby.”

While most would probably con-sider that a narrow escape and stay home the next time, Dorothy says she is determined to talk about her passion for Christ “anywhere He opens a door.”

Her son, Tony Bowman of Rains-ville, admits that while he is tremendous-ly proud of his mother, he does worry about her when she is gone. “She has been to some places that I would rather her not go, but she has absolutely no fear for herself at all,” he says. “She is the most selfless, giving person I have ever known. When it comes to her faith, she is the real deal.”

His brother, Chris Bowman of Rains-ville, agrees. “She is definitely at an age where we are concerned about her trav-els, but her faith and determination to make a difference always wins the day.”

In June, 2009, Dorothy and her granddaughter, Whitney Glover of Syl-vania, went on a mission trip to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. “Granny was always looking for something to do, someone to help while we were there,” Whitney says. “She makes me more motivated

to do things for people. She is always on the run wanting to help people.”

Dorothy does seem to possess more stamina than most. Besides her mission travels, she has been a Red Cross vol-unteer for the past 21 years at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Each week she teaches an exercise program for senior adults ranging in age from 50 to 80, which she started 15 years ago. She also started a unique program ten years ago for adults with special needs who reside at Haymon Homes in Powell. Every Sunday, Dorothy and others from Broad-way Baptist Church go there and hold church services for about 45 adults. They also throw birthday parties for them to celebrate their special day.

Dorothy’s daughter, Monica Glover of Rainsville, says her mother’s faith is the essence of who she is. “She really believes in doing unto others like she would have them do unto her. She is genuinely a person who lives by her faith.”

Dorothy was recently honored as Rainsville’s Person of the Year at the annual chamber banquet. Executive Director Tim Eberhart says, “To those who know her best I believe she has epitomized the term ‘active member’ through her involvement with numerous

church ministries.”When she received the award,

Dorothy walked to the podium amidst a roomful of enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation, and gave a gentle smile. In her acceptance speech, she gave away the secret to her amazing stamina. She says it is found in the Bible, Nehe-miah 8:10: “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”n

Armed men protect the missionaries

Dorothy rides a camel in Israel


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Restrictions on Use of FTC’s Unlimited Long Distance ServiceFTC’s Unlimited Long Distance Service is available to Residential customers only and is provided subject to FTC’s Standard Terms and Conditions and FTC’s Price List (subject to any advertised discount).* These can be found at www.farmerstel.com . Unlimited Long Distance Service, whether purchased alone or as part of an FTC Bundle, is for typical domestic voice use only. It does not include 900 calls, 800 services, Calling card calls, International calls, Directory Assistance, Operator Assistance, multi-line conference calls, chat services, or data services – standard rates apply for these services. All long distance calling areas are limited to the 48 continental United States plus Alaska, Hawaii, and select U.S. Territories. Long distance is not intended for use to connect to Internet service providers, data providers, or information services. Commercial facsimile, auto-redialing, resale, telemarketing, and general business use are strictly prohibited. While FTC does not apply arbitrary limits on typical long distance usage per month, should FTC determine, in its sole discretion, that usage is not consistent with typical Residential voice usage patterns and is abusive of the Service, FTC reserves the right, after giving notice of its intent, to immediately suspend, restrict or terminate the long distance service, or to bill future excessive usage charges at the per minute rate included in the FTC Price List, without further notice. FTC reserves the right to block permanent Call Forwarding in connection with the use of Unlimited Long Distance Service. Customers must subscribe to FTC Long Distance. All rates are subject to change. FTC reserves the right to eliminate its Unlimited Long Distance Service offering or any FTC Bundle that includes Unlimited Long Distance Service at any time upon appropriate notice to all customers subscribing to the Service or Bundle, consistent with then existing Alabama law and the rules and regulations of the Alabama Public Service Commission. Additional requirements and restrictions may apply. Quoted rates do not include applicable taxes and fees.*Number approximate. Actual lineup will vary. ** Speeds are approximate, not guaranteed. Some areas not yet capable of receiving this service.

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By Jennifer McCurdy ‘Ready?’ ‘O.K!’ These kids were born ready. When

you walk into Maxim Athletics in Fyffe, on any given day you will find dedicated athletes practicing cheer routines over

and over — and loving it. This practice also teaches these children teamwork, dedication and discipline.

In the fall of 2009, Maxim Athletics Director Connie Cochran made the deci-sion to begin a new competitive cheer squad called The Top Katz. What makes this squad unique are the kids who form it. They are all special needs children.

Cochran began this area’s first com-petitive cheer program in the spring of 2004. Having gone to cheer competitions for years, Cochran was aware of other special needs squads competing.

“After our athletes finished compet-ing, they could not wait to see the special needs teams compete,” Cochran says. “They were such an inspiration to our athletes. It made me realize this could be something our area could use.”

The need was there. However, find-ing the right people to start this program and ensure its success would be an entirely different quest.

People who careLast summer, Amy Painter Patterson

approached Cochran with an interest in coaching a special needs team at Maxim. Patterson was on one of Maxim’s first competitive cheer squads and enjoyed it so much she wanted to return to Maxim as a coach.

Patterson has known Andrew House, a member of The Top Katz, all his life. She saw the lack of opportunities and activities available to House and other children with special needs. Being a special needs cheer coach was a way Pat-terson could fill this gap.

To help make this team the best it could be, Patterson asked Amanda Woodall, a special education teacher at Fyffe High School, to assist in coaching the team.

“I was honored to be asked to as-sist with The Top Katz,” Woodall says. “Already working with special needs

Determination and enthusiasm create a team of winnersThe Top Katz

Andrew House and Hunter Norwood share a hug after practicing.

Front (L-R) - Kendle Larson, Jesslyn Cochran, Hunter NorwoodBack (L-R) - Ryan Pierson, Maggie Ivey, Contance Glover, Hannah Chitwood, Andrew House


children gave me a better understanding of how to interact with such a unique group of kids.”

The next task would be to find Maxim athletes to assist with The Top Katz. “When I asked the senior athletes who would be interested, I was shocked at how many wanted to assist,” Cochran says. A senior athlete is paired with each special needs child to assist them throughout their routines.

With coaches and assistants in place, Patterson began recruiting members for The Top Katz.

“I feared parents wouldn’t know what to expect,” Cochran says. “I won-dered if they would trust us.”

They decided to go for it. The schools were notified, information was sent, and fingers were crossed.

A parent’s wish Michelle Norwood is the mother of

Hunter Norwood, a nine-year-old with Down syndrome. She remembers learn-ing of the special needs squad.

“When I received the information through Hunter’s school, I started get-ting excited,” says Norwood. “Hunter’s siblings have always had activities to participate in, now finally there is a sports activity being offered to Hunter and other children with special needs.”

When Norwood asked Hunter about participating, he was very excited and said, “GYMNASTICS!”

Like the Norwood family, other fami-lies received information and began talk-ing to their children and families about the possibility of their child being able to participate in a team activity.

Janie House feels this is a wonderful opportunity for her son Andrew to be part of a team.

“Andrew tried other sports within his school; by the time he mastered the skill, the season was over,” House says. “Being offered an opportunity to learn and compete with children who share Andrew’s disability has been a blessing.”

Many Top Katz parents agree that this cheer program has impacted their lives in a positive way.

These children look forward to Thursday night practices. Being part of a team and excelling helps these children forget about any disability they may have. They are doing something they re-ally love, and all eyes are on them.

There are six children on The Top Katz squad, all who have Down syndrome. Members of the squad are Kendle Larson, Constance Glover, Ryan Pierson, Andrew House, Hunter Norwood and Brax-ton Blevins.

Kenneth Larson, Kendle’s fa-ther, would love to see the program grow to encompass more than just children with Down syndrome. “This program is so amazing,” Larson says. “It is one of our wishes that the program will keep grow-ing.” The goal of Maxim’s special needs cheer team is to offer children with special needs the same oppor-tunities other children have.

More lives are affected than just those of The Top Katz. Many assistants and coaches also walk away with a blessing of their own. “The Top Katz team all have such a positive attitude, they inspire me to work harder in my everyday practices,” says Hannah Chitwood, a Top Katz assistant.

Other Top Katz assistants are: Am-berly Wisner, Mayson Chadwick, Jesslyn Cochran, Maggie Ivey, and Jackie Hayes.

The Top Katz not only compete, they also perform locally. Recently The Top Katz provided the half-time enter-tainment at a Fyffe basketball game. This was an opportunity for the team to practice in front of a crowd before competing.

“I was honestly amazed at how well they did, they were so excited,” Larson says. “We have watched the video of Kendle performing over and over and over again. We love seeing her reaction as she watches herself perform.”

Ryan Pierson, a Top Katz member, loves being able to perform in front of a crowd. “I got to perform in front of a lot of people, it was fun,” Pierson says.

The Top Katz recently participated in their first competition in Nashville, where they received a standing ovation. They also walked away with a trophy and huge smiles on their faces. It would be hard to tell who was more proud — members of The Top Katz, their parents, the coaches or their assistants.

Although the program is still in its early stages, Cochran is certain this squad will continue to grow.n

Kendle Larson and Ryan Pierson practice their shoulder sit.

When asked to describe The Top Katz team, Connie Cochran is not short on words.

“Maxim Athletics has been blessed to have the opportunity to encourage life and movement through a sensational sport,” she says. “The Top Katz has been an inspiration to all involved and has had such a positive impact on all athletes. These athletes benefit from their time together; not only does it improve their social and motor skills, but it also provides the thrill of perfor-mance, which is a special memory for everyone. Competitive cheerleading is not an individual sport, for the ath-letes depend on each other for their success. It teaches work ethic and attitudes, and builds confidence. We feel that our program builds character and helps develop future leaders for our society.”

More thanan inspiration...

Yes we can


A year after his death, Martin Ables is still remembered as

A Friend To Everyone

Jamie Gilbert tells the story of the mill to Geraldine students.

By Tina Thurmond

It has been almost a year since Mar-tin Ables’ death shocked and saddened his hometown of Geraldine, Alabama. Ables died on April 18, 2009 just days after being diagnosed with small cell carcinoma, a highly malignant and rapid-spreading cancer.

Although Ables’ death left a palpable sense of loss in the lives of those who knew him, his legacy of kindness and generosity lives on.

Ables was the sec-ond of five children born to Geraldine natives Karl Marie Ables and Ralph Everett Ables Jr. His father was a long-time friend and supporter of Farmers Telecommunica-tions Cooperative and, in fact, held member-ship number one. He was named for his Uncle Martin, who was killed in Germany just days before the end of World War II. The significance of his uncle’s death and the fact that he was his namesake was always a source of pride for Ables.

He grew up loving all things historical, and eventually became a teacher at Ger-aldine school.

Ables never married or had children of his own, so his sixth-grade students became his kids. Always enthusiastic about teaching, he went to extraordinary lengths to make learning fun. He built and decorated a platform with stairs in the corner of his classroom which looked like a cross between a tree house and a museum exhibit. He loved to travel all over the world, and filled the room with his many souvenirs. He used them as teaching tools, allowing his students to freely examine and admire them.

Ables was an accomplished artist and gave his students lessons in still-life and perspective art. He also had a love for South America; long before students in the area were exposed to different cul-tures, Ables taught his students Spanish.

He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Geraldine, and de-voted much of his time there. When the church needed a new fellowship hall, Ables designed it to fit the needs of the church. When he died, the church hon-ored him by naming it The Martin Ables Fellowship Hall.

Ables cared deeply for other people

and was active in missions all over the world. When he could not go on a trip himself, he would often pay for someone else to go in his place.

Ables’ compassion was perhaps best known in his own community. If he knew someone was in need, he was always willing to offer his help.

Besides teaching, drawing and trav-eling, Ables had a treasure trove of other interests. He created beautiful, elaborate art pieces using unusual items like glass beads or burning tools. His art often left his friends speechless. He also collected everything from interesting cigarette lighters to historical memorabilia, which he loved to arrange in framed displays. He donated many of them to the Ger-aldine Library for the townspeople to enjoy.

Perhaps the single most recognizable achievement of his life, however, was Martin Ables’ home.

For years, Ables had admired a struc-ture known as the ‘old mill’ in Geraldine, located next door to what is now the li-brary. At one time the mill was where ev-eryone went to buy grain, but over time, the owner, Archie Martin had converted it into a cattle barn. For reasons known only to him, Ables loved the building

and longed to buy it and turn it into a home. Over a period of several years, Ables approached Archie Martin many times about buying the property.

“Archie couldn’t understand why Martin wanted the mill,” says Ables’ sister, Janie House, of Geraldine. “He would say ‘Martin, I keep cows in there!’ But some-


where in his creative mind, Martin had a vision of what it could be.”

In 1980, Archie Martin finally re-lented and sold Ables the mill. Ables was so excited about his prospective new home that he could not help but share his enthusiasm with his students.

“When we were in the sixth grade,”says former student Jamie Gilbert, now a teacher at Geraldine, “he had a trail that went from the school to the back of the old mill, and he would take us on field trips to it. He would say ‘I’m going to make a house out of that,’ and we would say ‘No way!’“ says Gilbert.

Ables hired Gilbert and another stu-dent, Stephen Collins, now of Fort Lau-derdale, Florida, to help him begin work on his dream home. Both stayed with the project until the end.

“He was more adamant about clean-ing it first than he was about building,” says Gilbert. “The room that is now the music room was head deep in pigeon droppings. We spent two years just clean-ing it up.”

“When we started the renovation, Martin preserved every piece of wood that we took down,” says Gilbert. “All the wood we took off was used somewhere else in the house. Nothing was burned un-less there was no way we could re-use it. So the whole structure is exactly what was there when we started.”

As work progressed, the entire com-munity seemed to get excited about the house. “People would stop and offer to paint or do odd jobs,” says Gilbert. Ables loved that his house had become a com-munity project of sorts, and he was always thrilled to have the extra help.

Labor was not the only thing that seemed to pour in from friends, neigh-bors and acquaintances, however. “It was amazing how people just gave him stuff,” says House. “The saying ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ was written for Martin. He could take junk that no one wanted and make it so beautiful that everyone wanted it back when he was done,” she adds with a laugh.

Every item in the 6,000-square-foot house seemed to have sentimental value for Ables. He had doors from Berry Col-lege in Rome, Georgia, where his father taught and he himself attended. There were windows and light fixtures from Geraldine school where Ables taught for 30 years before he retired, and even doors

from his beloved First Bap-tist Church of Geraldine. Every room was filled with an eclectic mix of fixtures and furniture, as well as Ables’ own art and his be-loved souvenirs.

Although he never really felt the house was finished, Ables opened his door to everyone who wanted to see the incredible results.

“Martin loved every-body, and he loved to give tours of his home,” says Geraldine Library Director, Diane Maddox. “He was very proud of all the things people had given him and things he had collected. The house is beautiful and is re-ally something to see.”

Besides opening his house for tours, Ables also opened it to people want-ing a place to hold special events such as weddings and class reunions. He was the perfect host, always going the extra mile to make sure everyone had a wonder-ful time.

Ables was an exceptional chef, and loved to create exotic dishes and hold elaborate dinner parties where guests were treated to a five-star restaurant experience. He often hired college students to wait tables and insisted on perfection.

“I waited tables here many times,” says Gilbert. “Martin always made us wear black ties and carry trays over our heads, he wanted everything to be just right. I’ll never forget him saying, ‘Pour from the right, serve from the left,’ “ he adds with a smile.

After Ables passed away, his family agreed that his home should continue to be used the way he wanted. They are still using it for special occasions, and soon it will be the home of a men’s Bible study, something of which Ables always dreamed of. Jamie Gilbert continues the field trip tradition in honor of his friend.

Although it was hard for his friends and family to lose him so suddenly, they are grateful for the time they had with him. “He was a wonderful person, and a wonderful brother,” says House. “I am privileged to say he was mine.”n

“The Mill” as it was in 1980, and as it is today.

All photos courtesy of David House

Relay FoR liFe

For more inFormationContact Brian Baine

256-996-4101 [email protected]

april 30, 2010

6 p.m. - 6 a.m.

VFW Fairgrounds Fort Payne

When:Time:

Where:

Honor the memory of ables and others who have battled cancer or celebrate the lives of those who are fighting the disease by participating in your local american Cancer Society relay for Life annual fund-raising event. Join a team and walk for a cure, or donate to cancer research to fight back against cancer.


April 21 Business professionals can show their appreciation for the people who keep their offices running smoothly by treating them to this special lunch on National Administrative Professionals Day. The event will be held at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center and begins at noon.

A fashion show will be held highlighting some of the latest spring trends from several local businesses.

Tickets are $20. Call 256-638-7800 for more information.

Rainsville Chamber of Commerce

Administrative Professionals Luncheon

April 26 Come and enjoy the exciting sights and sounds of the Carson and Barnes Circus! See live animals and unbelievable acts at this thrilling

event, hosted by the Rainsville Civitan Club and held beside the Rainsville Sports Complex.

Showtimes are 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

April 22 - 25 & 29 - May 2 Don’t miss NACC’s Spring production, the zany musical comedy Little Shop of Horrors. Seymour Krelborn, who spends most of his days working at Mr. Mushnik’s florist on Skid Row and daydreaming of his coworker Audrey, is devastated when Mr. Mushnik decides to close the flower shop after suffering a long business drought. Seymour and Audrey suggest displaying something new and exciting in the win-dow as a last resort to attract customers. Just after an eclipse of the sun, Seymour discovers a strange plant that could be just what the flower shop needs. He buys it and names it Audrey II. The plant immediately lures customers to the store. While caring for Audrey II, Seymour discovers the plant’s rather unique appetite. The plant grows and grows, as does Seymour’s infatuation for Audrey, but who will get her first?

Wed. - Sat. at 7 p.m. • Sun. matinee at 2 p.m. Order tickets online atwww.nacc.edu/nacctheater or call 256-638-4418, ext. 218.

Tickets are $5.00 each. Handicapped seating available.

The circus iscoming to town!

Based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith • Originally produced by the WPA Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director) • Originally produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization • Little Shop of Horrors is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) • All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. • 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 • Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684

NACC Theatre presents

Little Shop of Horrors

Upcoming

Events

Rhododendron Festival Mentone, Alabama

May 15-16 The Rhododendron festival, an annual two-day arts & crafts festival, will be held at Brow Park in Mentone. The festival begins Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and continues on Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Vendors from all over the Southeast will exhibit their work. You can expect arts and crafts, great food and entertainment.

For more information visit our website atmentoneareapreservationassociation.com or call 256-638-7709.


Kathy’s Pecan Pie1-1/2 cups light Karo syrup3/4 cup sugar4 eggs3/4 stick margarine, melted1 tsp. vanilla2 cups chopped pecans2 pie shells

Mix eggs, sugar and butter. Add syrup, vanilla and pecans. Mix well. Bake on 300º for one hour. Makes 2 pies.

Famous Chicken & Dressing1 large hen2 sticks margarine12 eggs1 pan corn bread, cooked1 bag Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing1 pkg. saltine crackers1 Tbsp. salt1 Tbsp. pepper1 Tbsp. sage1 onion, chopped

Bake a pan of corn bread. Set aside. Cook chicken in a pot of water with one stick margarine. When chicken is tender, take out and de-bone. In large roasting

pan, crumble corn bread, stuffing mix, crackers, salt, pepper, onion and sage. Pour chicken broth over mixture and add one stick of margarine. Beat eggs in mixture. Add chicken and blend togeth-er. Bake at 350º for 1 hour, or until firm. This is for a larger gathering.

Ham and Poppy SeedCheese Rolls2 sticks butter, melted2 Tbsp. mustard3 Tbsp. poppy seeds1 medium onion, shredded1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce2 lb. deli-sliced ham1 lb. swiss cheese2 pans dinner rolls

Mix butter, mustard, poppy seeds, onion and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside, slice each pan of dinner rolls in half and layer sauce mixture ham and cheese on bottom half of dinner rolls. Place other half of dinner rolls on top and bake at 350º until cheese melts. Makes 2 pans.

Apple Dumplings2 cans crescent rolls4 apples (peeled and quartered)

2 cups sugar2 cups water1/2 cup butter1 tsp. cinnamon1 tsp. cloves

Place apple quarters in crescent rolls and seal each one. Place apple filled crescent rolls in a greased baking dish. Pour boiled mixture of sugar, water, butter, cinnamon and cloves over rolls. Bake at 350º for 25 minutes, or until rolls are golden brown.

Easy Brownies6 Tbsp. cocoa powder2/3 cup oil2 cups sugar4 eggs1-1/2 cups flour1 cup pecans (optional)1 tsp. vanilla Mix all dry ingredients. Add oil, eggs, sugar, vanilla and pecans. Mix well. Bake in a 9” x 13” pan on 350º, until firm in middle.

Kathryn Thompson of Ider knows the meaning of responsibility. As the old-est of three children of a minister and a working mother, Thompson began cook-ing for her family at a very young age.

“I’ve been cooking since I was ten,” she says. “I did most of the cooking and cleaning. I had to grow up quickly.”

Several years later, Thompson mar-ried her husband of 44 years, Billy, and took on a new set of duties as a wife, and soon after, a mother. She served three home cooked meals a day for Billy and their four children, and assisted her hus-band in the running of their family farm. With a large cattle farm, there was plenty of work to be done.

Today, Thompson is still very busy. She and Billy continue to run their cattle farm and grow vegetables in their garden.

Her four children are now grown and have six children between them. “We all live within a mile, so I am able to

cook for my fam-ily very often,” Thompson says.

She also enjoys cooking for church gatherings at Chestnut Grove, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and reading.

In November of 2006, Thompson had yet another responsibility added to her list: taking care of her heart. She suffered a heart attack and spent ten days in the hos-pital. Thompson was placed on the wait-ing list for a heart transplant and forced to cut down drastically on physical activity. However, Thompson still puts meals on the table every day.

In this issue, Thompson shares recipes passed down to her from her late mother, Genora Meadows, including chicken and dressing, a family favorite.

Kathryn Thompson SandMountain Kitchens


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