SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 Connected CALL 988 FOR A MENTALEMERGENCYHEALTH Making an impact April Wilks reaches thousands through social media SMOKEDSAVORYAND
By SHIRLEY BLOOMFIELD, CEO NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association Faster Americabenefitsbroadbandrural A s the chief executive officer of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, I am proud to represent 850 small, independent broadband providers who are offering some of the highest possible broadband speeds to some of the most remote parts of the country. Thanks to NTCA members, many rural Americans have higher internet speeds than I have where I live just outside Washington, D.C. We currently have a once-in-a-generation opportunity through billions of dollars of fund ing recently made available by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other federal programs to bridge the digital divide and bring broad band to those who still lack it. As broadband is deployed thanks to this funding, we must ensure that recipients are using it to provide the best possibleRecently,services.Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel initiated a process to redefine what it means to have broadband-speed internet, raising the standard. This move continues us down the path needed to give rural residents the internet ser vice they not only need but also deserve as they connect to vital resources like telemedicine, online education, employment opportunities and much more.
BANKING
A new, more realistic, standard provides a range of benefits, including clarifying the true needs of rural areas and the funding required to serveWethem.have long advocated that, as a nation, we need to aim higher and do better when it comes to setting broadband objectives. We applaud Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s efforts. We look forward to continuing to work with the FCC and other agencies to bridge the digital divide.
STREAMINGTV HEALTHRECORDSCARE GOVERNMENTRESOURCES TICKETSEVENT WEATHERALERTS WEATHER ALERT GAMING HOME SALES AND PURCHASES APPLICATIONSCOLLEGE
In an article this year for Wired — “The Digital Divide Is Coming for You” — Bhaskar Chakravorti, dean of global business for The Fletcher School at Tufts University in Massachusetts, described having broadband and mobile internet as table stakes. Without those services, you don’t exist digitally, he says.
Your rural internet service provider is committed to bridging the digital divide between you and vital resources like these:
2 | September/October 2022 INDUSTRY NEWS
Your communications provider is your link to vital resources
A bridge to the future
The digital world increasingly weaves its way into our lives, replacing for merly physical resources, tasks and tools. Consider restaurants, for example. For some, scanning a QR code with your phone to view the options online has replaced physical menus.
Rural Connections
Rapid expansion of digital resources was a trend before the pandemic, but it’s only accelerated in the years since.
What’s password?the How to build — and remember — strong passwords
I
Change it up — using a mix of different characters like numbers, symbols, capital and lowercase let ters makes your passwords stronger. Avoid full words — using your favorite team’s name as a password doesn’t cut it anymore. In fact, you should avoid using any full words you might find in the dictionary. That goes for any common phrases, too. Diceware — one exception to the above rule is the Diceware method. By stringing truly random words together, you can build a secure passphrase that is easier to remember than a jumble of letters and numbers. To help with this process, search for the Diceware Password Generator. It can randomly select between two and eight words to build your passphrase. Avoid obvious substitutions — “Password” doesn’t become stron ger if you change it to “P@ssword.” Avoid substituting obvious symbols for letters. If it has occurred to you, it has probably occurred to a hacker. Go to the manager — if you’re hav ing trouble keeping track of all your logins, a password manager can help. Programs like Dashlane, LastPass and Keeper manage your passwords across numerous sites and devices, making it easier to avoid repeats. All you need to remember is one strong password, and you’re set.
t’s difficult to do anything online without piling up a few passwords. Using the same one for multiple sites can leave your private information vulnerable to cyberattacks, and devising strong passwords full of random letters and symbols can make them impossible to Aremember.goodpassword doesn’t have to be unintelligible, but it does need to be random enough to avoid any clear patterns. Here are a few helpful tips for building passwords that will keep your online accounts secure without forcing you to hit the “Forgot my password” link every time you want to log in. At least 12 characters — the longer your password, the more difficult it will be to crack. In general, you should create passwords with a minimum of 12 to 14 characters. But more is always better.
Tired passwords?of Apple may have the answer
September/October 2022 | 3
At its Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this year, Apple demonstrated a new “passkeys” feature that may spell the end for passwords. Rather than inputting a password for every site you visit, passkeys would use a biometric sign-in like the Touch ID or Face ID that currently exists on iPhones and iPads. Websites and apps on non-Apple devices would provide a QR code that sends authentication to the user’s phone or Justtablet.amonth earlier, Apple joined with Google and Microsoft to support the development of new passwordless logins on both mobile and desktop devices. So, even if passkeys don’t crack the code, you may not need to juggle passwords for much longer.
On the Cover: With more than 84,500 followers on Instagram and between 30,000 and 40,000 followers on Facebook, April Wilks is considered a social media influencer through her company, Vintage Pickin’.
Connected
Farmers P.O.Cooperative,TelecommunicationsInc.Box217•144McCurdyAve. N. Rainsville, AL 35986 Telephone:
Brad Paisley is an amazing country singer and musician. He comes across to me as someone who has his act together and appears rather well-balanced in life. “This is Country Music” is the title track on an album of the same name recorded by Paisley. The song and the album high light country music’s willingness to speak of things that some believe are politically incorrect. It recognizes that many of us truly value ideals that others may hold in contempt. I suspect many of you would identify. Consider, if you will, the song “One of Those Lives.” A person having a bad day in traffic learns of cancer returning to a friend’s child. Hence the words, “It’s been one of those days for me, but for them, it’s been one of those lives.” You can’t listen to that song without putting many of our current problems in perspective. A duet with Carrie Underwood, “Remind Me,” recalls a couple’s feelings of young love.
chargeCooperative,publishedConnectedwww.farmerstel.com256-638-2144isabimonthlymagazinebyFarmersTelecommunications©2022.ItisdistributedwithouttoallcustomersofFTC. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 VOL. 26, NO. 5
FTC is the state’s largest member-owned provider of telecommunications services. It serves Northeast Alabama with a robust broadband network using world-class optical fiber technology.
Garry Smith, Vice President Fyffe DannyExchangeR.Richey, Secretary Geraldine Exchange Lynn Welden, Treasurer Chief Executive
Bryant RainsvilleRandyHenagarGreggPisgahKennethExchangeGilbertExchangeGriffithExchangeTumlinExchange 4 | September/October 2022 FRED JOHNSON
Officer FROM THE CEO
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Beware, Paisley isn’t afraid to be a bit controversial, even among the church folk. “A Man Don’t Have to Die” is a plea for a pastor to teach about God’s redemptive grace and spiritual assurance instead of trying to scare people into salvation. You can bet that stirred some emo tion. Then again, that is what music does. It speaks to us. Its impact on human emotion is far more substantive than you might realize. That is why, for some of you, a particular song can put you in a relaxed mood, and another, perhaps a spiritual number, can literally soothe your soul. In many ways, music unlocks emotion that needs to express itself. This brings us to an important but often overlooked fact. Your mind needs just as much nourishment as your body. Make no mistake, what goes in impacts what comes out and yes, I am also preaching to myself. The right kind of music, with thoughtful lyrics and talented delivery, may just provide an unexpected source of encouragement to an otherwise restless mind straining under all that life can throw at you. If you’re a mind to give him a chance, check out Brad’s work. On the “5th Gear” album, he’ll remind you that “if love were a plane, nobody would get on.” He will have a little fun with you as he reminds us that things could “get better than this.” He’ll suggest that the devil has “bigger fish to fry” but then turn right around and close the album with “When We All Get to Heaven.” That’s balance. I hope you try it out, and I hope it helps.
Of course, there are things I don’t like, but I won’t go down that road. Strictly speaking, these comments are not directly connected with my responsibility at FTC. They are certainly not the offi cial position of the cooperative. Still, there are times when I am reminded that the connectivity we provide makes possible the online platforms of news, entertainment and social media that constantly bombard us. Almost any exposure to online media will remind you of the political and social unrest that besets our coun try. For me, music often provides a respite from that noise. From a place I didn’t really expect, I’ve encountered a depth of wisdom.
See story Page 8.
Produced for FTC by:
The wisdom of Brad Paisley Music has always been an important part of my life. My tastes might surprise you. I’m as impressed by Carlos Santana’s guitar as I am by Chris Botti’s trumpet. You’ll find Lynyrd Skynyrd in my iTunes library, right along with the Gaither Vocal Band. Both the National Symphony and the Grand Ole Opry make me smile.
Considering Susan and I are in our 41st year of marriage, looking back appreciatively at those giddy moments of falling in love is actually fun. I can’t brush my grandkid’s teeth without thinking of how “love starts with a toothbrush.”
Randy Wright, President Flat Rock Exchange
Photo by Courtney Neill Williams
Notice nondiscriminationof
Each summer, the Alabama Council of Cooperatives hosts a co-op couples conference. Couples ages 45 and under gather for a few days in Orange Beach, Alabama. The conference provides opportunities for networking and learning more about the benefits of doing business with coopera tives from across the state. This year, FTC was proud to send Cody and Cari Williams from Higdon. Cody is employed by Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative, and Cari is employed by FTC. “I’m very grateful Cody and I were selected to go on the Alabama Cooperatives Couple Conference,” Cari says. “We met great couples while we were there and learned a lot of valuable information from the sponsors about how multiple types of coop eratives operate. I’m hopeful that we can be advocates to the community about the importance of supporting cooperatives, not just as employees, but because of the positive impact they have in rural areas.”
CALL! FTC NEWS
Register online at donotcall.gov or call 888-382-1222. For TTY, call 866-290-4236. You must call from the telephone number you wish to register. It’s easy to add your number to the Do Not Call Registry.
To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your com pleted form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: 202-690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
September/October 2022 | 5Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and poli cies, the USDA, its agencies, offices and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expres sion), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and com plaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of commu nication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TTY) or USDA through the Federal Relay Ser vice at Additionally,800-877-8339.program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.
telemarketers:HeyDONOT
FTC represented at Co-op Couples Conference
Photo courtesy of By Faith Farm
Farm stays are one of the best ways to absorb nature, eat home grown food and learn about rural life. Farmers are welcoming guests by turning their barns and unused dwellings into overnight accommodations for a vacation you’re likely to remember for years to come. And who knows? Maybe you’ll realize farm living is the life for you. It’s a win-win for guests and farmers. These stays give guests a few days off the beaten path, and they allow landowners to bring in income while educating the public about working the land. “It’s a way for farmers to show the inner workings of their farms, what it takes to grow food for their tables, who we are and the stories we hold. Also, it’s nice to welcome city dwellers to our farm to bridge a growing urban-rural divide and offer them our countrysides for relaxation, calm, play and connection,” says Scottie Jones, a farmer and founder of the U.S. Farm Stay Association.
“In the last decade, the concept of hosting guests on one’s farm has risen to the surface, especially as booking sites such as Airbnb and VRBO have made the daunting task of taking reservations much more easy to handle,” Scottie says.
BirkheadLoriofcourtesyPhoto
GETTING AWAY to the farm
So, if you’re considering something different for your vacation this year, here are some Southern farms opening their gates to overnight guests.
6 | September/October 2022
Story by ANNE BRALY
The South’s diversity of rolling pastures, mountain vistas, natural springs and lakes makes it an appealing getaway.
A few days in a pastoral setting can do wonders for the heart and mind
TRAVEL
But why book a hotel stay when you can wake up to the call of a rooster and go to bed with the hoot of an owl?
Devoted to feeding the hungry, By Faith Farm creates opportunities for visitors to pitch in and help.
And for small farmers, it’s a way to make much-needed money for new equipment and for upkeep and repairs of old farm equip ment. The extra funds also help with costs like insurance, retire ment savings and college funds.
Left: Visitors to By Faith Farm enjoy an interactive Middle:experience.AtBy Faith Farm in Joelton, Tennessee, the goal is to grow healthy food for those in need, and money raised from visitors helps feed the hungry.
Enjoy life at a slower pace at this farm with its menagerie of goats, chickens, horses, dogs and friendly felines. The farm offers overnights, glamping-style, in a 14-by-20-foot tent on a raised platform with an outdoor dining area set up for roasting s’mores at night or for drinking your coffee in the morning. The tent sleeps six and comes complete with lanterns, heaters, snacks, a coffee maker and a television with a large selection of movies.Thefarm is located in the South Carolina Lowcountry, not too far from Charleston and Hilton Head, so you can spend a day touring the city and then come back to the country to unwind.
This farm works a little differently than some others. With a mission to grow healthy food for those in need, 100% of your nightly rate will go toward feeding the hungry in surrounding communities. It’s a farm stay with a purpose. Stay in a 1,500-square-foot, two-bed room, two-bath modern loft apartment with kitchen and living room above a red barn. Wander the fields, hike the trails or sit beside a pond and reflect on your peaceful surroundings just 15 miles out side the busyness of Nashville. Pick vegetables from the donation gardens or help harvest food for By Faith Farm’s food bank collections. Nightly rate: Reservations:$275Airbnb or byfaithfarm.com
Nightly rate: Reservations:$50-$200farmstayus.com
September/October 2022 | 7
Above: The carriage house at Kokovoko Breeding Farm can sleep five — perfect for families or friends traveling together.
BY FAITH FARM Joelton, Tennessee
THE SHAGGY GOAT Waleska, Georgia Pet the goats, feed the chickens, learn about beekeeping, try your hand at gar dening or hike or bike the nearby moun tain trails. Or just spend the day lolling in your hammock. It’s up to you. Your time is your own at The Shaggy Goat, a farm in the beauty of the Southern Appalachians of North OvernightGeorgia.accommodations are in a one-bedroom cottage on the property with views of the working farm, so join in and learn a thing or two. There’s a pool just a few yards from the cottage — don’t forget your bathing suits. On warm days, take your pillow outside and nap on the sleeping porch. Bring your own food, but don’t be surprised to find the makings for s’mores in the evening or fresh-from-thefarm eggs and honey for breakfast.
KOKOVOKO BREEDING FARM Corinth, Kentucky Pop a tent out in the open fields or make reservations for the carriage house. Either way, you’ll spend time in the beau tiful outdoors of Central Kentucky’s horse country.Swedish Gotland ponies and Lincoln Longwool sheep graze over 150 acres of Kentucky rolling hills and forest. It’s unspoiled. It’s organic. It’s totally natural. Bring your binoculars — the bird-watch ing is great. Or sign up for a fiber work shop. And helping out with the farm chores is always appreciated.
Nightly rate: Reservations:$95Airbnb
Milk cows, pick herbs from the garden, gather eggs from the henhouse or just sit back and enjoy life at Revival Hill Farm. The farm stay has one bedroom and a roomy living area with couch, television chairs and kitchenette. It’s attached to the farm store/milking parlor with a private outdoor entrance and access to farm animals, garden, fire pit, pond, pasture and woodlands with numerous trails for hiking. If you need more space, Revival Hill also has a house you can rent. This three-bedroom, two-bath accom modation is located across the street and has a full kitchen, laundry room, open-concept living area and beautiful covered back porch. The farm is a stone’s throw from Smith Lake Park, so tow your boat. There’s plenty of boat parking at the farm. Nightly rate: Reservations:$172Airbnb
The carriage house can sleep five, so bring the family — but leave your elec tronics at home. They won’t work here. This is a chance to immerse your family in a totally different way of life. Stroll down the country roads, look for wildlife, play in the creek, baa at the sheep and visit the ponies — they always love a good brushing.
Nightly rate: Reservations:$226Airbnb
REVIVAL HILL FARM Cullman, Alabama
STONEWOOD FARM Ridgefield, South Carolina
Photo courtesy of Lori Birkhead Photo courtesy of Kokovoko Breeding Farm
Now, with more than 84,500 followers on Instagram and between 30,000 and 40,000 followers on Facebook, April is considered a social media influencer. Her videos of home decor designs, ideas and product endorsements reach thousands each day. “I sometimes cringe when I hear the word ‘influencer,’ because I don’t see that,” she says. “I think all of us in life are influencers.”
Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative
Tyler and April Wilks
Vintage Pickin’ is a social media flair
All kinds of antique and vintage decor can be found at Vintage Pickin’ events, held twice a year.
8 | September/October 2022
Story by LISA SAVAGE
“That first year was hard — trying to believe in this dream and get it off the ground,” she says. “But I didn’t give up, and I persuaded my husband to let me keep going. With lots of prayer and trial and error, we continued to add new vendors each show, and the event kept growing every year.”
April’s younger sister, Ashley Doufexis, has a degree in communications and broadcasting and encouraged her to expand. “She said, ‘If you’re going to grow, you’re going to have to be on social media,’” April says. “Doing videos is not something I was comfortable with at first, and it was a challenge to get me out of my comfort zone.
She explored the idea of a barn sale in 2013, and she and Tyler hosted the first Vintage Pickin’ event in 2015 at their farm in Fyffe. She was working 60 hours a week at the hair salon in addition to plan ning the barn sale.
April and her husband, Tyler, built a house in 2007, and they also renovated a foreclosure spaces,” April says. “I was reading home decor blogs, and my love for design and creating began to grow.”
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Growing up on a tight budget and getting married young, April learned how to stretch a dollar, shopping thrift stores and antique shops and finding ways to create great looks for less. “It’s the hunt and the challenge that I love — finding ways to create a designer look on a budget,” she says. “I love mixing old and new together for a curated look, and that’s what I love about our event and what I do online — getting to share my passion with others and hopefully help them do the same or give them the inspiration they need to create a home they love, too.”
Influencer
GROWTH She used billboards, flyers, radio and newspaper advertising for the first sale, but she learned quickly she had much more response through Facebook ads.
“It’s gotten easier over time, and I love
April Wilks has always had an eye for beauty. She spent 21 years making others beautiful as a hair stylist. Along the way, she also discovered how much she loved helping others find vintage decor to make their homes beauti ful, and Vintage Pickin’ was born. What started as a barn sale has now expanded to an online community with budget-friendly home and lifestyle inspirations. April still hosts live Vintage Pickin’ sales each year and has a strong online following.
In 2019, she closed her hair salon and focused on growing Vintage Pickin’ full time. And as Vintage Pickin’ grew, so did the need for a larger space. Two years ago, April moved the event to the exhibit hall at the DeKalb County VFW Fairgrounds in Fort Payne. “We missed having it at our property, but we had outgrown the space,” she says. “Now, we love the convenience at the There’sfairgrounds.”plentyof parking, and it’s indoors, so there are no worries about the weather. April still tries to keep the hometown feel, using string lights and live music at the entrance and conveniently staged food vendors. The first visitors in line for the spring event this year came from Arkansas and got in line at 7:30 a.m., four hours before the gate opened. Attendees come from as far away as Texas, Ohio and South Florida. “We are always humbled and amazed with how far people travel, and we love getting to see those same familiar faces year after year,” April says.
Vintage Pickin’ partnered with DeKalb County VFW to pay for the instal lation of Wi-Fi hot spots. FTC added the hot spots last year, and the advanced technology helped tremendously.
April partnered with a talent management company and expanded the business to include product sponsorship videos. She works regularly with Walmart, and she partners with several small businesses, including Dime, Thrive, Goli and others. “I love working with brands I love and use every day, and being a small business owner myself, I know how hard it is to start and get a business off the ground and how important word of mouth is for growth,” she says.
Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative September/October 2022 | 9 the community it has created and the people I’ve met,” she says. “I just genu inely love people, hearing their stories and the connections made.”
“Before that, we had problems when vendors couldn’t process credit card sales,” she says. “It’s made such a big difference for us.”
General admission Friday, Oct. 7 — 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission for kids 12 and under, and there is no charge for parking.
The fall event will be Oct. 7 and 8 at the fairgrounds at 151 18th St. NE, Fort Payne. Tickets are available online at vintagepickin.com or will be offered at the gate at a slightly higher price if still available.
Ashley Doufexis, left, encouraged her sister, April Wilks, to embrace social media to help promote her website, vintagepickin.com. Vintage Pickin’ now has 84,500 followers on Instagram and between 30,000 and 40,000 on Facebook.
Tyler and April Wilks started Vintage Pickin’ in 2015, and now they host the event twice a year at the DeKalb County VFW Fairgrounds.
Chad Steed performinglive at Vintage Pickin’
Photos by Rachel Clarke Photography
About Vintage Pickin’
Taking a leap of faith on her dream has been one of the hardest, yet most rewarding things April has ever done. “I’m so grateful I didn’t let fear stop me. It’s definitely made me realize that we have no idea what we are capable of,” she says. “I never dreamed I’d be doing what I’m doing today, but I’m grateful to be here and for lessons learned along the journey.”
HOT SPOTS
“The Big Picture” — Struggling to keep up with the latest movie releases? Hosts Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins run down all the movies you need to see while also discussing old favorites and interviewing the people behind them twice a week.
10 | September/October 2022
Podcasts have seen an explosion in popularity in recent years, thanks to their variety and the connections hosts forge with their listeners. If you’ve never listened to a podcast before, you can think of them like prerecorded radio shows on your favorite topics. But, because listeners can download podcasts to a phone or computer and play them at any time, audiences can go as deep or as light as they want on a given topic. Podcasts also don’t require the full attention video does, meaning you can drive to work, answer emails or cook dinner — all while continuing to enjoy your favorite programming.
“Criminal” — One of the first true crime hits, even before “Serial” hit the scene, “Criminal” tells the “stories of people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle.” Going beyond tales of mur der, it takes a critical look at the impact of crime on its victims and perpetrators.
“Sound Opinions” — Chicago music critics Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot know everyone’s a critic. Each week, they get together to discuss music’s greats, talk shop with artists and share their opinions on the latest releases on this independent radio show and podcast. Podcasts let you tune in to your passions
“Lore” — Truth is scarier than fiction in this documentary podcast series that explores the dark corners of history. Gather around the audio campfire to listen in on true historical tales, legends and folklore biweekly.
In the early days of podcasting, fol lowing your favorite show meant nav igating a technological obstacle course of downloads and synced devices. Today, the process is as easy as down loading an app Apps like Apple Podcasts and Stitcher make it easy to search thousands of the latest podcasts and subscribe to your favorites for free. If you have the Spotify app, you’re already set. Just go to the Search tab and choose “Podcasts & Shows” to start adding new discoveries to yourNotlist.sure where to start? Here are a few of our favorites to get you going:
Find wavelengthyour
“This American Life” — “This American Life” has been on the air since 1995, so there are plenty of stories to catch up on. Described as little movies for radio, each episode is also a little differ ent. But they all tell the true, entertaining and often surprising stories of the people and events shaping our American lives
WHY WATCH INSTEAD OF PLAY?
Gamers have thriving online communities, including platforms like Twitch, that give millions of fans from around the world a place to share their knowledge and experience, while also providing countless hours of entertainment.
Staying up to date with the latest and greatest video games can be expensive and time consuming. Sometimes game descriptions and reviews aren’t enough — it’s better to see a game in action. Avid gamers can check out a Twitch stream to see if a game is right for them, gain insight into a game’s features, and find updates and creative fixes to problems. Many peo ple subscribe to Twitch channels just for the entertainment value. It’s also a way to engage with others in the gaming community. Live broadcasts feature an interactive chat where viewers can talk with the streamer and other view ers. These connections with like-minded people and interesting personalities keep people interested and coming back for more.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF STREAMING YOUR GAMING?
There are many incentives for live-streamers. The revenue potential can be sky high — some streamers have built careers, earning millions and striking deals with game publishers to get exclusive early access to the newest games. The higher a streaming channel’s sub scriber count, the more opportunities the streamer has for exclusive marketing part nerships. Viewers can also donate to the channel during the broadcast. The biggest Twitch streamers get most of their income from paid subscription fees.
There’sFB.gg. also a Facebook Gaming app enthusiasts can download to discover content, connect with other gamers and casu ally play mobile games. Like the other popular streaming platforms, Facebook allows users easy access to uploads from their favorite streamers. But, like its main site, Facebook Gaming users can join groups and like topics to tailor their timelines to their specific interests.
Streaming platforms like Twitch let gamers build massive followings
September/October 2022 | 11
The spectatornewestsport
While the Twitch website and app are still the most popular, other platforms have sprouted up as well. YouTube Youtube’s gaming youtube.com/gaming,section,has func tions similar to Twitch, and it’s gaining popularity with amateur streamers because its opti mized search engine makes it easier for a beginner’s content to get noticed. The audience is shared with YouTube, so the potential pool of viewers is vastly greater than on Twitch. For stream ers, YouTube has greater potential for earnings from advertisements. Facebook Gaming Facebook Gaming is growing as existing Facebook users check out the video gaming hub that can be easily accessed through the main social media site or
Dial 988
Much like a call to 911 for medical emergencies, access to a new three-digit emergency line — 988 — is designed specifically for mental health emergencies.It’snowarequirement for all communica tions providers to enable the 988 calling sys tem to connect callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline where trained counselors will listen, provide support and connect the call to other resources if necessary.
Nicole Goggans, with the Suicide Awareness Means Foundation, sat on the 988 Coalition Committee, which rolled out the state’s implementation plan for Alabama. Goggans and her sister, Julie Smith, established the SAM Foundation, a suicide prevention organization, in April 2018 after their brother, Sam Johnson, died by suicide several years before. “It’s been our goal to have easier access to mental health treatment and interviewing, and an easy-to-remember number is a huge step in that direction,” Smith says. The Alabama Department of Mental Health spearheaded the implementation of 988 in the state before the establishment of the SAM Foundation. However, its mission goes hand in hand with the aims of mental health advocates across the country. “We will never know why Sam made this choice, but if we had been equipped with tools and education on suicide prevention, maybe the outcome would have been different,” Smith says.The Federal Communications Commission passed a law that required the use of 988 in all states, and implementation began in July. It received more than 96,000 calls, texts and chats during the first week it launched. It was up 45% from the week before the transition and up 66% from the same time last year. The call works similarly to a call to 911. The idea is to provide immediate help to those in a mental health emergency,
Nicole Goggans, top, and her sister, Julie Smith, right, established the SAM Foundation in April 2018, several years after their brother, Sam Johnson, died by suicide.
Now it’s easier to get assistance for mental health emergencies
Story by LISA SAVAGE Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative12 | September/October 2022
H
Used as intended, the 988 brand provides a cohesive look and feel across 988 materials
Nicole Goggans, co-founder of the SAM Foundation, credits Ledbetter with many of the advancements in the state in mental health care. “He has been a champion of mental health care advancements in Alabama,” she says. “He’s the one who spearheaded the addition of much-needed crisis centers across the state.” much like a call to 911 triggers a medical emergency response. Technically, 988 isn’t providing a new service. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has been around for decades. The toll-free number — 1-800273-8255 — is still available, but shifting to an easier-to-remember number may increase the number of calls.
The SAM Foundation also offers training called QPR, which stands for Question, Persuade and Refer, helping family and friends look for ways to identify and act in a mental health crisis.
The addition of the three-digit number — 988 — for calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is an important part of the puzzle, Ledbetter says. “We want to do everything we can to remove the stigma when it comes to mental health care,” he says. “It’s just as important as physical health.”
The governor asked Ledbetter to form a committee of stakeholders in the mental health field from across the state. One of the first actions placed a mental health coordinator in each school system in the state. “Jim Cunningham, the superintendent at Fort Payne city schools at the time, was one of the first to do that,” Ledbetter says. Cunning ham and the system’s mental health coordinator, Kayla Magby, went to Mont gomery and addressed the committee members about the benefits of the service, and that visit prompted additional funding for more focus on mental health in schools.
Just a few minutes before Alabama House Majority Leader Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter had a planned meeting with Gov. Kay Ivey three years ago, an encounter with a woman at the state Capitol building weighed heavy on his mind. She told him about the death of her son, a mental health patient who was shot during an altercation. She pleaded with Ledbetter, requesting the legislature to take steps to address the men tal health crisis in Alabama.
More from SAM Foundation The SAM Foundation offers virtual training on how to spot the signs and what to do if a family member or friend is struggling with mental health. Look for information on the website, samfound.org. A walk for hope WHAT: Hope and Remembrance Suicide Awareness Walk, benefiting suicide awareness and education through the SAM Foundation WHERE: Alabama Walking Park, 151 5th St. NE, Fort Payne WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 25, at 2 p.m. ‘Champion of mental health’
Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, took steps to do just that. In that meeting with a group of other legislators and the governor a short time later, he knew it was time to address the mental health crisis. “The governor asked, ‘What can we do to make Alabama better?’” Ledbetter says. “I said I had never seen our economy grow so much, and we are No. 2 in the automotive manufacturing industry, but we’re failing miserably in addressing mental health.”
The first centers will be located in Huntsville, Mobile and Montgomery, and there are plans to add facilities in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa soon after. The centers are designed for short-term stays — usually seven days — for mental health patients. Previously, these patients often stayed in jails or hospitals not equipped to serve them. “Now, we’re spending $60 million more in mental health care than when we first began three years ago, increasing our focus on mental health,” Ledbetter says.
Branding Standards
It’s no accident the acronym looks similar to CPR, a lifesaving method for medical emergencies. “It’s meant to sound like CPR,” Smith says. September marks Suicide Prevention Month, and the SAM Foundation focuses on the word HOPE during September. - Here are the facts O - Observe the signs P - Prepare to ask E - Explore your resources “Suicide prevention efforts do work,” Goggans says. “We can come together as a state and community and all play a part in preventing suicide.”
988 brand embodies the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline’s ideals and goals. concept of connecting with those who are experiencing suicidal or mental health 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline brand primarily seeks to offer a sense of hope. We hope to encourage people to call, chat or text 988 if they or a loved one are in a mental health-related crisis.
Elements Lockup Mark geometry and typographic design of the lockup sensitivity, and strength. The ‘988’ and are boldest; they advance in space and message of hope. and square forms, the lockup is designed communications with the assurance of support. be used without modification to maintain and consistency. Care should be taken to contrast for lockup legibility. In 2020, the U.S. had one death by suicide every 11 minutes. Suicide is a leading cause of death for people aged 10-34 years. Check out samhsa.gov for more statistics and information about suicide prevention.
HORIZONTAL SUICIDE CRISIS& SQUARE SUICIDE &CRISIS SUICIDE &CRISIS SUICIDE &CRISIS Black Blue Navy blue Slate SUICIDE CRISIS& Slate SUICIDE CRISIS& Navy blue SUICIDE CRISIS& BlackBlue Nathaniel Ledbetter
The group also worked to establish mental health crisis centers across the state. The first one is opening this year, and plans for three others are underway. Those facilities should be complete within the next couple of years.
September/October 2022 | 13Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative
Cooking ribs at a low temperature for a long time tenderizes the meat and adds delightful flavor.
SOUTHERN KITCHENS 14 | September/October 2022
The aroma of smoke wafting through the air as meat slowly cooks goes hand in hand with a lazy summer afternoon. Smoking is not the same as grilling. There’s a science to it that scares off some cooks, but break it down step by step, and you can become quite adept at making tender briskets and fall-off-theboneSmoking,ribs. more commonly known as barbecuing, takes time and patience. Defined simply, the technique takes a tough piece of meat and cooks it slowly over indirect heat for extended periods — often 12 to 16 hours and sometimes even more — while the smoke flavors the meat and gives it its mouthwatering flavor and texture. Any expert will tell you that the key to the best barbecue — that kind that wins competitions — is cooking it low and slow.Cooking over high heat tends to dry the meat out very quickly. Any moisture within the meat is essentially blasted out, leaving it tough, dry and difficult to chew. Smoking meat slowly at a low temperature, on the other hand, keeps the moisture from evaporating too quickly, allowing you to achieve the perfect combination of tender ness and juiciness. Here are two recipes that are good for beginners.The3-2-1 rib recipe is one many home smokers use. This method is easy and generally foolproof, creating ribs that are so tender you can pull the meat off the bone with your fingers. And pork butt is basically a no-brainer. Just rub it down with your favorite blend of seasonings or use the recipe that follows. Place it on the smoker and within just a few hours, you’ll have tender pork perfect for sandwiches. Add a side of beans and some potato salad, and you’ll have the makings of a beautiful, tasty summer dinner.
lowslowand It’s time to go
Photography by MARK GILLILAND | Food Styling by RHONDA GILLILAND
lowslowand
FOOD EDITOR ANNE P. BRALY IS A NATIVE TENNESSEE.CHATTANOOGA,OF
Fill a small spray bottle with the apple juice and apple cider vinegar and set aside. Place pork shoulder on the grate and close the lid. Keep the smoker temperature around 250 to 275 F while smoking during these first several hours. Smoke for approximately 4 hours, spritzing with the spray bottle every hour. Check the internal temperature of the pork using a meat thermometer. By this time, the pork should be at least 145 F. Completely spritz the pork one last time and carefully wrap it in aluminum foil. Place pork back into the smoker and lower temperature to 225 F. Smoke pork about another 4 hours, but do not spritz during this stage of cooking. Check the internal temperature of the pork shoulder using a meat thermometer. You're looking for your pork shoulder to be about 200 F. Anywhere from 195 to 205 F is a good range. Remove pork from the smoker and let rest for at least 20 minutes but up to 2 hours. Shred or chop as desired.
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon paprika
STEP THREE: Liberally coat the ribs with rub and allow them to “marinate” while you bring the smoker to 225 F. Place the ribs in the smoker, and add whatever wood chunks you want — cherry or hickory are popular. Smoke the ribs for 3 hours, maintaining the 225 F temperature. If you are smoking thinner back ribs, you may want to smoke them for just 2 hours. Any longer, and you may find the ribs dry out too much.
Prepare the smoker: Fill the hopper of your smoker with wood pellets, applewood, hickory, pecan or cherry. Start the smoker on the smoke setting for 5 to 10 minutes. Increase heat to 250 F.
A perfectly cooked pork butt is a great start to a summer sandwich.
1 tablespoon dried minced onions
STEP ONE: This final stage is when you sauce the ribs. Use your favorite barbecue sauce to liberally coat the ribs on both sides before placing them back in the smoker for a final hour. The result should be a rack of ribs you’ll never forget.
1 (7-8 pound) bone-in pork butt Olive Wateroil Dry rub: 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
Smoked pork butt is a good one for beginners. The meat is not expensive, and the result is a mouthful of summer.
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons black pepper, coarsely ground 2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 rack of ribs
Your favorite rub Your favorite barbecue sauce
Spritz: 1/4 cup apple juice
3-2-1 RIBS METHOD September/October 2022 | 15
Fill a small baking dish with water and set aside. Prepare the pork butt: Place all dry rub ingredients in a small bowl and stir with a fork to combine. Place pork butt on a baking sheet and rub the entire butt with olive oil. Sprinkle the seasonings over it and rub them in, covering every bit of the butt. Place the baking dish filled with water on the grate on one side of the smoker.
STEP TWO: The second stage is when the meat tenderizes. Remove the ribs from the smoker and wrap them tightly in foil. This steams the meat and the result is tender, juicy ribs. Just before closing each rack of ribs in the foil, put a little bit of beer or apple juice in with the ribs. This helps the steaming process. Put the ribs, wrapped in foil, back in the smoker for 2 hours at 225 degrees.
3-2-1 RIBS METHOD
SMOKED BUTT
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