A Publication of New Hope Telephone Cooperative

The

Vol. 3, No. 6 November/December 2004

A Publication of New Hope Telephone Cooperative

INSIDE:Protecting Your Privacy • Touring the Trading Post • Area Christmas Activities

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2COMMENTS

New Hope Telephone Cooperative

nce again, I want tothank the NHTC Boardof Directors for unani-mously placing theirconfidence in me as the

new general manager. I also want toexpress my gratitude for the over-whelming display of support andenthusiasm that has been shown meby members and employees alikesince being named to my new posi-tion.

I am excited to be your new man-ager. For the past 17 years, I haveserved New Hope Telephone in avariety of capacities. The yearsinvested in the accuracy of financialstatements gave me a thoroughoverview of our company in a waythat no other position could. Fre-quent interaction with agencies suchas the Alabama Public Service Com-mission, the Federal CommunicationCommission, the Rural Utility Ser-vices, and the National Telecommu-nications Cooperative Associationallowed me to gain valuable insightinto our fast-paced industry. Iunderstand that the company’s goalof meeting subscribers’ needs mustbe addressed in light of many exter-nal variables including rapidlychanging technology, economic con-ditions, and governing regulations.

I am honored to represent NewHope Telephone on an industry level.Thanks to dedicated employees, suchas Lou Ann Poole who has just com-pleted 30 years of service, and devot-ed Board members and a great cus-tomer base, we have a solid company.The employees, with over 275 yearsof combined NHTC experience, havea renewed dedication to quality cus-tomer service. The Board membersare striving to provide good leader-ship and make sound decisions for astrong future. With everyone com-

mitted to the“ c o o p e r a t i v espirit”, we willall grow strongerand be a moreeffective team,capable of meet-ing the changing needs of our com-munities.

I certainly hope everyone readingthis has fully recovered from the latesummer visits of Charley, Francesand Ivan. We at NHTC were pre-pared for much worse, and are verythankful that our service area experi-enced only minor wind damage. I’mproud of our crews for hustling torestore telephone and cable televisionservice in just hours. Our prayers goout to the victims south of us who arestill recovering from the severe stormdamage they sustained.

We at NHTC appreciate yourpatience during all of our 2004 transi-tions, from moving into our newfacilities to working through the lead-ership changes. Our Co-op’s dedicat-ed customers and staff have onceagain stood strong. We are thankfulfor each of you and wish everyone agracious Thanksgiving and blessedChristmas season. Join us in beingthankful for all of our blessings -especially remembering the troopswho have fought and those who arestill fighting for one of our most pre-cious blessings – freedom.

We look forward to growing withyou in the upcoming New Year. Formore details on an exiting 2005 atNew Hope Telephone, keep youreyes open for the January/Februaryissue of the Communicator. I willleave you with a quote from IrvingBerlin: “Life is 10% what you make itand 90% how you take it.”■

New Hope TelephoneCooperative

New Hope Telephone CooperativeTammy Pritchett at 723-8004or Paula Hendrix at 723-5804

EMAIL: [email protected]. Box 452

New Hope, Alabama 35760www.nehp.net

is a bimonthly magazinepublished by New Hope Telephone

Cooperative, © 2004. It is distributed without charge to all

members/owners of theCooperative. For questions or com-

ments, please contact:

This publication is produced forNew Hope Telephone by:

www.WordSouth.com

November/December 2004Vol. 3, No. 6

Communicator

is a member-owned corporationdedicated to providing communica-tions technology to the residentsand businesses of New Hope, Grantand Owens Cross Roads.

Board of DirectorsBarry Mefford, President

New Hope Exchange

Greg Glover, Vice PresidentOwens Cross Roads Exchange

Jeff Cooper, SecretaryNew Hope Exchange

David Ayers, TreasurerGrant Exchange

Jimmy Segler Grant Exchange

Jeff DeArmondOwens Cross Roads Exchange

Jim DuncanNew Hope Exchange

Barry JonesNew Hope Exchange

Dennis PenceGrant Exchange

The

Teresa HunkapillerGeneral Manager

O

THE COMMUNICATOR • November/December 2004

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3NHTC NEWS

NHTC subscriber information privacy policyNew Hope Telephone Coopera-

tive is the sole owner of all informa-tion collected while conducting busi-ness with individuals or businesses.We will not sell, share nor rent thisinformation to others in ways otherthan those outlined in this statement.

The ways we may collectinformation:

NHTC may collect non-publicpersonal information about you fromthe following sources:

• Application for Service• Verify Employment with

Employer• Credit Bureaus• Consumer Reporting Agencies

The ways we use customerinformation:

Personal information provided bysubscribers will be used by the NHTCto provide a more personalized expe-

rience for the customer, but informa-tion which identifies a specific indi-vidual will not be disclosed to otherswithout the user’s permission unlessnecessary to provide services whichthe subscriber has requested.

We take every precaution to pro-tect our customers’ information. Allof our customers’ information isrestricted in our offices. Onlyemployees who need the informationto perform a specific job are grantedaccess to non-public personal infor-mation.

The circumstances underwhich we disclose customerinformation:

We may disclose all the nonpublicpersonal information we collect, asdescribed above, to companies thatperform marketing or public informa-tion services for us. Except for thecustomers signing non-publish/pri-

vate telephone agreements, we maydisclose your name, address andphone number to companies that pro-duce, publish, print, mail, or in anyway maintain customer correspon-dence for our company. These wouldinclude, but not be limited to, emer-gency service providers (911), directo-ry publishing companies, directoryassistance providers, companies han-dling NHTC publications. We ensurethat such outside service providerssign legal agreements stating thatthey will use your information onlyfor the purpose for which they havebeen hired.

If we decide to change our priva-cy policy, we will notify all sub-scribers no less than 30 days inadvance. Customers will always begiven a choice as to whether or not weuse their information in a differentmanner.

NHTC Visitor PolicyAll NHTC Visitors who wish access to areas

other than the customer service lobby must check inat the customer service counter. The employee thatthey are to visit will be paged to greet them andattend them during their visit. The visited employeewill notify customer service when the visitor leavesthe premises and the visitor’s departure time will belogged.

Business pickups and deliveries by insured carri-ers (UPS, FedEx, etc.) during normal business hoursare not required to process through the businessoffice. However, sales persons, vendors and contrac-tors must. Anyone who has need to remain on thepremises for more than a brief visit will be issued avisitor’s pass to be returned at the end of their visit.

This applies to all NHTC properties includingthe Grant and Owens Cross Roads offices. This is forindividual and company security and will minimizethe Cooperative’s exposure to potential liabilities.

Scholarships availableHigh school seniors in the New Hope Telephone Cooper-

ative service area are eligible to apply for a $2,500 scholarship.The program is sponsored by the Foundation for Rural Ser-vice, a program of the National Telecommunications Coopera-tive Association that supports the continuing education ofrural youth.

The Foundation will award a total of 25 scholarships.To be eligible, applicants must have at least a ‘C’ grade

point average and be accepted by an accredited two- or four-year college. They must also express an interest in returning toa rural community following graduation.

To apply, students must complete an application, availableat the New Hope Telephone Cooperative office. They mustalso prepare a brief essay. Other requirements are explained inthe instructions that come with the application.

Scholarships will be awarded without regard to race, eth-nicity, national origin, religion, gender or disability.

Applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2005, andmailed to the Foundation address provided on the applicationinstructions.

The first thing you notice whendriving by is the large attractive sign.Then the wide front porch calls out toyou, inviting you to pull up a chairand sit a spell.

As intriguing as the building maybe on the outside, the real surprise iswaiting through the front doors of theKennamer Cove Trading Post.

The one-of-a-kind building is adream come true for Steve Kennamer— a dream made reality through sev-eral years of hard work. “In the fall of1996, when the State of Alabama wasreally building up Cathedral Caverns,it hit me like a sledgehammer,” saysKennamer, whose ancestors settled inthe cove that lies just south of theJackson/Marshall County line. “Iknew I had to build a building thatwould attract people.”

What he didn’t know was justhow much work would be involved.Or how much reward. Through sev-eral years of challenges and obstacles,Kennamer — with the help of his wifeCheryl — has created an amazingattraction that has not only been ablessing to his family but has delight-ed visitors since the day it opened tothe public.

A towering wall covered with avast collection of mounted deer headsgreets visitors just inside the frontdoor. Various North American gameanimals are on display throughoutthe building.

A large banquet room is accentedby an elaborately painted concretefloor, which many visitors mistake fortile. The two enclosing walls of thebanquet room are covered withmurals, amazing works of art created

by retired D.A.R. School art instructorDebbie McBride. The rustic outdoorscenes depict an earlier time when thecove was being settled.

The banquet room may be rentedfor a variety of events. Catering serv-ice is also available, for parties of tento 150 people.

Signs of nature are everywhere inthe Kennamer Cove Trading Post.Visitors marvel at a large waterfallthat looks incredibly natural. Sur-rounding the waterfall are severalwildlife exhibits. The building is filledwith the aroma of wood, from the dif-ferent types of trees found growing inthe area.

The gift shop offers items connect-ed with Cathedral Caverns, as well asitems created by local craftsmen andartists. You can sit around the fire-place in the bragging corner, pick upa snack and soft drink, or enjoy a

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You’ve just gotta see it for yourselfKennamer Cove Trading Post

hand-dipped ice cream cone.For many, the most intriguing ele-

ments of the Kennamer Cove TradingPost are the historical displays.Exhibits feature photographs depict-ing the area as it was decades ago.These include early family photos ofKennamer Cove settlers, old school-house photos, and early scenes ofCathedral Caverns.

Also on display is the spinningwheel once used by Kennamer’sgreat-grandmother, as well as hisgrandmother’s sewing machine.

On one wall hangs a letter holderused in the Kennamer Cove PostOffice, which operated from 1850 to1909. The holder contains actual let-ters written during that time period.

As you leave the building, youpass under a feature that holds spe-cial significance for Kennamer. Anine-foot wooden cross is embeddedin the stone work, fashioned by Ken-namer from oak planks that wereonce part of a 100-year-old familybarn in the area. “Little did I know,”Kennamer says, “this wood that oncebelonged to my ancestors wouldbecome the old rugged cross thatwould grace the entrance and welcomeeach visitor to the Trading Post.”

The Trading Post is even moreamazing when you consider that itwas the work of Kennamer and hisson, Chris. “I came up with the idea,figured out how to accomplish it, andmy son and I physically completedeach task,” he says. “This had to bedone while working a full time job.”

To maintain focus and not get dis-couraged, Kennamer says he drewstrength from Proverbs 3:5-6, whichsays “Trust in the Lord with all yourheart; and lean not unto thy ownunderstanding. In all thy waysacknowledge Him, and He will directthy paths.”

The Kennamer Cove Trading Postis located on 8327 Cathedral CavernsHwy. For information call 728-4545.■

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The artwork of Debbie McBride adorns the walls of the banquet room.

Visitors to the Kennamer Cove Trading Post enjoy the wildlife exhibits.

Historic displays depict the Kennamer Cove of yesterday.

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Inspiration Corner

HEROES—TVA PoliceOfficer Jackie Parcus(left) is shown presentingcertificates to ChrisMcGaha (center) andJimmy Dake. The twoNew Hope men wererecently awarded the Ten-nessee Valley Authority’sCitizen Service Award.The award honors thecourage shown by themen in January of 2003,when they voluntarilysearched a burning apart-ment for trapped resi-dents and pulled a burned man from certain death shortly before the apartment exploded. Officer Parcushad noticed what he thought was smoke coming from the building while driving through New Hope on hisway to work, and had stopped to ask McGaha and Dake if they smelled smoke. For his efforts, OfficerParcus was named Officer of the Year by the TVA Police and was awarded the agency’s medal of honor.

Area ChristmasActivities

Christmas is one of the mostfestive holidays of year, andthere are plenty of communi-ty activities on the calendarto get you into the holidayspirit. Make some of theseevents part of your holidayschedule.

Grant Christmas ParadeDecember 4th - 4 p.m.

Grant Christmas in the ParkDecember 11th - 5 p.m.

New Hope Christmas ParadeDecember 4th - 1 p.m.

New Hope Lighting ofChristmas TreeDecember 8th - 6 p.m.

Want to give a special giftthis holiday season? SouthHampton Nursing & Rehabili-tation Center relies on thesupport of the community tomake Christmas a specialtime for the residents. Needsinclude small prizes for bingowinners, gifts for their bingo‘store,’ and supplies for mak-ing arts and crafts. Of course,the gift of time is most valu-able; anyone wishing to vol-unteer to make the holidaysbrighter for area seniorsshould contact SheilaLaCourse or Katie Stoner at725-3400.

My Backyard FenceBy Pastor Michael Carpenter, New Hope United Methodist Church

When I was a child my parents installed a fence in our back yard. Thisfence was used to prevent me from getting out and into trouble. Some look at theTen Commandments in a similar manner, as a fence used to keep us from gettingout and into trouble. However, I want to challenge you to look at the command-ments as God’s way of installing a fence that keeps trouble from getting to you. Isthe Love of God great or what?

If you are not a regular church member I challenge you to learn more aboutGod’s Love and Grace. Find a church that can meet your spiritual needs and findhow much greater life can be the more we stay inside the fence.

Santa is coming!Get into the Christmas spirit by treating your children

or grandchildren to a photo with Santa.On Saturday, November 27, Santa will be at Mimi’s

Cafe and Bakery on Main Street in Grant. For just $5, kidscan take home a photo of themselves with Jolly Ole St. Nick.

Also on hand to entertain the kids will be Mrs. SantaClaus, plus a live Gingerbread Man character. Each child will receive a Santacupcake and a drink, along with a bag of goodies compliments of Mimi’s.

This fun holiday event is scheduled for 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The cafe will bedecorated for the holidays, so come early and enjoy the holiday fun.

“Inspiration Corner” is a brief feature that will hopefully encourage and inspire you,while giving you something to pause and think about. Local pastors and ministers areinvited to submit for consideration a short devotion (max. 130 words). Send to TammyPritchett at NHTC; please include name, title, church affiliation and phone number.

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R E C I P E

PHOTO CONTEST: Our January/February photo themeis “Man’s Best Friend” Send your favorite pet photosto: NHTC • Attn: Tammy Pritchett • P.O. Box 452 • NewHope, Alabama 35760. We will select winners for pub-lication in our next issue! If your entry is selected, you’llsee your photo in print, plus receive a free gift fromNHTC.Deadline for entry: December 10, 2004.NOTE: Be sure to include photographer’s name, addressand phone number, as well as the name of any peoplefeatured in your photos.

All submissions become the property of New Hope Telephone Cooperative andwill not be returned. By submitting your photos: (1) you attest that you are thecreator and owner of the photos, (2) you give New Hope Telephone permissionto publish your material in The Communicator, (3) you agree to offer said pho-tos without the expectation of payment from New Hope Telephone, and (4) youunderstand that photos are selected for publication in The Communicator atthe sole discretion of New Hope Telephone, and that submission of your photodoes not guarantee your photo will appear in the magazine.

Stickey Pecan Pie BarsCrust:1 pkg. Duncan Hines cake mix 1 stick melted butter1 egg

Filling:3/4 cup dark or light corn syrup 1/4 cup light brown sugar2 large eggs 1 tsp. vanilla extract1-1/2 cups chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place cake mix, butter, and egg in a largebowl. Blend with mixer on low speed for 2 minutes. Batter should cometogether in a thick dough. Using finger tips, press crust mixture evenlyover the bottom and 1/2 inch up the side of an ungreased 13x9 bakingpan. Place pan in oven and bake crust until it just begins to brown, about20 minutes. Remove pan and set aside. Leave oven on 350 degrees.

To prepare filling, place corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla inthe same mixing bowl used to prepare the crust and same beaters (noneed to clean them). Mix on medium speed until well combined. Fold inpecans until well distributed. Pour filling over baked crust. Place in ovenand bake until brown and filling just starts to set, about 22 – 25 minutes.

—Submitted by Mary Williams

Sam StaplerPhoto taken by Sam’smom, Tomi Stapler

Roll Tide! Photo submitted

by Loretta Martinof Grant

Lilly Paige Brown,daughter of Thom &Melissa Brown. Photo byElaine Ledbetter.

Seth Holland, son of Jeff &Sarah Holland. Photo bySeth’s mom, Sarah.

HannahHill

Photo bySharon

FALL PHOTOSFALL PHOTOS

New Hope Telephone CooperativeP.O. Box 452New Hope, Alabama 35760

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NHTC NEWSPA

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Remember: CALL US BEFORE YOU DIG! (256) 723-4219

NEW EMPLOYEE—NewHope Telephone recentlywelcomed Bobby Morrisonto its staff as an account-ant. He comes to NHTCfrom Sanmina-SCI ofHuntsville, where heworked in corporatefinance. Having worked ina building with 3,000 otheremployees, Morrison sayshe is looking forward to thesmall-town atmosphere atNew Hope. “I appreciatethe opportunity to work for

an organization like New Hope Telephone Cooperative,” Morrison says,“and I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone in the area.” A residentof Brownsboro, Morrison has two children: son Jarred, age 10; and daugh-ter Haley, age 6.

30 YEARS—Lou Ann Poole wasrecently honored for 30 years ofservice to New Hope Telephone.

She serves NHTC as repair serv-ice dispatch and service order

coordinator. Poole started at theCooperative as dispatch andassignment clerk, and began

learning about the work that goeson outside the building to keep thesystem operating. “I assured them

I could read, comprehend andunderstand what was going on

outside,” says Poole. Her dutiesnot only put her in working contactwith engineering and central officeoperations, but also with the ever-evolving technologies of providing

broadband voice and data service.

A Cable Christmas Special from NHTC

Need more reasons to take advantage of this holiday special?• Local channels at no extra cost!

• Local channel with community programming!

• No contract required!

• It’s your cable company, locally owned by your New Hope Telephone Cooperative

Free Cable TV installation!Now through Dec 31, 2004

Call today!723-4211

Documents

A Publication of New Hope Telephone Cooperative